A Scroll for the Dwarfs

Dwarf Elder Maewil

Maewil stalked down the long ramp from the dwarf hall determinedly. “Sometime these constant arguments get to be too much”, she grumbled. “I need some fresh air and a better perspective.” Maewil wondered again if joining the group building a new dwarf home in Taibreamh was really the right decision. She had been tired of being squeezed into their old home and frustrated at the lack of occupation caused by the dwindling supply of ore and jewels from the played out mines there. The thought of breaking new ground and perhaps finding new sources of raw materials excited her. Being a master jeweler, she craved fine materials to craft into even finer products.

Fine Crystals for Her Jewelry

The pioneering group of dwarfs that went to the new land at the invitation of Can the Forester of Taibreamh and Archdruid Fitheach hoped to uncover veins of precious metals and jewels in the mountains there and they had not been disappointed. It had cost them months of hard labor but they had opened new mines and built a fine hall and spacious living quarters for their small band. Much had been accomplished in a short time since most of the group were master miners, builders or crafters who came because they longed for more and better raw materials. However, Maewil mused, they were also still dwarfs and therefore quarrelsome. The general mood of grumpiness irritated her at times.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Once outside, she drew a deep breath and contemplated the rugged mountains all around her with delight. There must be much more to be found here over time. Suddenly she saw Forester Can, who often stopped in for a visit and a mug of ale climbing towards her. He smiled as he drew closer, “Lady Maewil; I am glad to find you outside; you have saved me many steps.” Can held out a glowing scroll, “Please take this and read it with the other dwarf elders; it comes from Elbereth of the elven Valar. She is proposing something you must consider. Thank you.”

Can declined her offer of a drink, “I received one of these as well and it gives me much to think about. I am off to the forests to consider how I feel about what is suggested. If you have any questions Archdruid Fitheach can answer them.” He strode off immediately leaving her with the scroll which she turned and carried back inside.

Reading the Scroll

Back in the hall Maewill spread the scroll out on a corner of the dining table and read it carefully. The contents so astonished her that she grabbed the scroll and ran to Bradni and Kadrim at the far end of the hall. “We must call the elders together and discuss this; this elven witch makes a strange proposal.” The two dwarfs who had started this migration looked at her in surprise. “What elven witch and what proposal?”, Bradni grumbled. Kadrim, more patient as always, reached for the scroll and read it himself. It says:

Bradni and Kadrim

“I encourage you to seek out the most respected Elders among your neighbours and convene together into a Council of sorts. The conception of a Unifying Council has also been submitted to ArchDruidess Fiesty of the Shire, Archdruidess Fitheach of Taibreamh and also Can Wobbit, Forester of Tailbreamh.”

Kadrim frowned, “But there is more”: “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.”

Kadrim exclaims: “This elven witch goes too far. Who is she anyway?” “Archdruid Fitheach has ever treated us with fair words and I would meet with her more than gladly but the Woodland King has not always been our friend. Why must he be involved? “

Bradni growls: “You are right Maewil; let us find the other elders and discuss this so we can send a response.”

Can Receives the Scrolls

Can crosses the border to Taibreamh in the dusk and is glad to be back home after being away for some weeks. He smells the well-known scent of the trees and the earth here, and smiles, taking  an even deeper breath.

He is heading for the castle and just crosses the birch forest north of it when he thinks to feel something strange near him. He stops ....  and without a sound, a dark shadow steps out and approaches Forester Can. He pauses an arm length away from the astounded human and holds out a glowing scroll to him.

The Mysterious Stranger Confronts Can

"Suilad, Can of Tailbreamh! I am Galdor of the Trees and I have been tasked to deliver this message to you from Elbereth Elentari, Keeper of Lothloriel."

"Suilad, milord elf" Can replies, and bows slightly. Then he stretches out his hand, taking the offered scroll curiously.

"And I have been asked to hand you a second scroll, which is meant to be given to the dwarfs you have given leave to dwell here at Taibreamh. I would ask you to pass that scroll over to them, when you see them next time?"

Can is about to ask the strange messenger to tell him more about this matter, but as silently as the elf approached, he turns and disappears out of sight.

