Ranger Commons II

[Pele Alarion]

Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters
@Romeran

Pele accepted the axe with care, always making sure to be respectful to someone else's weapons, and she weighed it in her hands to test the balance. "Well, these are good weapons to use," she said, inspecting the wood of the handle, as her fingers ran down its length lightly and found no splinters or suspicious cracks that would give a warning that it needed changing. "Yet I will have you learn some basics of sword use because you never know when you might not be able to use your own weapons and would have to rely on whatever else is at hand."

She turned the axe this way and that, looking at its head, and then cautiously touched the edge. Sudden pain and a drop of blood told her all that she needed to know about the sharpness. It seemed clear to Pele that even if the axe was not new, it was well taken care of and well used. Satisfied, she returned it to Romeran, and nodded her approval.

"First things first though," she then said, "I have absolutely no objections to accepting you in the ranks of Rangers, but before I give you some more details - there is the solemn part to seal the deed, so to say. Are you willing to take on responsibility and discipline required of a Ranger? Do you swear to be loyal and to protect Gondor and the King will all your strength even by sacrificing your life if necessary? Are you ready to carry out diligently all duties, orders and instructions given to you as a Ranger?"

Pele stepped out from behind the desk and stood tall, her blue eyes searching Romeran's intently, as she awaited his answer, though she already expected that he would not shirk from any responsibility that would come with his decision to enter the Headquarters.

[Romeran]

Potential Ranger Recruit
Headquarters
@Pele Alarion

Romeran watched as Ranger Pele handled his axe, he wasn't sure what to expect, he knew it was sharp but he was also aware that it wasn't a 'standard' battle-axe. He quietly hoped that presenting such a humble weapon wouldn't somehow disqualify him or make him seem like some incompetent farmer's son. Pele seemed pleased, or at least not explicitly displeased with his axe and returned it to him. Romeran wiped the blade on his tunic before returning it to the loop on his belt. He nodded at Pele's requirement to learn to use a sword "I look forward to learning, Ranger Pele" he said in response.

A wide smile drew across his face as Pele said that she had no objections in accepting him in the ranks of the Rangers, his heart skipped a beat as she said the words. He listened closely and repeated as Pele gave the vow, raising his right hand up in solemnity. "I am willing to take on the responsibility and discipline to be a ranger. I swear to be loyal and protect Gondor and the King with all my strength even" Romeran swallowed at this point, recalling that this very oath was held by his father "by sacrificing my life if necessary." He paused and let the words sink in before continuing "I am ready to carry out diligently all duties, orders, and instructions given to me as a ranger."

Romeran's face was a wash of emotions, excitement, trepidation, curiosity, and even fear. He was glad that he had come this far and soon realized he had very little certainty as to what, exactly, came next. He smiled broadly at Pele. "I am ready for command, Ranger Pele." he said awaiting his first orders.

[Pele Alarion]

Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters
@Romeran

Pele returned Romeran's smile and saw no need to snuff out his enthusiasm with telling of grim realities; the same enthusiasm and the commitment just made would carry him through the times when things would not look all that pleasant and glorious.

"Let me see then, Recruit Romeran," she emphasised his newly obtained rank and returned to the list she had not really touched yet. She quickly took notes and then looked up when she came to a place which she could not fill in yet. "Say, do you have any skills in first aid, healing - things like that? And also, would you need accommodation in the barracks? Supposing that it would be more comfortable and useful than staying with relatives or renting a room?"

She paused for a while and thought over what else the new recruit would need to know. "Ah, and do visit the armoury," she raised her quill as if to emphasise the point. "Get yourself a uniform, armour, and maybe a dagger. I doubt they will issue you with any other proper weapons just yet, but later you'll be able to pick anything else to supplement your provisions. And then for training... though let me first get these basic details right: axe, bow, elementary tracking skills, and healing?..."

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit
Headquarters
@Pele Alarion

A sudden realization of all of the things he didn't know suddenly overwhelmed him as Pele asked about his other skills. "Well I suppose I know how to bind a cut and I've splinted a broken finger once or twice -- the sorts of common injuries you might come across in a farm, but I'm no healer by any means." He confessed. Romeran was also slowly realizing how little prepared he actually was and quite how impulsive his decision to suddenly leave and join the rangers was "Yes." he said "I really could use accommodation in the barracks..." he hadn't thought of where he'd sleep, although he wasn't about to confess to that.

Romeran looked down at his brigandine, it was a family 'heirloom' of sorts -- well it was his grandfather's -- but it clearly didn't fit him very well. He nodded when Pele ordered him to visit the armory, truth be told he was quite excited at the prospect of having a ranger uniform -- he'd never had a uniform of any sort before. Romeran continued nodding as she listed his, limited, skills "That's about it, yes. Mostly bow work and tracking from hunting and of course a lot of axe-work, although mostly farm labor, truth be told, and handling minor injuries on the homestead" he repeated. Romeran was thrilled at the prospect of all that he had to learn. He had learned much on the farm, mostly from his uncle, but it had never been that interesting, if he was going to be honest, he was delighted at the idea of having a mentor in something valuable and exciting, he could barely contain himself. "Where should I go for training, Ranger Pele, do I find a mentor?" he asked, although he soon realized that perhaps he should have waited, rather than asking -- youth are not known for their patience. He stopped himself from talking any further and waited his orders.

[Pele Alarion]

Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters
@Romeran

"Ah, but that is a very good foundation to build on; wounds and broken bones are so common," Pele said, as she completed the roster, blew on it carefully to dry off the ink and then found another list. "Hmm. Let's see about finding you a place to stay in." She looked over the people already listed, and the spare rooms, thinking whether it would be better to offer Romeran in a yet empty room or have him share it either with a more experienced Ranger or another Recruit.

"Let's say, Room #2 in the South Wing. There's another Recruit there, though I am not sure how often he stays," she decided after a brief pause. "What do you say to that? You'll have to see Lieutenant Brian to get the keys." She wrote out a request for room and signed it, then handed it over to Romeran: "Here, give him this. He's a stern man and needs everything done properly."

For a brief moment Pele looked out the window thoughtfully before she responded to the Recruit's last question. "As for the training," she then said, looking back at him. "For archery and tracking and such, you should find Ranger Duinion - most likely you'll find him on the farm on the Pelennor fields. Or the forest - though then you'd need someone to accompany you. Also, I would be willing to train you in some swordsmanship and such, if you don't mind. And then check in here every so often; occasionally something might be pinned to the notice board in the main hall, notices of missions or somesuch activities."

"Now, what else I might be forgetting..." Pele rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Anyway, any questions? Or are you eager to run off and get yourself sorted?"

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit
Headquarters
@Pele Alarion

"Room #2 seems great" Romeran said truthfully, "I don't know many people in the city so it might be nice to get to know a fellow recruit." he said, again in earnest. 'Lieutenant Brian' he re-iterated in his head, making sure he'd remember the name. He wondered where he'd find the Lieutenant or what he looked like, he'd figure that out later.

"I would be honored to study under you" he said, with a wide smile, already looking forward to all of the things he would be learning, memories of playing with wooden swords (sticks really) in the woods flashed into his mind, although he expected this would be a lot more real and difficult. "I will seek out Ranger Duinion and request his tutorship as well. I feel blessed to learn from such experienced hands" he continued. Romeran's mind was already wandering off to his future training, trying to picture what he would be doing.

Romeran was building a list in his mind: see the armorer, find Lieutenant Brian for his keys, find Ranger Duinion, and schedule some time with Ranger Pele. "Very eager" he said in response to her question "I'd like to get myself sorted as soon as I can, I'm anxious to begin training." Romeran could barely contain himself, his mind was racing at all that had happened in the last half-hour or so. "Oh uh, is there a time and place you'd like to start my studies with you? I well," he paused "don't really have any other responsibilities at present so whenever is convenient for you I'm sure I can make it work" he grinned but his stomach grumbled loudly interrupting him. He wondered if the Rangers had a kitchen...

[Ercassie]

Unalmis Raxëlilta, Ranger, faced with Lady Ilisys Azrubêl, Ehtyar Ranger
Barracks – Room 1, South Wing

The initial approach of waiting, for the lady to explain herself, was of course lost upon a lady who never explained herself. At least in words that others understood. Unalmis rubbed bleary eyes and sat up with no sense of urgency, now that he was assured he did not face Lieutenant Brian. He was not quite certain yet if he was facing something rather worse. Isys had begun a distracted investigation of the untidy quarters, picking up socks, sticks, dog toys. She did raise one of the latter in a hand and her quizzical brow asked the question her lips had no need to voice.

“That belongs to the .. I mean, it’s .. its mine.” Nal resigned himself to an excuse which nobody who did not know him would believe for an instant. He could hardly say after all that he had been hiding a dog in his room, could he ? When Isys produced a half-chewed boot, he merely glanced distractedly the other way and pretended he had not noticed.


“Beren is not here,” the Belfalasian finally concluded, closing a drawer that the man in question never would have fitted into even if he were hiding from her amidst the mess.

“Are you looking for him ?” Nal asked, even as he grabbed for maybe more decent clothes and hopped about on one foot seeking to employ them. A pause to meet the silence had the young man give up and sit back down on the bed. “He is gone east to make peace treaties for the King on a secret mission. That or north to help settle the reclaiming of Arnor,” he yawned, and failed to hide the fact behind a slow raised hand. “Anyway I can not tell you that because it is entirely confidential.”

Stroking a hairbrush, or whatever it might have in fact been once that now resembled a hairbrush, Isys moved for the door. She hesitated only long enough to place it back upon the floor, with utmost care, as though she was in truth planting a seed.


“Isys,” Nal crossed his legs up under him and under the closest blanket that he could claim. It was the cleanest and still not clean. All were decorated by a rainstorm of muddy paw prints, almost as though a purposeful pattern, for the bed had been neatly made with at least one such set of dirtied covers proudly on display.

“I am Isys” the lady remembered, and smiled. Nal could not help himself but smile too.

“Why the ..?” One hand gestured toward the full metal armour which the woman was decked out in, twirls of dark hair caught in a shimmering gorget.

“Your cousin wishes me to meet him upon the training field,” she admitted, leaning in as though confiding a secret to a girlfriend. “Else he shall tell my mother I am unfit to joust, after my injury.”

