Taking Root (Player-Run Storyline)/06-18-2022 - Ardenai Hunting and the Old Ways (log)

This log is from 06/18/2022 as part of the storyline for Taking Root (Player-Run Storyline) from the point of view of Teveriel.

Log

[Summit Academy, Lake Path]

Gaps between the trees grant glimpses of Lake Sasalis to the north. The moonlight reflects off its icy surface, giving the surroundings a surreal glow. You also see a regal pristine white hind, a silver-horned raven-sheened black unicorn, a blue wolf, a sapphire-eyed silvered arctic fox and a snow-dusted river stone abode.

Also here: Olenor, Solvei, Dimitra, Lady Arenglae

Obvious paths: north, south

Celothor just arrived.

Solvei offers you a moss green velvet hip-purse. Click ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

You ponder the meaning of Solvei's existence.

You accept Solvei's offer and are now holding a moss green velvet hip-purse.

Speaking in Elven to you, Solvei asks, "Lord Anduin, this is the bag that Lady Anduin bid me bring you. Why didn't she come?"

Celothor gazes with interest at Olenor.

Olenor grins at Celothor smugly.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor simply states, "I am pleased so many were able to attend."

Celothor smiles slightly.

Speaking in Elven to Solvei, Wilver exclaims, "She's a busy lady!"

Speaking in Elven, Wilver says, "Probably has other things needing attention to."

Speaking in Elven to Solvei, you say, "The subject matter may not appeal to Lady Anduin's tastes, I fear."

Solvei cocks her head at you.

Speaking curiously in Elven to you, Solvei asks, "Hunting?"

Speaking patiently in Elven to Solvei, you say, "Hunting, indeed."

You glance at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, you say, "Celothor, why don't you tell us a little about what you will be speaking on this evening."

Celothor unsheathes a keenly honed mithglin knife with a serrated spine from one of the narrow scabbards along the side of his doeskin bag.

(Celothor brandishes his knife by way of answer, a smirk on his face.)

Solvei glances inquiringly at Celothor.

A silver-horned raven-sheened black unicorn suddenly rears back, his spiraled silver spiral horn glinting in moonlight as he lands softly back to the ground. He whinnies to himself in amusement before repeating the process once again.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "On the hunting practices of the Northern Ardenai lands, in particular. Followed by a demonstration."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor warns, "If you are the least bit squeamish, I suggest leaving."

Celothor glances appraisingly at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven, Wilver says, "I'm definitely not squeamish."

You give a sidelong glance at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven to Wilver, Arenglae mouths, "I think we know."

(Solvei hoists her chin up.)

Teveriel smiles wryly at Wilver, nodding once.

Speaking in Elven, Solvei proudly says, "I will stay."

Celothor gazes respectfully at Solvei.

Celothor nods slightly.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "Very well, then."

Olenor dusts off her vanilla doeskin gambeson.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor begins, "In the wilder lands to the north, hunting is vital to our way of life. Our source of meat and the furs or hides with which we clothe ourselves, gifted to us by the very land itself which we venerate. But in Ta'Ardenai proper, the hunting of game is strictly regulated and mainly reserved for the nobility."

Olenor settles her gaze on Celothor, watching him intently.

Celothor smiles thinly, pacing a bit to his left.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "One thing common to those of the cities and the old ways is the use of hounds for hunting. In the north, our kennelmasters pride themselves on the many breeds raised for this purpose, each of them suited to the pursuit of a certain kind of prey."

(Celothor gives you a lopsided grin, pointing at you with his knife.)

Speaking in Elven, Celothor knowingly says, "Lord and Lady Anduin can attest to their quality. Elie's breeder has supplied dogs for my lord father as well as many other northern lords. As well as a pair of elkhounds to King Eamon himself, recently."

Olenor nods thoughtfully.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor continues, "As for the method, it varies somewhat depending on the dog, but in general they are used to track the game and give chase until the exhausted beast stands its ground as a last defense. That is the moment for the hunter to strike, downing the animal with arrow or spear. Often a dagger or hunting sword is used after to deliver a quick and clean death."

(Celothor emphasizes his point by making a quick jabbing motion with his knife pointed in your general direction.)

You consider how you could better express yourself in a way that Celothor will understand.

Solvei bursts out in a sudden snort of laughter.

(Celothor gazes at you with wide-eyed innocence, laughing.)

