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.