Entertainment and Education

  Poetry and FanFiction  
Poetry and FanFiction Ærendboda: Ciardwen and Fyliwion
Poetry: Ciardwen | Fanfiction: Rosawyn

Priceless Poetry by Ciardwen

This month we take a trip to the imagination and back, where simple words carry titanic meaning. Ravendark is fairly new to the poetry circuit of the P&FF, with Ravendark's Attempts at Poetry being her first thread, and her work is absolutely outstanding! Combining works in both Finnish and English, she gives her poetry a deep and meaningful insight, questioning what it is that makes us human. I for one was enthralled from the word go, and thoroughly recommend a visit to her thread!

MA MUISTAN I REMEMBER

Taloon ruskeaan In a brown house
Ma silloin synnyin I was born
Äitini pehmeät kädet The soft hands of my mother
Ma muistan I remember
Isäni lempeät kasvot The kind face of my father
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Nuorena tanssin I danced
Ma tyttösenä kauniina As a young maiden beautiful
Punaiset kukkaset hiuksissani The red flowers in my hair
Ma muistan I remember
Ilon ja naurun Joy and laughter
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Miehen hienon A man so fine
Ma katseellani kohtasin I met with my glance
Hänen vahvat käsivartensa His strong arms
Ma muistan I remember
Kiihkon hänen silmissäin The eagerness in his eyes
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Häät mahtavat A wedding so grand
Meille niin pidettiin Held for us was
Rakkauden puristuksen sydämmessäni The clench of love in my heart
Ma muistan I remember
Käteni hänen kädessään My hand in his
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Pehmeät yöt The soft nights
Kauniin kesäisen suomen Of Finland so beautiful, summery
Hänen ihonsa tuoksun The scent of his skin
Ma muistan I remember
Itseni hänen sylissään Myself in his arms
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Lähteä pois Away now
Hänen nyt piti He had to go
Tuskan kyyneleet poskillani The tears of agony on my cheeks
Ma muistan I remember
Mieheni mun, laivassaan That man of mine, on his ship
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Kohtuni kasvoi My womb grew
Kun odottelin häntä As I awaited him
Potkaisut hennot sisälläni The kicks so tender inside me
Ma muistan I remember
Vatsani suuren, kauniin My belly so large, beautiful
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Kotiin palasi Returned home
Tuo mieheni mun That man of mine
Epätoivon pistot sielussani The stings of despair in my soul
Ma muistan I remember
Kuoleman tyhjyyden, suuruuden The emptiness and greatness of death
Ma silloin näin. I saw then.

Laiva hänen His ship
Paloi rakkaani syleilyssään Burned with my love in it's embrace
Kuivat poskeni valkoiset My cheeks dry and white
Ma muistan I remember
Jumalien luona hänet With the gods
Ma silloin näin. I saw him then.

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I think we all must admit that vampires are quite a popular topic in fiction, though I would not really want to hazard a guess as to why. Suffice to say, writers like to write about these terrifying blood-suckers and readers enjoy reading about them. Faewyn is one Rider who clearly enjoys writing about vampires, as evidenced by her original fiction, "Peter Grey, Vampire Hunter."

This is the story of a young man who learns the craft of vampire hunting from his father but finds his first kill to be less glorious that he had imagined it would be. We follow him on his decent into "the nightmare that would be the rest of [his] life" and are treated with a very believable account of how someone might be made a vampire against their will. All in all, it is a worthwhile read by an exceptionally talented writer.

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  Bard's Guild   
Bard's Guild Maegisterscop: Éormed

A new guild session is in, er… session, but not just any session: an Open Session! All Rohirrim wishing to join the Bard's Guild of Meduseld may post an audition in Se Bard's Guild of Niweblæd.

In ancient times now ages past
Whence out of the Sea the tall-men were cast
They built new kingdoms and towers of stone
And then a great alliance was sewn.

For in the evil Shadow Land
Arose a might with a ring on his hand
Sauron the Terrible, Lord of the Rings
Of whom many Elven-tales sing.

Summoned were those who in Dunharrow dwelt
As part of the alliance with Gondor they dealt;
But they worshipped Sauron and remained in their lair
So Isildur cursed them, this he did swear:

The king of Dunharrow would be their last
Ne'er would they rest, though ages passed,
And so they faltered and their bodies fell
Yet still in Dunharrow their spirits would dwell.