“The houses of healing gave you a report of health then ?” Unalmis teased, doubting it even as he spoke so. One eyebrow lifted, to match hers already aloft. “You know he won’t hold back, not jousting. If you are not yet healed, you ought see the healers .. else you could get hurt.”

“If I get hurt I will go see the healers,” came an airy concedence. “I can have them check my health at the same time to see if I am fit to meet him.”

Unalmis knew better than to argue with what made absolutely no sense. Shaking his head, he glanced about and frowned at the sight of no dog to be seen.

“Have you seen anything unusual this morning, while about your inspection ?” he asked, changing the subject.

“I saw Lieutenant Brian” she decided, having taken a moment to consider. “But that was in the messhall. I did not see him here. I could not. Women are not allowed in the South Wing after all.”


Another pause, a meet of stares, and then a smile saw the lady leave. Unalmis glanced about the room, realised she had just gifted him a headstart on the approach of a real room inspection, and duly began a wild tornado about the room, endeavouring to get dressed in as many of the clothes he could not stow away, so that the room at least would suit regulation.

At least it might give him time to start to think .. where would the dog have gone to ?

[Pele Alarion]

Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters
@Romeran

Pele could not help but shake her head with a smile at Romeran's eagerness to start into everything head-on. She found that this eagerness was rather infectious, and she could not bring herself to complain about all the paperwork she had to deal with, if it meant that benefits of getting to deal with people and a promise of actual weapons work and training was to come.

"I think you should plan a visit to the mess hall as one of the first things," she laughed, hearing the protestations made by the new Recruit's stomach. "If you miss the official lunch time, you will always find something set out on the tables for taking. Sergeant Pete, our cook, is keen on making sure Rangers are always well fed."

"The training then," Pele continued, playing with the quill after she had made sure to clean it to avoid ink drops from splattering everywhere. "I usually prefer to start in the early mornings, even before sunrise. If you are that eager, we can meet up say... in the early morning hours of day after tomorrow at the entry to the training grounds on the Pelennor Fields. All the equipment is already there at the sheds, ample room to practice... Just bring yourself and pack some food from the mess hall; I can't make any promises of a short session, so it is better to bring something edible just in case. And water. Always have water with you."

She was about to put the quill away into the drawer for writing utensils, but reconsidered and kept it in hand. "Also... I have a mind to do a bit of camping, well... with survival elements. Might see if any other Rangers want to have some time out in the nature. Are you up for it? Perhaps in two days' time or so..."

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Headquarters
@Pele Alarion

Romeran’s eyes widened when he heard that there was a mess hall and a cook! He noted he should probably get a uniform first but then mess hall was next on his list of things to do. “Early morning is good for me Ranger Pele, a farmer’s hours start early so I’m used to it.” He explained. “The day after tomorrow. Entry to training grounds at Pelennor” he repeated as he committed it to memory.

“I’ll make sure to bring food and water.” He confirmed. Romeran was excited to begin. His head was swimming with all the change and things he had to do. He smiled widely beside himself, unable to contain his eagerness. He realized he was standing there smiling like an idiot. Romeran tried to slowly ease down his smile without looking like a complete maniac.

Romeran nodded his head at the proposal of a camping and survival trip “that sounds like a great idea and I’m sure I would learn a lot and perhaps get to know some of the rangers?” Romeran had gone camping and such throughout most of his childhood, though he expected such a trip would be considerably different.

[Pele Alarion]

Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters
@Romeran

"Training appointment details are correct," Pele confirmed what Romeran had reported back to her. She wondered if he'd manage to keep everything in mind or if he would be just as absent-minded as Cadil was. She had not seen the other youth around for a while and wondered what he was doing these days. But at any rate, this Recruit seemed to be much more eager and intent on learning which would get him much further.

For a few moments the Ranger looked at Romeran thoughtfully, then offered him a smile and urged: "Well, go on then, do something! Get yourself equipped, fed, and housed. You'll get used to everything else in the process; and check the notice board once in a while, more likely than not I'll put out information on that camping out there, and other important stuff could appear."

Making sure that the desk was tidy, and lists put away in their correct places, Pele stood and looked around for anything else she might have to do here before she left. Walking over to the windowsill she lightly probed the soil of the potted plant and then turned to see whether the new Recruit had understood that he had been dismissed to tackle all the tasks that he had received.

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Headquarters
@Pele Alarion

Romeran continued to reiterate the list of things to do in his mind, almost like a mantra, until he was confident he wouldn't forget in his excitement. Pele acknowledged that he had at least repeated his instructions correctly, that made him feel more confident. He waited a few moments more to see if she had anything further to add. When he was dismissed, Romeran attempted a fist-to-chest salute, at least he thought he saw some rangers doing that, and then turned around to see to his tasks. He finally let out a deep breath, he felt almost as if he had been holding his breath the entire time. So much had changed in his life in so short of a time. His mother passing, his nineteenth birthday, leaving his farm and uncle's family, the journey to Minas Tirith, walking through the city for the first time, and now this, he was a ranger. Well a ranger recruit. He could barely believe it.

Armory

First on his list was to go to the armory. Finding his way into the building, Romeran was immediately struck with awe at the vast array of arms and armor. He walked slowly down the line of spears, javelins, swords, bows, and armor, admiring each one, but not confident enough to pick any of them up. He finally made his way to the end where a blacksmith was busy at work sharpening an axe. Romeran cleared his throat, trying to get her attention. The blacksmith looked up "Can I help you?" she asked, simultaneously polite but impatiently. "I'm a new recruit." Romeran said, handing her the letter which Pele had written. "I'm here for a uniform and," he leaned over looking at the note again "uh some armor I guess" he looked down at the tightly fitting brigandine he was wearing "and a dagger" he said with a smile. The blacksmith looked up and smiled but seeing Romeran's excitement she stopped short of saying 'yes, I can read'.

The blacksmith put down the axe she was working on and stood up, she looked Romeran up and down sizing him. "I think I'll need to check the storage rooms..." she said, not terribly excited at the prospect "I don't think we have anything out here that would fit you." Romeran blushed, he didn't mean to be a problem. "It's not your fault you're a strapping young lad" the blacksmith said with a smirk, noting Romeran's discomfort. "I'll be right back." The blacksmith walked off without saying anything further. Romeran didn't dare move, but he couldn't help but let his eyes wander back around to all of the weapons and armor in the room. He spent a good deal of time admiring the battle axe which the blacksmith had been sharpening. It was considerably larger than Romeran's axe with a thinner, wider blade. Clearly designed for battle and battle only, unlike Romeran's hybrid axe.

The blacksmith returned after a few minutes with an armful of cloth and leathers. "This ought to fit you." she said "besides there are draw straps and belts. It might be a bit tighter on you than some but you might as well show off those muscles eh?" she said, and Romeran blushed even harder. "Well go on then, try them on." She said, handing them over. Romeran panicked quietly but then took a deep breath. He snapped open the belt loops on the side of his grandfather's brigandine and put it down. The leather armor and ranger uniform did actually fit Romeran, a more fitted look than perhaps was the intention but the blacksmith confessed they didn't have a bigger size anyway. She said he could get it altered if he wanted but that he looked good, somehow Romeran managed to blush even more. He was glad that this part was over. Just before Romeran was about to walk out the blacksmith called back. "I think you're forgetting this," she handed him a dagger in a sheath with a belt, "and you might want this for Lieutenant Brian." she said handing him back Pele's note.


Barracks

Equipped in his new armor, Romeran was already beginning to feel like a proper ranger now. He walked back into the courtyard area and headed towards the barracks. Making his way through the main door he headed straight to the Barracks Master's office to get his keys and register his name, although he was sorely tempted to check the mess hall first. Dressed in his uniform, Romeran no longer looked quite as out of place as he did before. He knocked on the door for Lieutenant Brian's office. "Enter" the lieutenant responded. Romeran opened the door and headed in. "What can I do for you? Ranger recruit." Lietenant Brian said, noting that Romeran wore a uniform but he did not recognize the man. Romeran stepped forward and handed him the note from Ranger Pele. "Ah I see, room #2" Lieutenant Brian used a key to open a drawer and picked out a set of keys. He handed them to Romeran. "I'm not sure if Ranger Pele told you but you'll be sharing the room with another recruit, Dunulf" Romeran nodded his head. "Yes I was told, I look forward to meeting him." Lieutenant Brian grunted in response. Romeran's stomach growled again. "Go see Sergeant Pete in the mess." Seeing that Romeran hadn't moved yet he added "dismissed. Please close the door behind you."

Mess

His final stop on his list of things to do in the City was to get some food, Romeran was particularly excited for this part. He exited Lieutenant Brian's office, closing the door behind him, and headed back to the entrance to back track towards the mess hall. "You just missed first lunch." Sergeant Pete growled, not having looked behind him at who had entered. "Oh..." Romeran said, disheartened, his stomach grumbled loudly again. Sergeant Pete turned around at the sound and did a double take. "Oh you're a big lad aren't ya?" he said with a wide grin, the Sergeant himself was a burly man and used to feeding the more tall-and-lithe rangers. He smiled warmly "You must be new here?" he asked knowingly. Romeran nodded. "I didn't mean to interrupt..." he said. "Don't worry about it lad. Here, " he handed him a wash cloth, "finish wiping down these tables and I'll rustle you something up." Romeran's eyes gleamed at the suggestion and he quickly took up the rag and began cleaning down the tables.

Romeran ate like a man possessed. He had eaten very modestly on his journey from Lossarnach and he didn't have the funds to pay for such a feast. Sergeant Brian looked on fondly, he was always glad to see someone so thoroughly enjoy his food. He almost told the young man to slow down but he didn't think it would work, he simply laughed and brought him another loaf of bread. Having eaten his fill, Romeran thanked Sergeant Brian and asked if he could help clean up. Sergeant Brian gratefully agreed and he and Romeran spent the next thirty minutes in the kitchen cleaning dishes an the like. Romeran was slowly beginning to feel at home.

