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Post by Figwit on Mar 26, 2008 9:12:18 GMT -5
*Figwit frowned.*
"I will not let them kill you," *he said.* "If nothing else, they won't kill anyone else while I am here."
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Post by Nessa Telemnar on Mar 26, 2008 9:47:10 GMT -5
*Nessa looked up at him with tears in her eyes.*
"It's a good thing you are here, mylord. I feel safer then. You see, I heard them talking. I was washing the floors in the hallway outside their bedroom. The door to the room was locked, but you know that we elves have extremely sharp hearing. I heard something that sounded like a quarrel, in cockney dialect.
Steerpike said that he had seen the Queen, and then he said something about he didn't want Eleanor's protection and that he wasn't Toby. And Eleanor replied that if he was Toby, he wouldn't have killed her. They would still be at the pie shop struggling for money."
*She looked up at Figwit, not understanding the full meaning of what she had heard.*
"But when Steerpike was found in the kitchen after the murder, he said to Haldir that Orduag had tried to kill the queen, and that he was too late to save her!"
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Post by Figwit on Mar 26, 2008 11:17:33 GMT -5
"I'm not a lord," *Figwit said.* "Figwit is fine, please. But it seems you're saying you overheard the Queen admitting Steerpike murdered Tearbird. It isn't proof, of course, but it's something. They are careless. Even so, it will be difficult to move if they rule fairly and efficiently. How does the kingdom under them?"
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Post by Nessa Telemnar on Mar 26, 2008 11:27:20 GMT -5
*Nessa looked up at him, thoughtfully.*
"I also overheard them talking about some prisoners they had released, and that they knew who had released them. They also said that since they allowed your mother Leetah to return to the kingdom, she should show them gratitude, or they would let everyone know how ungrateful she was, and that she was a troublemaker. I think that is unfair. Leetah's and your family belongs to the oldest aristocracy of Lorien. You have lived here for centuries! They had no right to deny your mother access. She ran away only to protect you, because she feared for your life! Now of course, we know why."
*After a moment of silence, she added:*
"The kingdom is suffering under their reign. The farmers are starving. The taxes are increasing. All people that protest against them are sent to prison. It was going smooth for them at first, when Eleanor was still popular and Steerpike still normal, but now..... "
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Post by Figwit on Mar 26, 2008 12:18:33 GMT -5
*Figwit's frown deepened. Lorien--from his collective memory--should be a land without taxes, without prisons, without the ills that troubled the human world. Elves were meant to live in harmony with their surroundings and each other.*
"Then they must be deposed," *he said, his hand making a fist at his side. His eyes glittered as he stared into the future.* "How many would join me?"
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Post by Nessa Telemnar on Mar 26, 2008 12:29:55 GMT -5
*Nessa thought for a moment.*
"Your mother Leetah, of course. Your uncle Haldir. And with him, the entire army of Lorien. They are brave warriors, and loyal to him and you. Your mother's cousin Wild. All the elves who are suffering under the rules of the humans. And I am also on your side."
*She brightened up and looked at him.*
"Does this mean you finally will claim the throne of Lorien as your own? Queen Tearbird would have been so proud!"
*She hugged him, impulsive as always, then blushed and stopped herself.*
"Oh, please forgive me! I am always too impulsive...."
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Post by Figwit on Mar 26, 2008 12:44:22 GMT -5
*Figwit's eyes softened, but his grim expression did not falter.*
"You needn't apologize," *he said.* "And I must, if only to restore Lorien to what it once was. I have no great longing for a throne, but if no one else will step forward, it is my duty."
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Post by Nessa Telemnar on Mar 26, 2008 13:04:31 GMT -5
*Nessa smiled and looked up at him. Her beautiful, blue eyes twinkled like stars.*
"Nobody else will claim the throne because they respect Queen Tearbird's last wish."
*She replied softly.*
"And looking at you, I know that she made the right choice. Nobody will be more worthy of the Crown of Lorien. Your mother Leetah will be very happy to hear this. She is very proud of you, you know. She was completely heartbroken when she had to send you away."
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Post by Figwit on Mar 26, 2008 13:38:43 GMT -5
"I know," *he said quietly.* "I would that it had been otherwise. But wishes do not make things so, no more does Tearbird wishing me her heir give me the crown. We must work for it, if it is to come to pass. Thank you for your support, Nessa. It will be important in the coming days."
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Post by Nessa Telemnar on Mar 26, 2008 13:49:41 GMT -5
*Nessa nodded seriously.*
"I will do everything in my power to help you out. And I am sure that the other elves I mentioned will do the same. But Figwit, don't trust Wormface, the butler of the castle. He is completely on their side. I don't want him to hurt you."
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Post by Figwit on Mar 26, 2008 13:54:53 GMT -5
*Figwit wondered briefly why anyone would trust someone named Wormface.*
"I won't. Thank you."
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Post by Nessa Telemnar on Mar 26, 2008 14:11:01 GMT -5
*Nessa saw the wondering look on his face and felt she had to explain.*
"Please don't tell him that we call him that. His real name is Rayek. He is a sleazeball. If you saw his face, you would understand his nickname."
*She turned and looked over her shoulder.*
"It seems Haldir has finally finished his conversation with Eleanore. He is coming in this direction. Do you want me to leave, so you can speak alone with him?"
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Post by Figwit on Mar 26, 2008 16:17:44 GMT -5
"As you wish, Nessa," *Figwit said.* "You may remain if you wish, or not."
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Post by Haldir of Lorien on Mar 26, 2008 16:32:27 GMT -5
*Haldir had just finished talking to Eleanore. He walked quickly throught the forest, hoping that Steerpike hadn't seen him with her. He didn't want to make trouble. When he noticed Figwit and Nessa, he smiled warmly and walked over to them.*
"Figwit, my favorite nephew! Have you come to see me? What can I do for you today?"
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Post by Figwit on Mar 27, 2008 10:50:19 GMT -5
"I am out learning the lay of the land, but you are well met," *Figwit said.* "I have been discussing the current political situation with Nessa."
*His expression darkened.*
"It cannot continue."
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