((Entre monsieur Bridgur!
((Edan's past and lineage is now made known, be ware what you read here, some of it might prove a bit shocking, and perhaps some not so... depends just how much of the previous post you read before this
lol
((And so it begins with the sudden reappearance of Edan and Anoth in Bree, Anoth finds Ceallian and brings her to Edan at the Pony....))
Ceallian glares around the interior of the room. She sighs softly.
Amarianoth "He is over here my lady."
Amarianoth points at Amariedan.
Amarianoth says, 'I have found her my Lord'
Amariedan stands up slowly and wearily looks around the room til he sees Ceallian.
Ceallian keeps her distance, lingering more towards the center of the room.
You say, 'Beloved!'
Ceallian nods hesitantly, with a slow smile, to the Captain.
Amariedan weakly rushes over and grabs up Ceallian in a tight tight hug and holds her close to him, kissing her softly about the neck and cheek.
You say, 'I thought I may never get to see you again!'
Ceallian laughs and throws her arms around his neck. "Eie leord... I never doubted you would."
Ceallian steps back, looking the Man over from head to toe. "Are you well?"
Amariedan sighs softly as he continues to hold Ceallian close, but he leans back to look her in the eye, his one eye misting slightly, "You... yes, well enough for I live after all. But you don't understand beloved. Shortly after my last correspondence with you 'I was captured.'
Ceallian shakes her head slowly. "But when? I had so many letters, and money!"
Amarianoth nods. "It was all I could do to escape, that I could return in stealth.. after a time, and eventually rescue him."
Amariedan raises his eyebrow, "Letters? Money? But, aside from my last letter nigh a month ago, I have sent you naught for it was after that I was captured!"
Ceallian shakes her head. "I have had letters nearly every day! Up to four days past, where you wrote you would come to me in the Shire!"
Amariedan looks to Anoth quizzically.
Amarianoth says, 'Nay my lord, was not me.'
Amariedan furrows his brow in thought.
Ceallian folds her hands before her defensively. "I do not understand, eie leord."
Amariedan shakes his head, "I... I do not either." He looks to Anoth, a worried look in his eye.
Amarianoth says, "I will look into it my lord."
Ceallian steps back even farther now, her look closely guarded.
Amariedan nods, "Start with the Captain of the Guard, perhaps they sent them in my place?"
Amarianoth nods.
Ceallian speaks very quietly, though does not move forward. "I do not understand, Lord."
Amariedan looks about the Pony warily, then speaks softly to Ceallian, "I do not understand myself, beloved. I do not reckon this is the right place to discuss this either, please, let us go to the apartment."
Ceallian says, 'But I have already given it up! At your bidding! And moved to the Shire!'
Ceallian says, 'The only place we would have here is some unrented room!'
Ceallian nods to Rhiwman with a ghost of a smile.
Amariedan raises his eyebrow. "Then perhaps that is as good a place as any to start a search for answers."
Rhiwman quietly nods his head to Ceallian in greeting.
Deveon waves to Ceallian
You wave to Deveon.
Deveon says, 'Hey guys!'
Deveon looking puzzled "Where you off to?"
You say, 'The apartment.'
You say, 'Captain Deveon, good to see you again.'
Deveon nods catching her breath "Yes, and you, welcome back to Bree"
Deveon says, 'Oh, so I see....'
Deveon gives a suggestive wink
Amariedan purses his lips. "I've been away some time, held captive in Angmar, much like yourself, though... different. But Ceallian says she has continued to receive letters and money, in my name, during that time."
Deveon says, 'Angmar!'
You say, 'Aye'
You say, 'As well, she was told to leave the apartment, by me, apparently!'
Deveon says, 'I find it hard to believe you would be captured... are you well?'
Deveon rubs her chin clearly confused
You say, 'Well, that is a bit of a story in and of itself- I fear I was set up.'
You say, 'But I am alive, and reasonably well, if not worse for some wear'
Deveon says, 'I ... see... foul play then. Do we know the source?'
Ceallian seems to wake from a dream. "I was told to leave... and the baby, too! He is in the Shire."
You say, 'The baby! How is he?'
Deveon blinks "This is serious"
You say, 'Aye'
You say, 'So, it seems the apartment is the place to start lookin for answers'
Ceallian starts off for the stable, ignoring her friends. "The baby..."