[Rillewen]

Trastion Leithor
Prospective new recruit... (getting a little lost)

The city was massive. It seemed a great stone labyrinth, overwhelming to a stranger. He had heard of the grandeur of the White City, but til now he’d never actually been here. The wonderful sights he saw here! All the stonework was incredible, and the young man couldn’t help but find his steps drawn toward the walls. He wondered if it would be possible to climb it, but imagined that they must have a fleet of guards to ensure that no one ever tried. How disappointing. Still, there must be other places where a rock climber could practice his hobby, without drawing fire from guards.

After wandering aimlessly around the first circle for at least an hour, it finally occurred to Trastion that he could ask for directions, and thus, might find what he was looking for more easily. Once he did, he felt like an idiot; the place wasn't even on this level, and he had to be escorted up to the sixth level of the city! Thankfully, Trastion was in pretty good shape, and used to doing a lot of hiking and climbing, so he wasn't too out of breath by the time they stopped at the entrance.
"Right through that door," The guard informed him, pointing to the door. trusting that the young man could surely find his way from there.
Trastion thanked the guard, then approached with a certain amount of mixed excitement and nervousness. He was here, at the ranger headquarters, at last.

Headquarters - Prospective new recruit. Being mugged by a dog.

Hoping to at least try and make a good impression, the young man glanced down at himself, and frowned to notice a bootlace was coming loose. He knelt to fix it, and then sighed as his pack slipped to one side, and a small, round-ish pouch tumbled out. It was fine... he focused on fixing his bootlace first, figuring he could pick up his stuff afterward.

A thunderous stampede approaching made the young man freeze, glancing around just in time to see a black blur zoom past him, so close that it bumped him. With a startled yelp, he lost his balance and tumbled to the ground, confused by what just happened. Looking up, Trastion stared in astonishment at the playful black dog that had claimed his pouch, stopping some distance away, dropping the pouch on the ground, which it must have mistaken for a ball. The dog's tongue lolled out, making it look like it was laughing. “Hey!” Trastion scrambled to his feet and hoisted his pack up onto his shoulders, hesitating. “Here doggy, come here... give it back, please?” he approached slowly, hand held out trying to coax it to come to him.

The dog eyed him suspiciously, then snatched up the herb pouch in its mouth again, trotting a few feet away, tail wagging playfully.

“Come on…” Trastion edged closer, then sighed as the dog got a mischievous look in its eyes and took off running. Trastion broke into a run, unwilling to lose that pouch. “Come back here!” he grumbled, without a clue where the canine was leading him.

Stables (unauthorized entry - chasing the dog)

After a bit of a chase, the nineteen-year-old found himself in what must be the stables.. which thankfully appeared to be abandoned, or he might have gotten into a lot of trouble right away. Desperate to recover his 'stolen' property, Trastion looked around as he paused to catch his breath, running a hand through his hair. He thought for a moment, then tried a new tactic. A whistle, hoping to call the dog to him. "Here doggy..." Hopefully, he could reclaim his property and get back to the entrance so he could go in and sign up officially… before anyone caught him here and he was forbidden to ever return.

Glancing around, hoping to see the dog running toward him, he instead spotted a flash of black fur as rounded the corner of the building. Laying his pack aside, the prospective recruit frowned as he hurried around to the side of the stable, peeked around, and then lunged forward as he saw the dog had stopped nearby. His attempts at catching the dog while it was within grasp failed as it slipped through his arms. Trastion lost his balance and fell onto the ground. Apparently assuming this to be some sort of fun game, the dog then leaped over him and took off again. Trastion groaned, trying in vain to brush some of the mud off of his clothes, then and set off after her as she slipped under a fence and entered an exercise yard for the horses. "Come back doggy, please..." Trastion begged desperately. He climbed over the fence and found it to be a great deal muddier, here, where the horses' hooves had churned up the soft earth.

Hoping not to get any muddier than he already was, he crouched and held out a hand, softly whistling to try and call the dog to him. Instead, after looking at him, she rolled onto her back in the mud, happily chewing on her 'ball' while giving him a 'dare you to come take it back' sort of look. Well, Trastion never was good at resisting a dare.. He sighed and started to walk slowly toward her, hoping not to frighten her away. At the last moment, he saw her starting to get up and he lunged, tackling the mud-covered beast back to the muddy ground, trying to wrest the pouch back from her unrelenting jaws. "Come on, give it back! Bad dog, let go... give it back!" He tried not to yell, lest he draw unwanted attention, but he was getting very frustrated. In his desperation to recover his most precious belongings, the young man forgot all about trying to keep clean, and ended up rolling around in the mud as he tried to take back what this playful thief had stolen from him.

[Pele Alarion]

Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters

Pele returned Romeran's salute with one of her one, well-practiced and crisp, and looked at the door for a moment after he had left before turning back to the window. She looked out at the courtyard, leaning on the windowsill with her hands. A bird was jumping around on the pavement looking for some stray seeds, but Pele appeared both to see it and not see it, her thoughts busy elsewhere.

It seemed that her work load was increasing rapidly with the influx of new recruits, and in depths of her heart she knew that she would soon not be able to do everything that might need doing; in fact, she had long finished the initial task given to her. While she could still technically update the lists and such, her authority would not be sufficient to handle many other matters relating to planning, proper training and so on. But what was she to do: Commander Amathen was dead, his Lieutenant stripped of rank and imprisoned... She could not demand the barracks master to handle headquarter matters, could she? And yet something had to be done about this. For a few more moments Pele stood weighing her options, then turned around decisively and headed out the door.

"If anyone needs something," she stopped by the clerk on the way out. "Tell them to wait, or else come back tomorrow. I might return soon, or..." Pele paused and shrugged. "Maybe not." Leaving the puzzled clerk to wonder about the unclear instructions, she hurried out before she could reconsider the decision that required all courage from her. For all she knew, her attempt might not even see the start, or go terribly wrong should she make a mistake.

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Training Grounds
@Pele Alarion

The last two days had been a blur for Romeran. Arriving at Minas Tirith and joining the rangers had changed everything. No longer was his life a routine of farm-land monotony, day-dreaming about a life of adventure, now he felt like he was on an adventure. He recognized that some of it was novelty. The 'big city' was still a novelty to him, he suspected it would be quite some time before it felt normal. But he knew he would soon be used to his quarters and he was already growing familiar with the mess and Sergeant Pete. His roommate -- although it appeared like there was space for another one or two more rangers -- he hadn't met yet, so he had the large quarters to himself for the last two nights, not that he spent much time there.

Romeran had woken up early and stopped by the mess hall, he had asked permission the day before to get food for this morning's training and Sergeant Pete assured him that he need not ask permission for such things. Romeran was glad for that and he gathered some rations of dried meats, nuts, and the like in his satchel along with two full canteens of water. Since they were to be training with the sword, Romeran left his axe behind. Not wanting to be caught completely without a weapon, he brought the knife he had been assigned, he felt that a Ranger should always be armed, when he could.

The sun had yet to rise as Romeran made his way down to the entrance to the Training Grounds. Romeran had yet to go to the Training Grounds, his lessons with Duinion so far had occurred on the Ranger's farm. Romeran was glad he had arrived first, he had gotten up as early as he could so as to ensure it, in fact. He spent the time waiting for Ranger Pele looking around the Training grounds. He had never seen such interesting training dummies before. Well he'd never seen any training dummies before, if he was honest.

[Pele Alarion]

Yantyar Ranger Pele Alarion
Training Grounds
@Romeran

She was very used to early mornings, and Pele always had considered it a perfect timing to start off the day, with exception of some leisurely days which were rather too few in healer Linaiwe's opinion. This was surely one of the many early mornings, and Pele had ventured into the kitchens to fix herself a hearty breakfast of fried eggs and bacon to go along with a thick slice of rye bread and butter. That done, she felt ready to tackle the day. The training did not require live weapons, and even though she did not take her longsword, a dagger was at her belt, and a sheathed throwing knife secured to her boot. The other supplies in her pack were only basic: some snacks, water, and the usual healing kit. A thick leather jerkin and bracers over the uniform would do as some form of protection against any possible accidents.

Now that she felt prepared for a few hours of intense training, Pele set off towards the Training Grounds at an easy run to warm up, especially considering that the morning was rather cold. Upon reaching her destination, she found Romeran already waiting for her, even though she had made sure to arrive quite a bit before the appointed time.

"Good morning, Recruit!" she greeted, as she came to a stop by him and snapped off a quick salute. "I see that you were right when you said that mornings do not frighten you." She smiled and began walking towards the sheds that held the wealth of various training tools and equipment.

"What do you think of exploring at least some parts of the vast Training Grounds?" she asked with a grin.

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Training Grounds
@Pele Alarion

The voice of Ranger Pele interrupted Romeran's puzzlement over several of the training machines. He turned around and replied "Good morning, Ranger Pele" he said, returning the salute. " 'Fool is the farmer who fears the morning' my uncle used to say. There's only so many hours in the day during the planting and harvesting seasons and we have to get as much work done as we can. So I got used to early mornings and long days from a young age" he explained. Romeran wasn't sure what Pele's background was, for example whether she knew all about being on a farm and that he was simply re-iterating this information, he decided not to elaborate further.

"I was just admiring the training dummies and such just from here." He said, in agreement. As they starting the rounds of the Training Grounds, Romeran stopped them at a few dummies with what looked like some sort of revolving arms. "Is this for some sort of individual practice with a melee weapon?" he asked, curiously pushing on one of the dummies to see how the 'arms' would swing.

"I had lessons with Ranger Duinion yesterday on archery. It seems very clear to me how one can practice archery by themselves. As it lends itself quite naturally to individual target shooting. I hadn't really thought much about how one might train with, say, a sword by oneself." Romeran mused "I had imagined it was something where practicing with another was quite essential." As with many children Romeran had played with sticks as swords with his friends as a child, often coming home with bruised and cut hands from being slapped with sticks.

[Arnyn]

King Aragorn Elessar
Headquarters

It was morning, nearing the seventh hour of the day, when Aragorn already found himself at headquarters.
His Rangers were only expected to arrive by the eighth hour - yet that did not mean he could not be present sooner.

Almost casually, he perused the notice board to see what kind of announcements it held. His own note, the one he had given Yantyar Alarion a few days past, had been pinned up front and center.
A wry smile passed over his features. The importance of a king's words, or something or other.

