A Thousand Ways to Catch a Fish
Shore of a Small Lake
Bordered by the woods thickly on three sides, here where the clearing meets the shore of this small lake there is a small sandy beach, its gleaming white sand leading down into the clear water. To either side of the sandy shores are tall willows, their branches drooping lazily down toward the lake.
On the far side of the lake, there seems to be another small area of shore clear, before the forest closes in thickly again.
A peaceful silence permeates the air of early evening, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against the snow-dusted shores of the quiet lake. The soft crunch of the drying fall leaves beneath leather-clad feet foretells an arrival from the east. With long strides both fluid and casual, the slender figure descends the gently sloping shores to the lake, a warm cloak drawn close about her shoulders. Soft shining waves of earthen-brown tumble out from beneath the cover of an oversized hood, dusted sparsely with a few crystalline snowflakes that sparkle subtly in the mid-morning sun. Amarelei's eyes remain hidden beneath the draping fabric, though the gentle smile blooming upon her rosy lips is a visible testament to the quiet serenity of her demeanor.
Securely clasped within her right hand is a long spear, pale in color and light in make. Along with the implement, the elleth bears the burden of a large burlap pack. Though it would appear to be large and cumbersome, the gentle lift in her step bears little evidence to any difficulty she might have.
Sitting down on the small beach by the still water, a figure is wrapped in a dark green cloak. The elf appears to be hunched over, and doesn't turn to see the newcomer, either not hearing, or too lost in thought to notice. The cloak has a dusting of snow, indicating the figure has been by the lake for a while.
A heavy burden to bear for one lithe elleth...
Yet not far behind the elven woman, another figure moves. Not as concealed as she, locks a silver shine. Bright sky-blue eyes discover the elleth, pace doubled as the figure attempts to catch up with the other.
Clear -- crystal -- rises the cheery voice of the Tellenistron Telelas -- for it is he who follows the elven maiden. "Mellon! Allow me to give you a hand..." Arriving at the elleth's side, the forester nods a greeting. He is without packs or other form of burden, kindly offering the strength he has to spare.
As a familiar voice reaches her keen Elven ears, the Lhimbadhril Amarelei shifts the weight of her burden to one hand, then lifting the other to push back the hood of her cloak. Turning to face Telelas, eyes of a gilded green now peek out from their cover, wide and bright, their hue borrowed from the trees faded only in recent days. Her smile now widens to a modest brilliance, and a visible breath escapes her lips in precedence to her greeting. "Ah, Telelas! I have not much further to go, though any offer of help is much appreciated." Her quiet alto lilts pleasantly in her apparently good spirits as she extends the pack to her fellow forester. Now at the Tellenistron's side, she continues on her path to the shore, and only now do her eyes flicker to the cloaked figure resting there. "What brings you to the lakeside, mellon?" Though clearly an inquiry, it remains to be seen to which elf it is addressed.
As if the words of those behind him only reach him for the first time, the figure reaches up and pulls the hood back, sending a shower of small ice crystals to the ground. The head turns and looks behind, the grey eyes shining in the dwindling light of the evening. Recognizing them, Tuilindo smiles and calls, "Contemplating, my friends."
Curtly Telelas nods towards Tuilindo, upholding his cheery smile.
Without remorse the forester drags along the pack given to him by the elleth. To her he looks and then towards the Lake. "A fine place you picked for wandering thoughts, mellon. Here there is room and peace, and yet I fear the dear Lhimbadhril will partially disturb the serenity... unless she decided to spend a few days camping near the Shore?"
Notes of mischief and laughter interlace with the quiet melody of her voice as Amarelei speaks anew. "Only a short while, I assure you," she chuckles, before directing the modest warmth of her smile to Tuilindo. "’Twould not do my heart well to disturb the pursuit of your own thoughts, mellon. I had intended to take a boat out on the water, though on an evening so quiet, even whispers carry far." The elleth now tilts her head to the side ever so slightly. "We would come back another time....or perhaps you might enjoy a brief respite from your thoughts?"
Gwedhestel is dressed in a long deep green cloak this eve to protect against the cold. She wanders off the path and steps down onto the beach. Her long black hair is untethered and blows around her face, which is a rosy hue from the chill air. She carries a small basket and nods to the elves gathered before taking a blanket from the basket, spreading it out on the sand and sitting down cross-legged, a ways from Tuilindo. She looks up hoping to catch a glimpse of stars amongst the clouds.
Rising from his position by the lake, Tuilindo brushes the snow from himself and walks over to Amarelei and Telelas. "I have finished my contemplation for today. I will return tomorrow perhaps, but now I have mellyn to talk with, and that is too priceless to pass up."
"Speak not so loud!" whispers the Tellenistron in a light voice, "For now they fish are aware their greatest foe has approached anew!" With a wink Telelas lifts his right hand to his ear.