Deveon chases after
You say, 'Beloved?! You left the baby in good care aye?'
You say, 'With someone you can trust, I hope.'
Ceallian seems to barely restrain herself from raising a hand. She grits her teeth. "Of course. It was that, or sell him to a band of gyspies."
You say, 'I didn't mean as much. Just that it was like a relative or close friend or some such is all.'
Ceallian nearly audibly grinds her teeth. "He is with the nurse that YOU told me to hire."
Deveon stands silent watching the couple, eyes wide with intrest
Amariedan bites his lip. "I... Well then we should check on the baby first!"
Ceallian nods empatically. Then freezes.
Deveon bursts in "Well yeah, what are we waiting for!"
Ceallian says, 'He is in the house you said you bought! In the Shire! Is this a lie too?'
You say, 'No, no the house was not a lie, that I did buy!'
Ceallian says, 'Well..'
You say, 'Nothing *I* have said has been a lie beloved!'
Ceallian points in something like madness to the road.
Ceallian says, 'To my ears it has been!'
You say, 'But someone pretending to be me this past month!'
Ceallian doesn't wait for an answer. She turns on her heel and heads to the stable.
Amariedan follows Ceallian quickly.
Deveon taking Ceallian's lead follows right after
Ceallian freezes a dozen steps from Bill. She points to the lass slipping down from the carriage that's just arrived.
Ceallian watches like a hawk as the dark-haired girl steps onto the street. She darts forward and snatches the bundle from the girl.
Ceallian clenches the bundle to her and hisses to the nurse, "Get out of my sight!" She stomps away.
Ceallian says, 'Where are we going?'
Ceallian glances back to where poor Maggie stands, trying not to cry.
You say, 'The apartment, I guess, to speak to the Blacksmiths, perhaps they know why or who told you to leave.'
Ceallian says, 'Where?! Who? And with the baby?!'
Deveon says, 'A sound plan, a good start at least'
Ceallian hesitates, clenching the bundle of woolen blankets tightly.
You say, 'The Blacksmiths, the owners of the building whom you were renting the room from.'
Ceallian blinks. She shakes her head, looking to Deveon in confusion. "Is it safe?"
Amariedan comes back to Ceallian, lightly caresses her cheek, "You have our baby, he is safe, we will find out who has done this and why."
Deveon says, 'Lass, I believe the Blacksmiths 'ere are a safe enough bunch, from what I hear atleast'
Deveon looks about the area with a cautious eye
Ceallian steps back, nearly stumbling over the hem of her gown. She looks to Deveon, suddenly comforted slightly.
Ceallian says, 'As you say.'
**inside the apartment**
Amariedan quirks an eyebrow at Edwin Miller.
Ceallian waits for Deveon to go before her.
You say, 'He says the owner awaits us upstairs.'
Ceallian says, 'I know the owner!'
Ceallian says, 'Master Hawkweed. Aye?'
Deveon says, 'Should I care for the babe, while you speak that is?'
Deveon smiles in a caring manner.
Ceallian shakes her head visciously. "Would you come with me?"
Deveon nodding "Well yes, always"
Ceallian lets them ascend first.
Bridgur stands up at the appearance of everyone.
Ceallian holds the tightly-wrapped baby to her tightly as she clings to the edge of the wall.
You say, 'Tisn't Master Hawkweed.'
Deveon stands frim at attention, keeping aware fo the situation.
Ceallian shakes her head, too startled to speak.
Bridgur says, 'Indeed, did you expect him? I am the true owner of this establishment.'
Amariedan eyes the man warily, his eye going in and out of focus, as if showing a hint of recognition.
Bridgur says, 'Do you not remember me Edan?'
You say, 'Should I?'
Deveon quickly glances towards the captain then back.
Ceallian keeps her attention mostly on the exit. She spares only a few moments to Edan, Deveon, and the stranger.
Bridgur nods, a slight smile barely visible from behind the hood of his Elven cloak.
Amariedan bites his lip slightly as he eyes the man. "Well I don't stranger, so best you tell us who you are and what you are doing here."
Bridgur bares a beaming grin from the shadows of his cloak, "Or what?"
Deveon slowly backs her left hand towards her weapon, her right hand although in plain sight.
Amariedan curls his lip, a very low slightly audible snarl escapes his throat.
Amariedan reaches his hand for the halberd no longer on his back and sighs.
