Rangers: Headquarters & Armoury

[Arnyn]

Headquarters - Captain's Office


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Two days after Midsummer

Her dark brown eyes looked deep-set but alert. They were constantly going to the open door and the rest of the office. Arnyn had given up on the paperwork. She could no longer focus on it properly and it made her eyelids heavy. Instead, she was constantly moving, walking aroung headquarters seemingly randomly, making sure there was no routine in her rounds.

Currently, the Lieutenant had returned to the office for water. It was in part her carefulness in keeping herself hydrated that ensured her waking state, for she had hardly slept more than an hour here and there for the past two days. Adrenaline was another factor that helped, but she felt it was starting to fade. No one had moved on Shamara as of yet. Whether or not Relic was around to know of the other woman's capture, was still more a guess than a fact. If she knew, she had not yet made any attempts.

Despite her sunken eyes and dark lines around them, the uniform she wore was clean and looked brand new, with the kind of creases here and there that only came from new clothes which had only been folded one way.

The light knock on the doorframe and the voice that followed made Arnyn approach. "Karis. Good morning. Come in." She assessed the look on her friend's face. Arnyn was well aware that this was the first day Kariswas back on duty since Midsummer, but the serious lines on her face made her suspect the Cúner was not oblivious to the most recent events. "You have been informed?" Arnyn half stated, half asked.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office
Two days after Midsummer

Pele had taken some distance from the Shamara issue to sort herself out and make sure she could approach it with some kind of proper and reasonable attitude. She had thought a lot, and drifted between wanting to head straight for the Umbarian and have her taste the consequences of her actions, and a wish which was on an opposite end - to leave without a trace and find herself some place where she would not be bothered by these enemies. Eventually she had decided she needed to sleep on it, so she had not gone that lightly on a herbal mix to assist with it.

Yet, the matter could not be put off forever, and even though Pele knew well enough she had a plenty of support, she could not make Arnyn and other Rangers carry all the weight for her. So eventually she had made ready to head for the office.

If people judged her only by her usual neat appearance, they would not notice anything out of ordinary, yet Pele's blue eyes spoke of a storm, which was only made worse by the headache she experienced. Even so, she made little noise as she entered the headquarters and crossed the hall to the open door of the office not long after Karis had arrived. She stopped in the doorway and silently took in the view before her.

First she observed Arnyn and wondered whether her friend had allowed herself any rest at all; as far as she could guess the answer would be negative. A small smile of gratitude touched her lips and softened her gaze, as she then looked at Karis while taking a step inside the office.

"Ladies," she offered by the way of greeting.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters - Captain's Office


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Two days after Midsummer

Pele's silent arrival drew her attention. Arnyn noted her friend's little smile despite the tempest behind her blue eyes.
"Captain," she greeted Pele in return, stepping back a bit to allow her more room. This was the Captain's office, after all. Arnyn took a slow, deep breath, preparing a brief but comprehensive enough verbal report. It would bring Karis up to speed as well, which could only be a good thing.

The Lieutenant kept her voice down, so her words would not carry further than the office. Stepping back had also helped in this regard.

"Our... guest... is secure below," she began her summary, leading with the most important piece of information. "Other than the Rangers who escorted her, no one knows her location thus far, except if they were paying close attention when she was brought in and also noted she never came out again. A recruit was keeping guard on our arrival, but I had Kaylin send him away before we came through." Arnyn subconsciously rolled her shoulders. They were feeling a bit stiff.

"The past few days I'm the only one our guest has been in contact with, and I have not been much of a conversationalist. She has offered nothing of her own volition other than a few brief attempts to garner sympathy." The Lieutenant fixed her eyes on Pele. "Do you wish for the key, Captain?" Then her gaze drifted to Karis. "Or... do I remember correctly that we would be leaving the questioning to another?"

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
At the Armoury with Erynneth Raedor and Cali Dringolben
Friends and Favours – Before Midsummer
@Rillewen

Unalmis had not taken any great offence at the smith’s warnings for him to mind out what he managed in this, her apparent new sanctum. For the one thing, he was used to Cali telling him off, and for another, the years and years of such an experience had completely undermined any sense of real threat in consequence. In fact, it was already giving him an idea ..

To allow that idea time to develop properly, and also to make quite clear that he was not at all interested in what the smith and Eryn were discussing, the young Ranger started off whistling to himself, as he gathered up his armour and weapons from the floor. He already knew what the two young women were working out of course, as he – a mutual friend of the two (until now) strangers – was already well aware. Eryn’s maternal uncle by marriage was clearly one of Cali’s late, older brothers. The maker’s mark on the dagger had spelled that out, and even which brother.


The whistle evolved into ever more purposely distracted humming as their shared shock in the background grew more evident. But it was not really even a secret as far as he was concerned. Just a fact. And the fact was, Cali would absolutely help Eryn out. Not just because it was a weapon forged by her family. But because, as it turned out, Eryn was also her family ..

By the time he had all of his military gear piled on the counter rather than on the floor, the ladies' secret had been shared, and the young man half glanced up as his pair of friends allowed him back into their company.


“There is a sword, two knives, a bow and well, the quiver is empty. The crossbow is a bit .. ancient ..” was an understatement. “It does work though, or it did the last time I tried it. Armour .. well .. ” he did not need to introduce Cali to that work she had personally made for him, just before the war. She’d let him believe at the time that she had talked her father into making it for him. But he knew better now. Specially designed to add extra support about his right shoulder, because she knew. While he had been training,, after the injury, it had made all of the difference. The weight, the flexibility .. she’d thought of everything. He owed her a good deal.


“So Ehtyar Ilisys said I need to make sure this will hold up against whatever she has in mind to throw at me on the training grounds,” he began. “Oh, and as payment, I am supposed to report here, twice weekly, to help sweep up and whatever you can find for an extra pair of hands to manage. Apparently someone has noticed that the new smith is a paragon of good example that I ought to measure up to be as responsible as. They must be thinking of a different new smith at this armoury .. are you sure that you aren't just here for some ruse to spy on your career competition ?”

He grinned, unashamedly, anticipating her defensive return, which might (if he was lucky) just divert away from his quite obvious brain scheme to spend time with the workaholic smith. If this was where she’d been hiding herself, then this was where he’d have to come to check she was doing alright. It was what Ryn would have done, if he were able. And hadn't Lieutenant Brian actually said he ought find some more productive means of spending his time ?


“There is no huge rush on the gear check, you know. Because, anyway, I thought I might go out into Ithilien tomorrow anyway,” he glanced from Cali to Eryn thoughtfully. “There were reports of Orcs in the area recently, and as unlikely as it is, that they weren’t scared off by those who spotted them, well .. the foresters won’t be allowed out to do their work, if there’s Orcs around. So I’m sure the Captain will approve the trek, just so it can be confirmed they're all gone.”

It was not exactly like he needed permission to go into Ithilien, any more. But Eryn was smart. And Nal had confidence that he might not be quite half as subtle here as he imagined he was managing to be. “Does that sound alright with you ?” he asked Cali then, almost counting on what he guessed would be her unimpressed response. They three were stood after all in an outright cornucopia of pre-approved weaponry and armour that could be borrowed, by Rangers ... if they had a need and also had the smith's approval ..

[Karis Ziranphel]

Headquarters - Commander’s Office


Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Two days after Midsummer


Ziran took in the sight of Arnyn as she approached and welcomed her into the office. While the uniform the Lieutenant wore was crisp and clean, and the expression on Arnyn’s face was alert, Ziran could see the subtle signs of weariness that indicated to her that Kaylin had been accurate in her assessment. Arnyn had taken on the duty of watching alone. Stepping through to clear the doorway, the dark-haired archer shifted to the left.

At Arnyn’s stated question, Ziran gave a single affirmative nod before she heard the quiet sound of footsteps behind her. With the shift in Arnyn’s attention to the doorway, and Pele's quiet greeting, Ziran straightened further and turned to touch her hand over her heart in silent salute.

She listened quietly to Arnyn’s report of the past couple days that confirmed her supposition. So they had not yet questioned Shamara, and Pele had also been away from the woman. The latter was likely good considering their previous history together. Her gaze caught the roll of Arnyn’s shoulders, and she felt sympathy for the gesture. She had to be truly tired to display it in such a fashion.

Arnyn’s last comment combined with the shift of her gaze caught Zirans’s attention, and she raised an eyebrow in return. Another? Her? She had stayed silent thus far, but took the opportunity then to speak. “If I may, Captain…while I had originally come on a different matter, I would like to volunteer to at least relieve Lieutenant Arnyn on watch so that she might rest and be refreshed.”

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Hallway of HQ building - Day of the Midsummer Festivities

"You're welcome, Amber." He replied cheerfully. It was nice meeting fellow rangers, and also a relief to meet someone who wasn't likely to recognize him. He hadn't realized, when he signed up for this, that there would be anyone from 'back home' involved in the rangers here in Minas Tirith. So far all had gone alright, but he also knew that he wouldn't be able to avoid two certain people forever.. and Abrazimir had already been close to guessing right. Best not to worry about that at the moment, however.

As Amber started off on her way, Trastion frowned slightly in confusion. "Didn't you need directions?" He asked, recalling she had said she was lost and couldn't remember which way to go. In fact, it appeared she was heading in the wrong direction, unless she was needing to get some gear, for the only thing he remembered being in that direction was the armory. And he suddenly remembered that she couldn't really get anything right now, anyway. "Oh, Amber? You won't be able to get in the armory," He called out, to be helpful in case she meant to pay the armory a visit. "The armorer lady went out a little while ago," He explained, coming around the corner. "It's locked up tight, I'm sure cause I checked. I'd guess only the captain and lieutenants have keys, besides the smith. Or were you looking for someplace else?"

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office
Two days after Midsummer

Pele's fist touched over her heart in response to Karis' salute quite by habit, and yet not less sincerely. The smile lingered on her face a little longer, before she grew serious.

When Arnyn began to brief them, Pele instinctively reached for the door and closed it, looking out long enough to make eye contact with her guard who had stationed himself outside the office. She moved away from the door towards the desk, yet did not sit on the chair by it, or on it as was her custom at times.

"Mmm," she nodded approval of precautions taken in securing Shamara. "I doubt she'd spill everything just like that, perhaps something under enough pressure."

She fell silent then, rubbing her left temple with fingertips as she thought over the options of what should be done.

"Lieutenant, you should not wear yourself out watching over that woman all by yourself," she said, straightening up a bit more and holding herself back at the last moment from stretching her arms up to get more life flowing in her. "I could take over for some time. Karis, I'd rather you check on Shamara, test her out a bit and see how cooperative she is and if she gives up any crumbs of information. Then, if you like, you can take the watch over from me. Unless there are any objections to such a plan?"

Pele's fingers explored the backrest of the chair which she had come to stand behind, as she observed Arnyn for a while, and then turned her attention back to Karis: "What was that initial matter you did come with though?"

[Arnyn]

Headquarters - Captain's Office


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Two days after Midsummer

Karis' request to Pele made Arnyn wonder whether the Cúner's suggestion was driven by her own earlier debrief and Karis' subsequent deductions, or whether she looked tired enough to invoke sympathy. She would not particularly like the latter, and knew Karis was shrewd enough for the former, so the Lieutenant did not take offence. In addition, although in the past there had been times Arnyn had kept vigil for longer stretches than she had in this instance, she was well aware it would be folly to try and do this alone for much longer. Why not use the people they had? Why risk weariness becoming a factor at all? She let go of what pride might have caused her to react defensively, and instead chose to appreciate Karis' offer for what it was: kindness, camaraderie, and wisdom besides. Arnyn smiled softly at Karis to convey her gratitude at the offer.

Pele's words after her address made Arnyn bow her head, in a wordless Yes, Captain. Part of her worried, though, that Pele might seek to visit or question Shamara herself. Arnyn did not want to risk the possibility Shamara might try and hurl manipulative words at her friend and Captain. Pele was in enough emotional turmoil as it was. Therefore Arnyn's relief was immense - and almost noticeable - when Pele made it clear she had no intention of doing any such thing. Guard, yes. But not approach. Slowly, the Lieutenant drew in a calm breath. This was good. Pele was keeping her head firmly upon her shoulders.

Arnyn's soft smile returned. She shook her head when Pele asked if there were any objections. "Not from me, Captain. I find your plan sound - it would definitely allow me to seek the rest and refreshment Karis spoke of without concern gnawing at the edges of my mind."

Her eyes flicked back to Karis then as well, awaiting her other friend's response, to not merely one but two of the Captain's questions.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Headquarters - Commander’s Office


Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Two days after Midsummer

It seemed that Pele did indeed want Ziran to do the actual questioning at least initially, and she nodded affirmatively to indicate that she understood, not choosing to respond verbally. It was appropriate that she was to question the woman, as she did not have reason to either fear her or wish her inordinate harm, two reactions that could jeopardize any interrogation. There was a brief silence in which Arnyn replied first. Ziran was glad to hear that Arnyn was willing to take some rest, and she unslung her pack to set in against the wall.

She was just setting her bow beside it and had her hand on her sword belt to continue disarming, as it was never wise to go armed into the presence of a prisoner, when her Captain asked about what originally brought her to the office. Ziran’s fingers stilled, and the hint of a smile curved the corner of her lip as she lifted her head to look first at Pele and then Arnyn, and back again. “Ah yes…well that is a different matter entirely.” Her voice was light and casual as she spoke, in contrast to her previously grave tone. “I wanted to notify you of an upcoming change of address.” It was difficult to keep a straight face, as that was not usually a matter to bring to the commander. “Any messengers for me should look first in the fifth circle before checking the cottage on the fourth, as I will be giving up that abode some time in the not so distant future.” Ziran’s formality broke then, as a proper smile curved her lips. These were her friends after all, and not just the command staff. Her voice warmed as she continued quietly after a brief pause. “Macardil and I intend to wed, and I wanted to both let you know and ask for your blessing.” It was as simple and complicated as that.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office
Two days after Midsummer

"And in turn, it would put my mind at rest to see you properly refreshed, Lieutenant," Pele said as she looked at the workload of paperwork Arnyn had done in addition to making sure Shamara stayed put. She had to admit to herself that she was not completely rested herself, and it would not do if both of them were half awake and half asleep at the same time.

