Of Wraiths and Kings, and Friends and Rings (Calling All Nazgul)

[Lotesse]

"Good evening fellow Owls," she began. "I'd just like to start the council today by announcing some news. I have recently accepted a commision from a private party, to be an animal totem and companion."

Feathers ruffled excitedly. This was indeed good news! The owls could well use an ally outside the owl race.

"Who? Who?" the council asked.

"A young Numenorian noblewoman," Large-Eyes answered. "But, fellow night-birds, she is not only a noblewoman, she is..."

Expectant eyes by the thousands held in tense excitement stared at her.

"Who? Who? Who?" interrupted one of the overly amped-up younger councilmembers.

"...a Nazgul." Large-Eyes finally answered.

Well, that befuddled and energised all of them. This was interesting and exciting news, to be sure. Having an alliance with the powerful Nazgul Nine was nothing to shake a dead mouse at, for real.

The council unanimously agreed, after a short deliberation, that this was a wonderful new step for the race of Owls in middle-Earth.

After the meeting was adjourned, Large-Eyes sailed away into the dawn, looking for breakfast and then her new Mistress. She found herself a little field mouse, then, with mouse in beak, she soared over Tharbad, scanning the area for signs of Viniglaen. Large-Eyes spotted her, way down below, having a walk by herself. "Wonder what Mistress is doing out all by herself so early in the morning?" thought Large-Eyes, and she dived down to Viv, announcing herself with a gentle "who-hey" on the way down, and Viv put out her forearm, and her new owl perched.

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, to be sure.

[Grey_Wolf]

Penny and Lilly, after having had their fill (that term again, ) of lovemaking, cheese and wine went out again for breath of fresh air.
Suddenly a falcon swooped down and landed on Penny's outstretched arm.
It's beak opened and at first only p-kah, p-kah came out but then Penny concentrated and understood what the falcon was saying.

"Greetings, human, I am Falco Rusticolus and may I humbly ask to be your companion, doing thus because we Falcons have decided that now that the Owls of the Guild of Predators have taken up with that other human called Viv we need to be in on the deal as well."

Penny and Lilly was delighted and accepted the proposal immediately.

[Lotesse]

"I'll call you Lômi," said Viv to her new friend.

"I like that name, Mistress," Large Eyes responded, with a sleepy pleased look on her feathery face. "And I shall call you..." Large-Eyes blinked very slowly, trying to come up with some sort of nickname. She was growing drowsy, as the dawn lengthened into morning.

"Why not just call me Viv?" ventured Viniglaen. "We can keep it simple that way."

"Who-kay, Viv," agreed Lômi the Large-Eyes groggily.

And on they walked. Viv wanted breakfast, and she was looking for that little breakfast nook said to be favoured by the young King himself. She figured it would be best to let Lômi have her day-sleep, and found a nice, thickly bushy fir tree within owl-eye shot of the Red Herring Restaurant in which to set Lômi in, where she could rest safely unobserved while Viv had her poached eggs and tea, and read her morning newspaper.

"I'm so glad I have an owl," thought Viv happily to herself. "Now I won't feel so all alone."

Pulling up a chair at the window seat, with a good view of the tree outside, Viv could swear she noticed Ray and Marty, over by the fireplace table, laughing and enjoying a hearty Tharbad-style country breakfast.

[Rían]

RÃ*an walked back into the house with a pleased smile on her face. In one morning, she had filled all of the positions that had been asked for. The young man, Arastûd, seemed a perfect fit for the head stableman position - she had heard him spoken well of by the townspeople, and he obviously loved and knew how to handle horses. He had suggested his younger brother, Arabud, (there were 5 boys in the family, so their father still had plenty of help) as a good fit for the stableboy position, and she had assented on the spot.
Annawen had asked about the housemaid job, but decided against applying, and had walked back down the hill, escorted by Arastûd, since she had the morning shift at the Red Herring. Arastûd had promised to return shortly, with his younger brother in tow, and start putting the stable in order. Attractive fellow, thought RÃ*an, maybe he'll put the young King out of Annawen's mind!

A young lady came up just as Annawen and Arastûd were leaving, and applied for the housemaid job. RÃ*an looked over her references - they looked satisfactory - hired her for a try-out period, and sent her into the kitchen to finish up the breakfast preparations.

Maybe things would be getting back to normal now! she thought. Maybe there was just something in the air these last few days!

[Rían]

As she passed the great stairway, RÃ*an heard a door opening and saw Galadannun. She paused at the base of the stairway, waiting for him to descend. As he neared the bottom, she said, "Professor Galadannun, I have filled all of the positions that were requested, except for lady's maid. I am working on that, and hope to have it filled by tomorrow."

He looked at her with cold, distant eyes.

[Lotesse]

"Wonderful," grunted an obviously grumpy Galadannun. "Now, would you be so kind as to bring me some very strong black tea, and a bit of venison sausage with eggs to my study? "

"Right away, Sir," answered Rian, wishing to have no furthur tension between herself and her new employer. 'I'm so glad I got such good helpers so soon,' she thought to herself, 'it looks like we're going to need them! Do we even HAVE any venison sausage?'


Khamul was too wrapped up in his own dark thoughts, and completely missed Rian's annoyance, much to her unbeknownst favour.

[Butterbeer]

Constable BB plodded along whistling. It was a beautiful Sunday morning ... time for a nice hearty breakfast somewhere nice. Triple bacon, extra large fried mushrooms, some fresh toast and a pot of dark Harad coffee. mmm...

Where was the Guv' he thought? Maybe he'll be at the red herring having his usual?

Turning the corner, he almost bumped into a nearly frantic-looking young man ... ahhh! it's young barliaman he thought.

"evenin' all!" piped up Barliaman with a grin, recognising constable BB.

"Mornin'" smiled BB. "what be your rush this mornin' then Barliaman?"

"ahh. tis' me Auntie, widow watching ... she done took a right turn for the worse in the night - couldn't sleep a wink she said , wierd hoots and nightly noises, she said.... like a cacophony of owls ... worried she has a fever Constable, i'm that worried i am ... she do look no better than a squashed pumpkin rolled in manure, as they say!"

"you off to see the good doc, then?"

"aye, that i am .. Sir greyflood's leach is normally up the old sea dog this time a' sunday mornin' ... maybbe he'll come around and tend to her, i'm a hoping "



Barliaman, with a hearty wave, ran off towards the wharfside. Constable BB quickened his step ... a good lad young barliaman, he thought, if over fond of the ale ... mind like a sieve most of the time ... make a damn fine addition to the watch, if he learned to slow down and not run around everywhere!