Deveon says, 'Let us brake any tension friend. No need for rude speach'
Deveon keeps her glare on the stranger, a smile on her face, yet her tone is firm.
Bridgur says, 'Indeed Miss Devinart. I came here to speak, not fight. As such, I am Bridgur... Bridgur Blacksmith, Master of the Blacksmiths of Bree.'
Bridgur watches Edan closely, "Does that ring any bells Edan?"
Deveon suddenly backs up in shock, she says nothing but is clearly intimidated.
You say, 'I know the name, have heard it before. Aside from that, no.. should it?'
Bridgur says, 'Perhaps if I called you 'young sire', Edan?'
Amariedan starts to back up a step, then forward a step, hesitating, he glares at Bridgur before him.
Bridgur says, 'I see. Not been called that in a long time eh?'
Deveon slowly turns her glance to Edan, she stands speachless as if amazed
Amariedan curls his upper lip in a slight snarl at Bridgur, "Who are you?"
Bridgur says, 'I am Bridgur Blacksmith, Master of the Blacksmiths of Bree.'
Bridgur smiles warmly.
Amariedan nearly barks in retort, "Don't try my patience Man!"
Deveon glances back at Ceallian and the babe.
Bridgur sighs, "Touchy touchy Edan! A bit too much like your father I fear."
Amariedan steps forward quickly, "You knew my father?"
Deveon stands strong as if to guard her leader and child.
Bridgur nods. "Of course, he was my brother-in-law after all."
You say, 'What?'
Ceallian tries to follow this. And fails. She's too distracted by the baby, who whimpers and squirms in her arms.
Bridgur waits patiently for the information to sink in in Edan's mind.
You say, 'So, you are...'
Bridgur says, 'Your uncle, yes.'
You say, 'I...'
Bridgur says, 'Don't understand? Of course not.'
Ceallian spares the stranger only a moment's glance. She turns back to the tiny boy who reaches for her face with a trembling hand.
You say, 'If you are my uncle, then where have been all these years? Why have you not made yourself known to me? All this time, right here in Bree?!'
Deveon opens her mouth as if to speak, yet no words come out, she stands silent.
Ceallian tries to quiet the baby, murmuring to him almost beneath her breath. She starts edging back towards the staircase.
Bridgur sighs and crosses his arms about his chest, "The answer to that is both quite simple and quite complicated. Simply put, it was your mother's wish that you were to not partake in the Blacksmith family tradition."
Amariedan turns back to Ceallian, "Take the baby home Beloved, or elsewhere at least. Anoth will find you and look after you til I am done here."
Ceallian glances to him, her eyes black. "This is the last time you send me away." She turns without a word and makes her way downstairs.
Amariedan sighs and turns back to Bridgur, "Why make yourself known now?"
Bridgur shrugs, "There are many reasons, of which we will get to. But primarily it is because of your mother that I have come forward and intervened in your life of late."
You say, 'Of late? So you are the one who sent Ceallian letters in my name, sent her money and sent her from here?'
Bridgur nods, "Indeed."
Amariedan rushes forward and grabs Bridgur by the collar of his hauberk, he snarls into his face, "WHY?"
Deveon slowly approaches the two men, yet she keeps her distance.
Bridgur smiles warmly for a moment at Edan's snarling face, then the smile disappears and with a quick blur his hands lash out grabbing the Captain's arms and with a swift twisting motion he turns the situation around, pinning Edan against the wall.
Bridgur quickly let's Edan go and backs away a step
Amariedan rubs his arm tenderly and glares at Bridgur hotly.
Deveon goes for her weapon and waits fully ready to intervene.
Bridgur says, 'Stay your weapon Miss Devinart, 'twil not be needed. I assure you I mean you all no harm.'
Amariedan scoffs, "Do you now? Really?"
Deveon is seen almost shaking she lowers her blade yet stands firm in her resolve.
Bridgur sighs, and speaks softly to Edan, as if to a child, "I am no man to be trifled with Edan, and I am heartier still than my looks betray. But indeed, I mean you no harm here and now."
Bridgur says, 'What I have done, I have done for good. To protect Ceallian, from worry and fear at your capture. From others who might seek to harm her.'
Deveon softly mutters "Cay..the..an...? Who would seek to...?" Her words fall short.