"Different might be good," the Captain muttered under her breath not really knowing what to expect, as she turned her attention to see what Karis had to say. At first her brow knit in a thoughtful frown as she wondered why would the Cúner want to leave her cozy home, and the reasoning behind it caused her mouth to open in surprise. Pele took a moment to think this piece of information over, and then laughed quietly.

Her blue eyes seemed to have exchanged the former troubled look for one of mirth, as she responded. "Well, go figure! I did not fail to notice you two spending a lot of time together, so should have expected... But excellent!" Pele left the desk to move closer to Karis, as she continued then: "Will keep this information in mind. As for the blessing - I am not sure I would have the right to withhold any if I had any to give you. If anything, both of you deserve happiness. No?" She turned to look at Arnyn then, as she did her best to appear business-like though it did little to suppress the initial burst of joy.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters - Captain's Office


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Two days after Midsummer

Arnyn's curiosity was mildly peaked when Karis casually divulged that her business was of an entirely different nature. Had she been less tired, her curiosity would have been greater, but at present it was dulled by her lack of sleep. The reveal that she had meant to share a change of address hardly changed anything about this. Arnyn nodded, thinking no further than the fact that Karis would apparently be moving. Pele and she would need the exact address, of course--

Karis' sudden smile and next words quite effectively shook her, however. While the Captain's mouth opened in surprise, the Lieutenant's tired eyes blinked slowly. Pele laughed quietly, and Arnyn slanted her head, assessing Karis' expression carefully. The curve of her friend's smile, the sparkle in her eyes. The warmth in her voice during that statement.

Many would likely be shocked at the idea of a friend marrying someone who'd killed their commander, had spent months in the dungeons and was then strangely pardoned by the king, yet still barred from the rangers.
Some would probably even be opposed to a friend marrying such a man.
Others might pretend to be fine with it, while thinking the opposite in private.
This was bound not to be easy for Karis.

All of these considerations, and more, flashed through Arnyn's mind while Pele spoke. Pele - one of those wonderful exceptions who would only react with positivity and joy, even though she tried to maintain some kind of business-like barrier. Because they were at headquarters? At the moment Arnyn couldn't say whether it was because she was too tired or because it was simply who she was, but she did not see the need for such a barrier. Not in the least.

Pele turned to Arnyn then, and the Lieutenant realized they were waiting for her response. More of a response than the slow smile that had been spreading across her face.

"Marriage, Karis?" Arnyn asked, her tone quiet, her darkly encircled eyes gleaming. She shook her head while the smile continued to grow, until her face had lit up into a bright expression. She moved then, closing the distance between them and putting her hands on Karis' shoulders.

"That is the best news I have heard in a long time," she said genuinely, looking her friend in the eyes before stepping in for a brief hug. "Forgive me," she smiled over Karis' shoulder, "for I know you're not much of a hugger." Arnyn withdrew, but kept one hand on Karis' arm just a bit longer. "But such wonderful news calls for it. It gladdens my heart that you have found joy and love in this way. I do not know Macardil well, but from what I have you two do look like a good fit. If a blessing is what you are looking for, I give it gladly and freely."

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
After the Midsummer event
Armory
@Rillewen & @Arnyn

He stood calmly as the two introduced themselves. He'd silently noted Cali slipping the beans into her pocket and not mentioning them to the Lieutenant. He was thankful for it and listened as Cali answered the Lieutenant about meeting many Rangers. He was interested to learn about the woman recruit so he didn't interrupt them.

When Trastion was mentioned he nodded once to confirm Calis assumption and returned the Lieutenants brief glance when he was mentioned, a hint of amusement mirrored her features. "I briefly pasted by the young woman recruit as she was leaving the armory here." He looked at Cali. "Is there anything you can recall about her? Anything about her seem odd? I don't recall anything standing out as I past her. She was just.."He hated to use the word. "Ordinary." He shrugged his thick shoulders at the vague description.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recruit Amber
w/ Recruit Trastion
Hallway of HQ building - Day of the Midsummer Festivities
@Rillewen

"Didn't you need directions?" His words followed her down the hall and she would have ignored him except he just continued to call after her. Her steps halted but she didn't turn to look at him. In fact she trying her best not to turn on him, literally. She took in a deep breath and relaxed her clinched hands just as he came around the corner.

Once more she donned her doe eyed facade and turned to look at him as he approached her. She offered an embarrassed smile. "Thank you Trastion, I tell you I do get turned around so easily here. I'm fear I'll never make a good Ranger." The self deprecating tone was used to garner pity and put him off asking anymore questions.

She then perked up. "Did you hear that?" She went to look around him. "I thought I heard someone." She looked him in the eye. "I hope it's not the Captain or Lieutenant, you aren't supposed to leave your post are you?" She inflicted just enough worry and concern in her voice to hopefully cause him to want to get back to his post before he might get into trouble.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Hallway of HQ building
Around midday - Day of the Midsummer Festivities

Trastion smiled reassuringly at the girl. "I'm sure you'll get better. I mean, even if you're the worst recruit they've ever had.. and I'm not saying you are!" He hastily added, just in case she found that offensive, "But if you were.. then if you think about it, you can only get better as you learn, right?" He mentioned with a smile, then shrugged. "Anyway, as far as I know, the only thing that way is the armory. And it's closed for the moment," He explained, then pointed back the way they'd come. "The exit is that way, and then across the street is the barracks and mess hall, and stables, and all that." He offered a friendly smile.

About that time, she seemed to hear something which he hadn't, perhaps due to the fact he had been talking. Trastion glanced in the direction of the entrance hall, hesitating. "What did you hear?" He wondered, lowering his voice a bit. Because, it did seem odd that anyone would be returning this early. It was still fairly early in the day, and he figured most folks were probably still dancing and eating and having a good time. Could it be the captain or lieutenant? He considered Amber's words. "Well, the armory is included in my post, to make sure no one sneaks in there." He mentioned. "I mean, can you imagine how bad it'd be if someone got in there and stole some weapons?"

After listening for a moment, he frowned slightly as he heard nothing. "If there's someone in here, they're being awfully quiet," He muttered, feeling a bit suspicious. Intruders, perhaps? A thief, trying to take advantage of what they thought was a completely empty ranger HQ? Remembering a few of the things Arnyn had mentioned to him before, he decided that he shouldn't disregard this. "Wait here, I'll check it out." He cautioned Amber. "If it's some intruder, keep back and don't get involved," He added, recalling that she'd all but said she had not yet begun her training. Which meant she more than likely didn't know the first thing about fighting, and therefore, he was far better prepared to face any sort of danger.

Moving cautiously toward the corner to take a look around, Trastion waited a moment. Silence. No movement. Hand resting lightly on his sword handle, he stepped away from the corner and looked around again. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - After the Midsummer event

Cali managed a faint smile. "Alright then, Arnyn." She nodded, relieved that she needn't be so formal. She certainly didn't have a wish to be called 'miss (or smith) Dringolben' on a regular basis. It made her sound way too grown up and mature, and she often tended to forget that she was, technically, an adult by now. The last few years, helping care for her niece and nephew, had helped to give her a better sense of responsibility than she had once known, but it was nicer to just be called by the name she was most familiar with; Cali.

She was curious as the lieutenant then expressed interest in hearing more about the two recruits she had mentioned. She paused, considering that. "They were both polite enough." She gave a faint smile. "Trastion expressed interest in a greatsword, but I thought it best to..strongly suggest that he start out with a more reasonable-sized weapon. I told him he would need to bring written approval from a superior before I would let him take anything so large and cumbersome from here. I hope I was not out of line?" She checked, unsure exactly what sort of authority she actually had in such a matter. But she knew weapons, and she felt confident in making such a judgement call, for the sake of preventing unfavorable accidents.

"As for Amber," She paused and glanced at Mourgan to let him finish his questions, a bit curious why there was so much interest in the female recruit. There were far bigger issues here, as far as Cali was concerned, and it took her a moment to even recall the brief interaction she'd had with the young woman. "I can't think of anything odd about her behavior." She shrugged. "She just sort of looked around, asked a few questions. She asked me about my favorite type of weapon, but I pointed out that our task was to find what's best for her, not me... then I got her fitted into some armor and she selected her weapons. I had no issues with her trying to select anything that didn't seem right for her, and she seemed to have no issues. There's a log of everything that's been checked out of the armory, if you'd like to take a look... I can't recall at the moment exactly what gear she decided on.. it might have been a short sword?" She was careful to add the "checked out" part of that sentence.

On top of her troubled feelings concerning the items that were unaccounted for, Cali felt a little guilty that she didn't remember exactly what the young woman had gotten from here; normally she would have remembered the weapon and every piece of armor down the last detail, but with so little sleep, and all the other issues on her mind.. those small details were the least of her worries. She clasped her hands together in front of her in order to prevent herself from absently wringing her hands from anxiety. It seemed best that she remain still and focused on the lieutenant. "I'm sorry if I've not been as helpful as you hoped." She added, apologetic. "There have been.. more important matters on my mind since then, else I would have a better recollection." She explained, trying to be patient before diving into the matters which were troubling her.

[Arnyn]

Armoury


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
After the Midsummer event
@Isolde Alarion
@Rillewen

Even though she was also looking around at the armoury and its contents, it was clear that Arnyn was listening attentively. She'd had to stop herself from giving Mourgan a reproachful look at his questions about Amber. While Arnyn's own inquiry had not been tilted more toward either Trastion or Amber, Mourgan's words seemed to shine twenty candles on the female recruit. Yet it was too late now. She would let it pass, so as not to call any additional attention to the matter.

It seemed that Amber had displayed rather normal behaviour with Cali. That was one thing.

"You were not out of line, Cali," the Lieutenant smiled. "In fact I am glad to hear that you will keep such an eye on both the equipment and the rangers. Sometimes people need a bit of protection from themselves." At that, a grin flashed over her face. "You did well with Trastion, I deem."
"I'm also glad to hear both of them were polite and did not give you any trouble. As for what Amber checked out, I will find out for myself soon enough. If you found no fault with it, I cannot imagine I would." Arnyn's dark eyes assessed Cali's own. "I have no reason to doubt your credentials. Captain Alarion hired you, after all."

"I was told you have taken up the position about 5 months ago." A faint smile, yet an obviously genuine one, was directed at the smith. "That means you have had some time to find your way. I've only been promoted to Lieutenant a few weeks ago, but in my new role, I do wonder if you are you finding the tasks in the armoury to your liking? Is there anything you feel could be improved upon, with my help or the Captain's?" Arnyn glanced at Mourgan, her faint smile growing for a moment. "If you would rather think it over and deliver your answers on a later day, Cali, that is also an option." Her gaze returned to the smith. "I want you to know you can come to me with anything that is on your mind. And if I am not at headquarters, feel free to leave me a message. Then I will come find you here when I can."

It was important to Arnyn that the ranger smith knew what she could expect from her.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - A couple of days after the Midsummer event

Cali nodded slightly, feeling a bit reassured to hear that she'd made the right call on the matter of the sword for Trastion. Although, the mention of her keeping an eye on the rangers and equipment made her hesitate. She did intend to do just that, but there was a failure there, and she felt bad about it. She had yet to mention that matter, but she had been waiting for a chance to bring it up in a moment. Hopefully, that wouldn't change the lieutenant's opinion about Cali being able to handle this job. Her gaze dropped to the floor for a few seconds, and lifted again when Arnyn asked how she was liking the job, which rather surprised her. Cali blinked once as she absorbed the different parts of the lieutenant's question, and took another few seconds to think of how to reply.

"I enjoy the work," She answered slowly after a moment. "There is a lot of it, but I don't mind that. I like keeping busy." Lately she'd preferred having plenty to do, since it gave her less time to sit around and think. "The forge itself is.. smaller and different than the ones I'm used to. But that's to be expected." She shrugged slightly. This one was not built the same as her father's, nor her brother's, but it was a forge nonetheless. "I have nothing to complain about as far as the work here. I knew what it would involve when I asked for the job.. and keeping you rangers armed and armored as well as possible is the reason I wanted the job." She tried to think of the best way to answer the questions, while also bringing up the things she wanted to mention. She glanced briefly at Mourgan as she hesitated, then remembered Nal's assurance that he definitely trusted Mourgan, so she decided there was no reason not to speak about these things while he was there. She took a deep breath. "There.. is actually a matter I wanted to mention." She frowned, trying to think how to say what she had to say.

"I was just mentioning this to Mourgan," She glanced briefly at him before turning her full attention back to Arnyn. "Do you..happen to know how things stand, concerning the man... from the midsummer incident?" She asked tentatively, her hands tightening around each other nervously at the mention of him. She took a small breath. "What I mean is, do you know whether he's been arrested? Or is he..still just being 'watched'?" She frowned, quite troubled by this uncertainty hanging over her. There was a second matter she wanted to report, but it seemed as if it must be related to the first, and so she wanted to know for her own peace of mind whether he was roaming free or not.

[Arnyn]

Armoury


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
After the Midsummer event
@Isolde Alarion
@Rillewen

Cali's question took a moment to sink in. Arnyn had spent the first few days watching headquarters - or rather, Shamara, and the only way to get access to her. She'd barely slept or eaten until Karis had relieved her to catch up on some sleep, on food and to clean herself up. And Arnyn had only just done those things before returning to HQ... now. She was still very tired, even though she had eaten well and had gotten the chance to wash and also sleep a bit. It took a moment for her to realize who the smith was talking about.

She could have said that there had not been time. But Arnyn was not the type to offer excuses. "I am afraid not," she said rather honestly. She had heard Shamara claiming that the man had broken her out of the dungeons, but that seemed like a stretch given that he was now one who had played a crucial part in recapturing her. Arnyn had trusted the man to Ilisys' care. "But I am confident that Ranger Isys has the matter in hand, and that she will report on the matter shortly," she said a bit more slowly - the cadence of her words not rooted in doubt, but in the firm belief that it was important for her to trust in those she served.

