Rangers: Barracks & Stables

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Barracks ~ Common Room

September

Such a strange message. He read it several times and now on his way to the common room he read it once more. No weapons. No uniform? He felt practically naked without those things. He’d come from the HoH, a regular appt. To evaluate the healing of his wounds which were making good progress according to the healers.

He turned the corner to enter the room and nearly stopped at seeing the Lieutenant casually dressed and reading a book? He himself had donned simple britches and a tunic of blue. “Sir.” He snapped off a salute despite the casual atmosphere. He then noticed Trastion and half grinned at his wet look. “Uhh.. might need some more water on that hair.” He motioned to a strand that had broke free and was now sticking out the side. He enjoyed lightly teasing his roommate. There was no strand but if it made him look it was worth a good chuckle.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Mess Hall, late August
@Pele Alarion

Lunch was always good. She nodded in agreement when Pele said she would get lunch. Pulling the letter toward her with one hand, she put a forlful of food into her mouth with the other. Her eyes flew over the contents while she chewed, her expression going from curious to thoughtful to discontent.

She left the paper be for a while as she quickly wolfed down part of her plate. Then she pushed the plate aside a bit to make room for the letter once again, reading it more slowly and more carefully this time. The frown that settled on her face had not gone away by the time Pele returned from the kitchen.

The Captain's words were light, jesting about Pete and the amount of food he had pushed upon Pele's plate. The Lieutenant, however, did not feel light-hearted at all.

A new master slaver. By the name of Dahak. The way he had spun the words of his letter negated his claim of being a 'simple' trader. What else in his letter was false? While Arnyn was inclined to believe he had no personal vendetta against Pele - as long as Pele would confirm the same, or confirm not knowing the man - she very much doubted this person's 'good will'.

At Pele's question, Arnyn released her breath through her nose with a huff. She pushed the letter halfway back across to table, so it lay between her and Pele. As if she did not wish it too close to her own person. As if the contents were an offense.

Which, of course, they were.

"I don't like anything about it," she said levelly, raising her eyes to meet Pele's. "While it is nice to hear Relic's self-proclaimed replacement claim that he has no wish to pursue you, and while that very well may be true..." she waited a moment to see if Pele would offer any additional insights there, "the entire premise of that letter is despicable."

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Mess Hall, late August
@Arnyn

Pele observed Arnyn's reactions carefully as she started on eating off some of the mountain Pete had built on the plate, and she did not respond for a while giving herself time to transition from the joyful mood in the kitchen to the present dealings.

"I do not know who he is," she eventually said, setting the fork aside for a bit. "Nor do I know why he thought that writing this would be a good idea. Or why he even cared to do so."

Pele was silent for a moment again as she looked at the letter, and then turned her gaze back to Arnyn.

"It appears that a place does not stand empty in Umbar. As soon as one slaver is gone, another takes the place. Like a constant field of battle for us to keep our people safe," the look on Pele's face darkened as she thought of the implications, and she continued after a quiet sigh, "I did send off a short reply to agree that we should not step on each other's toes, and gave an implied warning not to cross my path if he intends to show any good will."

"I am not sure if I believe anything he says though," the Captain added after a while in a low voice. "But I would prefer for us to investigate that location he indicated. It might be nothing, it might be something... or someone, considering his trade. Or an ambush."

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Mess Hall, late August
@Pele Alarion

Pele did not know this Dahak. That at least boded well as far as the truth of his claim went. If they could even place a shred of trust in a man who would take the position of a slaver. Let alone... master slaver. That such a position even existed... It left a foul taste in Arnyn's mouth.

"If the words in this letter are indeed genuine, Pele, it is clear to me why he wrote them. If his words are true..." She sighed, shaking her head. "And if he does not want to pursue you or any of us - then he indeed wants to be left to deal with his trade without suffering any hindrance from us."

Arnyn pushed her plate even farther away and leaned back in her chair. "There is no more military in Gondor. Just a few lords here and there with a force of their own, like Faramir's in Ithilien and the Prince's in Belfalas. All of them, far removed from Umbar, just like ours. But the evils of Umbar - the evils of this slave trade which this Dahak wants to conduct as needed - they do not remain in Umbar. Our people in the regions of Belfalas and around Pelargir - they suffer these evils as well. They have for a long time. This Dahak is trying to make sure that the King's Rangers will leave him alone. Part of him, at the very least, is concerned that you might now harbor some kind of personal vendetta against the slave trade in Umbar, due to Relic's actions against you. He is..." Arnyn sighed, searching for the right words. "...afraid, even. That you would counsel the King to move against the institution that keeps filling his blood-stained coffers. Against the institution that is granting him his power." Leaning forward now, she put the palm of her hand down on the letter.

"This letter, if it is true, is as clear as day. And this 'gift' is no more than a cheap bribe."

The Lieutenant rose from her seat, keeping her palm flat on the letter. "This man's 'business' is immoral. Whether or not he and his fellow slavers are taking people from within the current borders of Gondor or not - it should not matter. The Great War has ended. Sauron may be no more. But that does not mean the fight against Evil ends. Umbar was founded by our ancestors. It is just beyond our borders. If we do not take up the task, then who will?"

"If you wrote back your agreement that we would not interfere with his business if he does not come too close to 'home' - that if he simply stays out of our way, then we will stay out of his... Then I am not the person who should remain your right hand, Captain. For I know what council I intend to give to the King concerning this matter. And it is definitely not to continue to give the slavers free rein. They bring too much suffering." The Lieutenant straightened. "If you disapprove of this, I can accept that. I will hand you my officer's badge right after we investigate whatever this is. Or I can hand it to you right now, if that is your wish."

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Barracks - Common Room, September

Though slightly surprised to find that Mourgan had also been summoned, Trastion grinned back at his original roommate, and was about to ask something, but the other's words made him pause. He sighed softly before sweeping a hand over his hair once more in an attempt to keep the stuff out of his way. "I'm gonna have to find time to trim this stuff," He grumbled under his breath. Not that it was as long as some guy's(Unalmis, for instance) but he just didn't like it getting so lengthy that it fell into his face.