"If you listen carefully, you can hear their fruitless attempts to avoid impending doom... Yet whither must they go? There is no way out, save to be a passenger in the nets of our dear Amarelei." But a grave nod the forester offers to Tuilindo, a silent thought, ere he briefly looks up to acknowledge the presence of two more quende.
"Aye, such peril as that which will soon befall those unawares is beyond the realm of what fear they have come to know!" Amarelei proclaims in mock triumph, the jest of her boasting made clear by the sparkle of laughter in her eyes. "Worry not over the volume of your voices, mellyn, for no amount forewarning shall save the water's denizens from my nets and spear!" Stooping momentarily to lay her spear upon the sand, the elleth then spots the two elleth so recently arrived. "And a fine evening to you both," is her lighthearted greeting as she steps not far away to the boat cottage, a slender hand lifting to open the door.
Gwedhestel looks up at the fishing elves, and smiles as she speaks. "I did not know the fish of our valley were such cunning foes. Perhaps I have should have brought a weapon!" She giggles softly and roots through her bag for a pastry, or a peach or some treat to nibble upon.
"A spear to catch fish? I would choose something more relaxing. A pole may be more time consuming, but it does have its advantages." Smiling, Tuilindo looks at the spear quizzically. "I should take the time to find one to teach me in its use."
The Tellenistron would have made a fine obedient dog or sheep, for meekly he follows the Lhimbadhril -- still carrying her pack. "Tonight we shall feast on a variety of fish!" exclaims Telelas in mock pride, for he shares a generous peal of laughter.
"Board now your mighty vessel, o glorious Lhimbadhril. Sound the horns for she is ready to sail to the grounds! Hear, hear!"
With a resistant creak not loud enough to overcome the bubbling brook of Amarelei's continuing laughter, the wooden door of the cottage swings open, the waning sunlight spilling in through the dusty air to reveal a sizeable rowboat. The Lhimbadhril takes hold of its bow, her jaw set in determination as she pulls it out onto the sandy shore. Pausing to brush the dust from her hands, a mirthful smile once again alights upon her face.
"I am not as skilled as others who might teach you, Tuilindo, but perhaps you wish to try your hand with my spear? I will make use of the nets well enough." Though her smile remains, a faint furrow lines her fair brow. "But Telelas....maybe you could....hmmm. If only I had another spear!" Delicate fingers rise to tap her lips thoughtfully.
"No thank you. I think I'll just watch. Maybe I can row the boat." Tuilindo smiles.
Gwedhestel stands and shakes the sand from her blanket, tucks her belongings into her pack. "Well, this is a battle I simply must witness. Although, I can't remember when I was last in a boat. Come, Benuial, you can sketch from a closer vantage point...and help me paddle!"
"What's this, mellon?" remarks the forester dryly, yet mischief sparkles visibly in that keen visage!
The glimpse of amusement remains when Telelas draws his features in a most grave expression. Softly he coughs. "I may assure you, dear Lhimbadhril, I prove a poor... fishing spear."
With a confident chuckle the Hirvaethor steps up to Amarelei's side, aiding her best he may in preparing the 'glorious vessel' to depart for it's mystical journey into the dark abyss that is the Lake! With ease he lifts the pack into the boat, "Mellon-Tuilindo, surely you must at least try once. Even I have attempted to master this hand-eye coordination... if I must admit my skill in that lacks considerably when compared with using the longbow."
"I will try anything once, but I fear the fish will have little to fear from me. I shall attend to my oar, and do my best." Tuilindo chuckles.
The Meandis, Benuial, eyes the boat with some trepidation, but still consents to go with Gwedhestel and the others.
Gwedhestel slings her pack across her back and with a great amount of heaving and pushing, eases the small craft onto the sand. She looks inside with no small look of distaste on her face. "Ergh, I believe we'll put the blanket down." She spreads the blanket out across the seat, and throws one leg over to stand inside, "Are you ready, Benuial?" She looks up at the elleth with a look that is determined to be optimistic about this...adventure.
Amarelei's shoulders lift in a subtle shrug. "If that is your wish," she chuckles warmly, tucking the spear carefully into the bottom of the boat, her hand returning with a polished wooden oar. Stepping lightly through the pools of shallower water, the young forester boards the boat. Once settled, her wide green eyes flicker between Telelas and Tuilindo, her grin mirroring much of the same light found within her gaze. "All aboard!" she calls, then directing a reassuring smile to the ellith in the boat beside her.
Stepping into the boat, Tuilindo sits down and takes up the oars, ready to row out to the middle of the lake.
From their small boat the two unadventurous ellith look slightly grim...but determined.
With a graceful leap the forester boards the boat, claiming a spot in the back of the vessel. A confident nod he gives Tuilindo, to signify he is ready for departure. "Fish beware! Your doom is ever nigh! Flee the sweeping tide that is Amarelei!" cries the Tellenistron mirthfully.