Their terror filled every cave and hall,
The Dark Door stood like an invisible wall
Fear issued from it like a dragon's breath
Chilling the heart with words of death.

But long after in a joyous feast
Where Brego dined on bread and beast
Rose up his son and heir, Baldor
And then a foolish oath he swore.

He spoke of the feared Paths of the Dead
And swore that there he would tread
But never did he return, there he would die,
In the Paths of the Dead where still his bones lie.

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  Guild of Historians   
Historian's Guild Hyrde: Anka

Guild Motto
Myntan, Raedan, Awritan (Think, Advise, Write)

This month the Guild of Historians was proud to welcome two new members, Eorlhelm and Hobbithole63! The third session is well under way with the research aspect of each project now completed and one of the essays already written. The topics this month were more extensive than previous ones as we have reached the period of Rohan that Tolkien wrote of in greater detail:

• An examination into the life of Thengel and his reign from 2905 - 2980.
• A study of Théoden - both his life and reign from 2948 - 3019.
• An inquiry into Eomer - investigating both his reign and who he was.
• An examination into the life and personality of Eowyn, Lady of the Shield-arm.

The fourth session is expected to start in early November and the Guild is always happy to accept new members. Those interested in becoming part of the Guild of Historians are welcome to sign up in the Guild's Kingdom Thread.

October's Featured Essay
Topic: An examination into the life of Thengel and his reign from 2905 - 2980.
Author: Eorir

Thengel was born the son of Fengel in the year 2905 of the Third Age. He was the third child and only son of his father, who was the 15th King of the Mark on the Second Line.

Tolkien tells us that Thengel, "left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor, and won honour in the service of Turgon." The fact that Thengel leaves the Mark can be speculatively blamed on his father, who "was greedy of food and of gold, and at strife with his marshals, and with his children."

While in Gondor, Thengel took a bride. He married Morwen of Lossarnach, who was 17 years younger than Thengel, who was at that time, 38. In Gondor, Morwen bore Thengel three children, the second of whom was Thengel's only son and future King of the Mark, Theoden.

In the year 2953, Thengel's father died and word was sent to the exile that his time to take the throne had come. Thengel returned to Edoras, where he rightfully took the kingship. He became the 16th King of the Mark. Tolkien tells us that Thengel was, "a good and wise king; though the speech of Gondor was used in his house, and not all men thought that good." Thengel most likely spoke in the tongue of his wife's people of Lossarnach, southwest of Minas Tirith.

Morwen bore Thengel two more children when they moved back to Rohan, both of whom were daughters. The last girl, born in 2963 was Theodwyn, the mother of Eomer and Eowyn. This date would make Thengel 58! Although Theoden and Theodwyn were 15 years apart, it is said they were very fond of one another.

In the years that Thengel was King of the Mark, Saruman declared himself Lord of Isengard. Desiring the One Ring, he begins to fortify Isengard and could no longer be trusted as an ally of Rohan.

Thengel son of Fengel died in 2980 at the age of 75. His only son, Theoden became the 17th King of the Mark and the last of the Second Line.

Author's Note: All quotations were taken from Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Appendix A with dates being taken from Appendix B.

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  Art Guild  
Minyadagniriel

Spellmage is currently a member of the art guild of Rohan and more work by her can be seen in the art guilds of Meduseld!

Spellmage: I drew this with HB pencil and just upped the contrast a bit on the computer later. It was going to be Eormer’s helm, but I was having so much fun that I made it a bit more elaborate. I won the Weapons of ME Art Contest with it in the A&FF forum.

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  Rohirric Raiments   
Taethowen

With the cooler weather here to stay, what could be better than a cloak in a nice new wool? Tan, brown, green, and blacks are wonderful colors for cloaks, and this new riding cloak, thought up by Searogim, is perfect for the season. It's a full cloak, but the difference between this one and other cloaks is the split up the back. Now you'll be able to pull your cloak around you, rather than have it flapping behind you in the wind as you ride.

To add some insulation, you might try a heavy skirt combined with a lighter shirt and bodice. This outfit is made up of a woolen skirt, cotton shirt and woolen bodice. It's perfect for every day wear, sturdy for hard work, but comfortable.

For something a little more different, or formal, there's always the gown that's the under dress and overdress. This gown has a cream or white under dress, and a solid overdress. It's split all the way down the front and down the sleeves. It's perfect for the upcoming Harvest Festival, as well.