He had worn his armor for the occasion, and even though it had never felt as natural as his old Ranger gear, he had gotten used to it. After reading all of the messages, he was all the more at ease with his decision. As he continued his exploration of the headquarters. It did not escape him that a few of the people present gave him lingering looks. The man who kept the Ranger compound in order and who was sweeping the floors, however, gave Aragorn a smile, which he returned. Elessar was never remiss in greeting him and speaking a few words in respect of the impeccable job he did with the place - large as it was.

[Pele Alarion]

Yantyar Ranger Pele Alarion
Barracks, North Wing, Room 2

There was still a plenty of time, and Pele was turning on her other side for some more of that precious morning's sleep, when a disturbing thought entered her mind. That note about the outing... Well, she had placed the King's note in its rightful place, but she had forgotten to take off her own, had she not? Would that she had remembered it sooner! She sat straight up in her bed, eyes wide open. Perhaps she could still manage to take it off while others would be having their breakfast. Before it was too late...

She jumped out of bed, and yet in all her haste she made sure to make it neat. After a quick splash of cold water on the face, and dressed in a fresh uniform - she made sure to look impeccable - Pele left her room, while still fastening the dagger sheath on the belt and buckling it. The Ranger slipped into the mess hall only to snatch a few apples before heading for the headquarters.

Headquarters

She was heartily snacking away on one of the three apples she had collected from the mess, when she pushed the door open with her shoulder to let herself in. With one single purpose in her mind she took a couple determined steps towards the notice board when she realised that the King was already there. Why was he here so early?! And what was she to do? From where she had stopped she could clearly see the form of the King's note - just where she had pinned it two days ago:

To all Gondorian Rangers

Your King summons you to Headquarters, two days from now.
Report in after breaking your fast, at the bell of the eighth hour.

And yet, somewhere there, was her own rather silly and informal one... She had come too late, and he must have seen it.
And he must have seen her now, too. She was completely unprepared for his presence. Pele quickly swallowed the morsel of apple she had been chewing on, but - the fruit took up her hands and it would be even more improper to offer a salute while juggling apples rather than offer none at all.

"Good morning, Your Grace!" she said, mustering all the wits and courage as she approached him, though she felt colour creeping up her cheeks, and her ears burning. "I am sorry, but apples prevent me from performing proper military salutation. May I offer you one of the apples instead?" Pele hoped that a little bit of humour would at least in some measure save her from the awkward situation.

[Rillewen]

Ranger Duinion Raedor
Headquarters

It was with some surprised that he had received the message that the king was summoning all rangers to the city for some sort of meeting. Obviously, it was something important, and therefore he couldn't exactly not go. Very little besides his duty would bring this ranger into the city, but this summons went a bit beyond duty, it was the king. So he spent a good while yesterday, making sure his uniform was clean and his boots polished, and so forth. Not knowing what had brought about this meeting, he wanted to be sure that he didn't neglect anything. After some debate about his weapons, he left the bow at home and wore only his daggers at his sides.

Given how infrequently he ventured to the city, Duinion didn't know exactly how long it might take to reach the ranger headquarters. He didn't usually time himself when he did go, and it felt like it took ages to get there. So it was that he arrived a bit early, taking a bit less time to get there than he had imagined. Pausing at the entrance to the building, he took a slow, deep breath to calm himself before stepping inside. Then, stopped in his tracks as he saw none other than the king himself standing there, with Pele holding an armful of apples. He recognized him immediately, though he had no idea if the king had ever heard of Duinion. "My king.. good morning." He saluted swiftly, wondering a little at himself for being so surprised to see the king there... the summons had come from him, after all. "And good morning to you, Ranger Pele," he added, so not to be rude.

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Headquarters

The King was coming! Romeran had never seen the king before. He’d never seen any king before. Romeran woke up early that morning, earlier than he needed to. He was nervous. He had no reason to be nervous it’s not like this had anything to do with him but he still felt nervous. Before the sixth hour he was already practicing against the ranged archery targets in the training grounds. He was trying to remember all that he had recently learned from Ranger Duinion.

He had left, eaten breakfast, helped clean in the kitchen, and was still too early. Not wanting to be the first one, lest he be alone with the King, Romeran loitered in the ranger commons. Once Romeran spied at least Pele leaving the barracks he made for the headquarters.

Romeran had to take a deep breath before going in. He saw Ranger Pele, Ranger Duinion. And the king. He saluted with the best form he could muster. “My King” he managed, barely. “Ranger Pele, Ranger Duinion” he repeated in greeting. He was too nervous to say anything else. Romeran’s uniform was impeccably clean, he wanted no reason to be criticized by his king.

Romeran admired Aragorn, he stood slightly taller than Romeran, something that was in itself quite unusual. While Romeran was larger in breadth, the King carried such an air of regal nobility that it took almost everything he had in him not to kneel. Instead he stood in silence, practically gawking at the king.

[Arnyn]

King Aragorn Elessar
Headquarters

Aragorn turned at the sound of the door opening. His cloak whirled at the move, his forearm leaning on the pommel of a scabbarded Andúril. It was Pele, holding... apples. He raised one eyebrow in amusement as her eyes fell on him and she froze for a moment.

"Good morning, Yantyar Alarion," he replied good-naturedly, with a nod of his head and a hint of a smile on his face. At her offer, the smile broke through. "You may, and I shall gladly accept." He held out his other hand, wondering if this would make the Ranger's face even redder than it already was.

Other Rangers entered then, and Aragorn's grey eyes flicked over to them upon being addressed.

"Good morning, Ranger Raedor," Elessar spoke fluidly, touching his fist to his heart in a returned salute. "It is good to see you have made it in on time. Early, even." He had been told that Ranger Duinion was not one for the city.

Who he did not recognize, however, was Romeran.
"I do not believe we have met," Aragorn replied to Romeran's greeting after once more returning a salute. "Well met, in any case! Am I correct in assuming you are one of our new recruits?"

[Pele Alarion]

Yantyar Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters

"Last year's apples, m'lord, but still delicious," Pele said, as she handed Aragorn one of the apples and breathed more freely, seeing that he did not seem too inclined to keep to all formalities for the present moment.

However, other Rangers came soon after her, so she completely gave up the thought of removing her note: the King had already seen it most likely, and the others would not care much if it was there or not. It also seemed that she had to forfeit a thought of a quick snack now that there were people here - walking over to the clerk's desk, she set the one untouched apple she still had down on it. "Ranger Duinion, Recruit Romeran... " Pele responded to their greetings, though still unable to return the salute properly. "Treat yourselves to the apple if you like, but I only have one..." Standing near the door and slightly behind Romeran, she finished the fruit she had already half-eaten since she could not imagine herself attending the meeting with it in her hand or pocket, and she could not offer it to anyone else.

When the King posed a question to Romeran, Pele could not help but look at him with a small grin, and as inconspicuously as she could nudge him with her elbow to respond to the question.

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Headquarters

Paralysis enveloped Romeran as the king addressed him directly. He paused, completely unable to speak. Pele nudged him, that helped. "Y-yes" he managed, finally "Romeran my lord" he continued, barely. "I am indeed a new recruit. It is an h-honor my lord to meet you." Romeran had never had this happen before. He had been intimidated by people before but never to the point of being practically dumfounded.

There was a nature and aura to the King which was undefinable. He had heard the stories, of course, everyone had heard the stories. The Axe-weilding men of Lossarnach had marched to Minas Tirith under Forlorn, may his bones rest in peace. Romeran had grown up hearing the tales, the true King, of the line of Isildur. But to see him in person was a wholly different experience. If there had been any doubt in his mind that he wanted to be a Ranger and serve under the king, it had been completely vanquished, and the King had barely even spoken.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Ranger Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters

The King had summoned his Rangers, and so she had come. Arnyn entered headquarters in long strides; she was dressed in her black uniform and full armor, her blonde hair pulled back in a single long braid. Since the note had said nothing about the nature of the meeting, she had made preparations in case of a mission, but had chosen to only take her longsword to Headquarters. In case they were to set out, a readied pack as well as her additional weapons lay at the ready at home.

She was not the first to arrive, although not nearly the last. A handful of people were more or less clustered near the message board.
"King Elessar," she greeted her commander in chief with a fist-to-chest salute and a bow of her head. She nodded separately at the other Rangers present, Pele, Duinion and Rome. "Good morning to all. It seems that we are the early birds?" A smile mastered her face.

***


Hyandaner Ranger Kaylin Maethyr (and her husband Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr - with permission from Karis)
Headquarters

It was very close to the eighth bell when Kaylin and Thûllir set foot into headquarters. Thûllir had held the door for his wife, despite the eye roll it earned him.

In stark contrast to the others who had gathered so far, the two of them looked well-travelled. They had just returned from their trip to the Southern Fiefdoms and had been debating where to get breakfast (surely they had nothing back at the house - and neither of them felt like going shopping for groceries first thing upon arrival), when the guards at the Great Gate had called to them: they would have to hurry if they still wanted to make it to headquarters in time. After their initial surprise, they had hurried to the task, heading straight here, still carrying the dust of the road with them on their cloaks and boots and still hauling their travel packs.

Needless to say, Kaylin wasn't dressed in uniform or any of her ranger attire. She was wearing comfortable and warm clothes against the cold, in greys and blue, and only leather braces and a leather jerkin in the way of armor (not that she would even call those armor). Her visible weapons only included her shortsword and the short bow with which Thûllir had taught her how to shoot, years ago.

She'd stomped her grey boots on the cobblestones outside in hopes of getting some of the caked on mud off at least - but only with a small measure of success.
Once inside, she pulled back the hood of her grey cloak, revealing the red blaze of her hair, which was partially braided out of her face. After unslinging her pack, she pushed the cloak's fabric back over her shoulders. She dropped her pack to the side of the room and stepped in further, her blue-grey eyes sparkling with a mixture of contentment about the past few months as well as merriment to return to the city she had come to call home.

"My King!" Her voice was clear as she offered a crisp salute. "Apologies for our attire. We have only just returned to Minas Tirith - but are glad to have the great fortune of good timing." After a pause: "My Lord." She fought the urge to scrape her throat, unsure of whether she had followed the right protocols. It might have been better to have Thûllir take the lead. Ah well, there was nothing to be done about that now. Unworried, she offered smiles to the other Rangers who had already arrived.

