Andswaru of Rohan

[andswaru]

New job, new hope

  “What a mess...” Andwaru softly said to himself, while riding on his white steed Ladhfota. He had his belly full of mead and small snacks. His head full of the words of Vaarion’s mother, but that is nothing what he holds in his heart. The rider smiled thinking of that moment in the stables... the words that were spoken there....heard by Apple and Pear. Happily he sighed and looked to the sky.

“Tomorrow, a new life starts.” he spoke with a happy voice.

He still has the chance to practise his blacksmithing, while combine it with work on the farm. For one he knew that the horses will get premium quality horse shoes. But while he was getting closer to his small comfortable home his mind was wandering off to Vaarion’s father...Sigelbert.  Where would he be right now, is he in pain...or alive at all. His mind turned darker on those thoughts.

“Filthy creatures...what have they done to you, Sigelbert?” he wondered.

His mind was already planning ahead. He shall write a letter to his commanding officer and ask for a couple of men to ride back. This of course sadly has to be done without Vaarion, for her mother...would kill him if she rode along with his warband. Alas, what would a fierce band of warriors could do to an enemy unseen and their location unknown. He must gather intelligence about that area. But who has knowledge about that area? Then he thought back at the journey before.

“Perhaps...that elf, who helped us...she seemed skilled in geography...she might know!” he shouted enthusiastic, a fox was startled by the yelling and fled.

Andswaru continued to walk...thinking...planning and plotting...till he got home. 

[andswaru]

Journal - The great escape

Logdate: 1 Nárië - Much happened since the last log in this book. In short I was send out on patrol as sergeant of the Riders, yes not just sergeant of the city guard. We did go with a group of 6 people including myself. We got ambushed near the borders of Isengard. Atleast man of my unit got killed, sadly. Which reminds me, I should let his family know about there loss. The rest of the men got away safely for all I could remember. That is what I saw before I was taken to Isengard.

Things happened in the dungeons I rather forget, the scars will tell more then I could ever describe in words. My time there was rather short then my other brothers from the Mark. I heard one of them say he was there for a month or two. They where desperate, there spirits broken...I realize that all spirits can be broken..no matter how optimistic one can be.

Me and some fellow prisoners where saved by the valiant actions of one; Vaarion, daughter of Sigelbert! She alone did sneak into Isengard, all the way into the dungeons and busted us out. Her cunning plan and the timing was excellent. With some orc disguises me and her led the others, as prisoners to the front gate of Isengard. There, Vaarion gave fake orders to clean up the stables. But what really happened was that they prepared the horses for escape. I did go to the gate itself and shouted that prisoners got away from the dungeon and they need assistance. So they ran of towards the dungeons, which where on the far side of Isengard. Within the gates there was a smaller door..that one I could manage to get open. I whistles loudly as a signal. After a few second I heard horses riding. I walked outside the gate and when I looked back I saw the prisoners ride trough that door...Vaarion got out last and I jumped on the back of her horse. Together we rode away from Isengard, followed by warg-riders. The horse did slow down after some miles..the weight of me and Vaarion was simply to much for such distance with that speed. Vaarion turned the horse and we saw the wargs close in fast and we made us ready for a fight. 

Then suddenly the sound of a horn filled the vale! A few moment later, we heard the sound of many steeds coming from behind us. A band of riders, great in number, came to our aid and drove off the warg-riders. We where finally safe.

How could I ever repay Vaarion? She risked her life for me. I should at least bring her home safe. After that...a good rest..that's for sure..for both of us.

[andswaru]

The patrol

"Sergeant! Sergeant Andswaru?!" Andswaru looked behind him to a young rohirrim who was in his patrol party.

"Yes, what is it?" Andswaru replied trying to look as serious as he could.

"I was here some nights ago as well, I know this area want me to share you what I know about this area?" he asked, on which Andswaru nodded in return.

The young rohirrim speeded up his brown steed and rode next to the sergeant now. He explained everything he knew about the area they scouted before, every detail around the Isen, the terrain, the vegetation, how deep the river is, so on. 

