Elf and Gypsy Confront Each Other

Kathena Mavendorf: After her breakfast and long walk, Kathena returns to her quarters where Ranger Ettrian stands watch.

Ettrian stands there, his arms folded across his chest. His facial features showed no emotion; but he canted his head as he gazed on her. "Where have you been human?" How did you slip away? I was to stand watch over you."

Kathena Mavendorf smirks and sashays closer to the guard. "You should be used to me giving you the slip by now."

Ettrian focuses on her as she moved closer. His eyes belied the day and appeared to be a mixture of night and dreams.

Ettrian: "I am use to no such thing.  By giving me the slip, you abuse the Aran's good intent of hoursing you in Calenhad and allowing you access to the human corpses."

Kathena Ettrian Bicker

Kathena Mavendorf rolls her eyes and sighs deeply. "Look you....what's your name again, umm Ettrian. The Aran is very well acquainted with my 'habits' and lack of structure when it comes to rules and regulations. He wouldn't be surprised in the slightest at me sneaking out.....again."

Kathena Mavendorf narrows her eyes at him slightly, "Besides, it's not like I'm the only one that can get in and out of this place without you noticing, am I?"

Ettrian: "Whether he will or not, I shall report you to the Aran immediately and suggest you are devious and not reliable. Perhaps, YOU even had a hand in the burning of his home," he says, his eyes intent on her, his face cold and passive."

Kathena Mavendorf looks less than amused now, her hands squarely upon her hips as she looks up at him defiantly. "Hey! Don't be accusing me of things I've not done, just because you aren't capable of doing your job! It's no wonder they burned this place to the ground. You haven't the first clue on how to guard it."

Ettrian: For a brief moment, he wants the conversation too become physical. He reaches out to grab her arm, but then backs away and crosses his arms over his chest yet again. He wished that he had thought opening like the Eldars, but there was no way for him to know the human's precise agenda. Maybe she was a friend, but he gave no edge and spoke, "Humans are lesser lived and lacking in both manners and senses. I will not fall sway to your presence," he says waving a hand though the air dismissively.

Kathena Mavendorf exhales loudly and now looks furious. "Look you elvish lead post! I may not be as old as you, but I assure you I have lived more in my short little life that you ever will, in your life as a statue! I may lack manners but my senses are far more developed than yours will ever be." As she spoke the last sentence she poked his chest with her index finger.

Ettrian: The elf jerks his hand around hers as it touches his agile body. His reflexes are perfect as his expression changes and he jerks her closer and looks down, his lips curled in a snarl now.. "Who are you touch me female. How dare you think you are someone with privileges in our elven city when you are less than the pets kept by elves."

Kathena Mavendorf narrows her eyes, looking like a wolf about to strike in anger, she lifts her knee up to his groin with all of her might.

Ettrian lets go her hand and with a jerk seems to double over as the pain floods through his body and his entire body reacts. Tears flood down his cheek; a thing unlikely for an elf. After a moment he rises to his tall stature and breathes in deeply.

Kathena Mavendorf bursts out laughing, "Oh my gods! I wasn't sure if elves had those, least of all YOU!

Ettrian: For a moment the ranger is wordless as his body seeks some sort of sanity from the pain. Then he swiftly grabs her and pulls her to within inches of his face, "You cursed filth of a human....I should.....should..."

Kathena Mavendorf looks at him with a smirk on her face. "Should what? Huh? What's an elven guard ALLOWED to do?"

Ettrian: "I should.....should and with a low growl he pulls her into his arms, pushes his lips hard to hers and kisses her with a depth of emotion that has been left  unexposed for a thousand years. His mouth eats at hers.

Kathena Mavendorf joins his kiss, adding her own flames to the fire. Her body pressed against his for a moment. She pulls away suddenly and stares at him with a look of genuine surprise and mischief. "Well then! Perhaps I misjudged you Ettrian. There might be more than meets that rigid exterior of yours. " Giggles. "I better go, I know the 'ARAN' is waiting on me." She winks and walks away, seductively sashaying her hips.

Ettrian simply nods, again crossing his arms over his chest and gives way to a small smile as she turns and goes.

