The Reunion of Tilion and Olwë

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AelKennyr Rhiano and Puma Kawanishi

As the mists along the small veranda rush up and roll back, Olwe finds himself on the great veranda of his own palace, the stars which have always shone upon Aman again overhead.

Tilon has watched and waited for this moment. He's been counseled by the good Lord, Irmo, to be patient.  He knows that Olwe has been turned from the Halls of Mandos - he'd prayed for that - and now he would behold the Elven King, the Love he'd waited for, and sung into the the Music of the Ages, the Ainulindale...  part of his own small contribution to the world.   He hadn't realized he'd been singing about this Spirit, this Elf... but he knew his love's face - he recognized his Soul, the moment they met.

Here, in their Dream, they can hold each other again.  Gently the Steerman of the Moon descends on a stream of dust borrowed from the Moon, to behold, and hold, his Love once again.  In the center of the veranda, moonbeams swirl and coalesce  into the form and figure he knows so well. Olwe can but stand there, transfixed, for the love which has sustained him has risen so that he cannot give his joy utterance.  He can but cross the distance, his eyes fixed upon the face of the One he loves more than life, more than hope.

His arms slide around the waist of the Steersman of the Moon, and he lays his cheek to Tilion's shoulder, breathes in the moonbeams, the warmth, the radiance, still unable to give voice to the depth of his emotions.  He slowly turns his head toward the nape of his Beloved's neck and pulls his face back until his lips brush the Maia's ear and whispers all his love into one word: "Tilion."

Olwe holds Tilion tight and places his cheek against the Maia's as he whispers, softly, into his ear, " Born of neither mother nor father, what did I know of love until I beheld your face, and in that face, I knew my soul's rest, and my heart's home.  In this past time of Darkness, bereft of all knowledge and feeling of those who have watched over my people and my own self, the most bitter thing was to be without your shining light deep within me.  For I did know it was close by, and could feel it not."

Here in their Dream, Olwe could be...... not king, nor lord..... but Olwe alone, and speak to the one he loved words such as not passed the lips of a king.  "It is said Men love quickly, elves deeply, like the roots of a tree spreads, deep into earth.  So is this love in me for you.  My heart is yours, as I am yours.  My spirit is yours, as I am yours.  Living, dying, never shall I be parted from my Beloved.  This I know, forever is Olwe Tilion's."

> Next     

"Let No Darkeness ..."

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AelKennyr Rhiano and Shawn Daysleeper

Olwe closes his eyes, and his breathing slows, falling into the regular and steady rhythm of sleep.  As he passes into the deep rest that brings renewal, he enters the dreamtime of Lord Irmo's realm. The skies above are a blue not seen before in the Undying Lands, nor in Middle Earth.  The sweet scent of blossoming trees fills  the gentle breeze which rustles the green leaves.   He crosses the throne room, HIS throne room, his feet making no sound to compete with the song of the birds, the beauty of their music causing the Teleri Lord to stop in his tracks for a moment. There is an sense of peace, a feeling of contentment, and a presence of tranquility, which his recently embattled soul, fëa, drinks down eagerly, swallows greedily, as would a traveller after a great journey across a desert. Slowly, he looks up and sees upon the smaller balcony a figure with dark hair, clothed in white, and hurries towards him, his heart and mind already knowing who he will find, for who else would it be? Olwe kneels.  "My Lord Irmo."

Irmo, Lord of Dreams, turns to the approaching Olwe. He takes his hands and helps him rise. Smiling, he says, "It brings me joy to see you, Teleri Lord. May your heart be free in this realm where darkness can not find you."

Olwe feels the Lord of Dream take his hands and looks up with a joy in his eyes and a smile on his face.  "I thank you, My Lord. Well I know the peace I have now, you and your sister, the Compassionate Nienna, have wrought on my behalf."

Irmo feels the warmth of Olwe's hands. They no longer felt cold as they did before. "I must thank you, Olwe of the Eldest, for you must be at the front of this new darkness. You must preserve the hope of all the Children. Through your sacrifice hope is kindled."

Olwe bows his head at these words, and feels a child run through him at the hearing of them.  He slowly looks up at the Lord of Dreams, the Vala of Visions.  Always he had believed Irmo aloof from the matters of  elves and men, held apart for the duties the Lord of Dreams shoulders.  Now he sees with fresh eyes the great concern this Vala has for the Children of Illuvatar.  The weight of the words are all the greater for the past months Olwe has endured. "My Lord," he speaks, trying to keep to the formality, for he feels "new," and strange, still, recently returned to his body. "I will gladly serve the Will of the Valar. I have always be glad to do so.  But it troubles me, this darkness.  And the Children of Illuvatar have much changed in their time spent in Middle Earth."

Irmo's smile fades slightly. "I... I, too, have changed. I never have personally involved myself in the affairs of the Children. Ever and on the world changes, as a drop of water flows in to the sea, as the mighty mountains wither into the plains. My brethren continue to remain outside the affairs of the world, but my sister and I chose to come here personally." He then looks up and helps Olwe steady himself. "Change is inevitable, but this darkness surely affected you. What, now, are your feelings, and your thoughts of this Voice of darkness? If you would speak of it while so near to your heart?"

Olwe's eyes widen to hear the Lord of Dreams speak so candidly to him, but the touch of Lord Irmo provides stability to his heart as well as the dream world body.  He grows still as he knits his brow, a look of concentration on his face, and his voice is soft, low. "I have never felt so lost, so surrounded by a a blackness so deep, even the darkest cave could not compare." He shudders involuntarily. "I was bereft of the presence of the Valar, which have always been mine to feel, to.."he pauses, looks into the eyes of the Lord of Spirits, and continues, "...to know, in my heart and in my mind. That I could be torn so from that." He looks away and swallows.

"Olwe of the Teleri," Irmo says gently. "I.. I should not have aroused these evil remembrances of you. Let not this night be clouded with darkness. For you are free. You have been benevolent to your people and I, serving as one of them for a time, felt it within me. Feelings I have never felt before in all these long years. I know you live for your kin and your cousins across the water. This night, however, this night of tranquility and peace is for you."

Olwe bows his head, his eyes moist.  "I would answer anything you put to me, My Lord, and to see my Alqualonde so." He looks up and around him, the smell of the blossoms rich upon the air, the feel of the breeze kissing his cheek. "It brings my heart such peace."

Irmo smiles. "I know you will answer, Lord Olwe, and I will remain near you as long as you will have me, as will my sister." He turns to the breeze as it ripples his long dark hair. "This night, Olwe, I have managed to bring to you one whom had been separated from you for far too long. Let no darkness ever separate you from him again. The moonlight glistens above us, do you not see it before you, my Lord?"

Olwe looks over at Lord Irmo, studying his face, a boyish smile curving his lips.  But as the Lord of  Dreams speaks, his meaning becomes clear, and the Lord of Alqualonde looks up at the moon, draws in a breath and whispers the one name most beloved to him. "Tilion."

> Next    

Fireside Chat -- How to Find and Adapt the RolePlay Style that Works Best For You

< Previous    

Present:

AelKennyr Rhiano

Shawn Daysleeper

Lihan Taifun          

Summary:

Types of RolePlay:

• Free Form -- “anything goes within a loose set of rules” -- typical of 24/7 roleplay sims
• Non-Linear -- “this one has a loose pattern where there are goal points or guide posts along the storyline but the ending and the way you get there is determined by the players” Events do not necessarily happen in a chronological relationship.
• Linear rp -- "this has a defined pattern and set storyline to follow including most often the end result"
• Narrative rp --”It is extremely detailed form of rp where it is like reading a novel. participants of this are in a constant ballet of action and reaction in extreme detail.” “Para” (paragraph) is an extreme form of “narrative”
• Scripted -- “Everything is predetermined and written out prior to the actual roleplay event.”

Fellowship of the Fourth Age is a blend of styles – generally “linear” in the sense that we keep a fairly strict chronology and continuity, and “non-linear” in the sense that very large portions of the plot are determined by the players, as the story goes along.  Portions of Olwë's Ritual were scripted.  Some Fourth Age writers use a narrative style of writing, especially in solo roleplay scenes.

AelKennyr Rhiano: Tonight we are supposed to talk about the many forms of rp and how to find and adapt to the style that works best for you. So, at the risk of boring you, I was going to review the different forms we commonly see.

Lihan Taifun:           go ahead

AelKennyr Rhiano: :) ok...first is Free form... anything goes within a loose set of rules.....sometimes there are no rules at all. Free form is a free for all. You find it on rp sims that are 24/7 rp. It is the easier to get involved in and deceptively can be the hardest to maintain or manage. By manage, I mean the administrative part...for example, determining how combat is run. There can be the barest hint of a storyline, or none at all.