The Lieutenant frowned slightly as she wondered what interest Cali had in the Ehtyar's contact. "Are you so worried that he supposedly helped the prisoner escape the dungeons?" She got the distinct feeling, from the look on Cali's face and her overall body language, that the smith had another motive for such a question.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters

|
Former Lieutenant Macardil | Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
The day after Macardil's encounter with Trevadir in Harlond

Macardil felt like a trespasser. He should not be here. Especially after the evening before, with two random men choosing to verbally and physically attack him for his record, it felt profoundly wrong to step into Ranger Headquarters.
Nevertheless, it had been a quick decision. When he had to choose between some discomfort for himself or leaving Trevadir's life as it was - in shambles, there was no question of what he should do. And if the Captain had given him leave to use the Training Grounds, he could use that to justify his presence at headquarters. After all, it was the Captain he sought today.
Be all that as it may, he did not waste so much as a single moment and headed straight for her office. It would not do to linger. The door was open, he found, and so he knocked on the frame. "Captain?"

The voice sounded familiar, even though Arnyn could not place it right away. Without thinking, she responded as she rose to her feet. "The Captain is not in. But perhaps you would be able to settle for her Lieutenant? Come in." When Macardil stepped into the office, Arnyn realized her turn of phrase had perhaps been insensitive. However, she had not linked the sound of his voice to the right man quickly enough. She had to bite her tongue not to address him by his former rank. "Macardil," she nodded. Her expression was friendly and surprised. "What brings you here?" Her back suddenly stiffened as an alarming thought crossed her mind. "Is Karis alright?"

He held up a hand and shook his head to indicate she need not worry. "Karis is more than well, I should think," he said with a smile. "I came here on a different errand."

"Looking for Captain Alarion," Arnyn said, seeking to get to the heart of the matter sooner rather than later. "Yet she is not in today. You'll have to either make due with me or return tomorrow."

"I would rather not wait," Macardil admitted, stepping further into the office. He assessed Arnyn's gaze for a moment. She'd been professional on the one mission he could judge her by, and he had heard from Ziran that Arnyn was a good friend and one to be trusted.

Arnyn nodded slowly, reclaimed her seat and gestured at one of the chairs on the other side of the desk. "Please," she invited him to sit. Then she held her peace, her dark brown eyes returning his earlier assessment.

With a wry smile, he sat. "I come on behalf of another," he began, and divulged into a summary of the events of the evening before. His retelling was concise but he left out nothing that he deemed relevant to his purpose. "I know the city guard passes on any descriptions and information on wanted individuals to the King's Rangers," he finished. "And I wondered whether it would be possible for the Captain, or yourself, to disclose whether Trevadir is on their list."

Her expression unreadable, Arnyn leaned back in her chair. She was giving him a look that bordered on the incredulous. Yet she also seemed to be weighing his words and gauging his honesty. For all his confidence, Macardil felt a bit off center under her scrutiny. What he was asking was not exactly against any rules, but he knew very well that it was a grey area.

"Trevadir?" she repeated the name, her tone not giving away anything as to her decision. Macardil nodded and gave her a description of the flutist, and told her what little else he had learned about the young man. That he left Minas Tirith five years ago, that his father was a pirate by the name of 'Dev', that he had called Ranger Unalmis a friend, and so on. Arnyn regarded him quietly as he spoke, and a moment longer once he had fallen silent.

Then she opened one of the desk drawers and pulled out a ledger. Wordlessly, she leafed through it. She stopped in two places, reading more carefully. Finally she closed the ledger and her gaze settled back on Macardil. The things he had told her, troubled her. And there was enough trouble as it was.

Now, the one reason she had to distrust Macardil had been invalidated by the King himself. And since then, he had been a proper citizen, as he had ever been before his crime. Moreover, he had convinced one of her good friends that he was worth spending her life with. And if Macardil told his story true, he was only looking for information that, if positive, would change this Trevadir's life for the better. Arnyn decided she believed Macardil. But she was not sure whether she could trust Macardil to be correct in his estimation of this Trevadir. For all they knew, it could be an elaborate way for Devedir to find out whether Trevadir could move through the city unhindered, for one of their latest crimes. "Did you verify this story with Ranger Unalmis?" she asked.

Macardil shook his head. "Even if Unalmis were to confirm it, that would not really change anything."

Arnyn held back a sigh. She knew that was true. If Trevadir was lying about his own true intentions to be part of some crime in the city, he could still do so even if his backstory was correct. In fact, in such a case it would be wise of him to make sure his backstory was correct.

It was a gamble. But her latest gamble had proven worth the risk. Perhaps this one would prove to be, as well.

In the end, it came down to one question: What would be the worst: Denying a young man the opportunity of getting his life back? Or risking a criminal knowing he was safe to move around in the White City? After thinking of it that way, she decided that the right thing to do was obvious.

"There is mention of a pirate by the name of Devedir Thôrmaetha," she said finally. "There is no mention that his son is wanted. Nor is there any mention of the name Trevadir. He is not on the list, Macardil."

[Arnyn]

|
Former Lieutenant Macardil | Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
The day after Macardil's encounter with Trevadir in Harlond

The uncomfortable feeling that had draped over him since he'd entered headquarters started to ease and make way for disbelief. Macardil had hoped for answers, and had thought he might get them from Pele, but once he had seen it was Arnyn in the office instead, he'd figured he would be out of luck. Surely the Lieutenant would not trust him and refuse. Or she would hesitate whether she was at liberty to divulge such information and defer to the Captain.
Yet his disbelief soon made way for relief. If Trevadir was not wanted... A smile mastered his features. "Thank you, Lieutenant." The gratitude in his voice was unmistakable. "This will make a world of difference for the young man in question."

"I would rather err on the positive than the negative side of things," Arnyn said simply.

Macardil nodded his agreement. "We see eye to eye in that, then." He rose from the chair. "I should probably not spend too much time here. My reputation does not stand for that, I think."

Arnyn nodded slowly, as if she was considering his statement. Then she, as well, rose from her seat. "Macardil," she said, her tone no longer quiet but firm.

It turned him back around to look at her. "Lieutenant Dealedwen?"

"You will meet with Trevadir?"

Macardil gave her a quiet look before answering. What was she devising? "Yes."

"When he arrives in Minas Tirith, I want to meet him. I want to see for myself."

His eyebrows raised ever so slightly. Yet he would let her speak her mind in full before he responded further.

Arnyn walked around to the side of the desk. "I imagine someone who was fearful of being wanted, might still be a bit.. skiddish. So I will not ask you to bring him here. We can meet on neutral ground. An inn, a guesthouse - wherever you think is best. But I wish to talk to him upon his arrival. You can facilitate that if you explain why I am asking for this. To be clear, he is not a prisoner. But I took a gamble here, Macardil. And this is the one way I can see right now that would allow me to feel more at ease with my decision. You can explain to Trevadir that I wish to see for whomexactly I divulged this information."

Macardil did not offer any protest. He resisted the old habit of a salute, which Arnyn was pulling out of him somehow, and instead bowed his head in compliance. "As you wish, Lieutenant."

Arnyn crossed her arms, a slight smile on her lips. "You can say Arnyn, you know."

"I know," he nodded. "And I will do so gladly, outside of headquarters and when you are not on duty."

She gave a wave at his response. "Ah, yes. Karis told me you like to do things properly." Her tone was light.

Was that amusement in her eyes, though? He could not quite be sure.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Erynneth Raedor and Cali Dringolben
Armory; The day after the Incident of the Dog
Friends and Favors

Cali nodded as Nal began to list off the various items he had brought. She could see most of it, and was familiar with at least a few items. She was mildly surprised to see that he had a crossbow, but it also made sense, considering the injury that had delayed him enlisting in the rangers. That was a ranged weapon he could use more easily than a traditional bow and arrow, and she gave a small nod of approval upon seeing it. But the fact that the quiver was empty brought a small frown. "You ought to keep that filled." She commented, rolling her eyes at that. "I'll check if it works," She added, since he had mentioned that it worked... the last time he checked. And considering this was Nal..she thought it best to check it.

Cali carefully laid Eryn's dagger aside in a safe place before returning to assess Nal's gear. She might have felt offended at the idea of his armor possibly not holding up, but for the fact that she knew how he tended to care for his things. Before she could make any comment, however, his stopped her in her tracks.

“Oh, and as payment, I am supposed to report here, twice weekly,"

Nal? Here? In the armory? Helping her? Cali stared at him for a few seconds, processing this news and struggling not to appear too horror-stricken. "Oh." She managed a neutral reply after a moment. "You're.. going to be.. helping me." She blinked, wondering who had given that order. Was there some in-charge-person who disliked her? Perhaps it was a test to see how much she could endure? But, well, maybe it wouldn't be that bad. She hadn't actually been around Nal in a few years, she realized. Surely, he had matured at least a little since then? She nodded slowly, trying to remain positive about this. It would at least give her a chance to spend some time with a close friend. Maybe he had learned how to follow directions and not get in the way by now, but something told her it would be easier trying to keep a litter of energetic puppies entertained and out of the forge...

At his following question, however, she folded her arms, frowning. "Wait.. you think I couldn't have gotten the job here?" She wondered, instantly reminded of how her father used to insist that smith work was not for women, and that no one would take a female smith seriously. Should she be offended? Did Nal actually mean that by what he'd just said? But when he quickly assured her that was absolutely not what he meant at all, and Cali relaxed somewhat. "Well, ranger, if you'd been paying attention, you might have realized sooner that I'd filled the position vacated by the now-retired smith." She mentioned teasingly. "You were right there the day I came in to speak to the captain about the job," She reminded him. She'd even spoken to him on her way through.

With a small smile, she ventured to take a look at the knives he had brought, only to look up again as she heard him say that he was going out to Ithilien soon. And there were reports of orcs. And not only that, he was...leaving all of his gear here? To be checked at her leisure? "You really are nuts, aren't you?" She muttered, shaking her head slightly, then looked up with slight confusion. Why was he asking if it was alright with her? She frowned at that. "Well I would hope you wouldn't go out there without your gear, but aside from that.. it really isn't up to me." She admitted regretfully. "I wouldn't recommend going off without checking with someone first, though," She added with a deeper frown, then paused and added, "Like your captain, or lieutenant." She glanced at him with mild suspicion, feeling it unnecessary to bring up the last time he had set off on some adventure without checking with a proper superior, first. Of course, nothing she said could force him to actually follow her recommendation, but she'd given it, anyway.

While the smith and Nal were talking, Eryn was glancing around, remaining quiet so not to interrupt them. She kept glancing nervously toward the door, fearing at any moment that awful barracks lieutenant was going to walk in and yell at her for being here. After the incident yesterday, she did not want to be caught here again. When Nal made mention of setting off into Ithilien, she bit her lip and did her best not to take a glance at him, fearing she wouldn't be able to keep a grin from her face. It was almost as if he'd read her mind!

She hesitated for a moment, resisting the urge to fidget or do anything that might draw attention toward her, as the smith turned toward the table laden with Nal's gear. "Well," Eryn ventured to speak after giving a moment's pause, "I'd probably better be going." She was eager for a chance to speak to Nal again, but unsure whether it was safe to do so around Cali. Plus, there was a valid concern here... "I'd hate to run into that..Lieutenant from yesterday." She mentioned with a small frown.

Cali looked slightly puzzled by that. "Which one?"

"The one in charge of the barracks." Eryn tried not to make a face, but didn't quite manage.

"This isn't the barracks," Cali pointed out. "I haven't seen him in here before, and I don't think there's any reason why he would come here." She shrugged slightly.

"Well, that's a relief," Eryn relaxed slightly. "But I did tell Kaylin I would come visit, so I should be going. Good luck with your gear check, Nal," She mentioned, then added, "And..your trip tomorrow. I must say I'm jealous of you getting to go to Ithilien.." She sighed, as if she had no intention of asking to come along.

"It was nice meeting you, Eryn." Cali smiled. "Don't worry about..you know what. I'll get it fixed, and it'll be safe here."

"Thanks." Eryn smiled. "I hope to see you again sometime, Cali."

"Likewise," Cali smiled back. "Oh, Nal.. you probably should walk her out, in case anyone sees her leaving.." Cali suggested. "That way she's at least escorted by a ranger." She motioned to his things. "I'll see that you have at least most of your gear checked by the time you return."

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - A couple of days after the Midsummer event

"Are you so worried that he supposedly helped the prisoner escape the dungeons?"

Cali's eyes widened slightly upon hearing this. "He helped her escape?" She asked, incredulous. She turned to Mourgan. "Well that confirms my theory that they were working together..." To her, there was little doubt that the accusation was true. It fit perfectly with everything else she knew, or thought she knew. And judging from what Mourgan had just told her moments ago, the woman was almost as dangerous as the man, so why would he not have done it?

Turning back to Arnyn though, Cali shook her head slightly, "That's actually not at all what I was worried about... I don't know much about her, but I can tell you plenty about him." She took a deep breath, trying to calm down. The way she felt right now, she was liable to become hysterical if she continued getting worked up. "I'm sorry, I thought surely someone would have told you something about this by now," Cali frowned, feeling frustrated that the guards couldn't manage to keep track of their files, much less share what they knew with the rangers. And since the lieutenant was so uninformed about this dangerous criminal, Cali felt obliged to fill her in right away. "Actually, I was..quite shocked to see you arresting her, and not him.."

She caught herself wringing her hands a bit, and clasped them again in an effort to keep her hands still, but words continued to spill out now that she'd started. "My friends and I can't sleep, worrying what he's going to do.. because he knows or could easily guess where each of us lives. And I was stupid enough to mention that I work here.. in front of him.. because I thought he'd be arrested.. but then he wasn't.. and now there's weapons missing*, and I just..." Closing her eyes briefly, Cali drew in a shaky breath, and looked down to try and recover a little. "I don't know if he's slipped away from Ranger Isys or what, but fear he may have, because I don't know how else those things could have disappeared like that.. I think he did it just to let me know that he can do it.. that he could get to me again, or something like that... and I'm not sure what to do. I was about to take another thorough check around, to make sure I didn't somehow overlook something... then come to report the matter." She explained with a frown, unhappy to have to report that things had gone missing, but it was the only responsible thing to do as far as she could tell.

*based on information previously plotted with the writer involved in taking the weapons

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
At the Armoury, with Eryn and Cali
Friends and Favours – Before Midsummer
@Rillewen

She just wasn’t able to help herself. The comment about keeping the quiver filled .. easily incurred agreement from Unalmis, who nodded with a mock demureness. A very satisfied smile though accompanied his nod. Cali wasn’t smiling however, especially when the Ranger declared he’d been sent to help her out occasionally in the armoury.