Bridgur eyes Deveon through narrow eyes, "Who wouldn't want to hurt the Lady Ceallian? Leader of Lond Treneri and all her kin, the dealings she has had, the secrets she know, the things she has done.
Bridgur says, 'Your fearless leader is no saint Miss Devinart.'
Bridgur says, 'But aside from that...'
Deveon slowly nods as if she understands, yet her face is quite clueless.
Bridgur says, 'She is wife to a Blacksmith, and mother of a child from a now ill-gotten line. There are many who would seek her harm, or to steal her child for that reason alone.'
Amariedan raises his eyebrow fiercely, "Ill-gotten? What filth do you speak Bridgur?"
Bridgur says, 'I speak of your father Edan.'
Bridgur says, 'And your baby's grandfather.'
Bridgur says, 'He is the taint upon our lineage, the taint upon you, and that of your child.'
Amariedan tries to contain the snarl upon his face as he continues to rub his arm, eyeing Bridgur with something akin to malice.
Bridgur says, 'Aye, and there it is in your eye. The very look he gave me when his secret was discovered by my hand. The day he tried to kill your mother and run off with you.'
Deveon lets her glance float over to Edan, her eyes riddled with confusion.
You say, 'What?'
You say, 'What are you telling me Bridgur?'
Bridgur sighs. It is as I have said, quite simple and quite complicated.
Bridgur glances at Deveon briefly before eyeing Edan as he asks him, "Do you not wonder about yourself Edan?"
Amariedan raises his eyebrow quizzically, "I... I.. wh-what do you mean?"
Bridgur says, 'You are not like other men, are you?'
Bridgur says, 'You look what... late 30s in age perhaps, aye? Yet you are more than that, are you not? Of course you are. You are 60, almost 61 years old, are you not?'
Amariedan glares at Bridgur hotly, a slight hiss escapes his lips.
Bridgur says, 'Do not try to deny the truth from me! I was there at your birth!'
Deveon now visibly over-taken by the situation makes her way over to the wall and leans back, hanging her head, looking at the floor she lets her thoughts slip from her lips "What about proof?"
Bridgur says, 'Proof? Proof of what Miss Devinart? Edan's lineage? His age?'
Deveon nods keeping her eyes locked on the floor "Aye, both, can you provide it? I know of who you are friend, your family is known to me."
Bridgur nods, I can provide all the legal documents. The Blacksmiths retain all records of their business- I have centuries old logs and records of the dealings of my forebears.
Bridgur looks to Edan, "But I needn't drudge those out do I nephew?"
Deveon does not lift her head, nor does she seem satisfied, however she gives a nod and says nothing else.
Amariedan rubs his arm still though the pain has been long gone from his arm, he glances at Deveon and blushes, thankful that Ceallian is not here currently. Softly he speaks, "No. That is not necessary."
Bridgur says, 'But you still have questions, many many questions.'
You say, 'Aye. You have told us much, but for all you have said and all I have learned, I've ever more questions than before now!'
Bridgur says, 'Perhaps, it would be best if I started at the beginning.'
Amariedan nods, he seems oddly subdued and placant now as he says simply and softly, "Please."
Bridgur nods politely, smiles warmly and says, "As you wish."
Bridgur says, 'I don't suppose you know anything of the truth of the Blacksmiths do you?'
You say, 'I... am not sure what you mean, I know little more than anyone from Bree might know.'
Deveon stands silent yet her expression at Bridgur's question speaks for her.
Bridgur says, 'Our family history goes back a LONG time. To a time not long after the fall of ancient Numenor.'
Amariedan raises an eyebrow at this.
Bridgur says, 'The very first Blacksmiths were, in fact, Dunedain.'
Bridgur says, 'They hailed from Gondor, shortly after it's founding. But they didn't have the same Faith as the other Elendili of that time, so they self exiled themselves to seek their own path.'
Bridgur says, 'In time they came to Bree, upon the time of it's founding and so settled here, taking upon themselves mates from the ranks of lesser Men.'
Deveon lifts up her head a bit, now clearly interested.
Bridgur says, 'But their children, when they grew of age, were set about them a task.'
Bridgur says, 'And so it has been through the centuries, that each new generation of Blacksmiths, when they come of age, is to return to the lands of Gondor, for as long as is necessary and to seek out a Dunedain.'