Marauders Attack Calenhad

Sometimes, we fail in our attempts too be beyond reproach. Recently I discovered one of our buildings was botted. I immediately removed it. Then I went to SL, sent a notecard to the owner and paid for the castle I had been using erroneously. My apologies to our wonderful grid for my grievous error.  This is my attempt to set the matter a'right ICly. - Jaekob

Jaekob Faolan walked across the great elven bridge that led to where his home had once stood proclaiming the majesty of the elven city of Calenhad. His shoulders were slumped as he moved closer to the elven guard.

Kathena Mavendorf grabs her pouch, careful not to put too much coin in it. No telling what kind of characters I'll find.at Falcon's Edge.  She makes her way to her horse, Shadow.

Jaekob Faolan swallowed hard and looked at the ruins of his home. Then he turned to the elven ranger that sent word to him in Cheshire, the human township.

Kathena Mavendorf brushes the mane playfully. "Hello there my friend. Business has been absent for far too long. If the smugglers won't come to us, we must go to the smugglers." She laughs and mounts her horse.
Kathena Mavendorf rides at a quick pace towards Falcon's Edge, on the other side of Calenhad.

Jaekob Faolan: "Milord," Ettrian says with his head bent a bit, "We tried to stop the marauders, Aran. There were half a dozen of them or so.. One of our rangers was grievously wounded, but he has been tended to. We killed two of them and it....they were human rogues I think."

Ettrian and the Aran

Kathena Mavendorf as she approaches Calenhad she catches the scent of smoke and ash and begins to see smoke in the distance. "Gods, what has happened? Shadow we must be careful." Approaches carefully.

Jaekob Faolan nods, chewing on his lip and walks toward the ranger, putting a hand gently on his shoulder. "You fought well, brother. There is no guilt to be found here, my friend. I am thankful for your due diligence and actions for our lands."
[15:04] Jaekob Faolan: Ettrian falls silent, watching his Aran move about, his shoulders still slumped.

[15:11] Kathena Mavendorf spots the smoke and follows it to where the castle should be standing, then jumps off her horse, having spotted Jaekob in the distance.
[15:13] Kathena Mavendorf runs up to Jaekob and his guard. Nods quickly at Ettrian, then immediately addressed Jaekob. "Jaek, what's happened here?!"

Ettrian snaps to attention, his hand gripping at his dagger, "Who are you that approaches the Aran?"

Jaekob Faolan: "She is a friend, brother," he nods to the ranger.

Kathena Mavendorf gives the guard a look. "Kathena, not that it matters to you soldier!"

Kathena Talks Back

Jaekob Faolan: "Relax the both of you," he says,  his face cold and passive."

Kathena Mavendorf: shows her hands and turns in a circle slowly, "I'm unarmed. As you can well see."

Jaekob Faolan: "Kathena, my dear, " he says turning for a moment to look at her. Slowly he turns his gazee to the burning ruins.. "It seems we were attacked and my....my.... It was burned to the ground."

The Aran Tells of the Burning

Kathena Mavendorf looks around at the ruins and ash with a look of sadness and worry for her friend. "Jaekob, what has happened? Are you hurt?"

Jaekob Faolan shakes his head, long lengths of red hair dancing on his shoulders, "One ranger was injured. Two of the rogues were killed."

Kathena Mavendorf looks sternly at the guard. "You there, who did this? How could they get this close within your walls?"

Jaekob Faolan: Ettrian looks down, his posture still one of protecting his Aran, "We are unsure mi'lady. As best we can tell, they came through the pass between the Shadow Lands and the Citadel."

Kathena Mavendorf looks at Jaekob her face reflecting her worry for him. "Jaekob, I know your guards to be extremely well trained and very good at their jobs. For people to be able to get in here.....they, .....well they must be professionals at what they do."

Jaekob Faolan nods, looking at her with a worried look. "We have bodies of the two who were killed. Perhaps, that will give us some clue when I inspect them."

Kathena Mavendorf narrows her eyes slightly as she ponders the thought. "May I see them?"

Kathena, the Gypsy

Jaekob Faolan: "The bodies, it seems are mostly unrecognizable. But we have their weapons and some of their belongings. Could you possibly stay overnight in Calenhad and we will examine them together?"

Jaekob Faolan cocks his head, "Why do you want to see them Kathena?"

Kathena Mavendorf locks her eyes on him as she tries her best to give a tactful answer. "Let's just say, in my travels I have made connections with not so honorable characters. I might recognize one, or perhaps something they carry."

