Khabalis Fell - The Tale of a Tired Old Man

[IC]

The Northern Sun sank slowly over the horizon, casting long fingers of shadow over the town of Dale. From a window in the town's library, a hunched figure watches the remains
of the day slowly drain away, until the only light that remains is that of the towns buildings, flickering in defiance at the enfolding dark. The figure peers into the
darkness, as if seeking something that is just beyond the sight of mortal eyes. Seeing nothing but night, the figure turns and slowly moves towards a book laden table at the
centre of the room, his shuffling gait and stooped shoulders testament to the many years that lie upon him. Sorting through the scholarly detritus that litter the table, the
figure produces a map, and carefully unfolds it. Trembling fingers roam accross the map's surface, tracing lines Westward from the Mountain, until they pause, almost
questioningly, at the small drawing that signifies another town very much like Dale, but far, far to the West.

Far above the figure's head, high in the rafters of the venerable building, the faint rustling of feathers can suddenly be heard. Glittering eyes gaze down from their lofty
perch unto the hunched figure below. Aware he is being watched, the old man chuckles to himself, raising his weathered features to peer into the darkness above him.

"So, my old friend" His voice is cracked, yet rich, and it resonates in the empty vaults of the library. "You must think I am quite mad."

Greeted only by the silent gaze of the raven, the figure absently taps the map with a bony finger.

"The Shadow on the North is growing again old friend. You know what will happen should it prevail."

Again, there is no answer from the silent watcher high above.

A brief flash of anger flares across the figures face. "Would you have us do nothing ?" He demands of the empty space above him. "Will we hide here until Night has fallen
accross all Middle Earth ? We must *do* something."

A sudden cawing sound and flap of wings brings the raven down out of the shadows. The ancient bird lands awkwardly on the table, balancing precariously on a large stack of
books near the table's corner. It's ebon eyes gleam in the torchlight as it seems to inspect the map for itself. The figure regards the bird in silence, his rheumy eyes filled with affection for the venerable bird.

"We are old, you and I. Our time is almost at an end. Do you not want to make the most of the time we have left to us ?"

The figure turns again to the window, peering out into the darkness.

"In many ways we are blessed old friend. We have a chance to make a difference few will ever have. Do you really want to stay here and await the end ?"

The raven's eyes gleam in the torchlight, as if considering the old man's words. Finally, in a flurry of wings the aged bird lifts itself off the table and perches on the
shoulder of the old man. It too gazes out into the darkness of the Northern night, cocking it's head back and forth, as if listening to the night breeze. Eventually, the raven
takes flight once more and flies back to the table, where it pecks impatiently at the Western part of the map. Smiling to himself, the old man follows the raven to the table
where he begins the task of collecting his books and the other tools of his trade.

After all, it would be a long journey to Bree.

[OOC]

Greetings, please allow me to introduce myself. I'm a 37 year old gamer from Ireland who has recently started playing LotRO and am looking for a guild of mature (if slightly mad) people with whom to enjoy the game with. I've been playing WoW for most of the last 2 years (those of you from Ebon Flame on Moonglade may remember Eschaton) but have become thoroughly sick of it, so have moved to LotRO to get my MMORPG fix. Being an Rp-er, Laurelin seemed to be the obvious choice of server, and it appears The Western Alliance is what I'm looking for in a guild - if you will have me that is.

I'm currently playing Khabalis, who is only a level 15 Lore Master at the moment. I'm normally around most evening and weekends and am looking to enjoy as many aspects of the game as possible (rp/raiding/crafting etc).

Yours,

Khabalis of Dale.

Welcome to the Forums and good luck with your application! Hope to see you in-game soon.

I took the apple...

Welcome to the kin, matey
Good luck with your entry, and I hope to see you in-game.
Loved the application, by the way!

Child of Mahal but subject of Oromë.
Bones of Stone and Iron, but a mind belonging to the Woods.
Strength of the Earth and wisdom of the Wild.
The Ancient Bow will never falter.

Welcome and good luck with your application  :rawkon:

I liked the story

Welcome!

--- Belegorn --- Bad Apple

Good Luck Khabalis!!!  ;D

~~~~~Arailas~~~~~
:bunny1: Bunny Girl  :bunny1:

Thanks for the kind words all. I'll await word from an Officer and hope to see you all ingame soon.

Alright, since I haven't heard sight nor sound from anyone on this application I'll take this as a no.

Thank you for your time, I'll look elsewhere.

If we wanted to turn you down we would have said so. I cant speak for the others but I have been unable to catch you online.
Perhaps just bad timing.

Good luck to you.

mmmmm

Patience is a virtue which most Loremasters usually have... but obviously not all.

Belegwe is the Loremaster officer, it may have been a few days before he contacted you in-game due to various reasons, RL commitments, different times online etc etc. It was almost 2 weeks before anyone contacted me in-game about my application and invite, but i did not assume that meant they were not interested  ???

--- Belegorn --- Bad Apple