Quest:Chapter 8: A Second Proposal

Chapter 8: A Second Proposal
Level	78
Type	Solo
Starts with	Cuthred
Starts at	Cliving
Start Region	Norcrofts
Map Ref	[43.1S, 55.9W]
Ends with	Mildrith
Ends at	Mead Hall of Elthengels
End Region	Norcrofts
Map Ref	[48.9S, 52.2W]
Quest Group	Vol. III. Book 8

Walkthrough & Notes

Your travelling companions and Athelward have some additional comments during this quest: Horn What did you do while I rode? 'I spoke with the men in the towers and walked the streets of Cliving. It is as cheerless as I remembered it, though now its people have good reason, with the threat of Orcs in the Norcrofts. It has always been a grim place. Perhaps that is Athelward's doing: grief seems to follow him wherever he treads. He has been unlucky, losing wife and children to childbirth and sickness. Perhaps it is reflected in the demeanor of his town.' That may be. Is Cliving well-defended? 'They do seem ready for just about anything. I hope my own home of Eaworth is as prepared to fend off attack, but I suspect it is not. Cliving has several natural geographic advantages. 'Eaworth does have one such advantage: it is bordered on the west by the Entwash. Few foes will be able to attack it from that way.' Let us hope not. Did you speak with Siflád? 'No, I did not. Nona seemed deep in conversation with the girl when my wandering took me near them, but I did not want to intrude. 'I wonder of what they spoke? I did notice Siflád casting glances in my direction, but I know not why.' I see. Nona What did you do while I rode? 'I walked about the city, ignoring the distrustful looks I received. I do not like this city. Horn says that his home is not like this place, and I am prepared to believe him: a city such as this one could not have produced a man like him. The people of this city are distrustful and small.' I am sorry. What do you make of Cliving? 'I do not like it. I will be glad when we go.' We will not stay. Did you speak with Siflád? 'I did. If she were not soft and coddled, like many of the horse-folk seem to be, she could be one of the Uch-lûth. She has the temperament for it, if not the weathering given by a hard life. I think she was frightened of me, at first, but she had many questions about my people and I enjoyed telling her about them. The guard-captain did not let her out of his sight while she was in my presence. That put me in mind of a caged bird. 'I would not have tolerated it, but Siflád did. No one would mistake her for me, that is certain. 'She was very curious about Horn. I told her his singing voice is not as fair as he thinks it is, and that he is not my equal in combat. I think she was disappointed.' Oh? Corudan What did you do while I was away? 'I stood atop one of the towers and gazed out across the plains of Rohan. I saw for a goodly distance, but could see no sign of the Uruks we pursued.' No? What do you think of Cliving? 'I think it is a city of Rohan. No city built by the hands of Men can hope to compare to those of the Elves, even in this passing Age. But it suffices as a place for them to live, if this is what they call living. I see no Art, I hear little Music. It seems to me these men of Rohan survive, but they do not live. 'I have said nothing of this to any of them, of course. It might be considered impolite.' Perhaps a little. What do you make of Athelward? 'He has seen grief in his time, and he has caused more besides. I think he does want to protect his people, and is doing what he can for them.' That is his duty. Athelward Siflád seems to be happy here. 'Yes, she is. Cliving is a much larger city than Elthengels, and it is better-protected as well. I am pleased that she likes it here. Her presence lightens the mood of all who see her, which is of great value in a land under the constant threat of the Orc.' Yes. Cliving's defences are very impressive. 'Some of that is the good fortune of its natural geography, and some of it is due to the hard work of its people. We are fortunate to have such a vantage point over the plains, and good strong walls to keep out our foes. Fortune indeed. Mildrith's distrust is no surprise. 'No, I suppose not. But I had no part in the death of her husband! I could have dispatched riders to go with him to the East Wall, but we are stretched thin as it is! How was I to know he would perish by the Pillars of the Kings? I cannot be blamed for that. 'I do feel badly about the death of her son, but I had no choice in that. The boy should have known not to enter a sword-trial with a veteran warrior such as myself. I hope to be given the chance to cure Mildrith of her sorrows.' Do you?

