Minas Tirith Streets and Levels (Free RP)

[Winddancer]

"Oh right.. of course.. the password is Daisies in the sun." Lily added a shrug as if to say don't ask me why. The passwords were always some silly little phrase. A sad smile crossed her face as she recalled how she and Thea would try and make a story out of the last months passwords, often breaking down into giggling fits at the absurdity they would weave together. They would never be doing that again.

Swallowing the lump in her throat and blinking away the fresh tears, Lily looked down at her apron as she stood up to follow the girl. Threadbare as it was, it was barely an apron but it should be big enough that it could be used to cover the girls hair. Hands still trembling she quickly reached behind her back and pulled the straps apart and pulled the apron off.

"Here, let me.." She said as she flapped the apron out with a soft snap and then put it on the girls head. Carefully she made sure the girls braid was completely tucked inside before tying the straps under her hair. After securing the knot, she fiddled with the locks that had escaped the "head scarf", tucking them back under the fabric and out of sight. It was not uncommon for the women in Minas Tirith to wear them as it protected their heads from the sun and kept their long hair out of their faces as they worked, so the girl should not garner any unwanted attention for wearing it. Tugging a little one way then another, Lily stepped back and eyed her work, satisfied that it hid the hair well enough.

"That should do it.." Lily said while nodding, giving a small smile. "Let's go before I lose my nerve again.." she added, the smile falling from her lips.

[Rillewen]

@Winddancer

Strawberry
Second Circle, a random alley way

"Daisies in the sun?" She laughed lightly. "Well, that's an interesting password, anyway." Glancing at the other girl, she noticed that it seemed tears were threatening to flow again, and hoped that she hadn't said anything to invoke them. Strawberry kept quiet as she let the girl wrap her hair up, hoping it didn't look too strange. "Thanks," She mentioned, lightly touching the edges of the cloth to test whether she could feel any wisps of hair trying to peek out. All seemed to be covered, so she relaxed slightly. 'Daisies in the sun', she thought, repeating the phrase a couple of times in her head.

"Come on, let's go then," She nodded, hoping the other girl wouldn't lose her nerve until she didn't need her help anymore. "People call me Strawberry, by the way," She offered, though who 'people' were, she didn't say. She didn't talk to most people, much less enough to get as far as introductions, and so it always felt very strange, the few times that she did. Thinking of the fact that she was supposed to be posing as a new employee of wherever they were going, Strawberry took the other girl's arm so it might appear that they were good friends, to anyone who saw them together. The guards, especially.

It also served another purpose; preventing the two girls from getting separated in the market crowds. Strawberry was careful not to let anyone bump the apron/scarf from her head, hoping it wouldn't get messed up by the time they reached the gate to the next level. The nearer they got to the guards, the faster her heart raced. "How often do they change the passwords, anyway?" She wondered, quietly, as they began to approach the gate leading to the third level. Her green eyes carefully scanned the guards ahead, worried it might be the one particular guard she needed to avoid, but was relieved to see that he was not there. Still, she couldn't help worrying that she might be stopped and questioned... they might recognize her from the sketch on the posters. What would she do then?

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel, Cúner
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

It had been difficult to stand quietly and observe, and yet Ziranphel had stood, frozen in place, until Aragorn returned with Macardil. She had watched with trepidation and hope when the King had done whatever he had done in Macardil’s mind, evidenced initially only by the frowning strain on their faces, and then the confusion on the former ranger’s countenance when he looked back up at Aragorn.
It was then with amazed hope that she heard clear statements issue from Macardil’s lips to complete Pele’s story of what had happened and how. After seeing his immense struggle to try to tell her the same only a few hours prior, she knew without a doubt that something had changed.

Ziran was glad that no speech was asked of her, even though Captain Pele briefly turned to her, as she wasn’t sure her voice would have worked. Months. She had waited months, and it had only taken the King minutes once she had finally taken her courage in hand and approached him and later asked for new judgment. Yet he had the compassion to act as soon as the possibility of something wrong had been brought to him. Her eyes misted involuntarily when she saw Macardil kneel and place his hands over his heart, bound still. She would blame it on the wind if anyone asked, but they didn’t ask. Something further had happened, and yet this gave her hope. He had honor.

The two returned, and Ziranphel bowed in silent acknowledgement of her King’s words, but it wasn’t until he turned and spoke of freedom to Macardil that she could no longer restrain the slight smile that wobbled at the corners of her lips.

One of the guards stepped forward as the King and Pele moved away, but Ziran took the key from his hand after a gesture “I will do this.” It was her honor as the one who had formerly taken him into custody to be the one to physically release him. Turning to Macardil, she kept her eyes on his hands so that her own would stay steady as she undid the fastening and removed the shackles from his wrists. “I have something that belongs to you.” Ziran murmured quietly. She handed back the irons to the guard, who then moved away, before she looked back up at Macardil and untucked his bundle from under her left arm. His eyes were a different blue in the light of the sun and without the same cloud over his soul. She mused as she extended the bundle to him, and then continued her thought from earlier. “I believe this is yours…as is your freedom.”

[Winddancer]

The arm linking with hers was more comfort than the girl might ever realise. And it served to keep her from bolting away. Still jittery, her body trembled slightly, though less so with the nearness of the stranger. She could still not believe she had spilled her guts to a stranger, the mere thought enough to send another wave of shivers up her spine.

"Strawberry.." she mumbled under her breath as if tasting the name. Her eyes flicked to the head scarf, knowing what was hidden underneath. Apt name she guessed, albeit strange that the girl had a nickname rather than an actual name. Was that intentional? Was that how she was able to do these things she claimed to have done? What had she done? After the War there was a lot less trust going around, but still Lily could not bring herself to think the worst of this girl. Afterall here she was determined to help someone she had not even met.

Passing through the many gates up to the top level was as uneventful as it was long, the guards not giving them a second look. But then no passwords were needed to pass through them and so they easily blended with the other people travelling upwards. The higher they got, the more the crowds thinned out. Fewer people had dealings going on at the top levels, though least of all as they navigated the street towards the final gate. This would be the one where they had to give the password.

A tight lump formed in her gut, her hand subconciously moving to hold her stomach as she headed towards the two men guarding the gate. She had seen them every morning and they knew her as well if not by name then by appearance. Forcing on a smile as they neared, she begged that she did not wet herself. As she neared the guard on the left, she whispered out the password to him. Giving a small nod he barely gave them a second glance as he let them through. Thankfully enough staff passed through here that they did not cause any attention, though she still felt like her legs were going to shake free of her body.

Making her way around the corner and out of sight, she fell onto a stair and hugged herself. "That was the single most scary thing I have ever done!" she said as she rocked back and forth slowly, her hands going up to cover her mouth.

[Rillewen]

@Winddancer

Strawberry
Sixth circle

Each guard they passed, Strawberry held her breath, trying to get a good study of his face before getting too close. So far, so good. Still, they kept going, moving further up in the city. She decided she wouldn't want to live in this city, it took too long to get through it all. But at last, they approached the end, it would seem. Strawberry held her breath once more as they passed by the guards. Her heart raced, and she feared they would stop her and scrutinize her more closely, but to her relief, they didn't. She let out a silent breath of air once they got past, and then... to her surprise, her companion was the one sitting down, shaking, declaring that to be the scariest thing she'd ever done.

Blinking in surprise at this statement, Strawberry glanced around, debating what she ought to say, and took a tentative seat next to her on the step. She still needed the girl's help, but she also didn't want to rush her. "We got through it though," She smiled, trying to reassure her. "I don't think you've got anything to worry about," She added, unsure why it would have been so scary for her. She wasn't the one wanted by the guards. But she seemed to think she might be, Strawberry remembered. She vaguely wondered what it must be like, for the most frightening thing to worry about was being simply locked up in a cell for a while.

"All I need now is you to show me where the office is, and I'll take care of the rest," Strawberry spoke softly. "You won't get in trouble. I just need you to point me toward the office, that's all. And then you can go on about whatever you'd like to do. Only," She paused, thinking of one other thing that might make this go easier. "Do you think you might be able to talk to Thea? I'm not sure if they'd allow you to visit her but she might be pretty scared, too. She might like a visit from a good friend like you. It might help if you could calm her down, and tell her..something." She frowned. She hadn't quite figured out what sort of thing they ought to tell her. "Do you think she's admitted anything?" She wondered. It would be nice if she hadn't... but they might still make this work even if she had.

[Arnyn]

KIng Aragorn Elessar
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

He regarded Captain Alarion quietly for a while. Holding back a sigh, Aragorn continued walking - at a slow yet steady pace.

"We must hope that there is a strength within him to withstand such impulse. However, I do feel I have treated him unjustly. Be that as it may; his hands still took the life of your former commander, and in that light I cannot see a return for him to the Rangers. Even though I would wish to give him a chance to regain what he has lost, I fear that most of your ranks will never trust him as they need to, not when it comes to dangerous situations."

He had given it deliberate thought, before they had all arrived. "The Lady Arwen disagrees," Aragorn added, honestly. He valued her compassion and her quality to see the good in others, but as King, Elessar did not want to risk other Rangers endangering themselves - or Macardil for that matter - because the necessary trust was not there.

"I would seek your opinion on the matter as well, Captain. And if you agree with my assessment, do you have any ideas as to what we could offer the man in terms of... a new purpose? A new path in life?" So much had been taken away from Macardil, the King felt. He did not wish to simply leave the man with... a gaping hole in his life.



Macardil
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

He had always respected King Elessar, and he had heard tales, of course - but living it, experiencing it... was altogether different. Aragorn had helped him. He had removed Barguzlaam's power over him. He had then asked what exactly Barguzlaam had said to him. And after Macardil had been able to repeat it, word for word, without being encumbered, he had gone to one knee. "My King... You have my eternal gratitude for releasing me of this." The words were genuine, heartfelt - and not at all in reference to his fate in the dungeons or the shackles around his wrists. Even if he were to be sent right back, he would never blame this man. This man - his king - who had just freed his mind.

Aragorn soon bid him to stand, and they returned to the others. There was a light in Macardil's eyes that had been missing before, although his expression was still serious. When the King declared that he was free to go, disbelief took over. He was to be released from captivity as well? Macardil stared at the king for a long moment, his mind in somewhat of a haze.

It was Karis Ziranphel who broke his stare at Aragorn as she took the key to rid him of his shackles. There seemed to be a hint of a smile on her face, athough he couldn't tell whether it reached her eyes, since she was looking down at the small lock. Macardil was looking at her, waiting for her to look up. He realized very well that nothing about his situation would have changed, if it hadn't been for her. Not the hold Barguzlaam had had over him, nor his... accommodations.

Her words were hard to catch, but he caught them nonetheless. She finally looked up at him, right before holding out to him the bundle with his ranger clothes. I believe this is yours... as is your freedom. Indeed.

"You were pivotal," he said, maintaining eye contact. "Your actions - your initiative - have given me freedom in more ways than one. Freedom over my mind, and freedom over my life." He paused to accept the clothes, and rested one of his hands over one of hers for a moment as he did so. "Thank you, Karis." He was still referencing his freedoms, rather than the clothes - although he was grateful for still having those, as well. Part of him grieved that he wouldn't be able to wear them again in service of the rangers, or so it seemed. But he could understand it. The needed trust would forever be lost with most of his former comrades - spell or not, influence or not.

He didn't look away yet as he put the bundle under his right arm. A slight smile mastered his features as he continued. "You might not know this. However, I've always been a man who's convinced that actions speak louder than words." He paused again, gauging her expression. "Let me show you my gratitude. Let me treat you to dinner. Tomorrow, or a few days hence."
The smile turned a bit wry. "Of course, you are welcome to refuse, should you not wish to be seen with an alleged murderer, or at the very least a discredited former ranger. Or for whatever other reason you may wish to decline." He bowed his head in acknowledgment of his respect for her choice.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel, Cúner
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

He didn’t accept the bundle right away, speaking first instead with a sincere look that kept her from dropping her eyes. His words were true enough, but she felt slightly uncomfortable acknowledging them beyond a slight nod as he reached forward for the clothes. She had helped correct a wrong, and was relieved at the result.

His hand on hers forestalled her pulling away, and she wondered at the look in his eyes as he thanked her. That was all encompassing it seemed, not just for the clothes. She wanted to shrug it off, but simply nodded again. Macardil seemed to be watching her closely as he chose his next words while tucking the bundle under his arm, sparking curious nerves. “..actions speak louder than words.” His pause gave time for her mind to bring up a certain image from a few hours earlier, and Ziran couldn’t decide if she was amused or discomfited, and her faint smile from earlier appeared again in answer to his.

Her lips parted in surprise at the dinner invitation, and her eyebrow tilted up as her eyes grew contemplative. Hmmm. Dinner might be interesting, but she would think his mother would want him to herself after the past several months. Her train of thought was interrupted by him essentially saying she might not want to be seen in his presence. Ziran immediately lifted a hand to negate that. He was being incredibly polite about the possibility she would turn him down, and while she appreciated his concern, she wanted to relieve him of it.

“Don’t…don’t speak of yourself thus, please.” She waited until he focused on her again before she continued seriously. “While it may be technically true, I do not see you that way.” Perhaps sooner would be better if it would help keep his mind off that narrative. It also wouldn’t hurt for him to be seen with her as her judgment of character thus far had a decent reputation. Besides any other reason…She lowered her hand before speaking quietly and clearly. “I would be honored to share dinner with you, Macardil.” Her smile flashed then. “Let’s say tomorrow.”