Amariedan stares at Bridgur in something like shock, or perhaps disbelief. "Seek them out for what?"
Bridgur says, 'For what else? To mate with, to betroth, and to return to Bree in the endeavour that is the Blacksmith legacy- maintaining a line of Dunedain origin, however slightly impure, but strong still."'
Bridgur says, 'It is the same task your mother and I set about over 80 years ago!'
Bridgur says, 'And it is how the taint bespoiled our lineage.'
You say, 'And by that, you mean my father? As you mentioned before?'
Bridgur nods.
Bridgur says, 'As you may or may not imagine. Over the centuries, it has become an increasingly difficult task for us Blacksmiths- seeking out a Dunedain, let alone one that will return with us to live in Bree and raise family.'
Deveon clearly surprised let's out a faint whisper "Is it true, are you certain? Are you saying that Edan here is half..." her voice now shaken.
Bridgur says, 'Half Dunedain Miss Devinart? Nay. For Edan's father, as he turned out to be, was not of the noble Dunedain!'
Amariedan starts, "What? Then... what was he?"
Deveon now has a blank look upon her face.
Bridgur sighs, "The taint I speak of is your father's background. His terrible secret as I later discovered shortly after your birth when he sought to kill your mother and take you with him back to the lands of Far Harad..."
Bridgur says, 'Your father, Edan, is one of the Black Numenoreans.'
Deveon says, '... black?....'
Amariedan stops deathly silent, his eye wide as he stares at Bridgur, his jaw opened to speak, but nothing comes out.
Bridgur says, 'Aye Miss Devinart.'
Bridgur says, 'Perhaps now, many things make more sense to you, though I reckon in a painful way.'
Bridgur says, 'I am sorry to have to break such news to you as this, in such manner as this, nephew.'
Amariedan finally finds some strength enough to move, only to fall back against the wall and slide down it.
You say, 'I..'
You say, 'Why?'
Bridgur eyes Edan carefully, caringly, "Why? I do not know Edan. In hindsight I should have discovered it much sooner, but I was young then, and preparing to rare a family of my own."
You say, 'No... that... isn't... why tell me? why now?'
Amariedan rubs a hand across his face, wiping his one good eye and sighs heavily.
Bridgur sighs softly, "Ah. Well, because your mother still lives Edan."
Amariedan jumps up, "WHAT?!"
Deveon blinks.
You say, 'Where is she?'
Bridgur sighs painfully, "And alas we come to the reasons for all your troubles of late."
Amariedan resumes a slight snarl on his face as he steps closer to Bridgur, "What do you mean Bridgur? *Where* *is* *my* *mother*?!"
Bridgur takes a step back from Edan, holding up his hands passively, "Easy boy, she is not here. She is been caught and held prisoner in Angmar, by Mordirith himself."
Deveon runs up and offers a comforting hand upon Edan's shoulder.
Amariedan says, "WHA-" but cuts himself off.
Bridgur nods at the look of clarity suddenly in Edan's eye.
Bridgur says, 'Aye. 'Tis I who have been your benefactor for some time now, by way of the guard. 'Tis I who has had you going to Angmar all this past year, countless reconnassaince, countless skirmishes.'
You say, 'You... used me?'
Deveon says, 'But why?'
Bridgur says, 'Why not? Who better than the great Captain Edan and his trusty sidekick Anoth? Your skills, your knowledge, your prowess... and more importantly, *your* mother.'
You say, 'So this last time, this setup? This was all your doing as well?'
Bridgur nods hesitatingly, "Not directly and entirely, but the possibility of your capture was considered, as a means to get close enough to rescue her, more easily."
Amariedan suddenly flys foward with shocking speed, his right arm deftly and painfully connecting directly with Bridgur's left temple.
Bridgur falls backward at the sudden punch from Edan, unable to dodge it, he crashes into the wall and then hits the floor in a heap.
Deveon quickly reacts, reaching for Edan pulling him back.
Deveon says, 'Edan, get a hold of yourself!'
Bridgur shakes his head groggily as he sits up.
Deveon says, 'Let us first get more answers aye?'
Bridgur rubs his temple with his hand, "I suppose I deserved that."
Amariedan hisses through clenched teeth as he glares down at Bridgur.
Bridgur says, 'Indeed nephew, listen to Miss Devinart's counsel. Do not give in to your father's side of you.'
