The Eagle

Fiesty and Maisie Resting

Fiesty sat with her assistant Maisie by the herb garden and tried to relax. The scene she had just endured with Myrtle had been horrible. Copper was off striding over the mountains. He was taking John Dawson, the orphan shepherd boy that had been staying with Myrtle Sackville to meet the Smiths in Bree. Myrtle had been livid that she was taking the boy. She ranted and screamed and accused Fiesty of “lording it over us.” 

Fiesty sighed and rubbed her temples. Maisie patted her back and said “Myrtle will calm down, she was always complaining about John not doing this or that and chasing him up the pasture. They were driving each other crazy.”  Fiesty looked up at her pretty assistant. “You be right, and I knowed it when I went but that Hobbit can’t let go. I just hope the Smiths take a shine to John and take him in.” Maisie said “John is a good boy and industrious. I think that pairing will work if the lady wants a child as much as you say.” 

Copper Leads John Through the Pass

Fiesty nodded again and started to get up to resume her duties when a flickering shadow blocks the light above their heads. Fiesty looked up as a shadow darkens the patch of garden containing her healing herbs. She stared in astonishment as a giant Eagle swooped downward so speedily, that she was sure it would scoop her up and fly away with her or crash into the ground and be flattened. She watched in awe as the majestic creature landed  gracefully just feet away from her and cocked its head quizzically, summing her up from head to toe.

Fiesty Encounters Landroval

The Eagle closed the gap between them and dropped a shining scroll from its beak just before her feet, his regal head motioned for her to retrieve it.

Despite her surprise and the immensity of the Eagle, Fiesty bent to pick up the scroll, wondering who could request such a creature on an errand to give her a message.

Landroval, the mighty Eagle watched to make sure that Fiesty took the scroll into her possession and without further ado and accompanied by a deafening call, he took flight, casting another long shadow over the Hobbit Druidess as he winged his way back across the seas

“Well, I’ll be!” Fiesty watched as the Eagle flew away and looked down at the beautiful scroll in her hands. Making a decision to attend to the message in her study, Fiesty asked Maisie to do the community rounds for her and Maisie readily accepted. “And remind Berilac that we will need at least two pigs slaughtered for the Yule feast.” Maisie nodded and trotted off to see to the Shire.

Fiesty went home and sat in her study. She looked for beak marks but there were none. The paper was creamy and of a type she had never seen before at any market. She unrolled the scroll and began to read.

Fiesty Examines the Scroll

ArchDruidess Fiesty,

I am reaching out to you for the time has come for furthering the ties between your home and the neighboring regions.

The void left by the disappearance of Aran Jaekob of Calenhad and the subsequent passage of the Lands towards the West have caused upheaval and turmoil among the dwellers in these parts... not only those who were forced to leave their home soil, but also those who were suddenly in the position to welcome them into their own regions.

I believe it would be beneficial to all those dwelling and settling in the surrounding Lands to once again feel the security that an experienced, wise and benevolent leader bestows... and yet, a new formation and conferral of power and authority is necessary in order to connect the various races in the different parts of these regions.

I encourage you to seek out the most respected Elders among your neighbors and convene together into a Council of sorts.

The conception of a Unifying Council has also been submitted to ArchDruidess Fitheach of Tailbreamh, Can Wobbit, Forester of Tailbreamh and the newly arrived Dwarves, residing in Tailbreamh.

Thranduil, Woodland King of Mirkwood, will also be informed. It is in my knowledge that the Elven King shall play a vital part in an alliance among the races of these Lands.

Do not delay long in your considerations or hesitate to seek a meeting between those informed of the future path that opens before them.

The peace and safety of your folk and the folk you have taken into the Shire lay in your hands, Fiesty.

Berio ven Eru

(May Eru protect us)

Elbereth Elentari

Guardian of Lothlorien

 

Fiesty sends a note to Druid Fitheach

Fiesty finished reading the scroll and scratched her head.” Elbereth?”  She had heard stories of an Elven sorceress by that name but had thought them merely stories.  Well, she should contact ArchDruidess Fitheach first thing. Perhaps she could shed some light on this proposal. Fiesty wrote a note and stepped to the door to call a blackbird messenger. She chirped “Bre-bre-bo-bee” several times  and presently one of her blackbird friends came to take the message to her sister Druid.