“Yes Cali, you are going to have to let somebody try to help you sometimes,” he laughed. It wasn’t as though she wouldn’t enjoy telling him how to do things better and not to mess up what she’d already managed .. she had already started doing both those things, as a matter of fact ! So the young man then puzzled over his friend’s abruptly defensive response. Did she really think he was implying that she couldn’t be a smith without help ? Did she think he’d honestly be anything more than curious and glad to see her in action, because he was just so relieved actually, that she’d found something .. finally .. that made her happy ?


“That isn’t what I said, now is it ?” brown eyes rolled, as Nal tried out one of his father’s more frequent phrases. As though doing so might help to convey now how responsible he was. “And if you’re just hankering for compliments and flattery, you’ll have to do much better than that,” he added, all his own. “Or better still, show me. I mean, that’s the whole point really. I’m excited to see what you can do,” he urged as the smith crossed her arms across her chest. “I won’t be under your feet forever. And, while I am, well, my new trainer is a former Swan Knight you know .. we could get her telling all her knight friends what a great smith you are ? Spread the word .. And come on. I managed to behave somehow for healer training with the Captain ..” he resorted to pointing out another work-related recreation which had recently come to it’s end. Without disaster. Perhaps against all odds. “Strange thing though, for all that hard work and team building we accomplished together, the head of the entire command ? She still doesn’t tend to brief me on her appointing of new staff. I don’t know why ever not ..” he teased with a fool’s shrug, as Cali had started to calm down some.


She had not seemed to pick up on what he was laying out for her, however. And Unalmis was very keen to believe that the smith was merely playing innocent, just because Eryn was with them. For one thing, he had just literally said that he was sure the Captain would approve him to go into Ithilien, so why else would Cali still be telling him to ask permission ? It must be for show. And for another .. yes, he was leaving his gear here, but there was clearly plenty of other weapons and armour, which she’d no doubt already checked over to be safe, and which could now be signed out, if a certain Smith would only realise what he would actually require her approval for .. Was she going to make him beg for her to help or was it simply habit by now to scrutinise his plans for flaws.


The question of the Lieutenant though, stole all thoughts of how to be less subtle, as mere mention of the Barracks Master managed to dismay the room even without his even being present. Eryn gave a sigh and Nal frowned, definitely not wanting to have the girl endure Brian's wrath again. He was used to it. But she .. no. That was not going to be allowed.


“If anyone asks, we can say you were asking me directions to Minn Thalad Cirbann,” he decided, turning to accompany the younger girl out of the armoury. “I hope you know the way,” he leaned in to whisper to her ear. “Because I have never actually been there,” he winked. “Honestly, one short spell in Dol Amroth, and you’re expecting for guys to escort girls all over the place ?” he threw over his shoulder back at the armourer, as they headed out. “Next thing you know, you'll be curtseying and attending balls, Miss Cali,” he raised an eyebrow in jest and led Eryn outside before things were thrown at his head. He would be back. He couldn't imagine she would rush where it came to scrutinising armour for flaws after all. There was time to see if Eryn had picked up on the proposed subplot ...

[Arnyn]

Armoury


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
After the Midsummer event
@Isolde Alarion
@Rillewen

So that hadn't been the reason for Cali's concern. But if Shamara's escape was not hte reason, then what else was going on with that man? The incredulous tone of the smith and the clear disapproval that the Rangers had not been informed, did not feel right. And something about the smith's countenance worried Arnyn.

The Lieutenant frowned. Shocked to see they had arrested Shamara, and not Isys' contact? Her friends and Cali herself could not sleep for worry what that man would do? To them? Why did it matter that he knew where they lived? Had he threatened them before? Hurt them before? And yet he wasn't arrested? Then wasn't Cali mistaken? Surely Isys would not work with a man who had committed crimes? And weapons were missing? And Cali thought he was to blame? The smith worried he would 'get to her' again?

Arnyn raised a hand, her five fingers spread out. "Hold on." There was too much going on there. "Let me check if I understand everything you are saying."

She bent her thumb inward, toward the palm of her hand. "One. You are familiar with the man who went with Ranger Isys at the midsummer celebration." She then lowered her index finger into her palm. "Two. You believe that this man is a criminal, based on something that happened to you... and your friends." Her middle finger went down next. "He knows that you know and you fear for retaliation on his part." Her ring finger joined the others on her palm. "Four, weapons are missing from the armoury and you assume this is related to him. Which could be a flawed conclusion."

The Lieutenant lowered her hand altogether, drawing in a deep, long breath and letting it out slowly. "Alright. First of all, obviously I will need to know exactly what is missing and when you first noticed they were no longer here. You said you had to conduct another sweep through the armoury to make sure you did not miss anything earlier, and I think that is a good idea. Please do so and then write down all the weapons and any other items you are sure went missing. Then I would like you to separately list the items that may be missing but that you aren't sure about; maybe they were misplaced or maybe you remember it wrongly. Bring the lists to the captain's office as soon as possible. The Captain herself will be in shortly and you can deliver the information straight to her."

Her eyes darkened slightly. "And then. What exactly was your experience with that man?" She gauged Cali carefully. The smith seemed... off center. "Should we be sitting down for this?" Arnyn asked, as if it was the most natural question in the world.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - 2 days after the Midsummer event

Cali stopped herself, taking a deep breath. She was getting ahead of herself, and letting the emotions take over. Calm down, she told herself. She focused on trying to take slow and steady breaths while the lieutenant spoke, apparently trying to make sense of this all. "Right," Cali confirmed with a small nod as Arnyn begin listing off things she'd gathered from what Cali said. "He is a criminal." Cali corrected her slightly, had no doubt about that. There was no 'believe he is' or 'think he might be' about that. Biting her lip, she tried to refrain from any further outbursts though. Yes, she could be wrong about him being responsible for the weapons.. but who else could it have been? And it was far too coincidental that it had happened right after the confrontation at the midsummer thing.

Taking a deep breath, she gave a small nod when Arnyn asked her to make out a list of the weapons missing. She took out a paper from her pocket, a list already written on it. "I've already been through the whole place a few times," She explained quietly. "I noticed the first item was missing as soon as I came in this morning, and I started finding other things gone, after that. I've checked it against the registry and those items are not on the log, so no one has checked them out, with or without my knowledge... and I know they were here in their proper places when I left." She explained. "I don't really need to check again, I was just.. going to go through one more time, because I just really hoped I was wrong." She left out that she had also wanted to find Nal and ask him whether he'd moved anything, just to be absolutely sure. But she could think of no reason why he would do something like that. Especially knowing about everything going on at the moment.

Arnyn's final questions brought some hesitation from Cali. She considered the suggestion that they ought to sit down. "Perhaps.. that might be better," She agreed after a moment, nodding as she motioned toward some seats near the forge, for times when someone might want to wait, or when the smith wanted a break from standing. She waited for the others to start toward them, as she kept close. "I was just telling Mourgan about all of this," She added with a glance toward him, partly to show she hadn't forgotten he was there although he had been politely quiet to allow her to speak to the lieutenant. She turned back to Arnyn. "I suppose I might as well include you, so I don't have to tell it twice. Or, rather... a third time?" Cali paused, trying to count up how many times she had told this story already.

"I..I felt bad that I didn't come in at all yesterday... I spent all that morning at the guard's headquarters, telling the guards all about.. this whole thing. Again." She added in explanation, a bit weary. "And then the rest of the day, I stayed with my friends as we tried to put it all from our minds. So the armory should have been locked up. I know I locked up when I left to go to the festivities, and I'm not sure who all has a key but I assumed it would be only Captain Alarion, probably you, and myself," She frowned. "Yet..." She made a motion toward the list she had handed Arnyn. "I believe someone said he had no weapons on him when he came through the gate that night," She mentioned thoughtfully, troubled as she sank down onto a bench. "But he may have some now..."

[Isolde Alarion]

Recruit Amber
Hallway of HQ building
Around midday - Day of the Midsummer Festivities
W/ Trastion
@Rillewen

“I thought I heard someone talking.” She answered his question and as he explained the Armory was part of his post she glanced sideways at him. “I can only imagine.” She answered him, disappointed to hear about his post. He then seemed to be ready to investigate her supposed intruders so she held back and let him get ahead of her.
Sure, she could play the helpless girl part to his hero if it helped her. It did.

As he moved cautiously to look around the corner she formulated a plan. He called out to anyone that might be there but in response she took the opportunity to pick up one of the many hideous vases they adorned their hallways with and came to stand behind him with it raised.

CRACK!! The sound of the vase cracking over his head echoed in the hall and she stood there watching him fall. It was the first enjoyable thing she’d done all week! She held the cracked vase in her hand in case he might require a second smack with it but it looked like he was a one and done type person. “Always watch your back.” She muttered as she replaced the vase.

Well, now what to do? She couldn’t leave him there and she couldn’t kill him. She took a deep breath. “It would be easier to kill you and dump your body but I’m afraid your part in this isn’t over, yet.” So with that she hoisted him up and slung him over her shoulder.

With him settled over her shoulder she headed across the street to the barracks. She would have to be mindful of that Lieutenant Brian and any other that might not be at the festivities so she had to be careful as she stepped into the hall of the Barracks. During her wandering she noted the list of barracks and who was where, he was in 3.

Her boots echoed down the empty barracks row to the right room, she slowly opened the door to find it empty. That was helpful. She went to what she thought was his bunk and unceremoniously dumped him on it. His legs drooped over the edge where she took each boot in turn and pulled it off, tossing the boot about the room. She then proceeded to divest him of his armor. "I need this more then you." She told him as she removed it from him leaving him in his underclothes. She took his sword and strapped it on and anything else she might need to pass as him. Satisfied with her appearance she straightened up and rest her hands on her waist.

If she knew anything it was that soldiers always had forbidden items stashed somewhere in their rooms. It didn’t take much searching for her to find the flask hidden within the folds of the blankets. She pulled the top off and inhaled deeply. If only she had time.

With a twist of her wrist she made sure to pour the liquid over the unconscious Ranger in a way as to make it look like he’d spent his assigned time drinking. When it was empty she put it in his hand and wrapped his limp fingers around it. She straightened up and her amber eyes happened to come to rest on his neck with it’s strong pulsing vein going up the length of it.

She stilled, the only part of her moving were the now swirling crystal of her true eyes as they watched every pump of blood run through. She knew the cost of all this shifting, it would be good to get some fresh stock back in her.
Then reason rose it’s ugly head. “Not yet.” It wasn’t clear who she was speaking to, him or her.

She had work to do and with that she looked him over. Closing her eyes she muttered words low in her throat and with a shake of her head when she opened her eyes now stood what others would think a twin of the man on the bed. It always took a moment to adjust to her new image, she looked over her new features. It would do for now she told herself with a smirk.

With a quick adjustment of the sword on her hip she had work to do...

First things first.

She had no problem making it to the armory having past one other guard but with a quick nod they past each other. Reaching the door she tried it. He'd been right, it was locked. No problem there. She hadn't left all her belongings behind and with a quick look over her shoulder she took out her lock pick and went to work. Click. The lock gave way under her focused attention and she silently worked the handle and gave it a push. It was as easy as snatching a baby with candy or taking candy from a baby, whichever you preferred.

Rows of weapons stood at attention before her. It was like commanding a sharp killing army but she only needed a few things. She wasn't completely greedy after all, pfft! She moved silently through the rows of weapons. It was like a day at the market, only better. Before she knew it she had quite the shopping list either strapped to her or in her arms.

Daggers, 3
Falchion Sword 1
Short Bow and arrows

Content with her list of weapons she went back to the door and peeked out. It was clear. Once leaving the armory she took her time and planted the various weapons in hiding places she thought would be useful if needed. With the last dagger tucked away she was pleased with herself but while she wore the Trastion suit she might as well use it and she had some snooping to do.

Without fear of discovery she made her way to the Captains office. Once more she helped herself inside and came to stand with her back against the closed door taking a moment to take it all in. She inhaled deeply, slowly exhaling. It smelled like her. The hint of tea, a cake of some type. She took her time and went to the desk, even sitting in her chair and turning to look out the same window she looked out when she sat across the same desk from her. A twisted smile spread across the Trastion face. She turned back to the desk. She looked through some papers. Most was boring Ranger info, nothing of interest there. She thumbed through a few more papers, her eyes shifting over the papers as she did.

Then something caught her interest. Alarion. She took the paper out of the stack to read further. Interesting, it seemed there was more then one Alarion among the Rangers. She would mentally file that away. She put it back after giving it a quick look. Her next party of interest was easier to find. The Lieutenant, Arnyn Dealadwen. She pulled the information and had a nice long read. Schedule, family, training. All good info to be sure. It was always best to know what strings to pull if needed. She put the file back before picking through a few more.

She stayed for awhile then noticed it was getting late, time to leave. But not before leaving a small gift. She couldn't resist. Her hand delved into her pocket and pulled out a small ornate ring of gold and blood rubies. She rolled it between her fingers for a moment, thinking. It stopped rolling as she peered at the design on the face of it. A pair of parallel crescent marks. Double crescents, her mark. Her brand. Did the Alarion still wear it? Was it still seared into her skin?

She stood from the chair and almost changed her mind about it. There would be no mistaking her presence once it was discovered, there would be no blending in, no hiding. Trastions lips curled into a devilish smile, a challenge perhaps. Do it! The voice in her head told her, Relics voice told her.

She looked at the desk and at an empty tea cup, she dropped it inside and listened to it dance a moment before settling. It was time to go, she had to get the suit back before it was too late..

Outside the office the snick of the door lock was interrupted by the sound of people coming, a lot of people.

She quickly made her way to Trastions guard station and stood at attention, looking like the attentive guard he was. She heard them approach, she peeked a look at the group. With a quick glance she didn't recognize most, they seemed to be moving a prisoner. Curious she looked at who they held between them. Seeing who it was Trastions eyes narrowed.

Shamara.

Well, wasn't that interesting. If she hadn't had all those people around her she would have acted on her impulse to grab the woman by the throat and interrogate her about her absence from Umbar and her service. Her thoughts were interrupted when she realized she was being dismissed by one of the party . She didn't hesitate, she turned on her heel and left them behind her.

She made her way back to the barracks and checked on Trastion. He was still out cold. She quickly changed out of his armor and resumed her rather boring Amber attire.
She once more looked down at him.

