Slowly the courtyard outside the Order of the Fountain hall began to fill up. Members of the Fountain were all clad in their glistening uniforms, ready to be taught a new lesson. They had alreadsy proven their worth in the field when they traversed Eregion with the Loth i Lonnath in search of their long lost host. Clues had pointed towards a large orcish hord winding its way down the Trollshaws from Angmar and eventually turning further south. The news were alarming, not only to the host of lord Elrond and Imladris, but to anyone who understood the consequences of such an event. And thus, upon their return to the valley, the order of the Fountain, as all the other orders of Vanimar, were preparing for war.
Fealivril, the Fountains very own Battle Bard, approached Himwen as the rest were awaiting instructions. Small talk had begun, and so Himwen took the opportunity to ask whether the scroll she had found in the library of the Pillar sparked any recognition in the scholarly fellow. Fealivril seemed intrigued and upon inspection, it seemed that the scroll indeed was an original battle tune from the long since lost past. Perhaps even so far as being a relic from Gondolin. Himwen inquired if Fealivril would try to find the rest of the scroll, as it was but a fraction she had found. He agreed to investigate the matter further, and thay began the lesson.
An ellon of dark hair joined them, who later introduced himself as Fingwe. His throw with the spear was quite impeccable and assured Himwen that he would be capable in situations where a lost javelin would mean the death of a distant comrade. He would be able to fend for his kin, wether close or far away.
Rilaeril, a shy and timid elleth, aided with distributing the training spears. Her demeanor left others expecting a rather meak retort if attacked, yet her enemies would find that they grossly underrated her capabilities, as they would later discover. In a one to one combat with Aranglachel, her swift kick with the boot sent the fair son of Anglarien wishing for a soft bed. Though their contest had been friendly, they both showed prowess beyond Himwens expectations, and thus she cheered for the two of them.
Telpenaro, the house chef and valiant warrior, had to do his best to fend off the feisty Nandutiriel. Training the triangle and close combat manouvering of the opponent, the two of them seemed to fly about like moths around a lamp. Nandutiriel grabbing hold of Telpenaros arm, trying to force him to his knees, he in turn swiftly stepping aside sending Nandutiriel across and turning again. It took them longer to resolve the combat than anyone else, and the result made Himwen swell with pride. They indeed were all of good sort.
Some onlookers from other orders had come to watch the proceedings, as Fealivril gave instructions his father taught him. Good, sound advice on how to stand, how to move and what to look out for made many rethink his stature. Himwen had known all along, of course, how vital he would be for the order. He was a good example of what can happen when elders share in their knowledge with their children. A sting went through her chest as she thought of her old mentor. She had been more of a father to Himwen than her own, who had been less present in her life and only wished for her to learn away from his busied gaze. Mentors they needed, all of them. Even she, she thought as her glance fell upon her husband, busy with fetching the training spears. Grateful for his support, and not a little surprised at his decision to act the delivery boy, she nodded to herself. We shall succeed. Together, we can do it all.
The training ended and as they all gathered to have a sip of water and to catch their breaths, Himwen remembered Telpenaros newest adventure in cooking. He had decided to open up a bistro of a kind, a place for the kin to gather after a long hard day of training or working, and it was decided that they all would gather there for some refreshments and culinary delights. As they concluded the evening, all with their own glass of wine in hand, Himwen knew that the future was bright. Stormy clouds were brewing, yet with their presence in mind and with their diligence in training, they would prevail.