Jaekob Faolan draws in a deep breath, "Then stay the night hmmm and tomorrow we will see what there is to be found out about the two rogues."

Kathena Mavendorf nods, "Aye. I think it would be a good idea. I can make my way to Falcon's Edge tomorrow or the day after."

Jaekob Faolan: me nods as he turns around to look solemnly on the burning ruins. "Aye, my dear. We WILL get to the end of this," and turning to the ranger, "See her too the city and see that she is provided with accommodations"

Jaekob and the Fire

Jaekob Faolan: Ettrian bows to his Aran and nods to the bridge, "Follow me mi'lady."

Kathena Mavendorf nods, "Lead on soldier."

Children of Shelob

The first light of the vessel of the Sun, guided by Arien, skimmed the horizon, dimming her beloved stars, although it was always a joyous moment to witness the  return of her kin Arien, blazing across the skies.
Elbereth Elentari watches unseen as the elven rangers from the Woodland Realm trod lightly along the path towards their monumentous home. Their lightness of feet belied the weariness they must be feeling after scouting the borders of Mirkwood during the cold, misty night.

She had felt their presence touch her reverie as she mingled among the forest dwellers bordering Lothlorien and Mirkwood and she took pause from her fond observation of the nocturnal creatures readying themselves for sleep at the dawn of the new day.
Elbereth Elentari lets her voice float along with the breeze and wishes the flink foxes and rodents a peaceful slumber. "Namárie, Mellonea-amin! Quel esta ar' máriessa!" (Farewell, my friends! Rest well and in happiness!).

She follows the marching elves at a distance,  invisible to the eye and shrouded among the thick mist and fog that swamped the forest since Shelob's heirs had begun spinning their evil webs amongst the trees, their stench and poison killing many of Yvanna's dearest creations and turning Mirkwood forest into a dank, dark Shadowrealm.

Within sight of The Halls of Thranduil, the unyielding doors shining in brilliant blue through the fog, and speeding the footsteps of the ranger party, Elbereth beheld two of the brown-clad elves stray from the path, deep in conversation, their digression from the track unnoticed by themselves or the leading elves.

She smiled softly as she regarded the pair, the younger elven woman animatedly petitioning the older male to consider her viewpoint in whatever it was that concerned them at that moment. Her youth was obvious in her spirited use of her hands during her appeal and the usual sedate elvish nature was forgotten as her voice rose among the brush and branches. Her companion remained silent, his head cocked to one side as he listened attentively to her reasoning, but Elbereth perceived quickly that his countenance revealed the depth of his feelings for the elven maiden, even as he appeared unmoved.

"Ma melmë!" (It is Love!), Elbereth thought suddenly and sighed happily, the light of Eru glowing brighter within her as she continued to view the anxious speech of the elven woman, glad to note that the male elf remained unconcerned by her concerns.
"Whatever troubles her will not succeed in keeping them apart. Their fates are intertwined. She is yet young and headstrong, but he has the patience of his enlightened brethren. They shall prevail".

Elbereth Elentari did not intend to dwell longer, but only to accompany the absorbed pair until they reached the security of their home, the forest leading there having become a place filled with malevolence, when a stirring from the leaves above, the stealthy slinking of a huge arachnid, descending furtively down the tree trunk, brought her to a standstill.

Elbereth Vanishes the Spider

"A descendant of Shelob, a fell creature from the pits of Darkness!", Elbereth whispered to the trees, her gaze never leaving the bloodthirsty spider. The arachnid, immersed in its prey, failed to sense her presence.
As it crept slyly towards the elves, their focus turned away from the danger, she stepped out from beneath the tree trunk, the Blessed Light of Eru glowing strong around her and raised her hand towards the creature.
The spider immediately shrank back from its prey, the light scorching it like fire and it scuttled quickly towards obscurity among the vaporous mist and underbrush.

The Woodland Elves swivelled in unison towards the commotion, falling silent and reaching for their bow and sword in accord. The maiden let fly an arrow, quicker than the wind, as the male scrutinised their surroundings for further attackers.
Elbereth Elentari cast but a brisk glance in the direction of the fleeing spider. No creature of evil, born of the earth, could withstand the Light of Eru, the Will of Iluvatar. The Elven pair were safe for now, but she was glad to see them return to the pathway and reach their cavernous sanctuary.