[Arnyn]

Macardil
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

She seemed to think she should not be thanked, he mused as he carefully watched her reactions. But she accepted it in the end, with a nod. Regardless, he still felt that he should thank her with more than simple words - she seemed to have the inclination to shrug those off. If she were to decline his offer of dinner, Macardil therefore decided he would then think of another way to show his gratitude.

Her first response to the invitation was clearly surprise. If he hadn't bowed his head to wait for a verbal reply, he would have seen the wheels turning behind her eyes. When she said not to speak of himself as he had, he looked back up. He had already figured she did not see him that way, judging from both her earlier behavior and words, back at his cell. Honored, though? It was his turn to raise his eyebrows with some surprise of his own, despite him recovering quickly. For a fleeting moment, a sparkle shone through his blue eyes. "Tomorrow it is," he confirmed with another quick bow of the head. "I suggest the seventh bell after midday, and that we meet at The Bay of Belfalas. I do not know if you are familiar with it; it's a tavern in the Fourth Circle." It was perhaps his favorite establishment in the White City. It was not a place where you would play cards or dice, or where you went to get drunk and boast loudly of adventures - it was more upscale than that - but neither was it as ostentatious or extravagant as the Tavern of the Seven Stars could be. More importantly than all that, however, was that they had one of the best seafood cooks in all of Minas Tirith. The menu was never fixed and varied daily, depending on the catch that was brought in that morning.

Now. He had someone to see - someone to settle. It would be joyous but draining, he was sure. "Until then, Karis Ziranphel!" He turned around, and after giving the two guards of the Citadel a pointed look, they moved to let him pass.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Seventh Circle - Court of the Fountain

It was oddly gratifying to see the flash of surprise on his face and glint in his eye at her words, and her lips tilted into a wry smirk. Ziran listened carefully to his rather quick reply. She had occasionally been to The Bay of Belfalas because of its reputation, but if she went out it was normally for social functions rather than to truly relax, so couldn’t claim great familiarity with it. She canted her head in reply to acknowledge that she knew of it and would meet him there. “Aye. Until tomorrow evening, Macardil.”

She watched him leave with an amused and pensive expression on her face. Her home was also in the fourth circle, and now that she was no longer an officer she preferred living there to the barracks. When he disappeared down the tunnel, she turned to the sapling of the white tree in contemplation. Much had changed in the world and in her own life in the past several years. Where would life settle? Would it settle? She noticed the swelling buds on the branches that would soon give forth flowers and then leaves. Spring was not far off. A wistful smile settled on her lips before she straightened her shoulders and ran a hand through her windblown hair to somewhat settle the dark waves back in place. It was time to go.

She was in some ways mentally and physically exhausted from the changes of the day, but her heart was light. There was good yet in the world, and she had gotten to witness a part of it.

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

It had been a couple of strange days, yesterday and today. Being freed, released both from the hold Barguzlaam had had over him and from his dungeons sentence, being reunited with his mother... She had been besides herself with joy, but unfortunately the evening before had quickly turned into Macardil needing to reassure her that he was fine, that he had been treated very well and hadn't suffered, that she need not worry for his sake anymore now that he was no longer imprisoned... None of which was exactly true, but which were the things he knew she had needed to hear in order to... start healing.

On the upside, he hadn't slept as well as he had in long months. A real bed, with a feather pillow and freshly washed linnens, after a large hot meal and a warm bath... Valinor.

Today he had bathed again - the bliss of hot water had once more been a comfort to his downtrodden soul - and he'd made his mother breakfast. She'd cried. Again.

He'd also visited the barber for a close shave and to shear his hair. It had gotten too long to his liking. He had told the barber to take off more than before, though - he had a need for a bigger change, a need to feel renewed. Then he had continued his outing with a search for a place to live. While he loved his mother, he would not return home in any permanent fashion. He hadn't lived in that house in over a decade and a half, and wasn't planning on doing so now, even though she had asked him to. But since he had been removed from the barracks, and wouldn't return since he was no longer a Ranger... he had to seek different accommodations. Ideally, he was looking for a place in the Fourth Circle, where he had always lived before moving into the ranger barracks, but he'd also visited a few places in the Third Circle. He had some options. He was going back to a few places tomorrow, for a second look.

He'd gotten some side eye a few times - but not when he entered the Bay. The owner was tending bar, and when he saw Macardil taking a table, immediately came over to him with a huge smile on his lined face. "Macardil, lad!" (The man had known him since he was an early teen.) He slapped Macardil on the shoulder. "I knew it was bullocks when they told me! You must tell me the story sometime!"
The former ranger gave the owner a wry smile. "Someday, Turgil. It's rather complicated, and sounds more like fiction than reality."
"No matter! But I catch your drift. Then instead tell me, what would you like today? We have some excellent choices, even if I do say so myself, and the cook is as on point as he ever was-"
Macardil raised a hand to stop him. "I'm actually waiting for someone, so I will hold off on ordering any food until she arrives."
Turgil fell uncharacteristically silent. He gave Macardil a careful look. "And... who is this someone?" His jovial manner had become a bit awkward. "A fellow ranger?"
Macardil let the comment go, and nodded slowly. "A Ranger, yes."
"Well." Turgil wrung his hands. "Well. I will send the lass over when your companion gets here. Would you like something to drink in the meantime, lad?"
Macardil nodded. "A bottle of water with two glasses. And a glass of white, Turgil."
"Yes, yes - I know the one." The owner hurried off, and Macardil looked after him wearily.

He sighed. He was early - a habit he had picked up long ago. Looking around, he saw Turgil had kept the place mostly as he remembered it. Clean, tidy, cosy but not homey. A comfortable place, but not an establishment you would feel comfortable entering with muddy boots. Knowing the locale, Macardil had come with polished tall black boots, black wool trousers, a fine off-white long-sleeved shirt and a well-tailored dark blue tunic, cinched with a black leather belt. He wore no weapons, not even one. The fingers of his right hand idly drummed on the table top. He nodded at the waitress when she brought over the water, the glasses, and his wine. "Thank you."
She gave him a quick smile and nod, before moving off to her next task.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

It was only a short walk, a quarter turn of the circle, from Ziran’s home to the tavern where she had agreed to meet Macardil, and the quiet tap of her boots was lost amid the other sounds of the street. It had begun to quiet down from the normal bustle of the day, but still people were out for a stroll or off to dinner, and the Fourth circle still ended up being a quietly busy place until later evening. She had kept herself busy spending the morning in physical and skills training, and then had a pleasant afternoon visiting and talking with her uncle Brennyn, whose insights she valued as a retired and wounded veteran. Now, she approached the tavern with the blue scarf at the neck of her black wool coat loosened due to the warm taste in the air even as evening brought cooler breezes. Ziran had chosen her attire with an eye for something classier than her usual working attire and less formal than heading to the Citadel. Her shirt was plain white, but the long wide-legged trousers and vest of dark green were simply traced with silver along the seams, and spun silver dripped from her earlobes.

Stepping through the doors to the establishment, she shed her gloves and tucked them into a pocket as she glanced around in a quick survey of the room. The sight of him made her pause her previously brisk movements, as she took in the different look of his much shorter hair and once again clean-shaven chin. He cleaned up well. She prodded herself into motion to weave between the tables until she reached the one he had chosen. She wasn’t late, but she noticed that he was already set with drinks and likely had gotten there some time before her.

“Good evening, Macardil.” Ziran paused to greet him across the table once she had reached it before pulling out a chair and seating herself. He looked tired and better-rested at the same time, and she smiled after her unabashed perusal. “You look well.” It had been only a day since she had seen him last and yet the transformation was still startling. The waitress was prompt indeed and showed up within moments of Ziran sitting down. “What’ll you have ma’am?” She glanced at the girl and then Macardil again before replying. “I’ll have whatever he recommends.”

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He had been absorbed in thought when Ziranphel entered the tavern, but he didn't startle when she addressed him. Rather, he promptly rose to his feet and bowed his head slightly. "Good evening, Karis."

He hadn't seen her with earrings before, he noted mentally as she sat down. He reclaimed his own seat and didn't miss her appraisal of him as he did so. Would he need to reassure her that he was doing 'fine', as well? Macardil hoped not. He wasn't sure he had the emotional debit anymore, after the effort he had needed to put into settling his mother the day before and then again earlier that morning.

He therefore just nodded when she said he looked well and decided not to elaborate on it, on the off chance it would spare him further questions. "Thank you. You do, as well. Have you been here before?" She seemed to have made a good estimation of the appropriate dress code, at least, even if she hadn't frequented the Bay before. He poured her some water already while the waitress approached and asked what she wanted.

It was surprising when she left her order up to him. In his experience, female rangers tended to make a point of their ability to decide and speak for themselves. For a moment, he gauged her expression to see if she wasn't playing a joke on him. Then he nodded slowly, and focussed on the waitress. "I asked Turgil to hold off on the menu earlier," he explained first. "Could you take me through today 's options?"

Since they only served the freshest food, the menu differed somewhat daily. The waitress listed four options for the main course.
"Mmhm. What do you think your cook is most excited about today?" He asked with a smile.
"Oh, the dentex in tomato-basil, without a doubt, sir," she said without hesitation.
His smile almost grew into a grin. "I had expected as much. Then please put in an order for two of that dish. And perhaps some of those bacon-wrapped shrimp he's famous for while we wait."

He looked at Ziranphel. "Does that sound agreeable? And do you have any preference as to a light red as opposed to a white wine?" Both would go well with the complete order, and Macardil was open to either.

[Winddancer]

Lily let out a shuddered breath, trying her best to calm her nerves. How long would they lock her away for if they knew she had snuck someone past the guards? It did not bear thinking. Rubbing her face, she switched her attention to the girl next to her, jealous of how calm and collected she appeared. How she would love to be that confident. Maybe not so much in the lawbreaking sense, but just have a few more nerves to do what was right.

"Yes, right.. the office.." Her gaze flicked to the direction it was in and back to the girl. She took a long moment as if to assure herself that it was ok to carry on and then finally stood from the step. Part of her wanted to bolt, to just run home. To safety. But she could not just leave the girl here, nor could she leave Thea to her fate. A gruesome one if Ms. Irma had any say. She had to do this.

"It's.. it's this way." Giving a sad smile she shook her head as she began to walk. "I doubt they will let anyone visit her. I have only ever heard of wives bringing food to their husbands who were locked away, but never that they got to actually see them. I mean I guess there would be no harm in asking, I just don't think they will." Lily bit her lip solemnly, her head shaking as she looked at the ground. "And they will definitely not let me see her if she confesses. Not before the trial at least. Whether she would.. well yes. I think she would. Thea is honest. She would never lie, not even to get out of jail."

Lily's lip trembled as if she was going to cry again, though she managed to swallow the lump in her throat as they neared the office. It was directly across from the laundry, Lily stopping at one of the massive outdoor washing tubs that stood in height almost all the way to their waists. At the moment everything was quiet, the only sounds coming from the many sheets drying in the sun off to their left.

"It's that one over there.." She said as she pointed to the office. "Second drawer down, underneath." Wringing her hands nervously, she shot her gaze all over the place, making sure no one was around to see them. "I.. I am going to go start my shift, I don't want Ms. Irma suspecting I was there. Do you need help to get out? I know the guards on duty today take a break for food in about an hour and are not so observant as they should be. If their superior knew how lax they were they would be fired.." she mused, her eyes scanning the area again.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Ziran had tilted her head in silent ascent when he asked if she had been there before, although it had been many years. It was a lovely place, but not one she had frequented. She was amused that he looked at her so long after she said she’d take his recommendation, but she merely smiled and held her peace. It wasn’t until he ordered what she supposed was fish…she narrowed her eyes at him briefly, hoping she wasn’t going to have to try something that wriggled, and then nodded again. “If you both recommend it I am sure it will be excellent, and I have developed a taste for shrimp, so that sounds good.” She glanced at his glass of white and thought for a moment. Red was normally her choice, but with seafood it was likely to clash a bit. “If you have a mellow white there I will also have that. Thank you.”

As the waitress left with their orders, Ziran undid the scarf at her throat some more and then shed her coat to hang on the back of the chair. It was pleasantly warm inside the tavern, and she knew the wine and food would warm her further. Taking a sip of the water he had poured for her, she tilted her head as she set it down and looked at him again. “You asked me before if I had been here. The answer is yes, but only once or twice and many years ago. It was here I first had those sea bugs we call shrimp, and was initially very uncertain until I found they were tasty despite their appearance. You seem more familiar with it, so I am assuming you know it well?”

The waitress returned with her wine as she finished her question, so after a nod of thanks Ziran lifted it to sniff the bouquet. Smooth and spicy. She extended it towards Macardil in a toast, and her smile softened as she spoke quietly. “To your freedom and redemption, and the healing of the king.” She sipped and then leaned back, not sure if he would want to talk or not this evening. Perhaps lighter topics were in order?

[Rillewen]

@Winddancer

Strawberry
Sixth circle

Glancing over where the girl had looked, Strawberry wondered how hard this could be. The way she was acting, it might as well be the tower of Barad dur, but it couldn't possibly be that difficult. It was a laundress' office for goodness' sake. Soon, she would have the ledger... hopefully both of them, because she couldn't be sure she'd grabbed the right one otherwise. Having both...well, it would be fairly obvious, she hoped, to anyone studying it, which was the true and which was false. She had about half of a plan and was hoping the rest would fall into place as she went... she tended to improvise at times, but so far everything had worked out well enough.