[Rían]

Having gone to the pantry and seeing that there was indeed venison sausage, RÃ*an instructed Zimra, the new housemaid, to put together the breakfast tray and take it to Professor Galaddanun's room. "But mind yourself around him - he's rather touchy and temperamental!" she warned her.

[CrazySquirrel]

Lilly hopped down the stairs, rosy and cheerful in an elegant saumon house robe. Even the Elf smell seemed not so offending this morning.

Entering the kitchen, she waved to Rian, "Morning my pointy-eared friend! What is there for breakfast? Have you hired the servants? Have you got a new lady’s maid for me? What is up in the city?"

Rian was slightly bewildered and eyed Lilly warily. The scene in the night garden was still fresh on her mind.

"Good morning, Lady Lilaenwen. I have filled all the household positions, but the one you just mentioned. No one applied for a maid."

Lilly pouted. "But I NEED one! Who is to draw my bath? Who is to help me dress? Who will keep my things in order?"

Rian sighed. "I will try to hire someone today, my Lady"

"Do it", ordered Lilly. And bring me some chocolate croissants and coffee upstairs. And venison and eggs for F.. I mean Lord Pengolod. I will eat with my brothers.

Arcing her brows slightly, Rian piled the requested items on a large tray and herded the new kitchen maid, Zimra, upstairs to Lord Galadannun’s study. Penny was there already reclining on a sofa and waiting for his breakfast. Galadannun looked obviously irritated, and Rian thought she heard him scold his younger brother for something.
Lilly sailed into the study and gave each of the men a morning kiss.

"Who is this wench?" asked Professor Galadannun scrutinising the fresh, rosy cheeked and blue eyed Zimra.
"I
It is Zimra, the new kitchen maid, Professor" said Rian, helping the girl to put the tray on the table.
Zimra’s hands shook so much, she almost spilled the coffee. There was something in this man’s eyes, something cold and cruel and… Zimra blushed and backed towards the door.

"She has NOT hired a lady’s maid for me!", complained Lilly.

Galadannun’s cold eyes never left the girl. "Why won’t you take this one, Lilaenwen? She seems nice enough, if a bit stupid".

"That's a good idea!" cried Lilly enthusiastically. Zimra almost fainted.

"What's up in the city, Rian?" asked Penny, wolfing down his breakfast.

"There is the rochdol game sheduled for this morning, young Master", replied Rian. She noticed that Pengolod didn't like this title one bit. Lilly smirked.

"What is this game, now?" asked Lilly. ""Is it of the king when twenty men run after a miserable rubber ball, for days on end?"

Lilly was not overfond of Numenorean sports. She used to delight in the weekly Barad Dur fights, when every Level of the Fortress presented its best uruk fighter, and they fought to death using swords, knives, maces and, finally, claws and teeth. The winner got a year leave to visit the caves in the Ash Mountains, where breeding females were kept. The Sixth Level was always the winner, as Lilly was personally looking to it that her best fighters were well fed and kept out of harm.

[The last sane person]

Marty and Ray were feeling much refreshed after parting ways for much needed sleep. It was still fairly early in the morning when they met up at the Red Herring. Both had taken a liking to the Tharbad-style breakfast, which was a heavier fair than that they were used to. Marty had wolfed down his portion with more gusto than usual.

"What are you trying to do? Break the pig-out record, One-Eye?" Marty took a swallow of his warm mead, and mopped his mouth. "No, I just...got to be somewhere..."

Ray raised a critical eyebrow at his friend, taking in every detail. Marty was impecably dressed! Marty had on a dark blue shirt and tunic and dark gray leggings, a silver and blue mixed tunic to go over that, with a black belt, completed with mithril tracery on the buckel. And tall black boots with a long black riding cloak. His short black hair was well combed as usual, but his wolfish apperance had lessened comsiderabley.

Ray for his part was well dressed as well, in order to be fit for parading around with the king and chancellor. His longish black mane was very well trained today, indeed, it was tamed from leaping and sproinging everywhere, as was it's habit. The one lock of very long hair he had at the side was perfectly braided. His outfit was reserved: gray leggings, a pale green shirt, and a loose gray tunic with green detail.

"Aha! There is a woman involved! Could it be our be bosomed friend Lily?" Ray chuckled and finished off the last of his toast. Marty growled something like "It could or could not, I got to go..."

With that he gave a quick grin and dashed off to his great charger (whom, to Ray's noted amusment, was imppecably turned out as well and less scrufy looking than usual). Still grinning at his friend's retreating back, he paid his fare, grabbed his cloak and buckled his sword on. He made his way to the front and happened to pass by the window.

Oh my, I know those eyes! Viniglaen.

"Viniglaen, good to see you. We don't seem to be apart from your family for very long!" He flashed her a grin, which she returned. "It seems that I have lost a comrade to the other side. I have the morning to myself, until time to meet up with Val. Mind if I have a seat?"

Ray knew that he ought to be on best behaviour. And he had been, for well over a year! But now things were starting to nibble at him, to make some fun minor mischief...He had always liked challenges. But now he wasnt so sure, with Viv sitting across from him, if he should...

[Valandil]

"Ray!" said Valandil, "Here you are! Have you seen Marty? The big game starts in just a few hours, and with my ankle as it is, I was counting on you both to carry the team. Oh - I can walk on it just fine now... but don't want to risk things with rochdol. Besides... I think our team can handle the Sarn Ford U Stallions without me. Instead of splitting you up, I was thinking to put you both on offense... should shorten the game either way."

"Oh miss... uh, Annawen? Could I have my usual spot? And one of those skillet-thing breakfasts you have here... with something warm to drink... morning seems a bit nippy."

"Anyhow Ray - I was afraid you two had forgotten (and you seem like you've dressed for the reception - not the game - same with Marty, from what the porter told me). I thought I'd sleep in and get a nice breakfast at the house - maybe not come down here until after the game. Remember... we have that reception later. But now that I'm here... Oh-uh, you were leaving though? And forgive me, have I met your... friend?"

[The last sane person]

Raendil was thoroughly Fizzled. Indeed he had forgotten the game, his mind was occupied with the lady in front of him.

Snapping out of his fizzled-ness, "Jeez, where's my manners? Valandil, this is my new friend Viniglaen. Viniglaen, this is Valandil, high king and all that jazz, also one of my oldest friends. We grew up causeing mischief together!" Valandil bowed a little, as did Viv, they eyed each other for a bit.

