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.

Fiesty and Talia Tease the Carper Seller

Fiesty.Lotus: “So Daniella, How ya doin?”

Daniella the Carpet Seller: “I am fine, small Hobbit.”

Fiesty.Lotus:  “I was wonderin if yer got any fancy rugs?”

Daniella the Carpet Seller: “I have many fine carpets mam.”

Talia Sunsong: “Do you sell Fae carpets?”

Fiesty.Lotus touches the topmost rug and turns to see Fae Talia.

Fiesty.Lotus: “Oh, Greetins Fae Talia.”

Talia Sunsong:  “Greetings Cook Fiesty.”

Fiesty.Lotus: “These rugs are kinda nice- but some seem ter be a little frayed.”

Daniella the Carpet Seller: “They are the finest rugs around.”

Talia Sunsong: “These are pretty rugs. (picks at thread)  What happens if I pull this thread?”

Daniella Carpet Seller looks terrified.

Daniella the Carpet Seller: “Oh no Lady - do not do that!”

Fiesty and TaliaTease the Carpet Seller

Talia Sunsong: “Why?” (Tugs a little on thread)

The rug begins unraveling.

Talia Sunsong: “Oh see it unravels. It must be built wrong.” (pulls on thread more)

Daniella the Carpet Seller: “No, No do not do that!”

Daniella the Carpet Seller panics and grabs the rug.

Talia Sunsong: “Hmmmm well I won't make that rug into a flying carpet.”

The rug unravels more and more.

Talia Sunsong holds end of thread. "Maybe I could use this to make a new skirt?”

Daniella the Carpet Seller grabs the rug and tries to yank it from the Fae's hands.

Fiesty Lotus: “You could probably do that - but it might be a bit of work.”

Talia Sunsong: "This needs fixed. Do you have pine sap? That could glue it." (Looks for pine tree)

Unraveling the Carpet

Fiesty.Lotus: “Oh Fae Talia, at me stall, um, I got some more of that honey cake.”

Talia Sunsong: "I'll stick pine sap in the rug to keep the thread in."

Fiesty.Lotus: “At me stall….”

Talia Sunsong: "Honey cake? Yumm."

Fiesty.Lotus: “I think we should let this fine Carpet Seller fix the carpet.”

Talia Sunsong wanders over to the food.

Fiesty.Lotus smiles at Daniella.

Fiesty.Lotus: “I will get me carpet later.”

Talia Sunsong: sings "Food, food, glorious food."

Daniella the Carpet Seller stands twitching, holding the carpet.

Fiesty.Lotus: “Oh yes, I made a batch of Baklava fer you.”

Talia Sunsong: "Oh goody, goody, goody!" (moves closer)

Fiesty.Lotus pulls the plate - oozing with honey toward Fae Talia.

Talia Sunsong holds out hands eagerly.

Talia Sunsong: "Look at that golden honey."

Fiesty.Lotus: “Yes- Shire bees are very happy- they live on lavender and barley flowers.”

Talia Sunsong: “Lavender honey, oh, it will calm me.”

Fiesty.Lotus eyes glow at the thought.

Talia Sunsong: “Lavender matches my hair stick.”

Fiesty.Lotus: “Yes- That is true.”

Talia Sunsong: (preens hair, pushing flowering stick deeper into the thick hair)

Talia.Sunsong: "The birds are still landing on my hair."

Fiesty Lotus: “Hmm, Well - they trust you then.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Though the remainder may be a little sticky.”

Talia.Sunsong: "True, I don't eat them like the cats do. Although I do admire cat philosophy, sleep, eat play."

Talia.Sunsong: "I live by that credo."

Winter Gets his Farm

The air was crisp and the morning light just filtering over the Brandy Mountains as Fiesty sat on a cart filled to bursting with supplies to take to Bree. Berilac fussed with his list as his assistants scurried about filling the cart. He checked another item. “Now we got most of it, there be the syrup fer the bakery and some corn mash fer the Tavern. Berilac eyed the cart and says to an assistant “Did you get those seeds that Anny May asked for?” The boy answered “Yessir,” and went off to get the last item.