"How'd your appointment go?" He asked curiously, returning to what he had been going to ask. He'd been very glad when Mourgan was cleared to leave the houses of healing, and now their room was completely full. Which made for some rather chaotic times between the four of them learning to share a room, but then, with Trastion's very full training schedule, lately he hardly spent any time in the room except for sleeping.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Mess Hall, late August
@Arnyn

A range of reactions passed through Pele in quick succession, as she tried to settle on any one of them which would be the most reasonable. At first, there was a surprise at the forcefulness of Arnyn's stance and statements, which she had not quite expected and had not prepared for. Then followed a feeling of being misunderstood and offended at the idea that she would all but support the business of slavers, yet she firmly kept her mouth shut to hold back an outburst of defensiveness. She sat in silence for a good while, simply looking at Arnyn.

"Do you assume that I would not fight for any one soul taken from anywhere in our lands, if I could?" she asked quietly, a note of bitterness barely touching her voice. "Yet I saw it more useful to tell him to stay away rather than spout forth the likes of 'I'm gonna kill you' when I'm not sure I'd be able to follow up."

Pele paused to take a deep breath, and then continued: "I understand that you want to pull out the roots instead of just chopping off the top. But just what do you propose to do? March against them with a handful of Rangers and besiege the city? They are not orcs of Mordor that killing them would set the slaves free. There's little left of our ancestry in that place... how would you enforce our laws there? The whole society seems to be built on slavery and is feeding from it, and I do not see a way to get rid of it without some internal changes, like... changes of mindset, the whole social system. Tell me, how would you tackle that, if you know."

"Besides," she added almost as an afterthought, yet with certain undertones of determination. "Don't you dare give up your badge. What would Rangers be without you? If anything, it should rather be me retiring or something."

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Mess Hall, late August
@Pele Alarion

The Lieutenant did not look phased during the Captain's silence. Instead, she suffered it with a silence of her own, maintaining eye contact. It was not easy. Pele and Arnyn were hardly ever at odds. And Arnyn herself had not quite liked the way the words had left her mouth. "I do not assume you would not fight to protect our own," Arnyn stated with conviction. "I said no such thing. I mean it when I call you Faelind." She fell silent, thinking on how to continue.

Of course she had not meant to say that Pele should have behaved too spontaneously, or too emotionally. They had the likes of Kaylin for that, didn't they? Thank the Valar that woman was not an officer - the thought flashed through her mind for a mere second.

"Pele..." Arnyn sighed and sat back down. "My absence here, during my travels in the north, have shown me that I am perfectly replaceable. Without me, the Rangers would still be as they are." She reached over the table, holding out her hand... if Pele would take it. So it could lend strength to her apology. "My friend. I am sorry for my words. They did not come out the way they should have. I did not mean for them to offend you, or for them to lay blame. Yet I can see that is what they did. I, too, am not immune to certain... slips. My emotions do not easily get the best of me. And even when they do, I have become rather proficient at hiding that fact. Yet it still happens, on occasion. More easily so with people I trust as implicitly as I trust you. Please, do not speak to me of retirement."

"If anything you should be proud you did not rush out to see what Dahak's gift was about. You have kept your calm and came to discuss the matter first." She offered her friend and Captain a faint smile. "My reaction, alas, was not ideal. The problem is..." Arnyn shook her head and looked away. "Ever since you shared your account with me - of Umbar, of Relic... The slave trade in Umbar has been like an invisible thorn that has wedged into me, somehow. And since then..." She shook her head again, slowly. "The pieces of information that Isys has shared with us - the references to how the slave trade assaults our people in Belfalas, the effects it has there and other places that have long been part of Gondor... And more recently, information that came to me from other sources still." Her gaze returned to Pele. They would need to talk of that, at some point, as well. "The thorn has only wedged itself in deeper. So deep, that I am finding it difficult, growing near to impossible, to simply let them do this, even if only in their little corner of the world. That is why... my words were so... harsh."

"Umbar was Harad. And the King has made peace with its people. Umbar was part of the territories they gave up to earn that peace. Yet that does not mean the evil has been eradicated. We all know that even places that have been in the light for ages, like the White City itself, are also not free of crime - even murder." The issue was not easy. If it were, it would have been solved already, wouldn't it?

"I have always been a Ranger. A protector. A tactician, perhaps. Not a politician. How to solve this problem, how to enforce our laws in a place that has only recently been reclaimed, when criminal organisations and activity even still exists under our very nose... I do not know. All I know is that we cannot allow the slave trade to go unchecked. We need to take action. It all starts with taking away the people in charge. Like this Dahak. Then the task will likely be to deter others to take their place." She continued in a whisper. "How to do that without falling into darkness ourselves, I do not know. Luckily, thinking of the best way to do this will fall to King Elessar."

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks - Common Room, September
@Karis Ziranphel (Thûllir) @Ercassie (Unalmis) @Isolde Alarion (Mourgan) @Rillewen (Duinion, Trastion) @Romeran

Looking up from the book, Arnyn held back an eye roll at Trastion's salute but smiled at his question. She shook her head. "No, you are not late, Taras." When Mourgan entered, she was faced with another salute - one of those crisp ones Mourgan always tended to give. "Mourgan," she greeted him, looking him over while he teased his roommate about his hair. "You seem to be doing well today." Her eyes moved back to the recruit, frowning lightly. She saw nothing wrong with Trastion's hair.

"You are both on the early side," she told the two men while she closed the book she'd been reading. "The others still have some time before they need to be here. Feel free to sit." A half smile played about her lips. "Perhaps Mourgan could give you a cut," she suggested, wildly amused. "He can cut the um.. fly-aways." She pulled out a small knife from her boot. "Freshly sharpened," she tempted them, holding back a laugh.

Then she looked at Mourgan, awaiting the ranger's answer to Trastion's question. How had the appointment gone?

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Barracks - Common Room, September

Trastion blinked in slight surprise as Arnyn pulled out a knife with the suggestion that they use it to trim his hair, then grinned. It definitely would not be the worst haircut he'd ever had, he thought, recalling with amusement the first time he'd attempted it on his own. With his hunting knife. Thankfully, there had been someone around at the first job he attempted, who came to the rescue of his hair and helped make it look better...

"I wouldn't mind, actually." He responded, wondering if that would surprise the lieutenant. "I really hate when it gets a little long-ish, but I just haven't been able to squeeze in the time to get anyone to do it, or if I do have a few minutes, anyone I might ask to help with it is busy..." He explained with a little sigh. "Also.." He paused, glancing more meaningfully at Arnyn as he changed what he was going to say, about it altering his appearance somewhat. "It's.. harder to keep tangles out." He shrugged. "But I doubt that's what you've asked us here for," He added with a little smirk. "So.. maybe later? Unless we do have time right now..?" He was very uncertain about what was going on and wondered for what reason Arnyn had called them here.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Mess Hall, late August
@Arnyn

Pele found the whole situation rather uncomfortable and her feelings somewhat bruised, yet she was aware that there had to be more to it behind the words, and also she was aware of their environment. It would be no good to go arguing loudly in front of gathering Rangers. Even though the tension seemed tangible for a few moments, it dissipated when Arnyn sat down again.