Celothor looks thoughtfully at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor adds, "Falconry is another means by which we hunt. Most commonly goshawks or sparrowhawks are used, with the most prized bird being the gyrfalcon. With training, such birds are proficient at hunting small game but the practice has fallen into disfavor in the north."

Celothor frowns.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor evenly says, "In the south and in Ta'Ardenai proper, it has become a fashionable pursuit for men and women of prestige and privilege. Still, it is an effective means of hunting hares for the stewpot and mink for their fur."

Speaking in Elven, Solvei gleefully agrees, "It's true."

Celothor nods sagely at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor brightly exclaims, "And speaking of mink!"

(Celothor moves to stand before a nearby gambrel, from which a small long-tailed animal carcass has been strung by its hind feet. Taking one tiny foreleg between his fingers, he lifts its paw and squeaks a comical Hello! before chuckling at his small joke.)

Speaking in Elven, Solvei uneasily says, "Um."

You raise your eyebrows and make a show of gazing intently at Celothor, but stop short of wasting any words.

Wilver grins.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor offers, "Now I will show you the method we use to skin small game such as what you can hunt on these very grounds."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor quickly adds, "Only try not to get caught. They frown upon this here."

Celothor forces a grin and laughs nervously.

Raising her arms slightly, Olenor arches her back and gently lets her head rock back.

(Celothor handles his mithglin knife with surgical care as he makes ringing incisions on each of the mink s hind legs from ankle to ankle.)

Solvei blinks at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor instructs, "When skinning a mink, some prefer to leave the feet. For our purposes today, that will not be necessary."

Solvei's face turns slightly pale. . (Celothor slides his mithglin knife under the creature's skin, moving it straight across in front of the rectum in a line onto the bottom of the opposite paw. Then, taking the skin with his free hand's thumb and index finger, he tugs it towards the knee as if rolling up a trouser leg.)

Solvei sways back and forth.

Solvei clasps her hand over her mouth.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor idly notes, "Be sure to wear gloves, they do have a pungent musk."

Wilver glances at Celothor and cringes.

(Solvei's cheeks puff up a bit, her eyes starting to water.)

(Celothor pulls at the skin while using his mithglin knife to swipe underneath it, working his way down the belly and back up the leg he started on.)

Speaking in Elven, Celothor declares, "Now we have the skin free on the insides of both back legs."

Dimitra glances appraisingly at Solvei.

(Celothor sheathes his knife and pushes his thumb between the skin and outer side of the leg while twisting the paw, making the knee pop out.)

Speaking in Elven, Solvei weakly cries, "Excuseme---"

Solvei just went south.

(Celothor pauses in his work to peer south, blinking in surprise.)

Olenor smirks.

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae asks, "Is she going to be okay?"

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "Oh. Well, I did warn her."

Olenor chuckles to herself.

(Celothor gazes consideringly southward for a moment longer before giving an exaggerated shrug.)

Speaking in Elven, Celothor quips, "At any rate!"

(Celothor works his thumb around until the skin is loose all the way around the lower part of the leg, then pulls apart with the skin in one hand and leg in the other, stripping the skin down to the hips.)

(Celothor draws his mithglin knife again and takes the skin between his left thumb and index finger, pushing away on the thigh with his other fingers creating just enough pressure to hold the skin tight. With his mithglin knife, he begins skinning over the hip and just next to the vent. Carefully, he skins right up over the gland.)

Speaking in Elven, Celothor instructs, "By keeping the pressure on the outside of the leg you will ensure the scent glands do not give you a nasty surprise."

Celothor chuckles.

(Celothor reaches across the mink's other side with his left hand, holding the skin and puts pressure on the leg as before but skins down over the leg with a backhand motion, joining the first cut on the tail side of the glands.)

You hear very soft footsteps.

A ruby-crested greater bearded vulture soars in and circles around Elaejia.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor exclaims, "Now we have the glands fully exposed, gesturing at them with his knife. And I am going to cut them off before I squeeze that which should not be squeezed!"

Elaejia blinks.

(Celothor carefully cuts under the glands and right through the vent before separating them from the mink carcass.)

Speaking in Elven, Celothor confides, "These can be used to make lures, but for now let us begin the splitting of the tail and be thankful for the sweet night air."