"With her is the stalwarth companion, Tuilindo! Terror of the wide seas!"
Tuilindo starts rowing.
Gwedhestel throws a questioning glance to Benuial and pushes off with her leg before stepping in and sitting down. The craft glides out into the shallow water and she picks up the oars. "I suppose we follow the brave warriors to the battle sight?" She giggles and takes a tentative pull on the oars.
In an afterthought the forester turns to peer at the two ellith. "And forget not the greatest sailors Water has ever known, their legend far exceeds them for hear the rumble of fleeing fish! Hail, Gwedhestel, hail Benuial! Follow suit, our fleet shall prove victorious!"
Benuial offers to help Gwedhestel with the rowing, and laughs quietly "I suppose we should...or who'll fish them out if they should fall in?"
Gwedhestel bursts into laughter, "I think the rumbling you hear is the fishes laughter! And if the fish flee from us, it is most likely that they fear we will fall overboard on top of them!" She hands Benuial an oar.
Benuial takes the oar...and winks at Gwedhestel "off we go then.." she says, pulling at her oar...
The push given by the Tellenistron's jump is enough to dislodge the bow from its rest in the sand. Now guided by Tuilindo's steady oar strokes, the boat glides across the glasslike surface of the lake, and Amarelei takes up the task of unfolding her nets from the canvas pack. She rises to her knees, pulling the folds and skillfully tied rope up in front of her, then heaving them over the side of the boat with a gentle splash. Harkening unto Gwedhestel's words, she joins in the Liltdis' carefree laughter. "And how cold it would be, should you indeed opt to chase after the fish even as they flee into the depths of the lake!" Laughing still, she returns her focus to the two edhil with whom she shares her vessel. "How does this spot suit you, mellyn? We have not yet reached the middle, but I have had luck here in the past. Have you seen anything beneath the water's surface?"
Tuilindo ceases his rowing and looks at the water, nodding. "This spot looks fine."
Gwedhestel stills her oar, even as Benuial continues to paddle, sending the boat into a wide circle that almost bumps into the other craft. "Grace on the water, I have not." She giggles and shakes her head at Benuial. "Perhaps you can draw a picture of me tipping our boat over?"
Cheer remains, yet the Tellenistron's eyes are fixed upon the glazy surface of the Lake -- rippling slightly now by the passing of the bows. "Aye, mellon." replies Telelas, "I saw several glimpses beneath. Unless we have pearls in this Lake, undoubtedly the fish await us hither. As for following them into the water... that will not be necessary, for I have my own messengers to bid them the dark news of their impending end..."
And indeed, for from his back the forester slings his longbow, arrow readied loosely on the string. "I heard it can be done and so will not be without try... Let us see if water carries the arrows as easy as does the air." Slowly the Tellenistron moves to stand... till he stretches tall, moving hands to enable a direct aim on the water.
Benuial laughs uncontrollably "What, whilst I fall in as well...I may be an elleth of many talents, but underwater art is not one of them." She stops her attempt at rowing...for the safety of all, including the fish, in or on the lake.
The lake grows darker as the sun slowly sets, and the stars shine across the surface of the still waters. Tuilindo leans back and gazes up at the sky overhead.
In her hands Amarelei clutches two corners of the widely woven net, the base of her palms resting on the rough wooden edge of the vessel. Skillfully and deliberately, she tugs the corners into place, nimble fingers then working to fasten the gear to two sturdy hooks just inside the edge of the boat. In the midst of her intent focus on the task at hand, however, the fair young maiden spoke naught with regard to Telelas' intent.
Yet as now she turns her eyes in that general direction, indeed they rise to the Tellenistron's form, silhouetted against the setting sun. A glimmer of uncertainty flashes across her features as the edhel rises to his full height...but the boat remains steady, as does Amarelei's faith in his skill. "Should you find success in such a venture, it is a skill you surely must teach me one day," she speaks quietly, careful not to disturb his concentration.
"And gladly I will..." speaks the Tellenistron calmly. The tension of utmost concentration touches his silver brows... slowly -- guided by skill -- he moves his hands, apparently a target is found! Prey to fall victim to the forester's arrows of doom?
Yet with a soft sigh Telelas lowers his aim, for the boat hath rocked slightly and brought him off balance. A moment of thought, but then with renewed vigor he sets one foot at the wooden edge of the vessel, a sturdy support -- or that it -should- be... Again his eye catches a fleeting glimmering... a fish!
Carefully he raises his bow, string pulled back, further and further... hands move lightly, eyes intent on following the fish, awaiting a slower passing. Then sudden there is a THWANG! And an arrow strikes the water with a soft THUD...
"Hmm, these fish appear swifter than anticipated... The water slows down the arrows the moment they connect. Perhaps this will not be as easy as I had hoped."