After Market Party

Fiesty Lotus: “Greetins Fae Talia.”

Talia.Sunsong:  “Greetings my food savior.”

Fiesty Lotus giggles.

Fiesty Lotus: “Aw- yer got plenty ter eat in that Faeland of yers. I seen it.”

Talia.Sunsong: “But no one cooks it for me.”

Talia.Sunsong: “I can eat a piece of fruit, but I'd have to cook my own cake”

One of Fit's ravens appeared overhead circling slowly and gradually coming lower.

Fiesty Lotus looks up in surprise. It lands on the edge of Fiesty's stall and looks up at her expectantly, holding up its leg.

Talia.Sunsong:  “Hi black bird.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Huh, guess that be a message.”

Talia.Sunsong:  “Ohhhh, a secret message?” (leans closer)

Fiesty Lotus removes the little scroll that raven has on its leg and watches as it flies away.

Fiesty Lotus unrolls the scroll and quickly glances at the message. "No, it isn’t a secret.  I'll read it to you.”

Fiesty Lotus: "My sister, I have found a dog and 4 sheep on Taibreamh that escaped the fires. I have healed them and promised the dog I would find his owner. He is a handsome large wolf-like shepherd; please see if anyone is missing him. Thanks to you."

Fiesty Gets a Message

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh, I bet that be Lord Winter's dog!”

Talia.Sunsong:  “He probably would like to see the dog soon.”

Fiesty Lotus: “I'll send a scout ter tell him about it.”

Talia.Sunsong:  “Is it a magic dog?”

Fiesty Lotus: “Naw, Winter says it’s a good hound.”

Ambassador Saphira arrives and joined in.

Fiesty Lotus to Fae Talia “Do yer have any seeds fer me?”

Talia.Sunsong  searches her pockets "I have some seeds, somewhere...”

Talia.Sunsong whispers: ""Eureka!”

Talia.Sunsong: "I found this seed from a plant that makes pixies jittery."

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh, jittery?”

Talia.Sunsong  holds up a handful green bean shapes.

Fiesty Lotus: “As in energetic?”

Talia.Sunsong: “You roast it and pour hot water over it and drink it in the morning.”

Fiesty gives Fae Talia four Carmel cake slices for the “Jitter beans”

Talia.Sunsong: immediately unwraps 2 pieces of cake and with one in each hand, alternates biting from the 2 slices of cake

Saphira Mistwalker watches the fae and shakes her head. "Do fae ever get fat?"

Fiesty Lotus watches the fae devour the two cakes.

Talia.Sunsong: hears music drifting out the inn door and dances towards it.

Talia.Sunsong: answers with her mouth full "We dance."

Fiesty Lotus looks about and realizes that the crowds have thinned out.

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, I guess I kin pack up.” Fiesty packs up quickly.

Saphira Mistwalker:  “Aye, it doesn't look like many for market today. I think I will follow the fae and see what's happening at the tavern.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Yer know Lady Saphira - I go to the Tavern over night when I visit Bree.”

Fiesty Lotus watches the Fae hopping toward the Tavern.

Saphira Mistwalker: “Ah, well, then I think I will definitely check it out.”

Fiesty Lotus: “I am a comin.”

They arrive at the tavern and hear the music of a troubadour.

Talia.Sunsong  jumps up on a table and dances.

Saphira Mistwalker grins, watching Lady Talia barge through the tavern doors and jump on a table.

Fae Talia Dances on a Table

Copper Lotus: “Greetins Ladies!”

Saphira Mistwalker: “Master Copper! Greetings!”

Talia.Sunsong: “Copper! Want cake?” (holds out mostly eaten slice of cake)

Copper Lotus: “Auntie!”

Copper Lotus smiles.

Copper Lotus: “We got a party tonight?”

Talia.Sunsong: “Post market party.”

Saphira Mistwalker grins. "A chance to dance, I have not done this in many a month."

Talia.Sunsong: “You are a supple dragon.”

Saphira is a Supple Dragon

Saphira Mistwalker: “Aye, but it is fun to move and sway.”

Saphira Mistwalker giggles, "Besides it is a great way to distract people. As a rogue, I find a little distraction goes a long ways."

Talia.Sunsong: "Oo I will remember that"

Talia.Sunsong: “Next time I want to get a shiny, or free cookies.”

Saphira Mistwalker grins.