Elbereth radiated joy as the male elf guided his companion through the mighty entrance to the Woodland Realm, before he reappeared, nodding to the stationed guards and attentively surveying the forest across from the bridge.

Woodland Elf Ponders the Danger

He did not see her, she remained invisible to all, unless she wished otherwise, but his folded arms and contemplative attitude were proof enough that he would double his vigilence in the face of the enemies threatening his folk, the increasing Shadows, both close to home and afar.

Saphira Shows Talia Her Hoard

Talia Sunsong: "Greetings Warrior dragon."

Talia Sunsong: "I warrior Fae, salute you."

 Talia Sunsong looks for food.

 Saphira.Mistwalker  grins toothily. "How are you this fine morning?"

Talia Sunsong: "Hungry! and not a Hobbit cook in sight. We winged ones should stick together. Want to see if the Druid kings castle has food?"

Saphira.Mistwalker  giggles.

Saphira.Mistwalker  : "Hmm worse still, I seem to have no coin in my pouch. Excuse me for a moment."

 Saphira.Mistwalker  grins. "That's better."

Talia Sunsong: "Did you find any cream?"

Saphira.Mistwalker  : "Oh dear, I wasn't looking for any. I don't keep food in my hoard."

Talia Sunsong: "No Dragon sized cups of cream? Drat."

Saphira.Mistwalker  giggles. "I prefer to just eat the cows."

Talia.Sunsong  : "Steak does sound good."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Oooh, that would be nice. I'll bet hobbits have good recipes for steak. Not like those silly elves, who won't touch meat."

 Talia.Sunsong : "And she can put mushrooms on top."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Hmm, as long as they are "safe" mushrooms."

Talia.Sunsong : "All mushrooms are safe to me."

Saphira Mistwalker rolls her eyes. "Aye, but as we have seen, not necessarily to everyone else."

Talia.Sunsong: "I haven't killed anyone yet."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Hmm, not yet."

Talia.Sunsong: "So a gypsy admitted she steals big deal. Humans get so up tight."

Saphira Mistwalker giggles. "Dragons don't steal, we claim what is rightfully ours."

Talia.Sunsong: "Dragon hoards have lots of shinnies," eyes light up.

 Saphira Mistwalker: "Aye, but you should be aware we know each piece personally."

Talia.Sunsong: "I'd like to get to know each shiny personally too."

Saphira Mistwalker grins. "As long as they don't 'wander off'."

Talia.Sunsong : "Maybe Danger Fae should become a mercenary and get paid with cream, sugar and shinnies."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Hmm, sounds like a very rogue thing to do. I of course approve of that."

Talia.Sunsong: "Dragon rogue how exciting, Fae rogue doesn't sound as threatening."

 Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, if you "appropriate" enough stuff, you would certainly earn a reputation."

Talia.Sunsong: "I did distract the Drow by whoosing past him and ramming a tree while you finished him off."

Saphira Mistwalker smiles. "Aye, you did."

Talia.Sunsong : "People say I'm not appropriate (misunderstanding)."

 Saphira Mistwalker giggles.

Saphira Mistwalker: "So, maybe you already have a reputation?"

Talia.Sunsong: "Yes soon "Danger Fae, Save Us" will be on everyone's lips."

Saphira Mistwalker smirks. "Oh, I have no doubt."

 Talia.Sunsong: "You a rogue Dragon believe in Danger Fae too, wonderful."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, you have certainly done enough chaotic things to qualify."

 Talia.Sunsong : "Maybe Danger Fae should check that your valuables are safe, like your hoard of shinnies."

Saphira Mistwalker smiles. "I did promise you could see my hoard at some point."

Talia.Sunsong  jumps up and down "Goody."

 Saphira Mistwalker looks around. "I wonder if anyone else is coming to market, or if the drow scared them away?"

 Talia.Sunsong  looks about "Oh, is that why they aren't here?:"

Saphira Mistwalker shrugs and looks smug. "I don't know. I certainly am not afraid of a few drow."

 Talia.Sunsong: "I laugh in the face of danger."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Of course, you are danger fae."

Talia.Sunsong : "Yes Drow fear me. People say Fae are dangerous."

Saphira Mistwalker: "So, shall we fly over to my cave, and I can show you my hoard?"

