Chapter 2
The father looked down across the long table at his daughter and a loving warmth filled him. She would rule this kingdom well someday. His blue eyes fell upon his son; yes he too would rule the kingdom at his sister's side. They would be a powerful force to reckon with ruling together.
"My lord Cerridwick," a small serving boy came to his side, "The guests have wished to hold a private council with you and the prince after the feast."
Cerridwick searched down the vast row of feasting people and came upon seven faces he did not recognize and speculated that these folks must be the guests. The serving boy still stood close, waiting for a reply. The lord turned in his seat to the young one and said, "Very well then, tell them though if they wish to speak to both me and my son they will also have my wife and daughter join us." Cerridwick took just as much counsel from his wife and daughter as he would any other intelligent being. If the guests were not pleased with this then they may leave for in the kingdom of Cerridwick, it was the custom!
The serving boy nodded and took off swiftly past the rows. When he had left, Cerridwick's wife and queen, Alantieal, leaned over and said, "Have you seen these people before, my husband?"
He said with a shake of his head, "Nay, I have not and neither do I recognize what region they could have come from, except for perhaps the tall elven woman, by her fair hair she looks to be from the realm of Lorien. It does seem that I have spent too much time resting here in our kingdom and not enough exploring the other lands. Perhaps, I shall ask our son if he would explore for me and rekindle the ties to other kingdoms."
The queen nodded softly, a faint smile traced on her lips, "Perhaps, but I do think our Sorenth would enjoy such an expedition far more then the prince." It was quite true what she said; Aeidean never shared the love for exploring such as his sister. He did enjoy a few occasional hunting trips, but no, he did not have sheer passion that his twin sister held.
"Then we might just ask the princess to take on such a task. As much as I would like to believe she would enjoy tending the castle and living here, I know her happiness would only be found where she could run and get bruised and dirty. Did you not see her today after her so called walk?" He asked.
Lady Alantieal laughed, "Oh yes indeed I did, she was covered in dust from head to toe!" The king chuckled softly and the two carried on in conversation well into the feast and then after all plates had been taken away and folks had retired to their beds. He waved for his son and daughter to stay behind and the twins obediently did so. It was time to have the meeting with the strange guests.
The room was silent and filled with mild tension. Complex tapestries covered the walls and the scent of pungent herbs drafted through the room. An unseen musician played a peaceful melody upon one of the traditional Wodwuoh flutes. There was a yellow-glowing circle of candles hanging from places high up in the rafters that illuminated the room with a soft lighting. The large round wooden table set in the middle held the king and his family but also, an elf, two humans, and four little beings he could not place in any category. He met their eyes and saw a tinge of both fear and awe. It seems his notions of curiosity towards them was equal to their's of him.
"Cerridwick, king over this land, we come and ask of your assistance." The silence broke suddenly when the elven-woman's quiet and strong voice came forth. She spoke in a thickly accented Quenya, a language still spoken in the Wodwuoh Forests.
All eyes were on her and so she continued, "We ask for a guide through the farther aspects of your kingdom for as you must already know, much of your land has not been traveled on by any save a few of the native folk who ventured as far as the north border."
The king spoke, "You have stated the meaning of your trip into our land, now might you tell us who you and your company are and the reason for taking such a long and difficult journey?"
It was the man who spoke next, now speaking in a Sindarin tongue, "We are all from different regions of Middle-Earth; I, Ararun come from Rivendell and these three here," he motioned to three small children beside him, "Are Tolman, Pippin and Ruby, hobbits from the Shire." In turn, each gave a slight bow in their seat.
"And I am Doli of New Moria," said a gruff voice in the Common tongue. A stubby being, not much taller then those referred to as Hobbits, glared at the royal family with beady cold eyes. Long, unruly red hair fell over the shoulders of it, and with the most educated guest, it could be assumed that it WAS a female. Only Sorenth and Aeidean gave Doli attention though, being the only ones schooled to know the Common Speech among their people.
Aeidean asked, "New Moria? Is it true that there once lived a mysterious race of craftsmen in Moria?"
Her voice was a low rumble, "Yes; and after an attack long ago on our home all had perished. However, those from Dali and other regions migrated to Moria and rebuilt it within the last hundred years. We dwarves now dwell there without the interference of strangers, like you elves living here."
The second man of the group cleared his throat quietly and gathered everyone's interest, "And lastly, I am Seridal, son under the wizard of the blue. And it is I and my Lady Verilyn," he motioned to the elven woman who had first spoken, "who have gathered these folks on a quest to find the lost Garden of Gold. Surely, you have heard of its lore."
The king nodded with a flickering amusement in his eyes, "I have; although even the folks here do not regard it to be more then a legend. Why do you seek it, Master Wizard?"
Seridal continued, ignoring the tone of disbelief in the elven king's voice, "We seek it because it is indeed real. And within its gates lies the sacred regalia of Middle-Earth. We wish to wield these in the hopes of fighting off the last of Sauron's evil."
