Logfile
from Daifuin.
Royal
Chamber
You
catch your breath as you look around at the magnificent chamber you have
entered. Its floor is a talan as wide as the deck of a great ship, set high up
in the boughs near the center of the Great Mallorn tree. The chamber is oval in
shape, with walls of gold, the leaves of the Mallorn. The trunk of the tree
grows through the center of the chamber. By the side of the chamber is the
white ladder which leads down to the bottom of the tree.
Two
thrones, one of silver and the other of gold, sit at one end of the chamber on
a raised dias.
Contents:
Aurgailwen
Oerwen
Mia
Celeborn
Galadriel
Reaching
out her own hand, Galadriel smiles at Celeborn's words. "Lo, you speak it
and she appears, my Lord," she murmurs in return, gaze moving outwards
across the room as others begin to enter. Seated upon the golden throne, her
posture is straight and attentive, and little clue as to her mood is reflected
in the blue eyes of the Lady. Still, her features seem somewhat softened in the
pale light of morning that filters in through the trees surrounding the royal
chamber.
With
a bearing that does nothing to even hint at the nervousness lurking beneath the
surface of her calm exterior, Mia approaches the Lord and Lady and performs a
delicate curtsey. She is long familiar with such formalities, even if her
nature should suggest differently. Silently she waits, her hands now clasped
loosely before her.
Her
silken gown of dazzling hue swirls to the motion of graceful foot-fall, pale
eye's kindled with the day's first light as the Hirlin o nos Aderthad silently
enters the Royal Chamber. To the guard's address she bows her golden-tressed
head, waves of pure light tarrying around her form as she ascends before the
Lord and Lady.
Unaffected is her countenance as she makes a
low curtsey, a smile of wordless greeting to Mia as she steps back, a feathered
quill and parchment lifted as she stands aside. Nodding lightly to Celeborn the
Historian takes up her pen, poised to note down the proceedings as was her
instruction.
"So
it seems." Celeborn looks down upon Mia now, his eyes focused upon the
young Banneret, and his voice carries out across the Court again, radiating
through the chambers, "Mia, Banneret of the Order. Step forward now."
Even as he speaks, Celeborn stands tall, his robes falling down to his sides
fluidly, as though they too followed his commands. The ancient Sindar lets no
emotion show upon his face, and as he steps down from the chair, "Many
tidings have come to me from the borders, many dangers, and many duties that
require attention of utmost detail."
He
looks towards Terridan now, the tall elf towards the side of the chambers,
"Terridan though, shall not be the one to take on these matters; for I
must call him to other duties. But I will not see the Order leaderless in such
times; another must take his place." Celeborn's eyes focus tightly upon
Mia now, and he arches his head so that his chin lifts only a touch, "Tell
me, Banneret, who would you put into such a spot?"
The
sun rises over the trees, flashing on the golden leaves of the Mellyrn.
Gail
peeks her head in the door, terribly late, very embarrassed, she makes sure she
is in the right place. Being she wasn't thrown out and tongue lashed she
figures she is. She smiles at the gaurd and walks past. She bows respectfully
to the Lord and the Lady. She moves herself out of the way and to the side to
watch. This was her first time in this room so she was quite intrigued by
everything around her.
The
position of the Lady this morning seems to be but to listen and watch, for no
word does she speak, withdrawing her hand once again to fold it carefully in
her lap. Indeed, so still is her form after this action that she might be a
statue upon her throne, but for the intensity of her eyes, which follow her
husband as he rises and approaches the Banneret. Only then does she look once
again to Mia, awaiting her response.
"Other
than Terridan?" Mia replies as her eyes flit to where the Commander stands.
"I don't know if that is something I could answer, my Lord... I fear I may
be too close to the situation to say with objective consideration who would be
both willing and able to fill such a role. But if you are wanting an answer
now, I would have to suggest that you keep Terridan where he is and give
another his place elsewhere."
She
does not look shocked at such a question, merely somewhat confused by the blunt
request. "If I may, Celeborn, why should my opinion be of any matter in
this decision? I have sworn to serve yourself and the Lady and to protect
Lorien, not to play favorites or pick and choose whoever I deem to be the elite
of our organization. I would prefer to have the one I trust and care for in
such a position, but I will serve whoever you deem to replace him with as much
dedication as I have in the past. My thoughts on this matter are trivial."
Inky
words flow freely across the crisp parchment, her ivory hand tracing the
elegant script as topaz eyes flicker upwards to gaze at the scene through
gilded lashes. To Celeborn's words, the Hirlin's brow is raised in some interest
and momentarily she ceases in taking the minutes, her attention drawn fully to
the Banneret's expression. Yet, her fingers are still held firmly around the
down of the quill and readily continue in thier path o'er the empty page as Mia
ventures her answer.
Daifuin
is not too long behind Gail in her entrance, passing the threshold demurely
then lowering her head in a respectful bow for the Lord and Lady, before moving
aside to watch as well; little emotion is betrayed on her face as she studies
the room intently, gaze finally coming to rest on those discussing such
matters.