Talia.Sunsong: "Yes! yes! yes!"

Saphira Mistwalker grins. "I certainly think fae are dangerous."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Ok then, follow me."

 Saphira Mistwalker: "Here we are, the official embassy of the Shadow Dragon clan."

Saphira Mistwalker

Talia.Sunsong: "Ohhh an Embassy how fancy."

Saphira Mistwalker reaches out with her magic and opens the cave door."

Saphira Mistwalker: "And here is my hoard."

Talia.Sunsong: "Shinies!"

 Saphira Mistwalker: "So, I don't have any gems yet, but lots of coins."

Saphira Mistwalker giggles.

Talia.Sunsong jumps face first into the hoard.

Talia Jumps in  Saphira's Hoard

Saphira Mistwalker watches carefully to make sure no shinnies find their way into the fae's clothing."

Talia.Sunsong  rolls over and tries to make snow angels in the coins."

Talia.Sunsong: "Wheeeeeeee."

Saphira Mistwalker: "I find lying on the coins quite comfortable."

Talia.Sunsong: "Yes quite comfortable."

Talia.Sunsong  tries to swim in hoard.

Saphira Mistwalker: "I also have a few more in my chest over here, as well as the doll you made for me. Definitely one of my favorite things."

Talia.Sunsong : "More shinnies!"

Talia.Sunsong: "Aww and the doll."

Talia.Sunsong sits in the trunk.

Talia.Sunsong: "This is comfortable."

Talia Examines Saphira's Hoard

Saphira Mistwalker grins, thinking of closing the lid.

Talia.Sunsong: "I'll just sleep here."

 Saphira Mistwalker giggles.

Talia.Sunsong  throws shinnies in the air and watches them trickle like a waterfall.

Saphira Mistwalker sighs, thinking of the mess she will have to clean up later.

Talia.Sunsong: "Look it's a gold fountain."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Aye, so pretty and sparkly."

Saphira Mistwalker: "I really need to find some nice shiny gems to put in here too."

Talia.Sunsong: "How do you get anything done with all those shinnies to distract you?"

Talia.Sunsong: "The gypsy Kat knows where the pirates are, they may have gems."

 Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, dragons can focus on other things too, especially when are tummies are rumbling."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Oh aye, I should talk to Kat."

Talia.Sunsong: "Food and shinnies, those are good priorities to have."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Or maybe I should sneak into the Underdark. I think there are some gems there they could do without."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Drow don't appreciate gems anyway."

Talia.Sunsong: "Really? Maybe it's worth the risk to go to the Underdark then."

Saphira Mistwalker sighs. "I will have to be much more careful than the last time. Ryn was not kind to me."

Talia.Sunsong: "Were you captured?"

Talia.Sunsong: "You fried spider, I recall."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Not exactly. He came upon me on one of the main paths, and sliced me up pretty good."

Talia.Sunsong: "You seem so tough and a good fighter."

Saphira Mistwalker nods. "That was over in the dark fae's lands to the west, She lost a great many spiders to Aran Jaekob and I."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, Ryn took me by surprise. I was counting too much on being able to hide from him."

Talia.Sunsong: "Hmm dark fae, I wonder how alike I am to them?"

Talia.Sunsong: "I thought dragons had super vision and hearing, but you do stand out."

Saphira Mistwalker: "You have a much more pleasant disposition. She was down right mean."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, I can fade into shadow ...."

Talia.Sunsong grins, "I'm nice."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Like this," Saphira disappears.

Talia.Sunsong  looks left and right "Where'd you go?"

Saphira Mistwalker: "But the high-borne drow can see into the shadow plane. I wasn't too good and hiding from them."

Saphira Mistwalker giggles and drops the shadow.

Talia.Sunsong: "Only the high born drow?"

Talia.Sunsong: "Oh! You appeared from nowhere."

Saphira Mistwalker: "That is what I was told by my elders."

Saphira Mistwalker nods. "Shadow dragons can drop in and out of the shadow plane. It comes in quite handy."

Saphira Mistwalker giggles. "Especially for a rogue."

Talia.Sunsong: "A gypsy read my fortune and said something to me about a kinship with both Seelie and Unseelie Fae."

Talia.Sunsong: "You can  teach me to hide too?"