[Rillewen]

Ranger Duinion Raedor
Headquarters

He was somewhat surprised to hear the king reply to him by name. He knew his name? Duinion hadn't quite expected that, feeling as if he were hardly worth the king's notice, except for his status as ranger. His respect for the king grew greater, for that, and at watching his interaction with the young recruit. He smiled faintly as the king returned his salute. "Better early than late, my lord," he replied softly, hoping his unease wasn't terribly obvious.

Still, it was becoming increasingly more crowded for Duinion's liking, and he edged away from the others as they entered. He stood by a window, trying to keep to the edges of the crowd, such as it was, and also trying not to feel too enclosed. Others entered, which he did not know, and he knew there were others still which had not yet arrived. This place was bound to become more crowded still, and he couldn't help hoping whatever this was about, they wouldn't be kept for long. Perhaps there was some important mission they were to set out upon, and he felt a bit worried at that thought. He'd left his bow at home, thinking to carry as little gear with him as possible. But at least it wasn't too far out of the way to swing by and retrieve it, if they were meant to set off on a mission. Still...something about all of this to-do made him suspect there was something else on the king's mind.. they would have to just wait and find out.

[Ercassie]

Unalmis Raxëlilta, Ranger, and Ilisys Azrubêl, Ehtyar Ranger
Headquarters

Naturally those who had the shortest journey to travel were far from the first to arrive. Unalmis hastened through the door ever so slightly before Ilisys, proving that he knew no thing of how to treat a lady, but at least appeared excited to attend. For her part it could be argued that Isys was chasing in the stragglers, though from the look of pleasant surprise etched upon her face to see such a gathering, it could have been just as argued that she had not known to expect the meeting at all.

Even though both Rangers had, of course, read the announcement beforehand, and both of them been reminded more than once at least not to forget, still they were none the wiser of what to expect. Besides the King himself of course. Which ought to have been enough incentive to bring both themselves and their curiosities.

The Ehtyar’s curtsy didn’t quite make the right impression, despite the longs years of practice put to the art, for few of those years had been spent adapting the graceful gesture of respect to the blued-steel of her armour. Still she managed to execute the move with calm composure and did not even come close to amusement, when the young man beside her managed a fist to chest salute with a then bowed head hung over his underplayed green and brown attire. The colours of the forest were as proud worn here as the bold black and white of the city, after all.

It was behaviour uncommonly serious for Unalmis (unless the bowed head hid a mischevious expression), but that is the sort of power that a King may command. That even those with tendency to make play and ramble off nonsense, lose their tongues to the greater prerequisite of respect. Nal stayed close by the door, but eventually found his eyes to rise and wonder what they might witness.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Headquarters

Heavy steps made their way towards the Headquarters, he knew he wasn’t the first to arrive but hoped he wouldn’t be the last. He pulled his pack further upon his shoulder as he walked. He wasn’t sure what the summons was about but he knew it would probably involve going somewhere and it was always good to be prepared.

Although he would seem young to many at twenty he was a veteran of battle and carried their scars as proof. He’d started his career as a lanky uncoordinated fifteen yr old and nearly impaled Pele on his first day of training when he lost his grip of his sword and it went flying through the air to land blade first at her feet.
He now stood a good head above most men and he could fill a doors frame with his shoulders and his grip had also improved.

He pushed open the door and his brown eyes cast around the surprisingly crowded room. He paused a moment before letting the door go. It seemed he might be the last to arrive after all. He headed forward through the crowd, sweeping his gaze across those gathered and affording a brief nod of acknowledgment to those he knew already. Pele of course, Arnyn, Kaylin and husband Thullir, Unalmis and his female companion (Ilisys). Then he offered a brief nod to those he didn’t know. A new recruit (Romeran) and another Ranger (Duinion).

His stride only stopped when he approached King Elessar. He ducked his head and gave a solid fist to chest salute. “My King.” The timber of his voice was clear and deep. “ I apologize for not being among the first to arrive.” There was no excuse he could offer that would suffice he felt.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr
Headquarters

The conditions of the road from Harlond had been a bit on the poor side this morning, but at least it had warmed enough that the mud on their clothing had dried and could be somewhat brushed off as Thûllir and Kaylin made their way to the headquarters from where they had received word at the gate. He wasn’t too concerned about the dirt, as it had often been his condition when reporting in from Ithilien. It was a bit different coming directly from leave than reporting in from the woods, but that bothered him not. His leather jerkin and faded green cloak over dark brown woollen trews, grey shirt, and dark blue coat lent a hint of his status while remaining properly nondescript. The blades, bracers,quiver and bow bore different patterns of twining vines and leaves rather than the usual insignia of Gondor, but were still serviceable.

Reaching the door, Thûllir opened it for Kaylin even knowing he would receive her standard eyeroll, and followed her in with a slight smile on his darkly bearded face. Surveying the gathering as he too dropped his pack to the side and walked quietly behind her, his attention was quickly caught and held by the sight of King Aragorn. Kaylin had begun speaking already, so he followed her lead in approaching Elessar to render his salute. If it had been anyone else, his impulse would have been to stay near the wall until order was called, but the presence of Aragorn drew the more proper response out of him even while it set him at ease. He was the Ranger of all rangers after all. “M’lord Elessar.” His murmur followed Kaylin’s words as he bowed his head over the bow cradled on his left arm.


Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters

Ziran had returned from her travels just the day before the date mentioned on the summons, which had given her time to turn herself out again somewhat rested and with her kit in good order this morning. She had been thankful for the opportunity to clean and oil both the leather and steel items in her kit and properly make needed repairs to the wear brought on by months in rough conditions. Her usual cloak of green-gray needed a bit more care however, and remained in her room. The journey by ship to Anfalas had been easy enough, but the many miles on foot that had traced the long way back up over the Ered Nimrais and back down through Rohan were another matter. Normally a journey like that would have been better with partners, but this one time she had needed to go alone to settle memories and the shadows on her soul.

Now she approached the door to the headquarters just behind a few other familiar individuals, with a stride that only hinted at her weary legs to all but the most observant.The black cloak over her shoulders was pinned with the small symbol of her speciality, and mostly concealed the leather vest beneath, but not the weapons she bore as a matter of course when reporting. Breakfast had been sufficiently good, the company of her aunt and uncle pleasant, and the coffee strong, but a calm and quiet air remained around her that she was not quite ready to break as yet.

Stepping through the entrance, she assessed the room with a quick flicker of her gaze and took two strides forward before halting with an imperceptible tap of her heels. Resting her longbow on the tip of her left boot, she bowed slightly to the King while performing the salute in a crisp and silent acknowledgement, before straightening to speak quietly. “M’lord king. Reporting for duty sir.” Relaxing again, she moved aside to find a place in the small company of mostly familiar faces. Her reports on the western lands would be given later, after the King’s business was concluded.

[Arnyn]

King Aragorn Elessar
Headquarters

He accepted the apple from Pele with a nod, as if it was the most normal thing in the world, and dropped it into a hidden pocket of his cloak. There was no reason kingly attire could not prove practical, and Aragorn knew practical.

The recruit was a bit dumbstruck, it seemed. It was strange to Aragorn, how much a name and a title could change people's reactions. Romeran would not have responded as such when Aragorn had still been Strider. Yet - he was the same man, was he not? "Recruit Romeran," Elessar repeated, trying to engrain the name into his mind. He had made a point of knowing each and every one of his chosen Rangers by face and name - he saw no reason to try and abandon the practice now they were taking new recruits. As long as it was manageable, of course. "The honor is mine. I look forward to hearing of your progress."

When one of his former commanders entered, Aragorn nodded at her. "Hyandaner Ranger Dealedwen." Her question brought a faint smile to his face. "Indeed we are." While he would never require anyone to be early, it told him they had made his summons a priority. Something he appreciated. He agreed with Ranger Raedor: early was better than late - if it could be helped at all. In more than a few instances, early appearances had saved lives, his own included.

The smile grew at Kaylin's attempt at protocol; it was not as bad as she seemed to think it was. Then again, he had never been one to blame someone for some lack of etiquette, as long as he was convinced of their good intentions. He raised a hand in objection to her apology. "A little dust and mud never killed anyone, I would say. Hyandaner Ranger Maethyr, Ranger Bregedyr," he greeted the two, whom he knew to be married.

Half surprised by Ilisys' curtsy, Aragorn reminded himself of the woman's background. Both her greeting as well as Unalmis' earned them a serious nod. "Ehtyar Ranger Azrubêl, Ranger Raxëlilta."

Mourgan's arrival was perhaps the last, but late he was not. "Nay, Ranger Alarion," Aragorn said, "there must always be one to carry such a burden..." He was interupted by the arrival of another Ranger - a former Captain, even. "But it seems you needn't worry - one of your comrades has taking the task upon herself!" Aragorn nodded to Karis. "Cúner Ranger Ziranphel."

They were only moments away from the eighth bell, and he felt the need not to draw out the reason for her presence. It seemed to Elessar that his person mostly created curiosity and discomfort, although he did pick up on respect as well, and a few cases of calm, intrigued patience.

"Good morning, all of you. I called you here today because it has been brought to my attention that I have left your forces without a ranking officer." His grey eyes fell on Pele. "Though not leaderless, it would seem."
"Am I correct in my estimation that Yantyar Alarion has taken it upon herself to organize not only the day to day affairs here at headquarters, but also the assignments of new recruits?" The King looked around at his Rangers, looking for - nay, expecting - a reaction from them.

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Headquarters

More rangers entered the headquarters, some he had seen around, some he had never met before. It was exciting to see so many rangers, he felt like he had so much to learn, a novice amongst expert hands. He was intimidated but at the same time was eager to learn and the wealth of knowledge here seemed limitless. It was a tension between fear and excitement of the unknown, something that was quickly becoming the status quo for Romeran. He managed to bow his head again in acknowledgement of the introduction. Romeran considered mentioning that most people call him 'Rome' (as Romeran is quite a few more syllables than most people preferred to repeat) but his mouth wouldn't open.