Any comments or thoughts on that style?

Lihan Taifun:           it is difficult because people have nothing to react to

AelKennyr Rhiano: It is very dependent upon people being around to rp with.

Shawn Daysleeper: I think it would be tough for me to get involved witht hat style

Lihan Taifun:           or else the admins have to keep giving people events to keep them entertained

AelKennyr Rhiano: You do see that often. While it seems easy, it can be hard to maintain.

Lihan Taifun:           and there are all the dangers of confusing IC and OOC, because people are hardly ever OOC on a 24/7 sim

AelKennyr Rhiano: People are expected not to be OOC on sims with this rp style. Except at OOC functions.

AelKennyr Rhiano: The next is non-linear--this one has a loose pattern where there are goal points or guide posts along the storyline but the ending and the way you get there is determined by the players

Lihan Taifun:           can you give an example?

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes Sometimes our rp is that way....how much of the cooking rp did you plan out?

Lihan Taifun:           ah, ok

Shawn Daysleeper: not too much of the cooking was planned

AelKennyr Rhiano: But you knew what you wanted to achieve.

Shawn Daysleeper: yes

Lihan Taifun:           yes

AelKennyr Rhiano: Now, when the entire rp is non-linear, we mean that we do not have a chronology that we are following... A-->B-->C-->D Event A may be happening at the same time as Event D. So...for example...Comet may be wooed by a foreign prince at that same time she is going to Alqualonde to slay Olwe and hopefully save him. One has nothing to with the other

Lihan Taifun:           to say A-->B-->C-->D sounds like more a plan than might go with "non-linear" (oh, maybe that was what you were saying)

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes...that is my exact point :)) In non-linear you have an overall objective, but the story could end up anywhere. Any thoughts of comments about that?

Shawn Daysleeper: I believe most of my rp is int his category, I think

AelKennyr Rhiano: We do see some of that in our rp scenes

AelKennyr Rhiano: The benefit is that the rp is in the hands of the rpers. They do have a vested interest in the story and can affect the storyline directly.

Lihan Taifun:           I would find the lack of continuity annoying

AelKennyr Rhiano: That is the down side. Remember a rp can also be a combination of approaches.

AelKennyr Rhiano: Linear rp this has a defined pattern and set storyline to follow including most often the end result

Lihan Taifun:           I don't think you knew where things were going when you let Olwe get poisoned

AelKennyr Rhiano: Not at all. the rpers drove the story until we got toward the idea of the ritual. Remember I am talking about these in their purest forms, and 4th Age is a blend, in my opinion. We also had not plans for how Nole grew into his role and changed. And Irmo and Nienna deciding to come to Alqualonde in disguise was very much the rpers' idea.

Shawn Daysleeper: I do try to maintain continuity between my rp's

AelKennyr Rhiano smiles

Shawn Daysleeper smiles

AelKennyr Rhiano: But over all the 4th Age can be described as linear with a great degree of accuracy

Lihan Taifun:           so we might say that, so far, Fourth Age has tended to have large non-linear segments, except in cases where we needed to bring some things together

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes, we can say that there are non-linear elements. We do have a defined pattern, and we do keep a chronology. A usually leads to B which leads to C. But getting from A to B we have a degree of flexbility and opportunity for the rper.

Lihan Taifun:           so "linear " in that sense

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes

Lihan Taifun:           not necessarily knowing what B will be until we get there

AelKennyr Rhiano: exactly. The Ritual was our first "set" storyline. However, there are alot of people who read the notecards who believe we are very linear because our notecards are narratives.

Lihan Taifun:           "linear" in the sense that things that have happened become part of the story line

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes

Shawn Daysleeper nods

AelKennyr Rhiano: Now often we look at narrative rp and it is also termed "para rp". It is extremely detailed form of rp where it is like reading a novel. participants of this are in a constant ballet of action and reaction in extreme detail.

Lihan Taifun:           I think it is true that Fourth Age is linear in that sense, And the storyline is a timeline in a sense.

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes

Lihan Taifun:           although I can imagine people might not be able to tell, from reading the notecards, what parts were outlined in advance and what parts weren't

AelKennyr Rhiano: If we read the cards , one after another, we can see how Olwe first gets his directive from Irmo, then he ponders it, then he goes to Manwe about it, then petitions Ulmo to send Alqualonde into the mortal world...etc, etc.

Well, that is also because we present the rp notecards like a story. So it is almost like reading chapters in a book.

True narrative rp requires the rpers to really spend time framing their emotes and their reactions. The responses are longer than in freeform, for example, and there is a constant action/reaction going on. Most of our solo rps are narrative, for example. So are the rps between Olwe and Gwin or Nimros and Gwin. And there is one coming up between Tilion and Olwe that is narrative.

Now I make a distinction between para rp and text based rp... Para rp tends to have long responses from each rper and can be very lengthy. Text based is not nearly as long.

Lihan Taifun:           para is a more extreme case of text-based?

AelKennyr Rhiano: It is more involved, yes. Some people do not make that distinction, however.

Lihan Taifun:           it seems like a matter of degree

AelKennyr Rhiano: It truly is. Para rp can be very intense, and a lot of people shy away from it for that reason. It can also be very rewarding because you are allowing full expression of your rp character. However, if it is to extreme, it can be boring. Any comments so far?

Lihan Taifun:           you said once that it is possible to spend so much time writing your own responses that you aren't paying much attention to the other people

AelKennyr Rhiano: exactly

Shawn Daysleeper: I understand so far

AelKennyr Rhiano: The temptation is to get so involved in writing your response that you don't listen to what the others are saying or doing.

AelKennyr Rhiano: The last form is scripted. Everything is predetermined and written out prior to the actual roleplay event. This includes where you stand, what you say, who you interact act with..just like a movie script. Some parts of the ritual was scripted.

Shawn Daysleeper: The ritual almost falls into this category?

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes

Shawn Daysleeper: ok hehe

AelKennyr Rhiano: Parts definitely do.

Shawn Daysleeper: ya that is what I meant

AelKennyr Rhiano: The ritual has a smattering of all these forms... but it is our most scripted rp to date.

Lihan Taifun:           it seems like 'text-based" is measuring something different than the "non-linear/linear/scripted"

AelKennyr Rhiano: It is. It is actually more the individual approach within the rp. Although, with freeform, you will hardly ever see text-based rp. It is possible, but not probably.

Lihan Taifun:           it seems theoretically possible,but probably appeals to a different crowd

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes. what most call "one liner" rp works with a variety of rp forms, but it works the least well with the narrative and scripted forms, for obvious reasons.

Shawn Daysleeper nods

AelKennyr Rhiano: It is important to know what form of rp appeals to you and which rp style (one liner, text, para, heavily dependent on huds) suits you so that you can enjoy the rp. If you really like para rp, and are engaged in freeform rp, you may not find that as satisfying as you would like. It may be hard to make those two compatible if everyone else is using huds and one liners.

Lihan Taifun:           right

Shawn Daysleeper: yes

AelKennyr Rhiano: and if you like huds and feel they provide realism, then scripted rp forms may really disappoint you if everyone is into text based rp.

AelKennyr Rhiano: Questions? Thoughts? Comments?

Shawn Daysleeper: you explain it very clear

AelKennyr Rhiano: so, what appeals to you guys?

Lihan Taifun:           I really like the text-based, and I'm not going to part with continuity

AelKennyr Rhiano: Good for you! you are very good at text based rp, Lihan.

Lihan Taifun:           thank you

AelKennyr Rhiano: :)

Lihan Taifun:           I'm very mediocre at SF combat

AelKennyr Rhiano: It takes a lot of practice and a sim with low lag.

Lihan Taifun:           and a better network connection than I have

AelKennyr Rhiano: than a lot of us have

AelKennyr Rhiano: What about you, Shawn?

Shawn Daysleeper: I think I use text based rp also, but I do use paragraphs sometimes

AelKennyr Rhiano nods. And that is ok :) I do, too.

Shawn Daysleeper smiles

AelKennyr Rhiano: Your style has changed over time.

Shawn Daysleeper: I don't know how to use HUD's

AelKennyr Rhiano: As your character has developed, so has your rp style.

Shawn Daysleeper: yes,I think my style has changed

AelKennyr Rhiano: Well, Sylvahara does offer sf basic classes, and I have attended. They are very solid in their approach. And I must say of all the rps that use sf, they are the most proficient and knowledgeable about using huds, but they use it primarily for combat.