"Um, well, that would work fine Val, I think Marty and I can finish off the 'stallions' just fine. They have always been the first and softest team to start each year. I'll, go change....but we still have 3 or so hours, no?"

Valandil nodded his head as his order was served. Ray turned sheepishly to Viv, "I am sorry, but it seems my mornings weren't as free as I thought they were...."

"So, it would seem, my friend. You are a good rochdol player, same as marty as it seems you two are the ones that carry the team?"

Ray turned slightly pink, for he never considered himself more than average. "Well, I don't know, but that is the opinion of a few, and they too are great players..." but there was that mischevious part of him, but this time instead of nibbling at him, it jumped from his brain straight to his tonuge.

"Viv, would you like to come watch, after the reception, I could show you around town, like you were aksing...Y'know, go to the museums, get to know Tharbad? Or if that isn't your thing, or is too late... um, yeah..." Suddenly embarrassed with himself, he wondered why he had asked this young woman so. After all the previous encounters with her, she only just started to act chummy.

Great going, goober brain...Why would Viv even bother? I doubt she cares anything for Rochdol, and on top of that, you made yourself look like a ninny!

[Lotesse]

'Hmm, I DO like this chap,' Viv thought to herself. The contents of Raendil's mind had been an easy, somewhat quick, and truly enjoyable read. Almost all of his family secrets and life's history and his various personality quirks had been revealed to her, and she summarised to herself what she'd felt from the beginning - here was a bird of her own feather! 'Too bad he's human,' she mused, 'but there's still much we could do together...'

"It's a splendid idea!" Viv finally answered, setting her napkin next to her plate, and taking a last sip of her tea.

"Idea?" Ray said. "Idea! Of course! I mean, ahhh... which one?"

"The part about us checking out the town, silly goose!" smiled Viv, with a sparkle in her blue-violet eyes. "Do you have time right now? We could just walk around for a minute or two, before you go to your game!"

"Yes! Absolutely. Yes, absolutely," Ray responded, as they both rose from their chairs as if on cue. He reached for her cloak, to help her into it, as a gentleman would, but she snatched it first, perceiving his well-meant intent.

"I can clothe myself, Sir Gentle Good Knight," she said with a little grin on her face.

"And this I certainly do not doubt," he replied. "Although one of these days -"

"One of these days, Ray, ' Pow! Right in the kisser! ' "

They both looked at each other and started laughing, which drew the interest of some of the Red Herring's patrons, and Ray could swear he saw his King tilt his head a little quizzically at the two of them, as they made to leave the restaurant.

"Thank you, Annawen," called out Viv as they left together.

"Man, it's such a gorgeous morning! " exclaimed Ray, and indeed it was bright and clear, a perfect day for a ball game.

"Hey - you wanna see my new owl?" asked Viv.

"NEW owl? What, the old one wasn't doin' it for you?"

"No, my - oh, quit it! No, I just made friends with an owl, whom I've taken on as my totem, and she's just lovely! "

They walked across the street, and Viv went under the thick, prickly branches of the giant fir tree.

"Pssst! Lomi! You awake? Let's go, love, we're gonna go on a little walk with a new friend I made. Plus, I have something I need you to do for me real quick. It'll be fun, " she added, and Lomi shook herself awake and peeked down through the foliage at her new mistress.

"Whit? Whit?" asked Lomi, still too sleepy for Adunaic.

"Fun, I say, it'll be -"

"-fun, yes, yes, I heard you, oh... famous last words," whooted Lomi, as she carefully climbed down the branches, and onto Viv's shoulder. Lomi gave Viv a little greeting beak nuzzle in Viv's wavy hair.

"A FROG," whispered Viv into Lomi's ear as they emerged from under the fir tree to meet Ray for the little morning walk. "I want you to find me a frog, but don't harm it, O.K.? A nice, little frog. In a minute, though, not just yet."

"Well, would you look a this! How cool, Viv, you have an owl! What's it's name?" Ray was quite impressed; he'd never seen someone have a pet owl before.

"HER name, she's not an IT, she's Lomi."

"Who. Whoo." said Lomi dispassionately.

And off the three of them went.

"When do I get to look for the frog?" whispered Lomi into Viv's ear as they walked.

"Soon. I'll tell you when," she answered, with a mischievous half-smile on her face.

"When what?" said Ray.

"You'll see," said Viv cryptically. "And oh... it'll be FUN!"

[Udukhaturz]

The ride to Tharbad had been a long one. Aramaethor had been months on the journey. He had left much behind him in his halls in the East, but he had felt an urgency to go to the West again. This feeling had been most vexing to him, but it had been incontestable, and so compelled, he had bid farewell to all and rode off.

Upon his back was strapped a sword and shield with the heraldry of a black falcon set upon a silver field. The horse that he rode, a fine gray mare, and the two pack horses which walked behind were showing signs of the strain of the mies. Aramaethor was fortunate, however, losing only three packhorses during the long ride. His mount, the gray mare, had been his own favorite steed back in the East. Though she was fine in build, being a horse bred in the South, she was sturdy and very swift, and she carried his bulk well.

A few months back, he had chanced to meet an old associate of his near the Gladden Fields. He was as surprised to see Khamûl as Khamûl was to see him. Curious as to why Khamûl was there, Aramaethor had casually questioned him about the matter, pretending only a slight interest of course. Khamûl had evaded his questions, saying that he did not have time for "foolish gossip." Aramaethor decided there was no use of questioning him further, but instead he would simply follow him. "Actually," he thought, "even if Khamûl realizes that I am following him, I could always counter him by saying, 'We merely happen to be going the same way.'"

And so Aramaethor had made his way to Tharbad.

A few miles outside the city, he came to a grove of trees and rode into the midst of them where he found a small glade and a brook. "There might be too much stir if the people of this fair city saw my weaponry; doubtless the village louts would take instant notice of that," he thought with some degree of concern. "I must take measures to conceal."

He dismounted. Going to one of the several pouches on the saddlebags, he drew out a spare blanket, and after unfastening the straps of the harness that held his sword and shield, he put them down on the blanket. Pulling the four corners together, he tied them in a knot, a special knot, one of his own devising. "If anyone tampers with this knot, I shall know it, for no one could retie such a knot that I could make," he thought smugly.

Then saying a few words over the bundle, he double-guarded it with a mild warding spell which would make the bundle smell of rotting pig's guts should anyone tamper with it. Now he was ready to make his entry into Tharbad. He considered the garments that he had chosen to wear, a hood and a cloak of deepest navy blue, a tunic of fawn, a white shirt beneath that, and a darker shade of blue for the trousers. His high riding boots were made of the finest brown leather, well-oiled and polished. Upon the middle finger of his right hand set in gold was a deep blue opal clouded with mists of royal blue.