The news that Thea would have probably admitted to stealing the money caused her a bit of a pause. She frowned, thinking on that. There were ways around it, of course. If Thea was as distressed as her friend... and she likely was even more so, then it shouldn't be too hard to discredit her confession, she hoped. Strawberry hadn't had much experience with this type of thing, but hoped to still throw some doubt onto the truth of Thea's confession. Strawberry walked along with her, thoughtfully.

"Trial.." She repeated softly. She'd have to get this plan accomplished before they got a trial date set. That was something she had forgotten would be a thing, or perhaps she didn't know until the other girl mentioned it. Stopping along with the girl, Strawberry glanced across at the door she had indicated, and nodded. "Second drawer down, right." She smiled as reassuringly as she could. "No, I'll take care of getting myself out." She paused. "That about the guards helps a lot.. I'll remember that." She paused, then lightly patted the girl on the shoulder. "Don't worry about me. Go on and do your job, and pretend you haven't spoken to me. I'm going to do what I can to try and get Thea out of this." She started to turn, then thought of something else, and turned back to her. "Later... after I'm gone.. if anyone asks, you could say you saw a girl that looks like Thea sneaking into the office..." She smiled. "It may not sound like it, but it'll help Thea."

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He nodded at the waitress to indicate the order was complete once Ziranphel confirmed her choice of the wine. The girl hurried off, and Macardil calmly watched his dinner companion take off her coat and take a sip of the water. When she commented on the shrimp as sea bugs, he chuckled. "Not to worry, Karis. I noticed you seemed a bit suspicious of my choice earlier, but - yes - the cook prepares an excellent dentex." He raised his eyebrows. "Which is not a sea bug like shrimp. Just a rather tasty kind of fish. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I usually do here." Realizing she might have been talking about him knowing the tavern instead, he leaned back in his chair. "I also know the place rather well." An understatement. "Seafood, too. I suppose I am much more used to it than people living in the interior. It was a staple in Dol Amroth, and after moving to Minas Tirith we were very glad to find the Bay and their skill at procuring it fresh and preparing it well."

After the arrival of Ziranphel's wine, he was pleased she seemed to appreciate the scent. At her toast, he picked up his own glass to lift it as well. He nodded at her words, but chose a different words himself. "I would toast instead to your instinct and initiative, without which I would have received nothing." It still seemed to him that everyone else had simply accepted that he had abandoned king and country, and would have left him to grow old in that cold dungeon cell. Karis was the only one who had believed him true - or the very least she had thought it too unlikely to simply accept it and move on. While taking a drink from his own glass of wine, he watched for her reaction. "The king may have been the one to lift my sentence, but it was you who procured my release." He did not look away, and paused to let that sink in again, because it was important and he felt like she should not shrug it off. Without taking his eyes off hers, he then decided to give her an out, should she like one. "What do you think of the wine?"

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with the King @Arnyn
Seven Circle, the Court of the Fountain

Pele walked alongside the King, listening to him and thinking of the whole situation, taking into account the previous and the new circumstances.

"The deed was indeed done, even if under the control of the enemy," she eventually spoke. "I am not sure how many would believe that he did not in fact mean to do such a thing. And yes, if he returned and we ended up in a similar situation... would it happen again? Though then again, perhaps anyone else in his stead would end up doing the same, or perhaps suffer even more damage." Pele was not sure how much she would be able to trust him in all circumstances; while she had done so before, the trust had been undermined.

Turning her head slightly, Pele glanced at Aragorn: "What would Lady Arwen have us do? Does she think it would be good and proper to reinstate him?" she asked, aiming to clarify the point, and then continued: "I cannot say that I know him very well; the mission was too short. I trusted him on the basis of his rank, and what I could see of his character and attitude. Perhaps... if taking him back into the Rangers is not the best option, he could share his knowledge, advise in terms of strategy, or such?"

Pele then stopped for a while, as a thought entered this mind. "This Barguzlaam..." she said hesitantly. "While we did win the battle, yet... He was not slain, was he? I wonder whether there would be an further danger posed by him. And also I wonder if Macardil would have something to say about it. And if not that, I am not sure I know him enough to guess what other assets he has and what would help him find a purpose if it is not directly military in essence."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Macardil had returned her toast with a statement that was true, and yet made her somewhat uncomfortable. Ziran’s gaze dropped to her glass for a moment before lifting again to meet his eyes. She had not immediately drunk in response to his toast, but she did so now after a slow nod. Setting it back down, she turned the glass slowly between her fingers before responding briefly. “The wine is excellent.”

It was tempting to avoid the topic, and he had given her an out, but her avoidance had already led to costly delays for him for different reasons. The words came quietly. “I am glad to have been of service in helping right what was wrong. Yesterday you asked me why…I only knew your reputation before the last mission, but I watched you during our travels and thought you lived up to it well. You were a good officer, and a good man. You cared for those in your command and the villagers we encountered.” She looked back at the wine glass tracing circles on the tablecloth but she didn’t pick it up. Instead, she tapped her tongue against her teeth before continuing. “I had come to admire what I saw of your character, Macardil, and the question of why was worth pursuing. Avoidance of asking that is part of what led me away, but also what brought me to see you once I found no one else had taken the initiative.”

Ziran looked back up at him. There was no timely interruption by the waitress, so she could not avoid it further. Sometimes being direct was like pulling a thorn, painful but followed by relief. Perhaps this would be so. “It was worth it because you were important both professionally and…personally. I wanted to know, and so I acted, hoping but not knowing what I would find.” A hint of a smile tilted her lips as she watched carefully for his reaction. “I am sorry you went through what you did, but I was also glad for the result”

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

KIng Aragorn Elessar
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

"It would have taken extraordinary willpower to fight such a spell," Aragorn spoke quietly. "Not many would have been able to resist it, I dare say. Not when they had been in such close proximity as Macardil was." He sighed. "Be that as it may, your reaction proves what I thought." With the necessary trust no longer there... too much had happened for those who had lived through that mission to regain it simply by being told the situation had been beyond the former Lieutenant's control.

The King frowned when the Captain asked what Arwen would have them do. "Arwen believes everyone deserves a second chance, including Macardil. And while I believe his innocence in this matter, it does not change the breach of trust that has happened. The Queen cannot see how that is relevant enough to continue to deny him access to the ranks. She says trust can be rebuilt. I agree that it can be - but I do not think life and death situations are the place to do so. And what has been lost, would not be easily regained in more simple situations such as training." No matter how he looked at it, Aragorn had trouble fitting the man back into the ranks. He was afraid it would tell the other Rangers that he did not think their commander important. Even releasing Macardil might give them the wrong impression - but he would not be able to live with himself if he continued to imprison a man who hadn't been in control of his own actions. Impressions were much less important to him than justice.

"Barguzlaam was not slain, no. As far as we know, he is still out there. And someone with the power to enslave someone's mind is, without a doubt, dangerous." At the Captain's suggestion of letting Macardil take on an advisory role, Elessar fought the urge to raise an eyebrow. "You would hesitate to trust him to guard your back in battle, but you would accept him advising unit movements?" That seemed contradictory to him. "I fear I am disinclined to let him take on such a role as well. The only possibility I see, is perhaps one where he might be involved in preparing other Rangers. Perhaps sharing what he has experienced, would arm them against it, somehow. Or at least they would realize the use of not allowing themselves to come too close to this Barguzlaam, and the importance of trying to remove him from this world from a distance, should they ever encounter him again."

"Of course, that would only be a temporary role. Unless we were to let him take on a more general role in training others. Although I do not believe we have a shortage of rangers to train new arrivals, at the moment."

***
@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Whenever he spoke of what she had done for him, it made her uncomfortable. That much was clear. He wasn't sure why, however. Was she that humble? He was speaking facts, was he not? When she commented on the wine, Macardil assumed that she had taken the opportunity he had offered to change the subject, so he was somewhat surprised when she spoke again, albeit more quietly. Moreover, he had not figured she would meet his gaze when speaking of the subject.

For a moment, he was torn between a reply that would allow her to relax and one that would adress her words further, for he wasn't sure what to make of some of them. Therefore, he was silent at first, although he didn't shy away from her searching gaze.

"I am honoured to hear you thought I lived up to my - at the time - positive reputation." His words came just a tad slower than they usually did; he was still thinking as he spoke. "Although I would not have called myself worthy of anyone's admiration, not even before..." He made a small gesture of his hand without finishing the sentence. A slight frown creased his brow, then. "I have to admit you make me wonder when you say that asking yourself why, led you away. Did I understand you correctly? Asking yourself about my actions caused you to travel away from the city?" His expression said he basically assumed he had misinterpreted her words. Why would he have such an influence on her, after all?

And yet, she had also called him important personally. More quietly, so no one would chance to overhear, he continued. "Yesterday, you mentioned that you hate being wrong about people. And that you did not want to be wrong about me." He wanted to ask her directly whether her problem was more about being wrong about someone, or rather about not wanting to be wrong about him - but if he had judged her words back at the dungeons correctly, it had been the latter. Instead, he had a different question to which he wanted the answer even more.

"You also mentioned... that you trusted me. Before." Against etiquette, he crossed his forearms on the table in front of him, and leaned forward slightly as he searched her eyes. "What I wonder is... do you trust me still?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn


Karis Ziranphel
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

The silence had lengthened before he replied, but besides the slow fidgeting with her glass Ziran waited in watchful stillness. She stopped the movement of her fingers when he finally spoke, with a slight frown appearing, followed by a lift of her eyebrows when he said he was not worthy of anyone’s admiration. Most young officers had an overly exaggerated opinion of their worth, with only a few the other direction. It both surprised her and made sense of some of his mannerisms.

Macardil’s next words brought a whisper of smile and a slight shrug and head-tilt of affirmation in response. He had heard correctly, although he didn’t seem to believe it. He continued however, so she didn’t try to respond verbally until he leaned forward and asked if she still trusted him. She supposed it was a valid question even though she had demonstrated her answer yesterday with her lack of fear. Ziran examined his gaze a heartbeat or two but replied simply. “Yes.”

The question seemed to ask for more explanation, and perhaps even connect to his previous one. She sat forward as well to lean her forearms on the table after shifting her wineglass to the side. “While I do understand how others may have a different perspective, what I saw in you yesterday validated my earlier trust. It was the thought that you had acted so completely contrary to it that I struggled with before. Instead, you fought to speak truth past the hold on your mind and body. That spell was broken by the king, and I also trust his word that you are free. Thus…I trust what I have known of you thus far, and it is not negated by an act not of your control. That is important I think. Is that not so?” She paused for a moment before asking quietly. “Why do you feel that you are not due any trust or admiration Macardil?”

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

The simplicity of her yes made his frown deepen. No longer because he thought such trust ill-advised - the situation had changed since her visit to his dungeon cell, after all - but because he was trying to make sense of her character. He knew her as a genuine person... yet most other Rangers were, and he did not think they would return their trust to him so easily. Was Ziranphel of a more open mind than most, then? Perhaps... she would not extend the same courtesy to simply anyone.
She elaborated, thankfully. His frown lifted to make way for mere thoughtfulness. "I see. Yes, I would hope that is important," he agreed, with even a momentary smile. Not to anyone, then.

When she questioned him in turn, he shrugged his shoulders. "If things had been different, I do not proclaim to know whether I would trust someone who had stabbed Amathen to his death." He dropped his gaze to his own glass for perhaps the first time since she had joined him. "We had many a conversation between us, Amathen and I. He had his peculiarities, and you will not hear me deny them, but... his devotion was real. I could see it behind his every action, hear it in his every word, feel it in the decisions he made - even if not everyone could see the same as easily. When you knew the man, you could see past his... gruffness. Perhaps it was easier for me, because I remember my father shared some of Amathen's traits." He paused. "Reason cannot always influence emotion. Mentally knowing someone did not mean to stab him and never would, is vastly different from emotionally being able to trust that person. And trust is an emotion. It is a feeling. I would never expect someone to 'simply' trust me after what I did." He had let go of his wine glass and stared at his hands for a moment, before looking back up at Ziranphel.

"As for admiration... I don't see what I have done that is to be admired. I have been gifted with privilege in many ways - that deserves no admiration, I was born into it. And I have not always dealt admirably with the curveballs life has thrown at me. Yesterday, I mentioned I knew what depression felt like - that was no lie." One corner of his mouth tried to curl upward. "I suppose I have now been given a chance to do better."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Her head tilted slightly as she listened to him talk about Amathen. He had obviously thought highly of the commander. She had known the man to be competent, but Macardil obviously had known him much better. Ziran had noticed his deference to Amathen, common in a good officer that respected their senior, but it had also been part of why she had struggled to believe his actions were intentional. It would make sense that he was emotionally distressed after being used to kill someone that he admired, even if it was not his intent to do so. She nodded slowly at his comments about trust being emotionally influenced.