"You helped me a lot with that information, what is your name soldier?" Andswaru asked smiling.

"Herniborn of Snowbourn, sir." he replied 

"Verry well, Herniborn keep up the good work, keep your eyes open." 

The patrol reached the river Isen and the moon created a beautiful sight as it shun upon the flowing water. In the distance a tower could be seen. One of the other men said it was the tower of Saruman. Andswaru felt uncomfortable, for the tower felt really close, even tho it was some leagues away.

"Come one, let's keep going we will scout a bit two wards the tower, not to far. Keep sound discipline and watch for movement." The men nodded to that.

It was silent, they only heard the river flowing. The men became visibly nervous as well. 

Andswaru lifted his hand and whisperd "far enough, let's head back the banks are clear" 

On that moment a howl was to be heard in the distance. Andswaru looked up behind him, then more howls followed, but as more howls filled the sky the closer the sound came.

"Wargs! Ride back now!" Andswaru shouted knowing they where discovered. Without a moment of hesitation the patrol started to ride back on the banks of the Isen. 

Then suddenly a big warg pounced from a ridge on one of the riders. It was Herniborn, the warg knocked him off his horse. Yet it happend so fast that Laðfóta couldn't evade the rider and the warg and tripped over them both and Andswaru smacked on the ground as well. 

Andswaru looked up dazed and saw his horse Laðfóta recoverd and stood up. He tried to crawl towards her. But many eyes reflected the light of the moon around them now. 

"Run! Run to Vaarion!" Andswaru shouted to his horse, him knowing he couldn't reach Laðfóta in time to get both in safety. He grabbed his sword and turned back to the warg that pounced Herniborn. But it already was done with his deed, lifeless the young rohirrim lay in his own blood. Now the warg showed his teeth to Andswaru and ran towards him and jumped. That moment Andswaru escaped the same fate as Herniborn and jumped outside the way. He raised his greatsword, the steel shining in the moon. The warg turned around and then the sword cleaved his head. It well down to the ground. Now the glowing eyes came near and he was surrouned by a warg pack. The sergeant looked desperate around him, and there was no way out. He raised his sword again.

"puzg-narish!" A loud and dark voice shouted. The wargs stoped engaging, they all looked up and a orc stood on the ridge where the dead warg pounced from. 

"He killed one of your kin, death is no punishment...the pits are!" He shouted to them. 

Andswaru looked up and shouted "No chains will hold me back to repay you what you have done to my brother, filth!" He clearly meant Herniborn  

The rohirrim charged towards the wargs near the ridge. But one pounced behind him against his back, and knocked Andswaru down with his head against the ground. Dazed he looked up, and saw the orc standing next to him. 

"Glob-shara." he hissed, then he kicked the rohirrim in his face, knocking him out. The orc pound his hands and legs and lied Andswaru on the back of a large warg...and he was brought to the tower, to Isengard.

[andswaru]

Sergeant?

two days now, two days since both Vaarion and Andswaru arrived at the Rohirrim camp. In those days Andswaru spoke to some of the men. All of the men spoke to him about why there were so men absent. Slain or captured. captured by who? They all spoke of Saruman like he was an enemy of old. But was he not keeper of Isengard, protector of Fangorn? Andswaru wanted to ask so many questions, but he didn't dare to disturb those on active duty, which they all where, due the lack of numbers.

Now two days later; the commander of the camp found Andswaru working on the hooves of Apple and Pear the two shire steeds. 

"So Sergeant, I assume you have led many men into some battles right?" the commander said with clear voice.

Andswaru looked up and stopped cleaning the hoof of Pear.

"W..wel, sir. Truth be told..I was sergeant of the city guard, I only let my men into little barfight skirmishes to break it up." he said with a low voice, while letting his head hang again.

"Hmpf!" stumbled the command and he bowed his head to Andswaru. "Do you think I have not noticed that?" he whisperd to Andswaru.

