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Nalyce
The late morning air sneaks into the confines of the Sewing Shoppe as
the door opens and Gerthan enters. He is smiling, and seems to be in fine
spirits on this day. His bow and quiver are slung over his back, and he
looks a little dirt-stained from travel, but altogether, none the worst
for wear. He enters the shoppe and casts a look around.
Nalyce smiles, yet shivers slightly as the breath of cold are enters
the room. "Good morning Gerthan. How are you this bright yet cool morning?"
She steps from behind her counter and moves toward you, hands extended.
You say, "Well, I'm doing pretty good, I suppose, all things being equal. And how does the morning find you? I haven't seen you around town much, of course, I haven't been around all that much myself, being off in the Chetwood and what not...," he pauses, and then says excitedly, "But I return from the Chetwood and what do I find? Elves! Elves, here in Bree! In all my years I never thought I would see such a thing. Have you seen them yet? Oh, they are so wonderful. I...," realizing he is starting to ramble, Gerthan stops and smiles slightly at Nalyce."
Nalyce giggles softly, her hands reaching for yours to give them a friendly squeeze. "This day finds me quite well." she begins, then pauses as the coment about the Elves raeches her ears. "Elves?" Her voice holds a bit of wonder as she has seen one once, but not for very long. "I've been sick lately and not out much. I can't believe all that I have missed."
Squeezing Nalyce's hands tight, Gerthan says, "Indeed! Elves! Oh, I can't believe it. I'm almost beside myself. Did you know this cloak is elvish? I met some elves on Weathertop and they gave it to me as a gift. Oh, but I'm sure I've told you this before, and you probably don't want to hear it again." He pauses, to catch his breath, perhaps, and says, "Oh, but you said you were sick? I hope that you are feeling better. Is there anything I could get for you that would help you feel better?" He smiles at Nalyce, and realizing that he is still holding your hands, he blushes a little as he finally releases them.
Nalyce glances down at the floor just before you release her hands. "I am feeling much better thank you. But I could use a bit of company sometime soon for a walk?" she says softly, then adds. "The fresh air will be good for me."
Smiling a little, Gerthan nods to Nalyce and says, "Oh, yes, I think the air will be good for you also. Anytime, I would love to go for a walk with you. Perhaps you can accompany me over to the Pony later. I saw some elves over there earlier and I believe they will be around for awhile. There is something wholesome about being around elves, as if just being around them makes you feel better and healthier. More alive, vibrant. But there I go again, talking about elves and all."
Nalyce eyes sparkle slightly, though it is unknown as to whether it's about the walk or the elves. "I would love to." she says softly, then turns. "What are you here for?"
Nalyce eyes sparkle slightly, though it is unknown as to whether it's about the walk or the elves. "I would love to." she says softly, then turns. "What are you here for?"
Looking a bit confused for a second, Gerthan regains himself, and says, "Oh, yeah, there was reason why I came here." He blushes a bit, and says, "I, er, I'm afraid I ripped my pants a little, the last time I was in the Chetwood." He points to a rip in his left pant leg, a little above the knee. "Can you mend it?"
Nalyce smiles and nods her head, then moves to her knees in front of you. She fingers the small hole then turns, standing quite quickly and grabs a needle and some thread from her counter top. "Do you mind if I work on them while they are still on you? I promice not to poke you." She says, not looking up as she moves back to her knees and begins threading the needle.
Looking just a little uncomfortable, Gerthan stammers, "I, I, I, um, that is, you promise not to poke me?" He looks down at Nalyce, and still seems a bit uncomfortable as he waits for her answer.
Nalyce turns her eyes up and smiles. "I promice." she says softly as she sets to work. Her hands move quickly and expertly as she mends the tear into looking as though there had never been a hole in the first place. As she makes her last stitch she moves forward and nips the end of the thread off, then suddenly realises just how close to you that has brought her. She stands and turns quickly to place the needle and thread on the counter, but can not turn her back fast enough to keep you from seeing how flushed her cheeks are. "How's that?"
Trying hard not blush himself, Gerthan says, "It, it is wonderful. Thank you. You do wonderful work, really. I think it looks better than it did brand new. How much do I owe you for that?"
Nalyce takes a deep breath, regaining her composure and then turns, a smile on her face. "Nothing really. It was such a small job I would feel like I was taking advantage of you if I charged you for it."
Smiling a little, Gerthan says, "Well, I will feel better if I don't give you something for a job well done. Perhaps I could interest you in a meal at the Pony. On me, of course." He continues smiling at her, and waits for an answer.