Talia.Sunsong  grabs the chandelier and hangs from it.

Talia.Sunsong: "Wheeeeee.” She swings back and forth.

Everyone Parties

The conversation turns to a Troll Fae Talia had seen somewhere and if the ambassador had ever eaten one.  After a bit Fae Talia says "I'll go look for the troll"

Talia.Sunsong: “Farewell!”  (waves and flutters wings)

Saphira Mistwalker: “Good even Lady Talia.”

Copper Lotus: “Goodnight  Fae Talia.”

A few minutes later Copper Lotus catches a glimpse of one of the strangers at the door

Copper Lotus: “Oh, them!”

Saphira Mistwalker glances over. "Good even my lord. Come in, we don't bite, most of the time."

Tiny laughs in a nasty way at the dancers

Tiny: “I ain't interested.”

Tiny turns to find his friend.

Copper Lotus: “I seen him before, he is right nasty.”

Saphira Mistwalker: “Really? Hmm, maybe I should bite him then?”

Saphira Mistwalker giggles. "Well, he looked human, so he would probably taste better than a troll."

The Stranger

Fiesty Lotus giggles despite herself.

Copper Lotus: “I saw him with Andwise last time we were here - wonder why he is still hanging around…”

Saphira Mistwalker: “Hmm, perhaps up to no good? I may have to keep an eye on him.”

Copper Lotus: “Might be a good idea.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Well friends, I am tuckered, I think I will retire to me room. Good ter see you Lady Saphira.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Night Copper.”

Saphira Mistwalker: “Good even.”

Copper Lotus: “Night Auntie.”

Strangers in Bree

Copper and Andwise sat at the Bree Tavern bar sipping an ale after bringing a shipment of goods over the Brandy Mountains. The town was now full of refugees from Cheshire and the River Lands region. It seemed the locals were taking it all in stride. No major fights had broken out and the new people were settling in. Small shacks were going up to keep the newcomers dry and warm. Many had credit and were buying land all over the area. The Mayor, who was in charge of the land, was making a mint.

Copper and Andwise in the Tavern

Copper looked over people in the tavern. Most were working men and field hands. Some were people from the River Lands he knew. He noticed a couple of strangers that must have just gotten in from offshore. They looked shabby and disreputable. He noticed they were slyly looking around the tavern and he pointed them out to Andwise. “They be a seedy lookin lot”. Andwise checked them out unobtrusively and said “They do at that, see the way they is starin at the barmaid?” Copper hid a smile, since he had a history of yearning after women. But these men were acting in a disrespectful manner. He tried to hear them over the noise in the tavern. He caught a few words. “The boss says…..so we gotta be….oh she would be so….” After a bit Copper tuned out. But then the barmaid walked up to them and spoke quite clearly as they were not looking into her eyes. “Alright you two, you going to buy a drink or just sit there taking up space?”

At this the fat one grabbed the tall ugly ones arm and said “Yes, we is gonna have two ales.” The barmaid nodded at him and turned to go. Copper heard the fat one say to the other. “We is supposed to be …. the joint, not startin fights or beaten up some wench.” The other man muttered something that Copper didn’t catch, but he did see a murderous look on his face when he glanced at the barmaid.

The Barmaid Confronts the Strangers

After a while, Copper got up and told Andwise he had something to do for Fiesty. He left the tavern and went to the house of the town blacksmith. Copper knocked on the door and the blacksmith and his wife came to it. Copper knew them and, after some small talk, Copper came to the point.” Well sir, I am directed by Archdruid Fiesty to ask if you would take on an apprentice. There is a human shepherd boy in the Shire that needs to rejoin the human community. He is an 11 year old orphan and I am told he is very good with his animals. The situation he is in right now is, um, unstable.” The smith looked surprised but not negative. He looked at his wife. She said “That is young to begin apprenticeship.” Copper nodded. He said “I know it is young but he has already shown himself resourceful by keeping his sheep alive and healthy for the past year without parents to help him. This seemed to soften the woman.

Copper and Fiesty knew the smith and his wife had no children and guessed she might want one. Copper said “Tell you what, I will bring the boy over the mountain next time I come and you kin meet him. No strings and Archdruid Fiesty will be his sponsor, so she will vouchsafe him.” The woman looked at her husband and gave a tiny nod. The smith said “Well, it won’t hurt to look I recon.” He continued “We will be lookin forward to meetin him.”

