The Needlehole Mysteries

Ok, one for the road:

Eldo or Beren?


{{{ }}}

Anne as Ally would work.

I was thinking of Channing Tatum for Beren but now I'm having second thoughts.

Amarië wrote:Ok, it's way past midnight... I'm gonna suffer for this in the morning. Nighty night!!

I'm glad you stuck around as long as you did. Sleep well!

That's Beren for sure

I think the first actor Am posted is just a perfect fit for the ambassador Anne yes, Ally, perfect ^^ can someone out up a picture of this alexandra?

It's Monday. Just saying.

Amarië wrote:It's Monday. Just saying.

Sorry, I spent more time yesterday watching football than I had planned (Go Ravens! ). Today is wide-open though so it's a writing day.

I like Alexandra's eyes.

I hope to write something about a certain coat. Got the other bit as good as finished, but the coat... the coat...

Ringo


Petty


Halfy

I had to look at some more pics of that cutiepie, and look! Crazy curls and v-neck sweather! He's so trying to be Ringo w/gay shirt!

7 years younger than me. Hm... still makes him older than the real Ringo.

as soon as I saw the curls and the cute smile I thought of Ringo.

The Treason of Forumshire

Part 4


“Come back tomorrow,” Eldo mumbled through a yawn.

“I can't do that,” said the voice. “You had better wake up, because in 60 seconds an assassin is going to come through your bedroom door.”

“My room is talking to me,” said Eldo groggily. “Doesn't that beat all.”

He sat up and tried to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Looking around through the darkened room, Eldo was unable to see anyone. However, his window was open and a cold breeze blew in.

“Huh? I don't remember opening that,” the sleepy Eldo mumbled.

“You didn't,” came the same voice as before. “And you have 45 seconds now.”

Eldo looked around in surprise but still couldn't see anyone. “The room really is talking to me,” he gasped.

“No, you idiot. I am talking to you,” said the voice. With his head somewhat clearer now, he could tell that the voice was coming from the foot of his bed. Blinking rapidly, he noticed a small black shape by his feet that he had initially dismissed as just a shadow.

“Do you get the picture now?” asked the black cat on Eldo's bed.

Eldo jumped out of bed, disturbing the cat's repose. The cat leapt onto the sill of the open window and hissed at him.

Eldo shook his head. “I'm dreaming. I'm having a dream that a talking cat told me I'm about to be killed by an assassin. Wait – I'm about to be killed by an assassin?”

“Yes, you naked ape,” said the cat. “I recommend you follow me, unless you want to take your chances in a fist-fight with a knife-wielding assassin while you're still half-asleep.” With that, the cat leapt lightly from the sill into the alley below.

“That was uncalled for,” muttered Eldo. He pinched his leg sharply and then gasped in pain.

“What the hell,” he said. He had not brought any pajamas with him, not having planned on staying the light, so he was still dressed. Eldo crawled onto the bed and jumped out the window into the dirty alleyway.

Through the window above he could hear a door slowly creaking open. Looking around, Eldo saw the cat's tail whipping around the corner of the inn and he ran after it, not daring to look back at his window.

Once he was out of the alley Eldo emerged onto the main street of Nobottle, which was well-lit by streetlights. Several drunken Hobbits still occupied the outdoor tables of the inn. Across the street, the cat sat on a bench licking its paw.

Eldo crossed the street and sat down next to the cat. Looking around nervously, he muttered, “You are the talking cat, right.”

The cat continued licking itself for a second, but then sat upright and said, “Yes. We need to move, he'll realize you're not in the inn soon enough.” The cat jumped from the bench to the ground and ran down the street away from the inn; Eldo followed close behind.

After a few minutes and several twists and turns through the street, the cat slipped through a hole at the base of a small shack. Cautiously, Eldo pushed the door open. The shack appeared uninhabited, but there was a lamp and matches on the floor. Eldo closed the door and lit the lamp. In the flickering light he saw the cat sitting in the center of the room, staring at him.

“Who or what are you, exactly?” Eldo asked, stifling a yawn.