With no hesitation Pele reached out for her friend's hand, and while she did not interject anything and carefully listened to what Arnyn was saying, she showed her intent to make sure that she was listening and hearing, and not holding on to bitterness by reaching with her other hand as well to envelope Arnyn's hand for a few moments and give it a light squeeze.

"You know what..." she eventually spoke up, returning to the first touched subject for a bit. "Technically, none of us are irreplaceable. Nothing fell apart while I was away for a few years too. However..." A gentle smile touched her lips. "The unique imprint each of us has might be irreplaceable, even if it doesn't seem to matter much in the grand scheme of things. Don't underestimate yourself, Arnyn. You've been doing most of day-to-day business, and taking care of everyone while I've been running around like a headless chicken and holding on to dear life. And fine... perhaps no retirement, just yet."

With a soft sigh Pele then turned back to the topic of Umbar. "I can definitely relate to how you are feeling about the whole slavery issue. And... it seems that evil haunts people no matter where they live, always some rotten apple somewhere. But let us not allow it to pull us into the darkness, for if the light becomes dark, it can no longer effectively dispel the said darkness," she mused, a brief glimpse of anger reflecting in her blue eyes though it disappeared as soon as it had shown up. "I figure they simply keep on doing their stuff because Umbar is... safely... away from the King's seat and everything it represents. I definitely agree that something needs to be done about it, no matter how complicated it is."

"Right. The King should surely be informed of all this, perhaps he'd have some specific orders for us, or authorisations to act that far afield. Else I do not think we can do much by simply sitting here, except try and battle the evilness in our own midst," Pele paused a moment, and then continued. "Something we can do almost immediately though is to investigate what exactly Dahak has been up to and if there are any clues he has left, something we could use against the slavers."

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Mess Hall, late August
@Pele Alarion

Beyond a light squeeze of Pele's hand in return, Arnyn did not respond to Pele's words about people leaving a unique imprint that was irreplacable. She also did not want to comment on handling most of the day-to-day business. "I wouldn't say a headless chicken," she said, in more quiet jest, making an attempt at humor despite the heavy topics they were discussing. When Pele agreed not to retire, though, she nodded, smiling. Good.

It was a relief, for some reason she could not explain, to hear that Pele could relate to her feelings about the slave trade. Her soft smile remained when Pele spoke of not letting evil pull those with light into the darkness. She did not intend to be pulled that way, herself. Nor would she want any others to suffer such a thing. Pele's second agreement - that something needed to be done, and that the King should indeed be informed - reassured Arnyn in a way she also definitely needed.

"First things first," she agreed. "First we investigate this gift. And anything we may learn from it. And you and I need to talk, before we go to the King." Pele should be informed of what Arnyn had learned, before they approached King Elessar. Chances were Pele already knew most of it, but even so, she did not want to leave the Captain out of the loop overlong. Not now they had agreed on a course of action.

"You should go, because the gift was addressed to you. But you should take at least four others with you, I think. And make sure someone is left in charge here in your - or our - absence. Someone who knows where we are going and why. In case it is a trick to weaken vigilance here."

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Mess Hall, late August
@Arnyn

Pele observed Arnyn carefully in an attempt to read beyond words and to determine her mood; eventually she was satisfied that they were on the same page again. The issue was very difficult, particularly due to her own experiences, and she was still unsure whether it was more of a hindrance than an asset in handling it. For this same reason, the Captain felt that it was very important that she and Arnyn could work together seamlessly as a team if they were to make some sort of effort in handling the slave trade.

"The whole matter seems so complicated," Pele said thoughtfully. "So many details to consider, and I wouldn't be surprised if you have more that I am not even aware of yet. Well, I figure we'll see what can be found and discovered in relation to that gift and then..."

Pele turned to food and ate off some of the mountain on her plate as she considered the conditions for fetching the gift, and she did not see a reason to object. Safety mattered, supposedly.

"Well, I figure at least four Rangers could be easily mustered; if anything it'll only show the level of readiness yet again. I'd prefer you to join me," she stated her wishes right away. "I'm sure Karis would be more than capable to handle things here while we are away. I'd also prefer to leave as soon as possible; if we head out as soon as possible, perhaps we can reach the place by nightfall. I would not want us to hesitate, just in case there is a living soul rather than money or something else."

[Romeran]

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Barracks - Common Room, September

Romeran held the message in his hands, his brow furrowed in deep thought. The parchment was ordinary, the words penned in the neat, controlled handwriting of Lieutenant Arnyn. However, the instructions contained within were anything but typical. A summons to a meeting in the common room was not odd in itself. What did perplex him was the order to come unarmed and without his ranger uniform. His first thought was of dread; was he in some kind of trouble? Did he do something to breach protocol or commit an unknown error? His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to recall any incident where he may have failed or shown unbecoming conduct. But, the more he thought about it, the more he felt reassured by the fact that if this were a disciplinary issue, his uniform would likely be required.

Taking one last look at the message, he sighed, tucking it away into his pocket. He dressed in his casual clothes, which felt strangely informal given the occasion. His hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his axe, which usually rested at his hip, and he found himself missing the comforting weight. His stride was hesitant as he navigated the familiar corridors of the barracks towards the common room. The closer he got, the more palpable his anxiety became. But, despite the trepidation, there was an undercurrent of curiosity. His mind was abuzz with theories and speculations.

Upon reaching the door of the common room, he took a moment to compose himself before stepping in. The room was not crowded; it was just Lieutenant Arnyn, Trastion, and Mourgan. The sight of his comrades offered a little solace. He greeted them quietly, a soft "Hello," escaping his lips as he gave them a small nod followed by "Lieutenant", resisting the urge to salute. Taking a seat, Romeran's eyes shifted between the others in the room, his mind a whirl of silent questions. His gaze finally rested on Arnyn, silently awaiting an explanation. The suspense was thick in the air, or maybe that was just his anxiety talking. Either way, he hoped for some clarity soon.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Barracks ~ Common room ~ September

@Rillewen @Arnyn @Romeran

Mourgan grinned to himself at watching Trastion try to corral his supposed unruly hair. He looked back to the lieutenant when she stated he seemed to be doing good today. hIs grin widened as he answered. “ Feeling pretty good, got some good sleep.” He answered her before he listened to her let the know they could sit while they waited for others.