Andswaru looked up again, letting his tools drop on the floor. He could believe his eyes, or understand what he just heard. He didn't lie, he spoke the truth only, well perhaps not all.

The command continued to whisper to him "Two nights ago I lost my last commanding officer while he was patrolling on the banks of the Isen. Those who left in this camp don't lack the courage, but they all lost close friends and i'm afraid they are out for vengeance"

With confused Andswaru asked why he is telling him this.

The commander kneeld next to Andwaru and looked him in the eyes. "It's simple "sergeant" Andswaru, you will lead an other patrol today. Come back as a real Sergeant of this camp. That is how I will reward you."

The command stood up again and looked down to Andswaru. The young rohirrim looked up at the commander and said:

"What if I don't want to, I have promised lady Vaarion daughter of Sigelbert to escort her ..."

With a louder voice the commander interrupted him.

"Sergeant, Theoden king is not fond of treason against the throne. Even in these dire times such acts must and shall be punished accordingly."

He looked around some of the men did looked up at the commander then they minded there own business again. 

"This wasn't a question!" he hist to the still kneeling Andswaru. Then he walked away toward his tent.

Andswaru was speechless, he thought he would be safe here. Safe between the walls of this camp. It was a mere illusion, how could he refuse this. Not the promotion drove his mind, but the idea of the treason penalty. He wanted to go to Vaarion to tell her all this, but as soon as he stood up some men came to him saying his steed was ready to go, so where the rest of the patrol. 

"But Vaarion..." he said while he was led to his horse. Before he was realizing what was happening. He found himself with a company of four other riders on the road to the river Isen.

Andswaru looked back at the camp. He saw the sun disappear behind the walls. He sighted deep and whispered.

"Vaarion... I will be back soon.." then he looked forward. So started the nightly patrol at the Isen...

[andswaru]

Safe!

Logdate: 11 Lotessë - After few days traveling by moonlight, we are finally in safe hands! We arrived in a small camp of a band of Rohirrim. There was no time to write in the logbooks while we were in enemy territory, no time to relax or time to sleep. Vaarion and I  traveled from ancient ruin to ancient ruin, in the hope them Hillmen of Dunland wouldn't search them, and they didn't. Alas, that is all behind us, for now we are safe. The sentries of the camp did let us in without any trouble. We left our steeds at the stablemen and made our way to the tent of the camp commander. It was a captain. I saluted him, introducing us both, sergeant Andswaru...and Vaarion. The captain saluted back and nodded to Vaarion. We where offered a safe staying, we could get food, water and a place to sleep.

Alas, it didn't end there for me. The captain did let me know, that I shouldn't make it to comfortable for myself, for he could use me well. Vaarion doesn't see it...but many tents are unoccupied, the men look exhausted and there is no music or song to be heard. No, these man have fought and lost brothers in arms. That is for sure. The captain properly has in mind that I will fight as well, when needed. Will my training save me? Will it be good enough to protect my brothers....will it be enough. Should I just say to the captain that I'm only a sergeant of the city guard? Nay, my sword arm is as good as any other, I've been in fights and came out as victor, yes I did! 

Now Vaarion and I lay in a tent, I bet two sword brothers did sleep here the night before. What would have been there last dream..home or there family? Those thoughts frighten me... If I need to fight I will, lest I hope my ancestors don't call me to there side now..nay..I can not follow Twégen..not now.

Would Vaarion understand my troubled mind? I think now, she is glad we reached some of our kin, she should be however. The sleep within safe walls will do her good. Sweet girl.

Vaarion...what ever happens to me...you must get back home safe. And as long as I draw breath, I will be there for you.

-Andswaru

[andswaru]

Pendant gifted to Vaarion, created in Rivendel by Andswaru.

[andswaru]

ere dawn.

Logdate: 28 Víressë - The sky is clear for now, we should head out soon. Vaarion is still sleeping quietly. Till now we have not encountered hillmen of Enedwaith. My leg is feeling well now, we should make some good miles today. Our bellies are filled with the stew of Vaarion. There is even still some left for breakfast! The road to Rohan is still long, but I feel..it has mixed feelings for me. Yes I want to set up a rescue party for Silgelbert and no I don't want to see my parents cry when I tell them about Twégen.