She met his gaze clearly when he looked back up at her, although she lifted an eyebrow at his self-recrimination. Ziran tipped her head slightly in partial acknowledgement of his words, and a hint of a smile showed around her lips. “Aye, you have been given a chance for life.” She did smile softly then. “I can’t say I have dealt with all the challenges in my life well either. Who does? Depression is not exactly foreign to me either, and I wouldn’t call it a failure without some measure of hypocrisy. But I have learned to seek out people to talk to or signs of life and beauty when I find myself walking the dark valleys of the soul. I’ve also been privileged to have people come and pull me out of those dark places.” Her expression had shifted to earnest concern, and she turned her right hand up with a gesture of emphasis. “You obviously cared for Commander Amathen, and it is right to grieve those we love. But do not dwell there over-long, Macardil. Honor him by living and seeking that which is good and beautiful for your own sake and the sake of this kingdom.”

The movement of the approaching waitress with a tray full of the food they had ordered caught Ziran’s eye, and she straightened with a smile to lean back in her chair once more, although her focus stayed on him. “Good things like this meal tonight.”

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

When she mentioned the challenges in her life, Macardil wondered whether she spoke of the obvious - her capture - or something more private. He was no stranger to the highlights of the former; the information had been common knowledge among some of those he knew, and in addition it had been passed to him once more in light of his promotoin to Lieutenant and the invitation which had been sent out to her to join the ranks. He couldn't imagine what that experience had been like, and it may very well be she was referencing that very one. Yet, from personal experience Macardil also knew how family could strike at the core of your being. Thus, he dared not assume.

Learning that she was no stranger to depression either, both did and didn't surprise him. She had always seemed so put together - barring some moments yesterday, perhaps - but then again, he had mostly seemed the same, he realized. Did strong characters like theirs tend to overcompensate just a bit, perhaps, after losing themselves for a while?

Having people to pull her out of those dark places... That would have been nice. Not that his mother hadn't tried - just that she had not succeeded. Macardil eyed Ziranphel's soft smile as it faded to a more worried expression. Suddenly, it hit him that she was concerned he might yet succumb to dejection. He wanted to say something in response, to reassure her, but when she straightened and leaned back, he took the cue and his blue eyes scanned the room, soon to find the shrimp fast approaching.

"Thank you." His words to the waitress were quiet but well pronounced as he leaned back into his chair himself, and the waitress put the plate down between them, followed by a smaller empty plate for her and another for him. He nodded to her with a friendly expression before she turned to move away again. Surveying the bacon-wrapped shrimp, he raised an eyebrow as he looked back at Ziranphel and gestured atthe platter. "Your sea bugs, my lady," he jested good-naturedly. "You are more used to meat, I take it from your earlier reactions? I did make an effort to accommodate," he added with some amusement, hinting at the bacon.

"Please," he nodded at the platter, indicating she should be the first to take some. Meanwhile, he drank from his wine, perhaps a bit more quickly than he usually would. "I am glad you accepted my offer," he backtracked a little to her earlier comment about good things like this meal. "Otherwise I would have needed to find a different way to express my gratitude at what you have done for me." Remembering that speaking of the subject tended to make her at least somewhat uncomfortable, Macardil thought of something else to say. "Perhaps you could add to my debt to you, and distract me from my woes by telling me some more about yourself, Karis." His mouth didn't so much as betray a smile, but his blue eyes glinted at his self-mockery.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with the King @Arnyn
Seven Circle, the Court of the Fountain

Pele walked in silence for a while, contemplating over what the Queen would want done, the King's words, and her own words reflected back to her. She focused her thoughts and analysed her feelings, lifting her eyes up to the citadel and the sunshine shining on its white towers. She found herself wondering whether the beaten Barguzlaam would muster new strength again and cause more trouble; and how they would have to deal with it without anyone else falling under the spell. Though she hoped that he would not return this soon.

"It would indeed be difficult to trust him out in the field in a dangerous situation, and I think most Rangers would feel the same," she finally said, returning to the matter at hand after using her imagination to put herself, the Rangers, and Macardil in various possible situations. "I was thinking more along the lines of keeping him out of active combat. The training... no, I can't say that we have a lack of people to train up the few recruits that we have now."

Pele hesitated a while again, and then continued: "The second chance - this is in my mind too, but it would not do any good to anyone at the cost of ruining the foundations of trust any longer." She imagined that the Rangers would no longer trust her either if she would place Macardil's honour before that (and safety) of the current Rangers. She turned to face the King, her blue eyes seeking out his in sincerity. "I think... I feel somewhat in debt to him for not sending me away from that mission. It should not interfere with decisions though, I know. I doubt he would want to work at the Houses of Healing, but perhaps I could at least talk to him and see where he stands and what options he has available."

[Arnyn]

KIng Aragorn Elessar
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

Having a Ranger that was consciously kept out of active combat despite having no physical injuries, seemed unthinkable. Whether Macardil would have any mental impediments remained to be seen - and that would be a solid reason - but it was the breach of trust that was the real issue, not the man's capabilities. That he was more than capable, was not subject to doubt in the King's mind.

Aragorn frowned slightly when Captain Alarion continued. He let all of her words sink in for a moment. "Perhaps it would be wise that you speak with him. From your position as the new Captain, and to do as you say: see what kind of options he has available and what steps he is thinking of taking next." The King fell silent for a moment and then backtracked. "Why would he have sent you away from the mission, Captain?" He suddenly felt like he was missing something important. Something he should have known about already.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

It was a simple pleasure watching him interact with the waitress with kindness, and by the time the girl walked away, a smile was hovering on Ziran’s lip. That turned into a grin at his words, and her eyes sparked laughter. “Mmm.” She murmured in response noncommittally, but she was quick to accept his invitation to be first to take some of the tasty looking and wonderfully scented treats. Scooping several onto her small plate, she lifted one by the toothpick stuck through it, and popped it in her mouth as she leaned back in her seat. Motion stilled after the first crunch, and her eyes almost closed as she hummed and then finished chewing. Delicious!

She tapped the toothpick against her lip before pointing it at him. “They are delicious no matter what they may look like. Good choice, Macardil.” Setting it on her plate, she selected another shrimp and tilted her head to watch him through narrowed eyes as she thought over his words and caught the glint in his eyes. Hmm. She would leave the topic of thanks for now, although the idea of him being further in her debt amused her somewhat. As if…the thought trailed off. “Well,” she began. “I’m not sure what to tell you really, as you would have seen my background dossier for the mission, so the usual answers aren’t sufficient.” A wry smile tilted her lips and a teasing gleam lit her eyes. “Quiet walks in the forest, starry winter nights, and almost any music? Is that the line?”

A short laugh at her own attempt at humor was accompanied by a wave of the hand. “More seriously, you know I come from Pinnath Gelin. My father is an elder in one of the villages there, and my older brother has taken over many of his duties there. It has been the tradition of my family since the arrival of the kings of Westernesse on these shores, to send at least one into service here in the army or rangers. I took up the call long ago after my older brother was injured enough that I first took over hunting for the family larder, and then a younger brother was old enough to learn but was also more interested in farming than soldiering. I had enough of an adventurous bent to find the idea of following the sword and the kingdom interesting.”

Another shrimp morsel disappeared and she chewed a minute before continuing. “The reality was, of course, harsher than imagined, but I also did find meaning, comradeship, and enjoyment in my time of service. Minas Tirith became home, and my visits home in Pinnath Gelin have not been frequent. It did help that I have some family in the city, but I have made the military the center of my time and energy for many years now. Music, walks in the gardens, and sometimes dinner out to see acquaintances have been the unremarkable highlights of my social life besides military balls.” Ziran took a sip of her wine and questioned him back. “How about you before this past year? I only know some of your military history and not your story.”

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with the King Aragorn
Seven Circle, the Court of the Fountain

"Aye, talk with him is the least I can do; it is hard to find any real suggestions or solutions without it," Pele said, mentally placing this as one of the important items on her list of things to be done. She might have to consider the setting too, possibly something not too formal as her intent would not be conducting any interrogations.

When the King returned to the remark she had made, Pele's eyebrow rose questioningly for a brief moment. She had imagined that everything regarding the mission had been made known to the King, including her condition. Could it be that it was not so? Regret of ever mentioning it flashed through her mind, but she quickly chased the thought away. If the King had not been aware, it was best that she did provide the missing information herself, if needed.

"I thought Macardil had sent a report back," she explained, looking at the cloud-covered distant mountain peaks for a moment as she collected her thoughts and then turned her eyes back to the King. "He had sufficient grounds to send me away. I was not at my best at the time, physically. I was undergoing a recovery process. He found a way to put to use my other strengths, in a supportive role, and I am still thankful for the opportunity to have been useful in bringing about the victory."

Pele felt that the vague answers she had provided might just not suffice and that the King might want to turn attention away from Macardil and investigate her instead. She cringed inwardly at the thought, and waited to see if perhaps the conversation would turn back to the initial subject.

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Content that she approved of the shrimp, he bowed his head when she complimented his choice. He herded a number of them onto his own plate as well, while Ziranphel spoke of him having background info on her already. While that was true, it was dry intel. How she had joined the armed forces around the age of twenty, how and when she had progressed through the ranks - although her disappearance and eventually appearance during a joint patrol with Rohan did make it more novelesque, he supposed. What she said next, made Macardil freeze momentarily. Was that the line? A bacon-wrapped shrimp hovered right in front of his mouth as his brain worked through the words in just a few seconds, though only for as long as it took her to laugh at her own words. An ingenuous smile mastered his features. By the time she continued, so did his shrimp's trajectory. He did not comment.

Macardil chewed while she spoke, nodding every once in a while. Her family's tradition did not strike him as odd - it was common practice as well among the nobles of Dol Amroth. But perhaps it was different for families in Pinnath Gelin - he did not know. Her self-description as having enough of an adventurous bent amused him, and he did not hide another smile at that. Apparently she thought herself soon finished, because she turned the question around on him. Macardil sipped his own wine before replying, giving the woman at his table a very thoughtful look before starting to reply. The way she described what she had found within Gondor's military forces spoke to him. Some joined for reputation, for glory - but reputation was earned by much more than one's profession and there was little glory to be found in the everyday truths of soldiering or rangering. Macardil liked what Ziran highlighted; it was the meaning behind the actions and the comradery among your peers that brought joy. Yet, it was not a subject he wanted to explore much further, given that path had been closed to him - at least for the foreseeable future.

"Walks in the gardens, music - those highlights you speak of sound a lot like 'quiet walks in the forest and any music'," he spoke with a soft smile, showcasing just how much attention he was paying to her words. "Military balls are not a highlight then?" The smile remained as he slanted his head to gauge her reaction. "Many in the armed forces seem to find them uninteresting or a hassle. I quite disagree. While I understand why some find it uncomfortable - it is a very formal setting, after all - I've found that much can be deduced from how soldiers and rangers behave at such functions. Who is less worried about appearances? Or more? Who makes the effort to clean up as is expected, and who chooses not to or is completely oblivious? Who retreats to the wall or a corner, and who maneuvers themselves into the center of attention? And so on." Useful information when you were an officer, NCO or otherwise. People could sometimes surprise you, or show a different side of themselves in such vastly different situations than the ones they so regularly found them in. "When you were captain, I am sure it was interesting to see how such an affair could either confirm or alter - or simply add to - the image you had of your soldiers. Unless, of course," and at that his smile grew into a grin, "You were entirely uncomfortable yourself at being at the center of attention." Captains usually got a lot of greetings and had to engage in a lot of small talk. If that was not one of Ziranphel's skills... (He wasn't sure, since such things were obviously not in her file...) He could imagine a military ball being rather horrific.

He ate another one of the shrimp before replying to her actual question. "Many houses in Dol Amroth share your family's tradition, and mine was no different. My father was one of Imrahil's knights, although he died when I was young - from illness, not war. Minas Tirith became a home for me also, after my mother moved us here not long after. Rather than move back once I was of age to become a knight, I stayed here. I did not want to leave her alone." He finished his glass then, and hand signalled Turgil, over by the bar, for another. "But I could not ignore the call, either." The call to defend his country and his people against the Shadow.

His blue eyes settled on his dinner companion once more. He had asked about her, and had gotten reasons for why she'd enlisted. She had asked about him, and had gotten his own reasons. But neither had delved deeper. Reasons for fighting were private in their own way, but still more easily shared with others who take up arms (or did in the past). He debated saying other things, but more would have him dive into a subject rather ill suited for the evening. And if she had not heard about it during her tenure as captain, it might be too much of a surprise to hear of it now. He chose a different route, instead.

His eyes fell on the grand harp set up a few tables behind Ziran, off to her left. "You mentioned music," he said, a bit more quietly than before. "Do you mainly enjoy it? Or do you play?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He had given her quite the long and thoughtful look before responding to her question and statements, but she didn’t find it uncomfortable. She took another, longer, sip of her wine as he began commenting, and unsuccessfully tried to hide her amusement behind her glass. Her statements had been rather similar, even if unintentionally, and she enjoyed seeing the soft smile on his face. She tilted her head when he mentioned military balls, but then nodded with a tip of her glass toward him when he mentioned being the center of attention. All of what he said was accurate, and she didn’t begrudge him the grin. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy balls or the opportunity to enjoy the music and dancing, or even the opportunity to see her soldiers in another setting. It was definitely more that she didn’t like being the constant center of attention. She preferred being able to relax, and hadn’t felt able to do so as an officer while at one of those functions, especially when she was ostensibly the host as commander. Military balls were a far cry from dances back in Pinnath Gelin, and she lifted a shoulder in a shrug to indicate he should continue.