Copper Talks to the Couple

Copper left them, knowing that the boy would be fine. He returned to the Tavern, and noticed that the strangers had left. He and Andwise then packed up to get over the mountain pass before suppertime.

Galdor Delivers the First Scroll

Galdor Passes the Mysts

Galdor of the Trees passes the mysts surrounding Tailbreamh, his speed and agility startling the woodland creatures as he races towards the dwelling of ArchDruid Fitheach. Upon reaching her home, he knocks once on the door, retrieving a shimmering scroll from his pack and waiting patiently for the door to open.

After a few moments, the door is opened and surveying the willowy Elf before him, Galdor asks plainly, "ArchDruid Fitheach?"

 

Galdor Waits at the Door

Fitheach nods and looks quizzical. “Amin sinta lle?” (Do I know you?)

Upon receiving confirmation, he silently passes her a scroll, a smile touching his lips as he addresses her in the elven tongue and delivers greetings from Elbereth Elentari.

“Quel undome, Hiril vuin. Mae l’ovannen!” (Good evening, my lady. Well met.)

Fitheach regards him with surprise and replies “Creoso a'baramin (Welcome to my dwelling) Lle anta amin tu? (Do you need help?) Mani naa tanya nat'? (What is that thing)?”

Galdor points to the scroll. “Melda Heri Elbereth ( Beloved lady Elebreth) sent you that. Please read it.”

Fit stares at him in wonder. “Mani ume lle quena? (What did you say?) Elbereth? Elbereth of the Valar? Elenion Ancalima (Brightest of Stars)?”

Archdruid Fitheach Holds the Scroll

 Galdor nods and turns as if to go.

Fitheach steps back from the door and gestures, “Tolo anin naur (Come near the fire)”

He politely refuses her invitation to enter and rest, citing the urgency of his task as his reason, but he does request of her directions to the Forester Can.

The archdruid considers and points towards the northwest; “Can is in the forest by the river right now.”

Listening carefully, he nods in understanding and departs soon afterwards.

Fitheach watches him run nimbly away still confused, but calls after him: “Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel I Vala tielyanna nu vilya.” (May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky)

Fit looks at the scroll gleaming in her hand and wonders what it might contain. She carries it over to the desk and carefully unrolls it near the candles.

 

Fit Reads the Scroll

She reads the message over carefully, and sits staring at the words. The Valar have evidently decided to interest themselves in Middle Earth again when all had thought they were long gone; it was disturbing and exciting. The proposal was disturbing as well. Although all on Taibreamh had managed to live peacefully together this was not always true of the rest of the River Lands. Yet Elbereth was suggesting that all races form a council to rule the lands together. It would require an unheard of degree of cooperation.

“…and yet, a new formation and conferral of power and authority is necessary in order to connect the various races in the different parts of these regions.”

“Thranduil, Woodland King of Mirkwood, will also been informed. It is in my knowledge that the Elven King shall play a vital part in an alliance among the races of these Lands.”

“The peace and safety of your folk lay in your hands, Fitheach.”

And Thranduil…what involvement would the elven king have? He was as remote as the Valar in her experience, though word had reached Taibreamh of his generous reception of the elves that had fled to him after the fires.

Fit’s mind was in turmoil and she headed out immediately to the peace of the Lady’s grove to gather her thoughts and seek a direction. She stood silently in front of the statue of the Lady balancing the sun and the moon and considered the opposition of dark and light it represented.

 

The Lady with the Sun and Moon in Balance

Suddenly she was moved to stand before the scrying basin in the grove. It was magic she seldom called on, though it lay in the water and was within her province.

Staring into the surface of the clear water, she strove to steady her thoughts and slowly an image formed in the basin. A round table came into view and seated around it were peoples of all the races in the River Lands. They appeared to be talking reasonably, nodding to each other in agreement. Was this the future of the council?

 

The Vision in the Scrying Basin

The path was clear, they must join together and the sooner the better. Fit turned and ran from the grove to find Can and make plans.

Winter's First Day on His Farm in Bree

The light of early morn blossomed slowly from the eastern horizon. Winter lay on top of the blankets of his bed still in his pants and shirt from the evening before.

Yesterday was a long day of moving into his new home, a beautiful farm located in the western district of Brandyfields known as Bree.

