tanaquiljall

A follow up to yesterday's Rooted.

Day 288

Letting Go

Bard watched nervously as his son flirted with partners at his coming-of-age ball. Bain had been raised in courtly arts: able to dance and pay a pretty compliment, handle bow and sword, recite old lays and debate with sages....

Bard was proud of him – but wondered at times if such advantages would stand him well.

A small hand slipped into his. "Do not fret, love. He may be more at ease with fine ladies than his father, but I think he will choose as well."

Bard allowed himself a rare smile. "Aye. His mother sets a pattern few can match!"

So, I couldn't quite resist the entreaties to add to my Building The Future series....

as part of the Building The Future series

Day 85

Willing Sacrifice

Bard, fidgeting with the gold-encrusted collar of his tunic, felt as trussed up as the suckling pig that would form the centrepiece the day's feast. Oh, for the simplicity of life back in Laketown!

The dragon might have been a constant threat, but at least the danger was plain. Unlike the unceasing machinations of the diplomats from far-flung kingdoms who attended him on this special day.

A fanfare broke his musings and brought a broad smile to his grim face. Here, with sweet-scented flowers twined in her hair, came one who understood his burden, and had consented to share it.

After Dereliction of Duty and Queen of Hearts, Denise said Now you have to tell us more about this girl! What if she isn't even interested? I would love to see further developments, if your muse is so inclined.

as part of the Building The Future series

Day 83

A hard row to hoe

Against counsellors' objections, he summoned her to court. She answered she would come when work in house and garth allowed.

He waited a week.

When she was presented at last, he tried to speak lovers' words, show her the splendours of his realm, promise the Necklace of Girion. She was courteous but unmoved.

He grew downcast.

Seeing it, she took his hand. "I would have gladly wed Bard the Bowman and been merry. But this...?"

He smiled. "I would return it all to win a heart like yours. But I must do my duty. Will you have me even so?"

phyloxena and Denise asked for something about Bard's wedding or courtship as a follow up to Dereliction of Duty.

as part of the Building The Future series

Day 79

Queen of Hearts

Bard knew how to choose the right piece of yew for a bow: pliant yet strong, sweet yet serviceable. He wished it were so easy to choose a wife!

Young ladies in Dale and Laketown fluttered their lashes and breathlessly asked for the tale of the Dragon's death until he grew sick of telling it. His counsellors gave sage advice about the benefits of this alliance or that.

Pausing at the river one evening to water his horse, he saw a plain-faced girl step forward and, with a few deft words, settle a shrewish quarrel between the laundry-women.

Bard smiled.

telperion1 asked for something Hobbit-centric. Specifically about the resettling of Dale/Laketown/Erebor after the big battle.

as part of the Building The Future series

Dereliction of Duty

For months, it was a camp more than a town. Of men under canvas who daily toiled to clear rubble, rebuild walls, fix roofs, and till fields that had seen no crops but weeds for many a year.

But slowly the women returned. Wives, mothers, daughters: turning houses into homes, planting gardens in the garths, keeping chickens, gathering and gleaning after the reapers.

After a while, seeing how his people and their families flourished, Bard realised he had put in train all that mattered for the rebuilding of the Kingdom of Dale – save perhaps the most important task of all.

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Entries tagged with bard

Day 288: Letting Go

Day 85: Willing Sacrifice

Day 83: A hard row to hoe

Day 79: Queen of Hearts

Day 69: Dereliction of Duty

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April 2020

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