Nalyce blushes slightly, but smiles. "I would love your company for a meal. Just let me grab a few things and lock up and we can head out?" she begins gathering some materials that were scattered about the counter and then turns. "Unless the invitation was for another night." she adds, her cheeks coloring at her assumption about the invitation.
Trying not to laugh, but failing as a small laugh escapes his lips, Gerthan says, "No, no. Tonight is fine. It's perfect, really. Who knows, perhaps we may even run into some elves. There were several there yesterday. They are something else," he pauses, for a minute, then says, "But here I go rambling on again, I'm ready to go whenever you are."
Nalyce grabs one more large bundle of material and moves it into a cupboard behind the counter and turns to you with a smile. "Let me grab my basket and cloak and then we may be off." She turns to her basket on the counter and frowns, then seeing a pair of sissors closeby she grabs them and stuffs them in as well. "There." she says satisfied and pulls the basket from the counter. Having misjudged how heavy it is she almost drops it, offering a most ungraceful picture and she stumbles forward and oof's, grabbing it with the other hand for support. "Shall we?" she asks, moving toward the door.
Shaking his head slightly, Gerthan walks over to Nalyce and gently lays his hand on top of hers. He looks her in the eye, and says, "Please, if you will, let me carry that for you." He smiles, as he looks into her eyes, waiting for an answer.
Nalyce blushes deeply as her heart begins to pound at your hand on hers. She drops her eyes, yet smiles. "Your help would be most appriciated." she says, her voice not quite as strong as she wanted it to be.
Smiling, Gerthan gently takes hold of the basket, with one hand, and offers Nalyce the crook of his other arm. He smiles, slightly, as he says, "Please, let me offer you my arm. If everything is ready, shall we go, now?"
Nalyce smiles and nods her head, taking hold of the offered arm. "Thank you. I am ready." She motions toward the door and smiles.
Nalyce heads out the door into the Market Square.
Nalyce has left.
You head out the door into the Market Square.
You head to the northern part of the marketplace.
You head north towards the Pony.
You head into the Prancing Pony!
You climb a few steps and pass through the open doorway, into the Foyer of the Prancing Pony.
You step out of the foyer and enter the noisy common room.
Nalyce comes into the common room from the foyer.
Nalyce has arrived.
The door to the Common Room squeaks on its hinges as Gerthan enters, looking a little silly with a basket on his arm, but smiling, nevertheless. He holds the door open behind him, for Nalyce, and lets it close behind her. He nods to a few locals, and if they give him strange looks for the basket, he pays it no mind. Motioning to a nearby table, somewhat secluded, Gerthan asks, "Is this table alright with you?"
Nalyce smiles and nods her head, glancing around the room, yet seeing no one she really knows. She walks slowly toward the table, turning as she nears it to take the basket and push it to the far side underneath the table. "There. Now that that is seen to, what do you suggest as a good meal for so late in the evening?"
Running his fingers absently through his hair, Gerthan says, "Hmm...A good late night meal. Let me think. What are you in the mood for? Maybe some venison, and some cider, perhaps? Or something light, perhaps. It's too hot for soup, I would think, but I don't know." He looks around the Pony to see if he can get any ideas from the other patrons as to what to eat, but most of them appear to be solely drinking and not eating.
Nalyce loosk thoughtfull a moment then smiles. "Maybe a bit of wine, and a little bit of cheese with bread? I'm not terribly hungery, so if you don't mind we could share a plate?" After speaking she wonders if it was too presumptious of her to ask such a thing, but can't take it back now and sits quietly awaiting a reply.
Smiling, a little, at Nalyce, Gerthan looks around for a waitress, but finds them all busy scurrying about, and managing to avoid their table. He turns to Nalyce and says, "Yeah, that sounds good, I could just use a little something to eat, and sharing a plate would be for the best. I think, though, that I will have a mug of cider, instead of wine, though." Managing to get the attention of a particularly plump hobbit waitress, Gerthan waves her over, and she starts heading towards their table. Turning back to Nalyce, he asks, "So are we decided, then?"
Peter comes into the common room from the foyer.
Peter has arrived.
Charles a respected farmer of the Bree lands strolls into the common room looking for his usuall spot at the Bar. Spotting a freind over by the Bar he decides to join Nalyce. "Good evening, a bit late for a bite isn't it?" he asks glancing around the Common Room, "Mind if I join you?" He pulls out a chair for himself and grabs a seat.