Shawn Daysleeper: it is probably something I should familiarise with, even if I don't plan to use it

AelKennyr Rhiano: It is never a bad thing to learn more. Thus speaks the teacher :P

Shawn Daysleeper: yes, I agree

Lihan Taifun:           SF does have advantages of forcing you to rp eating and resting

AelKennyr Rhiano: yes, it does. And it is not a bad way to start when you are new to rp. It does cut down on metagaming/godmodding in that respect. You can't force a blow on another character. You have to cleanly deliver that blow.

Lihan Taifun:           wellllll, there are enough gadgets to override the need to rest/eat/heal that you can still godmod that part

AelKennyr Rhiano: You can try those gadgets, but a knowledgeable administrator should be able to ferret out you are using them.

Lihan Taifun:           you would think

AelKennyr Rhiano: 9 times out of 10 the extreme lag those gadgets produce will tell on you

Lihan Taifun:           the Firebeard Dwarves had a "healing shrine" that was a beer keg :)

Shawn Daysleeper: lol

AelKennyr Rhiano: hahahah

AelKennyr Rhiano: Well, what shall we talk about next time?

Lihan Taifun:           we were thinking of discussing "use of force" ... when could Linfea create a hurricane, that sort of thing

AelKennyr Rhiano: great. let's discuss that next time?

Shawn Daysleeper: ok

Lihan Taifun: sure

AelKennyr Rhiano: :) Thanks for a great discussion.

> Next    

Conclusion of the Ritual -- Part 2

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Olwe turns to Comet.  "I shall take my court and depart now, King Olwe of the Teleri," she says. 

 He looks deep into Comet's eyes.  "Nor will he abandon Comet, " he murmurs.  She nods in response. Olwe lifts her hands up to his lips and kisses each.  "Thank you, " he whispers. He watches her become queen, not his Beloved Cousin, once more. She nods in response.

"Be well now, my Lord," she answers.  "The world may be a dark place, but we shall be part of its light."

She smiles and answers, "Yes."

He holds her hands tight. "Be well, Sweet Beloved, who once tugged my hair, and then my heart."

Comet laughs.  "Farewell," she says.  Like that, she was out of his reach and gliding back up the ramp.

Dominique Darkwatch laughs softly. Powers Constantine smiles as he realizes the King is healed.  Olwe gives the Lady Llyra a small look and smile.  "Thank you , Lady Llyra."

"Farewell, Olwe of the Teleri. I did not let go." She smiles and follows her Queen.

Ivy Paderborn smiles to the King and bows her head as she prepares to follow Comet. Olwe inclines his head in answer and then turns a smile to Lady Ivy. Powers Constantine awaits the Queen to escort her home. Dominique Darkwatch smiles to Llyra and Ivy.  Malakyte Thorne moves toward her queen and then stops also to await Llyra and Ivy.

"After you, Lady Malakyte," says Powers.

Olwe extends a hand up and waves farewell.  Ivy Paderborn turns again and smiles wrmly to Dominique, whispering her gratitude. Dominique Darkwatch smiles at the king who now looks very healthy and whole again.  He bows and takes her hand, squeezing. "My thanks to you, Sweet Cleric of Eru. "

Dominique Darkwatch squeezes in return and beams. "You are most welcome, my king."

"Alqualonde will ever be a place of welcome to you."

Dominique Darkwatch smiles. "And if ever you have need, I am only a swan ride away." She smiles and makes her way up the ramp.

Elwing smiles and gives her thanks to Dominique for her part in the restoring of her Uncle.  Dominique Darkwatch looks out the door slightly concerned, hoping Lu has escaped the notice of the dragons.  Olwe watches her for a moment.  Then he smiles.

"She is fine," he says, noting her searching gaze out the doorway.  "She is having a snack in the harbor. Lord Osse is feeding her leftover fish."

Dominque giggles.

Apakewne speaks, stepping out from a corner of the upper floor. "I'm glad those fish aren't going to waste."

Olwe blushes.  "Good thing he is a Maia.  His language is rather...colorful."

Elwing chuckles. Estelin moves forward and adds, "Yes, there were a lot of fish there. They will go well with the noodles."

Olwe looks up at the sound of Estelin's voice and gives a meaningful smile.  Elwing looks around unaware of what noodles are and why they are of significance. 

Apakenwe looks at the King and the cleric.  "Surely you both want food and rest."

Olwë Restored

Olwe gives a shudder at the word "noodles."  He looks up in alarm. "No, no noddles. I..."  he pauses. "I , um,, think I will rest."

Dominique Darkwatch looks at the lady at the top of the stairs, waves at Elwing, and nods. "Indeed, while I do not think I can eat, I do feel the need for rest."

Estelin nods in agreement. "Let us assist you to the castle," he says, smiling. "No noodles? Suit yourself."

Olwe slowly walks up the ramp to Estelin's side."I would be honored," he said.  He gives a small nod to Estelin's sister. And again, between two Valar, this time again in disguise, he walks between them.  This time, he returns to his fabled palace in his beloved home of Alqualonde.

> Next Olwë       > Next Nolë & Elenwë     > Next Dominique & Nienna     > Next Apakenwë      > Next Estelin    

Conclusion of the Ritual -- Part 1

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Nole sees his king move and joy fills his heart and he smiles. Dominique Darkwatch backs away from the king, smiling warmly before she notices the two others on the altar. Nienna nods to the king, and then turns to Dominique.   "Eru alassë saila ar voranda yendenen. Hantalë ar aistië Valaron tyen. (Eru is pleased with his wise and faithful daughter. The gratitude and the blessing of the Valar be with you.)"  Nienna's voice continues, as a whisper meant for Dominique alone, or perhaps a whisper within her head. "We will speak again soon, you and I."  To Dominique's eyes alone, Nienna's form flickers,  momentarily becoming "Apakenwë", the Teleri musician.

Dominique Darkwatch 's widen slightly and her face flushes in amazement and wonder.  "Násië! " is all she can utter. Nienna smiles reassuringly.

Unaware of this exchange, Comet  stoops to pick up the sword. The blood has vanished from the blade.  She slides it back into the sheath and hands it to Ivy, who reaches out and takes the blade from her sister, noding and smiling through her the tears that still come. Olwe rises, slides off the couch and takes his place by Comet's side.  Comet touches his hair and whispers, "Never again, my love."

"Never," he echoes. Olwe hears her voice, feels her touch.  "Never, Queen of my heart. " Then, seeing the Valar, he sinks to kneel in respect.  Dominique Darkwatch kneels in respect but also as she feels slightly overwhelmed at the moment with so many emotions.

Nienna turns to Irmo. "See brother, we distract them."

Her brother nods in agreement. The Valar Irmo smiles and says to Comet: "You have done well, brave and loving queen. You have risked much, to win back the life of one you love." 

Whether she heard or not, the words of the Lord of Visions, Olwe did. Slowly, he rises, as does the Cleric of Eru.  Olwe looks at the Valar, his eyes shining.  "The Will of the valar be done!"

Dominique Darkwatch smiles and whispers, "Thank you, my Lady."

Comet glances up to Mala and Powers, giving a look that signals they will leave shortly.   Powers Constantine smiles softly as his eyes meet the Queen's glance. Malakyte Thorne nods, catching Queen Comets eye and ready to do her bidding. Llyra Constantine's tinkling laughter fills the room, joy evident in the usually emotionless elemental. and the Sylvan Queen smiles.

"Let us leave them in this moment of joy," Irmo tells his sister.  Nienna smiles and vanishes. "The Valar will never abandon you." he says to Olwe as he vanishes.

Dominique Darkwatch blinks as the two beings vanish. "Nor will Olwe abandon the Valar," answers Olwe.

> Next   

Restoration of Olwë -- The Ritual

 < Previous    

Two bright figures join the front of the room.  Ivy Paderborn looks up, tears still shining in her eyes, and blinks at the brilliance filling the room.

  Powers Constantine eyes study the walls and ceiling as he is so suddenly overcome by the sadness he sees in the Queen. A blinding light brings his mind back to the ceremony filling him with hope. One of the figures, Lord Irmo, Vala of Dreams and Visions, speaks. "Eru ahlárië, ar alávië arkandë sina alassenen , ar acárië. (Eru has heard, and is pleased to grant this request, and has done so.)"  Malakyte Thorne blinks in amazement and growing joy.