Amariedan clenches his fists and takes a single step closer to Bridgur, through clenched teeth he grates out words slowly and harshly, "WHY? Why would you use me like that you dirty bastard? You could have come to me! You could have told me!"
Bridgur sighs, "I could have, perhaps. Perhaps I should have. But better late than never aye? And really it was for your mother's own wish that I did not, at first come to you directly."
Bridgur stands back up shakily but steadies himself quickly.
Bridgur says, 'It was her wish that you did not partake in the Blacksmith family legacy. And per that wish, I was not to exist to you, not as family anyway.'
Deveon closing her eyes she shakes her head.
Bridgur says, 'It is why, despite his treachery, she kept your father's name, and then raised you on her own.'
Bridgur says, 'It is why, through the guard, I had you sent to Angmar, with no real detail of the situation.'
Bridgur says, 'Perhaps, my real wrong was trusting in the legend of Captain Edan, that you and Anoth alone could handle the situation and steal your mother out from under Mordirith's nose of your own accord.'
Amariedan spits at Bridgur's feet.
You say, 'We barely managed to get ourselves out. After my capture!'
Bridgur hangs his head solemnly, "Of which I am most regretful! And hence why I have come forward now."
Deveon quietly interupts "Why friend would she, Edan's mother that is, be held there in the first place?"
Bridgur says, 'Why not? A half Dunedain wife of a Black Numenorean and mother of his child?'
Bridgur says, 'Perhaps Moridirth sought to ensnare you through her, to gain you into his service, thinking he could twist your heart into a likeness of your father.'
You say, 'So you would send me there alone with Anoth?'
You say, 'Right into his very hands!'
Bridgur sighs softly, sadly. "It is as I have said, I thought betwixt the two of you, with your great skills such as they are, as I have heard and watched you grow all these years from afar. I thought you could handle it."
Amariedan backs off a step and sighs, "Well we could not."
Bridgur says, 'Indeed'
Deveon softly whispers "A very cruel puppet master"
Deveon backs up and leans against the wall.
Bridgur flicks his gaze across Deveon briefly, "But the war is not lost nephew, for one battle having gone awry."
You say, 'What do you mean?'
Bridgur says, 'I mean that your mother still lives. As far as we know from your last message to us- Mordirith still had a woman captive you noted.'
Bridgur says, 'You and Anoth alone were not enough to assault Mordirith and save your mother, but with help...'
Amariedan's gaze lifts up, his good eye hopeful again.
Bridgur nods with a smile, "Aye, with help, you may return, save your mother, and perhaps even best Mordirith himself!"
Deveon bites her lip. Her eyes now closed and head sunken.
Bridgur says, 'Come now Miss Devinart, do not be so shy of a sudden. Did my nephew not aid in your own rescue from the bowels of Angmar after all?'
You say, 'How-'
Deveon looking up she nods "Aye, but..
Bridgur smirks, "I know much Edan, I have followed you your entire life, save for the time you were lost in Rivendell."
Deveon keeping her back firm to the wall, eyes fixed on the floor, once more fails in keeping her thoughts private "But little have you spoken of your influence in Bree and over our guard. Much to be said there." her tone giving away how nervous she really is
Deveon says, 'I.. well... can you be trusted?'
Bridgur says, 'Trusted?'
Bridgur laughs lightly at this.
Deveon keeps her head down as if she is about to be scolded.
Bridgur says, 'As much as any Man Miss Devinart, and more. I understand your caution, indeed. And your reasoning.'
Bridgur says, 'My sway with the guard is nothing illegal. The Blacksmiths are a respected family, and Edan, though he may not be wary of it, has not been in the true employ of the guard for many years.'
You say, 'What?'
Deveon says, 'What?'
Deveon turns looking to Edan with her jaw dropped.
Bridgur says, 'They cut your salary when you left with the Sons of Gondor after Thorog, and they thought you dead... as did I.'
You say, 'But...'
Deveon says, 'How can this be? I knew he lived?'
Bridgur says, 'As did I, and the guard, after a time. But it was not right off. And it was long enough for them to cut his salary. and Rightfully so since at the time, he had no one for it to go to anyways. And when he did not return right away...'
Amariedan blushes.
Deveon says, 'So *you* have been funding him this whole time?'
Deveon sighs.
Bridgur nods.