"Kill him."
"We need him."

"We don't."
"Yes, he's our alibi. Be patient, you won't have to hide for much longer."

The only answer she received was silence. Satisfied she left the barrack and Trastion, his heart still beating.

[Arnyn]

Armoury


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
After the Midsummer event
@Isolde Alarion
@Rillewen

He is a criminal, Cali said. Arnyn frowned slightly. How had Cali come to this conclusion? The Lieutenant had a hard time believing that Isys would work with a criminal. Unless the Ehtyar did not know...

She raised her eyebrows in surprise when the smith produced a list of missing items so readily. Then why had she said earlier she still needed to make sure that... As Cali answered Arnyn's yet unasked question, the Lieutenant gave her a slow nod, both indicating her gratitude and that she was thinking the matter over. Cali hoped that she was wrong. And while it made sense that the smith would not want anything to go missing, especially not weapons - she took pride in her work, that much was obvious (and admirable) - more than anything else it seemed that Cali was just very hopeful that this man in particular was not getting too close. Arnyn accepted the list, keeping it out in her hand. This was obviously a very touchy subject for Cali Dringolben.

And so, Arnyn easily followed Cali's gesture and moved toward one of the seats near the forge. While her boots travelled the floor, she glanced at the list. It wasn't very long. Five weapons were missing. No armour. Weapons that could have been procured elsewhere. But they hadn't. A message in and by itself. Whoever had done this wanted them to know they could get into headsquarters, and into the armoury. The locked armoury.

The Lieutenant sat as her gaze touched on Mourgan again, trying to see whether he had already heard the full tale or whether he was still guessing at bits and pieces. That Cali had told the guards about what she thought Isys' contact had done the morning before, could very well explain why the information hadn't been passed to the Rangers yet. Or they did not deem it urgent enough to pass along in a swift manner. Arnyn's slight frown returned at this. The City Guard did not pass everything on to the Rangers, of course - nor should they. Only the known names and descriptions of those wanted for the most serious of crimes were. The rest, the Rangers simply left to the Guard's discretion and jurisdiction. The Rangers had a similar system of trickling down info the the City Guard, for that matter. It was sometimes a more difficult beam to balance on than those at the training grounds. Everyone was content with the information that was passed along, until something happened that made someone question the entire system all over again.

Arnyn tucked the list away in one of the pockets of her uniform. Her dark eyes looked to Cali expectantly. But when the smith paused, she had not yet shared what her experience with Isys' contact had been. The smith returned to the subject of the armoury and the missing weapons, instead.

The Lieutenant raised a hand. "Cali. If you say the armoury was locked, then I believe you. I do not know you, but if the Captain has chosen to hire you then I choose to believe you until I am proved otherwise. This is the first time something like this has happened in over five months. You locked the only entrance to the armoury. The keys were with you. I still have my key. I have no reason to think the Captain no longer has hers. That would mean the lock was picked. I assume it was unlocked when you came back?" Opening a lock without a key was one thing. Closing a lock without a key, was - to Arnyn's knowledge, anyway - impossible.
"I will check with the Ranger who was on duty here during Erulaitale. It probably happened during the festivities, since it would have been difficult to get in unnoticed afterward." Arnyn had been in the building most of the time since then, and she had not nearly been the only one. While there had only been one guard during the midsummer festival... Arnyn frowned.

"Please. I would have you return to whatever happened between you and the man who helped apprehend that woman. I wish to know why you say he is a criminal."

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Armoury. (After Amber’s ‘visit’) On the Eve of Erulaitalë
As arranged @Rillewen

The kitchen knife was cold against his skin, not the best of ideas to stow it up his sleeve, but Nal had a firm grip on the handle in his palm, and kept the further blade as flat against his arm as he could manage. It was not as though he could have really strode up through the remaining three Circles, brandishing such a weapon openly. Any more than he could have ventured forth on this particular errand unarmed. He did not wish to present any alarm to those who did not deserve it. He could not very well have explained it to the gate guard. It was a miracle that the Fourth circle sentry didn’t even care to search him. His equivalent on the Fifth did, however. Perhaps the richer clientele of that region expected that much more diligence in their safeguarding.

A halfhearted account of how the kitchen master in the barracks required this one particular knife .. now .. and with immediate effect .. had no impact upon the guard whatsoever. And Unalmis recognised, once he was already begun with his ‘tale’, that this was the same guard who had laughed at his ‘gammy-legged grandmother story’ the previous summer at the Great Gate. With a practiced smile, and a surprising turn of mood, the young man congratulated this stony-faced obstacle with having ‘passed the test’ and even asked for his name, so that it could be entered into a poll for Guard of the year … A firm hand simply demanded for the kitchen knife to be handed over, in exchange for the gift of a quite complicated looking heft of paperwork which the young man should now have to fill in, before he could have the kitchen knife returned to him. Supposing that he might be able to at least do some damage with such a weight of administration in his hand, the young Ranger slowly accepted the exchange and complied to the law without any further foolery, so was duely waved on. When he glanced back, the guard was shaking his head in slow amazement, and the blinking recognition that he would have had to let the young man take a sword through. That would have made sense. This though; a kitchen knife ? After dusk ? There was no good cause to explain that, or time to try and conceive of one. In hindsight, Unalmis simply thanked his stars it had not been a certain other guard, set at that gate. And with such considerations to drive him, took the remainder of his trek up to the Sixth circle at twice the speed.


Knocking at the Undertaker’s Parlour was rather the sort of deal he could have done without, this night in particular. But he knew Malus well enough. ‘Wood Works’ provided coffin work for the undertaker’s clients on occasion. They knew him well enough to believe that Iole would be staying out with friends tonight, and actually named the young man ‘responsible’ for having thought to let them know. Flying still on the back of this small success, after the disaster with the fifth gate guard, the Ranger almost strode, on instinct, directly into the Barracks Building, until the clunk of Cali’s thonged key against his chest reminded him of the more pressing chore. It was rare, nay, unheard of, for the Smith to trust him with practically anything which she believed she could manage more capably herself (which was everything, apparently). But .. she had not wanted to come up here to the Armoury tonight .. and she had allowed him … Somehow this revelation did not fill her friend with pride, but rather unease. That Cali had been rendered so far from typical, by this whole ordeal.

He was not any further reassured when he turned the key in the lock of the Armoury door, and it refused to budge. Quite certain he had heard the mechanism click, Nal glanced about him, self consciously, as though the Smith had set this up to prove her point. But no, his second attempt allowed for the mighty studded door to swing merrily upon it’s hinges, as though it were a leaf in the wind. With a silent scoff at how an adrenaline rush had clearly made him twitchy at his task, Nal glanced briefly over to where there were lights lit in the Headquarters Building. But, for him at least, it was the armoury which beckoned, festooned with the low burning avenue of candles which he followed through the standing forest of armour and weaponry. And, as though to ensure he would not turn and run, the Ranger pulled the door to, behind him.


He had walked though a forest at night, unfazed at the turn of branches in the wind, of rustling, of life. The vast hall by contrast was still. As silent as a stone army all stood to attention. He swallowed hard but headed through their forbidding spread, telling himself that there was noone in the armour, watching ... brown eyes focused on the forge, lit up like a star of hope, at the back of the building.

There had been many a lecture over the past few weeks, a couple of recounted tales, of pranks and mishaps that his childhood shared with the Smith, had featured. At least one he had forgotten about entirely and, upon Cali bringing it back to his attention, now years later, Unalmis had been forced to sit down to stop laughing. Belatedly he had noted, that his friend was not laughing. And the point was delivered with no doubt, that no water ought be flung over her precious forge, lest it crack or ruin.


Glancing about him now, in the present day, the young man discovered his friend’s own long-time mantra. That of busy mind, no bother. There was a helmet out on the counter near the forge, which he knew she’d wanted to work on today. Hence the drama of the missing hammer. With a small smile, he left the project where it lay so that she could not complain that he had ‘hidden that’ as well. Honestly, you put one thing away in what seemed a better place to store it, and you get things thrown at your head ! Thankfully not the hammer. Though the look about her face had not put that concept so far from possibility.

Shaking his (undented) head, Unalmis set about slowly raking out the coals to separation. The most likely to hold their heat, he gathered up with the scuttle and doused in a metal bucket which was where and why he knew that the smith kept it. A dusting of ash to finish, subdued much of the remaining embers, and the determined closing down of vents meant the forge was rendered safe. Just as the Smith had instructed him. Just to be sure, Unalmis took time enough to sweep briefly about the backroom, so he could not be accused of making more mess than he’d come to deny. He gathered two sets of boots from the armoury, signing them out in his neatest handwriting as was protocol. That would do him for the way back, and also Iole for the morning. The Ranger certainly required replacing his own anyway, since Hattie had chewed her way through a previous pair, and the second set of footwear could easily be returned, once Iole had recovered her own shoes. But it was sensible to at least be ready for anything until ‘this’ now was over.


Checking that no tools had been left laid out, which of course they had not, because … Cali .. paragon of responsibility .., Nal returned to the coals, which were suitably put out of commission, at least for tonight. He toyed with the idea of gathering the precious hammer which his friend had been so frantic over. But, after checking it was still where he had stowed it, the young man elected to leave it be for now. There was no way he wanted to risk that too-effective guard down on the fifth from confiscating the important tool as well !! It was going to arouse the sentry's curiosity enough with the Ranger returning so soon after passing by already once. At any rate, Unalmis was keen to prove to the Smith that he’d never even taken the tool out of the workshop. If she was not prepared to search beyond the most obvious places, then that was her misfortune. It was not like she’d be able to take it with her to the Tower Guard on the morrow, anyway. And she wouldn’t have been prepared to leave it anywhere else but here. What place could be safer anyway, than under lock and key in the armoury ?


Passing through the halls of the inanimate army, the Ranger closed and locked the armoury door back up behind him.
Although he double checked that it was locked, he would no doubt get a telling off for other things he had forgotten to check, but he might similarly get called out for making the girls wait too long. He had still to grab some water and a few other things from his room, before heading back down circle, and then there was Cadil too .. to think of. No, there was no cause to linger further. So he did not.

Lacing both sets of boots together, he threw them over one shoulder and paid a hasty but for all that, unbothersome visit to his room. The last thing he needed was Lieutenant Brian bellowing his ears off about stomping up the stairs right now. Nal stopped to shoe himself only after he had been and come from his dorm, privately celebrating exactly the sorts of advantage that having walked the corridors and halls without a candle had paid off. But there was no one to be glad with, and he still had much cause to be wary still.

Shouldering a small bag of essentials that might make this night less irksome, he set out back the way he had not long before come in. At least though, this entire portion of the escapade went off without a hitch. And so, onto the next.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - 2 days after the Midsummer event

Cali hesitated slightly as Arnyn said that she assumed the door was unlocked when Cali came in this morning. 'Actually... no.' The smith thought, with some confusion, mingled with distress. Her mind screamed that this was important somehow. Something to do with the timing. How? What did it mean? She was having difficulty putting the pieces of this puzzle into the right spots, and blamed it on having not slept since.. well the night before Erulaitalë. Maybe she shouldn't hold back any more information. She would have liked to have spoken with Nal, asked him all that she could, concerning all that had not been known at the time. But he had gone off to train with Isys, almost immediately after walking Cali up here to the armory, and so he would be out at the training grounds, for however long that training session was to last. She couldn't check with him about any of these things for many hours.

But Cali knew what she knew, and therefore, she could tell Arnyn that much. Before she had a chance to mention any of that information, Cali realized that Arnyn was waiting for a reply about why she called the man a criminal. She frowned, wondering if she'd be taken seriously this time. "Because he kidnapped me," Cali frowned, her gaze dropping to her lap. "And my friend, Iole." She added, folding her hands together in her lap, but they would not remain still. "Last Autumn." She glanced up, her eyes meeting Arnyn's. "I recognized him..from that ordeal. His voice, mostly." She glanced at Mourgan before returning her gaze to Arnyn. "As Mourgan and I were going to get something to drink, I heard him speaking to..whoever that woman was. The one you arrested." She explained. "It.. was like.. like I was there, all over again. At that...abandoned farmhouse where he took us. Hearing.. his threats.. again." She took a slow breath, briefly closing her eyes, her hands tightening on each other.

"He threatened us at knife-point." She swallowed dryly, and let her gaze meet Arnyn's. "Using a dagger that once belonged to my brother." She added, her voice taking a harder edge at that. The pain from that little detail showed clearly in her eyes. "He..Ryn, was a ranger," She added in a soft tone. "He was murdered a few years ago... his weapons were taken from his body, and there's been no sign of them..until that day. When that man used his dagger to threaten us." She drew in another shaky breath. "I can't prove it, but I think.. I believe that he may be the one who killed my brother." Cali dropped her gaze again, taking a moment to recompose herself. "We..believe that he was also involved in an incident that happened around that same time, when Nal was kidnapped and taken off to Umbar, and held captive by some horrible person there." She added with a troubled frown. All of these things seemed far too coincidental, and she was growing more and more uneasy at the possibility that, for some reason, Nal and his closest friends were being targeted intentionally. "And then he kidnapped Iole and me... which seems.. a little too coincidental to me." She went on with a frown.

"He used the name 'Lowendir', when we first encountered him at the Autumn fayre, but.. I've heard he uses other names, so it's quite doubtful that is his real name. I don't really know what to call him. But.. he implied that he had done gruesome deeds before then." She added, frowning. "He showed us ropes stained with blood, and threatened to do the same things to us as he had done to whoever had worn those ropes, if we didn't do as he said. And he injured me when I tried to resist him.. my arm was still in a sling, actually, when I came in to inquire after this job..a couple of months later." She mentioned, unsure if Arnyn had been there that day, or if she would recall, but Cali did remember that there had been some sort of meeting going on with the rangers and that she'd come in after it was concluded. "He forced us, at knife-point, to get into these..horrible, slimy, smelly barrels." She cringed at the memory. "And after smuggling us through the South Gate, he.. was going to send us to Umbar. To a.. very frightening person in Umbar, according to what I gathered," She added, careful about revealing certain details. "If it hadn't been for Unalmis, and two other friends who came to our rescue..." She trailed off with a slight shiver. "And then.. I saw him at this other festival not even a year later, talking to that woman, and it sounded like he was trying to lure her away the same way he had done Iole... I thought he was trying the same thing with her. But, now it sounds more like they were working together, and.. I don't know." She sighed, very confused about all of this, as she put her head in her hands, taking a few breaths to try and calm down.

