Open Post

[stonebird]

I. The sun is hot - swelteringly so - but there is an impressive spread under an ornate tent, waiting for a party to begin. Brightly clothed ladies and lords are wandering about like so many colorful birds, speaking of topics that are both light-hearted and threatening. Do not be fooled by the finery around you; this is a jungle filled to the brim with predators. In fact, lions, tigers and panthers might be kinder! At least they are more straight-forward. These are political predators and they take no prisoners.

On the fringes of the party, there stands a tall young woman with hair of auburn. She is looking towards the bay, her focus reaching across the water to somewhere else; somewhere better. Will you take your chances with the party or seek an escape with her?

II. Winter winds blow stinging crystals of ice against the faces, hands and any other uncovered body part of anyone standing outside of the dark castle. There are lights in the windows - a welcoming, alluring warmth - and the front gate is unlatched. Are you daring enough to enter?

III. The mountain is staggeringly high and the air is thin. Yet, at a seemingly impossible height, there is a fortress. Within the walls of said fortress, there is far too much silence. Your footsteps echo against the stone walls and floor - an empty, lonely sound. In the distance, a door creaks and your footsteps are not alone. Do you hide or confront the stranger?

IV. Create your own!

Comments

[stonebird]

She expects likewise. They need only look for him now and then.

"Thank you - " Sansa grabs onto his arm, knowing to avoid the painful scars of his poor hands, "Do you know how to start one? Do you have dry flint and tinder?"

Fires are the difference between life and death in the North. If one cannot make one before the night comes and protect it, they will perish.

[bythewaves]

"We'll need to find tinder. But there should be plenty not far inland. But I should have a flint in my pack, seeing as they returned me with my belongings!"

He smiles at her care fondly.

[stonebird]

"How kind of them!" Sansa sets down their dinner fare inside, brushing off her hands, "Since you found the cave, I shall find the tinder." she kisses his cheek before she sets out, balancing carefully on the rocks before she turns to head inland.

[bythewaves]

"Don't go too far inland." He warns her. "The War may be over, but there are likely still dangers. Stay within sight of the shore, and call me, if you need."

But he lets her go, for she is old enough to take care of herself.

[stonebird]

"Yes, Uncle." her eyes sparkle playfully, but her smile is nothing but affectionate. The opportunity to explore a small portion of Arda is too exciting to pass up and she wanders, gathering kindling as she goes, admiring the natural beauty.

She might be gone a little too long, but she can - and will - blame some tiny crabs the color of blue jewels. They are very distracting!

[bythewaves]

When she returns he has built them a bed of bracken, and is working on making a line out of an old shirt.

"There you are." He looks up and smiles.

"Did you enjoy yourself? The fresh air suits you, it seems"

[stonebird]

She smiles sheepishly and lowers the kindling to where the fire should be. His ingenuity is not lost on her and she moves to sit beside him.

"I have never seen crabs so small or so blue!" she flushes, "I think they must have been children. This place..." she pauses, looking around, "...is really beautiful."

[bythewaves]

"It is happy." Maglor smiles.

"This is our Spring, and it is the dawn of a new Age, with the Shadow banished. You will likely see many bright things over the next few weeks!"

He moves over to help her set up a small campfire.

[stonebird]

"I have come at a good time." she can feel the lightness in the air and she wonders what he hears in his songs, "I remember my brothers doing this..."

Striking two flints together, she jumps at the sudden spark, laughing at herself when it catches on the kindling.

[bythewaves]

"You have." He smiles at her and nods approvingly.

"Well done! Careful now, shield it from the wind. You may want to blow on it gently until it takes proper root."

[stonebird]

Tucking her hair back, she leans over the little flames, shielding them and encouraging them to grow by blowing them in the direction of more kindling. There is something very satisfying about watching them become a warm blaze.

"Fire is life in the North. If we ever journey to a snowy region, we should be well-prepared."

[bythewaves]

"Fire is always useful in the wilds, whether North or no!" He agrees. "Although in days of war it is sometimes better to do without, if one can. But we are safe here, and need nor fear any danger this close."