The Two Scrolls

Can glances at the scroll and wonders what message this might be, that has been sent to him by Elbereth, of whom he had heard already by tales Fit told him.

After a minute, Can continues his way home, eager to read the scroll, and to discuss it with Fitheach.

The Troll

Fiesty Lotus trudges back toward the Brandy mountains.

Talia Sunsong lands on the soft carpet of grass. Rubbing her stomach, she walks towards market, singing "Food, glorious food!"

Talia Sunsong: "Greetings lil Hobbit cook! Why aren't you in market? I need to eat to keep my strength up."

Fiesty Lotus looks up to see the Fae. "Greetins Fae Talia."

Archdruid Fiesty and Fae Talia

Talia Sunsong looks for food in the Hobbit cook's hands. "No food?"

Fiesty Lotus: "Yes well, the food didn't arrive with me- I believe it had an accident."

Talia Sunsong: eyes go wide. "No! I'll starve."

Fiesty Lotus: “I think it fell off the cart in the mountain pass. So's I am going to retrieve it. You want ter come along?”

Talia Sunsong: "Oh Phoeey! How is a Fae supposed to have energy for all our hard work? I haven't pulled a prank all day."

Fiesty Lotus: I could use some help. Copper and the scouts are busy with their own business."

Talia Sunsong: "I must come along for my stomach's sake."

Talia Sunsong: "Help eating the food, I hope"

Fiesty Lotus smiles and nods. "This way.”

Fiesty Lotus points toward the mountains.

Talia Sunsong follows the Hobbit.

The Crate at Last!

After a while they encounter the Crate, with an added surprise.

Fiesty Lotus: “Hmm, there be my crate.”

Troll: "What this? It smell good."

Talia Sunsong: "Oh no, a big meanie sees the crate!"

Troll begins tearing into the crate

Talia Sunsong: "You, stop that! There are fae starving here."

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh no, I believe that's a Troll!”

Talia Sunsong: "Drat! Trolls are such trouble. They are big and dangerous."

Talia Sunsong: "He has a club too!"

The Troll

Troll gets the top off the crate and starts pulling out food.

Talia Sunsong stomach growls loudly

Talia Sunsong: "It smells good. What food is in there?"

Fiesty Lotus is nonplussed.  “Well, I guess we confront it.”

Talia Sunsong yells at the troll "At least throw some food to a starving fae!"

Fiesty Lotus sucks in her stomach and says "You, Troll, that be my crate of food!"

Talia Sunsong: "And some of it will be my food!"

Troll glances up but sees nothing to stop him.

Troll pulls out a chicken leg and takes a bite.

Fiesty Lotus starts marching up to the enormous beast.

Talia Sunsong: whispers "Maybe we can fool him"

Fiesty Lotus stops.

Fiesty Lotus: "Oh, how do yer think?"

Troll sucks on the chicken bone and dives in for something else.

Troll in the Crate of Food

Talia Sunsong: "We could tell him the food is poisoned or has bad magic on it."

Fiesty Lotus: “Yer think he would believe that?”

Talia Sunsong: "Ummm I could try to cast a spell to convince him.” She starts searching her skirts for a wand.

Fiesty Lotus: “No, no dear.”

Fiesty Lotus: I will try your strategy.

Talia Sunsong whispers: "No magic?

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, we should try your ideas first I think.”

Talia Sunsong  whispers "Ok"

Fiesty Lotus goes forward as far as she dares.

Talia Sunsong walks to stand beside Hobbit Fiesty.

Talia Sunsong: in an exaggerated tone "Ohhhh, poor Troll."

Fiesty Lotus: "You there, Troll, that there box of food is poisoned.”

Talia Sunsong: "I feel sorry for you, Mr. Troll."

Talia Sunsong: "Eating all that delicious poisoned food."

Talia Sunsong: "All by yourself."

Troll looks up and stares at the small creature. "Po-sin?

Troll: What is po-sin?

Talia Sunsong: nods her head vigorously "Poiiiiiisoneeddd."

Fiesty Lotus "It will kill you pretty quick ."

Talia Sunsong: "Po-sin is like when you drink the stagnant pond water"

Talia Sunsong: "It's like you gut feeling like a nasty unicorn tried to gore you there."