"I must look a bit like a fop," Aramaethor mused, but since he was fond of the wenches, a good impression never hurt. He chuckled.

Aramaethor mounted and took the rope of the packhorses in his left hand and the reins in his right. As he trotted his horse on the road, he thought of why he was there. Back in the East, when he had been sitting in his wooden hall, drinking Dorwinion wine with his vassals, a strange feeling had suddenly struck him. A vague feeling was dawning in his mind, that a certain priceless Treasure might still exist. Realization suddenly dawned on him as to why Khamûl had been near the Gladden. They had both come to the same conclusion! But why was Khamûl heading for Tharbad? He must find out.

When Aramaethor rode into the city, he espied the University at a distance. "Obviously," he thought, "Khamûl knows something. But what?" Of course he would never tell him, but if he kept a discrete watch upon Khamûl, who knows what he might learn.

"Quite a bustling place," he mused as he eyed a quite lovely young lady who smiled at him as she walked down the street. The older woman who appeared to be her companion, her mother, no doubt, scowled at him. He urged his horse into a faster trot and passed by the two, nodding at them politely. First he must find a livery stable where he could stable his three mounts, and then he would pay a visit to the Chancellor of the University and inquire of him about a position on the faculty. Perhaps there was a vacancy and he should have some reason for being in the city, and this would do as well as any.

At last, Aramaethor found a livery stable and left his horses with the ostler. He admonished the ostler to see that all three of his horses were walked and cooled off before they were allowed to eat and drink. He was specific in his instructions about what to feed the three animals. After they had been goomed, they were to be given a ration of oats mixed with a dab of honey, and then bedded down for the night on fresh straw. It was always prudent to take good care of horseflesh, or one might find that if one had to leave a place in a hurry unexpectedly, he would find himself afoot. An unpleasant thought indeed.

He made his way down the street from the livery stable to a crossroads where four streets met and then asked a loutish looking fellow for directions to the university. The man looked at him askance, as though unwilling to tell him anything, and then suddenly he realized that perhaps he had picked up too much of the accent of Rhûn in his usage. He quickly modified that and when he spoke again, the rustic smiled and gave him the information he needed.

"Thank you," he said as he flipped a coin of a small denomination to the man, who deftly caught it with a flick of his wrist. Aramaethor strode on briskly to the university, wanting to get his business settled so he could lodge for the night. Some wine! He really needed some wine to wash the taste of the trail from his mouth, and even a bath. Perhaps they had a bathhouse, with much steam and lovely bath attendants... he must stop thinking about things like that.

He was going to apply for a professorship at the University. He must make some attempt to appear at least decorous. It would be difficult, though, he thought, for he found his thoughts often strayed to a pretty wench. "Ahh, but now I must see about a position."

It seemed like he had to wait an endless time before he was allowed to see the Chancellor, but he did not get irritated at the least, for really his mood was quite cheerful and bright. When at last it was time to see the Chancellor, he walked into his office and bowed. Scarcely could he believe the one whom he saw before him!

"Your Excellency," he said, looking at the Chancellor in surprise, "I did not expect to see you here!"

While Aramaethor was puzzled at the Chancellor, he did not seem very surprised to see him.

The Chancellor replied, "Welcome, Udu. It seems that many now gravitate towards Tharbad. It has been a long time since we have met. Why are you really here?"

"Would you believe it if I said that I have grown tired of the East?" he asked hopefully.

"No," the Chancellor replied, "but I will not question you further on it. You have come seeking a position, have you not?"

"That would be most agreeable, my lord. I am known as Aramaethor now. I have have been too long, perhaps, in the East and am out of contact here in the West."

"Do you not think that is rather obvious and quite a pretentious a name? After all, calling yourself a name that translates into the Common as 'King Warrior' reveals too much," the Chancellor replied matter-of-factly.

Beginning to feel a bit foolish, still he offered some protest. "It did well enough in the East..."

"You are no longer in the East, Udu. Change your name, please."

"Then I will use only Maethor if that agrees with you, my lord."

"Yes, it does," he replied.

Maethor began to wonder if it had been a mistake even coming here, but he was into it now and it was too late to back out. Now he had to go by a name that did not seem right. "Oh well," he thought, "I will get used to it."

"Continue," the Chancellor finally said.

"Do you have an opening for a new professorship? I am proficient in many subjects - campaign strategy, battle tactics, siege tactics, advanced armament and siege engines, the theory of war... let me see... I am also very proficient with the sword, the mace, and the bow, even how to throw a dagger with a great degree of accuracy... Do you scowl?" he asked, looking questioningly at the Chancellor who did not look to be in a good mood at all. "Do you think I sound more like I am applying for the position of a knight in residence in a warrior's hall? Hmm... Perhaps you are right. I sound a bit aggressive. Well, surely these people of Arnor have not forgotten totally the arts of war."

Maethor was not certain how his words were sounding to the Chancellor. "I can also teach horsemanship from the most rudimentary levels to the highest degree of equestrianship, even advanced dressage. Could this University use my services, Your Excellency?" he asked, smiling.

"Your qualifications are quite impressive, Udu, but you make a bit too much of them. How does the position of Professor of Siege Tactics sound to you? There will be accompanying apartments available," the Chancellor answered.

"That would suit me quite well, my lord," he said. "I had been wondering about lodgings and an apartment will take care of that question very well. Just tell me where the classrooms and apartments are located or have someone show me. I assume I will have a week or so to become acclimated to this city again? As I recall, from long years ago, this city was quite... shall we say... interesting. There were some rather good taverns and inns back then, if I recall correctly." Udu began to look forward to this adventure with great anticipation.

[Gordis]

Aiwendis wandered to the fountain in the middle of her garden and sat tiredly on the rim, looking into the pool. In broad daylight the garden looked ordinary and flat, it has lost its dreamy quality. The palace was buzzing with activity, servants and maids hurrying, delicious cooking smells emanating from the kitchen. It was still mid-morning, but Aiwendis felt tired and drained. From early morning she was running around in circles from the kitchen to the dining hall, from the pantry to the garden, supervising the preparations for the great evening reception. She went mentally through the list of things yet to do: it seemed endless. Being a Lady of a large household was not an easy task.

Aiwendis followed with her eyes a tiny red fish in the depths of the pool, then frowned, noticing the absence of her reflection on the glossy surface. "I am getting too distracted, that won’t do". Touching the water with the tips of her fingers and whispering a few words under her breath, Aiwendis made her reflection appear. Sure, her hair was a total mess.