Ziran replaced her glass and followed his lead in taking a few more bites as she listened. It fit that he was from a noble house, even though it also mildly surprised her. She generally disliked hearing the phrase “breeding shows” when used for people, but it seemed appropriate in this case. It explained some of his looks and mannerisms, even while he didn’t display some of the less desirable traits she had come to associate with those who were vocal in claiming nobility. Her eyes lit with sympathy when he spoke of losing his father at a young age, and she nodded respect when he mentioned staying with his mother instead of moving back to Dol Amroth to take up the task of knight’s training. She sat silently as he talked about answering the call, and felt the echo of what was left unspoken in that statement resonate with her.

When Turgil came over with the bottle of wine Ziran nodded her acceptance of a refill as she leaned back in the chair. She noticed Macardil’s gaze settle over her shoulder before he continued rather quietly in asking about music. Turning, she saw the grand harp, and turned back to sit forward with a smile. His tone had invited intimacy, and while she was tempted to brush off the comment with a quip, she instead paused and let her gaze trace over his features for a moment while she examined her own answer. “I do both.” She finally replied. “Although playing it has been mainly in private since I moved to the city, except at the home of my relatives. There it is an occasional joy to sing the songs of home and play together.” She paused and reached for her drink for a sip again. It was difficult to break the habits of silence and solitude even when she wanted to talk to this man. “Sometimes we even dance, although not as often as in years long past. I taught my cousin long ago and he has put it to good use, but you are right that I didn’t often dance at the balls here in Minas Tirith.” Her eyes lifted to his. “Not many dared ask I suppose, and I haven’t gone to any since I left the captaincy.” There had been grand celebrations after the war and with Aragorn and Arwen’s nuptials, but she had been content to observe the joy for the most part. Her gaze dropped again to the glass in her hand that she turned and then sipped from before speaking again. “As to playing, my harp is much smaller than that one and easily played in my rooms or carried into the woods, or I take the small flute along. My voice is no longer what it used to be, so I let them sing for me most days.” Her lips tilted up in a slightly wry smile at that, and she nodded to him. “What about you, Macardil? Do you play or otherwise enjoy music?” It shouldn’t matter, but she was interested in his reply.

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Turgil knew to refill his glass as well, so hardly any communication was necessary. The barkeep seemed a bit jittery as he poured the wine for each of them, which didn't escape Macardil. While he understood why, it was unnerving, so he did no more than nod his thanks at the man. Meanwhile, Macardil didn't shy away from her searching gaze while she seemed to consider her reply. When it came, in the end, he raised his eyebrows ever so slightly. Both, was it?

As Ziranphel immediately took care to mention that she mostly played in private or for family, he couldn't help a slightly amused smile mastering his eyes and lips. It made him assume she played the harp - although he would make sure if she didn't specify later - and she was also instantly ruling out the possible invitation to play something for the whole of the tavern. He nodded slowly when she said she found an occasional joy in singing and playing together. It was more than occasional for him, personally. She moved the subject to dancing and back to balls again, then, and Macardil was surprised when he heard she'd taught her cousin how to dance, but that she didn't often dance at the balls hosted in the City. Not many dared ask? What she said next, made it clear she at least partially thought her rank had prohibited some requests. That may very well be true, he deemed. Unfortunately, many were intimidated by military rank.

It turned out that he needn't ask: she did play the harp - and the flute, apparently. He returned her smile when she gave him one, although his wasn't at all wry that time. Thinking more about music lit up his features and brought a light to his eyes that she wouldn't have seen before. Ere answering her question, however, he wanted to comment on her earlier words. "I'm afraid you are right if you assume many would be intimidated by a captain's rank. I've found that men, especially, tend to be easily intimidated by powerful women." His blue eyes held hers as he shook his head minutely. "A grave mistake, in my opinion. There is great beauty in strength." With 'strength', he did not necessarily mean physical strength. In fact, he meant strength of character more than anything else - whch he had generally found a crucial aspect to the personality of female officers.

The light in his eyes had not diminished, not even when he paused before continuing. "I do play, yes. I started learning how growing up, though in some ways I am still learning. It has been an outlet for many things since." He had played a lot today, in fact. It had given him some peace of mind, even if it was always a temporary fix. "Not your instruments though, it would seem. Unless you play the violin as well." Meanwhile, they had cleared most of the shrimp. Macardil nodded at the last one to indicate it was hers. "Many start playing the harp or the violin in Dol Amroth - it was expected in many families - although only some see it through and become proficient. And but a rare few truly fall in love with it." Clearly, he had. "I understand playing with family, and playing in private..." He glanced over at Turgil, who was back behind the bar now. "I have also been known to play here, from time to time. Turgil tends to celebrate his children's Birthdays in the tavern proper, and they like the tunes." On those afternoons and evenings, the tavern was closed to the larger public, but family, friends and good acquaintances were welcome. Macardil sort of fit in between those last two categories.

He sipped his wine. His blue eyes sought out hers again, his gaze steady and intent. "I would play for you sometime, if you would allow it."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

His face had lit at the mention of music, which eased something inside her even as she wondered at the change to his features and the ease of his smile. So it wasn’t idle curiosity. He backtracked first to her statements on dancing, however, and his words brought an unexpected curl of warmth as he seemed to emphasize them with his direct gaze. He thought there was great beauty in strength? He seemed to be implying he would have not been one to decline dancing, and the thought combined with the indirect compliment brought a hint of flush to her cheeks.

He continued by freely answering her question though, and it was her turn to have her smile relax even as she watched the animation of his features with fascination. When she asked if he played she tried to imagine what he might prefer. Her gaze flicked to his hands, and he confirmed her thought when he said he played the violin. He had the right hands for a stringed instrument, and her eyes lit in turn thinking of him playing. Her dark eyes lifted to his face again when he spoke of the learning, and it was clear to see that he loved playing. Playing for others even, including children, indicated to her that he was comfortable with both and played well.

She had absently eaten the last shrimp he had indicated was hers while she watched him and listened, and was just lifting her wine to her lips again when his pause caught her attention before speaking. The words sent a few more spirals of warmth through her as her glass hovered before her lips. He was offering to play for her? Delight and surprise zinged through her, and combined with a slight uncertainty at the intensity of his look made her freeze a second before she finally took that sip of wine and then deliberately set her glass down as she collected herself. She had managed not to look away as she took a breath and then leaned forward. “I would be delighted to hear you play, Macardil. How could I not allow such a gift?”

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

KIng Aragorn Elessar
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

He watched the Captain and continued to examine her facial expression once she had finished.

The King understood why he had not necessarily received a report about Pele's situation. "The reports sent back deal with the situation at hand, movements on both sides, progress, defeats, victories - generally not what individual rangers have been doing, unless it is remarkably admirable or detrimental to the mission." His keen grey eyes held Captain Alarion's. "I am assuming Macardil reported it to Amathen, and both of them left it at that. If you had ignored orders and had entered the fight in a way that might have endangered your fellow rangers, now that is something they would have been expected to report."

"If it was their decision to let you stay and take on a certain role, I will not question it." He would have likely done just the same. Not many among the ranks knew as much of healing as she did. "Do not fear, Captain." He paused. "That does explain why you feel indebted to him. He found a way to let you remain part of your unit even when you were strictly not qualified to be." It was a different situation, but there were enough parallels to make it feel wrong. Things were never easy.

"You are free to go about your duties, Captain. Your presence was appreciated." He gestured around them. "Our business has concluded for now. Unless you have any additional matters that require my attention?"

***
@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He did not let on that he noticed the bit of extra color on her cheeks at his compliment, but was glad for the signal that she had recognized the compliment. He hadn't wanted to be any more direct, since he had no intention of making her uncomfortable, and he had learned that the humble tended not to take well to overt compliments.
Therefore, he was glad when she seemed to relax again and observed his hands briefly. He also appreciated her accepting the last shrimp rather than initiating the 'no, please, you eat it'-exchange. While he was adept at observing the rules of politeness, that did not mean he could not find them tiring. Being spared of running a few needless circles was preferable.

He had waited after his question, wanting an answer first.
Most found playing for another musician more challenging. While that was true, Macardil experienced it as more rewarding. When other musicians praised his play, it somehow meant more. Partly because they knew the time that went into playing an instrument properly. And partly because they tended to have a better ear for notes, and a greater appreciation for music in general. Yet, not counting the people he had lived with - he rarely offered to play for anyone. Something compelled his offer out of him. It was a genuine one: he did really want to play for her. More than that, though, her reply - and the manner of her reply - might provide him with more information than the words of the question asked for.

Speaking of which, her movements seemed a bit more self-conscious as she paused ever so briefly and then sipped her wine. More than anything else, it was the way she so carefully touched her glass back to the table that hinted at... something. Doubt, perhaps. Or surprise. Both were allowed, of course, even if he was hoping for a positive reply. Until the words came, however, he had no idea of how she would respond. And when she agreed to his suggestion, the light in his eyes was once again joined by a smile. Not quite the easy smile she had seen earlier, but a more vulnerable, almost sweet smile. It lasted for but a moment, as he processed her agreement. Then, it faded as he shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know whether I would call it a gift. And you could always have your reasons for not allowing it. You could have had reasons not to visit the dungeons, not to plead my case and not to accept my dinner invitation as well. Similar or different reasons every time. Needless to say, I am lucky that apparently you had more reason to do as you have done, instead." He would have to figure out a way to play for her sometime, then.

The waitress came to clear the table from their appetizer and announced the dentex would be arriving in a little while. Macardil thanked her. After she'd left, he looked back to Ziranphel. "Karis, I've been wondering. Why did you leave the captaincy?" Her file hadn't been clear on that. He had wondered then, but was even more curious now. Yesterday, she had said something along the lines of 'if you were one of my soldiers'. Had that been nostalgia seeping through? A bit of regret? Or a simple fact she hadn't thought twice about as it had escaped her, brought about by past experience? "If that is too personal a question, please know I will not take it as a slight if you choose not to answer."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

The slight glimpse of a sweet and vulnerable smile before it disappeared brought an answering soft tilt to Ziran’s lips. She would have missed it, fleeting as it was, if she had not been looking directly at him when she spoke. Perhaps it was because she understood how much of a musician’s soul and self could be wrapped up in their music that she recognized the flicker for what it could be. He continued with a shrug by saying he didn’t think it a gift, but she would have to disagree with him on that one. A minute shake of her head accompanied the thought. Music could be immensely personal, and the tone of his offer had felt rather personal. There was no reason she could think of that would discourage her from accepting his offer, and her gaze warmed when he called himself lucky that she had had reason to act on his behalf.

The arrival of the waitress precluded her responding verbally, as it wasn’t something Ziran wanted to talk about in front of others, and then Macardil shifted the topic. It was both a relief and strangely a mild disappointment that would need to be explored later. “It is not too personal,” was her soft and brief reply before she glanced down and away from his searching gaze. The warmth of the room, whether helped by the wine or conversation, suddenly seemed a bit much, and she first loosened and then pulled off the scarf that had been around her throat. She looked at it in her hands as she wrapped it around one and then slid it off to loosely fold it beside her plate as she thought over her response, unconscious of revealing the faint scars she normally kept covered out of habit.

Her smile had slipped away, and she looked back up at him now with a serious note in her dark eyes. “I gave up the captaincy and resigned my commission because I had grown weary of war, and it seemed to me others could do the task as well or better than I after the return of the king and the arrival of peace.” The words were simple, although the emotions behind them were not. “I went home to Pinnath Gelin to leave this world behind and help them rebuild after the war…and also let myself heal from the loss of soldiers and comrades.”

She paused and touched the tip of her tongue to her lips to wet them and give her a moment to reflect again as she watched his face. “I didn’t even consider returning until the missive from the King arrived. As my father said, I would have always regretted not answering the King’s call if I had not responded, and so here I am.” A smile lightened her eyes. “I found there was already someone selected for leadership, and I was content to not bear the responsibility of command. It is an honor of course, but also a great weight, that I was happy to relinquish.” She wasn’t sure his reasons for asking, but it also wasn’t clear to her if she had adequately answered his question despite her simple response.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with the King Aragorn
Seven Circle, the Court of the Fountain
@Arnyn

As she listened to the King speaking, Pele wandered back into her memories and in her mind's eye could see the interactions with Macardil and repeated to herself the whole conversation they had, almost word for word. A grateful smile alighted on her lips: he had been able to understand her reasoning and find a place for her that seemed to both provide the opportunity for her to assist the unit as best as she could with what she had and the time and space to reconnect with her friends and re-establish her identity. It would not have entered into her mind to act against the orders of the command, even if they had told her to go back to the White City or remain at the fort, though she did not know how things would have worked out then.

"Yes, I am definitely very grateful," she said, pulling herself out of the memories to face today, without clarifying whether it was meant in regards to Macardil's decisions or the King's words, or both.

Pele took a deeper breath in and then slowly released it, while she thought of the current Ranger business. "I do not think there are other weighty matters currently in terms of Rangers; everything seems to be running smoothly for the time being. With your permission, your Grace," she bowed her head respectfully, prepared to return to her daily duties.

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

It wasn't too personal, yet she chose to look away right after saying those words. Her scarf finally found its way off; but whether she was getting too warm or whether she was looking for something for her hands to do as she figured out the rest of her response, he could not say. The earlier topic of military balls and his thought that perhaps she was not one to enjoy the small talk, made Macardil wonder whether her disinclination to be the center of attention was limited to groups. Perhaps his singular attention was also getting to be too much. A thought he did not like to entertain, but if that was the case then it could not be argued with. A slight frown settled on his face as he sipped his wine.