Troll: “Oh, that not bad. Me has a strong tummy."

Talia Sunsong: "You haven't eaten enough yet for the poison to take effect. If you eat more, it's...its very bad!"

Fiesty and Talia Confront the Troll

Fiesty Lotus sighs, "I suppose I could try some earth magic, he doesn't seem to be understanding."

Talia Sunsong: "Do whatever you need to do to save the food"

Troll waves the creatures away and reaches down for some cookies.

Talia Sunsong: "No not the cookies!"

Fiesty Lotus begins to chant. "Spirit of earth, aid me now, Send a swarm of bees to pester this Troll.’ She chants steadily for a while. Then a swarm of bees comes to attack the Troll.

Talia Sunsong: "Yay! It's working."

Troll looks around noticing the bees that are trying to sting him, he waves his hands.

The Troll is not unduly bothered by the bees, they have very thick hides.

Talia Sunsong: "See I told you the cookies are poisoned.....or attract bees."

Troll: Me hurt, but these little tings are good."

Talia Sunsong: "There are better cookies in the village jail."

Troll: “I no have jail.”

Troll: “What is jail?”

Talia Sunsong: "Phoeey it's not working, and I'm starved."

Talia Sunsong: "Jail is a nice place with free food and a bed and nice cozy bars around you."

Fiesty Lotus smiles to herself.

Troll: searches for more cookies.

Talia Sunsong: "Oh no, he'll eat all the cookies!"

Fiesty Lotus: “Oh Talia, this is unendurable…”

Talia Sunsong scrabbles for wand. "I have to use my magic to stop him."

Fiesty Lotus nods in resignation.

Talia Sunsong pulls a bent wand out of her skirts

Talia Sunsong: "I'll make him fly off."

Talia Sunsong tries to point the bent wand at the troll.

Talia Sunsong: "Magic wand, hear me now, give the troll wings to flee this town!"

Troll finds a fine big cookie in the box.

Talia Sunsong: sends a wave of magical energy down the bent wand. The tip fizzles, then glows blue. A bolt shoots out the end, hits the wall near the troll, bounces and hits the big cookie.

Troll watches as the cookie sprouts wings.

Then all the cookies sprout little wings.

Talia Sunsong: "Wings on the cookie? Nooooo it was supposed to be wings on the troll."

Troll tries to catch them as they fly around.

Troll grunts in anger as the cookies fly.

Talia Sunsong starts to reach for a cookie as it flies near her.

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, that is not so bad- he is distracted.”

Fiesty Lotus: “Maybe you could make the cookies go away?"

Troll is wildly trying to catch the flying cookies now.

Talia Sunsong: "Make the cookies go away. That is a tragedy." She eyes the scary troll. "The sacrifices I make."

Fiesty Lotus: “I do have some fruit tarts still in there and I will make you extra cookies for next time.”

Talia Sunsong: holds up her bent wand. "Cookies fly away from this town, far, far away."

Talia Sunsong’s wand fizzles and pops, then sends a stream of dust like a trail for the cookies to follow, away from town.

Talia Sunsong: "Extra cookies? Yay!"

Troll turns to see the cookies flying away from him. He lunges at them and then runs pell-mell after the wonderful things."

The Troll Chases the Flying Cookies

The winged cookies follow the magical trail towards the outskirts of town.

Talia Sunsong: "It's working! It's working."

Troll: ‘Ahh!” he screams as he runs up the mountain

Talia Sunsong: "The fruit tarts are saved."

Talia Sunsong: She digs eagerly in the crate for tarts.

Fiesty Lotus: Yes, they were close to the bottom.

Talia Sunsong: comes up with a handful of sticky tarts. "Yum, strawberry tarts," she said as she licked her fingers.

Fiesty Lotus: “Well, that worked out pretty well.”

Talia Sunsong: “How many extra cookies do I get?

Fiesty Lotus “We will see how many I have time for next week.”

Fiesty Lotus gathers all the goods into two sacks and they walk home in fairly good spirits.

Walking Home

tNRL Yule Ceremony

Fitheach Eun: We will begin shortly; is everyone ready?