Waking up at the New Farm

As the light crept into Winter's bedroom he opened his eyes, rolled over on his back and stared up at the ceiling. The sunlight reflected through the lead glass windows and onto the hay ceiling above casting a warm orange glow.

"It is time to get up" Winter said as he turned back onto his stomach, dropped his leg off the side of the bed and reluctantly pulled himself up to stand on his feet.

The fire was still burning, though down to a few well toasted chunks of wood, next to his bedside. "A good thing you stayed burning" Winter said "I felt a nip in the air when I went to bed last night. Oh so very tired, I'm still in my evening wear". Winter looked down at his disheveled green shirt "Still, not bad for sleeping in, those elven folk sure know how to sew a fine garment" he said.

Winter walked into the sitting room and glanced up at a portrait on his wall by the fireplace. A beautiful maiden in a long flowing gown looked down at him. "And how is milady this morning" Winter said bowing slightly to the painting. Winter stepped over to the cupboard took something from a jar and placed it into his pocket. "It is time to inspect the grounds I think milady" he said as he turned, stepped toward the door and with a gentle pull to open it, walked out into the front yard.

A set of waterfalls to the left glowed green in the early morning sunrise and a sorrowful call of a bird could be heard coming from nearby.

Winter stepped out into the grassy field in front of his farm and breathed in the cool morning air. Winter could feel the moist dew soaking through his pants to his legs as he walked around the cottage and into the back yard.

He stopped for a moment to pick one of the ripe red strawberries from a plant in his new garden. He took the walnut sized berry to his lips and bit into it. The crisp sweet flesh of the fruit told him that it would be soon time to harvest his garden. "A delight fit for a King" Winter said aloud as he munched down the berry.

 

Winter Tries the Strawberries

He glanced up at the roof of the barn toward a fluttering noise and saw a number of pigeons rustling about. He walked to the right, past a couple fences and a chicken coop "eggs this morn?" Winter asked the chickens. He reached down under a nearby hen and plucked two warm eggs from under its feathers. "Ah yes, good" he said.

He gently tucked the eggs into his pouch and continued his walk toward another fence. He came to a stop at a small pasture enclosing his cows and sheep. "Will I have fresh milk for my morgen-mete?" he asked his milking cows. The fine beasts mooed in unified response as if to say "Yes sir". "Good" Winter said "I will tend to you after my walk".

"I have not forgotten you" Winter said as he heard a neighing from a sleek black gelding. Winter reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of sugar cane and gave it to the horse. "Do not tell the vicar he will call such indulgence a sin for sure" Winter chuckled "in that case, here is a second piece for you".

 

Winter Tends to the Horse

The sun was rising quickly, already bright and white above the Sunset Inn Tavern and the sounds of commerce could be heard coming from the docks. "It is time to get my meal and get on with this day" Winter said as he made his way back toward his dairy cows. "I do love this farm I have chosen here in Bree" he said as he went on with his day.

Sheep May Safely Graze

The shadows were lengthening towards dusk as Fitheach walked slowly back towards home. It had been a long day settling the last of the refugees from the Citadel into the rooms above the tavern. There were seldom visitors since few succeeded in penetrating the mists that protected Taibreamh. Only a few desperate souls had dared the mists that had obscured the bridge to Taibreamh from the Citadel but all of them had been allowed to find their way as if the land understood their need. A number of wild and domestic animals had crossed as well but animals had never been stopped by the mists. Now all of the newcomers were settled, either in one of the abandoned houses or above the shops or tavern in the rooms there. Even the solitary sorceress had taken in the lone female warrior who had fled the guard unit stationed in the citadel after becoming separated from her fellow soldiers.

The Sheep Regarded the Unicorns with Distrust

Fit headed towards the Lady’s grove, she needed the peace after the hectic days now behind her. A sylph flitted up quickly and whispered, “Lady there are those needing your help in the grove”. Fitheach quickened her steps, just now beginning to hear soft bleating sounds ahead. As she entered the grove she saw four sheep wandering about and regarding the unicorns and the wolf with distrust. With a quick pat for her wolf friend, Fit approached the sheep slowly, seeing that one had a scorched coat and was limping. Laying her hand on its head she felt the pain from the wrenched leg and slid her hand along it trailing a blue-green healing mist and moving it back into place gently. The sheep sighed and nuzzled her hand, all pain gone.