Deveon turns to Edan "I am sorry Edan, if only I knew..."
Bridgur says, 'Since his eventual return to Bree, the guard and I had a standing treatise, of sorts, in honour of your mother's wishes that I stay out of your life.'
Amariedan furrows his brow in thought, softly he says to Deveon, "S'ok, how could you have? *I* didn't even know."
Bridgur says, 'They kept you busy, with guard work, and sometimes my work, and I paid your salary.'
Bridgur says, 'Surely you wondered? I mean, I paid you far better than any mere Captain of Bree should be paid- as per the town's coffers.'
Deveon lets out a nervous chuckle "A silver lining at least"
Amariedan says softly and slowly, "They said... I was picked for special duties, for my talents, and for it I got special pay."
Bridgur smiles, "And you were!"
Bridgur says, 'Do not think less of yourself for my manipulations Edan!'
Bridgur says, 'I am a Blacksmith, it is my birthright and legacy to use people.'
Bridgur says, 'But I only use the best and the brightest!'
Amariedan forces a sort of smile, "Your a right bastard, you know that?"
Bridgur grins, "Indeed. But that doesn't change who I am."
Amariedan raises his eyebrow.
Bridgur says, 'It means, I'm still your Uncle. And though my ways may be deceiptful and, at times, harsh. I still care about my nephew! I would not have followed your life all these years had I not!'
Bridgur says, 'And I would not risk my sister's- your mother's wrath for breaking my vow to uphold her wish, by coming to you to save her, IF I did not care about you.'
Amariedan sighs and looks at Bridgur, he glances at Deveon. For once in his life, unsure of himself and not knowing what to say.
Bridgur steps forward and places a reassuring hand on Edan's shoulder.
Bridgur says, 'You come from a fatefully twisted background my boy.'
Bridgur says, 'One the one hand you are descendant in part from some true nobility.'
Bridgur says, 'And the other is a twisted darkness, a base evil.'
Bridgur says, 'But you... YOU Edan...'
Deveon stands looking at Edan as if unsure.
Bridgur says, 'You are something more, something greater than either of those parts of you.'
Amariedan hesitates, looking at Bridgur, trying to understand.
Bridgur says, 'You have passion, and you have fire, both at your command. Use them both, and together they will lift you higher than any other Man might ever hope to go!'
Amariedan narrows his eye and takes a deep breath. "So when do we leave to save mother?"
Bridgur smiles, chuckles lightly and pats Edan's shoulder. "Thattaboy! But not me, I am too old for such excursions anymore."
Amariedan nods, "Aye, if I can drop you so easily with a single punch, you'd never stand face to face with Mordirith!"
Deveon takes a deep breath "So what rescue plan do you have Bridgur? What can I do to help?"
Bridgur says, 'Plan Miss Devinart? I have no such plan, any plan you come up with is up to Edan here. He is the expert on Angmar and Carn Dum.'
Deveon nods "I am forever in your debt my friend, you have my blade if it is needed."
Deveon smiles at Edan.
Amariedan nods, "That is a great comfort to know."
You say, 'But we'll need more than you me and Anoth. And before any of that, I have a wife and baby to check on.'
Deveon says, 'Cay!'
Deveon cries out as if she forgot all about her.
Bridgur nods, "Aye, an angry wife at that from the looks of her when she left here."
Deveon says, 'I hope she okay now.'
You say, 'I'm sure she is fine, Anoth will have found her and watched over her til I return.'
Deveon says, 'This will hardly settle well with her though.'
Amariedan blushes deeply.
You say, 'Hardly is probably a nice way to put it.'
You say, 'If it settles at all.'
Deveon says, 'Aye, well put'
Deveon says, 'I am sure though you have the full support of Lond Treneri.'
You say, 'She and I... are going to have to have a long talk after this.'
Deveon smiles "I wish you the best in that my friend, she is not one to take such matters lightly."
Amariedan smirks slightly, "Indeed."
Deveon whispers under her breath "I do hope she is okay though."
You say, 'Aye, I should get to her and check on her quickly.'
Deveon nods "Well I suppose I need to report to my post as well, you both know where to find me.... gentlemen"
Bridgur nods, "Rest well nephew. If you need me, for anything, you may always find me here."
Deveon salutes, departing from the conversation.
Bridgur says, "Good eve Miss Devinart."
Deveon waves back as she leaves