Shawnesy Ettenmoor: fair day my lady Special

Fiesty Lotus: yes

Saphira Mistwalker: ((Aye, ready))

Special Magic: Aye

Talia.Sunsong: Fae Ready

Rik Sullivan: snorts

The Altar Ready for the Ceremony

Fitheach Eun: let us begin then

Fitheach Eun turns to face the altar and smiles at the visitors and her family

Fitheach Eun: Yule is the end of the solar year and the beginning

of the new one.

Traditionally, the end of the year is a time to look back and reflect. It is a time to look ahead to the future, to make plans and set goals.

In your heart choose a goal for the coming year.

Fiesty Lotus: Cold winds have blown away our fertile thoughts

Dark and silent nights have stilled our tongues

Snow and ice have cooled our minds

Fitheach Eun: Frozen earth has held our thoughts captive

Inspiration, return to us, as the sun returns!

As the sun grows in strength, so may the fire in our hearts!

Fiesty Lotus faces North and holds up the oak leaf

Fiesty Lotus: We call out to the Earth

You who support us

You who hold us

Who has nourished us and will in the end take us.

We ask that you hear us, your children

And show us the way.

We make an offering to you of the sacred Oak,

Tree of the druids

The stalwart and ever growing.

Fae Talia

Talia.Sunsong: turns to the east and holds the mistletoe

Talia.Sunsong: We call out to the Air

Weaver of the winds

Whose breath gives us life and sustains it

Bring the changing winds

Move now towards the warmth

Blow the cold away

We make an offering to you of the sacred Mistletoe,

Which grows without the earth

Symbol of the everlasting soul

Ambassador Saphira

Saphira Mistwalker faces the south and holds the holly

Saphira Mistwalker: We call out to the fire

On the longest night of winter,

and the dark night of our souls,

there springs the new spark of hope,

the Sacred Fire,

the Light of the World.

We make an offering to you of the sacred Holly,

The ever green, with berries that symbolize

The glowing hope of new life.

Fitheach Eun turns to face the west and holds up the ivy branch

Fitheach Eun: We call out to the Water

Without you there is no life

Your pure flow swirls within us all

Sweep away the ice, bring the rains of new life sprouting

We make an offering to you of the sacred Ivy,

Which grows on even when its parent dies. 

Nourished by your flow

Archdruid Fiesty

Fiesty Lotus: Hail the Sun! Today we welcome you back from the darkness!"

Bright wheel in the sky!

Hear us as we call out to you

And pray for your safe return and increase this solstice day!

Today, the sun is renewed. The long descent into darkness is ended, the long night is halfway over

We look forward at this time, remembering what we have done, knowing what we will do.

Fitheach Eun: Hail the Sun!

Saphira Mistwalker: Hail the Sun!

Fiesty Lotus: Hail the Sun!

Talia.Sunsong: Hail the Sun

Fiesty Lotus: At Midsummer, we reveled in your height

Strong and proud and full of splendor.

Since then, we have watched you lessen

Until Samhain, when you gave summer to the Underworld.

Fitheach Eun: Hail the Sun!

Fiesty Lotus: Hail the Sun!

Saphira Mistwalker: Hail the Sun!

Talia.Sunsong: Hail the Sun!

Fitheach Eun: Your path has been long and dark

But you have lit the way for souls

Who have long departed this world.

You spent time under the earth

Each day longer than the ones before

Fiesty Lotus: Hail the Sun!

Saphira Mistwalker: Hail the Sun!

Fitheach Eun: Hail the Sun!

Talia.Sunsong: Hail the Sun!

Archdruid Fitheach

Fitheach Eun: But now it is time for you to return.

You have not forgotten those still living

Who now need your light more than ever

For our nights have become too long,

Too cold, too quiet.

It is time that you should return to us.

Fiesty Lotus: Hail the Sun!

Fitheach Eun: Hail the Sun!

Talia.Sunsong: Hail the Sun!

Saphira Mistwalker: Hail the Sun!

Fiesty Lotus: We have made offerings to the sun

And to all of the elements that support us.

Fitheach Eun: Accept our offerings

Bring the sun back for another bright year.

Fiesty Lotus: Hail the Sun!