“That's no way to address the person who just saved your life, is it?” responded the cat with an irritable twitch of its tail.

Eldo scowled. “Sorry. I've never met a talking cat before, and to be honest, I don't understand anything that's happened in the last fifteen minutes or so.”

The cat seemed pleased by the apology. “I am Lester Cat,” it said.

Eldo blinked. “I don't believe I've ever heard of you. My name is-”

“Yes, yes, we all know who you are,” said Lester Cat. “That's why I'm here, after all. You're practically a celebrity now. And that's a problem.”

“Can't you just say what you mean?” snapped Eldo.

“No,” said the cat, and Eldo was certain that he could see smugness etched in its feline face.

“Can you at least tell me why you're here?”

“I already did,” said the cat. After a moment's silence and Eldo's exasperated sighing, the cat continued. “You're famous. Certain people are coming after you; people that neither you nor I want to catch you.”

“Are you some sort of guardian of the night, then?” asked Eldo. “Swooping in to save the oppressed and fight crime?”

“Of course not,” the cat said in irritation. “I am Lester Cat and Lester Cat is what I am. I come and go as I please. I appear only occasionally, but when I do, people take notice because everything I say is of importance.”

Eldo bit back several replies that he wanted to say and settled for kicking the wall of the shack. The entire structure shook violently and threatened to collapse.

“Don't do that,” hissed Lester Cat. “All you need to know is that I have been sent here to protect you and escort you by the Admin.”

“The Admin?” Eldo said in disbelief. “Why would he do that? Last I heard, the Admin wanted me locked away permanently.”

Lester Cat flicked his tail again and stared icily at Eldo. “Honestly, grow up,” he said. “We all do what we have to do. And right now what I have to do is guide your ignorant Hobbit self to the Tower of Lore.”

“Why?” demanded Eldo.

Lester Cat did not deign to reply, but curled up in a ball on the ground and went to sleep.


Nora felt somewhat queasy as she looked downwards. Normally she had a strong stomach, but the experience of flying on the back of a dragon was unlike anything she had ever experienced or imagined. A glance to the side suggested that Ringo felt similarly.

“Isn't this great, you guys?” Squach yelled over the wind, in a voice that sounded rather deeper than a child her age should be able to make. “I just love flying. I can't wait until my wings are this big.”

Nora and Ringo both stared at the grinning girl in confusion.

After what felt like (and may well have been) hours, the dragon began to descend in slow, swooping circles. She completed her descent in a wide clearing in the middle of a forest, hitting the ground with a massive thud. Nora slid down as quickly as she could, only to collapse on trembling legs.

Once all three riders had disembarked there was a strong gust of wind, and instead of a large, scaly dragon, they were standing next to a tall woman in a backless dress.

“Are you two doing okay?” Kafria asked the two Fjordian hobbits with concern?

“Y-Yes,” Ringo panted. “Thank you … for flying us.”

“Please … never do it again,” Nora gasped in between shuddering breaths.

Kafria chuckled while Squach danced around her. “Mum, Mum! How long do you think it will be till I can fly people on my back?”

“Not until you are fully grown, dear,” Kafria said reprovingly. “And you're not to try until then.”

“I knooow,” pouted Squach. She stuck out her tongue and darted away.

“I don't wish to be rude,” Ringo began cautiously. “But – how do I put this – what exactly just happened?”

Kafria smiled warmly. “I'd expect you two to be a little confused. Don't worry about offending me. Squach and I are dragons. Two of the few left who still remember how to take humanoid form. We live in the north of Forumshire, but since the Forumshire Council has been summoned, we were en route to Michel Delving when we saw your predicament with the thugs on the road.”

Ringo nodded slowly. “And you are Mayor Kafria, correct?”

“That is correct,” Kafria nodded. “Although putting 'ferocious fire-breathing monster' on your campaign leaflets can lose as many votes as it gains.”

Ringo chuckled despite himself. “I'm not surprised. Especially in the conservative families like the Bankses.”