Healing the Sheep

Then soft whimpers made her turn towards the Lady’s well and she saw the dog lying there panting; its eyes glazed with pain. The sylph fluttered ahead and looked back at her beseechingly: “He is badly burned and has laid here for two days with no food, my lady. I just found him a little while ago. Please help him.” Fit crossed quickly and sat on the ground next to the dog. “I see you have escaped from the fires in the Riverlands, my friend. Let me see if I can ease your pain.”

The Dog is Healed

Fit rummages in her bag for her small bowl of silver and dipped it into the well to fill it with the clear water. Bowing her head to the statue that guarded the small well, she murmured thanks. Fit set the bowl of water on the ground between her and the dog and began to breathe deeply, concentrating on the water in the bowl. Slowly a blue-green mist formed above the bowl and began to swirl about, rising and spreading to slowly cover the dog from nose to tail. This mist began to glow and pulse and the dog let out a sigh and rested its head on its paws; the whimpering ceased. Fit allowed the mist to fade slowly and ran her hands over the dog to be sure all burns were healed. 

He raised his head and licked her hands, thumping his tail on the ground. Fit sat back, a bit lightheaded after the exertion and pulled some lembas and jerky from her pouch; eating the lembas, she placed the jerky in front of the dog who gobbled it immediately. “I see you are better, my friend, I will send your sylph friend with more food. Rest here until you feel like moving, nothing can harm you in this place. You and your ovine friends may stay until we find your home. Surely someone is missing you.“

The Peace of the Lady's Grove

The Invitation

Elbereth Elentari paused in her writing, a bright smile lighting her face as Galdor of the Trees appeared before her.

'Alla, melda Heri (Hail, beloved Lady), you have need of me?', he questioned expectantly.

Elbereth motioned towards a group of rolled scrolls, shimmering with her magical seal, an elven blessing, in the middle of the table, 'Alatulya, thalionen (Welcome, my champion), your presence is always a joy!'

Galdor felt his heart grow warm and bowed his head slightly, not trusting his voice to reply.

A Unifying Message

The Maia smiled again and rose from her chair, rolling the last parchment to a scroll and gliding her hand along the roll, sealing it instantaneously. She gathered the three scrolls and handed them gently to Galdor.

'I desire you to undertake a journey to our neighbouring regions. You must make haste and if possible return to Lothloriel before the next full moon.' Elbereth lay her hand on his arm, her eyes seeking his, brevity in her tone, 'I bid you go seek the ArchDruid Fitheach in Tailbreamh. The magical wards that surround the Land shall not restrain your entry,' she gestured to the topmost scroll, 'deliver this scroll to her. Then ask the ArchDruidess to guide you to the human forester Can, he is never far from her side. This second message is for him.'

Elbereth Reaches Out

She paused and her eyes sped over the tree tops and hills in the direction where Tailbreamh lay shrouded in mist. Elbereth continued in a satisfied voice, 'Lastly, there are now Dwarves residing in those lands. Perhaps Can will be able to direct you to them. I want them to receive the third scroll.'

Galdor nodded and as she removed her hand, he placed the scrolls carefully in his backpack. When he returned his gaze to hers, he felt his curiosity get the better of him...

'My Lady, I shall gladly do your bidding and leave at once for Tailbreamh, returning only when I have delivered each message to its rightful owner,' his eyes fell on the remaining scroll on the table, 'but who is the recipient of the final scroll?'

Elbereth gathered up the roll to display the name on it to Galdor. 'This missive is destined for the healing hands of ArchDruidess Fiesty... she resides in the Shire. I have requested that Landroval, our mighty Eagle friend, should deliver it across the waves to where the Hobbits live.'

Galdor smiled inwardly. Without the extra journey to the Shire, he planned in all speed to return to Lothloriel in half the expected time.

As Elbereth wished him safe path, he turned to leave, his voice quiet and serious as he thanked her for the blessing, 'Le hannon, Shining Star. I shall complete my errand and return forthwith. Each day apart from your warmth and grace is a lost one for me!'

Galdor Heads for Taibreamh

'Mára mesta, Ben Eru (Good journey, may Eru protect you),' Elbereth's expression became tender as she watched him depart, before turning to go seek the mighty Eagles in their eyrie.

