((*Takes some time to adjust to the thought of a market in Mirkwood*....there we go. The possibility hadn't occured to me, but of course there would have to be one!))

Atalante turned, a basket full of bed linens on one arm, and hesitated only a moment before replying, "I would like that very much - do give me a moment, though, won't you? I must run and put these away."

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Tarannon carefully eased an arrow out of his quiver, quietly nocking it to his bow and drawing it back. The deer continued to graze, unaware of its impending death. Just as the Ranger was about to loose his arrow, there was a crashing in the underbrush, and an orc leapt out of the trees at the deer, brandishing a hooked dagger. Tarannon shifted his aim in an instant, loosing his arrow without thought, drawing another as soon as the first arrow had left the bow. But there was no need for a second arrow - the Orc was dead, and the deer was gone, and all was quiet in the woods around. Approaching cautiously, Tarannon rolled the orc over onto its back, since it had fallen face-down.

"It looks like we aren't under as great a threat of invasion as we thought," he muttered to himself. The Orc was thin and scrawny, its skin drawn tight over its bones. Clearly, it had not eaten in a while. Even Orc armies kept their soldiers fed well enough to fight--this orc looked like he could have been knocked over if a rabbit hit him.

"This is important tidings, still," the Ranger said quietly, pulling his arrow out of the body and replacing it in his quiver. He took one last glance around the clearing before vanishing into the shadows of the trees and slipping back towards the palace.

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Aearion nodded and complied, but of course had no idea what 'these' were, so he just let his head sit agaist the wall he had been leaning on, and listen to the many sounds, horses, birds, wind, grass, trees, and people of course. He quickly went over the 'to get list' as his ada had so a-matter-of-factly put it, and started counting on his fingers how much of everything he needed to get.

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

When Tarannon walked back over the narrow bridge in front of the gates of the Palace, he was burdened with more than just dire news. A deer was slung over his shoulder, and the Ranger seemed to have a hard time walking with both it and his quiver over his back. Still, he managed to walk straight, even if it was with some difficulty. "We've got a fresh supper tonight," he said cheerily to the watchmen as he entered.

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Atalante hurried to put the linens away, and after hesitating a moment, took her cloak from its peg - just in case the weather turned bad. She met Tarannon going out, and grinned at his speedy delivery of the deer. "How very prompt of you," she told him with a smile.

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Eruraina had hung around the castled bordly. She couldn't wait for the real action to start

Vanwawen waited with Aearion.
"I'll go with you to the market!" she said cheerfully...

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(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

Aearion smiled and nodded as Tarannon passed him. He then resumed waiting for Atalante's return...

He let his thoughts wander to other things, the now passed war, the ones who passed in the war, and if there were to be any wars to come... Then his thoughts stopped as he got to thinking about sailing... Would he be blind in Valinor? Would his father be like he remembered him? And would his mother even reconize him? He thought about this until it seemed like his head was going to fall off, but then he simply shook his head and sighed.

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

(hello!! *points to post above* and you said that Aearion wondered what Atlante ment by 'these' twice!)

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(}--{)Imagination Inspires Ideas -Zandain(}--{)
Married Cloud Strife 9/17/08

(( I DID!? OI! I am sooooooooo confused up here sometimes! *pokes head, echoing sound ensues* See what I mean? EDIT: I edited my last post. ))

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

Thire rolled his eyes a bit at Meleth's comment. He nudged his horse and rode to catch up with her.

(( anyone?..... ))

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

((Aerandir requested that we slow down ))

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(( AHHH! I AM SOOOOO SORRY!! OI! MY BRAIN HAS LEFT ME I TELL YOU!!! I CAN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING!!! *cough* uh... yeah. I'm sorry everyone! and especially Aerandir! I am sorry that my brain dosn't like me... I think it left to Antarctica or something..... ))

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

((*Pats you on the head* Calm down SG, it's no big deal ))

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Lol, thanks for not giving me a bunch to read, guys. I appreciate it.

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Tarannon dumped the deer in front of the surprised cooks in the palace kitchen. "I hope you make something nice out of it," he said, giving a pointed look at the very artistic platters of food that had been prepared for King Thranduil. They definitely looked nice, but as to the flavor, that was in question.

He left a number of irate chefs behind as he exited the kitchen, heading up several levels inside the caverns of the palace, until he reached the King's throne room. As was required, he left his weapons at the door, even though he had been living in Eryn Lasgalen for several years now and was well known by the guards. "I bear important news for the King," he said to the commanding guard, who unlike most of the elves of the land bore a spear.
The guard entered the throne room, and Tarannon waited outside until he reappeared. The Ranger stepped forward behind the guard, then nodded his thanks as the elf returned to his post.

"My lord Thranduil," he said, bowing his head in respect. Even if the Elf wasn't his king, he was still a king, and kings deserved respect. "I bear important news. I was hunting in the forest, and my quarry was disturbed by something very unexpected - an Orc. It was starved and weak, but evidence enough that there are indeed dark forces loose within the borders of the Wood of Greenleaves.

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((You're very welcome. Unless someone else wants Thranduil, I shall play him ))

The Elven lord was silent for a moment, contemplating this news - it was not altogether unexpected, but one preferred to hope for the best. He sighed. "Was there any indication of which direction it may have been travelling?"

It was really a pointless question - where had orcs ever come from in old Mirkwood besides Dol Guldur? - but suddenly Thranduil recalled the Elves that should still be in Eryn Lasgalen. He frowned a little, but kept his peace.

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Atalante hurried out, her cloak over one arm, and smiled to see Aearion standing with Vanwawen. "There, I am ready now," she said, coming towards them.

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