She did look back at him then, the lines on her face serious as she replied. Weary of war, after the arrival of peace. There was more to be unpacked about that statement, he was sure. Her dark eyes spoke of words unsaid. Mentally, he almost smiled, though his face remained outwardly mostly pensive. It seemed that they were similar enough in that regard. Not about being weary of fighting once the king had returned, but rather about leaving some things unsaid. The hint was there, sometimes more, for the more perceptive observer. Those with less keen observational skills need not be the wiser.

Of course, he had not had the experience of losing anyone under his command. The one he had lost as Lieutenant had been Amathen, the only one to rank above him. A different story. An altogether different story. That prompted him to down a good part of his glass, and then he grabbed a tight hold of the feeling and the memory and decidedly shoved it down. Not now.

His mind roamed elsewhere, to what might have happened if she had been selected as commander. Useless musings, he knew, but he could not stop his mind from going there right away. If she had been commander, she would have been given the chance to choose her own second, just like Amathen. It would have been this other second who would have been sought out by Barguzlaam. His gaze grew dark as he watched his glass. Or perhaps with someone else in the position of Lieutenant, nothing would have happened to her. And Amathen would still be alive. And he would still be Macardil, a Ranger of Gondor. Or not. They would never know.

His face cleared up somewhat as he considered her other words again. "Then you would have stayed in Pinnath Gelin, had the King not reached out to you?" That seemed important. "Would you return, when given the chance?" Macardil's forearm remained on the table as he gave a small wave of his hand. "I do believe the missive left you a choice?" He didn't remember the exact wordings. He had been approached in a different manner, to boot.

He pressed his back against his chair and finally looked back at her. "Do not misunderstand," he spoke with a slight smile - the first since she'd started answering his question. "I am glad you chose to answer the call once again." Where would he be without her? That was a question he knew the answer to very well. "Do you find it easy to follow after having been in the lead for years? And what would you have done in Pinnath Gelin if you had stayed?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He had a pensive look on his face after her words, and his gaze dropped to his glass before drinking most of the rest of his glass of wine with a dark look. So soon after having it filled meant that it was a significant amount, and a slight frown appeared on Ziran’s brow. What had caused him to suddenly go elsewhere? What about her words could have prompted that? It had been her second return to Pinnath Gelin that she faulted herself for, not the first. She almost reached out to him to bring him back from wherever he had gone, restraining the impulse just before her muscles responded. She may not have held herself back yesterday, but this evening they were in public, and it made her pause to consider. His face cleared a bit then, and he seemed to draw out of the dark mood, but she still watched him in concern.

More questions seemed drawn out of him then, and Ziran found it curious that they all had to do with whether she would have returned. She had only just begun to think about similar things when she had received the King’s letter, and she had to pause a moment to consider her answers now. Her lips parted a moment and then closed again, and she leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table to loosely clasp her hands in front of her. Canting her head slightly left as she considered both his previous expression and her response, wondering if he had gone down the trail of what-ifs that was so easy to get lost upon. The frown had cleared from her brow by then, but her expression was still mostly serious when she spoke quietly. “I likely would have returned eventually, but the King’s letter did push the issue before I thought about it too much.” She shrugged lightly. “Perhaps it arrived at just the right time. I had spent many months losing myself in building things for my father or wandering the woods for the hunt, and my soul felt settled, but if my teen years are any indication I likely would have gotten bored after a while.” A faint smile touched her lips. “I tend to need purpose. Soldiering and my brief stint in the Rangers gave me purpose. Helping my family also gave me purpose, but they didn’t truly need me anymore, and I had gotten to the point where I don’t think I needed the quiet as much as I did initially.” That somewhat answered his last question, and her smile appeared more fully.

“As to command…following is a little more difficult after having been the one making most of the decisions for years. At the same time I do not miss the responsibility of having to make those choices and carry the weight of sending others into battle.” Her eyes grew more serious once more, and her gaze was direct. “Whom I am asked to follow makes a difference I suppose. I know and trust the current Captain, and am happy to follow her command.” Ziran paused to swallow, and her voice dropped. “I didn’t know you at the start of that last mission, but I was willing to follow you as well, Macardil. You didn’t make it difficult, and being a Ranger again felt right.” She paused to sip her wine and then pushed it to the side again, knowing she was avoiding the vulnerable feeling her words were bringing to the surface. Better to face it. “I know I mentioned it before, but part of my latest trip to Pinnath Gelin was to bury old memories and part was to try and get away from the memory of you.” She glanced down at her hands and then back up at his face. “You got under my skin and wouldn’t go away.” Her lips tilted wryly, while her soul felt a bit bare and vulnerable despite her steady gaze. “So yes, the call brought me back again, as did my oath to the King…but you did as well.” There were questions on her heart for him, but she couldn’t voice them quite yet.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

KIng Aragorn Elessar
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

There were no other important matters to bring to him. Aragorn nodded. "One more thing, Captain. What is your current state?I It was one thing when you were a Ranger, but as King I want to be well informed of the physical and mental state of the Captain."

***
@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

So she would have returned to Minas Tirith regardless, missive or no. The question had just been a when rather than an if. Good. When she mentioned building things, he wondered what she meant, but it wasn't the right time to interject with yet another question, so he let it go. Perhaps another time. He was not about to mess that smile building on her face.

Some sympathy shrone through his expression when she said following proved a bit more difficult after having been a leader for years. That was only normal. He could understand what she meant about not missing the weight on her shoulders of being directly responsible for so many lives, however. He had gotten only a brief taste of that, but doing it for a long time would take a toll, he thought. Macardil nodded when Ziranphel told him that much depended on who was leading her, now. Having to follow an absolute dolt would indeed be... a trial. For anyone, but especially for those who'd had leading ranks before. He knew he hadn't behaved like a dolt, himself, but there were always improvements to be made. As he finished that thought, she just happened complimented him on his leadership style. He did not make it difficult to follow him? That... felt nice to hear. Even though he wasn't sure how to react to it.

The motion of her pushing her glass away drew his eyes to the table momentarily, but they quickly returned to examine hers as she continued. His expression maintained its thoughtfulness, and a light frown settled on his brow again as he listened. She was clearly uncomfortable at sharing what she was saying, but it seemed like she wanted it out more than she minded feeling self-conscious about it. He wasn't completely sure what to make of her words. He was not one to make quick assumptions.

He pushed his own glass of to the side with one hand as well, and leaned forward a bit on the table with his other forearm instead of keeping his back pushed against his chair. He decided to go with the option that was the most likely. "I apologize for any unwanted memories." The cadence of his words was slow. He thought she had not seen his crime with her own eyes, so could she even be referring to that? "I did not mean to get under anyone's skin." He hadn't meant any of it, but they had covered that more than enough by now, he thought. Or did it need mentioning again? It was painful to talk about, so he would rather not give it too much more attention. "I am glad, however, that you could not fit what I had done with the impression I'd given you before." He smiled at her, taking a heartbeat or two before continuing. "There is always the option to allow me to replace any negative memories with more agreeable ones." The smile faded somewhat, but his eyes shone as he ventured that one step further once again. Subtle, as the previous instances had been. "I would not mind doing that."

The dentex arrived then, and Macardil removed his forearms from the table to give the waitress the appropriate room. She put down Karis' plate first, followed by his, as well as the right utensils and a small puring bowl with more of the sauce. "Dentex in tomato-basil," she announced with a smile. "Our cook is especially pleased with how it turned out this evening. Please enjoy! Any comments afterwards will be most welcome. Can I get either of you anything else?"

Macardil looked at Karis and indicated she should answer first. After her reply, he shook his head. "Nothing for me, thank you." There was still the bottle of water on the table, after all. Speaking of which, after the waitress had left, he poured himself a glass of it. He had done so earlier for Karis, right after her arrival, but not for himself. And if he was going to keep all his wits about him, he had better start on the water instead of sticking solely to the wine. Talking could be thirsty work and he found it especially true this evening, and he had no intention of getting inebriated. That was not the impression he wanted to make on his dinner companion. "I hope this order will be as much to your liking as the appetizer." He waited for her to pick up her utensils before taking the glass of water, bringing it to his lips and almost finishing it before he put it back down. "It has never let me down, at least."

The fish came with the tomato basil sauce, baked potatoes and a selection of warm winter vegetables. It smelled and looked delicious to him, but tastes could differ. Macardil waited for Ziranphel to try the dish first. "What do you think?" he asked, before starting himself.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

“You…” The word escaped her before her lips compressed over any following, and Ziran looked at him with narrowed eyes and a slight smile as she thought through possible responses. Frustration, amusement, and heat curled together and brought another slight flush to her cheeks, but she noticed the approach of the waitress with their food again, and sat back to compose herself a bit. She couldn’t decide if she appreciated the timing of the lass or not, but it did give her a few more moments to eye him in silent contemplation.

She looked up at the arrival of the food and summoned a more casual smile at the speech about the food. She nodded at the girl and murmured her thanks, but shook her head at the offer of more. There was still plenty of wine left in her glass from the refill, and she was content with that and water. Once the waitress left he poured himself a glass of the water, and Ziran nodded at his comments with a silent smile. The fish did look tasty and smelled amazing, sparking a hint of appetite. He seemed to be waiting for her response, so she started in on the delicate dish. The flavor was excellent and the flesh of the fish melted in her mouth. She nodded and took another bite before replying quietly. “Yes.” Ziran looked up at him and the smile hovered around her lips. “Excellent choice.” Whether she meant only the fish or his other comments as well, she would leave up to him for the moment. The zest of the sauce and comfort of the food helped focus her on that, and she remained silent as she ate other than watching him across the table.

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He took it in reference to the fish. Glad that she liked it, he nodded and smiled. There were many who hardly ever ate sea food, but there were also those who actually preferred not to eat it at all. It pleased him that Ziranphel at least appreciated it, even if she might not have it regularly.

In fact, she seemed to appreciate it so much that she'd fallen silent. Macardil had no objections to a well-placed companiable silence here and there, so he accepted the silence as he started eating. She wasn't trying to hide that she was watching him, however, and while that would have made many a man uncomfortable, Macardil simply wondered what it was about. Perhaps it was what she had been about to say, before she cut herself short and then the fish arrived? Some sort of response to his comment about not minding replacing bad memories with good ones... That is what he would have guessed. Yet it had been Ziranphel herself who had stopped talking. He hadn't missed the reddish tint to her cheeks in that moment, either, which had told him that she had caught his intended meaning - even if she might not be quite sure whether she had understood it correctly.

Macardil possessed plenty of patience, and he genially tolerated her gaze throughout the meal. He consciously chose not to return the look, to give her some time to settle, perhaps. He had gotten the impression earlier that she might need a bit of a break from his attention. If she wanted to speak first, she could - but he would not initiate until they had finished their plates.

When they were done, he noted that either he had been right and she had indeed needed a bit of a pause - or that her patience might rival his own. He refilled their water glasses, starting with hers, and only then looked back at her. "I, what?" he asked, simply.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Ziranphel laughed at his words. He didn’t seem to have minded her watching him, as he glanced at her a few times and then had settled down to eat in mutual silence. Her earlier uncertainty had faded to amusement both at her own reactions and his pretending to ignore her in comfortable silence. “You are…audacious.” The amusement was clear in her tone and in her smile, although that then gentled even as her eyes remained lit with laughter. “You make me smile, and I am glad you are interested in replacing any negative memories with agreeable ones, even though most of the memories I have of you are not in the least negative.” The smile lingered around her lips as she paused to take a sip of her water and push her plate to the side. “When I said you got under my skin it wasn’t necessarily bad, but until yesterday…” the pause was a bit longer, and she swallowed before continuing, “until yesterday I didn’t dare think further.”

She looked down at her hands and then back up at those blue, blue eyes of his and only the hint of a wistful smile remained. It was very tempting to keep searching for all the mysteries or answers they held, but did she dare allow herself? She knew now that she wanted to. Summoning her courage, she deliberately leaned forward again and almost whispered her quiet questions, although her voice was clear. “I did not dare think further, but you tempt me to do so. I am no youngling, so I find I need to ask honesty of myself and you. Are there other shadows or a sweetheart in your life I should know about Macardil? Do I need to guard my heart and remain just good acquaintances with you?” It was perhaps sudden to ask such questions, but she had not anticipated asking them until now, and her heart felt a bit shaky. It was better to appear the fool now than later, if a fool she must be.

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Audacious? That amused him. When she elaborated on her earlier words, he lifted his eyebrows somewhat. He tempted her to think further, she said. That was good, yes?

When she called herself 'no youngling', he almost laughed - if she wasn't, then neither was he. It was true that they were no longer of that brazen, very young age, where people typically liked to be either very bold or very shy, and where they tended to forget their wits. Yet she had made it sound like they were older than they were, and it had struck him as funny.

Yet it were the questions that followed that stopped the initial urge to laugh short in his throat. He dropped his gaze to his own plate and slowly pushed it away as well. He slid his water glass over the table until it was right in front of him, and he thoughtfully turned it by a quarter of an inch, then another, then another. Other shadows, or a sweetheart. Guarding her heart... Macardil sighed, and shook his head as he tried to think of the best way to respond to all of that. No younglings, indeed.

"Ah, Karis... Whether or not you need to guard your feelings, I cannot tell you," was the first thing he said. He would never tell anyone how to feel. "That is entirely up to you."

