To Treat with an Elf

To Treat with an Elf

Postby Glenn » Wed Nov 14, 2007 6:37 am

"Any thing else you have to say about this... desire to irrigate the fields... please forward to my office on Merchant's Row." So said Vanidor Goldenhair, Councilor of Agriculture for Myrken Wood, upon his perhaps overly dramatic exit during the Council Meeting.

The man who stood in front of that selfsame office door had been there that day. He was dress far for cooler weather and he carried various papers under his arm. Yes, there was business to forward along. No, Glenn Burnie, Surveyor of Myrken Wood did not expect an immediate response after knocking upon that door. He expected to be waiting out in the cold for at least a few minutes. His experience with elves in his lifetime had been... patience-inspiring, to say the least. That Vanidor might not wish to speak with a member of the government right now, especially on a topic he frowns upon, well... that was a distinct possibility.

He was prepared to wait a few minutes, perhaps ten, and then if there was no answer, he had a paper to slip under that door. Nominally, this visit was about irrigation. In truth, Glenn had one ulterior motive and one other political one and those two things, on top of his own professional responsiibilities would inspire him to such patience.

Of course, it would be nice if after knocking, he could get an immediate answer. Really though, what daily business does Goldenhair have anyway? No, that was an honest question. Glenn would like to know.
Glenn
Co-Founder
 
Posts: 3218
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:00 am

Postby Vanidor » Sun Nov 18, 2007 7:34 am

A letter that had been left quietly at a house that had been shrouded in such, for the Surveyor's efforts at awakening someone within had gone unanswered. And his request had stayed unanswered for the space of a few days, as if the request was being considered and the proper response weighed.

Whatever the case, while Glenn was out surveying the fields for this project of irrigation, a tall and lithe elf would be seen riding towards him upon the back of a fleet-footed horse. Clad in plates of leather that creaked softly in rhythm to the sway of the mount beneath him. A long bladed sword rested in an open scabbard upon his back, whilst another slender blade was strapped to his thigh. As he approached, his hand would raise and a phrase in his ancestral tongue would be uttered in greeting.

"Cianin taegi, Alor Burnie." There was a pause here, as the elf switched from the language of his ancestors to that of the common lands, a light smile set upon a face of indeterminate age. "Anath. I have a response and an invitation for thee, Master Surveyor, from my Coron, and it is thus. Alor Vanidor does so apologise for not responding to thy request in a timely manner, and does extend an invite unto thee to our hold within the depths of the Forest. Thou shalt be allowed one guest of thy choosing, and simply come again to the house that sits upon Merchant's Row when it is that thou shalt be ready."

There was again a smile upon that elven face. "Is there aught thou did wish to reply in response, Alor Burnie? I am here to deliver it, if there is. If there is not, then I shall return to my patrol along the borders of the forest."

One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk. - Charles Baudelaire


User avatar
Vanidor
Member
 
Posts: 909
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Under the desert sky.

Postby Glenn » Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:39 am

Glenn had been a great many places in his relatively short life, so many cities. He had seen so many things and met so many people, albeit for such short periods of time. He had little experience with other races however. It meant that he did not look at such beings, at first glance, with any preconceived notions whether they were elf, dwarf or dragon.

Ah, a response. Finally. That was good. He was starting to get worried that they were going to do have to do this without talking to Vanidor at all. That was NOT what Glenn wanted. He wanted them to work WITH the Council, even if Cinnabar saw them as more of a hindrance than a help. They needed whatever help they could get, and stability on top of that.

Of course, he wanted a crack at Vanidor's library and his knowledge of Myrken as well. That went without saying and... oh, what's this? He can make a date of it. Rhaena would like that. "A response? We will come as soon as it is possible. My thanks for delivering the message."
Glenn
Co-Founder
 
Posts: 3218
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:00 am

Postby Vanidor » Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:59 am

The elf bowed low in the saddle, his leather-clad torso creaking as the maneuver was performed. That almost enigmatic smile continued to float upon that ageless face. No, not ageless, simply... forever young. In any case, he gazed at Glenn a moment, as if memorizing the manner in which the younger man made his response. The way it was phrased.

"So it shall be. When the time comes that thou wouldst wish to pay call unto our home within the mystical glades, come unto the manor upon Merchant's Row. We shall station someone there to make certain that thy coming shall not go unnoticed."

Then, again, another bow that was as low as the first. The horse would be nudged, next, in a semi-circle that would carry him away from Glenn and his work, and back into the forest.