Sighing, Aiwendis turned from the fountain and started towards the Palace. She only made a few steps, when the sight of a tall man following Belegar, the Chancellor’s page, made her stumble and stop. Udu!… How on Arda?

Aiwendis needed all the force of her will to stay where she was. Perhaps she was mistaken after all…Hardly. There was no mistaking Udu’s tall frame and the proud set of his shoulders. Anyway, it was unseemly for the Chancellor’s unmarried daughter to run screaming after a stranger. So, she waited patiently in the shadow of the porch for Belegar to return. Letting him pass by, oblivious to her presence, Aiwendis drifted silently into the long corridor leading to the apartments of Guest Professors. The apartment on the right seemed empty, she could detect neither a smell of human blood nor a slightest sound inside.

Aiwendis paused at the door on the left, letting her senses scan the surroundings. Yes, there was someone inside. Udu! She felt his presence unmistakably, her invisible moonstone ring warming at her finger. Hesitating no more, Aiwendis softly tapped at the door.
A second later, the door swung open, and Udu stood there, his right hand resting casually on a hilt of a dagger. Smiling warmly at his surprised look, Aiwendis motioned him to stay silent, stepped inside and closed the door firmly behind her.

"Oh, Udu! I am so happy to see you!" her voice was almost a whisper. "I thought you may be dead, though the Captain said it was not so. Before the last attack came, I saw you lying there at the foot of Orodruin, dead elves heaped about you. Oh Udu, I was so afraid! I thought that was the End of all of us!"

Udu took her trembling hands and bowed his head in greeting. He was surprised to see the usually quiet and withdrawn Gor showing so much emotion. He winced at the memory of the Last Battle. Yes, that was a narrow escape for all of them. Poor Gordie was not much of a swordsman under the best circumstances, and that battle was the worst he has known so far.

"Well met, Gordis. I am glad you are alive", said Udu smiling.

Gordis wiped tears from her cheek. "Don’t call me that anymore, please. I never liked the name the Master saw fit to give me. I know not why he disliked my old one, Aiwendis. I heard that aeons ago, in the accursed Land of the West he knew another Maia with a similar name and disliked him greatly."

"Then Aiwendis it will be," said Udu soothingly. My name is Maethor now.
"It sounds a bit short" remarked Aiwendis.
"Yes, it does" replied Maethor.

"I would be happy to hear what has befallen you since we last met. But allow me to pour you some wine first.". Taking a bottle from a wall cabinet, Aiwendis poured a large goblet of dark read Nurn wine and offered it to Maethor.

"Our wine cellar is at your disposal, Lord Maethor. And all the Professors are invited to this evening reception, so, please, come to the Big University Hall at seven.
You may also wish to use the Palace bathhouse. It is exactly like they have in Khand. Barring the wenches, of course," added Aiwendis mischievously as an afterthought. "Those Faithful are so…righteous."

Aiwendis poured a small glass of wine for herself and sat opposite Maethor looking at him inquiringly. "Tell me something of your story, please!"

[Valandil]

Marty crept through the undergrowth with a stealth that would have been surprising to those who knew him. Three team-mates were close behind. Far off to the right and ahead of him there were loud sounds of melee... Ray was apparently providing just the distraction that Marty needed.

Marty liked Ray... he was one of those guys you could count on. Ray would be a Thane one day - he had known Val from their younger days, since he had grown up in the east of the kingdom, along the Mithiethel - not terribly far from Rivendell, where Val was raised. Growing up in the west of the kingdom, Marty had first met Val at the Coronation - and then again at other state functions, until Val showed up with Ray at the U of Elostirion, where the three had done their undergraduate studies and become fast friends. And... while Ray would one day be a Thane, Marty would one day be a Prince. Of course... like Valandil, they owed some of their good fortune to the Disaster of the Gladden Fields. Ray and Marty each had an uncle, older than their father, who was among Isildur's escort that day. Ray's dad had become Thane just after word arrived, for their father (Ray's grandpa) had already died in the first assault on the Black Lands... back in '34, Second Age. And Ray's dad was gettin' old, so he'd be a Thane soon. Marty had to wait until his own grandpa died - and then his father. But he would be a Prince one day... of the Principality of the Lhun.

Oh - he liked Val too... but the guy could be such a stiff at times... such a rube! From when he met him, Marty thought you could best draw a square by tracing the young King's outline. But still, he was alright... on his better days.

Anyway... time to focus on the game. There... up ahead... two or three men from the Sarn Ford team standing around... not joining in the melee just out of view to the east. BINGO... they must be guarding something. Marty halted and twisted around to make hand-signals to those behind him, each nodding and two slipping off to either side, while the third stayed at his back. A couple bird calls moments later (not thoroughly convincing, but the 'guards' didn't seem to pick up on it) declared everyone to be in position, and at a five-count, all four sprang as one toward their marks.

In a few eyeblinks, all three guards were down, Marty had 'the sack' and one of his companions was able to make it up quickly enough to follow him - another seemed like he'd be able to follow in a few more seconds... but the guards were definitely gonna have to take their time.

Then - trouble. There were more than three guards. Three more men jumped out of hiding. Marty and his back-up took out the first two with little difficulty, but the third one picked up a stick, grinning from ear to ear. This wasn't exactly against the rules, since there hardly were any, but it still got Marty's goat. Tossing the sack backwards to his fellow, he dove to catch the fool in the midsection, left arm upraised to ward off the blow.

"Using a stick, eh?" he said to the man who was now writhing in pain. "Well... that's pretty funny 'til someone loses an eye!" and the painful memory made him wince.

- - - - - - - - - -

Valandil stood at the sidelines, at midfield, watching whatever he could of the game. It was an unusual place for him to be - he was ALWAYS playing this game. But no use aggravating his ankle. Maybe next week when the U of Calenardhon came to play...

As with most rochdol fields, this one was very long and very wide, with a good-sized stand of trees at both ends. Players on both sides stayed in various positions, or milled about, awaiting the inevitable action. A few players stood behind him in 'jail' - those who had been captured on the wrong side of the line and physically dragged over to the sideline. With a smile of satisfaction, Valandil noted that the Sarn Ford players in jail outnumbered the Tharbad players, two-to-one. His team was prevailing already. It shouldn't be much longer.

The one odd thing about this field was the slight rise at the midline, making it harder for players to see across the entire field, so watchmen had to be placed where they had a commanding view. Spectators though, had a good enough view of the entire field, minus the wooded parts - if they stood or sat near the mid-line.

