The Sprinting Mare

[Idrial]

A soft tune began to play in the background as a few instrumentalists rose to the challenge of entertaining the common room's patrons. This one, no doubt, was meant to lull those inside the room into a sleepy state so that they would be too tired to complain about later selections. Or perhaps they wanted to make the people tired so they would all go home and the pub owner could go home early this evening -- though, Idrial doubted anyone in this room would become dreary over a mere selection of music. They were all too excited over the evening to come. Or, maybe it was just a night dedicated to the soft tunes that caused one to reminisce and dream of better times.

Idrial listened to Envin as he spoke, though she kept her gaze focused upon her hands where they lay casually atop the table. She glanced up only once during his speech and in time to catch his roguish smile before she once more lowered her eyes to the grain of the wood. The maiden grinned ever so slightly at his compliment, but was quick to disguise it as she let him continue. Idrial had been about to say something in response when the lad approached their table offering drink.

"Nothing for me, thank you," came her soft reply. Her eyes meandered casually to where Gaurwyn sat alongside her. She studied the woman for a moment while her head was turned before returning her attention to the man before her. Idrial's face softened a bit as she tried to think of something appropriate to say. "Twice in one evening you have deemed it necessary to apologize to me," she said with a grin. "You must have a habit of getting yourself into trouble. I only hope that when you truly do, you do not bring down those around you as well," she laughed softly to prove that she jested.

Idrial turned her gaze once more toward the window when she'd finished speaking. After a few moments, she closed her eyes, listening to the soft music that floated through the room. It was an old song that the people of Rohan held dear and important to their culture. When she finally did open her eyes again they turned first to the one across from her, then to the crowd to search for the man who'd been going to join them at their table. She wondered when he would ever get around to coming over -- if he ever would at all. Something about the stranger had sent a chill up her spine, but she couldn't quite place her finger on it.

[Envin]

Envin sat enthralled by the simple music, music easily pleasant, yet at once also deep and rolling, much the same as the hills and plains of this country. He had always had an affinity for the wide open places of Rohan, even though his thoughts often turned to his native Gondor when he was abroad. The paladin chuckled at Idrial's words. "Indeed, your thoughts coincide with many upon the Council of my Order. Too headstrong, they would say. Too reckless. But I trust in my Creator and the gifts he has given me. Should I find myself in some mischief, or trouble, as you would say, m'lady, then rest assured that I will be only too able to extricate myself. And to protect they whom I would call friend. For, if I may be permitted, so I must call you - as I stil do not know your name," he finished expectantly, as though waiting. He followed Idrial's gaze toward the silver-haired fellow, and deep within him he shuddered, though he gave no outward sign. Though Envin was no stranger to intrigue and plotting, he had always preferred an open confrontation to anything else, and if this newcomer was going to sit down, he had better get on with it rather than keep the paladin in suspense.

[vanya]

Gaurwyn listened to the music and the soft words of her table companions. She wasn't all to sure where to put all this romantic flirting tunes since this two had hissed each other before. Probably it was some sort of mating behavior of humankind she wasn't aware of. But obviously, the paladin calmed down quite a lot and sounded and looked much more relaxed in company to the shy lady who still didn't mention her name. And after he was quite edgy and the situation close to escalate in the first place, Gaurwyn appreciated that the woman was soothing his temper. While both looked for the white haired stranger, who somehow got lost in the crowed, Gaurwyn relaxed and sipped from her wine. It was a strong but very nice sort and she told herself to remember this place for its good winery.

[Idrial]

Idrial turned her gaze briefly to Gaurwyn. The woman had not spoken in a while, and the maiden was curious as to the thoughts that went on inside her head. Then again, she wasn't really sure she wanted to know. Something about the strange woman seemed to odd for curiosity. Idrial glanced toward Envin as he continued speaking, and she smiled as he once more mentioned the subject of her name.

"You continue to speak of not knowing my name, when you also have not given your own," she said casually. Her eyes wandered briefly through the crowd to where the small band played. Idrial leaned back slightly in her chair before returning her attention toward Envin as she waited for him to speak.