What a mess this all is. Alas, first things first...rest as long as you can..that was the lesson.

[andswaru]

Southern Watch

After Andswaru have given to Vaarion what he made for her at Rivendel he laid back a bit. His hand rubs over his leg. While Vaarion was collecting more firewood he tended the combat wound.

“You really hinder me in my journey stupid leg, you will delay everything” Andswaru sighted while looking at his leg.

On that moment he heard a crack and Andswaru looked around.

Speaking with a loud voice he said: “Who go’s ! Who dares to set foot on this hill!”

No reply came, the rohirrim grabbed his sword by the hilt. Before he could ask again an unfamilair voice replied to him in westron.

“Hail Rider, I come in peace” the heavy voice spoke. At that moment a man came from behind the fallen statue and walked towards Andswaru.

Andswaru looked up at the man, he didn’t know this man but he laid down his sword again.

With some confusion he welcomed the man:”W..welcome I suppose.”

The man stood still and asked if he could use the fire to warm himself up.

“Ehm.I suppose you may, sir...” Andswaru asked hoping he would catch the name of the man.

The man did sit down, his face well visible in the campfire.

He had a weary look on his face “Thank you kind and..I am no sir, but most call me Losian these days.” he replied to him while he was holding his hands near the fire.

Andswaru came up and offered his waterskin to Losian, the man didn’t let a moment pass before he took the skin from Andswaru. Before he began to drink he said to Andswaru that he did pass some woman before he came to here.

Andswaru raised his brow “That must be Vaarion, my companion, did she just let you pass?”

“She didn’t even see me, again not many hear me around here.” replied Losian

Andswaru looked up at the man “The hillmen of these lands you mean?” the rohirrim asked in wonder. The traveler only nodded on that and did drank almost all the water from the skin in one go.

“Are you a traveler, Losian” Andswaru asked while the man was still drinking. He stopped drinking and looked to Andswaru.

He said with tired voice “Aye, very long...too long.” he sighed and continued talking, just looking into the fire.

“I’m heading home, to my family. I miss their faces” he now looked towards Andswaru and asked the where his journey will lead him.

“Aldburg, in Rohan, aye that’s are heading now.” Now speaking more confortable to the man. “we have a long road to go still.”

The man stared to Andswaru a bit, perhaps waiting for more to come.

“So, it’s only you, and that girl...and four horses?” The man asked with a saddening tone in his voice.  Andswaru nodded only hoping the man wouldn’t do anything what that information.

Losian then said then out of nowhere:”Keep your eyes on that girl, she is a treasure to see, and dear to her family..”

In confusion Andswaru shook his head, and looked close to the man.

“What are you up to, what do you know of us!” He said with confused yet raised voice

The man said nothing and he offered the waterskin back to Andswaru. Andswaru saw the man’s hand and on his index finger he had a familiar ring. The rohirrims eyes grew bigger and he looked back to the mans face.

“Sigelbert!” he shouted with great confusion, fear and joy at the same time.

The man gave no sign on his face and replied without taking heed of Andswaru’s statement

“Look after that girl, don’t forsake her, like my family did forsake me, Andswaru.”

“Andswaru, Andwaru wake up!” A woman’s voice yelled.

“You are having a bad dream, wake up silly!” he opened his eyes and looked into the eyes of Vaarion.

Andswaru looked up “The man? where is he? He was just here!” He looked around with sweat on his head and breathing heavy.

Vaarion pushed him down again to the ground “there is no one hear...at least not for hours while you were asleep.”

Andswaru looked up at Vaarion and slowly he calmed down...slowly closing his eyes again and fell to sleep again.

