RP 🎲 Arnor ~ The Summer of 44

[Vardarianna]

Note:



Please do not post in this thread as it is a 1x1 collaboration between Halasian and I.
If you have any questions about it, please ask them in the Arnor ~ The Summer of 44 OOC Thread.​

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Vardarianna and Mercain

Annúminas City
Loëndë 44 IV​

Vardarianna was excited to be in the old great city of Elendil for the Mid Year's Celebration this year. She had come north eight years before when she was a child, and the work being done then had her in awe. It was also a time of bonding with her father, for mother stayed in Gondor then with her little brother, and she was expecting their third child. Word would come from the south as they traveled back to Gondor that Eldariën was born healthy, and Vardarianna now had a little sister.

Before, the work had begun reclaiming the old, abandoned buildings that were never destroyed, but had merely fell into decay over the centuries. Now, so much had changed. Where there were lichen and ivy overgrowing walls and streets now were cleaned so the hands of craftsmen of old could be seen and wondered about. With the restoration of the Royal Palace by the lake undergoing its finishing touches, they would reside there until they depart for Gondor when the signs of autumn came.

Today though was Mid Year's Day. The shoreline of Lake Evendim to the west of the city was tended and became the parkland that had been envisioned long ago by King Elendur. Then, work had paused, for the resources were turned to building Fornost Erain on the western reach of the North Downs. Now with the parkland finished and a tournament ground prepared to the south, this celebration would be one to be remembered.

The day began with the rising of the sun in a cloudless blue sky, and as the rays stretched yellow over the blue waters of the lake; the green grasses of the parkland, with great shadows stretching west from the tall structures of the city, they were greeted by Vardarianna who sat by the water's edge. She had wandered out before dawn to admire the stars of Varda, different in this northern sky, and though a light dew had made her damp with chill, she remained in the quiet as the city awakened. Quiet. This festival day had even the workers step away from their projects, and the fair began to come to life with the cooking of food and the brewing of beverage.

As the sun lit the dark hair that hung limply around her face and shoulders, Vardarianna lay back in the wet grass and stretched before coming to her feet. She felt so at peace here in the north, and the joy of the day was just beginning. As she walked back to the royal palace, Vardarianna greeted people she passed by, and would talk with the vendors setting up their stalls in the market. Pausing to breath in the exotic aroma of a brew at one stall, a merchant with a distinct Pelargirian accent offered her a small cup.

"Do you miss the aroma?" he asked as a gleam of silver in his blue-grey eyes looked past her.

"It has been long since I have smelled the brewed Haradian mountain bean. My mother was gifted some years ago, and I remember its distinct smell." Vardarianna held the cup up and breathed in the steam. It was invigorating just from its warmth. With a slight sip, Vardarianna breathed out sharply. "Bitter. I had never tasted it before; only smelled its aroma."

"I can tell you that it gives a whole new perspective on the day. let it cool some and drink it down m'lady."

Vardarianna spoke with the merchant for several moments, admiring him for coming all this way for the city's Mid-Year festival. She learned his name was Maemaitë and he was thirty-three years of age, and he had been born blind. He was the first of many interesting people she would meet this day.

When he went quiet and turned his head slightly, Vardarianna turned her head to see Sinsimelle, one of her maidservants, approach.

"Lady Vardarianna, your father calls for you to dine with him for breakfast. He sent me out to find you when it was discovered you were not in the palace."

"And found my you have." she replied before turning back to Maemaitë. "Thank you for your brew, kind sir. I hope to see you around later."
"M'lady... for you." said as his hand took hers for a brief moment. Vardarianna withdrew her hand and looked at what he had given her before quickly slipping it into a pocket of her dress.

She gave him a nod as he turned to a couple men who had walked up to his stall. "He seems strange." Sinsimelle said, but Vardarianna laughed lightly. "There are many different people in this world Sinsimelle. Have you met any of the halflings?" The two women talked much as they walked back to the royal palace.

When they arrived, her father was there at the table with another man she recognzed from her last visit north. Her sigh did not prevent her father from giving her a scowl as he dismissed Sinsimelle. Once the servant had left, Aragorn turned to his daughter. "Young lady, what did I say about wandering off unattended?"

"Father, I assure you that I can look after myself."