Sorenth broke in, "But is not the Garden of Gold guessed to be in the very lands of Mordor?"
The wizard nodded, "Indeed and that is why few have even attempted to go search for the Garden. It is a dangerous expedition, but if one succeeds at finding it then peace might be restored once more on Middle- Earth. We have found a path into Mordor that is safer then any other, however, as said before, this plan would involve going through your land and as such, we would need a guide. Now, I would make sure who ever you chose to direct us would be well compensated for their services."
"I doubt very much so that you will find an elf here to guide you in my kingdom, Master Wizard. Even the most greediest of us would not risk such a dreadful death one might have if they step onto the soil of Mordor," King Cerridwick said.
There was a long silence as each person in the room tended to their own thoughts. Looking from face to face, Sorenth whispered something to her brother, who gave a look of great fear.
Sorenth said with an unreadable tone, "My father is right in saying no elf here would assist you to satisfy their own greed, but I accept your offer nevertheless. I will guide you and your company for I seek an adventure and this most definitely would be the greatest adventure of a lifetime! But also, if the chance of peace on Middle-Earth is possible with my help then all the more reason for me to go."
Lady Alantieal now regarded her daughter, "Dear Sorenth, this is no walk in the woods. Think of all the dangers you shall put your life in."
Aeidean also voiced his concern, " Our mother is right, Sorenth. If you dare try to enter Mordor you will most certainly never return! Father, please tell her this is nonsense."
The king was silent. And after a few moments passed, his voice was steady and quiet, drained of all emotion, "It would tear at both my heart and soul to loose you, my daughter. I know any true father would forbid on his daughter to go on such a voyage in which the chances of death were so high," he paused briefly in thought before saying, "But neither do most fathers have such a strong and gallant daughter as you! Surely if any one would be able to take on such a responsibility of leading these folks it would be my Sorenth. And alas, I am more the positive that even if I ordered you as your king to stay, you would leave as your heart bid you. Is this not correct?"
Sorenth bowed her head and said softly, "It is, father." She loved her kingdom and family well but the urge to go help on something so noble as this was far stronger.
"Very well, daughter of mine. You shall leave with this company in the half of ten-day."
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Author's Note: Dupty dupty do! So Sorenth has taken up the role as the guide for the company. But what now? Who shall eat the spring cheese?! I don't know, in fact, I don't think spring cheese will even be mentioned in the story. Yes. It is for the best. And uh...Doli Rockz!
The father looked down across the long table at his daughter and a loving warmth filled him. She would rule this kingdom well someday. His blue eyes fell upon his son; yes he too would rule the kingdom at his sister's side. They would be a powerful force to reckon with ruling together.
"My lord Cerridwick," a small serving boy came to his side, "The guests have wished to hold a private council with you and the prince after the feast."
Cerridwick searched down the vast row of feasting people and came upon seven faces he did not recognize and speculated that these folks must be the guests. The serving boy still stood close, waiting for a reply. The lord turned in his seat to the young one and said, "Very well then, tell them though if they wish to speak to both me and my son they will also have my wife and daughter join us." Cerridwick took just as much counsel from his wife and daughter as he would any other intelligent being. If the guests were not pleased with this then they may leave for in the kingdom of Cerridwick, it was the custom!
The serving boy nodded and took off swiftly past the rows. When he had left, Cerridwick's wife and queen, Alantieal, leaned over and said, "Have you seen these people before, my husband?"
He said with a shake of his head, "Nay, I have not and neither do I recognize what region they could have come from, except for perhaps the tall elven woman, by her fair hair she looks to be from the realm of Lorien. It does seem that I have spent too much time resting here in our kingdom and not enough exploring the other lands. Perhaps, I shall ask our son if he would explore for me and rekindle the ties to other kingdoms."
The queen nodded softly, a faint smile traced on her lips, "Perhaps, but I do think our Sorenth would enjoy such an expedition far more then the prince." It was quite true what she said; Aeidean never shared the love for exploring such as his sister. He did enjoy a few occasional hunting trips, but no, he did not have sheer passion that his twin sister held.
"Then we might just ask the princess to take on such a task. As much as I would like to believe she would enjoy tending the castle and living here, I know her happiness would only be found where she could run and get bruised and dirty. Did you not see her today after her so called walk?" He asked.
Lady Alantieal laughed, "Oh yes indeed I did, she was covered in dust from head to toe!" The king chuckled softly and the two carried on in conversation well into the feast and then after all plates had been taken away and folks had retired to their beds. He waved for his son and daughter to stay behind and the twins obediently did so. It was time to have the meeting with the strange guests.
The room was silent and filled with mild tension. Complex tapestries covered the walls and the scent of pungent herbs drafted through the room. An unseen musician played a peaceful melody upon one of the traditional Wodwuoh flutes. There was a yellow-glowing circle of candles hanging from places high up in the rafters that illuminated the room with a soft lighting. The large round wooden table set in the middle held the king and his family but also, an elf, two humans, and four little beings he could not place in any category. He met their eyes and saw a tinge of both fear and awe. It seems his notions of curiosity towards them was equal to their's of him.