Charles Cornfeet strolls into the Common Room looking for a little conversation and a drink after a long days work. Glancing around the room he notices noone he knows at first and walks to the Bar ordering a glass of Barlimans finest. As he waits for the drink he spots Nalyce and Gerthan at a table. Flagging down a hobbit waitress he whispers in her ear. The waitress dissapears behind the corner and a short while returns with a glass of the finest wine in the Inn. Walking over to the table she stoops low and whispers in Nalyces ear, "The gentleman at the Bar says this is from Mr. Black, It's on the house." The waitress points to Charles as she speaks and then scurries off to take more orders.
Peter has left.
Nalyce is startled by the appearance of a waitress at her elbow so soon after the other has just left. She turns bright red as the waitress whispers in her ear then points to someone sitting at the bar. She turns to look at Gerthan and then looks at the glass of wine. She frowns a moment, unsure of who the sender is, but knows the name he has sent it by. She picks up the glass and nods in the direction the waitress pointed and makes a point of taking a sip before placing the glass back on the table. "How odd." she says softly, her eyes still holding a bit of a frown, though her lips smile.
Following the line from the waitresses' fingers and Nalyce's gaze, Gerthan turns and sees Charles sitting at the bar. He turns back to the table and looks at the glass of wine. Starting to open his mouth, he stops, as the waitress he flagged down finally arrives. Turning to Nalyce, Gerthan asks, "Well, I guess you already have his wine," after which he frowns a little, but continues, "But I could sure use a mug of cider." The waitress nods, and Gerthan asks Nalyce, "Do you still want that plate of bread and cheese?"
Nalyce smiles and nods her head. "Of course I do. I must say that although I know Mr. Black I have no idea who that fellow is." She looks at the glass of wine and sighs softly. "I would understand if you did not want to eat with me though. I feel a bit odd accepting a drink from a stranger. But I did not want to be rude and refuse it." She reaches her hand across the table and touches yours briefly.
Charles sitting at the Bar catches Gerthans gaze and chuckles a bit to himself and mutters, "I'm just a messanger... Just a messanger." He glances around the room again and spots the Elves in the corner. Seeing Arainrais he buys another ale and says, "You were one of the elves coming for Barliman's ale am I wrong? Would you like a sample?" He sets the ale down on the table and pulls up a chair for himself. His voice is pleasent and light.
Cobby comes into the common room from the foyer.
Cobby has arrived.
As the door of the room swings wide open, a tall and dusty looking fellow steps into the place. After several glances from one table to another, he begins to stroll to the bar, but suddenly stops and walks backwards to the door, just to redirect himself to the bar again. Continuing in this meaningless way he starts to mumble something for himself as he walks from the bar to the door, acting like if nobody was around. From times to times, a word that sounds like 'gabi' his pronounced louder than the others.
Aranrais grins, and the elf-child takes the large tankard in her small hands, lifting it and taking a long gulp. Her eyes open wide, and she sets it down with a grimace. "Now why do you humans drink this stuff, tell me?" she says, making a face.
Trying to balance a hundred thoughts in his head at once, Gerthan turns to the hobbit waitress and places an order for a plate of bread and cheese. He turns back to Nalyce with a strange look on his face, and one not easily placed. Finally, he smiles a little, and says, "No, of course I want to have dinner with you." He looks at the wine glass, and forces a smile again. "Don't worry about the wine." He laughs and says, "I'm sure its not posoined or anything."
Charles smiles to the elf, "Oh I see that you do not appreciate the finer points of life, Oh well we drink it because it tastes good, though it is an aquired taste I suppose." With this he gathers his things and leaves the common room.
Charles steps through the open doorway that leads out to the Foyer.
Charles has left.
Aranrais nods, and stares at the large tankard, looking after the Man who has offered it to her and left.
Aranrais opens the door and disappears into the Water Closet.
Aranrais has left.
The dusty man finally stops his odd walk in the middle of the room, and moves slowly near Gerthan and Nalyce. Lifting his eyes slowly from the floor to them, he begins to talk with a trembling voice, "S..s.sorry mister and miss good heart, Cobby lost Gobi. Have you seen Gobi?" But without waiting for an answer, he walks away and sits down at a nearby table and continue to mumble.
The common room seems to be a flurry of activity and Gerthan seems to
be lost in the goings and comings. Without saying a word, Nalyce stands
up and runs out of the Common Room. Throwing a confused look around, Gerthan
takes out a couple of coins and places them on the table he was sitting
at, as he stands, and grabs Nalyce's basket from under the table. Trying
his best to hurry with her basket, he makes a beeline towards the door
.
You step through the open doorway that leads out to the Foyer.