Celeborn
nods his head once more, and indeed, seems to be pleased with Mia's answer to
him. "You are right, but again you show your duty to me and to Lothlorien.
As for Terridan remaining in place as Commander, I cannot leave him so... for I
need his skills and duties elsewhere. However, he has told me much upon who he
feels would best know how to handle the present matters, and how best to lead
our guards in this dire time." He does not bother to look towards the
former commander, and instead, his gaze remains focused upon the maiden before
him.
Now
the ancient Sindarin lord speaks again, and his gaze seems to look through Mia,
searching all that there is about her, before he nods his head again, "And
I must say, I agree with his choice. That is, if the offer is taken. For one to
lead must know how the guards were being led, for drastic changes must come
slowly and not quickly, and the one he has chosen would know Terridan's mind
and actions best of all." He lets the words hang in the air, before he
tilts his head, almost in question before his voice rings out again, "Will
you, Banneret Mia, take this position? Will you lead our Order in these
times?"
Eriant
Patrol's commanding officer recieves a note from a page as Caelwen enters, and
intones almost ritually, "Caelwen...Potter, Journeywoman,
Gwaith-I-Thein."
Eyes
wide, Mia opens her mouth as if to respond, but not a sound emerges. Celeborn
may not look to the Commander, but Mia's eyes fly immediately to him and begin
to immediately hurl silent questions at him. The news that he would step aside
as Commander is hardly a suprise, for she does, indeed, know his mind on some
matters. But this is obviously not so now, as is apparent by her wild-eyed
gaze. "But.... but..." she stammers, finally breathing out the one
word that seems to come easy. "How?"
She
turns back to the Lord and Lady, hoping to find answers there. But ll eyes are
turned, instead, to her, as the full burden of Celeborn's request lies on her
shoulders. She bows her head, a soft shake of denial hinting at the debate
going on within her. Time passes, less than Mia would have expected, more than
she would have liked, but still she is unable to answer. Finally, she raises
her head and speaks the only words she can think of to say. "I fear I
would fail, and this is a time when failure would not be an option."
The
Lord's words maintain the Historian's full regard, her quill again forsaken as
his last question is uttered forth. Pale eyes widen and despite her formal
surrounding, Oerwen initially lets a smile creep with sincere intent over her
rose lips. Though at the Banneret's response, empathic warmth melts the icy
hues of her irises and biting her lower lip inadvertantly, the Hirlin raises
her fair brow, observing the reaction of Celeborn and what might be his answer.
Celeborn
lifts his eyebrows with curiousity, and then allows a smile to cross his
features, "Mia, I know of all my guards... from the highest Elder to the
lowest of the Squires. Of all of them, you are held in great esteem by many,
and many more would trust you to lead them in these times. Terridan himself has
spoken of this, and Terridan's counsel I do not take lightly, especially in
matters such as these." The smile fades now, and his face becomes serious,
but not quite stern, "But if you deny this, then I will be forced to
choose another, one that is perhaps, not so suited to the position."
His
gaze softens a touch, and understanding laces the Lord's tone now, "All
things are considered in this matter, and your fears are felt by me, for I
myself once felt them. Fear of failure is something we must all accept, but we
cannot allow it to rule our actions. I ask you again, giving you these words,
will you command my guards? Succeed or fail, there is no other."
Eriant
Patrol's commanding officer recieves a note from a page as Lothdaimoth enters,
and intones almost ritually, "Lothdaimoth...Minister, Arnpand o
Lothlorien; Vintner, Journeyman, Gwaith-I-Thein."
Daifuin
holds fast her tongue as icy-hued eyes flicker about the room, before coming to
rest again on Mia, awaiting her answer with the idle interest of one not
immediately effected, but curious all the same. Her face still remains largely
a mask, though eyes do widen slightly, and her forward-leaning posture faintly
betrays her interest in the goings on.
Swift,
bouncing, and silent is Caelwen as she nearly runs up the ladder, hands flying
and feet feeling for white rungs. She jumps to the boards of the fine flet,
whirls, and only then seems to remember where she is. Her skin is flush in
spots, and she stills, skirts swirling at her ankles. She watches.
Mia
nods slowly, her lips pursed tightly as she draws in a deep breath through her
nose. Her voice is soft when she speaks, a hint of a whisper though the words
carry clearly to all. "You honor me merely by asking me, and I think that
it would be enough for me to know this and walk away. But I do not do any of
this for myself, and I will not begin now." Words of negation, a denial it
would seem. "I fight to protect my home and my friends... to turn away
would be to turn my back on them. And though I may not believe in myself right
at this moment, there are those who believe in me no matter the time of day or
night... and I cannot ignore them, for I have sought their counsel on numerous
occasions." A smile appears, but it is filled with irony. "You leave
me little choice, or is it merely that you present it in such a way that I
cannot deny the truth of it? Very well... I humbly accept, my Lord, though it
grieves me to do so."