However, you say you can't afford a new gown or cloak? So alter the ones you do have! A cloak you have right now can easily be slit up the back to turn it into a riding cloak like the one mentioned here, and you can changed the sleeves on any shirt or gown you have easily.

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  Everything Horses  
Breed of the Month | Common Ailments | Horsecare How-To

Breed of the Month: The Ardennes/Ardennais
Boo Radley

Descended from the French and Belgium ancient Ardennes heavy horse, the modern day breed, Ardennais, contains a primitive head formation and a squared off nose. Large boned and stocky, this breed was well suited to the Ardennes region. Although the Ardennes originated from the mountainous area between France and Belgium, a Swedish Ardennes exists. The oldest Ardennes from France has been traced back to Julius Caesar, where he mentions them in De Bello Gallico. They are very similar to ancient horse remains found in Solutré, possibly a direct descendant.

They were used for light draft work as well as being ridden before the 19th century. They were used in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars for their stamina. Regarded as the finest artillery horses in Europe, they were the only horses, which could survive in winter during Napoleon's retreat after his attack on Russia. The Russian Ardennes that appeared is most likely descendants from the French Ardennes left in Russia after the French retreated.

Nineteenth century breeding produced the modern Ardennes, which were a result of blood crosses with Arabs, Percherons, Boulonnuis, and Thoroughbreds to increase strength and stamina for heavy draft work. They are surefooted, kind, and have a lively temperament. The three types of Ardennes, which emerged, were a small Ardennais, a larger type called the Auxois, and the most powerful type of the breed; the Ardennais du Nord, which resulted from a cross with the Belgian draught.

Today the Ardennais has a short back, yet their feet are small with lighter feathers than other heavy horses. They have a heavy neck and small pricked ears, an unusual trait for heavy horses. They move more freely than most draft horses due to a sloping shoulder. 14 - 16hh, roan is the most common color as well as red roan, gray, and brown. Black and dapple-gray do not appear. Today, the Ardennais is used for heavy draft work, such as being dray animals in France.

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Common Ailments: Grass Sickness
Boo Radley

Grass Sickness, an ailment seen most often in the summer is a deadly killer. While some horses may survive, it depends on what form the illness is in. There are four forms of Grass Sickness, each with their own symptoms and causes of death. The four forms are peracute, acute, subacute, and chronic. Grass Sickness is mainly seen in Scotland, Northern England, and Sweden. However, it can be seen all across the United Kingdom. Thankfully, to the relief of numerous equine owners, this ailment has not once been recorded in the US.

Grass Sickness first appeared in Scotland in 1909, and has now become a very swift killer. Equine Grass Sickness is a degeneration of the nerves that control the gut function in horses. In the most severe form, preacute, the affected horse usually dies within twenty-four hours of becoming sick. In the acute form, death can happen in two days of the stomach filling with fluid. Green stomach contents come out of the nostrils and the horse may colic. Subacute cases can last for a few weeks, and chronic cases may last for a few months. Signs include weight loss, sweating, colic, and constipation. No treatment is available, however, with some intense nursing, some horses may live.

New studies overseas may have found the cause of Grass Sickness. Ironically, the soil, not the grass seems to be the problem. Researchers at Liverpool now believe that C. botulinum, a common bacterium in soil, is the problem. In a study of one hundred thirty-two horses, all of the blood tests revealed a similar difference in level of antibodies to C. botulinum. This bacterium lives in wet environments, yet they can survive dormant, in a spore form, which is harmless. However, when they are active, they produce neurotoxins. The theory is that a grazing horse with a low immunity will become sick when the bacterium is in his digestive tract. The conditions in which toxins are produced are still unknown, however, we do know that those toxins will attack the nerves in the intestines.

This theory was looked at in 1919, and a vaccine was given in tests. EGS cases were quickly reduced, however, the idea was thrown away when it was publicly humiliated and downplayed. Studies show that farms with birds or fertilizer from birds have a higher risk of EGS, since bird waste is a source of the botulism. Areas of Scotland had a large quantity of bird waste imported as fertilizer, and the EGS cases in those areas are most likely due to that fact. Although the US has quantities of the bacterium in its soil, there has not been one recorded case of EGS, a big relief. Why is unknown, but many speculations have been made including environment.