(Celothor inhales deeply, giving those gathered a wry glance before putting the tip of his knife in the tail a couple of inches down from the base where he just removed the glands. Working the skin off, he carefully strips the skin down to the start of his cut.)

(Celothor holds the skin and begins pulling the tail bone out of the skin that sheathes it, then splits the tail clear to the tip. Then, gripping the skin in his hand he pulls apart and strips the skin from the carcass down to the shoulders. Another good pull and the skin pulls down over the head to the ears. Using his knife, he cuts through the cartilage to free the ears and pulls down to the eyes.)

Olenor leans forward.

Arenglae wrinkles her nose.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "Mink are predators, so they have low, forward facing eyes." He gestures at the eye facing the spectators with his knife, bringing the point along its cheek. "So once you reach the eyes, you will also be at the corner of the mouth. Stay close to the skull and the eye will open right up."

(Celothor demonstrates by pulling the skin from the skull while cutting at the corner of the mouth at the same time. Once the eyes are skinned loose, he frowns as the jaw skin hangs up on the canine teeth. Another cut from his knife and the jaw skin is off and he continues skinning down to the nose, cutting through cartilage.)

Speaking in Elven, Celothor explains, "This is where we flesh the fur, scraping away all of the red meat and yellow fat, else the skin will rot and the fur will be useless."

(Celothor works fastidiously with the dull of his knife to free the fur from any remnants of fat or meat. He then takes it to a stretching board that must belong to the trapper. Nevertheless, he makes himself at home, pinning the pelt securely.)

Speaking in Elven, Celothor instructs, "Make certain there is enough tension that the tail skin does not fold on itself and spoil."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor adds, "Otherwise, keep the legs pinned out toward the edge of the board and trim off any loose skin that may be on the belly area."

(Celothor uses his mithglin knife to trim the belly as well as the front legs, then nods to himself.)

From nearby, you hear Solvei yell in Elven, "Is it quite safe yet?"

Speaking in Elven, Celothor concludes, "And then our work is done. From there, give the mink a few days to finish drying and it will be ready for use as trim for a tunic or dress."

Celothor glances south.

Wilver yells in Elven, "Yes!"

Celothor chuckles to himself.

Solvei just arrived.

Elaejia gazes in amusement at Solvei.

(Solvei dabs at the corners of her mouth with her sleeve.)

Speaking in Elven to Solvei, Wilver asks, "What were you eating?"

(Celothor takes the carcass of the mink and tosses it to the waiting animals.)

(Celothor folds his arms over his chest and nods once with a cheerful grin, clearly proud of himself.)

Arenglae looks at Solvei with concern.

Speaking quietly in Elven to Wilver, Solvei says, "I had cress and salmon for lunch."

Speaking in Elven, Wilver says, "That's what I smell."

(Teveriel purses his lips, gazing at Celothor for a long moment before addressing the rest of the crowd.)

Speaking in Elven, you politely ask, "Does anyone have any questions for Celothor?"

Speaking in Elven, Wilver asks, "What's your favorite thing to hunt?"

Celothor wipes off the blade and sheathes a keenly honed mithglin knife with a serrated spine into one of the narrow scabbards along the side of his doeskin bag.

Solvei places her hand on her moire silk cotehardie.

Solvei's stomach growls.

Olenor cocks her head at Celothor.

Speaking grimly in Elven to Wilver, Celothor says, "Trolls." His expression darkens, albeit momentarily before he shakes his head and gives a wry grin. "But as we are speaking of game, wild boar."

Olenor nods once.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor adds, "Lying in wait at their mudholes, spears in hand. And then the chase begins."

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia curiously asks, "I expect this method applies best to small creaures?"

Celothor nods at Elaejia.

Olenor slings a woad glowbark composite bow off from over her shoulder.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "Small game, such as you will find on these very hunting grounds."

Olenor leans on her bow.

Speaking in Elven, Olenor suggests, "With larger game, you want to bleed it out some. Not a requirement but it helps to manipulate the body during the field dressing."

Speaking in Elven, Olenor explains, "Much lighter without all the liquid."

Celothor gazes admiringly at Olenor.

Celothor nods in agreement.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "Olenor speaks true."

Solvei fans herself.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia wryly says, "I suppose I let much go to waste as I've spent no time practicing this art."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor muses, "Had I thought of it, I would have demonstrated our gutting method, before throwing the mink to the fox."