Fitheach Eun: Hail the Sun!

Saphira Mistwalker: Hail the Sun!

Talia.Sunsong: Hail the Sun!

Fitheach Eun looks around at the assembled

Fitheach Eun: Now is the time for any of our guests to add their thoughts, prayers and observations; does anyone wish to speak?

Talia.Sunsong: May this be the best of years for you all

Special Magic: Raises her hand

Fitheach Eun smiles

Fiesty Lotus: Please

Special Magic: If you are pleased there is a very brief passage about the begining of the Yule time may I share with this to you?

Fitheach Eun: yes please

Fiesty Lotus: Yes, of course

Special Magic of Eire Speaks

Special Magic: This is most spoken on the 21st of the month of dec.  however...

Special Magic: The Winter Solstice

The longest night and shortest day was observed in Ireland long before the Celts came along. Proof of this can be found at Newgrange in Co. Meath where an underground cairn dating back to 3300bc was built to be illuminated by the sun specifically, every year, at sunrise on the winter solstice.

In days gone by, winters were harsh and uncertain times. People were never sure of living through them. The solstice was a day of hope and joy, the day the sun would begin to return. This day has been celebrated throughout the world by many different cultures with many different customs.

In the Celtic lands there was no better way to celebrate such a time than having a large feast and a number of healthy bonfires to rejoice in light and merriment during the dark, cold side of the year. Most of the remaining cattle were slaughtered to save on feeding them and the wine and ale made throughout the year was fermented and ready to drink.

To this year this holy season we welcome all to celebrate the Yule season.

Talia.Sunsong: smiles at the good reading

Fitheach Eun: thank you, Lady Special; does anyone else wish to speak?

Special Magic: Thank you for letting me speak this

Fitheach Eun looks around

Talia.Sunsong: Fairy blessings to you all (sprinkles fairy dust)

Saphira Mistwalker grins and tries not to sneeze

Fitheach Eun: May the year ahead bring brighter times to us all

Fiesty Lotus: Yes, I second that

Fiesty Lotus: Anyone else?

Special Magic: Aye bless all for fotune and good health for the coming year

Saphira Mistwalker rasps out in draconic, "Itmen Tiichiri (Bright Blessings)"

Fiesty Lotus: Now, I close this rite.

Fiesty Lotus smiles

But first, let us thank those who have offered help:

Sun, for your power, protection, and returning light,

we thank you.

Lend us your light through

the winter months as we await the coming spring.

The Yule Log

Fitheach Eun: Let us now commit our goals to the Yule Log and send them up to the spirit world.

Fitheach Eun walks to the log and bows her head

Fitheach Eun: Each person should approach the log and offer it the goal they have chosen, aloud or silently.

Saphira Mistwalker moves forward and stands silently, her eyes downcast.

Kamira Sirnah: steps lightly forward and bows

Fiesty Lotus bows her head

Talia.Sunsong: Moves to the Yule log and holds out her hand to the warmth

Fiesty Lotus moves to face the North

May there be peace in the north.

Talia.Sunsong: moves to face the east

May there be peace in the east

Saphira Mistwalker moves to face the south

May there be peace in the south

Fitheach Eun turns again to the west

May there be peace in the west

Fitheach Eun turns to the altar

Fiesty Lotus faces the center

Fiesty Lotus: May there be peace throughout the whole world'.

Fitheach Eun: May there be peace throughout the whole world

Rosa.Alekseev: may there be peace throughout the whole world

The Circle is Closed

Fiesty Lotus: The circle is closed

This rite is ended!

Sun has returned! Go all in peace.

Talia.Sunsong: Cheers!

Fiesty Lotus breathes

Fitheach Eun smiles; " Thank you all for joining us"

Rosa.Alekseev @grid.kitely.com:8002: yay

Saphira Mistwalker grins broadly, "Tiichia Qe (Blessed Be)"

Talia.Sunsong: dances around waving mistletoe and fairy dust

Special Magic: Hurrah! Thank you for allowing us to be here with you

Talia.Sunsong: wonderful to have you here

Fiesty Lotus: You are most welcome

Shawnesy Ettenmoor: I for one, was grateful to attend.