Even now, as research goes on to continue their theory, a vaccine has begun to be developed, and chances for a vaccine in the coming years look very good!

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Horsecare How-To: Water & Succulents
Elestar

As I mentioned last month, the feeding of the horse can be a very scientific process. I believe that the single most important factor in correctly feeding your horse is having intricate knowledge relating to every aspect of your horse. Not only should you understand the internal workings of your equine friend, but knowing his personality and other idiosyncrasies that he might have, will greatly improve your effectiveness as an owner and caretaker. If you know your horse well, you will be able to make informed decisions about what types of feed you are going to feed your horse. Certain personalities, body types, temperaments, breeds, and ages of horses need certain nutrients that come from a variety of feeds.

Last month, we realized the importance of water to a horse's diet, as well as the various forms that water can take (succulents as well as plain water). This month I would like to address the other main staple to the horse's diet: roughage. All horses need water and all horses need roughage. From these staples the horse should receive most of the nutrients that he requires. While it is sometimes necessary to feed supplements to ensure that your horse receives adequate nutrition, it is best to allow him to utilize the more natural means of obtaining vitamins and minerals.

First, we must understand what roughage is. As I mentioned earlier, roughage is one of the main staples to a horse's diet-it can also be called the 'bulk' food your horse consumes. Depending on the individual, roughage should make up about 75% of the horse's diet. To make things simple, we will call roughage, hay. There are many different types of hay at our disposal, and it is up to us to decide what type is best for our horses. One of the main functions of roughage in the diet is to provide the energy and nutrients necessary for the horse to maintain his quality of life. This is not to say that roughage should be the only component of your horse's diet, but it should be the 'bulk', or main part.

Some of the more recognizable types of hay include timothy, alfalfa, and grass. Granted, there are several different types of grass (timothy being one of them), but I lumped them into one category, excluding timothy. Because of its digestibility, timothy has earned the reputation of being one of the best types of horse hay. If it is of good quality, timothy provides many of the necessary nutrients for the horse. Depending on the individual horse, you may not need to feed anything in addition to timothy hay. Grass hay has many of the same properties as timothy hay, for by rights they should be in the same group. I have recently begun feeding timothy to my equine friend and I am quite pleased with the results.

Alfalfa hay is often thought of as the more appealing hay to horses. Considered a legume, alfalfa is loaded with carbohydrates which increases the horse's energy level. For this reason, alfalfa hay should not be fed to already energetic horses-it will probably make them 'hot'. Also, because of its higher protein and calcium content, alfalfa hay can be quite difficult to digest. Horses that are only fed alfalfa hay are likely to develop some gastrointestinal condition-namely, ulcers. Some people prefer to feed alfalfa hay to their older horses (or those that are 'hard-keepers') because it helps them maintain their body weight as they age. Undoubtedly, fresh-picked alfalfa is a wonderful treat, and one that I sometimes bestow upon my own horse during the summer months when it is in the pastures. However, as the bulk of his diet, I would recommend pairing alfalfa with an easier digestible roughage, simply to avoid taxing the gastrointestinal tract beyond reason.

Now that I have briefly covered the different types of roughage, allow me to elaborate on the 'good quality' I mentioned earlier. When feeding hay to your horse, the first thing to look for is mold. If you see any brown or gray (even white) patches on the hay, you can be sure it is mold. If you are uncertain as to the appearance of mold, simply use your nose. Hay of good quality is sweet smelling; hay with mold smells musty and altogether unpleasant (even stinky at times). Besides mold, hay can also be plagued by dust. While we cannot expect hay to be dust and dirt-free, we should not feed excessively dusty hay to our horses. If you break open a bale of hay and puffs of dust rise from it, you can be certain that that hay is too dusty to feed to your horse. You can also smell hay that you suspect of being too dusty, for it will smell…well, dusty, as opposed to the regular sweet smell of good quality hay. Obviously, hay with debris in it (such as dead rodents or garbage) should also be discarded.

Now you should have a basic understanding of roughage. I have covered what some of the kinds of roughage are, as well as what components make up 'good quality' hay. However, this is merely scratching the surface, if you will, of what can be learned about roughage. If you are to intelligently and correctly feed your horse, further research and knowledge is a necessity. In the meantime, be sure to feed good quality hay to your horses-this cannot be overemphasized.

