The night was turning into dusk, when two figures arrived to the Bree homesteads. What is shared inside a dimly lit house,is wine and quiet words...
Dreslan says, 'Make yourself at home, please.'
Ynel smiles as they enter the shady room "Ah! Lovely. Such large maps!"
Dreslan says, 'Immeasureably useful in my research.'
You say, 'Do you live this hosue by yourself?'
Dreslan says, 'Somewhat, I've a few friends staying with until our larger house can be built..'
Ynel nods "Whom are your friends? Perhaps I know some of them?" She wanders around the room again and stops briefly to check the titles on the books on the shelf
Dreslan gathers some cups and a pitcher of red wine, bringing them to the table.
Dreslan says, 'One is a Noblewoman from Rhun, named Zehra, another a Breelander named Ethlynne... We've formed something of an alliance of expatriates.'
Ynel blinks and turns to look at the man "A nobleman from Rhun... Why would you keep such company?
Dreslan says, 'Mututal self-interest, primarily. We're fortunate to have the ability to see beyond political lines.'
You say, 'And you are not at all concerned about her abilities? None know the mastery of decept and conspiracies like the Rhunic people.'
Dreslan smiles. "I'm well aware of her abilities, but I also keep caution enough to watch for her using them upon me. Luckily it seems she's not interested in trying to twist me around her finger."
Dreslan pours out a cup of wine for her and then one for himself.
Ynel twitches her lips "Wait..untill you are sinking your hands into that found treasure. The second of you beholding it will steal your attention from the dagger aimed at your back."
Ynel moves aroung the table, but doesn't sit. She glances at the cups of wine and smiles, but mostly to herself. She seems to be contemplating on something.
Dreslan smiles gently. "Your concern is touching. But rest assured I'm not one to hold a snake to my chest and beg to be bitten."
You say, 'Well... I like your apprentice well enough. So I suppose you have some skills, what come to judgement on character.'
Ynel smiles playfully and then clears her throat before she continues "I came to ask you...about those treasures."
Dreslan says, 'She's a lovely girl with a fascinating mind.'
Dreslan smiles slightly. "Shall I check you for hidden daggers before we speak of them?"
Ynel smiles and spreads her arms wide "Begging to e bitten, after all?" she winks at him, and lets her hands down. "But a woman should always maintain some mystery about her, no? I wanted to ask....when you find something remarkable...who where you take it, and to whom you sll it?"
Dreslan says, 'I've a few local contacts in touch with private collectors in the region who might be interested in the pieces I find without any historical significance...'
You say, 'What about those pieces, that would have signficanse for study? And I am more interested in contacts that you may have abroad....if you have them? Perhaps..in your home of Gondor?'
Dreslan says, 'A few, mostly at the King's College in Minas Tirith.'
Dreslan says, 'There are also a few I know in Rivendell who'll pay generously for items of interest related to their people.'
Ynel moves over now, taking a seat across from him. She helps herself...and him, to some wine, pouring both cups full from the bottle. "Is the King's college where you studied in your youth?"
Dreslan nods. "It is."
Dreslan says, 'Interesting, tedious, fascinating, frustrating, and inspiring all at once.'
Ynel pushes his cup across the table to his side, and picks up her own to hold it under hr nose and inhale the fumes of wine from it. "But not enough for you?"
Dreslan says, 'Oh I was quite happy there, until I presented my theories and was laughed out of the assembly.'
Dreslan says, 'Few hold much credence in the legend of the Lost Treasury of Arnor. My insitance of it's existance was met with... much resistance.'
Dreslan sips gently from the cup, his eyes meeting hers casually, but searching for signs of her intent.
Ynel cants her head at first, then looks into her cup and sighs faintly "I could question how it is possible for a scholar doing research to have so little imagination." she pouts sadly "But then again, I can relate to the situation. Many a hero, who boast with their masculine deeds, are prone to laugh and claim an such deed impossible, as soon as it is a blonde, easygoing woman >
Ynel - posing such ideas." she smiles. It is likely about the same matter. The fight for glory and credit, that cannot be shared, else it's value is diminisghed somehow..."
Dreslan grins. "Ego will be the death of mankind. It's amazing how so few academics are willing to cling to an old idea and refute a new one simply because the new idea upsets the applecart."
You say, 'Indeed...but you will have your turn for glory yet, Dreslan. I am sure of it.'
Ynel smiles and lifts the cup in small toast his way
Dreslan says, 'You are kind to say so
Dreslan raises his glass in acknowledgement to her toast and sips.