[andswaru]

Eregion to Enedwaith

Logdate: 18 Víressë - Today we officialy started our journey home. Vaarion is feeling a bit better now. Her arm is healing well, still she needs to get her rest. I can force her to rest, since she released me out of her families service. This will give me some freedom to help us get home. Alas, for our current location. We are somewhere near the borders of Enedwaith and I feel unconfortable about those lands. It's the front stop of Dunland, home of our enemies, the Dunlendings. For many years we are in conflict with them, I suspect when we get caught we won't get the chance to see our Rohan again.

Vaarion sleeps now at camp, and I checked upon the old wound in my leg. It's a bit irritated after the long walk. Luckly Vaarion had a restful trip and she could look around better. To guide her horse, is not a burden at all, she listens well. Perhaps tomorrow I should take heed of Vaarion's words and ride as well tomorrow, if we go. While writing this journal my leg starts to feel less confortable. Vaarion will not be pleased to hear this in the morning...alas, perhaps it will be over in the morning..let's hope so.

[andswaru]

Giving up, for now.

Logdate: 11 Víressë - We covered all the mountain side now, looking for possible alternative entrances. Yet till now we have discovered none. The path parallel to the mountain surface ended in a big unclean pool. There Vaarion collapsed to the ground and busted out into tears. I tried to soothe her there as good as I could. There was no alternative way inside, nothing. Vaarion asked me to bring her home, I think she is tired, tired of searching, tired of missing her father, tired of managing everything on her own. All I can do is bring her home, I think Sigelbert wish would be the same for her.

Now Vaarion is sleeping, I think she will sleep for a while now. For the first time since weeks we will now eat fresh food, even if it's just some lizard meat....it is fresh. The horses are doing well, fit enough to travel back home. First Vaarion must get well soon, her arm will heal, with some rest that is. She is a fierce girl if she sets her will to do something, its now my job to slow her down a bit. The poor girl, I must be there for her more then ever before. 

[andswaru]

Log entry 1 since departure out of Rivendel

Logdate: 9 Víressë - Ony a week ago we left Rivendel on a hunt for the warband who took Vaarion's father. It seems like a month already. All we have is a map and some trails in the wilderness to follow. That same trail led us to some old elvish building. It was filled with orcs and evil men and we sacked it. We hoped to find Sigelbert there, but we did not. We found a map of some kind of cave. I can't exactly how big it is. We had some other small skirmishes across these lands as well. By the Valar, Eregion is a nest full of orcs now.

My hand is bound now I got a minor cut in it. Vaarion on the other hand has a nasty wound on her upper arm now, I should look closely how it evolves or heals. The girl is getting everything thrown to her at a short time, poor Vaarion. She had some tough moments today, I'm glad she finally sleeps again. I know she gets annoyed a bit about me slowing her down in her conquest, alas she wracks herself is she continues like this. Vaarion has sweat on her brow and she has nightmares. It could be the cut on her arm that is making her feverish, I don't know.

I promised Vaarion to find back Sigelbert, I hope tho he is alive. Nonetherless he must be found, much depends on this. 

- Andswaru

[andswaru]

Unexpected news

Andswaru was walking back with a big smile on his face from training Vaarion how to use a sword. "One day that girl will best me, I know for sure." he thought. He was thinking how he could improve the girls swordarm when he was walking on the narrow bridge, when suddenly a voice shouted to get out of the way. Andswaru took a step aside then a rider passed by horse. The rohirrim steped back to the middle and looked how the rider rode straight to the last Homely House instead of the stables. Then he reconised the young looking rider, it was the elven scout, who helped him before. Without hessitating Andswaru followed her by foot, and hasted to the House of Elrond as well.

When he finally arrived the steed of the scout was standing without her on it. Andswaru quickly entered the house, assuming she went inside. And he was right, there she was looking around. When Andswaru approached the elven lady she looked at him. "You know where companion is, for I have news for her, about her father!" she said while breathing loudly. The man looked concerned and said to her, that she should tell him instead, keeping in mind Vaarion's westron isn't that well.