Fiesty sat patiently through all the bustle, waiting for Winter Silversmith to arrive. Her eyes got big as she realized that the boy was bringing a rocking chair to pile on the great pile. She murmured “Hope the poor pony don’t have a heart attack.”

Fiesty and Winter Begin the Journey

Berilac nodded at the chair and made a final check. “Now Druid Fiesty, you take care of these goods, slow down on the curves and get someone to rub the pony down when yer get there.” Fiesty’s lip twitched but she answered “I surely will Berilac.”

Presently Winter Silversmith arrived, leading his horse toward the mountain pass.

Fiesty Lotus: “Greetins Winter”

Winter Silversmith: “Greetings Fiesty.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Yer ready fer the trip?”

Winter Silversmith: “I am”

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, Berilac- Is everything all ready?”

Berilac: “Yes Druid Fiesty. Everything is in order.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, let's get started then. Daylight is a comin.”

Winter Silversmith:” Aye yes, lead the way.”

Fiesty, Lord Silversmith and Berilac’s assistant travel the mountain path and leave the boy in the town of Bree to empty the cart. Druid Fiesty and Lord Silversmith then walked a short way to Farmer Maggot’s Farm.

Fiesty and Winter Meet Farmer Maggot

Farmer Maggot: “Greetings Druid Fiesty. Good to see you again.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Greetings to you Farmer Maggot. You are looking well.”

Farmer Maggot: “I am that Druid Fiesty.”

Farmer Maggot looks at the stranger.

Winter Silversmith nods to the farmer and looks at Fiesty

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh yes Farmer Maggot, this be my friend Lord Winter Silversmith.”

Farmer Maggot: “Good to meet you sir.”

Winter Silversmith: “And you sir.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Lord Winter is looking for farmland.”

Farmer Maggot: “Oh?  I am looking to sell me farm.”

Winter Silversmith: “Then I have come to the right place.”

Winter Silversmith:” Yes, I am homeless after the fires in the Shadowlands.”

Farmer Maggot: “Homeless yer say?”

Farmer Maggot: “Well.” Farmer Maggot scratches his beard.

Farmer Maggot looks closely at the stranger and sees a well-dressed gentleman.

Winter Silversmith: “How much would you be wanting for this farm?”

Farmer Maggot: “I ain't got around to figuring that out yet. I been hankering on going traveling with my son before I get too old.”

Winter Silversmith: “Travel is good; I have done much of that in my near century now.”

Farmer Maggot:” I kin show you around if you like?”

Winter Silversmith: “Sure I would like that”.

Farmer Maggot: “Alright I will show you the barn.”

Winter Silversmith:” Lead on.”

The three, followed by the hound, walk around the house to a great barn.

Checking Out the Barn

Farmer Maggot: “Here is the barn, tackle, the works.”

Winter Silversmith ponders as he looks at the supplies.

Winter Silversmith:” It is a decent barn you have here Farmer.”

Farmer Maggot: “Yes, my friends helped me raise it.”

Winter Silversmith: “Solid foundation.”

Farmer Maggot: “I got good fields and several work horses, 5 cows and a batch of chickens.”

Winter Silversmith: “And are any of the cows good for milking?”

Farmer Maggot: “Two are good; one has a calf on the way.”

Winter Silversmith:  “Ah excellent.”

Winter Silversmith:  “I do like fresh milk with my breakfast.”

 Farmer Maggot looks a little nervous, "Like I said, I ain't added it up yet...”

Fiesty Lotus smiles encouragingly at the farmer.

Winter Silversmith: Well, the land could use some working and the grass needs a trim but it is a nice spot here.

Farmer Maggot: “The fields are good - I got a few in rotation.”

Winter Silversmith: “I love the longer seasons here.”

Farmer Maggot: “Yes, perfect for two seasons of greens.”

Winter Silversmith: “Well it is a nice farm indeed I am willing to pay its worth today.”

Farmer Maggot:”Ah!” Farmer Maggot looks startled.  “What would that be?”

Winter Silversmith reaches inside his coat pocket.

Winter Silversmith:” I have this letter here. It should be a fair offering for the land and all that is here.”