Solvei tenses up, beads of sweat glistening on her brow.

Speaking appreciatively in Elven to Elaejia, Olenor says, "A generous term for it. It does not go unnoticed."

Elaejia smiles at Olenor.

Speaking amusedly in Elven to Celothor, you say, "Perhaps another time, Celothor."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor explains, "You simply cut around the anu--" He glances appraisingly at Teveriel before conceding, "Another time."

You smirk at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven, you prompt, "Any more questions for Celothor?"

Speaking pleasantly in Elven to Olenor, Elaejia says, "Though I arrived late, I could easily see the care and skill that goes into it."

Elaejia inclines her head.

Arenglae shakes her head.

Solvei fidgets.

Wilver shakes his head.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, you say, "While you were.." You flicker a glance to the discarded mink carcass. "..preparing for your demonstration, a letter arrived for you."You walk toward Celothor.

You remove a stamped off-white letter from in your white leather cloak.

You offer your off-white letter to Celothor, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

Celothor raises an eyebrow in your direction.

Celothor has accepted your offer and is now holding a stamped off-white letter.

(Solvei perks up slightly, pushing herself up and away from the building.)

(Celothor breaks the wax seal of the missive and scans its contents with a knitted brow.)

Speaking in Elven to you, Celothor says, "From my father."

Speaking patiently in Elven to Celothor, you say, "Why don't you share with the rest of us? I am certain at least some of us are interested to hear what he has to say."

You give a sidelong glance at Solvei.

Celothor lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor reads, "My son, I am well pleased that you and Miss Aeldrish have continued to enjoy one another's company, something that should have taken place long ago."

Celothor distractedly glances at Solvei.

Solvei beams happily at Celothor!

Speaking in Elven, Celothor continues, "For that I must apologize and thank your friends, Lord and Lady Anduin, for seeing the wisdom in taking Miss Aeldrish as their ward to that end."

You nod once.

Solvei smiles at you.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor reads, "Yet as we draw neared to the day of your union this autumn, I do not doubt that each of you seeks some reassurance that this is the path forward."

Celothor clenches his jaw.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor reads, "I can think of no one with greater wisdom than the Spiritcaller to provide that confirmation. She and her retinue should be well on their way to Vaalor lands by the time this missive reaches your hands."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor concludes, "I ask that you welcome her and pay heed to her counsel."

Speaking in Elven, Wilver asks, "Spiritcaller?"

Elaejia gazes with interest at Celothor.

Solvei makes an audible huffling noise as she pouts.

(Celothor lets the letter fall to his side, glancing away for a moment to stare into the trees.)

Olenor glances between Celothor and Solvei.

Speaking in Elven to you, Elaejia murmurs, "Is this a good development?"

Speaking in Elven, Solvei disagreeably says, "A Spiritcaller is what some of the northern clans use instead of priests or clerics."

Olenor glances at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor simply explains, "The Spiritcaller will hear us, take measure of us, and then commune with her totem."

Dimitra nods once at Celothor.

Speaking gravely in Elven to Solvei, Celothor says, "You would do well to show her respect yourself."

Speaking in Elven, Olenor challenges, "They are intimately connected to the threads of the cosmos, the energy of the land. They see the unseen and foresee the unknown."

Speaking in Elven to Solvei, Celothor warns, "Never forget that I am of the north."

Speaking quietly in Elven to Elaejia, you say, "It is a development, certainly."

Celothor nods firmly at Olenor.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Solvei whines, "You won't let me."

Speaking in Elven, Solvei announces, "I am going to pet the horses."

Solvei just went south.

Arenglae glances south.

(Celothor clenches his fists as he stares south, crumpling the letter in his hand.)

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia evenly says, "The spirits ought to be heeded regardless of one's location."

Celothor lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Olenor cocks her head at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven, Olenor says, "I still intend to hunt."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor offers, "I will hunt with you."

You glance appraisingly between Celothor and Olenor.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae says, "It was... educational, thank you."

Wilver just went south.

Speaking dryly in Elven to Celothor, you say, "Before you begin your hunt."

(Teveriel begins handing out markers for Rumor Woods to the attendees.)

Olenor nods faintly.

Speaking politely in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae advises, "You should consider speaking more gently to her. It will not be an easy transition, and she is likely very nervous and maybe a little scared."

Speaking in Elven, Olenor says, "I will hear from you again."