"However... that also means you are very right in asking your other question. Only..." He shrugged his shoulders, and sighed again. "While I would have told you sooner rather than later, I would have preferred it on some other day. I do not want to come off as... for lack of a better word, dramatic." An almost apologetic smile played about his lips as he looked back up at her. "By which I mean that it might have been better if there had been a bit more time in between yesterday's events and this particular story. Or piece of information." Whatever one might choose to call it, he supposed.

Now, he had a choice. To offer the simple fact - the dry cut information -, the short version of the story, or the fuller version. The more he would say, the bigger the chance he might scare her away right before they even began. She deserved to know, of course. But to what extent was it necessary that he shared the details? They were no longer relevant, anyway. Yet, she had asked directly. Minimalizing it now would feel wrong to him.

"Honestly, I am not sure how to begin." He watched her carefully. Since they were apparently covering this now, he wanted to catch her every reaction to it. "Yesterday, I told you it was not depression that had me talking the way I did - that I knew what that was like and that was not it." He took a deep, slow breath, releasing it in a measured, equally slow manner before continuing. "You mentioned before that you know some of my military history. Did you catch the... sabbatical in my record?"

When she shook her head, Macardil thought that was strange and seemed to ponder the best way to continue for a moment. "I was excused from my duties for... not quite, but almost a year. Moving to the White city, finishing my education here, enlisting when I was still very young..."
He frowned, unhappy with how he was leading up to it. He needed to clarify something first. "First, let me tell you this: I have no other shadow over me at the moment other than the question what I am to do with my life now that I can no longer be a Ranger." Painful enough, he supposed. "But there are those who would speak of another shadow. And while it is an experience that I will always carry with me - you will never hear me denying that - it has been... processed."

He sipped his water, trying to get rid of a dry throat. "I have no... sweetheart... at the moment, no." Best rip off the bandaid, perhaps. "There was someone. We married very young. Without question the best seven years of my life." One of his hands was still holding his water glass, the other gave a minute wave. "Before she fell ill." He frowned as he watched Ziranphel. He still did not like to talk about it, but he would give her the short version of the story, he decided. "I was granted time off from my duties to care for her. Sit with her. All I could do was wait. Watch her wither, and in the end..." It was still difficult to get the word out. "...die. I do not like to share the story, because whomever I tell somehow thinks it means I'm still a broken man." He shook his head once, slowly. "I was, for too long a time. But I managed to put myself together again. The serviceto Gondor helped - I had something to throw myself into." The results had shown, he supposed. "And it has been seven years again, now. There has been no other since."

His blue eyes locked onto hers intently. "If that dissuades you..." He left the sentence unfinished. It was what it was. He could not change the past.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

She had seen the flash of amusement followed by shadows at her questions before his gaze fell to his hands. It felt like a quick kick to her chest, but this time she was prepared and didn’t react other than to continue watching him intently. She did lift an eyebrow when, after sighing and shaking his head, he told her he couldn’t tell her whether or not she should guard her heart.” Obviously. But she wanted to know if she had a reason to or not. His reaction made her uncertain as to whether it would be easy for her to decide.

Internally she steeled herself to hear whatever it might be he was going to say, as it was obviously a topic he was reluctant to share, given by his second sigh. Ziran tilted her head as he continued, and her tension eased somewhat, touched instead by curiosity when he said he would have told her anyway but didn’t want to seem dramatic. She mirrored his momentary smile, but had to shake her head a few moments later when he asked about whether she had heard about him taking a sabbatical. She only recalled mention of him as a promising up-and-coming officer before she left, and since he hadn’t been in her command, or likely to be, she hadn’t paid much more attention at the time.

Her attention was unwavering now, as his long pause and slow phrasing caught at her. The frown had her unsure for a moment, but when he continued by clarifying that he did not consider there to be a shadow over him but that others might, she nodded slowly. The perceptions of others could be difficult to shake, but it was good to know he did not consider there to be an issue. Processed was good…she went absolutely still as he got to the next part, and she just listened intently, letting his words wash over and through her as she watched his face. A hint of a smile around her eyes showed when he spoke of his marriage being the best seven years of his life, but it disappeared when he spoke of his wife’s illness. Compassion welled up as she listened. To have lost her so young and after such a difficult end…she could fully understand that he had struggled. Ziran nodded slowly when he said that his service had helped him pull through. She understood that for different reasons. It had helped her come back from her dark places to have a reason to live and move and breathe. Seven years and no other since.

Ziranphel looked at him a few moments longer with all seriousness before mutely shaking her head and offering him a slight smile. She felt compassion but not pity. Sorrow that he had lost such a love, and admiration that he had cared for his wife, and also had processed since her death in such a way that he had been serving with distinction and still had compassion for others. He hadn’t become bitter and withdrawn that she could tell.

She moved finally, leaning forward further and reaching out to touch him for the first time that evening, curling her fingers over the hand he had waved a few moments prior and giving a light squeeze. Her voice was slightly husky when she spoke quietly. “Thank you for trusting me with your story, Macardil. I am glad for you that you had those years with your love, and saddened that you had such a parting. It speaks to your character that you cared for her until the end, and still have compassion on others now.” Her brown eyes had darkened, and she no longer felt shaky. “While I understand that it was difficult to share, I am glad that you did, as it has answered my most pressing questions and shown me more of your heart.” She paused, bit her lip briefly, and then continued. “I do now recall that I heard part of your story but not associated with a name. Just the sorrow of it and the loss. I was newly returned from my own travails, which I know you have heard about, and it helped me recall that others had struggles as well.”

She reached up with her free hand to touch the faint scars on her neck before dropping it to the table again. “My scars are not from wounds inflicted by love, but they too faded eventually, and were caused by some of the bad memories I still occasionally have to deal with.” A ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. “I can’t promise better memories, and would never seek to replace the memory of her in your life…but if you still mean that offer to make new memories, Macardil…I am not dissuaded.” Her thumb brushed over his knuckles once before stilling as she looked for his response to her words.

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He felt bare. That was the best word for it. Like being in the thick of battle dressed in mere cloth, without so much as a shield to use as cover. Ziranphel now knew of all his big losses. His chosen profession. His father. His wife. There were others who knew of course, but he had never told anyone about Mellaurel like this.

Others either simply knew, because they were one of the healers who had tried to cure her, for example - or because his mother had told them to explain why he never came out anymore. Macardil had informed his commanding officer of her illness, when he had asked for a leave of absence. But he had only sent a note when she had died. And when he had returned to service, he had skirted the subject as much as he could with his officers as well as his peers. Some of the latter had known, because stories like his travelled fast enough. Others merely knew he had suffered a loss, without further details. Amathen had known the story, Macardil was sure of it, but the old veteran had never referred to it in his presence.

Nervous, he suddenly realized. He was nervous.

That... had been a long time.

He watched Ziranphel shaking her head. She smiled, slightly. She smiled? Confusion pulled at him, but the compassion in her eyes thankfully kept him from thinking she was taking him lightly. And then she reached out to him. His gaze followed her hand as it covered his and squeezed. His chest tightened. When she spoke, he willed himself to look back at her. Hearing her say that she was thankful for his trust, made him nod at her. He was truly relieved that Ziranphel did not seem put off by his past, but Macardil found it hard to move much at present, bound by the nerves he was unaccustomed to and by the memories that tried to well up and close his throat.

Her segway of the subject into her own past, helped a bit. He was grateful for the distraction. Having learned well how to cope with his past, he knew that focusing on another subject would work wonders. She was showing him a kindness. Yet another kindness. Wonder touched his eyes.

He followed her hand as it touched her neck, but his eyes stayed on the scars when she dropped her hand back to the table. He had noticed them on occasion before, and while he was careful with assumptions, he had not been able to help but assume their origin lay in her captivity. The thought of what that must have been like, and what may or may not have happened to her during that time, saddened and angered him at the same time. He closed his eyes for a moment, knowing she had no use for either. It made sense that some things came back to haunt her, from time to time. In that respect, perhaps it made her uniquely qualified to understand how that could still happen, even when that chapter of your life was closed.

At her last few sentences, he had to work to keep his eyes from misting over as they once again found hers. By some stroke of luck, he managed. Her thumb brushing over his knuckles settled him somewhat. Not yet able to produce words, he moved his hand so that he was properly holding hers as well.

*

Back at the bar, Turgil was keeping a 'casual' eye on their table. Just as much as on any others, he would tell anyone who enquired. That was his job, after all. Noticing what his patrons needed before they knew it themselves. He almost couldn't believe it when he saw Macardil holding hands with the female Ranger. Well! Well, what do you know! This was good! Nay - excellent! He hummed as he dried a freshly washed glass. But when he saw his serving girl heading in the direction of the table after having noticed their plates were empty, Turgil held back a yelp and the basically dry glass fell back into the water-filled sink. The towel half ended up on the counter, the other half also sadly submerging into the sink.

He hurried to the side of the room, skirting the wall and smiling and nodding at the people who made eye contact, never slowing. Then he cut toward the middle, catching up with the waitress when she was but a few tables removed from Macardil and his companion's, and spoke to her of needing help at the bar. The girl gave him a strange look, but he would explain later. He wiped some sweat off his brow as he guided the waitress back to the bar. That had been a close one.

***

"I still mean it," he spoke finally. Why would she think he would have changed his mind in a matter of minutes, when all she had done in the meantime was possibly supply him with the best possible reaction to what he had shared? He felt the need to explain a bit better why he was making such offers.

"You are an extraordinary woman, Karis Ziranphel." He paused. A different man might have reached for her other hand, but he decided against it. One point of contact would do. For now. His words and his fixed gaze might make her uncomfortable enough, and although part of him enjoyed it when her cheeks reddened, he did not want to make things more difficult for her in any way.

"Your story has always been remarkable," he elaborated. "Your experience, your position, your disappearance, your return. Your strength after your return. Your answer to the King's call, a former leader not expecting some kind of rank to befit your reputation." There was no hesitation in his words. His hand escaped their mutual hold and dared to cover the back of her hand with his palm and fingers. "Yet it were your recent actions and words that have really made me see how exceptional you are. If anything, your reaction just now once again tells me that you are truly a stunning individual. I do not regret inviting you to dinner, Karis." Without breaking eye contact, he debated whether or not to continue. After a moment, he decided to add just a bit more. "I have no intentions of rescinding any of my offers. I am curious to learn more about you."

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with the King Aragorn
Seven Circle, the Court of the Fountain
@Arnyn

Pele was ready to leave, and yet the King's question made her stop before she had even taken a step away; and she could not help but have a passing feeling similar to being caught in the act of doing some mischief. She had momentarily cherished a hope of not being asked too many further questions, and yet here she was. And from the way the question was formulated it was clear that she would not get away with a standard polite answer of 'I am fine, thank you'.

"I have done everything in my power to recuperate," the Captain began, thinking over the details that might be important if she were to report on someone else's condition - even though now she was to give an account of herself. "I have gained back my weight and most of the strength, and injuries have been healed leaving no permanent impact on my performance. Except the damage to my left hand, that is. I am still working on ways of how to turn it into an asset rather than a loss, receiving help in that regard."

"Mental state..." here Pele hesitated. It had been easy to give an account of physical wellness without delving into reasons and such, but here she wondered what and how much Aragorn knew. She had shared her experiences only with her friends, though she was sure that there might be various rumours as to her sudden disappearance and absence - the King was likely to have his own sources of gathering information, and yet she wondered how much of that had become known since he had not even known that she had not been too fit for battle.

"It is a complicated matter," she admitted and shifted her weight somewhat uneasily from one foot to another, yet not averting her gaze. "I am sure that it was at least reported that I had gone missing for a lengthy time, though perhaps not the proven reasons behind it..." She lowered her voice, yet she steadily went on with the painful subject at hand. "I was taken captive, in Harlond, and taken to Umbar. It took time to escape, heal up and somehow make my way back. It has been a rough journey in all possible means, and I am still working on some aspects of dealing with it."

It seemed to Pele that she had at least gotten rid of the shame and guilt for the most part, and so she found quiet strength welling up from within, as she spoke of the experience openly, even with the King. She stood tall, her chin raised, and her blue eyes looking into the King's grey ones with confidence and trust. Besides, as far as the report went, she assumed that if she had not provided sufficient information, Aragorn would ask additional questions.

Then a frown touched her features, as she now focused on something that she considered to be of significance. "However, I cannot positively confirm that my enemies would not attempt to hunt me down yet again," she said slowly. "I've made it a habit to inform someone of my location at all times and trying not to be on my own too much. Yet... At the same time I do not want to endanger anyone else, or Rangers in general. It is hard to either prove or disprove those suspicions at the moment."

Pele sighed, realising that she was not sure what and how to say after such a statement, so she added quickly: "I am not sure how exactly to solve this matter, your Grace..." Her voice trailed off, leaving an unspoken message that she was in fact looking for the King's insight and advice. A thought that she might be undermining her career kept nagging at her, even as she tried to somehow push it away.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Macardil’s move to curl his fingers around hers in turn, relaxed something in her that had been waiting for his response, so that despite his delay in speaking, she was able to maintain calm. Ziran had caught the flash of emotion in his eyes, but wasn't sure what the emotion was. First it had seemed sorrow and anger, and then something entirely different. She had also caught the urgent motion of the tavern keeper out of the corner of her eye, but since it receded without approaching their table she relaxed further and was able to focus her full attention on the one across from her.