The second figure, Nienna, speaks next. "Quettanen Eruo, andor Mandositwa avalátië. (By the command of Eru, the doors of Mandos are closed.)"  Dominique Darkwatch falls to her knees, shielding her eyes from the brilliant light

"Quettanen Eruo, ilya mornië ar ilya felu avatultië. (By the command of Eru, all darkness and evil has been driven out.)" Irmo's voice fills every corner of the chamber.

The Vala of Compassion, Nienna

"Quettanen Eruo, Estë envinyátië. (By the command of Eru, Estë has healed.)"  Nienna's voice brings a renewal of hope to those gathered.

The Vala of Visions and Dreams, Irmo

Elwing opens her eyes with a feeling of hope growing in her heart.

Her brother intones, "Kalassë ar márahroassë, entúkëalmë Olwé nóreryan, carcarien cardar antië sen. (In light and in health, we return Olwë to his people, to continue the work set before him.)"  Dominique Darkwatch hears the voices but scarcely know where they come from.

A white light radiates from the body of the Teleri Lord, growing in intensity as the Valar speak.  Brighter and brigher it grows, until Irmo finishes.  The white light fades from Olwe's body.  For a moment, he is still, lifeless.  Then he takes a deep inhale, and there is life, and breath ina body moments ago lifeless.  "Ahh," he sighs, then he speaks, "Alqualonde." 
Llyra Constantine clasps her hands, her face calm as she patiently waits. The doors had been closed. A slight smile hovers on her lips as she hears a breath drawn by the King. Comet draws breath at the sound of his voice

Olwe's eyes flutter open, and he swallows.  "Comet?"

Powers Constantine smiles as he hears the King's voice.   Elwing watches on with joy as her Uncle takes a breath and smiles at the sound of his voice, a tear trickling down her cheek as she watches the reunion in front of her.  Dominique Darkwatch can only whisper "Násië! "

"Yes dear cousin" Comet caresses his hair and smiles into his eyes. "I am here."

Olwe looks up into her well known, beautiful face.  "You...are..." he swallows,  " so beautiful." Ivy Paderborn smiles and laughs softly through her tears at the King's words.

Comet laughs and cries. "You may never do this to me again, my love."

Olwe smiles.  "Never, Sweet Love."

Comet sighs and nods to him, now without words. Malakyte Thorne lets out a deep sigh of relief. Slowly he struggles to rise, his body feeling heavy and sluggish.  "I feel the Valar, Comet!  I feel them all around." She nods at his words.

> Next  

Blood and Tears -- The Ritual

< Previous     

Brought safely back from the spirit world but not yet reunited with his physical body, Olwe is caught between life and dead, and now it rests upon the shoulders of  Dominque, Cleric of Eru, to bring up the miracle that will mingle blood and tears and restore the Lord of the Teleri.


Linfea, a Wind of Manwe, sends a soft breeze to the participants. Dominique Darkwatch kneels next to the king, her own tears are now added, but instead of mingling with the blood that has been spilled, they fall upon the open wounds and begin to heal them shut.

Powers Constantine mind wanders to memories of the King when he was well and healthy, praying that he returns as the proud King he was.  Dominique Darkwatch 's tears, gifts from Nienna, fall softly and her sobs are silent as are her prayers for several moments. Llyra Constantine says, "I promised I would not let go..." her melodic voice finally cracks as a single tear falls to her cheek.

Malakyte Thorne cannot help but be moved by the scene and grief before her as tears fall. Dominique Darkwatch: then kneels next to the king, in an attitude of supplication and prays directly to Iluvatar in the language of the Eldar:

Eru, i lúmë utúlië ( Father, the hour has come)
Elyë ná valda, i Héru Ainolma, camien i alcar ar i laitië ar i túrë, an ontanelyë ilyë nati, ar indómelyanen engeltë ar nér ontainë." (You are worthy, the Lord our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.)

Arcan tyello, ona i Airë Fëa!  (I ask of you, Send your Holy Spirit!)

Eru, hantan tyen pan ahlárietyen.  Inyë ista i illumë hlarityen. ( Father, I thank you because you have heard me. I know that you always hear me.)

Linfëa, a Wind of Manwë

Násië! I aistië ar i alcar ar i sailië ar i hantalë ar i laitië ar i túrë na Ainolvan, tennoio ar oi! Násië! (Amen! The blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honor and the power be to our God, forever and ever! Amen!)
The final "Násië!" continues to echo around the tower, as unseen musical voices, soft as wind, constant as the waves on the nearby beach, take up the theme: "Násië! Násië! I alcar ar i laitië ar i túrë! Násië!"  Within Olwe's Tower, Linfea took up the chant: "Násië! Násië! I alcar ar i laitië ar i túrë! Násië!"

Dominique then raises her arms, feeling the power of Eru Iluvatar, through the gifts of the Valar, flood through her, and she casts above her head the light of Varda, which ignites the inner light of the king with a shout that would carry to the peaks of Taniquetil: 

"Á rúnya kala!  Á auta mornië! (Flame light!  Flee night!)" 

 Dominique Darkwatch illuminates her immediate area for 30 seconds with a ball of divine light. Comet and others within the tower shield their eyes.

> Next  

"Will You Go Back?" -- The Ritual

<  Previous     

"Your Kin Love You So Much"

Irmo speaks gently. "You have failed us? In what way may I ask? Darkness did take you, but those of your kin love you so much to conduct this act to purify your body. You are most loved by many, Lord Olwe. The darkness has not yet been defeated. You must go back and repay your debt to those for their love."

"We saw you fighting the unclean thing within your mind.  You did not give in to it.  This was no failure," adds his sister. "Will you go back?"

Olwe bows his head for a moment, at hearing their words, the impact coursing through his fëa. At Nienna's question, he looks up and shyly meets her eyes.  Slowly he reaches out and takes her hands, turning to her the open gaze of a child.  "For you, who have comforted me as a mother, when my soul's heart ached nigh to breaking...." he feels as though tears must be in these eyes that are not of earthly flesh.

"For your people, who wait and pray for your return," rejoins Nienna.

Olwe nods at the Valar of Compassion's words.  "And for my people." Olwe turns that childlike gaze to Irmo.  "And  also for you, my lord, who soothed me with dreams."  Olwe brings the hands of the Valar of Compassion up to his face and kisses her palms gently.  "If it is Wish of Eru, the Will of Valar, I gladly obey."

Nienna smiles, and brushes his cheek, as a mother would a child's.  Holding Olwe's hand, she begins to drift through the trackless space, toward the physical realms.  As they drift back, OIwe turns to Irmo. "My lord?"

Irmo turns to Olwe listening.

"Why me, Lord Irmo?  Why not the Noldor, or the Vanyar?  I was given the task of leading the Teleri to the West, after my Brother disappeared, yet I failed to bring them all with me; only part of the host of the Teleri arrived.  I failed, too, in seeing the great madness of the Noldor, when they came demanding the swanships, and failed to protect all my people from their brutality.  How should it been I not fail you yet again?"

Irmo contemplates Olwe's words a moment before answering. "We have all failed at times, but there are those that continue to fail and not learn from their mistakes. You, Olwe, are mighty among the firstborn. You have benevolently led your people in these new darkening days. This is why you were chosen to combat this new evil, and not the Vanyar or Noldor."

"But the Valar never fail, my Lord."

"How can you be sure of that, Lord Olwe?" Irmo responds thoughtfully.

"If that be so, then consider that the 'unfailing' Valar have chosen you."  Nienna smiles ruefully at his confidence. "Ah, Children," she thinks to herself. "They so want to believe that we are perfect."

A flash of insight comes into Olwe's mind. "My Lord," he answers and reaches out to grasp lightly, unthinkingly, Irmo's sleeve.  His mind churns.  If groups of his people stayed not in Middle EArth, how would elves have populated the mortal world?  And was the blood of the kin slain upon his hands, or  upon the hands of those driven by their own mindless madness? He purses his lips, and then, heedlessly, he threw open all the doors of his mind, so that the two Valar now guiding him could read plainly his heart and thoughts.

Irmo closes his eyes, seeking to calm Olwe's mind. Speaking directly into his mind, he says, "Olwe, we are not only characterized by the things that were or are, but also by our choices. You are chosen to confront this evil with your kin. Your future remains unwoven in the fabric of space and time. How, now, will you act to unite and bring hope to your kin and confront this evil?"

An elation sweeps over Olwe at feeling the touch of the Lord of Visions in his mind, and he considers the words carefully, though the joy threatens to overwhelm him. "I will act in accordance to the Will of Blessed Eru, my Lord, and at the direction of the Valar." Then he adds, turning over Nienna's words in his mind, "Bearing in mind, even they are not perfect."  He gazes intensely into Irmo's face to see how his response is received.