As he and the other spectators watched for any signs of action, Valandil looked over the crowd. No sign of her... Most of the student body had turned out to watch, but she didn't seem to be among them. He sighed... of course it was to be expected - being an Elf, she probably held a low view of such games.

Behind him Oreturion cleared his throat. Had Valandil left his thoughts unguarded? He returned those thoughts to the game. He wondered how Marty was doing. Marty was an OK guy, but always seemed to think he had everything all figured out. Oh well... we all have our little foibles.

- - - - - - - - - -

Suddenly, Marty broke through the line of trees to his right, followed by two team-mates from USAT - was one of them Ray? Hard to tell. Marty obviously had a bundle under his arm and was running madly toward the mid-line - it was a long sprint of two or three furlongs. Then - his pursuers broke howling from the woods just behind him, and the rest of the Sarn Ford players began to converge. Ray - looking pretty battered, couldn't keep up, so he hung back and collapsed to the ground. But it didn't matter - everyone else closed on Marty and his lone remaining companion.

'Oh Marty, Marty...' thought Val. 'Grandstanding again... well, your hopes look pretty dim this time... I think there's too many of them left and they're too close to your path'

Marty was still running like mad though, and it looked for a moment like he might make it. But then some of the tacklers, still fresh, struck. First, one or two took out his blocker... then they started to hit Marty. Marty was a big man and strong, so he shook off the first few, but finally he went down about a half a furlong shy of his goal, still struggling to hold onto his burden, scuffling with those piled on top of him.

'Well...' thought Valandil, 'THAT will make things more difficult.' He envisioned Marty getting captured and the yellow sack being returned to a fresh hiding place in the woods beyond.

All at once, a great shouting arose from midfield. There stood Ray... all alone, holding the yellow sack aloft and claiming victory. It had been a feignt! Marty had just pretended to have the sack. Marty broke up laughing at that point and handed a stone from under his arm to his would-be captors. Their team-mates all rushed Ray and held him aloft on their shoulders. USAT had WON!!!

Valandil smiled widely, rightfully proud of his friends - his whole team! And it was early... there would be plenty of time for a celebration at The Red Herring before tonight's reception with the Chancellor. He paused mid-thought on the reception... wondering briefly if SHE would be there.

Yes... she would. She would about HAVE to be!

This was going to be a great day...

[CrazySquirrel]

Lilly, Galadannun and Penny were finishing their breakfast, when they heard a knock on the front door. Soon Rian announced the arrival of Lord Martirion.

Marty entered the room, resplendent in blue and dark grey outfit with a mithril buckle at his belt. Lilly smiled appreciatively, she liked well dressed and well groomed men. Marthy seemed somehow flashed, and, after bowing briefly and exchanging greetings with the Orrodel family, he offered to take his friends to see the rochdol game.

"Lilaenwen, Lord Galadannun, Penny, , would you like to come watch? Ray and I are one of the main players, and King Val himself will watch! I apologise if it is not in your line…" he finished lamely, noticing a brief glance Lilly exchanged with her brothers at his last words.

"Of course, I Would LOVE to come!" cried Lilly enthusiastically. Then, leaning into the corridor, she yelled "Zimra, you stupid wench, come here quickly! I need to get dressed!".

"I would rather stay at home", said Galadannun slowly, watching Zimra’s plump form pass by the study door. "I have to prepare my lectures for the next week".

"It is unseemly for Lilly to go unattended by one of her brothers!" protested Penny. "I will go with you."

Marty bowed, feeling disappointed and angry. Unseemly, indeed! What have you thought when you made your poor sister seek you at night in the dirtiest taverns of the city?

Soon the trio arrived at the site of the game. The crowd was enormous. Marty led his friends to the places reserved for nobles and relations of the players and waving his hand run to change in the game outfit.

Lilly soon spotted the King sitting in a high chair in the first row, his followers and retainers close behind. She tried to catch his gase, but he seemed completely absorbed in the game. Lilly yawned, covering her mouth with her green and yellow silk fan. Lilly tried to talk to Five, but Penny seemed in a bad mood and only hissed back. Nobody was even looking at her, all peered at the field as if be-spelled. It was utterly boring. Finally, just to have something to do, Lilly decided to follow the game.

It was utterly incomprehensible at first. Lilly yawned again when she spotted Marty. He broke through the trees carrying a bundle under his arm. He was running madly toward the mid-line, his pursuers close behind. To see better, Lilly climbed on her seat and waved to Marty. It looked like he might make it. Now Lilly was thoroughly captivated by the game. "Go, Marty go", cried the spectators around her. But then some of the tacklers, still fresh, struck. Marty went down about a half a furlong shy of his goal, still struggling to hold onto his burden. Lilly could have cried of disappointment, when all at once, a great shouting arose from midfield. There stood Ray... all alone, holding the yellow sack aloft and claiming victory!
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Penny heard a mighty intake of breath from Lilly and, to his horror, suddenly realised what was going to follow. During Black Tower orc tournaments, even the sentries on duty inside the Tower or deep down in the underground vaults could learn of the outcome of the game following Lilly’s mighty shrieks.
Penny dived and grabbed Lilly’s feet just as the first note of the nazgul screech left her throat. Loosing her balance, Lilly collapsed in a heap atop Penny and an old distinguished-looking woman. The cry died in her throat, turning to a moan of pain. All the heads turned in their direction.

King Val looked startled at the moaning heap of ruffled green silks on his right.
"My, this girl screeches almost like a Nazgul", laughed Estelmo. "I hope she didn’t get hurt. She must be Marty’s new sweetheart".

Far away in the University, Aiwendis and Maethor heard a distant short shriek and stopped their conversation in wonder and worry. The Chancellor, working in his study upstairs, rushed to the window, hissing angrily.

[Lotesse]

Lômi was in a pensive state, bobbing along on Viniglaen's shoulder as the three of them walked along. 'A frog, mmmm,' she was thinking to herself, eyes half closed in memory of the lovely taste of frogs. 'And not HARM it? Oh, why bother thinking about it, nobody cares if I get to eat my frog or not. "Not harm it," indeed! Mmmmmm.'

"And THAT is the Royal Arnor Museum of Contemporary Art," said Ray.

As they'd been walking up the slight slope of the tree-lined, impeccably kept street, he'd delighted in pointing out to Viv all the important town monuments, and the Bibliotecha Arnoria, and the beautiful grounds of the public bath-houses which had been designed by none other than the legendary architect Dairuin the Dwarf, an unusual and influential artist-arcitect from Arnor's history, now long dead. But it was the RAMCA that really got Viv glowing. For the time being, she even forgot about the frog trick she'd been planning, and a new idea to pass the afternoon's time with was brewing in her mind.