The tension seemed to drop as soon as Elessar spoke, if there really was any tension in the first place, it could easily have just been a combination of Romeran's own anxiety and curiosity, he thought. Romeran had naturally assumed that Ranger Pele was the de-facto commander, although he had noted that she did not introduce herself as thus, but when the King mentioned that there was no ranking officer, it made more sense. When the king asked whether Ranger Pele had been managing the day-to-day affairs and assignment of new recruits, Romeran looked around at the other rangers around him expecting one of them to speak up.

When nobody immediately said anything, Romeran looked over at Pele. Maybe she thinks this is criticism, he thought, although it sounded like praise to Romeran. With a great deal of courage, Romeran managed to look at the king and with an even more herculean effort he managed "Yes, my lord." he said with a struggle "Yantyar Alarion," he continued, copying the way the King referred to Ranger Pele "received me as a recruit and assigned other Rangers, herself included, as my instructors. She has been instrumental," he said, rather proudly, "for me at least." he added at the end, realizing that he really did not have much authority to speak on Ranger Pele's other responsibilities, given that he had only recently become a member himself.

[Ercassie]

Unalmis Raxëlilta, Ranger
Headquarters

It was difficult to decipher the King’s mood from his address, though Unalmis couldn’t believe that the mighty Elessar might condemn Pele for taking what initiative she clearly had. In occasions where no leader is assigned, often a natural candidate presents themselves without ever even meaning to and the young man was not surprised, now that he pondered much upon it, that Pele had done exactly that. The Ranger had not arrived early enough to hear the introductions made of the new recruit, but it struck at Nal the unlikelihood that one of the newest come among them should have the courage to meet the matter first. Perhaps though Romeran was the best qualified to answer the King’s question, other than Pele herself.

Some of the other Rangers had been working abroad, others he knew, like Ilisys, had been recovering from injuries sustained in their last campaign. Not all those here present might even have any clue of quite how much work the Yantyar had contributed overall. Nal had not been privy to all of it himself, apparently and especially the work she must have managed with paperwork and office work, which he physically avoided and should therefore respect her all the more for attending to.

“Your Majesty, sir,” he changed his mind on which was the better title to express, even as he took a turn to step up, shortly after the new recruit had seemed to speak his peace. “If I may be so bold, you are both correct and incorrect at once. Because I know for a fact that Yantyar Alarion has taken the time to personally guide the training of Rangers in improving their life-saving skills at the Houses of Healing.” He glanced toward Pele with admiration deployed for her patience and expertise in that field. “So it would seem that she has contributed even more responsibilities than even those you have spoke of.”

There was no cause to explain quite why healing skills were so significant to those engaged in warfare, or out on long patrols; not to the King who had turned his own hands toward tending the afflicted. It was a dual vocation such as very few shared, to stand both warrior and healer the same. Pele was a rare one who stood in such regard and example set by their ruler.

“I can not speak for the other duties you mentioned. But personally I can attest that she has taught me a lot in the last few months. Sir.” the young man fell about some way to finish speaking his own piece, and elected to step back, and have the wall meet him there, a little more abruptly than he had expected.

Ilisys Azrubêl, Ehtyar Ranger
Headquarters

Ilisys had indeed been recuperating for at least some part of the time since she had last been stood in a grand hall, audience to the King of all Gondor. She had in more recent months leant her interest toward matters which required less physical presence and far more investigation of word and rumour. Research related to the prisoner in the Dungeon, whom Isys and Kaylin had both witnessed antagonising Pele before the subsequent arrest, had taken up a lot of her thoughts and time since then. Although the Ehtyar had not kept such a close eye on Yantyar Alarion as she might have, when she was engaged in researching those who had threatened her friend instead .. it was little surprise to learn that Pele had buried herself in work rather than spend time fretting over things she could not control, as seemed to be her custom. Looking to what others needed, before her own private needs that she would scarce even share with most.

As the recognition of quite how extensive the MasterHealer’s accomplishments within the Rangers establishment had spread, the room had apparently reflected that awed silence a short time. Before the accounts and accolades of evidence had begun falling in. The youngest, the most in need of guidance, the least schooled in experience, .. they had all clearly found the most benefit of all in Pele’s deeds. A small kindness here, a thoughtful consideration there, it was easy to understand how such efforts had added up over time. Of course, Pele was renowned as a pillar of the Ranger community and had been for such a long time, that perhaps they had all taken her a little for granted.

“Your Grace, with respect, this speculation is no surprise,” Isys dropped her chin, and glanced aside at the woman who they surely all were embarrassing with such conversation. If any had expected for that to be but the prelude to some great speech, they would be (probably not really too) disappointed.

“Birds fly, fish swim, and Pele, well she is Pele,” was the only conclusion that the Yantyar’s friend could offer as an explanation. So she visited a smile for the woman, to attest to the sincerity and the good intentions behind such words.

[The Good Hunter]

Recruit Caladcyll, Running to Headquarters

One advantage to a light workload from the Rangers was that Caladcyll could seek employment away from the city center and closer to the river where he felt comfortable, a disadvantage to this, naturally, was that he was often the last to get any news or notice that his presence was requested, no that wasn’t the word the messenger used, required, his presence was required at Ranger Headquarters, and it was required now. Now. Now of all times! Caladcyll didn’t get a chance to tell off the messenger for getting this message to him late because as soon as he delivered the message he disappeared; part of Caladcyll hoped that he fell in the river and drowned for being such an unhelpful ass. Most of his mind, however, was occupied with a much more pressing issue. He was leagues away from headquarters. It was not a quick jaunt down the street. And Eril had told him that everything would work out fine, well Eril was going to get an earful from his lodger when it came time for dinner!

Having no time, he ran. Thank the frothy waves he had built up his endurance since the last time he was called to participate in Ranger activity, he made decent time. However, that wasn’t going to help anything. He was already late, and not only was he late for a meeting with the Rangers, but he was also late for a meeting with the bloody king! That little tidbit had brought a smirk to the messenger’s face, an inverse to the no doubt look of horror and dismay on the Pelargirman’s face. He wanted to meet the king at some point, or more to the point his father wanted him to meet the king at some point, but like this? Great monstrous kraken! He wasn’t going to have time to change. He was going to have to present himself before the King of Gondor and Arnor in a dirty, salt and seaweed stained shirt with the left sleeve torn from cuff to elbow after it was caught on a hook today. Down at the docks, having an arm full of tattoos was nothing to look twice at, in front of nobles and royalty though? It wasn’t the best kind of look. And the king himself? Caladcyll was going to count himself lucky to still be a recruit by the end of this meeting.

He managed to make it all the way into the city without falling over and croaking, now it was must a matter of navigating streets that never seemed to get any less busy. In his haste, he bumped into an applecart, upset it, and sent it tumbling. He almost stopped to help the old man pick up the scattered fruit, but upon hearing “You oafish, squid faced miscreant! Get out of here before I call the Rangers, and have you flogged!” he decided it was best to make a quick exit. He was already having a rough enough afternoon.

The rest of the trip, dodging civilians, applecarts, and palanquins, was much easier. Or at least it seemed easy. The closer Caladcyll came to Headquarters, the more he noticed his vision tunneling. He paused just outside, gasping for breath. His forehead and neck were soaked through with sweat, adding another color in the menagerie of “good grief” on his shirt. His hair was a mess, slick and oily with streaks of drying ambergris amidst the brown and cinnamon. Thankfully, he had a leather cord, and wrapped his hair into a quick, high ponytail. He was already going to look like some startled midshipman, it would be better if he at least didn’t look like a hungover startled midshipman. He also needed to find better, more land-based metaphors since he wasn’t going to be sailing off on a ship any time soon.

He cleared his throat as he entered, more out of habit than trying to get anyone’s attention. Thank the waves there were still people here, enough that he could slip in and be, relatively, unnoticed. He was still out of breath and still smelled like the back end of a clogged stream, but at least he’d made it.

[Rillewen]

Ranger Duinion Raedor
Headquarters

The more people came into the room, the more Duinion wanted to slip out. If many more came in, there wouldn't be much breathing room left, or so he felt. Still, they kept coming in, and his discomfort grew a little with each new entry. Standing by the window, he was relieved that no one was yet pressing up against him for lack of standing room, but still it felt crowded to him. If anyone dared try to close the shutters on the window, he would do all in his power to stop them, unless that person were the king himself. So long as the window stayed open, it eased his anxiousness enough that he could endure this for a while, even as more people slipped in. Duinion's gaze flicked to the door as yet another slipped in, late, but he wasn't one to call attention to another for something they may get in trouble for. He couldn't help wondering though, how many others were going to be trickling in late, and how many this room could actually hold.

While his mind was occupied with counting the people in the room, he nearly missed the fact that the king's words had been a question, addressed to all present. As Rome spoke up to answer, Duinion dragged his attention away from the amount of people there, and tried not to look like he had been distracted. A bit embarrassed, he listened to what the young recruit was saying, followed Unalmis, and Isys. It didn't take much to piece together what the question must have been. After a brief pause, he softly cleared his throat and offered his own answer, "I.. cannot say what responsibilities Pele has taken upon herself to fulfil, my king, but I can attest to the fact that she has taken care of some important matters, such as sending recruits to where they can receive the best training, and keeping up with where we all are." He answered, a little hesitant, but felt it ought to be said. In all honesty, he hadn't quite realized that Pele had taken on such jobs without being asked to. "If not for her, I, and probably others among us gathered here, would not have known that we had been summoned here today..."

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

His eyes turned up toward the King as he spoke, his words causing one side of his mouth to turn upwards into a small smile. With another bow he stepped back to make room for others to pay their respects and report to him. His stance straightened and he waited patiently to hear why they were gathered.

When it seemed time the King spoke his mind and Mourgan turned to look at his Aunt, Pele. It took much to keep from smiling as others spoke her accolades. All things true but he knew more.

“M’Lord, all true but we all know her to do more then simply train recruits. She offers a quite voice of reason in the storm and who here has not in some way benefited from her healing touch, not to mention her honey cake and tea.” His face reflected respect and love for her as he gave her a small bowing of the head out of respect before returning his eyes to the King.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Ranger Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters

It did her heart good to hear others sing Pele's praise. She couldn't tamp down the smile that mastered her features - nor did she wish to. A part of her would always be proud of Pele's Hyandaner heritage - even if she was a Yantyar Ranger at the moment. History never changed. Pele was family.

