Notice: With the Laurelin server shutting down, our website will soon reflect the Meriadoc name. You can still use the usual URL, or visit us at https://meriadocarchives.org/
Ceuro took the empty plate and goblet and headed back down from the lookout spot on the ridge. He had endured something of an onslaught from the angry Filignil. She was still on duty, and would be for another hour, and she was not at all amused that she had only just had the day’s happenings explained to her. The Housekeeper-come-Guard was a swift shot with a bow. None would enter Numenstaya without her knowing, and her permission.
She returned nigh midday, to find Estarfin speaking casually with the Dwarven workers about the wall building. He hailed her as she rode past him to the stables. Despite his earlier words, he did not seem particularly at ease.
Swan-Hoof had fortunately suffered no injuries, but she was restless and concerned, not only for Pelorian, but for Parnard and Danel. Both horses were tossing their heads, neighing and snorting. ‘Could the horses but speak,’ Yrill thought, not for the first time in her life.
Mirdanel took her hand and grasped it reassuringly, with unexpected strength. She had always wondered at how an elleth with such small hands could forge as well as she did. But then for a Mirdan, small hands were a benefit. Istuil had seen the Lady work on larger items too. Though she did not have the strength…nor the skills of a metal-smith, Mirdanel was far stronger than she looked.
At last we were moving to find Lady Danel and Parnard. Since the start, Lord Estarfin had believed Captain Culufinnel had them hidden away somewhere, and had focused on him. It had never seemed the most likely of options to me, and now I had found evidence that Parnard had travelled close to the river...his new cloak caught on some rocks.
Captain Culufinnel was away, seeking his horse and to travel up-river. Lord Estarfin had never dismounted.
Ceuro struggles with Estarfin's inactivity regarding the sudden news. He understands Estarfin's thoughts concerning how duplicitous Culufinnel can be, but having seen the site near Duillond, and the man's body, having seen the state of Pelorian and Swanfoot, he cannot help but be concerned for Danel and Parnard. He is glad that at least, Yrill is trying to comfort the weeping Marawendi.
Yrill and Ceuro steady Barahirn as he takes his first steps outside. He is weak on his legs still, but the bones have healed well. Filignil supervises.
There is still a celebration a little after Midsummer Day, but the participants cannot bring themselves to enjoy it to the full. Although they appreciate each other's company, and the fine food prepared mostly by Parnard and Marawendi, (though the return of Filignil at the last moment means the return of Roast Chicken,) they are still in a measure of shock at what happened to their home, and at the loss of Aearlinn.