Rewards
34  65   Legendary Item Experience (9,277) Steed Experience (23,975) 5 Rohirric Athelas Essence 5 Rohirric Celebrant Salve

Quest Text

Bestowal dialogue 'I was told that Reeve Athelward wanted to speak with you before you depart Cliving. Thank you again for your help, and I hope the Reeve rewards you in suitable fashion for the aid you have graciously given. For Rohan to be safe and well-guarded, the Norcrofts must be as well. I appreciate your help in that regard, and I know the Reeve will as well.' Background Athelward has requested to see you about something before you leave Cliving. Objective 1 Talk to Athelward in the Mead Hall of Cliving Reeve Athelward is in the Mead Hall of Cliving. Athelward wanted to speak with you and your companions before you depart Cliving. Cuthred: 'Return to Reeve Athelward in the Mead Hall here in Cliving. He wanted to speak with you before you left Cliving.' Horn: 'We have been in conversation with Athelward for some time. He has been a gracious host, but we should be leaving.' Nona: 'I have grown weary of this city already. Too many walls, and not enough open land for my taste, <name>.' Corudan: 'For a city of Men, this does seem to be in a defensible place.' Athelward: 'I have been speaking with your companions while you aided my captain of the guard, <name>. I am inspired by their example! A man of Rohan, a girl of Dunland, and even an Elf! How is it that folk of such different backgrounds can work together? 'It pains me to see you leave. Can you not stay and help with the maintenance of Cliving? I could use each of your talents to better the state of my people! Discuss among yourselves, if you must, but do not decide to leave so quickly! A strong Cliving makes for a strong Rohan, and these are troublesome times.' Objective 2 Talk to Nona in the Mead Hall of Cliving Talk to Horn in the Mead Hall of Cliving Talk to Corudan in the Mead Hall of Cliving Nona, Horn, and Corudan are in the Mead Hall of Cliving with Athelward. You should speak with your companions to determine your next course of action. Nona: 'I think it is time to go. The Uruks we follow did not come this close to Cliving, either because it was not on their road or they were afraid of the town's defenders.' Horn: 'We need not stay here any longer. Cliving has strong walls, and its defensive position is better than the other towns we have seen. Athelward has little cause to fear Orcs from this fastness. He does not need our help any longer, and we should be off.' Corudan: 'I have seen more secure homes, but they were in the mallorns of Lórien. This city has little to fear of Orcs, if you ask for the opinion of an Elf. Athelward should see what he can do to protect the people who live elsewhere in the Norcrofts, but he can do that without our presence.' Objective 3 Talk to Athelward in the Mead Hall of Cliving Reeve Athelward is in the Mead Hall of Cliving. You have spoken with your companions and should now tell Athelward your decision. Nona: 'I do not like to stay in any one place for so long. Let us be gone!' Horn: 'I want to help the people of Rohan, for they are my flesh and blood, but the people of Cliving are better-defended than most. I would not worry for Cliving's survival in our absence.' Corudan: 'Athelward has already done what he must to protect his people. Cliving is well-built, on solid foundations with high walls. Any Orcs that stray within the bounds will be repelled.' Athelward: 'Ah, I understand that you need to be off. You cannot blame me for wanting to keep skillful folk at the disposal of my people. If you have business back at Elthengels, can I ask you to deliver a message for me?' You murmur your assent, and Athelward rumbles pleasantly. 'Good, good. This may surprise you, <name>, but I have no male heir to carry on my line. I love my daughters more than my own life, but a son would release me from the worry that my line will end with me. My wife has been dead this past year, and it is time I began thinking of the future. 'Thane Mildrith of Elthengels has had more than her share of grief these past few months. If it is in my power to heal the sorrow I have caused her, I would do so. I desire her hand in marriage. I will respect her decision in this, but please express to her how strong a union between our families and our cities would be. The Norcrofts could only benefit from such a union. 'It is, ah, not the first time I have asked for her hand. But it will be the last, no matter her decision.' Objective 4 Talk to Thane Mildrith in the Mead Hall of the Elthengels Thane Mildrith is in the Mead Hall of Elthengels, south-east of Cliving, in the Norcrofts. Reeve Athelward wants you to bring his proposal of marriage to Thane Mildrith. Athelward: 'Mildrith is a handsome woman, thane of an important town, and has no husband. She needs someone to support her during her time of grief, and the Norcrofts need to have unified, strong leaders if it is to survive the dangerous times ahead.' Mildrith: Thane Mildrith listens to your message from Reeve Athelward with growing horror and disgust. 'You cannot be serious! That scoundrel! That braggart! His inaction doomed my husband Pendrad to death by the Orcs, and he personally gave my son the wound that killed him! He has the gall to ask for my hand not once, but twice! And to use friends to do it!' Mildrith brings herself under control, and continues in a quiet, deadly voice. 'I sent you to learn if my daughter Siflád was being treated well by the murderer of her father and brother. Is she?'