One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk. - Charles Baudelaire


User avatar
Vanidor
Member
 
Posts: 909
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Under the desert sky.

Postby Glenn » Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:41 am

Things were pretty much ready. Most likely, he had all the information he would need for this. No matter what Vanidor might think, it was just to be a preliminary meeting, sort of a meet and great, break the ice, assure that Cinnabar DOES mean to work with the Council, perhaps a quick opinion asked for about the Ashfiend, and a request to use the elf's library. No heavy business, nothing that Elspeth would not approve of.

He had his date. Rhaena was beside him. Perhaps she was not the BEST choice to take along for this. A more professional decision might have been a better idea, but he was terribly bad at not presenting her at his arm whenever possible, especially in public, especially for things like this. She generally made him more reasonable anyway. He was dressed well, and by all means ready.

There was a firm knock upon the door. He was very curious to see how all of this would work. Would they just appear elsewhere? Was the door itself a portal? Would someone ride up and escort them? By nature, he was not a great fan of magic, but at times like this it was hard not be curious.
Glenn
Co-Founder
 
Posts: 3218
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:00 am

Postby Vanidor » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:34 am

What would they find? At first, it is naught but a simple door. An entry way that opened after a minute by no hand that was mystical. Instead, it was opened by the hand of a silvery-haired elfess with eyes of sparkling azure. She smiled and bowed her head slightly, a hand motioning towards the interior or the dwelling.

It was a spartan affair, here. Furnished with the bare essentials for such a place. At least on the first floor, who knew what resided beyond the darkened steps that led to the second story. But here, it was a well made set of tables and chairs in a dining room. A study, with a few rows of books and a mighty hearth, held a pair of overstuffed chairs and a table between. The flowing symbols of elven writing was etched into the crown molding that lined the whole of the house. Perhaps the house, itself, was the portal? For surely as the silver hair elf-maid led them from the front of the dwelling to the rear... those symbols had seemed to flicker now and again with phosphorescent energy.

Finally, as they reach a door that -should- have led towards a rear stableyard or garden, the elfess would stop and raise her hand. The other was resting upon the panels of wood that bordered that last door. "Ah. We are ready, to complete the crossing. When it pleases you, all you must do is step through the doorway. You will find yourself in a clearing a short distance away from the Coron Hall, which should be directly ahead, as well there should be a stables to your left and a kitchen to the right. They know you are coming, and there is a small... luncheon? Dinner? We call it estreda, a... ah... gathering of friends?" She shook her head slightly, unused as she was to speaking so much in the common tongue of men. "Nan. Beyond, Alor Vanidor waits for you in the Coron Hall."

And here, the elf bowed her silver-tressed head and undid the latch of the door. All it left here, was for Glenn and Rhaena to open the door.

One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk. - Charles Baudelaire


User avatar
Vanidor
Member
 
Posts: 909
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Under the desert sky.

Postby Glenn » Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:29 am

Portals. Teleportation. Magic that moves one from place A to place B. Glenn was more comfortable with the pain spells of the Ashfiend than with this. He did his best not to show it, however. Rhaena's company generally makes him more subdued and responsibile, but it also makes him put on an somewhat transparent false front. There was some desire to double back, to delay, to look at those books. He was very much hoping that Vanidor's collection would not ALL be in an elven tongue.

No, he couldn't linger there forever. It was best to get this done and done quickly. For all he knew, they had already transported. Still, his hand would reach out to take Rhaena's. In his experiences, such a thing never accomplished more than mere moral support. Moral support was more than welcome here.

With a quiet mumbling of thanks to the elfmaid, he stepped through the portal with the veiled girl, shutting his eyes as he did.

There was more than a little relief when upon his foot's landing, Rhaena's hand was still within his own. Alright, time to move on. Well... a gathering of friends sounded like a good start to this. The two started towards the hall.
Glenn
Co-Founder
 
Posts: 3218
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:00 am

Postby Vanidor » Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:20 am

The far side of that door proved to be within the forest itself, a place that was decked in new fallen snow and the pale glow of the elven lanterns. Blue-green, these were, casting their almost ghostly brilliance upon the region that Vanidor had called an Enclave. It was a realm that seemed to hang within a perpetual twilight, with trees that sparkled faintly and buildings that seemed to blend into their surroundings.