"Of that I am sure Varda. But all the same, you must have an escort with you. The darkness may have receded in this land, but it does not mean you can run about as you see fit."

Vardarianna sighed as she eyed Mecarnil who stood quietly by his side. She was feeling stimulated and knew that maybe drinking Haradian brew on an empty stomach was not the best thing to do. "I promise I remain aware and observant..."

"As you have been taught, yes, I know. Still, I have assigned..."

"Dad! I don't need one of your guards shadowing me whenever I decide to go out." Vardarianna eyed the man coldly. He stood expressionless, and she tried to place him in her thoughts as to where she had seen him before...

"Varda! You know it is protocol! Now, this is so ordered, and I will know if you try and..."

"I get it dad." Vardarianna retorted as she threw her hair back and walked by the two men to go sit at the table to eat breakfast.

 

[Halasían]

Mecarnil and Mercain

Mecarnil and his wife and son had come to live in Annúminas as it was reclaimed from the ravages of time. He worked as a local hand of King Aragorn in the north, and it was great tidings when he learned that King Aragorn would be visiting with his daughter, Princess Vardarianna. He had met her once before when she was a child, and he remembered how displeased his son Mercain was having to 'entertain' the younger Vardarianna that summer. Now, twenty-two years of age and having joined the Northern Army, he may or may not have opinions of the duty he was about to get assigned.

Having met with King Aragorn and the city architects about the progress being made in the city's restoration as the northern capitol the night before; the new day had both he and Mercain summoned to the royal residence. Mercain stood at ease in his informal dress uniform as Mecarnil was neat, yet a bit more casual. Having ridden to war with Aragorn afforded him some leeway that was not afforded those who had not.

"You have done well with your training, son. Have you been given new orders by your commander?" Mecarnil eyed his son, giving his dress a casual inspection.

Mercain kept his parade rest stance as he answered. "No sir. I was assigned to the temporary duty roster."

"That is good." Mecarnil stepped back and picked up his surcoat and put it on. "I believe your temporary duty will be to King Aragorn while he is here."

Mercain cleared his throat. "It will be a great honour to directly serve the king, sir."

"You should know that I highly suspect you to be part of the family's personal guard."

Mercain took a deeper breath and nodded once in acknowledgement. "Yes sir."


The walk to the royal lodging was short, and though the sun was bright and rising, clouds thick and grey loomed to the north and west. As they arrived, Mercain went to report to the house commander with a few other young soldiers to await their assigned duties. Mecarnil was escorted to the king's residence where he was met by Aragorn.

Mae govannen brethren." Aragorn greeted him and they clasped wrists. "

"Thank you for allowing me to request your son for duty to my house.

"He told me it was a great honour m'lord. And I am honoured also by your request." Mecarnil turned and walked beside Aragorn as he led then to a dining table.

"You will dine with me this morning?"

"I will be delighted to dine breakfast with you..." Mecarnil started to answer but paused when voices of two women could be heard approaching. Aragorn to turn his attention to them as they walked into the room.


Mecarnil stepped back and stood quietly with his hands behind his back as he listened to and watched the dynamics play out between father and daughter. He gave her a polite nod when she looked his way, but otherwise remained still. When Lady Vardarianna went to sit at the table, Aragorn gave him a look of parental frustration. Nodding his head slightly, Mecarnil remembered a few times when Mercain tested he and his mother's will.

"Come join me and my daughter, Lady Vardarianna." Aragorn said and they went to join Vardarianna at the table.


The talk was mostly about when the whole family had come to visit the north, and toward the end of the meal, Aragorn again brought up assigning Vardarianna a personal guard...

 

[Vardarianna]

Annúminas - Loëndë - 44 IV​

Vardarianna took in the Dunedain ranger that had fought in the war with her father, and she gave him a polite smile. Remembering him in Gondor when she was a child, he and her mother spoke much of the days before her birth... the war, the loss of so many in all the lands, and the healing in the days after.

As he and her father conversed about the future of the northern realm, Mecarnil spoke of the progress of the many restorations works that had commenced. Vardarianna was mostly quiet and listened intently.

"I am impressed with the new bridge being built in Tharbad." she said, figuring she should get into the conversation. Her interest in the engineering of the old works had built her interest in possible new works and renovations here in the north, and so this subject was quite interesting to her.