"I spoted the orc host who did raided your people." she said to Andswaru who looked very suprised. She continued "And they have got more prisoners with them, including Vaarion' father, he is alive!" Andswaru's face brightend up a bit after hearing that. "That is great news!" he shouted. "Rider!" the scout imediatly intrerrupted him. "know this the host is almost in Moria...the time runs out..I even would say if you depart now you will come to late even." The face of Answaru turned grim and noded. "To late or not, now I know that he is still alive, we will depart tomorrow early with the first sight of the sun" Andswaru stated firmly to her. The elf scout said to him, come to the librairy when you are prepared tonight, I'll show on maps how you should go.

The elf scout walked away, then Vaarion did enter the Last Homely house as well, and found Andswaru looking concerned at the leaving elf....

[andswaru]

Andswaru watched how some elves carried Vaarion inside the Last Homely House, the home of Lord Elrond.  He stood in the most beautiful vale he has ever been in, but he had no eye for it's splendour. The elf scout who led them to Rivendell did escort him to the guest rooms. She said to Andswaru that he should find some rest and that the healers of her folk would do everything to cure the wound that Vaarion is suffering.  He thanked the lady elf but he did not smile or looked happy. Emotionless he walked into the guest chambers and looked around. There was a bed, a table and a closet, all looking very elegantly. The walls were covered with tapestries with symbols almost in the same style as the furniture. In the back of the room a bath was prepared behind for him.  

He sighted while walking towards the tub and started to undo his tunic. Then he noticed the dried blood on it. "Vaarion..." he sighted while baling his fists and his face looked grim. Andswaru changed his mind, he didn't want to take a bath, knowing Vaarion's father,Sigelbert, was still missing. He dressed himself again with the blooded tunic and grabbed his sword. When he took out the sword  from it's scabbard to inspect it, he sweared to himself he will find back what he was paid for to protect. He walked out of the guest room and asked two elves where the stable was. The two elves pointed out were it was, without thanking them he walked quickly to the stables. The elves didn't respond to him being rude, for he looked furious. When he came at the stables he found his steed and he saddled her up. By that time the stars where dancing around the moon, at least a bit of luck Andswaru thought; now I can at least see where I'm riding.He mounted his steed and did ride towards where they entered Rivendell.  

He rode past the sentinels who were guarding the secret passage to the vale. There he was, back in the wilderness again. The moon was bright and the sky clear, Andswaru could clearly see were he came come from and backtracked that same road. He rode for a while, till he reached the ford again. The water was flowing gently, while the moon was reflecting upon it's surface.  Some crates laid on the banks of the river, Andswaru recognised them for he has loaded them into the carts of the caravan. He jumped of his horse and carefully hid the crates into some bushes nearby. 

 "Let's salvage what can be saved, we will pick this up later." the thought. When he was finished a voice startled him. "I'm surprised that one like you could come this far back in the dark, rider" It was the elf lady who brought both Vaarion and him to Rivendell. Andswaru stood up and turned towards the elf. "Did you follow me?" he asked with a grim voice. Her response was a no, she explaind that she was out in the wilderness for quite some while now and that she found atleast one thing he was looking for. "You found, Vaarion's father, Sigelbert? The old man?"  he asked with loud voice full disbelieve. The elven lady shook her head in response. She said she knew of who Andswaru did speak, they where long gone she explained. Andswaru looked to the ground fustrated. "But, I may have a lead, where they did go."  she quickly added. "Then tell me where, lady, where must I go to, to get Sigelbert  back!"  with suppressed anger in his voice. "Well I don't know it, but the orc who stepped into one of my snares could I guess." she said with an ever calm voice. Andswaru asked why she thinks this is one of the captivaters, and not just a random orc. Then she holds out her flat hand and on it a ring. Andswaru's eyes looked at the ring and his eyes grown bigger. "You reconise it, don't you. Aye the orc had this in one of his pockets" Andswaru carefully took the ring from her hand. "Sigelbert's ring..." he sighted.  