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  RPGs of The Mark  
The Pub Report: Eldrith, The Adventurous Souls: Bilfrobag,Exiles of Rhun: Ereidemiel

The Pub Report: Eldrith

October has not been a good month for the pub, though it might be said that the fate of Rohan nearly had been decided there. It started off bad enough when it had been discovered that a vile thief had stolen money of the Ældsel's profits. The coins had been counted after closing the evening before and during the slow hours of morn or noon, they had been stolen! Of course the patrons of the pub, as well as the ever helpful Cnith and Getale diligently looked for the stolen property. The search however must have spooked the thief, because after creating a draft that blew out the candles, the man attacked Gwiel, a patron of the pub.

When candles and torches had been lit, Gwiel was found sprawled unto the floor unconscious and needed to be tended to. Feldmarshal Isenfolme took matters in hand then, and ordered the patrons to be searched. It is said that pubmistress Eldrith tried to stand in the Feldmarshal's way, but that Her Majesty Queen Éowyn herself had arrived in the pub and declared it the authority of Isenfolme to decide what was to be done.

What unfolded then seems too harsh to entrust to paper, but for the Raedboda readers, I will force my quill. Isenfolme se Gætlic ordered two of the nearest patrons to empty their pockets. The first one, a visiting Gondorian named Dire emptied pockets and pouches without a moments hesitation. With unerring instinct however, the Feldmarshal had zoned in on the culprit in selecting Fallas as the second to be sought. This vile thief, however, did not empty his pockets which would no doubt have proven his guilt. Instead, he tried to make his way out of the pub and towards safety by threathening Queen Éowyn to the horror of all that were attending.

You can imagine the commotion, the ice in the gaze of the proud Rohirrim that were present when a man dared to take knife to their Queen! It was, however, the aforementioned Gondorian, Dire, who took the looming risk and with a flick of the wrist send his knife sailing to Fallas, swiftly followed by a second blade thrown by Erkendorn, a Rohirric patron. Fallas, however, hurled his knife towards the Queen with deadly aim. Luckily, pubmistress Eldrith who happened to stand next to the Queen did what each of us would do and moved herself into the line of the knife. In the following commotion, a wounded Fallas was apprehended, and later sent to a cell to await his judgement at the hands of King Éomer and Queen Éowyn. Eldrith was tended to by assistant pubmistress and hælend Amadhrill and send home to rest and recover.

The very next day found the pub abrim with rumours and stories of what happened. Gwiel seemed utterly shocked by the happenings of the previous night and it is reported that she has been removed from the pub by two wigends. I join our readers in wishing her a speedy recovery. That same wish is extended to pubmistress Eldrith who is not yet up to resuming her tasks.

October was a month of violence for the Ældsel Inn, but amidst that violence Rohirric character of valour, honour, and bravery shone through. Let's hope though that in November the pub refinds its usual cheery hospitality. After all, people come to get a drink... not an adventure. Or do they?

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The Adventurous Souls: Bilfrobag

The first half of October was a fairly slow period for The Adventurous Souls (AS). However, the back half was a very productive time that saw many changes, ranging from membership and activities to leadership.

October saw the AS fairly new leader, Faldras, come into his own. Their co-leader, Culfinwen, was unfortunately forced to leave the group due to Real Life issues as a lack of available time came between her and the group. Faldras now owns the Adventurous Souls house, and is doing an excellent job of running the threads and reworking the look of the house.

Membership, while increasing, is still one of the largest issues concerning the AS. Quite a few new adventure seeking souls have joined the group recently, helping to fill out a few of the empty slots. Even with the new members, the AS is still lacking scholars and healers, which cause may cause difficulties as the current RPG progresses.

The current RPG is one that was originally begun a few months back, but had died off due to changes in leadership and availability, now returning slightly modified by their very own Éile. The first time around, it flopped and died half way through the game. But now, with the new members and energy abounding, and people becoming anxious to see some action, Faldras began it again from the beginning. This time, though, many of the members are active in it and it seems quite popular to most everyone.

With the many changes and improvements that have occurred in the month of October, it's safe to assume that November will prove to even better. The group will continue advertising and promoting to build membership. With a higher membership, even more activities will be organized, and hopefully the group can return the size and popularity it once maintained.