"Oh! Oh! Let's stop here, can we?" She excitedly asked. Her sudden enthusiasm caused Lômi to momentarily lose her balance on Viv's shoulder, and little owl feathers flew off her as she scrambled and fluttered to regain her toehold on Viv's shoulder.

"How! HOW!" said Lômi irritably, and "Ow! Ow!" said Viv, as the owl's sharp talons pinched her skin.

"Well, what did you expect, you nearly dropped me!" grumbled Lômi.

"I think you should sleep a little more," Viv said as she walked up to a huge mallorn tree in the sprawling, lush front park of the Museum. Lômi hop-fluttered off Viv's shoulder, and climbed her way up to the top of the tree, sullenly pulling herself up with her beak, softly grumbling to herself as she went.

"She'll be happy up there for a while, I imagine," laughed Viv, "and now I really must tour this museum."

"NOW, my lady? Why now?" Ray wondered who in their right mind went museum-gawking on such beautiful, sunny Sundays.

"Well, for one thing I have an entrance examination due in my Art Theory class on the first day of school, and I haven't even started on it yet," she began to explain. "I'm supposed to write about a work of art which has had the most influence upon me, and why, and who made the piece, and what methods were used , and how--"

"O.K., easy there! Slow down, oh wild one," Ray interrupted laughingly, with his hand up. "I gotta go to the game at this point anyhow, so, I guess this is where we part ways for the time being."

"Yeah, but - what are you doing later on this evening?" she asked.

"I'll come 'round to Orrodel and talk to you then; I'd like to invite you to something but I have to ask if it's o.k. first, you know?"

"Oh, I know," she replied, "I know exACTly how THAT goes. Well," and she gave him a quick hug goodbye, "Good luck in the rochdel game, Ray!

"I don't need luck, m'lady," he repied with a wink, "and if I did, being with you has stocked me up on good luck for quite a while, I'd say!" and with that he was off at a jog, trying to catch up with time lost so he wouldn't be late to the game.


Viniglaen turned and entered the museum, which was empty except for the sleepy-looking old woman at the reception area and a portly gentleman guard inside the foyer who was heavily engrossed in what looked like a romance novel. She left her dark cloak with the reception woman, who directed her to the Late Second age period oil paintings section of the museum, and then off Viv went.

'so far, so good,' she thought to herself as she made her way back. "Now, the private-use-only emergency exit has got to be down this way, I can feel it.'

[Udukhaturz]

Udu was quite surprised to see Gordis after so long, but it was very good to see her. First he inhaled the essence of the wine and satisfied with it, drank deeply from the offered goblet. "Very good wine, Gor- Aiwendis! Thank you!" He leaned back in his chair, happy to have this pleasant wine after so many long days upon the trail.

"There is really nothing much to tell. After the, um... unpleasantness at Orodurin, I was rather battered, injured actually. I considered then that while it might be noble to continue the fight, it could be disastrous. I felt it was more prudent simply to turn invisible and depart, and thus I made my way to safety."

"Indeed," he thought, "the wine is excellent."

"Thank you for your generous offer to partake of the wine cellar. I shall have to investigate the shelves sometime. One never knows what one might find, an overlooked vintage, some exotic mystery from other lands. I am sure that your wine cellar shall prove to be quite stupendous." He sipped again.

"After I had put considerable distance between those who would wish me harm, I made my way first south, and then finally north. I had not so much as a cloak to conceal myself. Finally after traveling long miles like this, I was driven to seek garments by devious means. In my meanderings, I found an encampment and entered a tent late one night.

"The master was away, fortunately, and all was quiet. Neither lamps nor torches were lit. I just found what I considered adequate - loose, baggy trousers; long tunics; shoes with curved points; cloaks, scarves; a belt and scimitar; daggers and pouches; even a turban. The turban was quite magnificent in quality, really, but it was set with an inferior stone.

"I was quite pleased with myself and was just looking about to see if I could find any wine. I opened the curtain that divided the tent, and much to my chagrin, I was greeted with the screaming of many women. Much to my embarrassment, I had blundered into the master's harem!

"The poor wenches quickly lit lamps and I found myself circled round about by women who threatened me with many daggers and swords. Surprisingly they were quite good with them. Though I dodged their blows as best I could, several did make strikes. I had to think quickly, because while they could do me little harm actually, they could do some, and I had by that time dropped everything that I had gathered!

"I decided that if I wanted to retain their lord's property, that the only opportune thing that I could do was to throw myself at their mercy. They demanded that I show myself. When I explained that to do so would leave me quite naked, they giggled and murmured amongst themselves." He looked across to Aiwendis and saw that she was listening to his story with rapt attention.

"What could I do, lady? It was not expedient that I should relinquish those items that I had so confidently assumed belonged to me!" She gave him an understanding look and he continued.

"I explained to these women that I was a sorcerer and that was why they could not see me, and requested that they throw me something to wrap about myself. Giggling even more, they watched as one of their number threw me a somewhat tattered sheet. I feigned gratitude and appeared before them, the sheet draped, I thought, adequately to reveal some of my torso. I find that often impresses the girls. They put away their weapons and smiled at me. They did not seem offended in the least that they had forgotten to put on their veils, or much clothing at all. They seemed delighted with me and soon offered me a goblet of wine and their lord's own seat.

"Soon some of them were partaking of the wine themselves as I sat there in their own lord's chair. Then one of them brought some instrument native to their land and began softly strumming it and singing. I was offered more wine, which, of course, I could not refuse, for to do so would offend them. Then some of them, the younger ones, began dancing and twirling to the music, and presented a most graceful performance.

"The entertainment was so pleasant and they were so charming, that I found that I did not leave their abode until nearly dawn. Then they all begged me to return next time their lord was away, and they told me when it would be, and pled with me to be sure that I came back. I left with all the garments and weapons that I had purloined, and more. They presented me with one of their lord's finest steeds and I, having neither gold nor silver, was placed in their debt. When I told them of my poverty, they laughed and said that there were other ways that I could repay them, and implored me not to leave. Their request was so moving that I tarried there the whole day and did not leave until the next.

"I returned many times to that tent. After a while, they began to request that I challenge their lord for them, and to rescue them, for they said he was a cruel and violent man. What could I do?" He looked to Aiwendis. "Leave those poor women to that wicked tyrant who ruled them? Of course not! You understand, I am sure.

