Adapting and Enjoying

Mae Govannen!

I have to say, I am having a lot of fun moving from Ranger to Taur'Amandil Istalindir. I am, in fact, a little surprised.

I had mentioned before that this gave me leeway being a Ranger did not. I hadn't really thought about just how much. It is fairly substantial, if only in minor ways.

For example; I can wear my full circle cloak of brown wool, two layers, since I don't have to run and it is very heavy. Minor point. I can use pretty much any 'earthy' colors as a Taur'Amandil. Browns, greys, greens, some blues, golds, reds, and even purples. Subdued earth tones. I can, should I choose to, use a plaid bit of fabric as a kind of cloak and catch it up with a penannular brooch, of which I have many. I do not have to cleave to a specific style, that is, I do not have to look Viking, Saxon, Medieval [insert country]. I can explore other options. I can, should I choose, use a peplos over a tunica. Or a robe over a tunic. Pants or dresses, or even skirts. Running through the forest hunting orcs isn't my primary pursuit. I shall ensure long robes are split fore and aft, both for mobility and riding.

My name is 'Eledhwen' - 'Elf-sheen', 'Morwandil' - 'Blackstaff'. As long as my staff is basically black, I am good to go. ;) I will, naturally wear a lot more grey and black since the one is so neutral and the other is...well, me. Suitable to a female Druid, a Witch, a Priestess; I am all of those.

Tools...well, the usual ones I always use in the manifest world; sickle, knife, staff...also my sling, which I am placing a lot more emphasis on. My bow...I shan't ever give those up. Shoulder bag...aka Pilgrims' Bag, Market Bag, etc. I am thinking of making some pewter pins for it so I won't be stuck with only medieval types. I still have Ranger stars, six pointed, which I shall treat as stars of Eärendil and therefore usable by the likes of me. All know the story of the single recovered Silmaril, after all.

I come from the Houses of Beor and Haleth, and these things suit me well.

Soon now I will begin getting photos of a Taur'Amandil in the forests. We shall see how those are received. Perhaps I shall do some tutorials on things like making sling bullets, braiding slings, staff making and work. I know staff combat as it is, a very eclectic system blending elements of a variety of cultures. Suitable. I can say some I received from the Elves, some from my own Houses of Men, others from the Woodmen and other groups of peoples. I don't need to justify it, naturally...just my imagination tends to take off at times.

I may try my  hand at some simple beadmaking as well. Lampwork they call it, we shall see.

As I say, I am finding this direction to be eminently fascinating and deeply satisfying. Most of all, a lot of fun.

Under the Sweet-scented Firs
Eledhwen Morwandil, Istalindir.