You step out of the large doorway and walk down a few steps until you are once more standing under the archway before the Prancing Pony Inn.
You pass under the archway and out towards the Great East Road yet again.
Peter moves along the Great East Road as it slides down Bree-hill to
the southeast.
Peter has left.
Nalyce moves towards the market to the South.
Nalyce has left.
Moving along to the South, you enter the market.
Nalyce turns at the sound of a voice behind her, a very startled look on her face. "I... Oh. Gerthan." She looks at the basket, then back up at you. "No, it was not you. I... the elf. It was... It was too much. I couldn't focus. I..." she trails off and slumps to the floor, a vagueness in her eyes. "I'm so sorry."
Blinking in surprise as Nalyce slumps down the counter in front of him, Gerthan quickly lowers himself next to her, and takes one of her hands in his. Trying to get her eyes to focus on him, he asks, "Nalyce, are you all right? Maybe I should bring you over to the Healing House..."
Nalyce turns her head as you take her hand and frowns slightly. "Healing house? No. I... I'm fine. I just." she sighs deeply then tries to put it all into words. "I've never spent so much time near anything so very wonderful and mystical." she says softly. "I guess I'm just overwhelmed."
Getting a far off look in his eyes, Gerthan says, "Aye. I was overwhelmed when I first met an elf, and they are absolutely wonderful to be around." He brushes his cheek, perhaps in recollection of some memory. "Indeed, it has taken me a while in the company of them, the elves that is, just for me to regain enough wits to act like I have half a brain in my head around them. You have never seen an elf before tonight?"
Nalyce shakes her head. "I have seen one.... spoken to one briefly before. But I have never been in a room with one... or more... for any amount of time." Her voice seems to be regaining a bit of it's strength as she speaks.
Nodding Gerthan says, "Oh, yeah, I can see how it could be a bit much. Even now, when I'm near an elf, I get all goofy and act out of sorts."
Nalyce nods her head slowly, then turns as a thought occurs to her. "I was incredibly rude wasn't I?" she asks softly. "I left without saying a word to you and made you chase me all this way."
Shrugging slightly, Gerthan says, "It happens. It's in the past, lets forget about it." He smiles, a little, and says, "But don't think I'll let you out of our dinner engagement so easily as that. If nothing else, you still owe me a meal at the Pony."
Nalyce smiles as she hasn't ruined things entirely. "I would never dream of letting /you/ out of our dinner plans Gerthan. Tis' you who owe me the meal if I remember correctly." She blushes softly as she relizes that she's flirting, but also smiles and squeezes your hand softly.
Squeezing her hand hand back, Gerthan smiles, and says, "Indeed, you are correct. It is I who owes you the meal. Perhaps we can go to the Pony after the elves leave, but, oh, how I would love to go with them to their home. Did you know that Barliman is sending some people with them, to return his kegs, I mean? I begged him to let me go, but he wouldn't. But see, these elves have a strange effect on me. They tend to throw me off balance." He smiles again, and says, "Here, let me help you up, unless of course, you would like to remain on the floor?"
Nalyce looks around her as if noticing for the first time that she is on the floor. She lays her hand on the floor next to her and then looks up at Gerthan. "No I... I think I'll stay on the floor for a few minutes. There is so much to think about right now." she says, her eyes taking on a bit of a sparkle. "Why won't Barliman let ou go as well?"
Still grasping Nalyce's hand, Gerthan positions himself next to her, and slides down the counter, his shoulder touching hers, as his body presses close. He sighs as he says, "Well, I'm not one of his 'people', whatever that is supposed to mean. But I know more about surviving in the wilds then his 'people' do."
Nalyce nods her head thoughtfully. "I would feel much safer outside of Bree if I knew you were there to protect me." she says, then falls silent a moment. "They are just such amazing creatures." she whispers, trying to subtly change the subject.
Blushing at Nalyce's kind words, Gerthan says, "Thank you, that means a lot." He pauses, and follows Nalyce's lead, and says, "Indeed the elves are amazing. Its a wonder that they are here in Bree at all."
Nalyce frowns a moment as Gerthan brings up the idea of their motives. "I was wondering about that. What is their purpose here? I thought they didn't like for humans to know they were real and not just a childrens bed tale creature."
Gerthan says, "Yes, well, I suppose even myths must come to life every now and then." Smiling, he continues, "If you can believe it, they are actually here to buy some of Old Barliman's ale." Chuckling a little, Gerthan realizes that he has been holding her hand all this time and lets go, abruptly, and blushes a little.