He had to keep a chuckle in check as Arnyn pulled out a knife and suggest he cut Trastions hair. His brows arched up in surprise when his roommate wasn’t opposed to it. Just then another, Romeran, entered. He ducked his chin and returned his greeting with a “ Hello” before turning back to the others to answer Trastions question on how his appt went.

“Everything is healing well, I have some work to do to get back my strength in that shoulder but that’ll come in time I was told.” He’d been satisfied with the assessment.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks - Common Room, September
@Isolde Alarion (Mourgan) @Rillewen (Duinion, Trastion) @Romeran
@Karis Ziranphel (Thûllir) @Ercassie (Unalmis)

Her eyes glinted when Trastion said he wouldn't mind Mourgan taking a knife to his locks. "Hmm, yes," she laughed, pretending she had interpreted Trastion's meaningful glance very differently from the way she knew he had intended it. She pointedly ran her long braid through a loop made by her thumb and index finger. "You don't have to tell me." She was intimately familiar with tangles. Hard not to be, with hair as long as hers.

"Good sleep is the best," she agreed with Mourgan, just before Romeran entered, and Arnyn gave him a welcoming smile, returning his nod when he addressed her by rank. "Trainee," she replied, a hint of amusement to her voice. The young man's expectant gaze did not faze her as she returned her attention to Mourgan, who briefly offered the healers' assessment. "I think that is about the best we could have hoped for," Arnyn shared, smiling in a genuinely happy way. Excellent news to start off her little idea for the rest of the afternoon.

"Oh, and about your hair, Taras... We can definitely make time for it at some point," she decided, grinning as she slipped the knife back into her boot. "Though it would make for an excellent sight for any others to walk in on." Debating this for a small moment, she nodded and pulled the knife right back out. "Take it away, Mourgan," she smiled at the muscle-bound Ranger, curious as to whether he would step up to the task - and if so, whether he would completely botch the job.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Rangers Thûllir and Kaylin
Barracks - Common Room
September

An invitation to an informal gathering in the common room at the third bell in the afternoon sparked curiosity for both Kaylin and Thûllir, although he couldn’t match her vivacious glee at the mystery of being summoned but instructed to not bear weapons, armor, or uniform. He supposed he could be happy that it wasn’t a normal morning summons, but neither was it one for the evening hours that would have given him premonitions of behavior that required secrecy. Kaylin had told him several tales she had heard about the Lieutenant’s escapades from years past, and he could tell from the gleam in her eyes and the energy that had her almost bouncing, that she was hoping Arnyn would be showing her mischievous side this afternoon. He was curious at the timing so soon after the Captain’s departure, but perhaps it would be some sort of bonding exercise?

The afternoon was warm, and they had both dressed for comfort after cleaning up from training that morning. Thûllir’s beard was once again trimmed quite short to deal with the heat, although he had not resorted to shaving it off yet, and he wore trousers of a medium grey tucked into his brown boots, and an undyed shirt of light linen. Entering the cool stone of the barracks, he was grateful for the breezes that swept the higher levels of the city as he walked with Kaylin to the Common Room. Not wanting to precede her despite the inevitable eye-roll, he gestured her forward as he opened the door. Quite as he was, it was much simpler to follow and observe, and he enjoyed the simple gestures that showed his care. Thûllir quickly noted the small blade held up in Arnyn’s hand and the book beside her, although her grip was one that offered the blade. His glance took in Rome, Mourgan, and Trastion as well, as they proceeded towards the couches, and he nodded greeting before his gaze traced back to Arnyn with simple curiosity. “Good afternoon, all.”

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn @Karis Ziranphel

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Barracks - Common Room, September

"Glad to hear it went well," Trastion replied to Mourgan. It was very good to hear that his injuries were healing well. He was definitely glad to have him back in the barracks, so not to have to go to the houses of healing just to see him and find out how he was doing. He also looked forward to Mourgan being well enough to help more with training and such. Trastion waved as Rome entered the room. "Hey. So, you got summoned too? I wonder if Unalmis is summoned as well?" He was growing more and more curious about this whole thing, and cast a questioning look toward the lieutenant. Perhaps it was something to do with the four of them being roommates? But she was now focused on passing Mourgan her knife again, and he suspected he wouldn't get much of an answer out of her.

The look of surprise on Mourgan's face when Trastion didn't object to the haircut was a bit funny, and he grinned in amusement at the reaction. Still, he was serious about it, and now was as good a time as any, right? "I've used worse in the past." He still remembered his first few days after leaving home, and he'd used his hunting knife to cut the stuff off as well as he could, while trying to use a puddle of water for a mirror. "Although... scissors might work better, but if that's all we have, it'll do." He shrugged. "If you guys are serious, should we get a sheet?" He asked curiously. "Are you sure we'd have time, though?" He asked Arnyn, wondering if maybe they were just teasing him about it.

Right about then, Kaylin and Thullir came in. Trastion smiled. "Hello, sis! Thullir," He greeted them. "You guys, too?" He asked, surprised. So, it wasn't something about the roommate situation, and he was somewhat relieved by that. He had worried maybe they were in trouble about something, or that they were going to be told they had to be separated, or something of the sort. Still, he wondered how many others were going to be coming. What was this all about? "How are you, both?" He asked the couple, with a friendly smile.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Barracks ~ Common room ~September

@Arnyn @Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel

“I agree.” Her smile caused him to smile in return and he nodded his thanks to Trastion . She then once more offered her knife but before he could take it Thullir and Kaylin entered. “Afternoon.” He replied and could tell he was perhaps curious at what was happening at the moment. His grin widened. “I’ll see what I can do.” He’d been joking with Trastion but now it seemed it was put up or shut up.

His roomie commented about scissors but Mourgan just shook his head as he took the offered knife from Arnyn. “Make this a lesson, sometimes you just have to make do out in the field. I don’t carry scissors out in the field but I always have a knife.” He came to stand behind Traistion and put his right hand with his fingers directing on the top of his head and turned his head straight. He waited till he spoke to Thullir and Kaylin then instructed him to be still.