"You... said earlier that you assume the armory was unlocked when I got here, today." She began a moment later, hesitant as she lifted her head. "But, actually, it was locked when I returned this morning." She told her softly, a bit reluctant. She would prefer to leave Nal out of this, as a habit. To protect her friend, although she knew he didn't need to be 'covered', at least not in this. Not this time. Because he had done nothing wrong. He had, for one of the few times in his life, been properly responsible and adult-like. But, of course, just as this lieutenant didn't know Cali.. Cali also didn't know her. And she didn't know how well the lieutenant knew Unalmis, and furthermore, she had no idea whether she would believe anything she told her about him. But.. well, hearing Arnyn say earlier that she trusted Captain Alarion's judgement in hiring Cali, that gave her some slight encouragement.

"I... left out one small detail earlier," Cali admitted. "Only because I wanted to check it out myself, before I spoke of it. But, I suppose I should tell you anyway, so you can have all the details." She sighed. "See, I actually came to the midsummer festivities on an errand.. and I was intending to come straight back after I had accomplished that errand. I locked the door when I left, but I didn't close down the forge since I was planning to work on something. Only, after I got there, Nal...Unalmis that is.. talked me into staying a while, to have fun and enjoy the day. Then, after we saw him at the Erulaitalë, and I had -foolishly- confronted him... and then he wasn't arrested as I thought he would be..." She paused, with a slightly shaky breath, continued, "Iole and I... we were so frightened by the possibility that he might be roaming around freely, and that he might decide to do something to..silence us.. before we could tell anyone what we knew about him, that.. when I remembered that I had left the forge burning... well, I was nervous about coming back here by myself to put it out. Because, by then, we didn't see him anywhere around, and we weren't sure if he was.. lurking. Waiting to grab us, or..whatever."

"So," She continued, "after we'd gotten someplace safe, Nal offered to go do it for me, and I know that he knows how because he grew up around me and Ryn, and he's been..." somehow, 'pestering' didn't seem the right word to use here, in this situation, and she had only the briefest pause before continuing, "helping out around the armory for the past few weeks. So I entrusted him with the key." She explained, hoping the lieutenant wouldn't get any wrong ideas about Nal being a suspect. She followed up with her defense of him, just in case, "I know he wouldn't have taken anything without logging it out, even as a prank. In fact, he logged out a couple pairs of boots that night, as you'll see on the log. And besides, he didn't have any weapons like those on the list when he returned a short while after, and he assured me that he locked up. He was truthful about that. He's a terrible liar, and I can always tell when he tries." She managed a weak smile. "Anyway, he knows I'd smack him or something if he did anything like this, especially with..everything that's happened..." The tiny smile of amusement quickly faded, swallowed by a more serious expression. "When he returned, I asked him if he'd made sure it was locked up and secure, but I didn't think to ask him if it was already locked when he got there..because I simply assumed it would have been. So that much, I don't know. And he's out training, now... so I can't ask him about it for a long while."

[Arnyn]

Armoury


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
After the Midsummer event
@Isolde Alarion
@Rillewen

"No?" Arnyn repeated, surprised. But Cali first returned to the subject of the man she was accusing.

When the answers started coming, the Lieutenant's eyes widened minutely even though the rest of her expression remained calm and thoughtful. Kidnapped? Threatened at knife-point? At some farm-house. With a dagger that used to be Cali's brother's. A brother who was a Ranger and had been murdered and robbed. Cali was accusing Isys' contact of abduction, assault and murder. A faint frown settled on the Lieutenant's face - a remarkable feat, since her head was veritably spinning with this new influx of information. A dull headache started to throb above her temples.

Things were never easy.

To make matters worse, Cali and this Iole or perhaps other friends also believed the man took part in the abduction of... Unalmis. Years ago. Ties to Umbar. Arnyn closed her eyes for a moment. Why was it always Umbar? The man had used the name 'Lowendir'. He had hurt Cali, she said. The Lieutenant held back a weary sigh and looked back at the smith with a serious look in her eyes. She nodded to show she was following the story.

And then suddenly they were back on the topic on the armoury. Which had been locked, according to the Smith. When she explained why, Arnyn nodded again, slowly. If she had been more rested, Cali's extensive explanation and almost proactive defense of Unalmis might have been amusing. Now, Arnyn only smiled faintly and held up a hand. "That's alright, Cali. No need to defend your friend. Unalmis might not be a stickler for protocol, but if he logged out the boots, he would have logged out the weapons as well if he had taken any. I do not doubt him. He is one of our own."

The Lieutenant drew in a breath as she looked around the armoury while thinking things over. "We should check with Unalmis whether the door was locked upon his arrival," she mused out loud. "If it was not, or if he does not distinctly remember, then the weapons were very likely - almost certainly - taken in the time after you left here and before Unalmis came here later that night."

"As for the man you know as Lowendir... He would have been with Ranger Isys." Should have been, at the least. And had been, if the Ehtyar had heeded Arnyn's words at the festival. "He could not have done this during that interval." It would have been someone else. Arnyn had a pretty good idea, too. She glanced at Mourgan. Would he make the same connection?

Everything Cali had told her was swimming around in her mind. Arnyn was still weary, not having slept as long as she probably should have before returning to headquarters to make the rounds. She should have simply stayed at the baracks and returned to bed after her bath and her meal. The dull headache was gathering strength. Arnyn made a small circle with her thumb and index finger and and looped her long braid through it as she tried to make up her mind about the next steps.
"I entrusted Ranger Isys with this man." He had been her contact, she was the one who knew him and trusted him in this venture. Arnyn remembered well how ill-inclined Isys had been to disclose much information about him. The Lieutenant did not find that very comforting at all. But she had said she would trust the Ehtyar with the matter. Arnyn was not quick to return upon her word. "She had not reported into headquarters the past few days, unless she came in earlier today while I was at the barracks."

She looked at Cali. "Is Isys aware of any of this?" Arnyn gestured vaguely to indicate she meant what Cali had just told her about the man.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - 2 days after the Midsummer event

Hearing the Lieutenant assure her that she needn't continue to defend Nal, Cali relaxed somewhat. Good, they were agreed on the fact that Nal would not have taken the weapons. "I can ask Nal about the lock," She offered. "I was going to, anyway. And I'm likely to see him first, unless you go and look for him." He would probably come straight back to the house where she and Iole were staying, she figured, rather than going to the dorms. Because he had said he was going to ask Isys about this matter, when he met her. So he would be coming to tell the girls what he had found out later this evening, according to the plan the friends had come up with.

Cali frowned slightly, however, to hear the lieutenant say that "Lowendir" would have been with Isys. She wasn't so certain about that, herself. He ought to have been, but was he? How did anyone really know that? Obviously, no one had mentioned any of this matter to Arnyn, which meant either Isys had not reported in, or she had failed to mention this whole matter. Perhaps she hadn't believed Cali. Perhaps... he had convinced her to believe him instead.

She took a slow breath, very mindful that she didn't want to make any accusations or anything against one of the rangers. That wasn't her intention. "I'm not certain that he could not have done it," She disagreed quietly with the lieutenant, however. "You entrusted him to her, not knowing about any of his crimes." She pointed out, and hesitated as Arnyn asked whether Isys knew about any of this. "I.. did speak to Ranger Isys, briefly. After she had parted from you. I told her a little of this... but not much." She couldn't quite recall exactly what she had told the woman, now that it came down to it. "I didn't get a chance to tell her any details.. only that he was a criminal, and ought to be arrested. I think I mentioned he had ties to Umbar, and.. then he started accusing me of lying or mistaking him for someone else, and.." She sighed and shrugged. "I don't know whether she believed me or not. I don't know her, and she doesn't know me. I have only heard of her through Unalmis, and I wouldn't have known who she was at all if I hadn't heard you call her Isys, after that woman was arrested." She explained. "And all she did then was assure me she wouldn't let him get near me or my friends, and she took hold of his hand and sent me off to find my friends." Cali frowned.

She couldn't deny feeling a little bit disregarded on that matter, having had some time to think about it more, since. At the time she had thought she was being sent to gather her witnesses and give her report, but after Guard Sorrel came and spoke to them and bid them to come the following day, it then seemed clear to Cali that there was no intention of bringing all the witnesses forward at that time. And that was upsetting in itself, because she wouldn't have bothered Iole or Nal if she had known that it wouldn't be until the morning when they would be needed to give their statements.

"After that," She went on, troubled, "A few minutes later, I saw him standing, freely, beside another man, and then later.. I didn't see him again at all. And I couldn't help worrying that he had slipped away from her, perhaps convinced her that my story was absurd, and got away from her, I don't know... but it was after that point when my friends and I left. And a little later still before Nal went to close down the forge for me. So as far as I know, he could have done it in that time. And he could still be running around loose, waiting for a chance.. to do more." It felt strange to be sharing all of this so openly, with someone she had only just met. But it had been all she'd thought about the last few days, and until she knew that they were safe, it would continue to be on the forefront of her mind.

[Arnyn]

Armoury


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
After the Midsummer event
@Isolde Alarion
@Rillewen

The frown had settled more permanently on the Lieutenant's face. The smith was deeply troubled about the matter. And clearly displeased with how it had been handled so far.

Arnyn found that putting her analytical skills to work was costing much more effort than she was used to. It wasn't difficult to figure out why. Her lack of (enough) sleep was still bothering her. Her concern for Pele, which had already been running deep, had heightened since they had captured Shamara. Especially since Pele had found that ring in the office. As had her overall concern for the rangers as a whole. If Relic decided to lash out now her accomplice had been captured...

And now the Ranger Smith was telling her... no, she was claiming... or rather Cali was thinking... that the guards were maybe not doing their jobs properly. This wasn't a Ranger matter. Unless she could make it one because Isys had - sort of - 'employed' him concerning ranger matters. And then there was the question whether she had been amiss in the trust she had granted the Ehtyar? Arnyn did not want to be. As of yet there was no definite proof that she had been. Yet the smith's words were very disconcerting. Arnyn's head was pounding irritably.

"One moment," she mumbled, rubbing her left temple for a moment with her index and middle finger. Okay, so there were some options.

Either Cali was right in her fear that this Lowendir was still after her and this Iole... or her friends... Arnyn was unclear on who exactly he might be after - her tired mind wasn't cooperating.
If so, and he had been with Isys this whole time, then there was no reason to panic until Isys brought him in.
If, however, he was not with Isys - and he'd already escaped her or she had believed him and they had simply parted ways - then Cali, and her friend or friends, might be at risk.

Or Cali was wrong in that this man was no longer after her. If he wasn't, then Cali and her friends were safe. Yet they could not know for sure at present.
Or it had never been Isys' contact to begin with, who'd adbucted Cali and Iole.

And if Isys' contact had in fact committed certain crimes, regardless of whether he was still after the smith or not, he would need to be questioned by the city guard. Possibly they could turn it into a ranger matter if everyone cooperated a little. But in that case, the first order of business was still to talk to Isys.

"Alright," Arnyn drawled after a long moment. It was better to be safe than sorry. And Arnyn wanted Cali to know she was taking her seriously. "I will assign someone to you, for you protection, until this matter about Isys' contact is resolved. That should not be much longer. I expect Ranger Isys to report in soon if she has not already. I will also send word that she is to report in tomorrow - again, if she has not already."

The Lieutenant turned to Mourgan. The swiftest solution. "Mourgan. Have you already been on duty today? If not, I'll assign you to the smith right now, for her own protection."

Her dark eyes returned to Cali again. "Do you think you need someone with you at your place of residence as well? And what about the friends you spoke of? Do you think Unalmis will stay with you tonight?" Arnyn's mind was making a few connections she was too tired to figure out consciously, but experience had taught her to go with it when the situation demanded it.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Armory
W/Cali @Rillewen & Lieutenant Arnyn @Arnyn
After the Midsummer event

Mourgan for the most part of this conversation stood listening and taking it all in, returning the knowing look the Lieutenant had given him when a certain person came to mind.

Calis story had him concerned though. What if this man was just free to wander? He could only imagine her fright but it seemed the lieutenant seemed to be taking it more serious. When the Lieutenant turned to him and asked if he’d already been on duty today then assigned him to protect their smithy he nodded in reaction before answering.

“Yes Lieutenant, I’ll see she’s well guarded.” He glanced to Cali not sure how she would take the news but it was an order.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - 2 days after the Midsummer event

For a moment, as the lieutenant was silent, Cali watched with feelings of anxiety swirling around inside. She wondered if perhaps she had spoken too forcefully concerning the matter, and tried to mentally go over things she had said. She really had not meant for her words to seem to indicate any sort of accusations or shortcomings on the part of any rangers, whether that were Isys or any others. But the anxiety that had been eating at her ever since she heard his voice the other day... it made it hard to think of anything else.

At last, Arnyn spoke again, and Cali breathed out a slow exhale, relieved to hear she wasn't just dismissing this whole matter. "Thank you," Cali answered, more out of relief that she wasn't being brushed off again, than to hear she would have a guard. In truth she felt slightly skeptical about the effectiveness of a guard... because if this man was the one who killed Ryn.. that meant he was able to kill a ranger before. One who was well-trained at fighting. So why could he not then kill another? But, whatever the case, at least Cali wouldn't have to be alone, and she was getting to know Mourgan by now. Enough so that he wasn't a stranger. That made things better. "I hope you didn't take what I said to be any sort of accusation toward ranger Isys.." She added, now a bit worried on that front. "It's just.. well this man is known to lie and twist things and use all sorts of deception wherever it benefits him. Unalmis can verify that... and, seeing as I don't know Ranger Isys at all.. I have no idea whether she might believe whatever story this guy has told her." She shrugged with a sigh. "It's frustrating enough that the guards apparently lost the report I filled out months ago when this first happened, so no one's really done anything about it since... and he's been roaming around doing who knows what, ever since the end of Autumn, and.. then for him to turn up now.. just when we all thought that surely it was safe.."

