This is a new feature to the Plaza Newsletter; a series of IC travel diaries through our virtual Middle Earth. This week it is Arteris, noble Gondorian, who visit's Lothlorien:
January 23
Today I arrived at the border of the Golden Wood, and was taken into the heart of the beautiful forest by their excellently trained patrols. I gave them my name, allegiances, my business, the name of a friend who had told me to come in past days. After letting them run a quick check on my weaponry, they took me further in. I was amazed by the beauty of the nature of the place. Coming from a city of White Stone, it was truly a change for my eyes, and one that I could almost not believe.
Their architecture was magnificent, and I reveled in the sight of the flets and talans, very interested in the mechanics of those structures. I supposed they had perfected the design over the years, and, that it was truly something that could only be done by Elven craft.
After exchanging a few short words with the patrol (in the Common Tongue, since my knowledge of the Elvish languages is non-existant), I worked my way towards the Lord and Lady's flet. After speaking briefly with the Lady of the Wood, as well as Lord Celeborn (who had just returned from business), and with a piece of brief advice from them, I made my way to a room in the Lorien Hollow, and was nicely sent to a fair room for a fair price by Naurloth, who was most helpful.
January 24
I awoke near midday, since it had been some time since I caught an opportunity to sleep. After washing a bit from the basin in my room, I dressed and made my way out of the Hollow. Everywhere seemed to be alive with activity, especially, since it seemed, I had come at the right time of year. There were, as I was told, many activities going on, since it was an anniversary of Lorien's existence, many years had the Golden Wood stood, and it was cause for much merrymaking. I, myself, did not attend any of the festivities, being mortal, and not having many ties inside Lothlorien, I kept to my own business, a bit of relaxation.
That was, until I found out that they were hosting a sparring competition, and before I knew it, I was placing my name down on the registration list. And, much to my good fortune, I was selected to compete. Perhaps they wanted to see how they could measure up against Men, but I was sure to give them quite a show.
I returned to the Hollow for a bite to eat and a bit to drink. I found their wine to be good, but nothing compared to my usual moderately aged merlot. Though, I do tend to be a bit biased, having my usual red back in Minas Tirith. I spoke with Naurloth for a bit, who had set me in my room the night before, but soon was distracted by the entrance of a relatively young and beautiful woman (if not a bit clumsy as well). Slinking around the establishment, I nearly scared an old acquaintance, Merl, out of her boots as I snuck up behind her to inquire as to the new lass.
A ruckus in the Hollow involving and Elf by the name of Firien, and a poor Hobbit woman stirred up a bit of trouble, and, though I was ready to assist, my skills were not needed, and I instead used the opportunity to acquaint myself with the new girl.
Her name is Faer, a shortened version of a longer name which I cannot recall at this moment. She had never been to the Hollow before, or so she claimed. She was terribly shy, but, having the personality that I do (not to brag or boast), she soon warmed up to me. She seemed very bright, had read much about the world, even knew about Cerin Amroth. After a bit of exchanged small talk, she asked if she could travel back with me to Gondor, and I gladly obliged. Good for a young lady like that to experience the world, I say.
We spoke a while longer, and after a few glasses of wine (and more strange happenings inside the place. . . maybe it was something in the water?), I'm about to hit my bed early, hoping to be well rested for my position in the sparring competition tomorrow.
January 25
Coming to the sparring arena (which really was not an arena at all, more of just an open space), in the early morning, I signed in with the officials, found my pairing for the competition and picked up a tournament blade. I had arrived early, and had a moment to spare before my opponent showed, which I spent on a bit or mind-stretching and meditation.
My competition soon arrived, a woman by the name of RedStarr, who, unexpectedly, was more athletic, more muscular than I had anticipated. And, most surprising, she carried a battle axe as a weapon. Thankfully my weapon of choice was two-hand sword, otherwise I would have been completely overpowered.
We squared off, testing the waters, exchanging a few light blows first. Then the sparks flew. . . literally. The sheer power of the blows as they connected was enough to rattle arms, legs, and the ground beneath us. I nearly lost the match as she hooked my blade with her axe, but quickly charged ahead and caused her to pull away.
We clashed again, two strikes with massive strength colliding. That blow, I was sure, had cracked my blade, a thought that was proven true on the next blow that severed the end of my sword and send it straight into the ground, like an arrow shot from a bow. That would give the men and women of the forges something to work on (though my earlier peak in on them had showed a clockwork system, so I'm sure it would be no trouble at all).
After a short laugh at the situation (which seemed oddly out of place in such a fierce competition) we came to an agreement to merely put on a show for the spectators. Showboating, as Mormegil of Gondor could attest to, is, and always has been, one of my specialties.
From fancy spins, to quick steps, to flips and twirls and everything imaginable, the show the two of us put on, with no intention to actually spar, was truly a sight to see, and would had made any entertainer proud. And, for the first time ever, I finally nailed my trump card, tossing my sword into the air and catching it in my scabbard. Maybe no one else was impressed by that, but it was a big accomplishment on my part.
After thanking RedStarr for a great match, I returned to the Hollow for the remainder of the day, to rest a bit and have a good laugh, and a good drink. The results of the first round will be posted shortly I assume, and, depending on those results, will dictate my return to the White City.
But I know that upon my return, at least I will be in good company with a new found friend, have great memories of a bit of swordplay and wonderful scenery all around, and, the satisfaction that I got out of a few days of guard duty back home. So, tomorrow will be another day, but who knows what may happen for a Ranger in Lothlorien.
By Arteris
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