Saphira Mistwalker: "Hmm, I have nothing against the Unseelie Fae, if they are polite."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, I might be able to teach it, but usually it is hard for any besides my clan to learn."

 Talia.Sunsong: "Oh, oh I want to learn, then I can get more cream and shinnies."

Saphira Mistwalker giggles. "You definitely have some rogue tendencies."

Talia.Sunsong: "That's good right?"

Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, I think so. Not everyone would agree."

Talia.Sunsong: "Well then not everyone is right."

Saphira Mistwalker smiles.

Talia.Sunsong: "Does it take a lot of focus. I'm not good at focus."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Hmm, that could be a problem. It does take a fair amount of focus and attention to detail. I have seen fae rogues though."

Talia.Sunsong: "Danger Fae , rogue!"

Saphira Mistwalker bites her lip, wondering if she is creating more trouble for everyone.

Talia.Sunsong: "Detail? Focus? phooeey."

Saphira Mistwalker: "So, I need to depart. I must see a merchant about setting up a market place. I am looking at making some weapons available."

Talia.Sunsong: "I should buy some weapons as Danger Fae."

Talia.Sunsong stands up and dances in coins.

Saphira Mistwalker pulls out her dagger and displays it.

Talia.Sunsong: "Very sharp and pointy and a shiny on it!"

Saphira Mistwalker: "Mmm, aye, very."

Talia.Sunsong: "You are talented."

Saphira Mistwalker re-sheaths the dagger.

 Talia.Sunsong  watches Saph spin her dagger back into place.

 Saphira Mistwalker smiles.

Saphira Mistwalker: "You better move, so I can close that trunk. You probably don't want to be part of the collection."

Talia.Sunsong: "Thank you for showing me your hoard," barely restrains herself from pocketing some shinnies, but she knows Saph can fight and punish naughty Fae who steal shinnies.

Talia.Sunsong: "Well it might be fun to stay in the trunk but I should eat."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Aww, thank you for coming over."

Saphira Mistwalker hands Lady Talia one of the gold pieces to take home.

Talia.Sunsong jumps off trunk.

Talia.Sunsong: "A shiny!!!!!"

Talia.Sunsong's eyes open wide.

Saphira Mistwalker nods. "Just don't let the drow find it."

Talia.Sunsong: "Thank you. Thank you!"

Talia.Sunsong: "Hands you strange seed."

Talia.Sunsong: "This is for you."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Well, you made such a cute poppet for me."

 Saphira Mistwalker looks at the seed. "Hmm, what is this?"

Talia.Sunsong: "I'm not sure, I found it in the fairylands."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Oh my, I hope it doesn't grow too tall, like that one story I heard."

Talia.Sunsong: "Tall is good it provides shade!"

Talia.Sunsong: "Well I must be on my way."

Saphira Mistwalker: "I suppose, but I am not sure the elves would appreciate a huge fae plant in their realm."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Ok, let me open the door, it probably won't open for you."

Talia.Sunsong: "Fae plants would add such color to the place."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Hmm, they might not agree."

Talia.Sunsong: "Phoeey on them."

Saphira Mistwalker: "Good morrow, and safe paths Lady Talia."

Talia.Sunsong: "Thank you," holds up the shiny.

Talia.Sunsong: "Safe paths!"

Saphira Mistwalker: "You are very welcome."

Talia.Sunsong waves and flies off.

Saphira Mistwalker waves.

Elbereth Finds Solace Among the Stars

A deep sense of longing fills her being as she waits patiently among the trees of the River Lands, watching the sun glide regally beneath the horizon.

Elbereth Elentari raises her eyes towards the towering rocks shielding Calenhad from the lush lower regions of the land. The Elves who dwell there were always in a high state of alarm these days, rangers and elven warriors taking turns at patrolling the forests and waterways. Every living soul was filled with fear and the Shadows plagued big and small.

"May your rest be peaceful and plentiful," she closes her eyes, whispering the blessing and sending it upon the breeze to the inhabitants of Lothlorien, Mirkwood, Taibreamh, Cheshire and Calenhad.

A smile lights up her face as she watches the sky darken and awaits the arrival of the first stars, each one like a caress from her Valar Elders, that fills her with strength anew.