Surely, the stables that the elfess had mentioned were there, worked into the trees in such a manner that the branches made the roof of it, and the very trunks made the majority of the walls. The kitchens as well, these had a roof of thatch, but were set into the side of a hillock, built into the earth. Homes here and there, could be seen on the far side of the clearing that they would eventually spill into to. Into the glade that sat the Coron Hall.

It was a proud looking building, made up of the woods native to Myrken. Solidly built, even if it had an air of fragility to it. Open-faced windows dotted the walls, creating a cheery look. For inside the hall itself were none of those ghostly lanterns, instead here was light created by more natural flame. A bright hearth, lanterns hanging from the rafters, and candles set into sconces that lingered upon the walls. Bright and brilliant and full of people.

Surely there were elves about, talking in their singsong language. Along with those elves, fair-skinned and obviously kin to Vanidor, were others. A smattering of dwarves, their harsh tongue an odd counterpoint to that of the elves. Humans as well, though those few mingled more freely with the rest of the gathering. A couple of elves with skin the colour of the most darkest night as well, one talking to an elf clad in blue-lacquered armour, and the other sitting directly besides Vanidor himself. That one was female, and had what seemed to be a crazed look to her eyes. They were involved in some sort of conversation, for the much taller man was leaning down to whisper tidbits to the slender drow.

He had not yet seen Glenn nor his companion, though a passing elf with a tray laden with freshly cooked venison had. He stopped, a humoured twinkle to his eyes. "Vio, travellers. Welcome to the hall. Is there aught that I may do for thee?"

One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk. - Charles Baudelaire


User avatar
Vanidor
Member
 
Posts: 909
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Under the desert sky.

Postby Jirai » Tue Nov 27, 2007 11:22 am

The veiled girl was far more comfortable with magics than the Mapmaker was in general, and this was no exception. Her hand curled into Glenn's, but she did not hesitate a moment in stepping through the portal. Where she did hesitate was -beyond- the portal. She'd stopped short, veiled head turning to take in the multitude of sights laid out before them. There was certainly plenty to take in, from the buildings to the people. And the drow. The latter would be the recipients of a long look from the girl, though the fancifully embroidered veil hid her wariness quite nicely. The approach of another elf would draw her attention soon, though, the girl's head inclining politely. She glanced towards Glenn, then. Let him answer the elf.
And though scary is exciting
Nice is different than good.
User avatar
Jirai
Op
 
Posts: 1580
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2003 5:00 am

Postby Glenn » Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:46 pm

Glenn looked about with some muffled sense of wonder. Dwarves? Humans? This was news to him. This was all news to him. He wondered if it would be to Cinnabar as well and... a drow? Hm. Interesting. It was a shame that Glenn no longer... wished to learn more about drow, more about what happened during the last year, more about the threat. It was a shame that Glenn no longer had any taste for team.

Ah! Venison. HE was worried that the elves ate no meet thanks to their accord with the forest. Of course, this COULD be a test. Hopefully it was a delicious one, sans of any poison. Glenn would accept the food with a quiet thanks. He was reluctant to interrupt the two so any excuse to linger would be welcome. Of course, Rhaena certainly stood out, and Glenn, in this audience, was not much better. "I would ask you to announce us, but this may not be the best moment."
Glenn
Co-Founder
 
Posts: 3218
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:00 am

Postby Vanidor » Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:14 pm

Would Glenn but take a look at the plate that sat before the elf lord. For there was a few slices of venison, settled into a swath of gravy and juices. A hunk of bread sat within the collection, half forgotten as he made a motion of his hand to the dark skinned elf that sat besides him. She laughed again softly, then raised her slender fingers towards the two new comers. Vanidor paused, then flicked his gaze towards the mapmaker and his companion. A grin set into his youthful face, and then he would rise to his feet.

One hand holding to a fragile looking cylinder of glass, his other waved Glenn and Rhaena towards his place at the head of the table. Indeed, there were two plates set up and waiting for them, as well as two empty goblets. "Come! Come, sit besides me as honoured guests. You have questions, I have answers, yes? At least that is what we both hope."

Such a smile here, as he remained standing and waiting for the two to come close. The slender woman at his side smiled at the two of them as well, the insanity seeming to have withdrawn for a moment. Especially as a pair of Tressym leapt up from the ground to install themselves within her lap. Well, one sat in her lap, and the other eyed the taller Vanidor with a mix of disdain and want. Vanidor laughed lightly. "Please, come and sit before my friend here becomes belligerent. If she does not have her seat, and a bite of venison, she can yowl like nothing else."