Winter Silversmith hands the letter to the farmer.

Farmer Maggot takes the letter and reads it.

Farmer Maggot’s mouth falls open as he stares at the amount.

Winter Silversmith:” Is that a fair offering Farmer?”

Farmer Maggot silently gives the letter to Druid Fiesty.

Winter Silversmith: “Like I said I need a home and this one is perfect.”

Fiesty Lotus reads the letter and checks the seal. Her eyes go wide.

Fiesty Lotus:” This be a real letter of exchange Farmer Maggot - I will vouch for the seal.”

The Deal is Done

Winter Silversmith: “I am not really one for haggling on value.”

Farmer Maggot: “Are you sure that sum is what you want to give me?”

Winter Silversmith: “Aye, it should be enough; I was told it would suffice.”

Farmer Maggot: wordlessly retrieves the letter from Druid Fiesty and stutters. "This should be enough."

Winter Silversmith: “Good, how long till I can move in?”

Winter Silversmith glances around the farm noting the various livestock and buildings

Winter Silversmith: “Hmm yes.”

Farmer Maggot: smiles widely." I kin be gone by next week. All I need to do is pack my things."

Winter Silversmith: “Then next week it is. Do we have a deal then for your farm?”

Farmer Maggot: “Aye we do, as Druid Fiesty vouches for the letter. I will shake on it.”

Winter Silversmith raises his hand to the Farmer to shake upon the deal.

Farmer Maggot shakes Winter Silversmith's hand

Winter Silversmith: Then so it be done.

Winter Silversmith smiles.

Fiesty Lotus smiles. "Shall we go Lord Winter?"

Winter Silversmith: “Yes it is a good time for ale I think.”

Samhain 2016 in the New River Lands

The Druids Begin the Ceremony

Special Magic: and tis good to see you Saphira and Can tis good to see you too

Winter Silversmith: I'll stand over there by the water

Fiesty Lotus: Greetins Fae Talia

Fitheach Eun: Bright blessings

Saphira Mistwalker hisses in Draconic, "Tiichia Erthnetorai Sulta", "Blessed Samhain."

Fiesty Lotus shivers

Talia.Sunsong: looks for polka dotted skin on Lady Saph

Fitheach Eun looks around and smiles at all our friends

Can Wobbit: says quietly "Blessed Samhain"

Fiesty Lotus: well, shall we begin?

 

Archdruid Fiesty

Fiesty Lotus: This is the night when the gateway between

our world and the spirit world is thinnest.

Tonight is a night to call out those who came before.

Tonight we honor our ancestors

Fitheach Eun: The past must be cleansed away, For the future to start

The veil is at its thinnest

We walk between the worlds; let us beseech the elements to walk with us

Fiesty Lotus turns to North

I honor and welcome the Earth with an offering of ground wheat

Talia.Sunsong: Hail and be welcome

Fiesty Lotus scatters the ground wheat on the earth

Earth, that stands beneath our feet, accept our offering!

You grow all around us, you tower above us.

Spirits of the Earth, we offer you this gift from what you have given us

Share with us comfort, knowledge and blessing.

Stand together with us and help us be strong

Archdruid Fitheach

Fitheach Eun turns to the west

I honor and welcome Water with an offering of cider

Fitheach Eun pours the cider onto the ground

Water that flows and streams beneath all beings accept our offering!

You bring life and growth to all that lives

Spirits of the Waters, we offer you this gift from what you have given us

Let us know the depths within ourselves; the source of all wisdom

Stand together with us and flow within us!

Talia.Sunsong: Hail Water and be welcome

Ambassador Saphira

Fiesty Lotus turns to the South

I honor and welcome Fire with an offering of ash

Fiesty Lotus scatters the ash

Fire that consumes and transforms; accept our offering!

You bring the light and warmth of all who have gone before

Spirits of the Fire we offer you this gift from what you have given us

Let your flames warm our spirits and our lives.

Stand with us and burn within us!

Fae Talia

Fitheach Eun turns to the East

I honor and welcome air with an offering of feathers

Fitheach Eun fans the air with the feathers

Air that gives us breath and spirit; accept our offering!