Irmo nods and smiles. "This is indeed what we ask of you, Lord Olwe, Elder King of the Teleri. Soon now you will be reunited with your body. Share in their joy and happiness, for you are the beacon of hope for all the Children of the Mortal World."

Olwe bows his head for a moment.  'I feel not worthy, my Lord, but all I am, I will give to the task set upon me."

"We ask no more," Nienna tells him.

"My Lady, when we return, will I again be able to know the presence of the Blessed Ainur?"

"Will I Again be Reuinted with Tilion?"

"Will I be again reunited with Tilion?  Will the Valar bless this love between us, for he has my heart, my Lady, such that it can never belong to another."

"Manwe has not discussed that with me.  But," her eyes twinkle as she speaks, "for myself, I think it would be impossible to keep the two of you apart." Irmo grins a little at Nienna's response.

Olwe brightens at her answer before his face grows again serious. "The...Voice..." he says slowly.  "Is the Enemy still in his prison?"

"So our watchers tell us.  But his evil influence has always found ways to take shape in the world. If this Voice could so affect you, it could affect other minds as well."

Olwe digests the answer, remembering the months spent captive by its hold.

"Olwe," says Irmo, "you have survived this ordeal, but the Enemy is likely to strike again. You are familiar with this tactic and could be foreshadowed of another attack of the Enemy. You could warn us of anything that seems to be suspicious, for we are closer to you in Alqualonde than you may realise."

"Would that you could have been in Alqualonde, My Lady, My Lord, as it pulled me ever downward into madness."

"Just so did we stand beside you, powerless to help," replied Nienna. "We are forbidden to use our full powers in the mortal realm, and that darkness had closed your mind to us."

Estelin Sits with Olwë Before the Ritual

Olwe tightens his hold on Irmo's arm and turns his gaze from one to the other.  "You...you were both there?"

Irmo nods. "Yes, we stood beside you. It is time that we reveal our disguise to you. Our forms in Alqualonde you have already met as the wandering musicians Estelin," he then nods to his sister, "and Apakenwe. But To you alone we reveal this information, for our work is not nearly finished."

The Musician Apakenwë

Olwe gives a gasp of surprise as his mind rushes to access every memory of every encounter with the musicians.  Then, he blurted out, "The soup."  He looks from one to the other.  "It explains much, my Lord," he finishes lamely  Then he remembers the healer and the vial he was given to drink of the contents and wear as an amulet.  "The healer," he looks down at where the necklace would hang on his mortal body.

Irmo nods. "The healer," he says, smiling, "is my wife, Este."

Nienna chimes in,"The best of all healers."

"I was in the hands of the Valar and knew it not," responds Olwe, with reverence in his voice.  "I will cherish this knowledge all my days,"

"The Valar will never abandon you, Lord Olwe," assures the Lord of Dreams.

Olwe knows it is but a projection of his mind, his thoughts, but his spirit eyes fill with tears. "Nor will I abandon them, My Lord.  I swear."

"We are nearly back to your body."  Nienna makes a small shift, to bring them to a time only moments after Olwe left his body.  "Are you ready now?"

"I am."

"You will see us less clearly, in the physical realm.  But know that the Valar are always with you."

Olwe turns to Irmo, and, with an impulse reminiscent of the young elf that grew to familiarity with the sacredness of the Shining Lands, he embraces first Lord Imro, resting his head for a moment of the shoulders of the Lord of Dreams, as would a son to a father and slowly released him.  Then he, with a shy smile, turned to the Vala of Compassion and hugs her, bowing his head and whispering, "Thank you."

Nienna embraces him fondly.  "All is according to the will of Eru."

Olwe nods and echoes her.  "According to the will of Eru."

"According to the Will of Eru." Irmo nods to King Olwe

"I am ready to go home."



>  Next  

Journey in the Spirit Realm -- The Ritual

< Previous     

Between the World of the Living and the World Beyond

Olwe feels his fëa, his soul, pushed away from the Gate to the Halls of Mandos.  Backwards he falls, until the dark figure is a tiny speck, then gone. Now Olwe is  cast afloat surrounded by a universe of stars, those being born, those fading into the darkness of decay.

Alone, adrift, a fear seizes him as his spirit starts to comprehend that he is between the world of the living and the world beyond.  Barred from Mandos, separated from Tilion, he is in a place of existing nonexistence.  His thoughts alone propels him, but to where, to what?  He strains to feel any part of his physical body, his hröa, and could not.  Is this, then his fate?  Nothing?

Using senses completely unrelated to physical bodies, Nienna has followed the king's spirit from the ritual chamber, on its dark journey.  The path to the Halls of the Dead, the realm of her brother Mandos, were easy to trace.  All the dead came on this path, except those who chose eternal darkness. 

Olwë Is No Longer at Mandos' Gates

As she approaches the dark gates, she can see that Olwe's spirit is already leaving -- turned back by her brother, doubtless at the High King Manwe's command.   Irmo follows his sister along the spirit path, and reaches Mandos' Gates. He also sees that Olwe's spirit had been turned away and has drifted into the emptiness.  Finding Olwe now, in the pathless and timeless realm of the spirit world is less sure.  Yet he must be found, and returned to his body!

Olwë, as He Was in the Undying Lands

Olwe turns slowly in a circle as he floats, only the vastness of the stars surround him.  Slowly, he looks down, and sees he is without clothes.  The embarrassment, the habit of the need for clothes gives fuel to his thoughts, and he is instantly dressed.  He raises an arm,  recognizing this outfit from centuries past.  This is the courtly attire that the High King Ingwe bestowed upon him when he first arrived in the Shining Lands. He remembers now, the gentle thoughtfulness of Ingwe, knowing his younger kinsman arrived with only the clothing suited for the rigors of their journey. He remembers Ingwe gently tugging on the shoulders of the jacket, as he surveyed the cut of the cloth.
 
"I did not know your shoulders were this broad, brother," he murmured, then standing back to take in the overall effect and smiling.  The way he said, "brother" brought a small, shy smile to the young Olwe.  "Come," Ingwe had then said, slipping an arm around the Teleri's shoulder.  "It is time to meet Lord Manwe, Olwe."  The young Lord had looked up at Ingwe with trepidation.  Ingwe squeezed his shoulders.  'You brought your people home.  Now allow another to do as much for you, " he had said.  Home...but he did not lead them all home.  At each place they rested, more Teleri were left behind in Middle Earth.  He did not bring them all to the West.  And the feeling of failure now sits upon the Teleri Lord like bitter ashes.

 Distances in the spirit world are meaningless. But Irmo of the Spirits could locate the lost spirit of Olwe. To Irmo, Olwe's spirit is like a beacon, floating amid the myrid stars of the Void.  Within an instant, Irmo is at Olwe's side. He sees Olwe clothed and alone.   Nienna follows her brother Irmo, a much more familiar presence, and soon finds him with Olwe's lost spirit. 

Olwe comes into an awareness, as much as he sees, a figure...no, two before  him. He knows there is no air to breathe, but he gives a "gasp" as he beholds two countenances well known to him.  He looks first at the Vala of Visions, and his etheral voice carries all the reverence locked within his heart.  "Irmo."
"Olwe, we have come to help you return to your body."
"Come with us, please.  You need to return to your body."  Nienna reaches an ethereal hand toward him. "The Gates of Mandos draw all spirits toward them.  The path of return is harder to find."

"Olwe," added Irmo. "You have been given another chance. You must live on in the world of the living. You will not die now, for there is a continued purpose for you."

Olwe turns his eyes to the Vala of Compassion.  He remembers Nienna.  He remembers the way it felt, those first few moments after the Kinslaying when he knelt in the blood of the slain on the docks, and she was beside him.  "You held me," he blurted out, remembering.  "After the Noldor left, you held me, and your tears fell with mine."

"Yes."  She smiles kindly.  "I remember.  That was long ago."
 

Alqualondë in the Early Days

Olwe turns his gaze to the Lord of Dreams, pain and grief in the look. "My lord," he answer, the agony in each syllable.  "I've failed you, the Valar, so completely, so utterly.  I..." He casts his eyes downward. "How can I have purpose when Darkness seized me so easily?  Held me so tightly?" He looks back up.  "I have spent long centuries in the West, among the Valar. I have felt you, always, around, near, watching, like loving kin.  I could open my thoughts and...hear..you. Then came I to Middle Earth and so easily defeated was I, robbed of the most precious thing to me, next to my people. And even they I lost, before ever returning from the West on your commission."