Kafria scowled slightly. “Yes, the Bankses and the Burrowses both hold a grudge against me for winning the Mayoral election. Though to be fair, they'd probably hold a grudge even if I were a normal Hobbit. They put a lot of resources into Odo Banks' campaign.”

“I vaguely remember reading about that,” said Ringo. “It must have been at least a year ago, though. I haven't kept up with the Forumshire news since I've been living in Fjordlandia for the past year.”

“Sorry, but what the hell are you guys talking about?” cut in Nora. “Not all of us here are politics buffs.”

Kafria looked at Nora intently. “This might be political, but it's an issue that will affect all of Forumshire. The Admin has become increasingly withdrawn, but for the past year he hasn't left his Tower at all. He only communicates with the outside world by palantir. Most people assume he has some deadly illness or something. Meanwhile, his enemies have been gathering their strength and planning their moves.”

“What enemies?” asked Nora. “Do you mean the Dark Planet?”

“I'm afraid not,” said Kafria. “These enemies come from within Forumshire.”

“This might just be my understanding as a foreigner, but I thought that the Admin was the most respected Hobbit in Forumshire,” said Nora.

“Not for everyone,” said Kafria. “Specifically, the old moneyed clans who used to run Forumshire back in the days of Admin Ady don't appreciate having a powerful and proactive Admin.”

“Okay, you lost me,” said Nora.

“Basically, there's a rebellion brewing, and people like Odo Banks are the main instigators,” said Ringo. “At least, that's my understanding,” he nodded to Kafria.

“That's a good summary,” Kafria replied.

“Odo Banks,” hissed Nora. “I should have known. There was always something off about that uptight creep.”

Kafria laughed. “You'll find a lot of people who agree with that assessment up north,” she said. “But the Bankses have a lot of money, and that buys them power.”

“Is he trying to hire mercenaries?” Ringo asked with concern. “The thugs who attacked us on the road weren't any real challenge, but they did seem more disciplined than your average band of highwaymen.”

“They were most likely hired by Odo or one of his business partners,” said Kafria. “Squach and I were attacked in our home by a band of ruffians whom I have reason to believe were on the payroll of Otho Burrowes.”

“I notice you say they were, on his payroll,” began Nora.

Kafria looked smug.

Ringo cleared his throat. “Forgive me for asking, but where exactly are we in relation to … anywhere?”

“We're just a few hours from Michel Delving by foot,” said Kafria. “It would be faster by air but the city guards don't take kindly to people flying over their defenses so it's best to approach the city by more mundane means.”

“That makes sense,” said Ringo. “Do you know where you and Squach will be staying once you get there?”

“There's an official Mayoral residence that we make use of when we need to,” said Kafria. “If you and Nora need a place to stay you're welcome to the guest rooms.”

“What's most important is finding Eldo,” Nora said firmly. “And we in Michel Delving just a few days ago and they told us that Eldo was banished from the city. Ambassador Amarie said he was heading towards Dwaling.”

“We were flying above the road to Dwaling and we didn't see them,” said Kafria. “I hate to say this, but I'm not sure if you can trust outsiders at a time like this. At least not someone from the Dark Planet.”

Nora frowned. “Where do you suggest we look, then?” she asked.

Kafria paused a moment to think. “If I know anything about the Admin, and I've talked to him more than most since I'm on the Forumshire Council, then he wouldn't just let Eldo go wandering off on his own. He's not one for loose ends like that.”

“Then we have to go make sure that Eldo is safe!” Nora said urgently.

“At a time like this, 'with the Admin' is probably the safest place for everyone to be,” said Kafria.

“But the Admin kept Eldo locked up in his fortress and wanted him convicted,” said Nora. “I bet that was his and that bastard Elthir's plan all along.”

“I know you're worried,” Kafria said soothingly. “But wandering through the wilderness is not the best way to find your friend. Everyone is convening on Michel Delving for the meeting. Even if Eldo himself is not there, someone who knows where is will be.”

“I guess,” said Nora, but her tone of voice said otherwise.

“In any event,” Kafria said firmly, “we should get into town before it gets dark. Even this close to the Capitol you find unsavory types wandering the woods at night.”