But when her father brought up the subject of a personal guard for her, she frowned. She looked to Mecarnil and sighed. "I really don't think it necessary dad..." she cut herself off as she glanced to Mecarnil. Was her father assigning him to be her personal guard?

"As I said dear daughter, it is necessary. Don't worry, I have much for Mecarnil to do for me here. Bu this son Mercain has taken up duty with my household, and after I talk to him, I will be assigning him to the duty."

"Mercain?"

"Do you not remember Mercain? You and he played together when you were children..."

"Oh, I remember him..." Vardarianna had a neutral expression as she turned her cup in her hand. Resigning herself to not being able to talk her dad out of this, she reluctantly said, "If I must have someone to watch over me, it may as well be someone I know."

"Then it's settled." Aragorn said as he finished his tea.

Vardarianna then stood up, prompting Mecarnil to stand. "I would ask to be excused, for I wish to get myself ready for this day. Have my guard report as soon as possible, because I'm not waiting around to enjoy this Mid Year's Day."

Aragorn nodded and as Vardarianna turned to leave, she quickly gave Mecarnil a soft curtsey before she disappeared out into the hall. She wasn't going to have her 'personal guard' ruin her day...

 

[Halasían]

Mecarnil

Mecarnil was stoic; ever so polite and one to adhere to protocol. He did at times wonder if he should be more formal with the king, but it seemed Aragorn liked the comfort when his brethren from before the war kept it somewhat informal. But in the presence of Lady Arwen and the children, Mecarnil kept his place and to formality. He gave Lady Vardarianna a bow of the head as she departed.

After the princess left the room, he looked to King Aragorn and raised an eyebrow. "A spirited one she is. Do I sense some angst there?"

"You do indeed. She's a bit sore about the law of succession of Gondor after spending too much time in the library archives reading accounts of old Numenor." Aragorn sipped his tea before setting the cup down and standing up. "Come with me to my study. Darhilas has returned from Pelargir and will have much to share."

Mecarnil nodded his head. "Darhilas. He was the only one to stay on with you after the war. It has been long since I saw him."

"He stayed on and has been invaluable to me, but I fear he is thinking of retiring. His wound has been giving him trouble for a while now." Aragorn walked into the hall and Mecarnil followed. Aragorn paused a step so they could walk side-by-side before he went on. "Hanasian had been afield with his free company working for me... the kingdom for decades. I heard about Durian. He was always on edge, but I think he would have handled things had he not gotten the news of his wife and child right after the war. Have you been in contact with him?"

"Not in many years... maybe ten." Mecarnil scratched his chin as he thought. "He was working on the Tharbad Bridge and seemed to be steady, but he abruptly quit and went wandering. The last I talked to him was after I bailed him out of the Combe watch house after he got in a fight with some local men at the Blue Trout Tavern."

"Losing Sirenna broke something in him." Aragorn shook his head.

"Yes, the war never got out of his head either. Last I heard was rumour he was living in an old cabin in east Chetwood near the marshes. It’s pretty inaccessible, but I should try and check on the place..."


The talk carried on even more once they were joined by Darhilas. It only came to an end when Lady Arwen came to find her husband to remind him they had to make an appearance to commence the Loëndë festivities.

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Mercain

Mercain had reported to the Captain of the Royal Guard and he was mustered in to their ranks with other new inductees before they all went into a small auditorium. The young men had all received their first assignment to the Royal Guard, and they all were nervous. There were six of them, and they expected the captain to come out and assign them. Instead, a greyed, rough-looking man in field greys walked in with a stack of parchments.

"Lisiten up." he said as he stood before them. "I am Farbarad, and I have been tasked to get you boys situated and settled into your new roles. Now I'm not one for speeches, but I will say this. There is no tolerance of shirkers. None. Screw up one time and you get assigned to the northern watch for a year."

Farbarad gave a couple iof the guys a long stare, as if he was reading their thoughts before he started calling out names. As each was named, they would come and take their official order. The four before him were assigned to the grounds perimeter. The fifth name was to be read, Farbarad hesitated as he looked at the parchment.