Nienna gives him gentle rebuke. "There are dark forces moving, more powerful than one Elf can defeat.  That does not mean you failed."

> Next     

Mandos -- The Ritual

< Previous    

Comet's sword has found its mark.  The blood of  the Teleri Lord lies in a pool beneath the couch upon which lies the lifeless body of the Lord of Alqualondë. Will the King be bidden to enter the Halls of Mandos, dashing the hopes of desperate Children of Ilúvatar, or will the will of Olwë rise up?  The dreadful moment has comes, and Olwë's Tower is silent as all wait ....

Olwe gives a soft smile, his eyes fluttering and closing.  A lethargy comes over the Lord of Alqualonde, and images of loved ones swim up from a sea of memories: the first days of life at Cuiviénen, the childlike amazement at the creation of Eru; the journey Westward, travelling besides his brothers Elwe and Elmo; that terrible first night in Beleriand, when Elwe did not return from the forest and no one could find him; the birth of Earwen, the feel of her in his awkward grasp; later, the marriage of Earwen, the tearful farewell as she left; the first time Tilion kissed him, telling the shy Olwe of an Ainu’s love for a Teleri king. Unbidden, each memory floats up from the sea of Olwe’s long life. It was a good life, he thinks.

His breathing slows, as his heart slowed.  A warmth flows from where the amulet rests against his shirt and envelops him like a warm blanket.  Olwe feels himself sinking, a  rocking sensation as though beneath the waves of the world, sinking to the floor of the ocean, in Ulmo’s arms, like when he would carry Earwen up to her bed when she would fall asleep in his lap as a young child.  “Am I become like a child?” he thinks. 

Gradually, Olwe realizes that he cannot feel his body, has not sensation of arms or legs, and the thought does not seem to dismay him.  Before his internal vision rise the arches of a familiar building, the stone columns supporting it on either side tall and massive.  Under the arch, a grim figure stands, clothed all in black. Olwe’s heart and breathing stop.  Slowly the figure raises its hand, palm outward to Olwe, and two words issues from the figure’s lips.  “Go back!”

Olwe feels himself stopped as though by an invisible force.  He peers through the mist at the dark, foreboding figure in the shadows of the archway.

"You are not to be allowed in these Halls, Elf King! This is not to be the time for you to wait on me."
"Who calls me?" he asks, an hesitancy in the voice.

" I am Namo Feanturi, Lord of Mandos."


The words send a chill through the Teleri Lord, the very name causing a fear to rise him.  He looks past Mandos, straining his eyes. Now that he knows where he is, he thinks he can hear a myriad of voices.

"The King of the Valar, Manwe Sulimo, has treated on your behalf, Olwe Ciriaran."   He looks at the Elven princling and wonders what it is that has captured the heart of his Ainu friend, Tilion.

"Manwe?" he repeats, dimly.  He feels overwhelmed, lost, unable to process where he is and who he stands now before.  Olwe hears Mando's words, and his eyes widen.  His astral body relaxes, and he breathes, "Tilion.  Thank the Valar."
"Lord Manwe has granted your wish, and that of Isil's Maia. You will not reside in my Hall this day."

"Then, it will be with Tilion, my soul will reside when it is shed of flesh?" Too late, as soon as he voices this, does he realize he is now shorn of flesh.

"Go back.   Go back to your People and to those that love you, gentle Elf."  Mandos looks at the Teleri King once more, turns and returns to his Hall.

The Words "Go back." have their force, and Olwe, unable to control, or defy Mandos in this place, is flung backwards...away from the hall, from the sound of elven voice...but...to where?

From his throne, Mandos watches as Olwe is removed from his doorstep, and wonders again. "Who is this one?  How has he come to be so favored?"

> Next    

Fireside Chat -- Taking Your Character to the Next Level

< Previous    
Present:

AelKennyr Rhiano 

Fifi Wickentower   

Shawn Daysleeper 

Lihan Taifun           

Summary:

Olwë's Ritual went well. Some people didn't come to Alqualondë because they didn't want to part with their special-effects HUDs. But without HUDs, the roleplay was quite enjoyable, with people reacting to events, rather than spending all their time showing off their toys. The pace was good, with events moving along, but everyone had time to speak their reactions. We got through a long and complicated ritual in one hour, thanks to careful pre-planning.

Part of the good role-playing was because, with strict script limitations, people had to think about which clothes, animations, and effects were most important for their character.

Using Linfëa as an example, we notices how Fifi describes her, with specific characteristics, definite personality traits, motivations and opinions, and a personal history. “When you know your character THAT well, are THAT certain of what she will or won't do...you will always play her in character.”

We notice that we portray the Ainur as younger-looking than some people have.

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Well, anyway....how does everyone feel Post Ritual?

Shawn Daysleeper:  I feel great :)

AelKennyr Rhiano:  What made the ritual a success in your opinion? Rather...what went well about it?

Lihan Taifun:            I'm glad we found a way to make it fit with the Tolkien universe

AelKennyr Rhiano nods. What else?

Fifi Wickentower:    because of the planning the execution was smooth

AelKennyr Rhiano nods. and Whew! :P

Fifi Wickentower:    and lag free :DD

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yay!

Shawn Daysleeper:  It is amazing we all managed to agree on the ritual process and the content included

AelKennyr Rhiano:  True, Shawn.

Lihan Taifun:            yes, by the end, the content was decided amazingly quickly

Fifi Wickentower:    yes shawn. thought there would be a few more ppl observing tho

Lihan Taifun:            true, I expected more observers, too

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Well, Fifi, some people "objected" to the requirements to attend the rp.

Fifi Wickentower:    oh? surely not 'our ppl'

AelKennyr Rhiano:  No, not one of ours

Fifi Wickentower:    they couldn't wear all the stuffs?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  But I did have to im a resident and ask him to take off all his huds.

Lihan Taifun:            the "low lag" requirements. or the "stick to the agenda" requirements?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes :PPP

Fifi Wickentower:    XD !LOL! ‚òÖ . . prolly both

AelKennyr Rhiano:  More the low lag requirements.

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya the sim handled the ritual so well :)

Fifi Wickentower:    i have talked to ppl who are either afraid to go to arador now or refuse to modify their things at all

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Some people were so convinced that the sim could not handle 20, they were not even going to try.

Fifi Wickentower:    no comment whisper in my ear who???? Fifi Wickentower giggles

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Although we have had 20 on this sim SEVERAL times with no restrictions whatsoever.

Fifi Wickentower:    we had a ball! with gowns and jewels and dancing

Lihan Taifun:            If you can't roleplay without all your gadgets, you don't know how to roleplay

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya, agreed Lihan. I find all the HUDs and such distracting

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I am glad you said that , Lihan. Because the ritual did point out the topic of tonight's discussion Did any of you notice some I did on Friday night?

Fifi Wickentower:    you took your ears off?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  When people did not have their rp huds and toys to rely upon...some of them actually emoted some. They actually responded to the rp instead of dazzle us with their spells or their huds

Lihan Taifun:            I noticed some did more "thinking"

Fifi Wickentower:    since i know nothing of huds . . i don't know the lazy mans way

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Dominque used a hud

Fifi Wickentower:    for her prayer ani's?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  that was how she was able to bless the ritual for example, yes

Shawn Daysleeper:  yes

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Everyone seemed to think more of those who commented.

Lihan Taifun:            it wasn't Dom's job, there, to be "reacting", it was her job to be leading

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Those of you who have rp in Sylvahara...was there a difference in the pace of the rp? Did it seem more natural or relaxed?

Shawn Daysleeper:  I think the ritual was more organized and easier to rp. I was very confused in Sylvhara and did not know when I could say anything without disrupting the rp

AelKennyr Rhiano:  We had 11 people rping, and every one of the 11 spoke up at least ONCE in the rp. No one talked over another.

Fifi Wickentower:    yes

AelKennyr Rhiano:  The rp was not at breakneck speed.

Fifi Wickentower:    even linfea got a small word in

AelKennyr Rhiano:  More than once she had a presence.

Fifi Wickentower:    but it didn't go on and on

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes

Fifi Wickentower:    the rp in general . . i was a bit surprised at how fast it did go, around an hour

AelKennyr Rhiano:  The rp was quite sophisticated.....me, too, actually.

Lihan Taifun:            I was worried the scripted parts might be going too fast, but I guess people did get their comments in

Fifi Wickentower:    my thought at one point was 'is it too much all at once? or would some of the longer paragraphs be better split in 2

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Not one person complained about the pace.

Fifi Wickentower:    wow!!! that is something!