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Exiles of Rhun: Ereidemiel

My name is Elyaven, princess of Rohan, and if you get this message, you must make haste to rescue me. I have been captured by rebels who think that I am in danger of an assassination plot formed by my father’s trusted advisor. To save me, they have kidnapped me, and plan on taking me to Rhun, where they believe I will be safe. As of yet, I am unharmed, although very cold and hungry, as I was kidnapped in the dead of night in my sleeping gown. The main conspirator, Esta, has not treated me unkindly, but please, come save me before these rebels kill me, as I know they are intending to.

The Exiles of Rhun is an ongoing RPG led by Estarla. At the moment, no new regular people are being accepted, but there will be an opportunity soon as new people will be needed for guest appearances, so if you’re interested, stop by the Exiles of Rhun Home Thread for more information.

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  Newbie Tips and Oldie Memories   
Sethiel Eluchil

Have you ever wondered what attracted people immediately to Rohan? What sorts of things they had no interest in at first, but perhaps later grew to appreciate? Well, it's something I have thought about before, for I am quite sure that not everyone was attracted to Meduseld merely by the horses and Éomer, nor was everyone opposed to such oddities as Badger Burgers, as was I.

In the words of Idesinholdè, "I was very attracted to the fact that we got our own horse and also the use of Old English. The cavalry and how it was so structured impressed me. It had its own houses, pub, training, exam, etc." When it came to the things she was not attracted to, however, she was quite honest, "I wasn't interested in the story and poetry guilds, nor debate, as those are things I have never been good at."

The things that drew Leal to Meduseld were "Horses...Duh!" She also confided that, like myself, she was attracted because of "Éomer...he's my hidden love." (Come on, who can disagree on that point?) On a more serious note, she said "I actually loved the personality, the love for the earth and horses, and the fact that the Kingdom is together." Being Leal, the fact that there isn't room for Okapis was definitely a negative point, however!

Anka, who was very open-minded towards Rohan's many activities and organizations, said this: "I have never been disinterested by anything the Rohirric Kingdom has had to offer. I have always been eager to throw myself into new activities and organizations in Rohan." This is definitely true for her; she is and always has been involved in many organizations and activities in our wonderful kingdom. She explains her attraction to Meduseld as a kingdom like this; "The culture that Tolkien created in his tales for the Rohirric people has always appealed to me. The horses, honor, language, and character of Rohan make for a beautiful combination. When I came to the Plaza and saw an opportunity to immerse myself in each of those things by joining a Rohirric kingdom, I didn't hesitate once!"

As you can see from the comments of these three Riders, different things attracted each of us to Rohan, and we all had certain things that did not interest us (for me, it was the Badger Burgers, which I have grown to love and appreciate as a vital part of our Kingdom's heritage) but all of our activities are great opportunities to build friendships, grow, and learn if we but take advantage of them! So go out and try something new!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Newbie Tip of the Month: Give all our great activities a chance, particularly the new "READ the opening post!!" : The game. It just might surprise you how much you learn about the activities that Meduseld offers if you just Read the opening post!! =)

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  Rohirric Recipies
Chef Taethowen

Baked Stuffed Herring | Rohirric Harvest Broth | Quails on Mushrooms

Baked Stuffed Herring

4 T breadcrumbs
1 t parsley, chopped
Small egg, beaten
Juice and rind of lemon
1 pn nutmeg
Salt and pepper
8 herrings, cleaned
1 1/3 c (300 ml) hard cider
Bay leaf, well crumbled
Fresh ground pepper

First make the stuffing by mixing the breadcrumbs, parsley, beaten egg, lemon juice and peel, and salt and pepper. Stuff the fish with the mixture. Lay in an ovenproof dish, close together; add the cider, crumbled bay leaf and salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake at 350 F (177 C) for about 35 minutes. Serves 4.

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Rohirric Harvest Broth

2 lbs (1 kg) neck of lamb
7 oz (200 g) peas
7 oz (200 g) broad beans
1 md carrot
1 onion
1 sm turnip
1 sm cauliflower
5 sprigs of parsley
6 cups (1 ½ l) water
Salt and pepper

Remove as much fat as possible from the meat. Place the meat in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and skim any fat from the surface of the liquid. Shell the peas and beans. Peel and dice the carrot, onion and turnip. Add the vegetables, except the cauliflower, to the meat. Season. Cover the saucepan and simmer slowly for three hours. 30 minutes before serving the broth, cut the cauliflower into the sprigs and add to the saucepan. Serve hot decorated with sprigs of parsley. Serves 5.