[Envin]

"Indeed," returned the paladin with his smile undiminished, "for in truth I thought I had mentioned it while recounting my history. My name is Envin, and I am at your service." As he said his name, he sent an innocent look toward Gaurwyn, for he was beginning to realize exactly why this woman unsettled him. He was minded that he had met her before now, and hoped that the mention of his name would jar her recognition.

[Idrial]

Idrial caught the vague look that Envin sent toward Gaurwyn, and for the slightest of moments, her brow furrowed. Something was certainly going on here, though what it was, she couldn't be certain. The tension between the other two was quite obvious, that much she knew. But their history together remained unspoken. The way words and glances had been exchanged, Idrial supposed that at least one of the two recognized the other.

The maiden forced a smile onto her face and nodded as she tore her attention away from the woman with gloomy eyes. "Well, it's a pleasure, Envin. I suppose it's time to divulge my secret -- my name is Idrial." The statement itself sounded innocent enough to those passing, but the underlying tone when she spoke of a secret hinted at much more. She knew the dark woman was hiding something, but what she could never guess. Idrial supposed that Envin was hiding something as well, though his secrecy was not of the venomous sort.

[vanya]

Gaurwyn looked at the lady when she mentioned her name. "Nice to meet you Idrial," she said and smiled. "See, didn't hurt, did it?" She turned her glance toward the paladin and tried to hide her amusement. "And nice to meet you, too, lord Envin. What nice names and merry meeting." She smiled brightly, merely because Envin didn't noticed that she was watching him from the very first moment of her entry. He was so busy with Idrial that he missed that fact completely. So far to his very perceptiveness.

[Envin]

Envin inclined his head to both Idrial and to Gaurwyn. "Enchanted it is that I am, fair ladies. I am quite pleased to meet you both this... first time." He placed an unmistakable stress upon the last two words, and if Gaurwyn was glad that he had not noticed her observing him, he at least was also pleased that he had paid her attention since she first neared the inn. "But what of our new companion?" Envin continued, "He has yet to make himself known and sit with us. Come, friend - we have meat and drink in plenty and to spare. Surely a fellow such as yourself cannot resist fine company and talk."

[vanya]

Minutes run and the white haired fellow didn't show up. Gaurwyn wondered who this man was in fact. She had noticed his aura but never heard of a creature of this pure malice except one. But that couldn't be, this creature was just a fairy tale. But was it truly just a fairy tale? Wasn't she one, too? In her mind she smirked without showing her excitement on the surface. Was the glory time of the King coming to an end and the darkness rising again in Middle Earth?
This fellow seemed at least not to care to come to their table and the conversation went dead as well. She sighed when she picked up the glass and found it empty. She decided to go out and have a look for Vilik. Gaurwyn apologized that she needed to go to sleep and wished her companions a still merry evening, then she raised from her seat and walked with a last glance toward the white haired man out of the Inn.

[Envin]

The paladin had realized long ago that this was not the inn where he should seek Vilik, but when Gaurwyn had entered he had felt the same tremors as he had the day weeks ago in Arnor. But he did not recognize them. So he had stayed, and now that he did indeed realized what it was he felt, and especially given that Gaurwyn had departed, he with great apologies cut short his pleasant conversation with the maiden Idrial, and went out into the streets. It was not long indeed until he came upon another inn, and striding inside, he knew he had found his goal.

[Morsereg Dîndaedel]

He had long stood in wait after making an entrance into the barroom. His eyes scanned the crowd, at once settling on the trio of Idrial, Envin, and Gaurwyn. They had adjusted, made a seat available for him....but for what purpose?

He ignored it instead, slowly fading into the crowd and in the absorbing noise of the inn he took a seat at a table not far from theirs, slightly indulging in some of the inn's finest wines as he focused himself to listen in on the conversation. The paladin, whose name was revealed to be Envin, intrigued him the most.

Which is why, as he rose to leave, Morsereg faded back into the crowd, his movements like a snake through tall grass. Undetected, he followed Envin out of the inn and soon took to an allyway. From the shadows, he spied on the paladin, and was in a silent pursuit.

This Paladin had power...and he wanted it.