Nalyce starts suddenly as Gerthan lets go of her hand (did she do something wrong?). She regains her composure quickly though and pretends that the movements she made were part of her getting more comfortable against the counter. "Why would they want ale? And how did they know about Barliman's ale?" She frowns a bit and then asks yet another question. "Are we sure that's the true reason they are here?"
"Well," he starts, then realizes that Nalyce has shifted because he released her hand, and trying not to blush, grasps it again and squeezes it tight. "I guess we only have their word to go on. But I'm not sure why the elves would lie.""
Nalyce blushes deeply as Gerthan takes her hand again, but smiles and returns the squeeze. She tries to maintain a look of thoughtfulness and remain on the subject by saying "They are said to be unable to lie. And I am told that most humans are unable to lie in their presence. I wonder if they can read minds as my Mama used to tell me."
Gertha says, "Well, I can't say as I know for sure, but I would probably avoid thinking anything bad about the elves in their presence, just to be safe." Blushing deeply, Gerthan asks, "Is there anyone in your life right now? Because, if there isn't I would like to spend more time with you.""
Nalyce blushes deeply and lowers her eyes, so very flattered, but not exactly knowing what to say. "I... I don't think so. Godon has retreated to the wild, and Slane has all but disapeared." she sighs softly, then raises her eyes. "I would love to spend more time with you." she says, smiling as she places her other hand atop the one of yours that is holding hers. "In fact, I would be honored by it."
Gerthan says, "Good." He smiles. Then says, "No, it is better than good, it is great." Still smiling, he says, "But it is I who should be honored to spend time with you." His eyes meet yours and he stares deeply into them, and squeezes your hand tight. "Hopefully, soon, we can go for a nice walk, and have a long, quiet talk, perhaps under the stars.""
Nalyce smiles and nods her head, eyes fixed on yours as she tightens her hands around yours (noticing for the first time how much larger your hands are than hers). "Now that the stars have come back from their winter of hibernation in the heavens." she sighs softly, almost wistfully. "My mama used to tell me that the stars would sleep and store energy during the winter like a bear so that when the spring came and new life and love blossomed they could shine more brightly over all the world." Her eyes glance up, then she remembers that she is inside and sighs again, turning back to meet your gaze.
Smiling warmly, Gerthan says, "It seems your mama was a woman smart and full of wisdom. The stars are always beautiful, and even more so in the spring, after their long absence. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking how much better the stars will be, though, with you with me to view them."
Nalyce blushes deeply, but can't seem to take her eyes away from Gerthan's. "You are so kind to say so." she says softly then takes a deep breath. "I am almost afriad to view them with you though." she says, a slight glint in her eyes.
Nalyce smiles and adds. "I am afraid that they will refuse to shine because they are jealous of my being so much closer to you than they are."
Blushing very deeply, Gerthan says, "I, I don't know what to say, other than that I don't deserve someone as kind, and warm-hearted as you are." He gives your hand a deep squeeze, and continues, "But surely, if the stars are jealous of anything, it would be of your beauty."
Nalyce lowers her eyes and shakes her head, but can not find the words to argue. Her hands feel so comfortable in yours, her fingers moving ever so slightly against yours. "Thank you." are the only words she seems to be able to say, and those so soft that if you were any further away you might have missed them.
Leaning in close to her, Gerthan gives Nalyce a quick, almost delicate, kiss on her cheek, unsure of how she'll react. His eyes are open and inviting, but his face looks a little worried, and his hand is shaking a little.
Nalyce takes a sharp breath and blushes so deeply she could easily win out over a beet in a color contest. She averts her eyes but the smile on her face is obvious. Her fingers flex around yours slightly in responce to the kiss, a conformation of her smile.
Letting out a breath of relief, Gerthan grips her hand tighter, and says, "You know, I've had a pretty great time with you today. You really are a special woman, Nalyce." Perhaps getting a little moxie, Gerthan leans in and kisses her once again, this time on the lips.
Nalyce is slightly suprised byt the kiss but closes her eyes and leans into it momentarily. As she pulls back slowly her eyes are again lowered in embarasment at how much she liked the day as well. "I had a wonderful time as well." she says softly, unable to look up, but still smiling to the roots of her hair.
Letting out a laugh, Gerthan says, "Well, I guess its a good thing, I was a bit careless in the woods, and tore my pants, or else, I might not have run into you for days, and days. It's funny how the hand of fate works sometimes."
Nalyce nods her head and gathering her courage looks up, her face begining to resume it's normal shade once again. "It does seem to work in mysterious ways." she says softly, her fingers caressing a little more widely on his hand.
--End--