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Quails on Mushrooms

6 plump young quails
6 big flat mushrooms
6 oz (170 g) mushrooms for the stuffing
6 oz (170 g) butter
3 garlic cloves (or more)
Lemon juice
Parsley
Chives
Tarragon

To make the duxelles, first chip the 6 oz (170 g) mushrooms plus the stalks from the big flat mushrooms on which you will sit the quails. Chop finely, using a knife, not a food processor. Mix in one very finely chopped garlic clove, about nine tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, three tablespoons snipped chives, and one heaped tablespoon fresh tarragon (or a generous 1 ½ teaspoon dried tarragon if fresh is not available). Cook the mixture in a little butter over moderate heat for three minutes or so, stirring often. Season well with salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons lemon juice.

Let the duxelles cool before using it to stuff the birds. Spread it gently between the flesh and the skin, all over the breast area, to plump up the quails prettily. Secure the flap of the neck skin under each bird with a wooden toothpick. If the skin is torn, put the stuffing into the body cavities instead. Tie up the legs of each bird to keep it neatly shaped.

Make about 5 oz (142 g) garlic butter and reserve it. Choose a roasting tin or baking dish just large enough to take the 6 flat mushrooms side by side.

When ready to cook it, melt a nugget of the garlic butter in the roasting tin. Turn the birds in it to coat them with fat, then arrange them, breast down, on a rack suspended across the roasting tin. Bake at 425 F (220 C) gas mark ½ until ready to serve. Rice, couscous or burghul, and crisp peppery watercress go well with this dish

All recipes from http://www.recipesource.com

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  Life in the Riddermarket  
Shopping and Living in the Riddermarket: Eofor Armouries, Owned by Pellakal Aglæca
Taethowen

Eofor Armouries is the newest shop in the Riddermarket at this time. Owned by Pellakal Aglæca, a former Cavalry member, this shop promises to be one of Rohan's best providers for weapons and armour. Pelly says, "After years of trying to tell the army's smiths just how to repair a simple piece of broken armour, when I retired I figured that Rohan was in need of smiths who had traveled and experienced armour techniques from different cultures and knew just what was expected of armour on the battlefield... I started the shop because I wanted to get a little more involved with the kingdom, and put my knowledge of armour and metal to good use in educating the Rohirric population."

According to Pellakal, no matter what your needs are in weapons or armour, Eofor Armouries can help, "I cater both to the traveling noble in need of the highest quality plate harness, and to the fresh Cavalry recruit looking for a better constructed piece of equipment."

Indeed, everything at Eofor Armouries seems to be custom-made, and all different services are available. "I smelt my own steel for the making of plate armour, as well as, construct and fit my own leather jerkins and lamellar coats. I tailor and hand fit under-armour garments and padded jacks and coifs for the more economically minded... I will also rehilt swords as well as repair damaged edges. Although I'm not exclusively a sword-smith, I will take on commissions for pattern-welded blades, which are doubtlessly the best in Rohan. More often will I take on commissions for knives, axes, and seaxes."

But with all that special care, the price is going to be higher. Never fear, though, Pellakal has some respect for the pinched pocketbook. If you've joined the Cavalry, or been promoted and come into his shop within two weeks, you can get a discount.

What about customer service? "...Each piece is at first discussed with the commissioner, and after both customer preferences and my professional input," Pellakal says, "The construction of the piece is both described and then drawn so as to give the customer the closest thing to a 'real' commissioned piece as possible."

Also, Pellakal says that he is more than willing for anyone interested in apprenticing with him, evidently he needs some help.

On a final note, anyone worried about the integrity of Eofor Armouries can rest at ease. "We at Eofor Armouries pride ourselves in handling any commission with the greatest care, and creating a product of the highest quality."

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  Meduseld's Mysteries  
Éile

The Monthly Mysteries game is pretty simple to play. You simply need to read the mystery, pick up the clues, and try to solve it. Each month a new mystery or two will be released for your contemplation. Answers can be found in the Raedboda House.