A
few breaths behind Caelwen, but slower and more dignified, Lothdaimoth steps
off the ladder to stand beside the Indiri. Just in time to for Mia's voice to
catch his ear and bring his head around. Long black hair falls smooth and
straight over a white shirt that glows seemingly of its own accord. What he
hears brings both a tug of smile to one corner of his mouth, and a thin line of
frown between dark eyebrows.
At
Mia's reluctant acceptance, Oerwen notes her last words down, the tengwar
characters still wet on the filled page. Her eyes survey the silent gathering,
the morn light licking their figures with subtle glow and turning her attention
to the parchment again, the Historian catches the glint of her silver band as
she turns to a fresh page. Reminding her of one who is absent, though would
dearly wish to witness this moment, Oerwen looks to the new Commander a trace
of admiration clear in her fair mien.
Flick.
Flick. Flick. Caelwen's eyes move, resting just briefly on one form or another,
but otherwise she does not move. The only person who is bestowed with no glance
is Lothdaimoth. Her flush gradually fades to mark the passage of time.
"Then
the matter is settled." Celeborn states finally, and then reaches forward
to place his hands upon Mia's shoulders, "Knight Commander then I name
you, by that which has been given to me by Lothlorien itself. Command our
armies to your best ability, for we may ask nothing else from you." The
ancient Sindar's voice seems to carry through the chamber, the trees, and
indeed the very woods itself.
He
bows his head once, solemnly, before he pulls his hands back to his sides, and
then steps back, looking at all those here, "Let none question this, nor
her words in her orders, for it is by my authority directly that she gains this
title." His eyes narrow for a moment now, as though remembering some
unpleasant deed from the past. But the look fades quickly, even as he returns
to his chair, "You wll have much to do, Knight-Commander. I trust that it
will be done."
Caelwen's
lips part. "Ah," she sighs, as understanding relaxes her features and
posture. A smile begins, then grows as dawn warming a the horizon, and happily
she looks at the Lord and Commander together, ere transferring this relieved
glance to the Minister beside her.
The
faint line of frown is gone, banished by a whole-hearted smile of approval and
congratulations. And as Caelwen finally turns to look at him, the Minister
bends to murmur in her ear, "It is well earned and much deserved."
His voice, though not loud, might still be heard by the newly made commander.
Mia
nods as Celeborn speak, hearing his words but not really aware of them. Instead
of looking to him now, she spares a long and meaningful look to Terridan, tears
threatening to spill. As the Lord makes his last comment, she nods and breaks
herself from her silence. "Aye... there is much to do, and more yet to
learn. I am grateful to have one who is so well-skilled in the position to
learn from, but tell me... isn't there some sort of... transition... here? Some
time when I may learn from the Comman..." The word dies on her lips as she
realizes the title is hers now. "I mean, is there time, my Lord, or does
Terridan move to his new post immediately?"
Celeborn
smiles, "Terridan's post is immediate, but you may find counsel from him
as you see fit." Sitting back down upon his chair, the Lord of Lorien
smiles, "That is all Knight Commander, take care in your new position...
you will do well, of this I am sure."
Caelwen's
smile widens slightly, and she nods at Lothdaimoth's words, but after a moment,
her gaze transferrs from the new Commander to Terridan, and there might be some
concern in her eyes. In any case, there is a line between her brows to bely the
weakening smile.
With
another glance at the prior commander, Mia nods and curtsey's to the Lord and
Lady with reverence and respect, then leaves the hall in a flutter of layered
silk as she shoots looks to Terridan. She does not wait for him but neither
does she hurry her step as she leaves the great tree, and it is with hope and
faith in her heart that she knows she will see him very soon.
Closing
the leather-bound volume, some dust springing from the ancient pages, the
Hirlin observes with widened eyes as Mia hurries from the chamber. Though,
looking to Anor as she sits now lazily on the ignited horizon, Oerwen sighs
with whispered breath as her glirdan duties ever beckoning. Thus, with a formal
curtsey to both Lord and Lady, the Historian leaves the hall, the journal
clutched beneath her rippled sleeve as she descends to the ladder.
finding
her first visit to the court very interesting to say the least, She desides its
time to take her leave. Gail bows respectfully and slips off down the ladder.
Oerwen
brushes bast him, and Lothdaimoth turns his head a little to watch her go and
then looks back around the chambers. The smile has left his lips, leaving his
face solemn but joys both old and new still glimmer in his dark eyes. Bowing to
the Lord, he gestures for Caelwen to precede him down the ladder if she will.
A
curtsy sweeping fair is given to the Lord and Lady, but Caelwen's eyes are
still distracted by Terridan. A glance to Lothdaimoth, and she follows his
gesture, climbing down the ladder and away.
Daifuin
blinks, as if stirring from a stupor of her own thoughts, and straightens
suddenly. She casts another look around, offering a nod or two, before sweeping
into a bow, and moving to wait her turn down the ladder.
With
the faintest brush of boot on wood, Lothdaimoth has disappeared after his
cousin.
Daifuin
does not linger long, once Lothdaimoth has gone, and she too is quickly
disappeared down the ladder.