"Show me this orc, I demand it!" Andswaru said to her. She agreed and let him a bit deeper in the wilderness. There in a small glade was the orc bound to a tree with ropes, his mouth was gagged. He was leaning on one leg, for the other was injured from the snare.  The elf kept her distance while Andswaru walked to he orc, who was mumbling. The rohir removed the cloth from the orcs mouth, on which he started to shout to Andswaru in black speech. Andswar u didn't understand it but hit him on the nose with his fist. The orc flinched back and looked dazed.  "Speak now, damned creature, where did you took the old man to? Speak or suffer a slow death!" Andswaru shouted at the orc. The orc didn't speak at first, but after some of his teeth where flying trough the air, he gave in and give the location where Sigelbert was brought to. Afterwards Andswaru took up his sword and looked at the elf lady who has seen all that happened. After a few seconds the head of the orc rolled on the ground. The elf looked emotionless and just stood still when Andswaru passed next to her. "Moria, that's where they took him to..." he said to her, for the first time with calm voice that night. He walked to his steed, as did the elf lady, together they did rode back to Rivendel. 

[vaarion-blog]

Sigelbert

The old horse-trader looked after her worriedly for a moment, then turned back to check the horses routinely. Only when the girl had been gone for a while, he spoke, not looking at the man who rode beside him. “Tell me, Andswaru… how does my daughter fare?”

[andswaru]

Andswaru looked up when Sigelbert asked the question. His face looked serious as he replied: "She fares well, sir. I've watched every thing she does, and I don't intend to lose her out of sight when I can." Sigelbert laughed a bit but then he looked seriously at Andswaru. "She is having fun again, I see that...but can you keep up with her? Vaarion seems so... playful in your presence." Andswaru's pointed his head towards the road again to avoid looking into Sigelbert's eyes. Sigelbert explained that he saw the change in Vaarion's moods and actions. But he noticed that Andswaru was looking at the road and asked if there was something wrong, if he doesn't pay enough to look after his daughter. Andswaru stared still to the road, feeling a bit unconfortable talking to Sigelbert about HIS daughter. "No, Sigelbert, you pay to much to be frank...aye, I would have looked after her with the payment to protect the caravan."  Andswaru startled himself by speaking his heart. Sigelbert looked sharpy at Andswaru "What do mean by that, Andswaru?" he asked with a grim voice. The head of the young rohirrim slowly turned red and he replied: "N..no, sir..I mean I would have protect every one here. For the same fee." Sigelbert kept staring at him while he is looking with crimson on his cheeks to the road. "I don't care if you fancy her, as long as you don't hurt her...I will know where to find you, youngman.." Andswaru looked as he has been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "I noticed she looks at you when you sleep...my eyes may be old..but they work perfectly." he said. Andswaru remained silent while Sigelbert continued that at least he was at least happy that this didn't happened to some kind of breelander, he chuckled a bit and looked smiling again. Sigelbert mumbled to himself: "maybe it's not that bad." 

The conversation died after that...and they waited for Vaarion to return, then continued there path.

[andswaru]

Forsaken inn, forsaken stomic

"Aye, Vaarion, this man wishes to give us a free drink, none local brew." Andswaru yelled to his companion. Vaarion raises his brow still remembering what ugly taste the ale had before. With hesitation she came to the bar again.  The barman smiled friendly and apologized for his own brew. "It needs some work lass, sorry that it tasted bad. But this one comes from Bree, yer know. Very strong, be carefull not to drink it all at ones!" he said in westron tongue to her. Vaarion didn't understand a word he said. The barman filled two tankard full with that brew. Andswaru who did understand the man, tasted it and he said to Vaarion that this was acceptable stuff. Vaarion raised the mug and sniffed the scent...then she put her lips against the tankard and started to drink...drink almost all of it's content. Andswaru's eyes started to grow. "S...Stop Vaarion...don't drink that fast!" he shouted. Alas it was already to late Vaarion looked up at Andswaru and smiled. "That was much better then the last one I had to get rid of the awful taste!"  But as soon she raised her tankard again to finish the drink. She felt over on the ground. The barman laughed loudly, Andswaru grabbed the man on his tunic and pulled him over the bar."What have you done, what did you put into that drink!" he growled to the barman. "N..nothing sire, I warned her it would be a stong drink." the man muttered. Andswaru did let go the man and crawled towards Vaarion. "Oh man..her old man will kill me for this" he said. He lifted Vaarion up on his arms..and did leave the inn...back towards the camp. Where he tugged in Vaarion in her bedroll. He whispered in her ear that he was sorry for that... then he did return to his tent. to sleep.