He took a breath and eyed his hair. Where to start? His brown eyes narrowed with concentration as he took the first bit of hair in hand at the nape of the neck. The knife went threw it like a hot knife through butter. He was impressed with how sharp the Lieutenant kept her blade. Feeling more confident and inspired by the first cut which he let fall from his fingertips, he set to trimming Trastions hair. Bit by bit he shaved some off here and snipped a little off there then with one last cut he took a step back to admire his finished work as he held out Arnyns knife to give it back.

“Thank you.” He told her as he then proceeded to cross his arms in admiration. “ Not too bad if I do say so myself.”
In actuality he was rather surprised at himself even if it was more like a trim then a full haircut. He looked over at Arnyn with a rather satisfied grin.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn @Karis Ziranphel @Romeran

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Barracks - Common Room, September

So, they were using the knife, without a towel or anything. Trastion mentally shrugged, guessing it was no big deal to others. "So do I," He answered Mourgan's comment. "But I found it.. difficult to manage." As Mourgan directed him to hold his head still, Trastion did exactly that. It was one thing to have his hair trimmed with scissors, but with a knife.. and one that sharp.. he didn't want any mistakes happening. Though, it was difficult to resist the urge to glance over his shoulder or try to find something to use for a mirror.

Before long, his roommate stepped back with the completion of his work. Since being paired in a room with Mourgan, it was certainly not the first time they'd helped one another with stuff like that, and Mourgan already knew fairly well how Trastion liked his hair to be, so he wasn't tremendously concerned about the lack of a mirror. He ran a hand through his hair, now about the length he preferred it. It felt right, now. He smiled as he brushed some loose hair off his shoulder. "Thanks, Mourgan, and thanks Lieutenant, for the use of your knife." He grinned at them both, wondering if any others might be surprised to see that he had entrusted his hair to Mourgan.

"Ummm, so," he eyed the hair trimmings on the floor. "I should get a broom, I guess. Be right back," He darted off to a supply closet nearby and grabbed a broom and dustpan. As he returned, he spotted Duinion coming into the building, with a couple others. Unalmis he recognized, but the other he did not. Regardless, he waved to them all, and held the common room door open for the others. "So, I guess everyone has been summoned," Trastion remarked curiously as they neared the door. "Or, well, everyone who didn't go off to the thing, anyway."

---

Entering Common room - September
Tirdinen Duinion Raedor (with Unalmis and A Guest)
(with some coordination from @Ercassie)

"If you get in trouble, it's your own fault, so don't drag me into it with you. I told you..." Duinion was saying, half teasingly, as he entered, but trailed off when he noticed that someone was out in the hall. He nodded in greeting to the recruit, before glancing at the visitor with a small shrug. He was dressed in his usual green and brown colored clothing, and despite the message saying that weapons were not required, he still carried a knife at his belt, as he always did. He also wore his Tirdinen badge, despite the claim that no uniforms were needed. The bell was tolling its last notes even as they filed in through the main door, and Duinion limped as swiftly as he was able toward the common room, wondering what to expect once this..whatever it was.. started. "I suppose so," he agreed with Trastion, also unsure what this was all about. That made him question whether it was a good time to bring a guest along, but he hoped the lieutenant would not mind it.

Since the recruit was holding the door open for them, Duinion smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Trastion." He was mildly curious about the cleaning supplies in his hands. Were they being called here to do some end-of-summer cleaning? He was pondering this idea with equal parts amusement and dread, as he paused before entering the room. He turned to his friend. "Perhaps, it would be best if I ask first, to make sure. You and Unalmis wait out here until I learn for sure, alright?" He suggested, before going ahead to clear the way, figuratively. Upon passing through the doorway, he swiftly took note of who was there already, and nodded in greeting to the others. He also noticed the hair clippings on the floor. Ahh, that explained it.

He ignored the mess as Trastion followed him in and began to sweep it up, and instead focused his attention on the lieutenant. "Apologies, Lieutenant." He offered a salute despite the summons making it sound as if this was informal. The 'apologies' was meant to serve doubly for his being 'late', as well as for the uninvited member of their group being present, even if he was not yet visible to her. "A Ranger from the Northern regions is here in the city, visiting. He's a close friend of mine and has come with me today. He was hoping to meet you, as well as some of the others," He explained. "I hope this doesn't break any rules," He added, uncertain, but he also could not help a little smile as he spoke. "We thought it would be fine, but I thought it might be best to make sure before bringing him in.." He added, with a glimmer of amusement in his tone as he recalled the Barracks incident with Eryn.

[Arnyn]

@Isolde Alarion (Mourgan) @Rillewen (Duinion, Trastion) @Romeran
@Karis Ziranphel (Thûllir) @Ercassie (Unalmis) [/center]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks - Common Room, September

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - Common Room, September

Arnyn's smile had grown into a grin as she watched Mourgan's own grin starting to form. Upon Thûllir and Kaylin's arrival, the Lieutenant turned that grin toward them. Kaylin walked in first, but it was Thûllir who spoke. "Good afternoon," the Lieutenant returned Thûllir's greeting, her good mood seeping into her tone. It was... enjoyable... to receive all these inquisitive looks but keep the purpose of the summons to herself for now. Especially Kaylin seemed to be dying with curiosity. Arnyn met the redhead's gaze with an innocent expression. She chose that moment to turn to Trastion instead, answering his earlier question, at least. "Yes, Unalmis received the same message. Since I didn't hear anything from him, I expect him to show up sooner or later. Duinion, too."

Kaylin had to keep herself from bouncing into the room with expectation. At Tras' greeting, she grinned broadly. "Hey, lil' brother!" She nodded to his question. Yes, them too. And quite a few others, it seemed! It delighted her that this was apparently a group thing. Her hopes for mischief only rose.

Slanting her head when Trastion asked if they really had the time to cut his hair first, Arnyn was still tempting Mourgan to take the knife. "Well. We are still waiting for the others. Besides." Her dark eyes twinkled. "We have as much time as I see fit." Mourgan accepted her knife, then. Arnyn chuckled when he spoke to Trastion like a proper veteran would to a recruit. Mourgan had started out very young, and there was no denying that he was, indeed, a veteran - despite his still young age.

Mourgan started on the recruit's haircut while Kaylin took it upon herself to answer Trastion's question. "Oh, we're great," she said with a level of conviction that left nothing to doubt. She didn't even have to look over at her husband for confirmation. She was that certain of her assessment. She blinked at Mourgan taking the knife to Trastion's hair. "Oh, wow," she said, the surprise audible. "Just like that?"