The Carpet Seller has a Bad Day

Fiesty's Goode Foode

Fiesty Lotus: Ahh, Greetins Fae Talia

Talia.Sunsong  hums off-tune. Fae Talia lands in the market. "Greetings."

Talia.Sunsong wanders next to rugs, and begins picking at loose thread.

Fiesty Lotus: How you been Fae Talia?

Talia.Sunsong: “Starving! “(looks at food laid out)

Fiesty Lotus: “Ahh, Fae Talia, you did say you were bringin me some new seeds?”

Talia.Sunsongs hand sneaks towards crumbs that fell off plate.

Fiesty Lotus: “Yer kin have some samples.”

Talia.Sunsong “Thanks!" Talia immediately dives into the samples and eats with gusto.

After consuming the smaller samples, she looks at the full portions with lust.

Talia.Sunsong: "Seeds for more food? Certainly."

Talia.Sunsong digs through her skirts for seeds.

Talia.Sunsong finds a long red pointy object with one bite taken out of it.

Fiesty Lotus looks at the object.

Fiesty Lotus: “What be that?”

Talia.Sunsong holds it out to Fiesty "this came from the Fairylands. I only took one bite and it has seeds inside. It's red like the tommy toes and some people use it with tommy toes sauce."

Fiesty Lotus reaches out and takes it.

Fiesty Lotus stares inside it.

Fiesty Lotus: “Is it poisonous?”

Talia.Sunsong: "I haven't died eating it, but boy it was spicy hot."

Fiesty Lotus: “Spicy huh.”

Talia.Sunsong: "It adds a kick to food."

Fiesty Lotus nibbles an uneaten part of it.

Fiesty Lotus face flames and she grabs the cup of mead, drinking it in gulps.

Talia.Sunsong: "you can mix it in small portions for a little spicy taste."

Talia.Sunsong: "Your face looks funny."

Talia.Sunsong: "Won't a little Hobbit like you get drunk drinking all that mead quickly?"

Fiesty Lotus shakes her head and then tries a bit of toast from the drumstick samples.

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh, better. Yes that is hot.”

Talia.Sunsong: "See, it's invigorating."

Fiesty Lotus: “Dunno about that. I will see what I kin make of it. That pepper in Tomtoes sauce yer say…”

Fiesty Lotus: “Hmm- I could mix in some minced meat. It might be alright at that.”

Talia.Sunsong nods her head vigorously "Your customers will love it. Gets the circulation going."

Talia.Sunsongs hand drifts towards the food.

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, why don't yer bring me more next time and I will experiment.”

Talia.Sunsong: "It's a deal, then! Now what food shall I eat?"

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh and here's a plate of Baklava and a fruit tart fer your efferts.”

Fiesty's Baklava

Talia.Sunsong: "Sweet foods, my favorite!"

Talia.Sunsong: eagerly holds out hands to receive plate of food.

Talia.Sunsong nibbles on a corner of honey-cake.

Talia.Sunsong: "This is delicious backy lava"

Fiesty Lotus: “I think this should fix yer up fer now.”

Talia.Sunsong: "I have an endless gullet."

Fiesty Lotus: “Yes.”

Talia.Sunsong licks cream in fruit tart and starts giggling.

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh no- I forgot about that.”

Talia.Sunsong: sings "I'm a Fae and trouble is my middle name."

Fiesty Lotus looks around to see what damage could be done.

Talia.Sunsong: "I can make a flying carpet!"

Talia.Sunson stumbles over to the carpet seller.

Daniella The Carpet Seller

Fiesty Lotus moans “Oh no!”

Talia.Sunsong:  "See if I tie this carpet around me, and flap my wings...instant flying carpet."

Fiesty Lotus: “Fae Talia- we have wronged that lady enough I believe.”

Talia.Sunsong:  "No, no, no not wronging, making carpet into magical flying carpet." She grabs the carpet from the basket.

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “No Miss, please don’t.”

Talia.Sunsong: "Ohhhhhhhh, It won't hurt a thing."

Daniella the Carpet-seller reaches out for her carpet.

Talia.Sunsong tries to wrap carpet around her waist "I need rope!"

Talia Wraps the Carpet Around Herself

Fiesty Lotus shakes her head.

Talia.Sunsong: "This carpet will fall off unless I have rope or a ribbon. Do you have a ribbon, Lady Fiesty?"