[andswaru]

...Go back home?

Andswaru and Vaarion did enjoy the meal that Vaarion did order at the Pony. They talked a bit in there own tongue. Bree-landers looked up at the two, for they didn't understand what they said. Then the couple did finished there mead and ale. Andswaru left some coins on the table and did nod to the waitress. They left the Pony behind them and walked towards the south gate. 

"See, westron isn't that hard, isn't it Vaarion." said Andswaru with rohirric tongue. Vaarion smiled a bit but looked proud at him. "I did order us our food and drinks, you should be grateful!" she sneered at him. Both laughed while walking. "So you promised to say, why you where in doubt going back home" Vaarion suddenly stated. The mood on the face of Andswaru changed from happy and calm to serious and worried. He stopped and looked to Vaarion. "Aye, I did say that." Andswaru sighted. "Did you ever came home, with ill news and that you where in doubt how to say such things to your parents...or say it at all to them. To spare them worries, or confront them and make them sad?" spoke Andswaru with a serious tone in his voice Vaarion hasn't heard often from him. Vaarion looked up saying nothing,  Andswaru continued "When I come home without Twégen...what must I say? They are old folks you know, Vaarion. Ill news would be devastating for my mother."  With a big sigh he looked in the direction of the gate. He asked Vaarion, what she would do if she was in his situation. Vaarion started to say what she would do....

[andswaru]

Coins in the dark

Some days in the shire, it never seems to get bad here. Green grass, blue sky and a golden sun. Golden sun... gold like the coins in his pouch. Andswaru constantly feels the pouch on his belt while he walks. Working in Bree as blacksmith didn't got this much coin as he carried, nor did he stole it. While Vaarion is running around happy at the birth of an other spring, his mind often wonders off to that night in Bree.

The night was cold, no moon nor stars in the sky. Andswaru stood at the campfire warming his hands a bit. All of the caravan where already asleep in there tents. "Cold night isn't it, Andswaru?" a voice spoke from the darkness. Andswaru did look up and saw Sigelbert walking closer to the fire. He was the father of Vaarion. "Aye, Sigelbert and pretty dark as well" he replied. Sigelbert walked next to Andswaru and held his hands near the fire as well. "Business goes well Andswaru, very good." Sigelbert did nod to himself and stared into the fire. Andswaru didn't respond to that, for it was little of his concern. "Altough, this trip is costing some heavy toll. You see, Vaarion...." he said before Andswaru filled him in "...is bored of it." Sigelbert looked up at him. Andswaru explained to Sigelbert that Vaarion already said that many times to him. That she misses to ride out into the wilds on her horse. "So you know then what bothers me." Sigelbert sighted. Sigelbert raised a small pouch and reached it out for Andswaru. He said to him, that he could make extra coin as some bonus if he would entertain Vaarion while they travel. "Try not to get her into trouble, that's all I ask." he filled himself in after. Andswaru was hesitating a bit while accepting the small pouch. "She means the world to me, Andswaru, thank you for doing this...but keep it between us, she doesn't need to know, you understand?" he spoke with a low voice. Andswaru did nod to him and he promised not to tell her.

"The shire is beautiful isn't it, Andswaru?" Vaarion said to Andswaru. He snapped out of the thoughts of that night, he was back in the shire, at the birth of spring again. "Yes Vaarion, it is, I'm getting hungry though. Let us find something to eat, I'll for it." 

So Andswaru and Vaarion came to Hobbiton.