Cali trailed off, realizing she might be rambling a little bit. And Arnyn had asked a question. "Unalmis has been guarding us ever since the Midsummer, at the place where we've been..staying." 'Hiding out' was more accurate, but that seemed uncomfortable to admit out loud. "Since.. Lowendir," She said, for lack of anything else to call him, "knows where Iole lives, and he could easily figure out where both me and Nal can normally be found.. we've found someplace else to stay, where he would never expect to find us." That only left Trev, and she was worried about him, but didn't bring that up now to the lieutenant, so as to leave his name out of this as he wished. "So unless he followed us to that place..." Cali paused, frowning. Honestly, she hadn't completely ruled that possibility out, and had been extra cautious about coming and going, just in case. Yet, she had left Iole behind today. Alone.

"Anyway... Our plan is that Unalmis is to return there tonight as well, after his training with Ranger Isys... which also leads me to wonder how she could be watching him if she's doing that..." She added distractedly as that train of thought started drawing her mind wandering down that path. But she quickly reigned her weary thoughts back onto the topic at hand. "Once he returns, she and I should be guarded well enough, I should think." She hesitated and glanced at Mourgan apologetically. "But that's hours away." She thought it only fair to give him a warning that he might be in for several long, dull hours ahead. "I hope that isn't any trouble for you."

[Isolde Alarion]

@Rillewen & @Arnyn
Armory - 2 days after the Midsummer event
Ranger Mourgan Alarion

He listened to her explain their plans. All sounded well enough but the thought of her being unprotected for so long didn’t sit well with him.

“No trouble I assure you. I’ve pulled long guard duties before I think I can watch over you just as long.” He answered her then really looked at her. She looked like she hadn’t slept much in the last two days. “Cali, you haven’t slept much have you? I bet you’ve eaten even less. I hear these two things have the same effect as being drunk on our bodies. “

He looked back to the Lieutenant. “Sir, If it’s alright with you I think I should take my charge here to the mess hall first then to where she’d staying to get some much needed rest.” He quirked a brow. “Respectfully Sir I would highly recommend some much needed rest for yourself.” A small smile followed. She looked like she needed some rest too.

[Arnyn]

Armoury


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
After the Midsummer event
@Isolde Alarion
@Rillewen

Since Mourgan did not say he had already been on duty today and accepted the assignment, Arnyn considered the matter settled. At Cali's thanks, the Lieutenant waved it away with a faint smile. But when the smith put words to her hopes that Arnyn would not take all that she had said as a condemnation of Isys' actions, the Lieutenant frowned. She listened to what Cali had to say about the man Isys had used as a contact, about how he was a liar, a twister of the truth, a man who used deception to his advantage when he could.

Arnyn did not know Isys personally, either. The Ehtyar had not struck her as naive. But it was a possibility that this man had fooled her, of course. The Lieutenant would not blame anyone for wanting to see the good in people - not unless there were clear indications the good had suffered in favour of the bad, that is.

Hearing that Cali had already filed a report.. and that it had gone lost... was really not her jurisdiction. Arnyn rubbed her temple again. Of course, part of his time was supposedly spent following Shamara, she remembered dimly.

Hearing that Unalmis had been guarding Cali and her friend Iole the past two days, was reassuring. And also an interesting bit of information to learn about Ranger Unalmis. He cared much for his friends. Arnyn's faint smile returned. It did not surprise her, after the way he had reacted during that brief camping trip Pele had initiated, months and months ago.

She slanted her head when Cali wondered aloud how Isys could possibly be guarding her contact as well as training Unalmis at the same time. Well, she wouldn't be. But Cali seemed to forget about different options. Perhaps Isys had not shown up to training. Or perhaps her contact was being held by the city guard by now. Or perhaps she had sent word to Unalmis to change the venue of the training so she could keep an eye on the man and train Unalmis at the same time. Or who knew what other options her tired mind was missing at the moment. Cali, of course, was picking the option she feared the most. Arnyn regarded the smith thoughtfully. It was wise, of course, to prepare for the worst. But unwise to always assume it.

When Mourgan either suddenly seemed to pick up on the smith's tired appearance - or only now decided to put words to it - Arnyn's gaze shifted to the Ranger. She noted the way he looked at Cali, and wondered just how concerned he was. A ranger concerned for the smith? Or a man concerned for... well. She hid a different kind of smile when Mourgan addressed her. Arnyn was just about to say she thought Mourgan's idea was excellent, and had separated her lips to say just that, when the Ranger added that he recommended rest for her, as well. For a moment, Arnyn did not move, lips parted as if she had been about to speak.

Her expression was difficult to decipher. Was she surprised that he had dared put into words she looked tired? Displeased that he deigned to make recommendations to her about resting up, as if she were incapable of deciding when it was time to do so herself?

She put her lips back together. Her dark eyes narrowed at Mourgan minutely. She opened her mouth again, but still she did not speak. Instead, a low and quiet laugh escaped her.

"I cannot argue with your powers of perception," the Lieutenant said, still laughing as she looked at him and moved to clap him on the shoulder. "I agree with you on all fronts, Ranger Mourgan." Amusement dancing in her eyes, she looked at Cali. "Food and rest for you it is, Cali Dringolben!"
Arnyn smiled broadly as she regarded Mourgan. "And I will do my best to catch up on some rest, myself. Since you are the second person to recommend it to me, today, it is obviously becoming a noticeable problem. So if there is nothing else either of you wish to discuss..."

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Cali Dringolben
Armory - 2 days after the Midsummer event

It was reassuring to hear that Mourgan didn't mind, at least. While Cali wasn't really sure what the time was, she knew there were several more hours left before she would be closing up for the day. She didn't mind that for herself, as she preferred to have things to do to keep busy, so not to have as much time to think and worry about everything that she had been thinking and worrying about. Yet, after the discovery of missing weapons, the thought of staying here even one hour by herself made her anxious.

Before she had a chance to say anything more, however, Mourgan's next words hit her, leaving her a bit stunned. Cali blinked at him as the words sunk in. Drunk? She had gotten by on short sleep before, but this might make a new record. Not that she was trying to set any sort of record; it was more that she couldn't sleep with this thing hanging over her. But drunk? Was it really the same as being drunk? Having never actually been drunk before, she had nothing to compare to as far as how that felt. But now that he said it, she wondered.. what might she have done, if she had worked on all the things she had planned on doing today?

Even as she was trying to come to terms with this new and unexpected revelation, Cali could feel her weariness weighing on her. Her eyes wanted to close, but she didn't want to let them. Her mind wanted to drift off, but she refused to let it. If she didn't stay focused on something, she might doze off. And she knew Mourgan was right. And the fact that he was right... it frightened her in a way. To think she hadn't even been aware she was in no condition to be working. How many times had she wondered how her father could not realize he should not be working at the forge... only to do the same thing herself? It was a shocking realization and it troubled her deeply.

"Food and rest for you it is, Cali Dringolben!"
Arnyn's voice snapped her out of her stunned thoughts. She looked up and nodded slightly. "Yes...you're right. Both of you," She admitted softly, sighing. "I'm in no condition for this work." She agreed quietly, a little shaken by the thought that she had planned to do a lot of work today. She stood, a bit more attentive to her own weariness now, and realized that yes, she was having difficulty. "I'd better shut down the forge," She explained, sighing softly. Then, turning to the forge, Cali stopped and blinked at it. She had not even got around to getting it lit, she now remembered. Finding the weapons missing had thrown her so much, she had spent all this time going through the armory, and had yet to get around to lighting the forge. "Or, not." She frowned, turning back to Mourgan and Arnyn. "Right.. food. Lead the way, Mourgan." She managed a tired smile, trying to hide how alarmed she had felt about what he had said before.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, office


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Late afternoon
~ On the day Duinion reported into HQ in the morning - and that Lieutenant Brian encountered Eryn and Duinion in Unalmis' room
~ Also the day Macardil inquired about Trevadir around midday

Her brown eyes were staring at a blank piece of paper, the inked quill poised above the emptiness which was waiting to be filled. She was not yet sure how to begin, and inevitably her mind was drawn away from the task at hand, back to recent events. The quill returned to the inkpot to ward off any undesirable drops on the paper.
The first week after midsummer had been hectic. One thing after the other. It had been exhausting, it had troubling and it had been glorious. The next week had been a bit calmer, and she'd had the time to find her center. But she had never been good at having little to do, and so she'd found herself trekking out to the Pelennor to speak with Duinion, leading to his presence in her office earlier today.

She smiled wrily at herself. While she no longer got into trouble the way people generally meant when they used the expression, deep down she had not changed. She still tended to find trouble of a different kind and wrap it around herself. And her reasons were not all that different, come to think of it.
The smile faded when she thought of Macardil's visit later in the day. It could have just as easily been Pele who he had stumbled onto in the office. Not that she could imagine Macardil stumbling. Huh. For a fleeting moment, she regressed to her early days as a ranger and considered a strategically placed banana peel. She shook her head. No, no.

Back to the matter at hand.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, little-known holding cell
(with @Pele Alarion )


Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
About a week after Shamara's imprisonment

It had taken a long time, really, before the turn had fallen to her. Considering the extremely limited amount of people in the know. It was almost as if the command had intentionally been keeping her away from the prisoner. Not that Kaylin minded.

She's gone from being livid at the entire situation, in a way that could barely be contained, to being quietly upset. Honestly, she'd gone back and forth on that scale. One step forward, two steps back - or that's how it felt sometimes. It was easier to be composed when Thûllir was with her. It was harder when he was not. As if she lacked an important sense of motivation when he was not around.

Hardly anyone was left at headquarters when she arrived. A few stragglers, here and there. Evening had come, and most of the Rangers would be sitting down for a meal - at the mess or elsewhere. It fell to Kaylin to bring the evening rations to the prisoner held below headquarters and to guard the halls against any unwanted visitors. She would wait to deliver the food until it was time to lock the outside doors. She wasn't about to risk anyone entering when she was below.

So, instead of locking the doors from the outside, she locked them from within. And first proceeded to check every space and room to make sure no one had lingered. Once she had looked everywhere, she waited another half a bell, sitting in the main hall of headquarters. She used the time to think. To prepare herself. To ward against her anger. She could not let Pele and Arnyn down.

Finally, she rose to her feet. If anyone was hiding somewhere, they were extremely patient. And she was as ready as she would ever be. Kaylin went into the office, grabbed the rations, pulled the key from the chain around her neck, and went below.

The door made no sound. Her boots did, as they walked down the descending hallway.

Kaylin drew up in front of the prisoner's cell. "Dinner," she announced, as if she were presenting a four course meal rather than the platter of bread, cheese and cups of milk and water. She moved the drinks to a shelf on the wall opposite the cell, and slid the tray through a low hatch. She would have to pass the cups through the bars - they were too high for the hatch.

[Pele Alarion]

Shamara, the prisoner, with Kaylin @Arnyn
~ a week after imprisonment

There was a plenty of time for the captured Umbarian to think as she sat in the cell - this time higher up the circles of the White City. At least she was fed well enough, and, while she lacked interaction and people and these Rangers generally appeared as quiet as the guards in the other prison, she did get slightly more attention. She lay on the the mat, eyes closed, and let her mind wander while she waited for the evening meal.

On one hand, had she not returned and lingered, she'd be long gone and back in Umbar. Free. Or seemingly so. Even if Relic could be convinced that she had not really had a hand in Pele's escape, now the woman would be mad at her for staying away so long, and who knew if any amount of humble grovelling would save her. Perhaps it was even better here than there. Though she guessed that Relic might be somewhere near as well, or so her senses told her at least. But perhaps there was a way... Perhaps she could... be her own master for once?

Approaching footsteps drew her attention, though she did not react in any way to it until she heard the voice. Kaylin. She lingered in what served as her bed for a while longer before opening her eyes and sitting up. With a slight tilt of her head the Umbarian regarded the red-haired Ranger, playing with a thought of testing whether her temper was still as fiery. Though it was more dangerous to play with fire when locked up rather than out in the open no matter how much she relished taking risks and balancing on the edge of a knife.

"Why, thank you," she said meekly, rising smoothly and taking those couple steps to receive the food. She bit off a small corner of the cheese and chewed on it as she set the meal down by her mat and returned to the bars.

"The food is rather good here," she spoke again, fingertips touching one of the bars near her face. "But, say... are you going to keep me here forever without any use? Though I already know what you think of me, Ranger."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Headquarters - Commander’s Office


Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Two days after Midsummer


Ziran nodded at Pele with a somewhat bashful grin of thanks and gratitude at her words. She could see the light of genuine joy for her on the Captain’s face, and could admit the touch of relief she felt at seeing it. She knew Pele had seen Macardil’s transformation and release and discussed the way forward with the King, giving Macardil his freedom, but they hadn’t interacted a whole lot the last few months since then. She had, of course, hoped for this type of response but hadn’t allowed herself to expect it.

She glanced over at Arnyn as Pele turned to her, and was happy to see a smile on her face as well. Still, Arnyn was often rather reserved as well, so it was a pleasant surprise to see the breadth of her friend’s grin, leaving her unsure if it was congratulations or teasing that was to be forthcoming. Ziran’s face relaxed into a grin of her own when Arnyn clarified by saying it was the best news she had heard in a long time. Her eyes conveyed her gratitude for the unreserved support and approval, and threatened to mist at the brief hug. Ziran tilted her head to dismiss Arnyn’s apology for the hug, placing her hand over the one on her arm briefly. “Thank you. Thank you both.” Her words were quiet and sincere. “I know it may not be easy, but thank you for your trust and sharing my joy. Amazing and unexpected as it may be, Macardil and I have found joy together despite the shadows that threaten life. A way to fight the dark is to seek that which is good and true, and I value your friendship and support.” She looked from Arnyn to Pele, and then back again before dropping her hand. There were those who would never understand her relationship with Macardil, and others who would never understand the importance of having support among her chosen family in the Rangers as well, but she didn’t take either lightly.

“I suppose it is time to face some of those shadows to see if we can shed a little light.” Her comment was a bit cryptic, but Ziran knew that they would understand. It had been nice to take a moment, but they still had work to do and rest to find. It was time to go have a chat with Shamara.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, little-known holding cell
(with @Pele Alarion )


Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
About a week after Shamara's imprisonment

"You're not welcome," Kaylin replied smoothly to Shamara's thank you. When the Umbarian stepped close to the bars again, Kaylin focused on her own breathing more consciously. She had not been this close to Shamara for... a long time. Since their bout on the floor of the barracks, probably. And they were so temptingly alone. Kaylin could just put a hand through the bars and grab the woman's throat. If Shamara was slow enough, and Kaylin was angry enough to have her anger fuel her strength... They could be done with the trafficker once and for all. Karis had already questioned her, right? What else were they going to learn? Would time really bring more answers? Or would it simply drain their resources? Was that even worth it?