Arnyn smirked, just leaning back into the couch cushions again and twirling the end of her long blonde braid around her index finger.

Kaylin started walking in a half circle in front of Trastion, back and forth, while Mourgan took the knife to the other ranger's hair. It would give Trastion a rather funny view, since her expression changed every few steps, from surprise to concern to amusement to disbelief, then repeating the last three on a loop. Once Mourgan was done, she stopped and took up position next to Mourgan as the ranger assessed his own work. Kaylin was assessing right along next to him. "Hmm," she nodded slowly, seemingly in agreement with Mourgan's positive evaluation. "You're right." She grinned at Mourgan, and she would have elbowed him in the side if he still wasn't recovering from his injuries. "Not too bad," she teased.

When Mourgan turned to grin at Arnyn, the Lieutenant grinned right back. She took the hint and rose to her feet, standing on Mourgan's other side as she assessed Trastion's haircut in turn. "Right," she drawled pensively before her face lit. "Not too shabby! Looks like you could always become a hairdresser if this whole ranger thing doesn't work out." She gave Mourgan a non-apologetic grin. "So, tell me, what did the healers say about using your strength?" she asked casually, slanting her head with a gleam in her eyes. "For instance, would you be allowed to swing something heavy around yet?"

Trastion took responsibility for the clean-up, and Arnyn couldn't help but look after him a bit proudly. She honestly never would have thought this based on her first impression of him, all those months ago.

Kaylin flopped onto one of the couches, right next to where Arnyn's book was. She picked it up and looked it over. "Sailing stories, Lieutenant?" Kaylin asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Arnyn lifted a correcting finger into the air. "Sailing adventures, Hyandaner!" Her tone made it clear the distinction was meant to be taken with good humour.

"Ahhhh!" Kaylin grinned. "Much better, yes. So what adventure do you have planned for us today?"

The Lieutenant raised her hands, as if she was questioning it herself. "Who says I'm not planning on using you all as the barracks cleaning crew?" With one hand on her hip, she slanted her head. "We had a few staff members reporting in sick today, so I sent them home. Looks like there is a bug going around." Managing to keep her face from splitting into a grin, it was really not that easy to tell whether she was joking.

Trastion was talking right outside, interrupting the exchange. Arnyn turned toward the door, expecting the recruit to come back in when she heard Duinion's voice, even though she couldn't make out the words. Ah! Then that only left Unalmis, but he should be getting here soon. It was time, after all.

Duinion and Trastion came in then, and Arnyn blinked at the Tirdinen's apology. "Apologies for what?" she asked, but he swiftly explained. A Northern Ranger? A friend of Duinion's?
Arnyn's eyebrows lifted momentarily before she slanted her head with some curiosity. The only name Duinion had ever mentioned to her that would fit the bill was... Gwandhyra. But it was entirely possible the Tirdinen had other friends up north, as well. When he finished talking, Arnyn stared at Duinion for a moment, as if reflecting on something, and then... she laughed. Her laughter was clear, amused, and brief, before she grinned at Duinion and clapped him on the shoulder, already on her way to the door.

"Break any rules?" she asked, still laughing. "Don't be ridiculous, Duinion, of course your friend can come in. If Brian should ever hear about it, I can get by on the technicality that he is, in fact, a Ranger. You made him wait by the door, right, not all the way outside?" Waiting just outside of the common room, she spotted Unalmis standing there alongside a stranger. "A-ha! Unalmis." Arnyn crossed her arms leisurely and leaned against the doorframe for a moment, hooking one ankle behind the other. "Right on time. And with an unexpected guest who's looking to meet us." She raised an eyebrow. "Coming to see if we pass muster?" she asked, laughter still touching her eyes. "Come on in." The Lieutenant turned out of the doorframe, waving the two men inside.

Walking back into the room, she shot Duinion a grin before casually brushing some more hair clippings off Trastion's clothes. "While I will personally pass, if anyone still wants a haircut, Mourgan still has my knife," she said lightly, "and his first pancake turned out well enough." Her dark eyes twinkled at Trastion to then return to survey the rest of the room as well as the people in it.

Kaylin snorted out a laugh. "I'll pass, too. No offense, Mourgan."

[Ercassie]

Unalmis and Domanol Raxëlilta
Arrival at the Commons Room, Ranger Barracks, September

“She only said no ‘civilians’,” Unalmis reminded Duinion, but he still failed to stall the Tirdinen, who went in search of the Lieutenant. Memories of not only the more unreasonable Lieutenant, but the rather more recent security issues had not failed to resonate in the young man’s thought however, so Nal relieved Trastion at the door’s hold with a nod, and readied to stay put there with the stranger, as though he were the older man’s un-armed guard.

Presenting in some brown trousers and an off white shirt, it was clear that the young man had come from some degree of physical recreation that morning. As it had involved Hattie and fields, not to mention two of the worst adult role models which his father could warn him against, Unalmis had been prepared for mud, or who knew what further calamity. There were still some giveaway flecks of the field and enthusiasm now about the hem of his boots, but he’d wiped off the worst that had coated one forearm, during their journey up to the Sixth.


“Thanks,” he had joined Duinion in greeting the Recruit. “For what sort of a ‘thing’ are we summoned for though ?” he wondered aloud, glancing into the room as though he might spy some sort of clue. What he saw garnered only further confusion, a state of Nal that was becoming quite the norm in any case of ‘surprise’ which Arnyn seemed to be responsible for. Mourgan was brandishing a knife, and Trastion a broom .. Kaylin had a book about her .. what on Middle Earth .. ?

“Do you count as a civilian while you’re here ?” he gave up guessing and turned to ask the Ranger of the North, pondering, and not beyond thinking that he ought keep his uncle distracted. Lest he march right on into the room regardless.

“One of the things I would have to officially ask about, to be sure,” was the answer. Their ‘guest’ had invited himself along for the walk up through the Circles, had nodded grave-agreeably as Duinion tried to warn him to behave, albeit with a face which might crack into a doubled fit of laughter at the slightest chance. That expression had not altered, for he had long since taken advantage of his beard to veil the worst treacheries of reaction.

“Our waiting now might make you late,” he decided though, in moments, and was about to proceed with no further warning into the room, when a tall blonde woman parked herself in the doorframe.