Elbereth Waits for the Stars

"I shall not despair at the growing evil afoot here," she sighs as the starlight falls upon her raven hair and her face softens with a memory of wandering unseen among the inhabitants of The Shire that morning, "- for there are yet ones among these races who will not run from darkness and terror. The Hobbit folk may be small in stature, but their courage is vast."

Her eyes are bright with reflected starshine as her tinkling laughter sends ripples of gladness across the water, "And the lighthearted Fae are forever up to their mischief and remain unperturbed, so there is still time for the citizens of the Lands to banish the Shadows from these parts."

Elbereth leans against a pillar, solemn yet serene, and listens attentively as the River Lands comes to rest for the day.

Fae Loose in Elf Druid's Castle Wreaks Havoc

Talia's stomach rumbled. She looked around the quiet village square. The market stalls were empty.
"I'm hungry and market's not open. There's not a Hobbit cook in sight." Talia noticed the cat, that lived in the town square. She bent over and petted the friendly creature. There was a cat's food bowl nearby, that generous townsfolk filled for the cat.

"Well at least you get to eat." Talia straightened up. She could see the tall roof of the Elf Druid's castle. "I know, I'll visit him. I'll bet he's got food. It's a castle. He'll have lots of food."
Talia flew to the entrance of the imposing structure.

"Hello? Anyone home? Is it lunch time?" Talia pounded on the heavy castle door. The Fae waited impatiently for an answer. She tried the front door and found it locked. Determined to enter the castle, Talia fluttered her wings and rose in the air. On the second floor she found an open window and easily flew inside.

The castle was richly decorated with velvets and gold. An elaborate chandelier hung from the ceiling. Grabbing the chandelier she swung on it. "Wheeeeee!" The chandelier creaked alarmingly from the added weight of the Fae. Talia let go, and landed softly on the bed.

"This place is fancy. I could live comfortably here." Pretending she had a servant nearby, she called out, "Servant bring me peeled grapes!"

Talia jumped up and down on the bed "Mmmmm, soft!" She jumped off the bed and landed near the fireplace. She looked at small figures there, and gasped "What magic is this! Fae sisters are you okay?" By the fireplace were small Fae statues.

Talia Dares Play in the King's Bed?

"Can you not answer? Has the Elf Druid King frozen you? Did you do something bad...like me?"
Fae Talia cautiously moved forward. She examined the Fae figures. One was playing a harp. She tapped on it. It rung with a sound like tapping on china.

"You are not enchanted, but made of ceramic, perhaps?" She played with the Fae statues like they were dolls, arranging them as "Danger Fae" fighting off evil Drow.

Talia's stomach rumbled again. "Food time!" Talia galloped down the stairs, past the elegant couches, and to the dining area surrounded by tall stained glass windows. The tables had plates of fruit and bread. Talia stood on the table.

"Food, glorious food!" Talia grabbed a peach in one hand, and a piece of bread in another. She bit into the peach, letting the juice run down her chin. Then she bit into the bread.

"Arrgh too plain." Fae Talia spit out the piece of bread. "It needs something, like jam."

Talia glanced around the room. There was no jam on the table. She dropped the peach with a splat to the ground. Throwing open the cupboard doors, she rooted through the shelves, tossing bowls, mugs, and flour onto the floor, as she searched for jam.

"No jam! What is bread without jam, phooey!" A buzzing sound caught her attention. She went to the porch, and spotted a beehive. "Honey! Bread without jam calls out for honey."

Talia grabbed a knife from the dining room table. She flew up to the hive, and quickly cut off a generous portion of honey comb. Flying rapidly back into the castle, she closed the doors, so no bee would follow.

"This honeycomb will contain lots of honey." Talia held the honeycomb over the piece of bread, sliced off a large hunk, and waited for a stream of honey to fall on the slice of bread.

Instead of honey, several angry bees flew out of the honeycomb. They targeted the honey thief. The bees flew at Fae Talia with their stingers ready. "Aaaeeeeeiiii!" screamed the Fae and she leapt up from the table. Talia flew into the air, but the bees followed her.

"Go away, go away, go away!" yelled Talia as the bees dive bombed her.

Talia flew wildly back and forth, dodging the angry bees. She smashed into a stained glass window, causing colorful shards of glass to rain down.

Talia Flies Away!

The Fae flew out of the castle through the hole in the window as fast as she could.
"Drat! All that, and I'm still hungry."