After Mourgan had spoken and a pause fell, Arnyn offered her own contribution.

"Though I cannot speak in detail about what she may have done recently, since I have been away in Ithilien..." Arnyn nodded her thanks to her King then, since he had been the one to approve that particular request, "I can say none of what I am hearing surprises me. Pele Alarion has always put the needs of the kingdom before her own. She is..." Arnyn took a brief moment to consider the right words before she continued: "Loyal. Dedicated. Dilligent. Hardworking. Selfless. Kind."

She thought she knew where the King was going with this. And so, with a twinkle in her dark brown eyes, she added, almost casually: "I would follow her into a fight."


Hyandaner Ranger Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters

She blinked at the King's words, unsure of whether he was angling for praise or reproach - but her grey-blue eyes quickly changed to amusement when she heard all of the reactions. She grinned at Arnyn's last words, jumping at the chance to voice her agreement. "Ah, yes. So would I, my King."

"As for the rest of it, we have also been gone for a few months, but... I've always known Pele to be a rock." Kaylin shrugged as she tried to explain. "Taking on more than what is expected of her, is more of a rule than an exception in her case, Lord Elessar."

King Aragorn Elessar
Headquarters

He listened carefully to each and every one of those who replied to his question. Romeran, Unalmis, Ilisys, Duinion, Mourgan, Arnyn, Kaylin... Not all had spoken - whether it was because they had nothing to say or because they dared not to, he could not say - but he had heard enough.

Aragorn turned his keen gaze on Pele.
"Well, Yantyar Alarion. There we have it. What say you in response to these Rangers and this Recruit, who have spoken of you with such a high regard?"

[Pele Alarion]

Yantyar Ranger Pele Alarion
Headquarters

As other Rangers began to gather, Pele remained near the clerk's desk and would have perched on its edge had she not been aware that it would not be overly polite, considering the circumstances. So settled among her comrades, she took to observing the King's interactions with each of them; once again she was assured that he was not some distant figure of authority locked away in the citadel, that he took time to talk with each of them, even if it was just a greeting.

When quite a few of them had gathered, Aragorn addressed them, and Pele chased away all other wandering thoughts to focus on the matter at hand. And yet, it quickly turned out absolutely not what she had expected. The few quiet moments after the King pointed out her tasks and asked the others' opinions seemed to stretch out forever, and, eyes lowered, the Ranger wondered how else she could have gone about the tasks and how much she had stepped over any official boundaries.

However, she was once again taken by surprise when Romeran spoke in answer to the King's query; and seemingly not as a simple statement either. She looked up at him thoughtfully, wondering if she was expected to say something in response to it. Then, one after another the Rangers continued to speak, and as she listened, a whole whirlwind of emotions seemed to take a hold of her. Once again she felt her cheeks burn, and for a few moments she wished the floor would swallow her up, a fleeting glance towards the door as if she would want to dart away as a frightened deer. Yet here she still stood as if rooted; she did not have the King's permission to leave, did she?

Pele felt truly embarrassed by being stuck here to listen to this flood of kind words especially since she thought she had just been doing her duty, well, the duties that had to be done. Yet it seemed to stir something in her heart, filling her with gratitude for her comrades. The time spent in Umbar had left deep scars on her, and not just physical; while her captors had not managed to break her completely, the duress had turned what had been an annoying seed of self-doubt and lack of confidence into a giant thorny bush tearing her apart. It had taken a long time to chop off most of it, and she had not dared to return properly until the mission with Commander Amathen. Yet, regardless of embarrassment for being so put in the spotlight, she felt as if the warmth and acceptance she now experienced delivered a serious blow to the very roots of the said thorny bush.

The emotions seemed to have decided to all bundle up in a knot in her throat, and when the King spoke directly to her, Pele met his gaze for a moment, swallowed nervously, and feverishly tried to think of something reasonable to say. Glancing around the room briefly, she realised that she could not just stand there and disregard them. She took a few deep breaths and stepped slightly forward and to the side so that she could see everyone.

"Your Grace," Pele began and addressed the King first, and then the other Rangers, hoping that she would not lose her voice or footing in her nervousness, "Comrades... no, even more so: friends. I thank you for all the kind words. And for your confidence. I..." she hesitated, unsure how to dress into words what she wanted to express. "I would go into battle alongside each one of you, and..." Unable to find just the right words to complete the thought, Pele fell silent and sought eye contact with each person in the room to communicate what she could not express otherwise.

[Arnyn]

King Aragorn Elessar
Headquarters

He watched Yantyar Alarion carefully as her blue eyes met his. She was clearly ill at ease. He wondered whether she was just so unused to praise, or indeed whether she was such a humble person that she would never grow accustomed to it, regardless of how many times it might happen.

Aragorn gave Pele a moment to speak her piece, as well as to let the words she could not say, sink in with the Rangers gathered. After a long, meaningful moment of silence, the King smiled to himself. He nodded once, and then took a step forward.

"Yantyar Alarion. I have always believed that a man's or woman's actions speak much more than their words. I am also of the belief that a group such as these Rangers, are capable of choosing their own leader. You have shown yourself capable, and the Rangers speak for you."

He drew a badge from the pocket he had dropped the apple in, earlier. "Therefore, I would name you..."



He pinned the badge on Pele's shoulder, and briefly rested his hand on her other shoulder, before turning her back to face the gathered Rangers.
"... Captain Alarion."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters

Ziran had watched and listened quietly as several spoke in answer to Aragorn’s questions regarding Pele. It was a good report, and fit well within what she knew Pele was capable of accomplishing in her own unassuming way. Her Yantyar title fit of course, but now Ziran wondered if the King had called them together for a different reason. The silence that held them all after Pele spoke in turn was fitting, and Ziran did not break it, instead nodding her response to Pele’s glance.

A grin broke through when the King began to speak and then pulled out the Captain’s badge. Sneaky! But appropriate. Ziran thought it right and proper that she be one of the first to speak her support for the promotion, so did not wait for more than a breath after his announcement.
“Captain Alarion! You have indeed proven yourself worthy of this honor, and it will be our honor to fight beside you and follow your command.” The salute that followed was heartfelt but still crisp and her gaze direct. She was delighted for her friend and wanted to convey that approval clearly.

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr
Headquarters

Thûllir joined his cousin a heartbeat later in rendering salute, and then gave an uncharacteristically carrying call. “For Captain Alarion…Hûl!” He lifted his bow to emphasize his words. He didn’t know Pele quite as well as the others did, his wife in particular, but he had seen her fight and had heard many a tale of both daring and humor in addition to her compassion. A good choice that would strengthen and hopefully knit this new elite group together in a lasting way.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen - Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters

Arnyn's smile was a constant as she watched Pele's reactions. When Pele locked eyes with her, she gave her friend a slow nod.

Kaylin was downright grinning at Pele's obvious discomfort. Her humble Sergeant (that is how she had gotten to know Pele, after all, and had known Pele for years) being put in this position... by the King, no less! She couldn't have planned it any better herself. As Pele's eyes found her own, Kaylin tamped the grin down a little and shrugged lightly, as if saying: "What do you expect, when you're you?"

When the King spoke of choosing a new leader, it only then clicked into place for Kaylin and a happy sort of surprise mastered her face.

Arnyn's smile deepened slightly, but there were no other changes - she had guessed the King's intent a while ago and was simply pleased to see her assumption confirmed. Pele had a long history with Gondor's armed forces. The woman had been through so much. She could bring all that experience to the job. That could only be a good thing.

Ziran's words hit the spot, and Thûllir's call gave the opprtunity to echo the sentiment. "Hûl!" Arnyn and Kaylin called out, in a fortunate kind of unison, Arnyn's tone proud and happy, Kaylin's enthusiastic.

[Rillewen]

Ranger Duinion Raedor
Headquarters

At last, the reason for this meeting seemed to be revealed, and Ranger Pele was awarded a much-deserved rank as captain. Pele looked rather shy about being the center of attention, and Duinion couldn't say he blamed her for that. Still, he felt very pleased for her to get the promotion, and he couldn't say why it hadn't happened sooner. Perhaps the king had wanted to observe who would take the initiative in such matters, who knows. Whatever the case, Duinion felt that Pele was the right person for the job. He smiled, copying the others in saluting. "Hûl!" He added his voice in with the others, not as loudly, but with equal enthusiasm.

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Headquarters

After his initial courage to speak up, Romeran had been quiet. The rangers spoke their praise each in turn for Ranger Pele, and high praise it was indeed. It had been obvious to him at least that Pele already acted as a de-facto commander of sorts and was held in high regard by her fellow rangers. Still he had wondered at who the official captain was as Pele had not introduced herself as such although they had stood in what was clearly the commander's office.

It came to little surprise to him, then when the King finally explained his presence. It wasn't that the captain was missing it was that none had officially been assigned. Romeran immediately wondered what had happened to the previous leadership. He tried not to think too much about it. Perhaps there was usually a period of time where no captain was appointed? Perhaps the rigid hierarchy of most military units he had expected was not the case.

Regardless of his musings, Romearan was glad for Pele. Although he had only known her for a brief time it seemed that she was the natural choice for such an important position. Her humility served as further evidence of her appropriateness. When the other rangers began congratulating Captain Pele, Romeran joined in "Hûl!" he offered with a crisp and heartfelt salute.

[Isolde Alarion]

Mourgan Alarion
Ranger

Some people basked in the light of attention and well spoken words, Pele squirmed and looked for the nearest exit. Nothing new there he thought to himself but truer words were never spoken, he would ride and fight to the ends of Middle Earth with her because he knew she would be there to lead the way.
Her words were met with a respectful nod of the head and a small smile.

The King then spoke and he watched with pride as she was pinned with the rank of Captain! Well deserved he thought to himself.

He too added his approval with a crisp salute and resounding “Hul!”

[Ercassie]

Unalmis Raxëlilta, Ranger, and Ilisys Azrubêl, Ehtyar Ranger
Headquarters

Moving aside, to allow another arrival enter the room, Unalmis might have missed the next of those homages offered to their comrade, had the voice not been so very familiar. A sharp glance invited a smile to join him in recognising Duinion. It was some marvel to see the Ranger indoors, and the young man might have stared, as though it were a dog walking on it’s hindlegs in the headquarters, rather than an old family friend. But Duinion, followed by Mourgan, Arnyn and Kaylin all alike leant new cadence to the song of praise they were collectively conceiving, and deservedly, for a fond and favourite of their number. The King’s conclusion was the sweetest sound of all to hear, and proved beyond all doubt that Aragorn not only knew but trusted every one of those who’d ventured an opinion, Pele herself the most included, of course.