“Agreed,” said Ringo. “If the offer still stands, we'd like to stay at your Mayoral house, I think.” He glanced at Nora, who nodded back.

“Not a problem,” Kafria said warmly. “I just hope you like rare meat.”


The Banks Estate was separated from the village of Needlehole by the vast, empty expanse of Rushock Bog. The villagers avoided the treacherous marshlands, and only took the single solid road, winding its way towards the ancestral home of the Banks Clan, if they absolutely had to. Today, however, the Banks Estate was home to an assortment of dignitaries and power-brokers whom Odo would normally have kept at arm's length.

“I must thank you for so graciously hosting our little meeting in your home,” Lotho said mockingly, as he poured himself a glass of wine in Odo's sitting room.

“Oh, it's nothing,” Odo said through a cringing smile. “You're all welcome here anytime.” Odo glanced uneasily at the Scotshobbit currently sprawled out on the sofa as he said this.

“Of course I am welcome,” Queen Tin said. She tossed her head and her magnificent hair flew through the air, seeming to shimmer and reflect some unseen source of light. “I am, after all, the Sovereign ruler of all Forumshire. Your Queen.”

“Yer dam right, Yer Maj,” growled Petty Tyrant from his spot on the sofa. “Don't ye be fergettin' dat,” he spat on the floor in Odo's general direction.

Odo whimpered as he stared in horror at his expensive carpeting.

A tall, Elven figure stepped forward from the place by the wall where she had been standing. “I think that we should begin our meeting before any unpleasantries get out of hand,” said Amarie.

“Right you are, Ambassador,” said Lotho. Meanwhile, Odo glared at the foreigner while Queen Tin turned her exquisite nose up and snorted.

Lotho cleared his throat. “As you all know, an emergency meeting of the Forumshire Council has been called. Since the Administrator has been absent for a year, two sitting members of the Council must agree that an emergency exists in order for meeting to be called. I have managed to determine who these two members are,” he concluded grandiosely.

“And…?” Queen Tin asked impatiently.

Lotho smiled knowingly. “It turns out that the Admin has, unbeknownst to anyone else, appointed Superintendent Elthir of the Forumshire Police to sit on the Council in his stead.”

“What?!” Queen Tin yelled loudly, causing Odo to squeak and Petty to cover his ears. “Another jumped-up commoner is sitting on the Council now?”

“I'm afraid so,” said Lotho. “Unsurprisingly, his ally in this matter is the so-called Mayor, Kafria.”

“Of course it would be her,” Queen Tin scoffed. “I still can't believe that some half-monster like her won the election.” She rounded on Odo. “How in Middle-earth did you manage to blow it, you miserable Banks?!” Tin demanded, her hair and dress flaring in a sudden preternatural gust of wind.

“Y-you … you know full well that she had the help of the evil Admin,” Odo said in a high-pitched voice, his hands crossed on top of his lap.

“Ach, ah cannae belie yous wantid a damnable Banks as tae Mayor,” said Petty.

“Please restrain yourself, Mr Tyrant,” said Amarie. “We are all allies here.”

“Dinnae think ye can fool me with yer Dark Planet ways,” spat Petty. “The mem'ry of a Scotshobbit be long enough tae remember tae treachery of yer DP.”

Lotho brought his fist down on the side table with a crash, causing the bottles of wine to rattle together. “Enough! He yelled. All of you!” He glared around the room. “If we do not act decisively now, there is no telling when we will get another chance to end the disgusting reign of this Admin who thinks that he can pop up out of nowhere and displace the rightful aristocracy of Forumshire and then rule from his Tower with his nose in his books.”

“Hear, hear!” piped up Odo.

“Shut up,” snapped Lotho. “Now, are there any other disagreements that we need to resolve?”

Amarie raised her eyebrows but remained silent. Odo stared at the floor while Petty humphed and Queen Tin did her best to look serene and regal.

“Good,” said Lotho. “Now that we're all on the same page, then, we'll be leaving for Michel Delving in the morning. It's only a day away, even though we're travelling with a security detail.”