Carrier of visions; supporter of all life

Spirits of the Air we offer you this gift from what you have given us

Let your pure winds swirl and eddy around us

Stand with us and carry us up!

Forester Can

Fiesty Lotus: "This is the night when the gateway between

our world and the spirit world is thinnest.

Tonight is a night to call out those who came before.

Tonight we honor our ancestors.

Spirits of our fathers and mothers, I call to you, and welcome you to join me for this night.

Fiesty Lotus: You watch over us always, protecting and guiding us.

Tonight we thank you.

Your blood runs our our veins,

your spirit is in our hearts,

and your memories are in our soul.

Special Magic of Eire

"Tonight we celebrate Samhain.

It is the end of the harvest, the last days of summer,

and the cold nights wait on the other side for us.

The bounty of our labor, the abundance of the harvest,

the success of the hunt, all lies before us.

We thank the earth for all it has given us this season,

and yet we look forward to winter,

a time of sacred darkness

Fiesty Lotus sprinkles the rich ceremonial wine

Summer is gone, winter is coming. We have cared for our friends and neighbors and have welcomed all good creatures into our community,

We have gathered everyone here to be thankful for our bounty and to welcome the regeneration of the earth. We have gathered the harvest. Now it is at its end.

Fitheach Eun takes her wine and sprinkles it on the ground

Summer is gone, winter is coming. We have raised our livestock and tended the creatures in our care

We have tended our herbs and made our potions.  Now it is at its end.

Fiesty Lotus sprinkles the rich ceremonial wine

Summer is gone, winter is coming. We have planted and we have watched the garden grow, we have weeded, and we have gathered the harvest. Now it is at its end.

Fitheach Eun sprinkles the rich ceremonial wine 

Summer is gone, winter is coming. We have planned and built our homes.

We have enjoyed all the changes of the seasons of growing. Now it is at its end

The Ceremony

Fitheach Eun: Now is the time for individual offerings, if there are any among us who would like to make a contribution, be it prayer, song, poem, or story, you may do this now.

Talia.Sunsong: May all here achieve their dreams with ease.

Can Wobbit: takes a slow step forwards

Can Wobbit: I ask you all that are gathered here at the day where the veil is thinnest to bend your thoughts towards the other side, and send greetings to all those who have left us this year, in whatever world this has been

Fiesty Lotus nods

Fitheach Eun nods slowly

Can Wobbit: steps back again

Talia.Sunsong: bends thoughts as Can asks

Fitheach Eun: Would anyone else care to speak?

Fitheach Eun: Please take a torch if you do not have one

Fitheach Eun lights her torch from the fire

The time of light is ending; the time of darkness begins now.

The fire that has sustained us through the light cannot hold against the dark to come

 

Fires on the Altar

Fitheach Eun: We honor the fire of the seasons past and light our torches from it to brighten our way in the dark days.

Fitheach Eun: Please light your torches from this sacred fire

Fitheach Eun extinguishes the old fire

Fitheach Eun uses the torch to light the new fire

Can Wobbit: lights his torch

Talia.Sunsong: flits forward and sticks her torch in the new fire

Fitheach Eun: Let us kindle a new flame to see us through until the light comes again.

Saphira Mistwalker touches her torch to the fire and smiles as it springs alight

Drum Circle After the Ceremony

Fitheach Eun looks around at all gathered and smiles

The circle is closed; the season of light has ended and the dark holds sway.

Go all in peace and light until we meet again.

Talia.Sunsong: Peace and light

Special Magic: smiles "Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this festival I have not been included in anything of this sort since 2012  so Thank you for this!"

Saphira Mistwalker: Tiichia Qe (Blessed Be)

Fiesty Lotus: Blessed Be

Fitheach Eun: We were most glad to have you here Special

Fitheach Eun: Bright Blessings

Can Wobbit: bows slightly and thanks the druids for this lovely ceremony

Fiesty Lotus: Thank you for your memorial Can

Talia.Sunsong: plays with pretty torch and almost sets her hat on fire

Fitheach Eun: We hope to see you all again for Yule