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya it was a good pace, and a lot was said and done in the hour

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes!

Lihan Taifun:            had everyone read it in advance?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  nope

Shawn Daysleeper:  because of good prep and organisation technique

Fifi Wickentower:    i would have like a tad more 'energy' from comet in the way of an animation here and there

AelKennyr Rhiano:  But everyone had access to it...so there was no excuse.

Shawn Daysleeper:  nods

AelKennyr Rhiano:  However...she emoted more than she usually does.

Fifi Wickentower:    but i have to say the look on her face was suitably unhappy, at times she looked almost bilious which was perfect considering

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I thought so, too. She did every well.

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya, everyone did well

AelKennyr Rhiano:  And she added touches which further defined her relationship to Olwe.

Fifi Wickentower:    so this was quite the departure? from their usual ways?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  OMG, yes

Lihan Taifun:            what made the difference?

Fifi Wickentower:    i know nothing you know :) i have never had anything to do with that sim. well . . good show then . .

AelKennyr Rhiano:  That is a good question...what did make the difference?

Shawn Daysleeper:  maybe she was livening up her character

AelKennyr Rhiano:  For one thing...they had to decide what was essential to their character in the way of huds...clothes...special effects. yes, Shawn.

Fifi Wickentower:    having to rely on their own creativity?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes Thursday night Dominque came here and she picked and chose carefully the animations she would need.

Fifi Wickentower:    she was masterful. she carried the rp

AelKennyr Rhiano:  She rehearsed and thought about her character would do. She did carry her part very well. Shawn and Lihan rehearse their quick change. Chose where they would stand.

Fifi Wickentower:    this is repertory at it's best

AelKennyr Rhiano:  How they would walk down.

Shawn Daysleeper smiles

Fifi Wickentower:    the special effects all were smooth. some how i missed the blood

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Really? it was great

Fifi Wickentower:    at the time . .yes. and i was right in there close up with the cam throughout. never saw it

Lihan Taifun:            I fixed that on the blog .....

AelKennyr Rhiano:  And someone was thoughtful enough to make it disappear when it needed to

Fifi Wickentower:    did i get a pic? of it?

Lihan Taifun:            no, but I fixed that

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I did. I got 2 pictures of t

Fifi Wickentower:    and when you said the blood is all gone . . i thought you were rp'ing it for fun

AelKennyr Rhiano:  fixed what?

Lihan Taifun:            the picture of Comet crying over Olwe's dead body didn't have any blood

AelKennyr Rhiano:  oh! eep

Lihan Taifun:            so I photoshopped it in

AelKennyr Rhiano:  oops lol YAY, Lihan!

Fifi Wickentower:    XD !LOL! ‚òÖ good then . . . . that's why i thought it wasn't my shot

Lihan Taifun:            you edit notecards, I can edit the photos. "what should have happened"

AelKennyr Rhiano:  And boy am I glad!

Fifi Wickentower:    i'm the sneaky snapper as bel call me

Shawn Daysleeper:  nice

Lihan Taifun:            it is great having all Fifi's pictures to choose from

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes! and I need to post a thank you to all those who gave me photos

Fifi Wickentower:    love to take them. shawn knows:)

Shawn Daysleeper:  hehe

AelKennyr Rhiano:  The ritual is a good example of how to take your rp character to the next level. Now that you have been through this rather big rp...and all that led up to it...how has your rp character changed? Part of making your rp character "be true to itself" is that over time the character will grow, change, be influenced by what has happened to it.

Lihan Taifun:            Nienna does more comedy now

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya and so does Irmo

AelKennyr Rhiano:  She has learned humor ? OR does she know she can be funny yet?

Lihan Taifun:            Nienna still doesn't know it is humor. I am learning that

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Sometimes we learn and grow along with our character.

Shawn Daysleeper:  yes I agree

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Let's take Linfea... A wind of Manwe. What is she like, Fifi?

Fifi Wickentower:    well . . . .she doesn't interact much with anyone except Manwe. she is capricious and aloof

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Do the Children of Illuvatar interest her much?

Fifi Wickentower:    she watches, tho. somewhat . .she is aware of olwe . .and that is why she felt compelled to tell manwe about the odd goings on

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Soo...... AelKennyr Rhiano smiles at Fifi...She is not SO aloof, after all.

Fifi Wickentower:    but as for regular interaction with the children? like elwing or euchir? not so much . .she is their in a pinch for a moment and then gone. she remembers olwe from the beginning times

AelKennyr Rhiano:  She made a decision to deliver Dominque's case...and Elwing... nod nod nod And that was why she was there? She remembers him ?

Lihan Taifun:            and she did come to the ritual, and not just as a detached observer

Fifi Wickentower:    she isn't exactly a 'fond' type person . . . but she is curious . . very very curious when things are different than normal she will notice. it was a case of several odd occurances all happening around the same time

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Now, I'll ask you all to stop and consider what we have learned of Linfea...

Fifi Wickentower:    she might be petitioned . . dom is fairly good at getting her attention but not in the person to person way . yet

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Given all that was said in these few minutes...what are some of the ways Fifi could develop Linfea further?

Fifi Wickentower:    and she is also aware of nole . . she has played trickes on him over the centuries

AelKennyr Rhiano:  How can Linfea "grow" as a rp character?

Fifi Wickentower:    XD !LOL! ‚òÖ does she want to?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Go, fifi!

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya hehe

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I was hoping you would say that!

Shawn Daysleeper:  play more tricks on Nole

Lihan Taifun:            she thinks she is detached and aloof from the elves, but she notices them, and she helps out when she is really needed

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes, she does, Lihan.

Fifi Wickentower:    one would think that there would have to be something much greater than olwe's trial to get her to personally get involved

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I don't

Fifi Wickentower:    she spends so much time at sea . . things on land aren't always of interest to her

Lihan Taifun:            she doesn't have much of an attention span :) but she has already gotten involved several times

Fifi Wickentower:    well . .the elven maid fell on her

AelKennyr Rhiano:  For an Ainu...a Wind of Manwe to be there...one known to be "out to sea"

Fifi Wickentower:    and the cleric littered

Shawn Daysleeper:  lol

Fifi Wickentower giggles

AelKennyr Rhiano:  But you said it yourself...she remembered Olwe from the early days. Here is the point, too...Fifi, to her credit...

Fifi Wickentower:    she doesn't actively care or not care . .at this point she is not engaged . .but she was witness to the ritual . .and partly on behalf of manwe. she remembers all ^^

AelKennyr Rhiano nods

Fifi Wickentower:    the wind is neutral. sorta

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Fifi did not describe Linfea in broad, abstract, or vague terms. Note how she speaks of Linfea. definite characteristics. Definite personality traits. A personal history. Motivations.

Fifi Wickentower:    oh yes . . .she is multi-dmensional and had great depth in her realm. i sense that the only way, in the end , for the darkness to be repelled is to have another great song

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Compare what we have heard from her about Linfea to someone who always plays their character the same way, day in, day out...who really has more of a one dimensional rp character.. We hear opinions, thoughts...beliefs.

Fifi Wickentower:    and she would happily participate in that for she spends a great deal of time singing the praises of illuvatr

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Well, then...she is not aloof. :P

Fifi Wickentower:    not to the creator . . she just has no personal friendships with the children

Lihan Taifun:            I was really impressed that she picked up on the "Nasie"

Shawn Daysleeper smiles

AelKennyr Rhiano:  To me, that spoke volumes

Fifi Wickentower:    ty :)

AelKennyr Rhiano:  More so because she has no personal stake in the Children, outside of remembering Olwe

Fifi Wickentower:    yes . .that is so . .that is what i mean

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Does this all make sense...what I am saying?

Fifi Wickentower:    well , . . she knows of nole . .not by name but as one who . .maybe by his scent or the chord of his being . . is familiar to her from his traveling the seas

Shawn Daysleeper:  yes it does

AelKennyr Rhiano:  When you know your character THAT well, are THAT certain of what she will or won't do...you will always play her in character.

Lihan Taifun:            yes, it makes sense

Fifi Wickentower:    we are one :D

AelKennyr Rhiano:  And when you are that comfortable with your character, your likelihood of metagaming or godmoddng does way down.

Fifi Wickentower:    that is why , when phoenix created her he really 'got ' me . . it was a perfect fit

Lihan Taifun:            Linfea goes shoe shopping?

Fifi Wickentower:    linfea doesn't have a form so she takes on whatever form she wishes . . .she is curious and at times will take on the form of the current inhabitants so as to know a little more

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Linfea is not callous...the Children are simply not a consideration for her unless they make themselves so. IF they interest her, she will be curious and engaged. Otherwise...shoe shopping ...winks at Fifi.