~ Dyed Right ~

One fine fall day a Rider set out from his village in the Westmark for a hunt deer to replenish his dwindling larder. He hunted with a yew short bow from the back of his beautiful white stallion. Unfortunately, the deer were well able to spot the gleaming horse and would flee long before he had a chance to shoot. The hunter set his mind and a couple of ales to the problem and came up with a solution. He would dye the stallion brown, thus camouflaging it from his prey. While the camouflage worked, his hunts were even less successful than they were before… Why?

~ Less is More ~

One evening found a maid at Meduseld heating a large pot of water to add to a bathtub which was already half full of water at room temperature. When the chatelaine saw what the maid was about, she informed the girl that the longer she kept the water on the stove, the cooler the bath would be when she added it to the bathtub. The chatelaine was right… Why?

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  Comedy Column   
Éormed

I was riding my black-and-silver Friesian at a trot through the streets of Edoras and as I was going along this furry missile came right out in front of me. It was a little badger! Not enough meat on him yet to be much good, but I couldn't avoid him. Yet at the last second he screamed what must be badger for BANZAI!!; for he jumped up, over the horse's head and landed with a thud on my chest.

Now imagine a tall man on a black-and-silver Friesian going at a smooth trot through the streets of Edoras, wearing black riding boots, leather gloves, and a mail hauberk from which a live badger hangs by its claws! To my distress, its teeth began tearing through the steel rings! I was forced to let go of the reins with my left hand and eventually managed to grab his tail. I tried flinging him off to the side, but this was not your everyday badger, which can be angry enough, not even an ordinary angry badger, which is even angrier. This was an Evil Mutant Attack Badger of Death!

For just as I tried to fling him off, he grabbed my leather glove with one claw and swung around onto my back. Here I was, riding a horse with one hand and at the same time in the fight of my life and losing, to a little badger!

Now imagine a tall man on a black-and-silver Friesian riding at a quick canter through the streets of Edoras, wearing riding boots, one leather glove, and a slightly torn mail hauberk. I tried the only thing I could think of. I kicked my Friesian in the sides and it reared up on its haunches. But this little badger managed to scurry up my back and into my helm! The badger was screaming from anger. The Friesian's hooves were screaming from speed. And I, well I was just plain screaming.

Now imagine a tall man riding a black-and-silver Friesian racing at full gallop through the streets of Edoras, wearing riding boots, one leather glove, a ravaged mail hauberk, and a helm with a live badger inside it! Terrified, I finally managed to grab his tail again and with all my might jerked him out of my helm and flung him off to the left. My Friesian curved to the right narrowly missing the curb. This whole incident was at last over, or so it seemed.

For off to my left there had been a nobleman's carriage, apparently waiting on their lord's return. Now, as I brought my Friesian to a stop, I looked back and began to go over to explain the whole incident so that I could get my glove back, when I saw both doors of the carriage wide open. One man, apparently the driver, was backing away as quickly as he could, while the other who was some sort of guard stood in the middle of the street grasping his spear with both hands, pointing it inside the carriage.

And inside, that Evil Mutant Attack Badger of Death had now taken over the carriage, with slightly torn upholstery but nonetheless he had that carriage.

I figured I was the least of their worries and decided to get a new pair of gloves as I rode home.

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  Horseplay  
Hobbithole63

Limmericks: Hobbithole63

There once was a rider from crale
All the while he hoped for some ale
So he started a tipple
And got in a pickle
So that was the last of the rider from crale .

I once met woman called sue
One day she caught the flue
But whenever she tried
To set things aright
The cures just worsened her flue.

You may well have heard this before but I have put in two little changes...

There was a horse called limlight
Whose speed was faster than light
She set off one day
In a relative way
And came back the following night.

All I Need to Know I Learned from a Horse
Whinnying is everything.
A foal and his mommy are soon parted.
Don't stirrup trouble.
Manure happens.
The bucking stops here.
Show unbridled enthusiasm.
Just say, "Neigh."
Lead, follow, or stay in the barn.
Keep your shoes on.
Some are born to greatness, others have greatness thrushed upon them.
If at first you don't succeed, shy, shy again.
Take everything with a lick of salt.
It's better to be seen and not herd.
Jump each fence as you come to it.
It's important to be well groomed.
Horsiness is next to godliness.
Hold your horses.
Ponytails are always in style.
A horse in the barn is worth two in the field.
Save your ponies for a rainy day.
Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Don't let others corral you.
Horse lovers are very stable people.

~Author Unknown

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