(Olenor waves in farewell.)

Olenor just went north.

Celothor glances appraisingly between Arenglae and Elaejia.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor asks, "Do both of you disapprove of my 'treatment' of Solvei?"

Elaejia sniffs.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia evenly says, "Hardly. Were she of my mother's household, such a tone would not be tolerated."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor confides, "I mean her no ill will. But I feel I have shown much restraint, in truth."

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae asks, "I offered a suggestion. A marriage is a commitment and a compromise between those involved. How can you expect her to easily embrace the ways of the North if you yourself will not adapt to her personality?"

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae asks, "Have you sat with her and leveled expectations between the two of you?"

Speaking in Elven, you calmly add, "My advice remains the same as ever, Celothor. You must think of your family, and your people."

Celothor glances appraisingly at Arenglae.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor admits, "We have had no such discussion. No."

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia allows, "I suppose that would be a good first step."

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae says, "Perhaps it would make situations easier, as it was clear by the distress in her voice when she left that she may feel you are overly dismissive of the ways in which she was raised."

Speaking in Elven, you curiously ask, "Is that not the purpose of this 'Spiritcaller' you spoke of? To act as a mediator?"

Speaking in Elven to Arenglae, Celothor informs, "Because they are wrong."

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae says, "There is no right and wrong in a situation such as this."

Celothor's ghezyte ring pulses with warm jacinthe light.

Celothor places his hand on his three-fingered glove.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae says, "You cannot expect her to be open to your ways if you are not fully willing to accept her as she is."

Celothor lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Speaking in Elven to Arenglae, Elaejia objects, "She is as a child, though, pouting and stomping a foot when she doesn't like something."

Elaejia shakes her head.

Speaking in Elven, you allow, "She is.. sheltered, obviously. But she can learn much from you, Celothor."

Speaking in Elven to Elaejia, Arenglae says, "There is much going on for her right now. I can only imagine how isolated she may feel being so far from home and what is familiar."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "She is childish and overly fascinated with horses. It is an embarrassment."

A pained expression crosses Celothor's face.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia agrees, "It is unfortunate that none from her people accompanied her in that regard."

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae asks, "And it is clear she already holds affections for you, and you dismiss her so easily. Have you considered to ask her how she truly feels about this?"

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Arenglae asks, "Or are you simply assuming that she will adapt with ease?"

(Celothor folds his arms, glancing away with his brow deeply furrowed.)

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Elaejia wonders, "Do you plan to return to the North with her after..?"

Speaking in Elven to Elaejia, Celothor says, "If we wed," letting that hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "Then yes, she will return with me to the north. There we would build a home for ourselves until such time as I take my father's place as Lord." Elaejia nods understandingly.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia diplomatically says, "Well. As Lord Anduin stated, the security of your family is paramount, and Lady Amalathia's counsel to seek common ground is wise."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor quietly growls, "At any rate, I will think on this. And I will speak with her," his glance straying northward. "But after my hunt."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor offers, "Ladies. Lord Anduin."

Celothor's bow is graceful, if perfunctory. He follows the bow with a brief nod of his head.

Celothor turns around.

Celothor just went north.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia quietly adds, "I cannot say I envy you, though."

You glance north.

Speaking in Elven, Dimitra simply says, "I don't envy him, either." > Speaking in Elven, you suddenly wonder, "Have any of you seen that woman before? Olenor, I believe."

Elaejia looks over at you and shakes her head.

Arenglae looks over at you and shakes her head.

You nod thoughtfully.

Arenglae covers her mouth, then gives a small, discreet cough.

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "Perhaps he simply forgot introductions."

Deep in thought, you glance up and rest your gaze on Arenglae for a long moment before returning to your private mulling.

Speaking in Elven, Elaejia says, "She seemed evenhanded. If she is a friend, she may be able to counsel him to rein in his temper."

Elaejia shrugs slightly.

Speaking in Elven, you muse, "Perhaps."

You realize there are some important matters you should tend to . . . later.

You wave your hand in a dismissive gesture.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "At any rate, the hour is late and my wife will be expecting me."

Elaejia inclines her head.

Arenglae nods once to you.

Teveriel smiles at the ladies gathered, bowing his head politely.

Speaking in Elven, you say, "Good evening, all of you."

Arenglae inclines her head.