"Mercain. You get special duty?" He glanced at the parchment again before looking back to Mercain. "You're Mecarnil's boy, yes?"

"Yes sir, I am." Mercain stood still.

"Your dad and I go way back. We had the watch of Cardolan together before the war. Anyway, you are to report to the King's House. Remember, no mater who your father is, no shirkers."

Taking the parchment, Mercain went back in line before he read it. With the last name assigned, Farbarad dismissed us to report to our duty officer.


Mercain made his way to the royal house, and upon his admittance, was escorted to the duty officer. He didn't realize he would run into Lady Vardarianna on the way...

 

[Vardarianna]

Vardarianna had gone to her chambers and prepared herself for the day. Not wanting to appear 'royal', she opted for a simple yet intricate dress to allow herself to appear more 'common'. It would be her father's insistence on her having an escort that would likely inhibit any such illusion though.​

Not wishing to wait any longer, she left her chambers and strode down the hallway and down toward the front doors. If she was quick enough, She would be out amongst the faire alone, not yet burdened by the personal guard her father insisted upon.

She was nearly out when she glanced over to the house captain's office. Pausing to have a second look, Vardarianna was taken aback for the briefest of moments before she sighed and asked questioningly, "Mercian?"

Walking up to him, she brushed some lint from his surcoat as she said, "You need to appear less formal if you are indeed assigned to be my personal guard. Should I go in with you and request that you be my personal guard?"

She smiled slightly as fond memories from when they were children came to mind. They hadn't seen each other in a long time. “I would much prefer it be you, someone I know and is around my age than one of the senior officers of the Royal Guard.”

Putting her hands together in front of her and entwining her fingers, she gave Mercain a coy look, as if should she get her way, there could be a lot of fun to be had.

 

[Halasían]

Mercain

_____________________________________________​

Annúminas - Royal Palace
Loëndë - 44 IV

Mercain sighed even as he felt somewhat embarrassed. It had been a while since they had seen each other, but it was clear none of Vardarianna's spirit had waned. coming to a parade rest stance, he bowed his head.

"M'lady." was all he said at first. According to her, it seemed she had already made her mind up about this. His father said my assignment to the Royal House would likely be this duty. But Mercain hoped he may get a different assignment.

"I thank the for your kind offer, but I would like to have the duty officer give my assignment unweighted." He met her eyes despite trying to remain formal, and he could see that look she had. "I should ..." he was interrupted as a Royal House officer stomped out of the duty officer's office. He got a glare from the officer before he gave Lady Vardarianna a bowed head and stormed off. He hardly had a chance to turn when he was summoned.

"Mercain!" the duty officer bellowed. He gave Lady Vardarianna a side look before stepping in. He wasn't in there long before he stepped out. "Well, he already had me assigned to you which made that officer mad. So I have a mark on my back with the guard starting with day one."

He wasn't sure what to do at first so he reread his assignment order. He then looked to Vardarianna. "I am your personal guard, and am to accompany you wherever you go outside the palace. We should probably talk about this somewhere besides the hall outside the duty officer's door."

 

[Vardarianna]

Vardarianna giggled at Mercain's announcement. "You know I prefer you Mercain. I know you, and you're around my age. Farbarad was going to try and get this guy twice my age the job. He was nice as he in my dad's personal guard, but I got a creepy feeling thinking he would be close at hand at all times.

She looked down from Mercain and shook her head before looking back up to him and smiling coyly. "I'm heading out to the markets before I get called upon by dad and mom for the Loëndë ceremony. Can you lose the jacket for now, so you don't look so official while we walk around? Please?"

She didn't wait for him. She had been more or less free to go about the city until today. If Mercain was to perform his assigned duties, he would have to learn to keep up with her. With a swirl of her skirt and a playful look back over her shoulder, she giggled again before heading around the corner and down the stairs to the front door.

 

[Halasían]

​

Mercain

​

Mercian could see that his new duty would have him trying to keep up with the princess on a lot of levels. In that way she hadn't changed from when they were children playing in the woods of Emyn Arnen when his father was visiting Lord Steward Faramir. She now was clearly of the opinion that her father's demand that she be accompanied by a personal guard was no more than a parental weight being hung around her neck. Still, the job was his, and he didn't want things to go sideways his first day, let alone the first hour.