One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk. - Charles Baudelaire


User avatar
Vanidor
Member
 
Posts: 909
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Under the desert sky.

Postby Glenn » Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:34 pm

This was a much different welcome than Glenn had expected. He wasn't about to complain, no but he would still be a bit wary, nonetheless. Questions. Yes, well. He had questions. Perhaps they were not the ones Vanidor expected, not at first, but hopefully this would just be the start of a dialogue.

"You honor us with your regard, Councilor." That WAS the title for which Glenn was here to see Goldenhair now, was it not? He might have had any number of other ones that were used here, more fitting ones. From what the mapmaker could tell, he may have even heard one or two used since arriving here. "You know me, of course, from the Council meeting. This is my... companion, Rhaena Olwak, a trader." Companion? Well, she was technically his traveling companion today, no? She's particularly curious about a great many things and I thought she might enjoy to see your home."

And now Glenn was making towards the table, preparing to take his seat. "To be honest, Councilor, after the way you left that meeting, well... I was expecting something of a stormier reception today." Yes, it WAS best to be honest about this.
Glenn
Co-Founder
 
Posts: 3218
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:00 am

Postby Vanidor » Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:08 pm

"What your master did is a matter between him and I, yes? Not between his proxy and I." The elf smiled and then settled down into his chair. The cat-like Tressym made a purring sound, and then settled into his lap with a gentle flap of it's wings. Vanidor reached his hand forward and rested his fingertips upon the back of the creatures head and massaged gently. Again, the creature purred contentedly.

"And even so, were he to step into this Enclave, he would receive the same treatment. Arguments that occur outside of these walls, do not continue within them. It is... how we can be reconciled with our darker skinned brethren, even they respect those rules, here." A glance for the woman besides him, who seemed to be talking to the owl-faced creature in her lap, and barely listening to the conversation as a whole. Eyes moved back to Glenn and the other. "Cianin taegi, Madame Olwak. And yourself as well, of course, Sir Burnie. Please, take a plate and ask for drink, for you, this night, there are no limitations."

One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk. - Charles Baudelaire


User avatar
Vanidor
Member
 
Posts: 909
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Under the desert sky.

Postby Glenn » Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:19 pm

Now that Glenn has closed in and has taken his seat, these creatures, these Tressym, though he does not know the name, DO call to his interest. He has seen a great many things but nothing specifically like them. It was almost enough to waste a precious question.

Proxy, then? That was... disappointing, perhaps, but not unexpected. He would be limited in what he might be able to do, yes, but at the same time, he would not be looked at with much disdain, at least not any extra disdain for the Council Meeting. "Your hospitality is heartening, especially in these dark times." Ah, here he pauses for a moment. Truly, should he order some sort of elf drink? Could his constitution handle it? Best to move on for now. "Though, I suppose here and now may not seem that dire to you, given that you have seen many, many years in Myrken. Over two hundred, no? Tell me, if you would, Councilor... have you often played a role in human affairs in that time or is this a rare event for you to step forward and serve in such a manner?" There was so little recorded in the Mudd about recent and even not so recent Myrken history. It was part of the reason why he was there now.
Glenn
Co-Founder
 
Posts: 3218
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2007 4:00 am

Postby Vanidor » Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:40 pm

"I have served Merisdardia for a... major portion of my life, Sir Burnie." As he said this, the free hand rose and swept in a vague circle. As if to indicate all of the region that surrounded them. Along with the motion came a rising of that owl-shaped face. It peered at Glenn and Rhaena a moment, then eyed Vanidor's plate. It seemed to think a moment. "You are truthful in saying that we have witnessed many strange things over the centuries, and the current concerns of the region are not unknown to us here."

A server swept by the table with a number of flasks upon a plate. Vanidor pointed to two of them, and the elf would leave them upon the table they were joined at. A nod of the head, and the server would be off. A moment, and Vanidor would pour a dram for Glenn and Rhaena. "Wela. It is... our mead, honeyed, please, try some."

Once poured, whether or no either of the two took up their cups, Vanidor would lean back into his chair just as the tressym arched it's head forward and nipped a piece of venison from his plate. "Over the years that I have resided here, since your people came to it in any case, I and my people have offered our assistance to those who needed it. The last time I stepped forward in such a capacity was when I Captained the Order of Straka, some seven years ago."

One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk. - Charles Baudelaire


User avatar
Vanidor
Member
 
Posts: 909
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 5:00 am
Location: Under the desert sky.

Next

Return to Downtown Myrkentown



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests

cron