“About your security,” interrupted Amarie. “Where they able to intercept Sgt. Herring and Agent Herring? I sent the two of them towards Dwaling yesterday, as I informed you.”

“We haven't heard back yet from the team we sent out,” said Lotho. “Don't doubt their skill, though. We should receive confirmation by the time we reach the Capitol.”

“I just want to be certain there aren't any loose ends that could unravel our plans,” said Amarie.

“Neither do I,” said Lotho. “Right now, however, the most important thing is to make sure that everything is in place in the Capitol so that when we vote to remove the Admin, we will be able to back up our decision by force.”

“I understand,” said Amarie. “I can vouch that Planet Tolkien is ready to provide financial assistance and military aid as soon as we give the word.”

“You can keep your military aid to yourself,” said Lotho. “I've already organized a force that is more than sufficient to overthrow the Admin and his cronies. Don't think that you can hijack our revolution just to complete the conquest of Forumshire you failed at once before.”

A fierce glare flashed over Amarie's face briefly before she replaced it with her usual diplomatic expression. “I wouldn't dream of it,” she said. “My only personal objective in this matter is the resumption of normal diplomatic relations between Planet Tolkien and Forumshire after the Admin's regrettable decision to intervene in Bree.”

“I certainly won't be sending troops to Bree once I'm Mayor,” Odo declared. “We've had more than enough turmoil in this country without another war. I'm quite ready for things to settle back down and the old clans to assume their right place at the top of society once again.”

“Indeed,” said Lotho. He stared intently at all the others in the room in turn. “If that's everything then, I'm going to retire for the night. I've had enough of this nonsense for one day.” With that, he stalked out of the room, quickly followed by the other guests. Finally, Odo was left alone, sitting in his favorite armchair and fidgeting quietly until darkness filled the room completely, and he too went to bed.

Amarië wrote:I had to look at some more pics of that cutiepie, and look! Crazy curls and v-neck sweather! He's so trying to be Ringo w/gay shirt!

7 years younger than me. Hm... still makes him older than the real Ringo.

if these two had a love child.... (yes, course its aidan!)

not ignoring the new chapter omfg! CAN'T WAITHBF DDK BVDFLXVKNVGDPIGSØDGKSÆKFBZW8RRRRRR!!!!

Eldorion wrote:

Norc wrote:That's Beren for sure

I think the first actor Am posted is just a perfect fit for the ambassador Anne yes, Ally, perfect ^^ can someone out up a picture of this alexandra?

I may just tape that picture up over my bed...

Lester Cat! That was so surreal! Loved it!!!!!!!

#Needlehole feels

halfwise wrote:I may just tape that picture up over my bed...

Also, a big thank you to everyone who's reading the story.

Mrs Figg wrote:

Halfy

I'll accept that as a definitive picture!

Norc wrote:OMG! ELDO! THIS IS LOVELY!!!! THE PLOT UNRAVELS! WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT! OMG!! WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THEY UNDERSTAND THEY DIDN'T CATCH THE HERRINGS OMG!! THIS IS AMAZIIING!!

Thank you. This is a little more plot-oriented than some of the character stuff I've posted lately but I'm very glad you still find it interesting.

Amarië wrote:Lester Cat! That was so surreal! Loved it!!!!!!!

#Needlehole feels

Thanks! Lester Cat is one of my favorite characters to write. I wrote that part months ago when Lester was actually still posting on the forum occasionally. I wonder how many people remember him now, though.

I remember him swooping down at the last minute to get an award. typical cat.

I loved the bit about the meeting too, I've been dying to hear more of the political intrigues you kept promising. Tin surprised me. Amarie being deeply involved in murky political secrets didn't. It was great to "see" them all gathered like that, plotting and arguing. Awesome!

Hopefully it doesn't disappoint. The nine month delay left me worried that I'd fail to live up to everyone's speculation and imagination.

There's more political intrigue to come, though.

yeah, and soon I hope (I am stidying action poses now tehee )