"Cerridwick, king over this land, we come and ask of your assistance." The silence broke suddenly when the elven-woman's quiet and strong voice came forth. She spoke in a thickly accented Quenya, a language still spoken in the Wodwuoh Forests.
All eyes were on her and so she continued, "We ask for a guide through the farther aspects of your kingdom for as you must already know, much of your land has not been traveled on by any save a few of the native folk who ventured as far as the north border."
The king spoke, "You have stated the meaning of your trip into our land, now might you tell us who you and your company are and the reason for taking such a long and difficult journey?"
It was the man who spoke next, now speaking in a Sindarin tongue, "We are all from different regions of Middle-Earth; I, Ararun come from Rivendell and these three here," he motioned to three small children beside him, "Are Tolman, Pippin and Ruby, hobbits from the Shire." In turn, each gave a slight bow in their seat.
"And I am Doli of New Moria," said a gruff voice in the Common tongue. A stubby being, not much taller then those referred to as Hobbits, glared at the royal family with beady cold eyes. Long, unruly red hair fell over the shoulders of it, and with the most educated guest, it could be assumed that it WAS a female. Only Sorenth and Aeidean gave Doli attention though, being the only ones schooled to know the Common Speech among their people.
Aeidean asked, "New Moria? Is it true that there once lived a mysterious race of craftsmen in Moria?"
Her voice was a low rumble, "Yes; and after an attack long ago on our home all had perished. However, those from Dali and other regions migrated to Moria and rebuilt it within the last hundred years. We dwarves now dwell there without the interference of strangers, like you elves living here."
The second man of the group cleared his throat quietly and gathered everyone's interest, "And lastly, I am Seridal, son under the wizard of the blue. And it is I and my Lady Verilyn," he motioned to the elven woman who had first spoken, "who have gathered these folks on a quest to find the lost Garden of Gold. Surely, you have heard of its lore."
The king nodded with a flickering amusement in his eyes, "I have; although even the folks here do not regard it to be more then a legend. Why do you seek it, Master Wizard?"
Seridal continued, ignoring the tone of disbelief in the elven king's voice, "We seek it because it is indeed real. And within its gates lies the sacred regalia of Middle-Earth. We wish to wield these in the hopes of fighting off the last of Sauron's evil."
Sorenth broke in, "But is not the Garden of Gold guessed to be in the very lands of Mordor?"
The wizard nodded, "Indeed and that is why few have even attempted to go search for the Garden. It is a dangerous expedition, but if one succeeds at finding it then peace might be restored once more on Middle- Earth. We have found a path into Mordor that is safer then any other, however, as said before, this plan would involve going through your land and as such, we would need a guide. Now, I would make sure who ever you chose to direct us would be well compensated for their services."
"I doubt very much so that you will find an elf here to guide you in my kingdom, Master Wizard. Even the most greediest of us would not risk such a dreadful death one might have if they step onto the soil of Mordor," King Cerridwick said.
There was a long silence as each person in the room tended to their own thoughts. Looking from face to face, Sorenth whispered something to her brother, who gave a look of great fear.
Sorenth said with an unreadable tone, "My father is right in saying no elf here would assist you to satisfy their own greed, but I accept your offer nevertheless. I will guide you and your company for I seek an adventure and this most definitely would be the greatest adventure of a lifetime! But also, if the chance of peace on Middle-Earth is possible with my help then all the more reason for me to go."
Lady Alantieal now regarded her daughter, "Dear Sorenth, this is no walk in the woods. Think of all the dangers you shall put your life in."
Aeidean also voiced his concern, " Our mother is right, Sorenth. If you dare try to enter Mordor you will most certainly never return! Father, please tell her this is nonsense."
The king was silent. And after a few moments passed, his voice was steady and quiet, drained of all emotion, "It would tear at both my heart and soul to loose you, my daughter. I know any true father would forbid on his daughter to go on such a voyage in which the chances of death were so high," he paused briefly in thought before saying, "But neither do most fathers have such a strong and gallant daughter as you! Surely if any one would be able to take on such a responsibility of leading these folks it would be my Sorenth. And alas, I am more the positive that even if I ordered you as your king to stay, you would leave as your heart bid you. Is this not correct?"
Sorenth bowed her head and said softly, "It is, father." She loved her kingdom and family well but the urge to go help on something so noble as this was far stronger.
"Very well, daughter of mine. You shall leave with this company in the half of ten-day."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Author's Note: Dupty dupty do! So Sorenth has taken up the role as the guide for the company. But what now? Who shall eat the spring cheese?! I don't know, in fact, I don't think spring cheese will even be mentioned in the story. Yes. It is for the best. And uh...Doli Rockz!