A purl of wonder and delight curled through her at Macardil’s words when he finally spoke, although they also brought a further flush to her cheeks and set her heart soaring. She had heard compliments before, but it was a new experience to hear such genuine personal praise from someone she held in mutual esteem, and she couldn't suppress the shy and sparkling smile that appeared on her face in response. She managed not to look away when he shifted his hand again, but felt him curve his hand around hers in a sheltering gesture that nested it in his palm. The gesture spoke to her of care and gentleness as well as cautious reserve. Not that it surprised her, having seen him display that towards others, but it was nice to have it shown to her. No intention…and curious to learn more.

It made her feel simultaneously completely out of her element and much more sure of herself than she had been. A strange mix. To have the regard she felt returned, even in part, was freeing, and Ziran was suddenly more willing to test the boundaries she had set for herself earlier. Another benefit of no longer being an officer is that she cared even less than before if her reputation was that of an eccentric.

"I am glad." Her smile had softened, but then a hint of bold mischief touched it. Reaching with her free hand, she wrapped it around his. “I am glad you invited me, and that I dared ask, as it is rather wonderful to have some clarity even though you are excellent at subtlety.” She paused and looked at him with her head tilted back slightly. “I am happy to answer any of your questions, and admit to my own curiosity about you. Such as…” Ziran lifted his one hand to examine it, transferring her gaze from his face to visually trace the long fingers and faint scars and calluses that denoted it the hand of both a warrior and an artist. Her tone was quiet and light as she continued, “do you prefer coffee and a favorite dessert at this fine establishment to end your meal, or…” she brought his hand up and turned his palm to cup her cheek as her eyes returned to his face to watch for his reaction, “would you prefer walking to take in the night, and potentially find a hot beverage elsewhere?” Deliberately she turned her face to graze the pulse point of his wrist with her lips as she fell silent, but without breaking eye contact. Too far? Just right? How much did he like the desserts at the tavern?

[Arnyn]

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

She was this unused to compliments? She had performed very well as a captain, surely she would have received praise from people before? Yet the color on her cheeks deepened, and the quality of her smile told him she was unused to it. It's different, his mind told him all of a sudden. Praise at headquarters from your peers, as opposed to compliments from one individual man at dinner. A wry smile touched his lips in response to that thought. He could be a fool, sometimes.

Yet, she did not look away or withdraw. That meant, perhaps, that he had not overstepped. He wondered at the way her smile altered slightly. He couldn't pinpoint what it meant, not even as she reached out with her other hand. Her saying he was excellent at subtlety drew a brief and quiet laugh from him. He supposed that was true. He also supposed she meant it as a bit of a jab, given her self-proclaimed appreciation for clarity. He did not mind the jest. Both subtlety and clarity had made her flush. That meant she caught the cues when they were subtle as well, in which case he saw no reason to change his preferred approach.

She raised his hand and seemed to inspect it. He didn't move his eyes from her face, however. Something had changed in her, he found as he watched her expression carefully. Her tone of voice seemed to indicate her question was entirely casual and innocent, but he had learned that when she spoke quietly it tended not to be light-hearted at all. The start of her question made him frown in interest as he questioned where she was going with this. He had expected to treat her to a full meal here - why would he cut it sho--

The thought came to a jarring halt right there, as she finished her sentence while lifting his hand to her cheek and locking her dark eyes with his again. The beginning of a question or two tried to work their way through his mind, but were wiped away for the time being by her very deliberate choice of touch. Warmth spread through his chest and he could feel it wanting to creep up his neck.
A long time ago, indeed. And then he was not even taking into account that before yesterday, it had been months since anyone had talked to him - let alone touched him.

Turgil should open a window or something.

Macardil wanted to swallow, but stopped himself with a steely kind of willpower. Ziranphel would notice that and he wasn't sure he liked how that could be interpreted. Instead, he simply breathed in a little deeper. The extra air finally cleared the blockage in his mind, and in a singly moment the questions rushed up to him.
Why would they change venues if they were to simply end up having coffee - or another hot beverage - at some other establishment?
Did she not think he had been planning to escort her home, as was befitting of the end of such a night?
Perhaps she did not enjoy sitting down too long and wanted to walk, first?
Or what was she hinting at, exactly? Did she realize that was she was doing made her question, which was innocent enough on the surface, sound rather different?

Admittedly, he was quite amused. Was she getting back at him? He could now see why she had wanted clarity earlier. It would surely simplify things. However... wherever was the fun in that?

He took control of his hand and moved his wrist down a little and slowly brushed his thumb against her lips, first to one side, then the other. "Is that your way of being subtle?" he asked her quietly.

Letting the question be for a bit, he withdrew his fingers into the palm of his hand but slowly swept his thumb upward along her jawline. His eyes followed his thumb's trajectory as he gently touched the silver dangling from her ear. Then he reclaimed his hand, putting his forearm back down on the table in front of him, and focussed his gaze on her face once more. He had no intention of rushing things. "Perhaps it answers some of your curiosity that I had planned to treat you to a proper and full dinner, and then to walk you home," he finally replied. "Unless, of course, you are full already and would like to walk off some of the food rather than add more by having dessert. Then I will gladly escort you outside for however long of a walk you wish."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Ziran saw the suddenly blank look of surprise as well as the change in his eyes before he fully focused on her again, and couldn’t quite hide the amused tilt of her lips as her eyes lit with humor when she could almost see the questions form. Good. He was not immune. Knowing that satisfied her for now, and she was content to return to more polite behavior. The brush of his thumb across her lips tempted further response, but she could tell he had something on his mind by the amusement in his eyes and held her peace. Instead, laugh lines showed at the corners of her eyes when he asked her if that was her way of being subtle. Not at all. Perhaps to the rest of the room, but not to him.

It was her turn to remain very still and watch his face intently, releasing his hand as he brushed his thumb up her jaw. She had noticed his self-control earlier and internally nodded now. He was very good at that. She watched him quietly as he returned his hand to the table, and she could see some decision in his eyes. When Macardil finally spoke again and voiced his question, she shook her head with an easy smile. “I am content to remain here as long as you wish. While I do enjoy walking, I am not in a hurry to leave, and am curious about that favored dessert.” She paused and then grinned. “I may not have subtleties down to an art as you do, but no, I believe my question was quite clear. I appreciate you assuaging my curiosity.”

Ziran straightened slightly and took a sip of water. Her tone was light as she continued. “So what do you enjoy here, and is the coffee any good?”

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

KIng Aragorn Elessar
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

Being back in good physical condition was good. As for her left hand, Aragorn had noticed that the Captain was right-handed - apples, and such. She seemed to be taking the matter seriously, as well, even if it was her off-hand. The loss of a finger to an off-hand was no reason to fear no longer being useful.

Listening to her further words, Aragorn regarded the Captain calmly, but with some concern around the edges of his eyes. "In my personal experience, I have found that having someone - or even a few people - whom you can confide your deepest thoughts to, can really help in that regard," he spoke quietly. "Of course, that does require you to put your fears of judgment aside. More often than not, such fears are entirely unjustified." Having people you could trust in was one thing, but actually confiding in them, was another. Aragorn hoped that Captain Alarion would be daring enough to take such a step. Talking of trauma out loud could help with processing it, more so than most realized.

"Do you think your king would punish you for falling victim to your enemies?" He asked her. Realizing they had just discussed why they could not see Macardil return as a Ranger, Aragorn almost winced. Yet, that was a different matter entirely, he found.

"As to your safety... Who did you make enemies of, Captain? What drove them to capture you in the first place, do you know?" His grey eyes examined Pele's expression. If they had wanted her dead in the first place, she would not be standing in front of him, he reasoned. If they had taken her to get information, and assuming she had given none, then recapturing her to try again would be folly. Or perhaps the Captain had learned they were vindictive, and would seek to harm her now as revenge? Because whoever had taken her had suffered the embarrassment of her escape?

"I could assign one of my guards to you." Other than not wanting any of his subjects to come to harm, he did not want another commander murdered, or removed in any way. It was a comfort knowing that she resided in the Ranger barracks, at least. She should not have to worry about being attacked in her place of residence. But headquarters was already a more public place, for example. Before she could object, he raised a hand. "We can always re-assess the need for it at a later date."

***
@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

When she said she did not have subtleties down to an art as he did and that she believed her question had been quite clear, he laughed, and the fingers of his hand which was still covering hers squeezed her hand gently for a moment. Witty.
For someone who blushed as she did at a compliment or two, she was surely coming across as a very confident person all of a sudden. It didn't add up right away, but as he thought on it, he supposed she had faced more than her fair share of challenges in life. He could see Ziranphel being less concerned with questions such as 'what will people think of me?' and thinking more along the lines of 'what is the worst that could happen'?

As he stopped laughing, the amusement lingered in his eyes as he watched her - and as he learned. He thought about her question. "I suppose that depends on what your definition of good coffee really is. It is medium to strong here and I find it more than acceptable, although I make a stronger pot myself. As for desserts, I more often than not boringly find myself concluding a meal by simply having coffee or tea." He was a proponent of moderation, and had no particular sweet tooth. "They do have some excellent choices, though." A corner of his mouth curled up. "And I can find myself to be tempted... from time to time."

He shifted his focus to his water, finishing the glass and then slowly drawing his wine glass closer. He glanced at Turgil by the bar, who was again drying off glassware, took in a quick scan of the room and signalled the waitress before briefly resting his gaze on their hands. Then he resumed his observation of Ziranphel's facial expressions. "Perhaps, since I have chosen our food so far, you would like to hear their selection for yourself and be the one to pick something for us this time?"
If she preferred not to, she could simply say so.

"And then perhaps you could tell me more about your family. Your father is in Pinath Gelin, but you mentioned you have relatives here in Minas Tirith as well? Do you see them often?" He supposed odds of him knowing who any of them were, were slim.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with the King Aragorn
Seven Circle, the Court of the Fountain
@Arnyn

Pele nodded her understanding at the need to confide in someone. "Ah, it has not been easy speaking of what I thought were dark secrets better kept hidden, yet I have good friends to whisper these to," she admitted, a smile touching her eyes. It had taken her a long time to even dare return, and it had taken even longer for her to realise that people saw that something was wrong, that she was in pain, no matter how well she thought she had put up the pretense of being strong. The first words spoken aloud about this all had come with great effort, yet the more she shared, the more open she was, the more it seemed to take the edge off of hurt and bring healing. And no one was indeed judging as she had feared.

"Well..." she then spoke apologetically, looking into the King's eyes. "I did indeed think you would punish me because... I have been harsh on myself for so many reasons, even for having not been able to find a way to avoid capture. And..." Now, in the light of Aragorn's direct question, Pele found herself looking at all the reasons for why she had in fact been continuously punishing herself for, even without being always aware of it, and none of those really seemed reasonable enough. Not, if she tried to look at them from the King's point of view. "Not that it necessarily makes any sense at the moment," she eventually concluded.

She frowned involuntarily at the thought of Relic, and then proceeded to explain the whole issue of enmity. "I had a run-in with this Umbarian slaver, Relic, when she was trying to snatch people from one of the villages. Me and my husband, we managed to mess up her plans and release people, so we definitely did not part ways in a friendly manner. Years passed, and I did not think much of it until she apparently decided to get her revenge."

"There were certain attempts at extracting information, but I found that in relation to Relic it was not the big deal; she much enjoyed just inflicting pain and humiliating me, turning a proud Gondorian into a slave, a personal grudge acted out," restrained anger glinted in Pele's blue eyes all but turning them into piercing ice for a few moments. "It would not surprise me that she'd make a repeated attempt, especially when I become settled and more comfortable again."

She considered Aragorn's offer of a guard and sighed: "A guard - but how could I even explain to him what to look out for? I doubt the woman would just charge at me head on; she is highly sophisticated and sneaky, and even I myself am not sure what to expect. Yet... an additional pair of watchful eyes and skilled hands might not be amiss, I suppose."

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

KIng Aragorn Elessar
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

He was gladdened that the Captain had friends in whom she dared to place her confidence. Friends - plural. This was good.

As Pele explained why she had thought he might punish her, his brow slowly shaped itself into a frown. She did not explain her whole thought process to him, but he could tell that she found her reasons lacking now he had asked for her to explain them. Aragorn thought this was also an important step forward, and he might have smiled had the woman's face not scrunched up into a frown of her own. When the explanations came of why she had been taken in the first place, the lines on the king's face grew deeper. Slavers... some of the worst kinds of Men.

"Captain..." He sighed. "The more you tell me, the more I am convinced that you need an extra set of eyes to ensure your safety. At least for the time being. I have found that instinct usually tells us more than we give it credit. You told me you are worried this Relic might try and capture you again. I would counsel you not to minimize the feeling."

His grey eyes settled on Pele's. "Trust in yourself and take due precautions. You will take one of my guards, and you will share your story with them and let them help you. If not, you will confide in one or several of your own rangers and have them do the same. You may also do both, with my leave. It is your choice which route you wish to take, Captain, but one of them must be walked. Your King orders it of you." His gaze drifted off to the road leading down to the sixth circle. "What happened to Amathen might not feel encouraging to do so, but... perhaps you will also reconsider naming yourself a second. It might be easier to confide in someone who shares the burden of leadership. That is for you to decide." She was a grown woman, after all, and quite capable. Part of him would also prefer there to be a second in command in place on the off chance Pele should be taken captive, but he consciously chose not to voice that concern out loud.

"Yet you will not simply do nothing and risk your own safety. Am I understood, Captain?"