Breathe in. Breathe out. Calm. Stay calm.

"I have wondered at the same question," Kaylin said with a mocking half-grin. It would do no harm to share some of her thoughts with the woman. Even though Shamara already claimed to know what Kaylin thought of her. "You seem to be no more than a drain on our resources. And I am more in favor of cutting off loose ends rather than tucking them in." Her blue-grey eyes held Shamara's gaze coldly for a moment. And then she shrugged, as if it were not a big thing and she was speaking of her opinion on some kind of banality. "But that is only one woman's opinion, and I am less concerned with the virtuous way to do things than the leadership is."

[Pele Alarion]

Shamara, the prisoner, with Kaylin @Arnyn
~ a week after imprisonment

Shamara assessed Kaylin's icy gaze, and soon after looked down and moved half a step back as if to avoid confrontation and show a submissive attitude. However, her lips did curl up ever so slightly, and she came to rest her back against the wall just far enough from the bars that Kaylin would have to put effort into reaching her.

"Well, a drain of resources or not... but who's to blame if you go fishing for the small fry and let the big fish float around undisturbed," she commented, looking back up at Kaylin. "Suppose, you could cut those ends, but then again it would not be a big deal as it would only cause others to come loose. I'm just acting on the boss' orders, and if I were gone, she'd fine another to do that."

"So you are not virtuous in that way, hu?" the Umbarian paused for a while, and then added in a quiet voice contemplatively: "Yet I deem you are a different kind of a bad apple, not like those in the dungeons who can be easily corrupted. But perhaps there are some like that among your Rangers..." She had noticed that only a few people took shifts in bringing her food, so she wondered if others could not be trusted with the job. Suppose she could try charming them if any others appeared.

Casting a glance to observe Kaylin's expression, she sighed and explained as if in defence of herself: "See, I don't think I've really done any serious crimes. If it was not for me, your friend would probably have died in Umbar. I do not take joy in people's blood." She tensed, prepared to remove herself to a safer distance should Kaylin jump at her - after all she had shot a couple arrows that might hit a sore spot. Perhaps it would end up being a useless or harmless activity, but she had to entertain herself somehow while cooped up here.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, little-known holding cell
(with @Pele Alarion )


Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
About a week after Shamara's imprisonment

It was now Kaylin's turn to touch the bars. The fingers of her left hand curled around one of them, but she took care that her grip was loose, as if she were perfectly at ease instead of barring the doors to her inner anger at Shamara's words. The Hyandaner only chose to respond to the first. "Your boss will already find another to do her bidding now, I should think. After all - you are of no use to her in here. You've already been removed from the playing field. You being dead or alive is irrelevant if she needs a job done."

"In fact," Kaylin said, her voice taking on both a thoughtful tone as well as a rather icy edge, "as long as you are in here, you are of counteruse to her. The only relevance you may yet hold as far as she is concerned, is that there is the risk of you blabbing that snake tongue of yours. If she is floating around, as you say, then surely she knows you have been captured." Kaylin raised an eyebrow. "This is a different situation than last time, after all. This time, we paraded you all the way from the Pelennor up to the Sixth Circle. Ms Big Fish would have have turned into Ms Blind Mole not to notice."

A dark little smile appeared on Kaylin's lips. "So either she will try to procure your release. Or she will try to kill you." She let go of the bar and pretended her hands were two parts of a scale, moving one higher, then the other. "A bit of a coin toss, I imagine."

[Ercassie]

'I expect Ranger Isys to report in soon if she has not already. I will also send word that she is to report in tomorrow - again, if she has not already."

- From Arnyn's post at the Armoury. Set on the Second Morning after Erulaitalë






Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl
Command Office, HQ – The Third Morning After Erulaitalë
@Pele @Arnyn

There was dried blood on her boot. Isys noted it only as she pushed open the grand door to Headquarters and by then it was too late. She was late. Somewhat understandably, and not exactly absent without leave. They had known where they could find her, had there been some need. Given all that the Command had to contend with however, recently especially, the Ehtyar doubted very much that she was high upon their list of priorities. She had been handed hers and she had not been idle in handling it. Arnyn’s command, that she concern herself with her contact .. , it had taken longer than she had expected. Some matters could not be rushed if they were to be rightly resolved. Still, that word, ‘concern’, had come to be such an apt description of the duty, that it was almost amusing. Except .. glancing down at her boot anew, the Belfalasian was not laughing.

She had met with a summons, before properly ever deciding to depart from the Sixth Circle. On her way back from the Houses of Healing, she was too close to count the invitation as an imposition. The coming back here though, for all of the locality, had not been a simple task. The Belfalasian had trialled it some half dozen times since the closeted meeting which had taken place in the Commanders Office. This was the first time she had made it to the office door. Since ‘that’ day. Since the meeting of so many revelations.

She had come more than once in recent weeks. She had come to make a progress report regarding the Ranger she was overseeing in the Training Grounds. She had come to obtain the specifics from Pele about unsolved cases she had been invited to investigate. She had come to share what she had discovered, from the Tower Guard, Sorrela, about how the escape of Shamara had been managed. Arkadhur had not, during his brief admission, proven so forthcoming with the details on that particular matter after all. Beyond the fact that he felt he had done it for her sake. Isys could not entirely accept that accounting of things, knowing as she did that he was loath to manage anything at all which did not benefit him in some way, shape or form. And that was the least of all notions that the Ehtyar desired to relay to her superiors. If she could steer the conversation away from the subject of her ‘contact’ altogether, then that would be something. It would also be entirely unlikely. Thankfully she had, by now, at least half a dozen causes to report in, that she might use to divert and delay that line of interrogation.


Yes, Isys had set out for the Captain’s office on no less than a half dozen occasions. She had changed her mind at least as many times. She had told herself, they had enough to be dealing with. They had Shamara .. Yet at the same time, they had Shamara. The Trafficker’s capture meant both that the Command would be preoccupied, and that they might need her assistance.

Isys had thus taken the time to stop in at the Barracks, wash the last few days out of her appearance (or such was the hope) and change into a fresh uniform. She came to Headquarters then, ‘fresh’ from a long night spent in the Houses of Healing. That was another location which she had been avoiding, courtesy of the very cause who had kept her from all other obligations in the meantime. Arkadhur, Lord Hollin, Lowendir … ; his alias mattered less than the fact that he had been found, either in the motions of trying to end his life, or else narrowly escaped from some one keen to assist in severing him from that strain of existence .. A worst case scenario might suggest that it was not an act of desperation at all, but a calculated scheme to gain access to the Master Healer, or simply liberation from the cell that she had put him in. The Ranger was too tired to register, after the last couple of days, how she felt about .. any of the possibilities of all that. Save that handing the Umbarian over to the Tower Guard had not proven to be the conclusion to the anarchy he continued to rain over her life.


And so the Belfalasian calmly knocked on the wooden doorframe, almost so softly that one might think she did not wish to be answered. Then she paused that hand in mid-air and briefly recalled the inspection she had carried out in her looking glass, before leaving the Barracks. Her lightless hair was outfitted up, the choice of her blued-silver half plate made her feel more herself than the patented black and white, .. chin raised. Just in case there were any doubt as to who she was. She turned and knocked a second time then, fearful to fall off else into some conjecture about who or what any of them really were ..

That was not why she had come. If that was what she had wanted to learn, this was not where she would have come.

[Pele Alarion]

Shamara, the prisoner, with Kaylin @Arnyn
~ a week after imprisonment

No matter how much she did not wish to admit it, Shamara found herself thinking that what Kaylin was saying was quite true. And at the present she felt that it was more likely that Relic would just kill her. She had not been able to send word from the previous imprisonment, and then she had meant to leave right away, but hadn't... and it all summed up to a rather long time when she had not presented herself before Relic.

And then there was that silly return for festivities, and she would not really know how to explain that. Yet there was something in these Gondorians, the quality of true joy, the friendships she observed that both fascinated her and seemed absolutely foolish. She just wanted a little taste of it all. Shamara's dark eyes reflected a hint of deep longing only for a briefest of moments before she caught herself and smiled ruefully. There was no way she would ever fit in, and she could not trust anyone; she could only weave her way around people in a venturesome way, testing how far she could go... Risk and danger at least made life tasteful.

"A smart move, that," she eventually said, inching closer to the bars. "I am not sure I like either of those options but suppose a prisoner doesn't get to choose. However, if she does come... It is silly of you to think that you'll be able to catch her in the act. She is not me, for obvious reasons."

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Command Office, HQ
The Third Morning After Erulaitalë
(@Ercassie @Pele Alarion)

The Lieutenant was informing her Captain about the things the smith, Cali Dringolben, had told her and Mourgan the day before. In dulcit tones, for the door was open, of course. Arnyn made sure to emphasize that these were the smith's memories, suspicions and thoughts - rather than present everything as the unquestionable truth to Pele. She also told her Captain that she'd called Isys into headquarters today, although no time had been specified.

"The idea is to find out what has happened with him: where he has been since Erulaitale and what is to come of him now. And what Isys' experience with the man has been. For that, too, would affect his fate, I suppose?" Arnyn asked the Captain quietly at the end of her report.

Before Pele could answer, with a reply as well as any information of her own to which Arnyn was not yet privy, a knock came on the wooden doorframe. They heard it because it had come in the pause between Arnyn's question and any possible answer. The knock was repeated then, more loudly. Arnyn glanced over her shoulder, turned partially and then looked back at Pele. In the Captain's presence, Arnyn evidently awaited her friend's lead.



Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters, little-known holding cell
About a week after Shamara's imprisonment
(with @Pele Alarion)

"No, she is not you. The most obvious reason is that you are in here." Kaylin gestured at Shamara, with a feigned sympathy in her expression. "And she... is out there." She gestured at the wall.

"Or, that has been your impression."

Kaylin gave Shamara the kind of look that made people uneasy. "She could be anywhere." She let that sink in for a moment. "She could be anyone." At least, that's how she'd understood things. Kaylin curled the fingers of her other hand around the bars as well. "She could be me. Trying to find out what you have told these Gondorian playthings." The redhead slanted her head, never taking her grey-blue eyes off the prisoner. "What do you have to show for all your time in Gondor, Shamara?"

Really. This was turning out to be more enjoyable than she would have thought.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with @Arnyn and @Ercassie
Command Office, HQ
The Third Morning After Erulaitalë

Pele stood in her favourite place, leaning against the windowsill, as she listened to what Arnyn had to report, and in her mind filled in the details to the forming bigger picture. This picture seemed to be becoming ever more complicated, and she could not yet make all the links. It was clear to her that Arkadhur and Shamara knew each other, but she had not seen the man during her 'visit' to the southern lands, and so she could not identify him as one of Relic's subordinates and could not quite make out his connection with the whole bigger issue. Yet he seemed to have managed to cause enough trouble, as it were.

Taking a moment to think over what she had to add on this issue, Pele was about to speak, when the knock came on the doorframe.

"Right..." she concluded briefly, leaving the discussed matter for later. "Aye! Do enter!" she responded to the knock then, speaking louder so she could be heard.

[Ercassie]

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl
Command Office, HQ – The Third Morning After Erulaitalë
@Pele @Arnyn

At the sounds of a summons she passed into the office, but delayed at it’s edge for long enough to seek out the presence of the anticipated sentries. It was akin to briefly scanning the set-out of a chess board before launching into play. Finding both Pele and Arnyn in attendance, Ilisys paused to consider the significance. Had she merely come upon the two in consultation, or had they been purposely awaiting her arrival ? She stopped short, before their audience, and refrained from closing the door behind her as though she were comfortable to be there. For that remained to be seen and was frequently hard to ascertain.

“Captain. Lieutenant,” the Belfalasian greeted each of the officers in turn, grey eyes moving from the one to the other. And it was unclear whether this motion was acknowledging the respect owed to the pair, or simple recalling which woman was which rank. Her right hand ran heedlessly down the length of the favoured silvered bracelet which covered her left forearm.

“You are here,” she remarked, with particular focus awarded to Pele. A small smile escaped the Ranger as her eyes ducked to the floor and back. A neat nod of approval to that fact. “For certain there will be words,” Isys supposed, or recalled, of the last time she had stood in the presence of them both, in the fields of Erulaitalë.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
HQ, Command office
Two days after Midsummer
@Arnyn , @Karis Ziranphel

Pele watched with an easy smile as Arnyn reached out with a hug for Karis, and she would have happily joined in but did not wish to crowd the Cúner. Yet the sight and the whole matter of discussion warmed her heart and provided a welcome distraction from other, unpleasant, things.

"No, it may not be particularly easy," she agreed with Ziran's words. "And perhaps I might not understand all the details, but I definitely trust your discretion, and I am quite sure that with the King's help Macardil is again the kind and considerate man - the way I began to see him before... things happened - and I am rather sure he would treat you well."

It seemed though that this pleasant topic would have to be concluded and the return to more grave matters was inevitable.

"Ah, I wonder if these shadows would not be so thick as not to let the light through," Pele sighed. It seemed to her that certain Umbarians may be beyond repair, even if the King himself tried to turn them from shadows to light. Perhaps it was not their present task to turn them around, but even extraction of information might not prove easy. But perhaps Karis had some keys at her disposal that would unlock at least some dark secrets.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Command Office, HQ
The Third Morning After Erulaitalë
(@Ercassie @Pele Alarion)

Illustrious timing it was on behalf of Ilisys. Arnyn had not been planning on staying. She had merely intended to deliver her report. Isys had been summoned to report to the command, yes - but there had been no specification of time, other than 'morning'. The Lieutenant had not been about to wait around half a day.

"Good morning," she greeted the Ehtyar, inclining her head down to finish the hello. "Thank you for heeding the summons so quickly." She had only sent it out late last evening. Turning back to Pele, the Lieutenant posed the inevitable question. "Do you wish for me to leave, Captain?" After all, she had relayed everything she knew. Even though her personal preference would be to stay and hear things for herself (and have the chance to ask any questions she may still have), Pele had every right to dismiss her and fill her in later.