“Lieutenant,” Unalmis ducked his head, out of respect to the approach of Arnyn, or to veil embarrassment, or to compose himself .. perhaps all three at once. The older man beside him took the time to silently appraise this officer he had heard so very much about by this point.

“Now you .. must .. be Lieutenant Dealedwen,” he supposed in a slow estimation, from a place somewhere between intrigued and amused. The man’s accent, for nearly two decades now of living in far lands, was as mottled as his gear. But in bringing his right fist solemnly up to find his heart, attention would be easily drawn toward the seven pointed star of the north. The ancient insignia clung to garb which seemed spun out of the very wilds, and currently gave off the impression of his being quite unkempt, stood as he was here within the city, let alone any building’s interior. His beard was undeniable, and all of him was weathered enough to proclaim some usual long endurance far from comfort or company. There was little ‘uniform’ in fact about his entire appearance, with one bracer an olive green and reminiscent of a time took in Ithilien, the other a dull blue, littered with the silver sigil of an ancient Elvish house to which he was aligned. Nonetheless, the man bore as dark a hair and a similar shade of brown eyes, at least to the young man stood beside him, if not the bulk of his fellow countrymen here. For he was after all born and raised in the very city where they stood, for all that the evidence suggested otherwise.

“He’s not ‘technically’ a civillian,” Nal offered his assurance to the officer, for he had missed her dismissing this very issue to Duinion moments before. The young man’s tone was less of an explanation of course and more indicative of some pride in having found a loophole to Arnyn’s previous warning. Nal was almost an entire expression of having set a cat amongst pigeons, to watch intently and see what happened next.

“I have been called far worse things,” the older man laughed heartily, in meeting Arnyn’s warm greet. “Domanol Raxëlilta, currently of Arnor, formerly of Minas Tirith,” he gave up his name, and more besides, as he followed the woman’s invitation into the room, without even the same hesitation that Unalmis demonstrated, as soon as the words ‘hair’ and ‘cut’ were named as possibility.

“I am known to the North Men as Gwandhyra, to the Elves as Harion, and in the Far South by names it would not do to repeat in decent company.” the visitor reported to his hostess, without breaking his composure, even having clearly just proved that he had heard about the Lieutenant’s joy at learning all manner of names and alias. “And I have heard .. a lot, about you, naturally. So it is with regret that I won’t take up much of your time at all today,” he bowed his head in a genuine grief at the fact. “Save only to enquire if we might agree to liaise, at a point in the future, when you find yourself, and perhaps your Captain, less taken up with prior commitments ?”


“You might demonstrate commitment and comradery by taking a turn under the knife, you know ?” Unalmis put in, finding himself toward Duinion’s side, yet the challenge was directed to his Uncle.

One scarred hand swiftly found a challenge of it’s own in response, about the battered sheath of a blade who's size dwarfed all threat of even the sharpest knife. “The beard stays,” he made clear, although there was less gruff and more grin about the sentiment, as Domanol explained. “Where else would I keep half my foodstores ?” He laughed, as though to bury all real concern to this company, of his mismatched, sword.

[Rillewen]

|
Recruit Trastion Leithor | Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Barracks - Common Room, September

Trastion rolled his eyes at the way Kaylin was making such a show of watching Mourgan cut his hair, making faces as if Mourgan were doing a terrible job. As if he were doing a terrible job of it, though Trastion doubted that. He could only offer a shrug in reply to Nal's inquiry at the door, and hurried back in to clean up the mess. He grinned at Kaylin. "How do you think I've managed to keep my hair from getting this long in all the months I've been here?" He asked, amused at the way she was pretending like the haircut might not be that great. "I've had a great roommate to help me." He explained with a little laugh as he hastily swept the hair mess into the dustpan. "Till he went and moved into the houses of healing for so long," He added with a teasing glance toward Mourgan, before glancing around for somewhere to put the dustpan. As he did, he overheard Duinion's words to the liuetenant. His curiosity arose, recalling having seen the stranger who had entered with Duinion and Nal. A ranger from the North? How exciting!

The lieutenant's laughter was a bit of a surprise to Duinion. At first, he blinked, and then his own smile grew as she gave her answer. Relieved, he nodded with a small grin in answer to her question, and watched her go to investigate this on her own. He had purposely avoided giving any particular name to introduce his friend, because he was not yet entirely sure which name his friend would rather use in this setting. Therefore, when Dom entered and gave not one, but three of his 'names', beginning with the original, Duinion's grin spread further. A grin of relief, partly. For it was a great weight lifted from his shoulders, now that Dom was no longer hiding his presence, and Duinion need not keep that secret anymore. But also, a grin of delight, for it was joyful for him to finally be able to openly speak of his closest friend, and have him around again.

With the dustpan having come to rest on an out-of-the-way side table, broom leaned against the wall, both forgotten in favor listening to the exchange, Trastion was a bit surprised when he heard the man introduce himself. Raxëlilta? And he had said he was formerly of Minas Tirith? He cast a questioning glance toward Nal at that point, wondering about this. He managed to stifle his questions, in favor of listening to what the others were saying, but glanced curiously around at some of the others, wondering if they were as intrigued and surprised as himself.

With arms crossed, Duinion raised an eyebrow slightly toward Unalmis, as the older Raxëlilta declared, quite adamantly, that he would not be testing out Mourgan's barber skills, in a rather comical manner. "For that matter, you could demonstrate the same." He teased Unalmis. "What do you think, Dom? Think he could use a little trim?" He couldn't resist saying, with a little nudge in the young man's side. "I mean, if you're going to volunteer your uncle for a haircut, you ought to be prepared to get one, yourself." He smiled innocently at Unalmis, trying his best not to get too carried away with teasing and being silly. There was some sort of matter for which they had been summoned, surely. He figured they would get to, soon enough, but it was nice to have a chance to introduce his friend to those that currently made up the ranger unit. Even if all were not currently present. Meanwhile, he moved to find a spot near one of the fireplaces to sit. While he didn't need crutches anymore, there was still a limp in his step, and his foot did start to hurt when he was on it for too long at a time.

[Arnyn]

@Isolde Alarion (Mourgan) @Rillewen (Duinion, Trastion) @Romeran
@Karis Ziranphel (Thûllir) @Ercassie (Unalmis) [/center]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks - Common Room, September

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - Common Room, September

Arnyn had nodded to Unalmis' explanation that the northern ranger was not technically a civilian. She quite agreed with that assessment, after all. The easy sharing of the man's name, by no other than the northern ranger himself, as he stepped into the common room, made the brown of her eyes deepen as a few things connected all at once, providing a challenge to the Lieutenant's entirely casual demeanor and mood as the analytical part of her brain immediately sprung into action.