Fiesty Lotus: “Nope.”

Talia.Sunsong: "I'll just hold the carpet and fly then."  She grabs hold of the carpet at each end while trying to dodge carpet-seller reaching for the carpet.

Fiesty Lotus stuffs the hair ribbon she was wearing in her pouch

Talia.Sunsong: "There's rope holding your awning onto your market stall. I could use that."

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “Oh no Miss. That is a good carpet!”

Fiesty Lotus: “Stop this Fae Talia.”

Fiesty Lotus: “You are destroying this good carpet-sellers stall!”

Talia.Sunsong flaps her wings "Up, up and away!"

Talia.Sunsong rises a few feet in the air, the carpet unrolling.

Fiesty Lotus watches as the Fae bounds around, not getting far up.

Talia.Sunsong: "See magic flying carpet!"

Fiesty Lotus: “I do think that carpet ain't enchanted.”

Talia.Sunsong flies, not noticing the carpet gets snagged on a dock board.

Talia Tries to Fly with the Carpet

Fiesty Lotus giggles.

Daniella the Carpet-seller looks steamed.

Talia.Sunsong flys forward and she is suddenly tugged downwards.  "Hey!"

Talia.Sunsong hits the water with a fairy splash.

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh no- now the carpets soaked!”

Talia.Sunsong streams water, then she flies with a wobble of wet wings out of the water.

Fiesty finally remembers, too late, that the carpet-seller is a member of a local pirate gang.

Daniella the Carpet-seller: growls deep in her throat and pulls out her pirate knife.

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “You give me back me carpet ya hear!”

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “Or I will slash yer eyeballs!”

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “That is my carpet!”

Talia.Sunsong: drapes the sopping wet carpet over the stall's side board. "There, no harm done."

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “Ha- the sea is salty and smelly!”

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “That carpet is ruined.”

Talia.Sunsong picks a flower and rubs it onto the wet carpet "This will make it smell better.”

Daniella the Carpet-seller: ”I want me 8 silver fer it!”

Fiesty Lotus sighs.

Fiesty Lotus: “Fae Talia- can you magic out the smell?”

Talia.Sunsong digs in her skirt pockets "I have another red spicy plant." She holds it out to carpet seller.

Daniella the Carpet-seller glares at Fae.

Fiesty Lotus sighs again.

Talia.Sunsong: "Welll, let me get a wand" searches thru her skirts and pulls out a wooden wand "Willow tree wood is good."

Talia.Sunsong holds the wand over the carpet "Magic flying carpet let the winds blow you clean."

Nothing happens.

Talia.Sunsong shakes the wand.

Fiesty Lotus: “I thought yer magic got better Fae Talia!”

Talia.Sunsong: "Winds, pass thru the magic flying carpet."

Daniella the Carpet-seller keeps glaring at the Fae.

A few sparks shoot out the end of the wand and land on the carpet. One corner rises up in the wind. It dries, free of salt.

Talia.Sunsong shakes the wand again, a few more sparks fly. The rest of the carpet rises in the wind and dries.

Talia.Sunsong: "There! All Better!"

The Clean Carpet

The carpet floats in the wind, and starts drifting off, like a balloon.

Daniella the Carpet-seller grabs the carpet.

Daniella the Carpet-seller stares suspiciously at the carpet. She sniffs the carpet.

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “It smells like rose petals!”

Talia.Sunsong: "Well, since it' okay now, I should go." she says as she eyes carpet seller.

Talia.Sunsong backs away slowly.

Daniella the Carpet-seller stares at the Fae.

Talia.Sunsong: "No extra charge for the cleaning and rose petal smell."

Talia.Sunsong: backs away some more.

Daniella the Carpet-seller: “I don't know how you did this?”

Talia.Sunsong: "Magic!"

Talia.Sunsong tries to hide behind Fiesty.

Daniella the Carpet-seller looks at the carpet and realizes that she can sell it for twice the amount now.

Talia.Sunsong: "Time to go help in the Fae garden! Bye!"

 Daniella the Carpet-seller: eyes the Fae, "You know, you and I might be able to work something out.”

Talia.Sunsong hurries away in case the carpet seller gets mad again and gets out her knife.

Fiesty Lotus turns and grins at the Fae.

Fiesty Lotus waves.