"I came back once again, but this time was when their lord and his men were present. I challenged him, and he laughed at me. I issued my challenge again, and they laughed all the more. Their master called me an insolent dog, a heathen, and it was not appropriate to be forced to kill such a wretch as I was. He and his men baited me and taunted me, but I would not leave. Then he, as though it were nothing more than driving a beggar away, accepted my challenge. I bested him of course," he smiled, "and then when his men attacked me as their lord lay wounded on the ground, I turned on them and hacked them to pieces.

"I claimed all he owned, his wives, his property, his riches, his horses, flocks and herds, and promised to care for his wives, his children and heirs. Thus was given to me the responsibility for these people.

"These were nomadic people, moving in seasons to better pastures and water, driving their flocks and herds before them. My cattle, sheep and goats increased, and in a few years I had become a man of wealth. My reputation grew in that land and soon men came to me, asking me to join with them in battles with other tribes. I agreed, seeking to make a place for myself there, and eventually they asked me to be overlord of them.

"Their travels encompassed a great area, coming and going with the seasons. I found I favored the north of that land far more than the south, and after five years of being with them, I built a modest wooden hall to the north. There, I established my summer home."

He looked at Aiwendis. "There, lady, you have my doings. I have had many adventures in these ensuing years. During my wanderings with these people, I made use of my abilities to delve the hidden reaches of ores and stones from the ground and thus added to my wealth. Fifteen years after I had come to that land, I was considered as one of the richest and most powerful of the overlords."

"But why did you leave all this to come West?" Aiwendis inquired.

"I felt a most ardent urge to journey West, and I could not explain this feeling, but it was vexing, gnawing at me. I kissed all my wives and numerous dependents, named my esquire as lord in my stead, said farewell to my strong men, had my gray mare, whose name is Minei in the Sindarin tongue, saddled, packhorses packed with food, drink, supplies and clothing, and set off.

"If I find that I must tarry in this land overlong, doubtless my esquire will feel I am not coming back and usurp my place, claiming all that I have as his own. Of course, I will have to kill him when I get back, even if it means war. I must defend that which I have earned!

"Along the way, I lost one packhorse to lameness and another to accident. I was forced to buy replacements, but my little Minei proved steadfast and seemed to enjoy the stimulation of new places.

"I chanced to meet Khamûl near the Gladden Fields. He was none too glad to see me, I think. When he left, I followed him. Of course, I am sure that he knew I was following him, but I guarded my thoughts and purposes quite well. He went west and after days of following him, I guessed what might be his destination. When he drew on towards the city, I rode into a grove of trees. He does not know for a certainty I was following him, surely. Maybe he thinks I went among the trees to rest and then continued on my journey elsewhere, north perhaps."

He smiled when she urged him to tell more. "That, of course, is not the story I have fabricated to tell others. For them, the tale will be a simple one, that I am a knight-errant of Gondor, the son of a worthy, though undistinguished noble, and that I developed an interest in studying various forms of warfare, including mastery of the techniques of the siege. I shall say that I grew restless and decided to travel to the South and to the East and learn all that I could of cultures and peoples and their methods of war. Certainly, this would be a great interest to the lords of Arnor, who might have in the backs of their minds that these people might someday grow hostile towards them." He laughed. "Among all the peoples whom I have encountered, they are the fiercest fighters. They consider war not so much from a defensive perspective as they do that of conquest, and so they make its mastery an obsession. Some almost worship the horse!"

He took another drink from his wine goblet, emptying it. He sat there smiling at Aiwendis. He considered it impolite to ask for another, but it had been a long time since he had any Nurn red. "Aiwendis, this is exceptionally good wine! Dorwinion is adequate, but nothing quite compares to that of Nurn." He smiled at her in gratitude when she refilled his goblet.

"That is really all there is to tell..."

His words were cut short by the sound of a shriek somewhere in the University and he looked at Aiwendis in surprise. Quickly he put his wine goblet on the table and stood to his feet, touching the hilt of his dagger.

"What in the name of Melkor was that?"

[Lotesse]

The Royal Arnor Museum of Contemporary Art was situated upon the top of a rolling hill, and from the mallorn tree, Lômi truly had a birds-eye view of the panorama of all Tharbad. She noticed the University grounds were hardly a block away. She noticed the rochdol game beginning. Then, she noticed her new mistress emerge from a side door from behind the muesum, and cocked her fluffy ear, waiting for Viv to summon her.

"Fwit! Fwit!" Viv called, sounding quite bird-like, Lômi thought.

'Well, so much for my nap,' she grumbled to herself, wearily taking flight out of the Mallorn tree and down to Viv. 'Just don't mind me, ohh, Large-Eyes will do it.'

"No, soar above me and follow me," whispered Viv to her owl. "I need you to be my lookout, Lômi; I'm going to do something very important now so this is where your commission to me really begins. You are VERY important, you know," and with that, little Lômi made a very pleased cooing cluck in her feathery throat. A little praise goes a long way with owls.

After Viv finished telling her owl the plan, Lômi took flight and went to her appointed watching area, and in no time flat, Viv was at the outside wall on the other side of which was the King Valandil's University quarters. At this point, Viv was invisible, and she scaled the wall like a cat with sticky paws, and climbed into the huge boudoir belonging to the young King of Arnor himself.

Once in, she made beelines for all the traditional hiding places and concealed areas which nobility liked to keep valuable trinkets in. She found all sorts of beautiful things - a pouch of loose gemstones, three daintily woven lady's rings held together with a blue silk ribbon, a small gold trophy engraved first place to none other than Isildur himself for some rochdel game from ages ago (this belongs in a museum,' thought Viv) a ruby and diamond choker in a gift box (I wonder who this is meant for, she mused), but alas! nothing in that room was even close to what she sought. As she was carefully replacing everything back where she found it, and trying to decide which of the loose gems to keep for herself, she was suddenly frozen in extreme alertness - the CALL! But it was just a blip of a call, cut short. It rattled her, though. 'I gotta get out of here,' she realised at once. So, putting three huge diamonds and one enormous rare ruby in her mouth, she climbed back out the window and dropped to the ground below, silent as a panther.

Viv took off running, off the grounds, and back to the park of the museum. She spat out the gems into her hand, and put them in her inside pocket of ther dress, then quietly re-entered the rear of the museum, and once back into the Late Second-Age Period oil paintings section, she reverted back to visible mode.

Picking her cloak up from the receptionist and thanking her on the way out, she made her way back down the street from whence she'd come, casually calling for Lômi as she went.