Shawn Daysleeper:  hehe

AelKennyr Rhiano:  lol the point is ...Fifi "gets" Linfea.

Fifi Wickentower:    correct . .she is not callous . .she doesn't care because she is 'uncaring' she just has no reason to be engaged . . they all come and go and look alike to her . . .she is all over the plac too and sees realms with dragons and fae and the merfolk and beings that are unknown to the children

Fifi Wickentower:    i have a prob with the new shoes . .:P it breaks the ankle when i sit and the maker will hear from me

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Lihan said both she and Nienna are starting to get humor.... ?

Fifi Wickentower:    linfea thinks the children are all funny, and she also thinks the valar are stuffy

AelKennyr Rhiano:  lol

Fifi Wickentower:    :D

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Except Ulmo...he's all wet! hahaha

Fifi Wickentower:    she is all too familiar with the councils of her brothers and sisters

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Shawn, what about Irmo? Has he changed? Has the ritual changed him or our perception of him?

Shawn Daysleeper:  yes, he is learning about how to be like the children

Fifi Wickentower:    yes!!!! he is and he is grumpy and osse is grumpy and she is playful and more child-like

AelKennyr Rhiano:  There is that, we must consider.. Hey, if you had to deal with Osse, you would be grumpy too!

Fifi Wickentower:    and they all look old

Shawn Daysleeper:  lol

Fifi Wickentower:    i know that age is meant to confer wisdom, but sheesh . . .who ever heard of an old angel

AelKennyr Rhiano:  But you know, fifi..Irmo does not look old

Fifi Wickentower:    ancient yes

AelKennyr Rhiano:  nor does Nienna, or Ulmo

Fifi Wickentower:    no he doesn't

AelKennyr Rhiano:  or Mandos

Fifi Wickentower:    okay . . stand corrected :)

Shawn Daysleeper:  lol

Fifi Wickentower:    they just act old, fuddy duddy

AelKennyr Rhiano:  no, I mean, I just realized that.

Fifi Wickentower:    hahahaha

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Past people in those roles did make them look old. Why didn't we?

Fifi Wickentower:    yep

Shawn Daysleeper:  really?

Fifi Wickentower:    because we get it?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I think we do. yes, really Shawn

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya I definately make Irmo look younger

Fifi Wickentower:    aging only happening to mortals . . .and anyway . . . when interacting with non eternals . . they always equate age with knowdge

Shawn Daysleeper:  Irmo can take whatever form he wants

Fifi Wickentower:    any of the ainur can . .we have no form

AelKennyr Rhiano:  There is no right or wrong answer...

Shawn Daysleeper:  I just see him as younger I guess

AelKennyr Rhiano:  this was meant to be a discussion.

Shawn Daysleeper:  oh ok whew

AelKennyr Rhiano:  hahaha

Lihan Taifun:            I always thought of Irmo as young-looking

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I like that he is.

Shawn Daysleeper blushes

AelKennyr Rhiano:  I like how Ted presented Manwe, too

Lihan Taifun:            oh yes, that is a good look for Manwe

AelKennyr Rhiano:  That was more Manwe to me.

Shawn Daysleeper:  yes I liked his look :)

AelKennyr Rhiano:  and I love how Nienna looks.

Fifi Wickentower:    the stern thing tho . . a little over done. nienna is always lovely

Shawn Daysleeper:  yes

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yeah, I do agree, Fifi

Lihan Taifun:            I dress Nienna a lot less bleak than Tolkien does

AelKennyr Rhiano:  And Linfea looks like a wind...and acts it too

Fifi Wickentower:    the ainur are about love and creation :)

Lihan Taifun:            Linfea really acts like a wind :)

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Well, after 4 Ages...it is time for a new look! hahaha

Fifi Wickentower:    lol! i am linfea and she is me , or I, whatevas, and often off in her own dream

Shawn Daysleeper:  be careful there is a teacher here

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Know what is cool? hahaha

Fifi Wickentower:    huh? what where?? looks around in alarm

AelKennyr Rhiano:  What is cool is that our best rpers show up here weekly. They are the ones people follow. I have had people tell me they are keeping a folder of your rps.

Lihan Taifun:            wow

Shawn Daysleeper smiles. awesome :)

Fifi Wickentower:    and then the blog!! i may be able to let them go from sl inventory

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Nienna and Irmo are quite popular. Some want to see more of Linfea. they are stars along with olwe

Fifi Wickentower:    oh?

Lihan Taifun:            with SL acting the way it is, I'm glad there is a backup of our archives

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Others "fuss " because Tilion still has not made an effort to see Olwe >.<

Shawn Daysleeper:  yay :)

Fifi Wickentower:    she will have her moment i am sure . .this last part with the ritual i never felt that it was for her . . .

AelKennyr Rhiano:  And poor Nimros!

Fifi Wickentower:    poor poor nimros, or will he be turned?

AelKennyr Rhiano blushes...there are a few ladies who ...are very upset with his situation.

Lihan Taifun covers her eyes. "Poor Nimros!"

AelKennyr Rhiano:  HE may be turned.

Fifi Wickentower:    oh? . . they are concerned that he might be too 'enticed'? by the creepy gwen?

AelKennyr Rhiano:  A couple want to...erm...rescue him.

Shawn Daysleeper:  ya poor Nimros

Lihan Taifun:            he doesn' t have any defenses

AelKennyr Rhiano:  rght

Fifi Wickentower:    does he want to be rescued?

Lihan Taifun:            he wouldn't know any better

AelKennyr Rhiano:  he does not

Lihan Taifun:            rescued? he doesn't know he is in trouble!

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Well, I know that, you know tht... I am not sure "rescue" is the proper word...:PPP

Fifi Wickentower:    well . . then . . he might succumb to the charms of the dark elf

Shawn Daysleeper:  oh no!

Fifi Wickentower:    and once she has his 'essence' then look out

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes, we know well how it goes when an elf is corrupted.

Fifi Wickentower:    and look what happened to poor olwe! and olwe is far closer to the ainur and the Undying Lands than young Nimros

AelKennyr Rhiano:  nod nod nod

AelKennyr Rhiano:  What shall we talk about next time?

Shawn Daysleeper:  this was a good discussion

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Yes, it was...thank you

Fifi Wickentower:    I am so happy to be a small part of this !

Lihan Taifun:            yes, good discussion

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Thank you for letting me pick on Linfea

Fifi Wickentower:    you picked on her/me?

Shawn Daysleeper:  yes, I am happy to be part of this too

Fifi Wickentower:    missed tha part

AelKennyr Rhiano:  heh heh I used her for the discussion

Fifi Wickentower:    i'll huff and pff and Blow your house down !

AelKennyr Rhiano:  hahah EEEEK

Shawn Daysleeper:  hehe

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Any suggestions for next week?

Fifi Wickentower:    remeber too . . that as mild and capricious as she appears to be . . there is power untold within her. get on her bad side and well . . just don't :D

Lihan Taifun:            I don't even know what kinds of topics exist

Shawn Daysleeper:  hmmm thinking, we could continue this topic

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Whatever you would like to explore...

Fifi Wickentower:    pick on linfea topic? works for me!

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Well, since you are all playing Ainur, and I do, too, and others pick very "strong" rp characters.. Let's talk about being "tough enough."

Shawn Daysleeper:  that is a good idea

Fifi Wickentower:    okay . . nt surewhat that looks like so a good one

AelKennyr Rhiano:  WE will find out together :)

Lihan Taifun:            someday we need to learn how to do -- if not battles -- then conflicts, use of force

Fifi Wickentower:    smiles happily

AelKennyr Rhiano:  yes, Let's start looking at that topic.

Lihan Taifun:            how much house-blowing-down can Linfea do?

Fifi Wickentower:    i can make a typhoon! or hurricane, or tornado

Shawn Daysleeper:  wow

Lihan Taifun:            but if you made a hurricane in the middle of a RP ....

Fifi Wickentower:    or capsize and becalm ships, only when called for . .not because of a personal hissy fit!

AelKennyr Rhiano:  Just because you "can"...the question is "Should you?"

Shawn Daysleeper:  Nole will have to watch out

Fifi Wickentower:    then they would have to rp through it? of course . . just offering :) not threatening

AelKennyr Rhiano:  heh heh no, no it was a good example

Fifi Wickentower:    do it my way or i will blow you all down! but thinks of a few areas that might need a nice storm because i just don't like them

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