He was quick to hang his military jacket and as he ran down the stairs to catch up to Vardarianna, he loosened his vest. He was clearly trying to appease the woman while not appearing to be out of uniform. He would have to seek clarity from the commander of the House Guard as to what was acceptable attire for such an assignment.

"Hey.... hold up a moment." Mercian called out as it seemed Varadrianna was teasing him and trying to ditch him. Taking it up as a challenge, he stepped aside and cut behind a merchant's stall and quickly came around. It worked. As she was busy looking back, he stepped up behind her.

"These scarves are quite nice, aren't that..." He pulled one out to let it unfurl as she turned around. "Don't try and ditch me again please."

_____________________________________________


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Mecarnil

​

"You're looking lovely as ever m'lady." Mecarnil said as Queen Arwen descended the stairs to meet Aragorn. She smiled slightly as she nodded her acknowledgement to him.

"You flatter me Lord Mecarnil of Cardolan." She quipped, wondering of Aragorn had mentioned that she was with child ... their fifth. "It is always nice to see you. Will you be here in Minas Tirith long?" she asked as one of her ladies adjusted her cloak.

"I have no solid plans to return to Tharbad just yet." Mecarnal squinted an eye as the other's eyebrow raised slightly, curious why she asked.

"Good." she replied as she and Mecarnil turned their head to Aragorn as he walked into the parlour from the hall to their left. "I assumed you would accompany my husband on a hunt in the Twilight Hills next week."

"I will should she ask., m'lady." Mecarnil answered as he silently gave Aragorn a quick glance.

Aragorn returned the glance before he said, "That is next week, and it was to be discussed with other matters after the festival my dear." He offered her his arm. Shall we take a walk around the markets before we go to the amphitheatre?"

Arwen nodded and hooked her arm with his. Their cadre of royal guards lined up at the stair and would accompany them. Mecarnil gave them a farewell nod and remained behind until they cleared the stairs before heading down them. He stepped off to the left at the bottom, as he was to meet Farbarad at the recently reopened Lakeside Inn for an ale and talk of old times and new...

 

[Vardarianna]

Vardarianna was for a moment surprised that Mercain had found her so quickly, then she giggled at the seriousness that he expressed.

"You know we always played that game Merc..." Her grin slowly faded when Mercain gave her a look that told her he wasn't going to mess around. She figured she should probably behave a little. She didn't want him to be replaced right away. She made a pouty face and said, "Alright, I won't get you in trouble your first day."

Taking the scarf from him and quickly folding it and tying her hair up in it. "A nice choice. Do I look more like a commoner now?" She stepped back and posed in a few different stands before she stepped back and paid the merchant for the scarf.

She paused after he took the coin, and she looked at a deep cobalt blue bolt of silk, and a midnight blue next to it. Laying out more coin, she said, "Could you keep these two bolt reserved for me? I'll come back for them after the formalities of the day are done."

"I can have then sent to the palace m'lady." the merchant said with a smile, happy to make such a sale early.

"Sure, that will be fine." she answered before looking over to Mercain.

"Come on you. Let's get this ceremony over with." She went to hook his arm, but he stepped aside as he tried to remain proper for his station.

 

[Halasían]

Mercain did his best to not be distracted by Lady Vardarianna's antics. As much as it would have been enjoyable to act like kids again, his duties prevented it. Already after an hour, Mercain was only now realising how much work this duty would be.

"M'lady, I doubt you could ever be taken as anything other than the Princess of the Realm. Your attire only mutes your intensity a little." A couple walking by in the other direction turned their heads and gave a nod and a slight bow as was the custom. Mercain returned it and didn't notice Vardarianna's reaction, but it was something she likely had to deal with through her life.

As he told by while Vardarianna made the arrangements to get her purchases home, he watched a butterfly flutter around and circle her head. It was a vision that took him back to that summer in Ithilien. As it flew off toward the flowers of a nearby merchant, Vardarianna returned and lead them to the field where the performers stage was set up. Already King Aragorn stood and spoke, and Mercain paused ate the side step and watched and listened. He caught his father's eye who gave him a slight nod, which had Mercian guessing he was doing what his duty expected of him. He then watched as Vardarrianna stepped to her father's side.