Gwedhestel leans forward and watches the fishing intently as she has never seen the skill practiced before. She glances toward Benuial and whispers, "This is more interesting then one would think, is it not? It will make a fine subject for a sketch."
The Meandis agrees with the Gwedhestel. At this point her sketching materials are produced from in the bottom of the boat...and she begins to sketch the Tellenistron's, so far, futile attempts with his 'arrows of doom'...
Gwedhestel leans forward a bit more, trying to catch a glimpse of the fish swimming beneath the shadowed surface of the lake. As she leans, the boats rocks forward slightly. She gasps and sits back quickly, causing the boat to rock sharply the other way.
Now satisfied with the positioning of her nets, Amarelei releases her grip upon them, slowly sitting back on her heels. Indeed the lazy drifting of the boat leaves them spread out just beneath the water's surface, hopefully to ensnare many an unsuspecting fish.
Squinting against the burnished golds and purples of sunset, she leans forward once more to peer into the water. "I would offer you the use of my spear as well, Telelas, though it seems we have drifted past our intended shallows. It would be of little use to you here, I fear..." These sentiments spoken, she looks once more upon Telelas, all concern not yet faded by the curious sparkle in her countenance.
With the rocking of the boat, Benuial drops all her sketches, except the one of the Tellenistron, into the dark depths...they float away slowly. The Meandis looks dismayed...but tucks the remaining one safely into a watertight canister and puts it safely under her cloak.
Gwedhestel's eyes open wide and she tries vainly to grasp the scattered parchments. With a squeal, she leans over too far...and the entire craft tips the ellith into the icy water. She shrieks as the water soaks her through and she clings to Benuial, "Swim, mellon!", the cold unable to loosen a shocked smile at her own foolishness from her face.
The two ellith cling together, having fallen in, and swim to the shore...emerging looking like two drowned rats. However the Meandis Benuial, holds up the saved sketch of Telelas...to show it's safe.
"Another time then, mellon... you may teach me how to handle the fishing spear..." suggests Telelas, for a new target has caught his sharp and questing eye. With natural grace he readies the bow, arrow set onto the string, fingers pulling as he establishes an aim.
But as he does so, it seems the Impending Doom has decided to turn on the Hunters in favor of the Hunted... For at the splashing Telelas is unpleasantly distracted, looking up where he was leaning forward... A most unfortunate decision for then he forgets of his foot, and the boot slips from the edge!
*SPLASH*
Much to his dismay the forester ends up as soaked as the two ellith. Water he coughs up, all wet save his bow, which in his haste he threw into the boat. But then Telelas proves ever there remains merit in his heart, for loud is his laughter, to rise far up into the silent night. With sturdy strokes he makes his way to the shore, preferring vast soil instead of unstable wooden ridge. "I heard them roar, mellyn!" he exclaims in triumphant voice when struggling out of the water, eyes a blue shine, "Not of fear, but at least in laughter! Be merry the fish, for they have fooled us nicely!"
The soaked Benuial laughs merrily at the now wet Telelas, before calling a "Namarie" to him and those still on the lake.
"Ugh..." continues he then, coughing some more, "I envy them not however, water in Winter is too chill to my likings. And I think we would be wise to find dry clothing swiftly... so I bid you three farewell, mellyn. As for you Lhimbadhril, our agreement stands! Soon you shall teach me the usage of the fishing spear, for now I must gratefully decline."
In self-mockery he performs a nimble bow, water still dripping from his clothing.
What started out as alarm in the Lhimbadhril's manner now melts into mischievous mirth, for after plunging headlong into the lake, all three Elves are now safely ashore. Her laughter carries brightly across the surface of the lake, its once still surface now disturbed by countless ripples. To Telelas she calls when the fit subsides, "I shall look forward to it, mellon! Namarie to you all, and may you find dry clothes ere the evening frost finds you!"
"And a warm fire!" the forester adds in his passing.
"To be more precise... in the Forest Cabin!" continues he in pleasant voice, "I shall meet you there, mellon, later when you may brag to me about all the fish you caught and explain to this older Tellenistron how silly he was into thinking perhaps experience in the one skill would give him an edge in another. I know now it is most certainly not so! Thank you for the lesson, greet the fish for me, namarie!"
And with cheery mood he came and with cheery mood he departs, into the coverage of the trees, away from sight.
Just as the timbre of merry laughter slowly vanishes into the surrounding forests, so does the last lingering purple glow of the sunset fade into the horizon, covering the land in the star-studded indigo blanket of night. Still safe and dry aboard the boat, Amarelei begins to pull in her nets as Tuilindo rows towards the shore, in the direction of the elven voices fading into the woods. Though her catch is not one of bounty unforetold, a satisfied smile plays upon the Lhimbadhril’s lips nonetheless. The lake’s former peace is renewed....at least until this company of elves sets sail anew.