The Yantyar’s modesty strode hand in hand with her collected confidence, demonstrating exactly why she was owed all that Elessar bestowed upon her. Nal resisted the urge to shout out that, he too, would follow Pele anywhere that she might lead them, because honestly he would follow almost anybody, if he was curious enough. But he knew that their new leader had the best chance of leading them there, anywhere, and also back again at battle's end. In consideration of Pele thus, and her grace here even in the spotlight, the young man decided the best thing he could do was follow her lead by conducting himself a little less wildly. It was a formal occasion after all !

It was Karis that led the room into cheers for their new Captain, and soon support for the motion held sway in a growing tide of accord that began with Thullir. There was no question that all in their right mind must agree with the sage promotion. “Hûl, Captain Alarion !” Nal cheered along, even as he raised his head to glean a better glimpse of the celebrated new officer and her reaction to their reaction to all of her .. action.



They had a lot of affinity for fanfare and ceremony, in Dol Amroth. Still Isys was unaccustomed to such a personal satisfaction to be took from celebrating. All that had been said of Pele, still they had but touched upon the surface of a very private, very patriotic woman. Few knew even now all that the Yantyar had suffered to stand so here among them, and if they did then surely the strength of her heart and courage would bolster even the new Captain’s rank. Few knew better than Pele what and why they fought. Few had done so for so long, or so devotedly. Many would surely do so however, under her command.

“Hûl,” the lady gave rise to voice and agreement, perhaps a tad after the bulk of the crowd had rallied already. That the sentiment should echo that little moment longer. With a dip of her chin, the Balfalasian shared a secret award of respect toward Pele. Their King was good to them, for the Yantyar had gone above and beyond. Pele may have been gifted a promotion, but the Rangers as a whole had been given the best gift of all. A shining example, born of their own constellation, shining that little bit brighter, both for and alongside her friends, her family.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters

Being a quick one to make up her mind, Kaylin figured this was the reason why they had been called here, and no other. Since Pele was momentarily frozen - surely she was having a hard time figuring out the right things to say and do in such a weighty situation - Kaylin's eyes started going over the other gathered Rangers. Most, she knew, but some looked entirely unfamiliar (Duinion, Romeran). And then there was the late-comer, who she didn't recognize (Caladcyll).

She assumed he was one of the rangers too, by mere presence. That he didn't look the part at the moment gave her no pause - after all, Thûllir and she weren't in uniform or in their Ranger gear either - and it would have been preferable for them to wash up before seeing the King, but sometimes life just happened, and then there you were. People didn't always hear these things in time - or at least she didn't.

Kaylin would have tried to make eye contact with the three who were strangers to her, but everyone was caught up in the scene in front of them, involving Pele and the King. Kaylin returned her attention that-aways again, herself. Not all that much time had passed, really, but their newly appointed Captain would surely feel the pressure to speak sooner rather than later.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters

By habit, Pele stood at attention near perfectly to face the King, when he spoke to her again, and his words seemed to reach over any barriers that she had built in her heart while struggling with doubt. "My King," she said quietly in response, though before she could say anything else, he had already pinned the badge on her and had her facing the other Rangers once more.

The longer Pele found herself steeped in the whole initially uncomfortable atmosphere, and the more she dwelt on the words spoken earlier, and now both by the King and Karis, the more she found that it somehow brought healing to her heart, soothing the wounds caused by doubt and insecurity. More clearly than ever she saw that she had let the poisoned darts of her enemies dig deeper than she liked to admit, and yet now it did not seem to matter. These Rangers, her friends, and even the King of Gondor saw beyond the surface, and trusted her. She did not have to prove anything to them, to herself; not in the way she had thought of it this far.

With a new-found confidence in her bearing and her voice, she responded to their calls of celebration with one of her own: "Hûl, Rangers of Gondor!" Her hand formed into a fist, and she pressed it firmly over her heart as long as it took for her blue eyes to meet each one's in the room once again. There was Karis, Thûllir and Kaylin, Arnyn, Duinion, Romeran, Mourgan and Unalmis, Ilisys, and Caladcyll.

"I trust you with my very life, as I always have," Pele then said, her chin raised slightly as the meaning of her new rank and the responsibility attached to it sank in. And yet, she no longer felt the need to strive with a purpose to prove herself worthy; it had been an unnecessary burden which she no longer needed. She had always cared for these people before her, and she would continue doing so, with the added weight of new responsibilities. "And I promise that I will do everything in my power to look after you in all ways that I can think of. Let us have this mutual trust as the basis and build on it everything else so that we become a single united force to be reckoned with. A strong unit, which is not easily torn apart either by enemies, or everyday squabbles."

Her blue eyes gleamed with quieted joy, and a small smile stole unto her lips. She might not have been the most eloquent speaker, yet Pele hoped that she did not need to link a great many words together to make clear her devotion to these Rangers, rank or no rank.

[Arnyn]

King Aragorn Elessar
Headquarters

Aragorn watched the proceedings with approval. He nodded to himself and decided that he could remove himself from headquarters. Perhaps it would allow everyone to breathe a bit more easily.

"Captain Alarion?"

The King waited for his newly appointed Captain to turn to him. "I trust you can handle things from here on out," he said, his eyebrows going up slightly. "Since you seem to have been doing just that."

He lowered his voice. "I will leave any additional promotions, whether you seek to give any today or in the future, to your discretion. In case you wish to discuss anything with me, you know to find me in the Citadel."
He was referring to the audience she had sought and received a few days earlier, of course.

He turned around to leave, when he changed his mind and looked back. "Oh - and, Captain..."
He fished the apple out of his cloak and held it up in the air for everyone to see. "A kind gift. However, next time I would consider not to skimp on the honey cakes when it comes to your King?" With gleaming eyes, he gave a last nod to the room in general, and made to exit the Ranger Headquarters.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters

Turning her attention back to the King, Pele listened to the instructions and responded: "Yes, m'lord!" She already formed a list of things to do in her mind, while she had been able to settle some, there were a few more that would require work, though none seemed to be overly urgent. Yet she pulled herself back from any future plans to tend to the present moment, and the King's reminder of a better gift helped it very well. "Understood, sir. Honey cakes instead of apples!" she responded quite seriously, though a smile played on her lips, and held back laughter danced in her eyes.

Regarding the gathered Rangers once again and still smiling, Pele thought of the next immediate business in the order of the day.

"Ranger Duinion Raedor!" she got to it without undue delay, seeking out with her glance the man who had positioned himself by the window. "I am sure the sights out the window might be rather interesting, but if you came to stand right here you would have more space than being among all those other Rangers. Come!"

As if to give him time to think and respond, Pele quickly slipped into the office and reemerged a few moments later to see whether Duinion had made his way to what was considered the 'front' of the room in this case.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Ranger Duinion Raedor
Headquarters

As he watched everything seem to be wrapping up, Duinion imagined they would be dismissed relatively soon. The king was on his way out, and he couldn't imagine much other business that needed to be dealt with at the moment. But, rather than dismissing the assembled group, the new captain did indeed seem to have some new business. His own name was called out with hardly a moment's delay. Already with his attention on her, his eyes widened a tiny bit in alarm, as he tensed ever-so-slightly. What was she calling him out for?

Being then instructed to move away from the window to come and stand in the midst of the group, Duinion became slightly more confused, as well as nervous. He hadn't been staring out of the window daydreaming, as he had once done as a boy.. when he ought to be giving his attention to his studies. He had dutifully kept his attention on the king and the new captain throughout all of this... so what was he in trouble for? His mind raced, trying to think of any possible wrong he may have done, but could come up with nothing, at least that he knew of. Perhaps he had been absent from some other meeting he was unaware of, and would now be admonished..in front of all the others.

While he stood for a moment, slightly too stunned to react right away, Captain Alarion then left the room, adding further mystery to the whole matter. Feeling a bit like he was back in his schooldays, about to be scolded by those in charge, he slowly, and reluctantly, left his place by the window, edging past the other assembled rangers to stand in the place where the new captain had all but ordered him to wait, a little concerned by what was about to happen. He kept his gaze on the door she had gone through, wondering what she had in mind.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters

Returning, Pele found Duinion waiting for her and looking rather uncomfortable. Her arms folded and a small frown on her face, the Captain stood a couple steps from him and looked at him intently, and then let a smile master her features yet again.

"Duinion, I have both heard and seen much of your skill in the forest, and I am sure that you have shown more than enough to deserve recognition," she said. Stepping closer, she revealed a badge she had kept hidden in her hand and pinned it carefully on his shoulder.

Her hand remained on his shoulder, as she turned herself and Duinion towards the other Rangers as if to introduce him: "This is Tirdinen Raedor!"

[Romeran]

Ranger Recruit Romeran
Headquarters

A lot had just happened, the whirlwind of change that seemed to be surrounding Romeran these past few fortnights continued unabated. First, Ranger Pele Alarion was made Captain Alarion and now his other trainer Ranger Duinion was being called forward. Romeran paid close attention to what was occurring with his archery and scouting master. Duinion seemed uncomfortable at the attention he was now garnering and Romeran felt for him, he was not one for being the center of attention either.

When Captain Alarion clarified her intentions, removing a Tirdinen badge from her person and pinning it on Ranger Duinion, Romeran smiled widely like a grinning bear. He was glad to see that his master had been recognized for the skills he possessed. Romeran was proud to see that both of his ranger tutors had been promoted this day, he felt lucky to have such skilled teachers.

After Captain Alarion had declared Duinion's promotion, Romeran joined in with the congratulations. "Congratulations master Duinion" he said offering a hand "While I'm only a recruit, even I could see your exceptional skills in scouting and fieldcraft during our lessons. I have learned greatly from your skills and I look forward to continuing to study and learn under your expert hand, Tirdinen Duinion Raedor" he said, calling him by his full title out of respect, although he wasn't sure how Duinion would feel about such formality.