Ynel takes a little sip from her mug and then puts it down with a sigh "I was mindful of sharing such with you, while I was under the impresion that you were here alone. But now...that you have formed alliances and made friends, and work on mutual endeavors with others, I rather not rush you to break all that."
Dreslan raises an eyebrow. "In truth, there's little to hold my attention here. Our endeavors are anything but mutual, and my involvment with the others has become.. minimal.
Dreslan says, 'Aside from work with Miss Cissy, my time is pretty much my own of late.'
Dreslan speaks with a very faint hint of bitterness in his tone
Ynel seems to take note on the sound of her tone, and responds to it with another smile "Did someoen already break your heart?"
Dreslan says, 'If by break my heart, you mean completely ignore me? Then yes.'
You say, 'Ignore you? How is that possible? And who woudl be so arrogant?'
Dreslan says, 'It matters not. The point being I am open to any interesting endeavors you might propose.'
Ynel keeps the smile curving on her lip, even while she takes another sip from the brim of the cup. "And leave all women of Rhun out of it?" she questions with serious tone. "Do you think your endeavors would remain in secret from your lady of the house? She now concenrs me most."
Dreslan sighs. "She holds no interest in me or my doings. She's made that perfectly clear.
You say, 'Then...you had no reason to refuse me, if I told you to leave everything, and follow me?'
Ynel puts the cup back on the table.
Dreslan says, 'That would depend on what exactly you need of me.'
Dreslan says, 'But in general, I see no real reason to stay here with Bloodrose.'
Ynel wets her lip. She seems to anticipate what she is about to say next, ad evetually she is capable of speaking her mind. "I need a scholar...a brave one...to tell which of the tomes and scrolls in the libraries of Imlad Balchorth...might be worth their weight to carry away."
Dreslan says, 'The crypts of Angmar? Hmm.. dangerous work...but if it pans out, very profitable.
Ynel nods "Yes...I imagine, that any tomb or scroll, that carries a label of beign from those records would interest many a scholar aroudn Middle-earth.
You say, 'But ofcourse...it would help alot on measuring the gain, if there was an expert along.'
Dreslan says, 'It would indeed.. however I've heard it's treasures are guarded jealously by the dead. Have you a plan to deal with these Evil spirits?'
Ynel smiles sweetly "None, as of yet. And I have heard, that there are other obstacles in the way. The few heroes who have seen Angmar tell of a powerful ward that keeps all intruders away. But...the dead woudl not be guarding the place, if there was not a possibility of a thief slipping in. Orcs and goblins and the peopel of Angmar pass through this ward."
You say, 'So I see it possible.'
Dreslan nods.
Dreslan says, 'Well and good then.'
Dreslan says, 'I would be interested in this endeavor.'
Ynel smiles and pushes the bottle of wine further to his side of the table "And daring enough?"
Dreslan smiles, reaching for the bottle and pouring his cup full. "You'd be suprised at the daring of a frustrated academic."
Ynel chuckles behind hr shining pearly whites that she bears at him. She stands up from her chair, and comes around the table to his side, just to place her hands on his shoulders and begin a tender massage. "What will you tell your pupil?"
Dreslan says, 'I'd offer her the opportunity to join us once I explained all the risks... we were planning a trip into the North soon in order to gather information from the Rangers encamped there, but this sounds more fruitful.'
You say, 'Hmm. You could still use it for your reason to go North. That would give you some time to wage her value, and see how she manages on the field. There is no reason to rush with such decitions....and best to not speak, before you are sure.'
Dreslan doesn't seem too upset by her touch. He calmly allows her to work the tension from his shoulders.
Dreslan says, 'I trust her greatly.. but by your leave we'll work a bit more to allow her some feild experience.'
Ynel rubs her thumbs and fingertips around his shoulder muscle, kneeds them down with her palms, and squeezes again. "I need some time to make arrangements in Bree before I can leave. You continue as you planned with her...and send me a word fom the north, when you get there. We can meet on the road. How does that sound?"
Dreslan looks at her and smiles. "It sounds like far too long to see you again."
Ynel smiles sweetly down at him "Bare the harships for a greater crown" a wink is given, then she pulls her hands off his shoulders. "I think we have an agreement, and enough details to begin working on. I wont take more of your time tonight. You have much to think about, I'm sure."
Dreslan says, 'Of course. I do indeed. Let me know if there's anything more I can provide for the preparations.'
You say, 'As much knowledge as you can! And a promise...that you wont speak to anyone, not even your pupil, before we are set for our mutual part of the journey. The fewer know about intruders in Angmar, the better...'
You say, 'So far, it is just you and me.'