Domanol? Duinion had named Dom, or Domanol, as a dear friend - possibly one of his best friend or his best friend of all - that she could not quite remember with certainty. But he had never mentioned Raxëlilta as a last name... Her eyes touched on Unalmis, even as his relative continued to offer aliases, and her eyes widened with a sudden realization as she remembered her telling Isys, Duinion and Unalmis about Relic - and how a 'Domanol' had also been referenced as Unalmis' uncle. By Duinion. Then! Duinion's best friend was Unalmis' uncle, whom Unalmis had presumed dead? Who had not come for Unalmis when he was taken by... Arnyn had forgotten the name. One of those Halsads. Kek-something. She might be wrong, though. Then the sword was with the family. One less thing that needed to linger in the back of her mind. Something to be grateful for. But then Unalmis and Domanol had worked out... whatever they had needed to work out? She quickly shut the door on that avenue of thought, however. That was none of her business.

Gwandhyra!? That name threw her again. Domanol and Gwandhyra were one and the same? Arnyn's eyes flicked now to Duinion with a slightly raised eyebrow, then back to the man from the North. Nay, she corrected herself, he was not from the North. Not originally. Her gaze rested on the large scabbard by the time the man claimed some of his aliases should not be repeated in decent company.

Kaylin snorted, again. She wanted to ask who had said anything about them being decent company, but something held her back. An unexpected and rare sense of decorum? Uncertainty about the Lieutenant's possible response to such a comment? Uncertainty about Thûllir's response to this stranger coming in with such an easy manner about him? The realization she had better not speak for everyone in the room if she were to make such a claim, because not everyone might appreciate it? As it was, she merely looked upon the proceedings with a grin and a perhaps unlikely silence.

Arnyn felt hesitation creeping up on her when the man said he had 'heard a lot about her, naturally'. Which stories had this one heard, this time? Those told by Duinion and Unalmis... She held back a sigh. That would have been an.. interesting collection, no doubt. A more serious mood threatened to encroach. Business had a way of finding her. Not that she could blame any of those involved. Her job did not end when she took off the uniform. Besides, she was in the barracks and she had called in a bunch of Rangers. Why would business not be allowed?
Yet, she firmly refused to give up on her current mood. Now the decision was made, soon aided by the exchange that followed prompted by Unalmis' challenge, her expression shifted back from analytical and thoughtful to amused and relaxed.

"Never mess with a warrior and their food," she agreed, easing back into a strange blend of casual humor with a natural, unforced authority. "Certainly, the beard can be left alone well enough - if Mourgan just takes some off the top." She twirled her hand over the top of her own head as she spoke. After Duinion's input to Unalmis, Arnyn smiled in a way many of those present today would not yet have witnessed. "You could get matching do's," she suggested lightly. "It could become the new Raxëlilta go-to." Her smile grew into a grin once more, and she continued seemlessly. "If you wish to speak to the Captain, you will have to exercise a great deal of patience. She is currently traveling and has only set out yesterday. I do not expect her to return for several weeks." She did not hesistate to divulge the information, given that both Duinion and Unalmis were vouching for the man, and she had been about to tell the others in the room the same thing, regardless. This allowed her to do so without repeating herself, and she was glad for it. "But if her second will suffice, we can meet soon enough." Arnyn did not offer an immediate time or place, given she knew nothing of the subject or how long it might take. And perhaps she could learn a thing or two about Domanol by seeing how he would respond.

[Ercassie]

Unalmis and Domanol Raxëlilta
Commons Room, Ranger Barracks, September

Unalmis turned to meet Duinion’s remark with an unconcerned expression. “If you want to have my hair off me, you’re going to have to earn or at least win the privilege first,” he decided, opening up the room to the possibility of wagers or who knew what besides to see him make the cut. “The Lieutenant no doubt has called us here for something interesting and I expect it goes beyond grooming. Besides this,” he indicated his own dark mop, “is an important resource that shall not be surrendered so easily. Who knows when I may need to disguise myself as a muddy mewlip .. or, I don’t know ? Cut some off, to fuel a fire for distraction ..” he had raised his eyes toward his Uncle, as he trailed off.

“Knew I was going to regret telling you that story,” Domanol laughed, looking entirely unremorseful if truth be told. “Though I’d say fate has already trimmed this one down a little further than the norm.” The bearded stranger held a hand slightly above his nephew’s head, which was batted away, goodnaturedly, soon after. Unalmis had, unusually for the men in his family, not quite managed to make it to six foot, much less pass that point, and the joker of many aliases was scarcely the first to point this out to him. The young Ranger was used to it, blamed it on his absent mother's genes, and otherwise cared (ironically) very little for the shortcoming. He was tall enough to find a way where he needed, and yet low enough to get to places swiftly unseen, than some others he could mention. Which had certainly served him well before now. Mostly before enlisting, though, of course.

“No offense to Mourgan, .. was it ?” the guest checked if he was assuming the correct ‘barber’, given the knife at hand. “But I am fairly sure you fine folks did not rally here to watch an old goat getting shorn. I will be out of your hair in just a moment,” he smiled, innocently. “And to make ‘that’ true,” he turned to meet Arnyn’s suggestion of ‘the family do’, “It would take both of us to hold down his father and complete the set. I’m not daring that for anything. He's already got a list of ideas as long as your sunlit-tail for me to try and make amends for the last time.” Domanol nodded only, in respect to the Lieutenant’s long hair, but without more clearly referencing it in so casual a manner.

“I thank you, Lieutenant, for your time today," he thanked Arnyn genuinely. "When this pair said they had to head off and meet with you, with no uniform, no weapons, I was convinced they were just trying to ditch me. And who can blame them ?” Domanol raised his chin in Duinion’s direction and raised one eyebrow teasingly in return. “But here you stand, and .. since I was already overdue in making myself known to you ..” he admitted, to Arnyn. While Unalmis took a moment to glance at the floor, and stooped to pick up what he acted as though Trastion had missed cleaning up. There was nothing there.

“We may find perhaps we have much to talk about,” Dom concluded and might have chosen to reference her own time in the North, but did not. “There are a few things still southways that I am trying to help out with,” the unexpected guest proclaimed, unashamed, and without further clarifying in front of the crowd. “So I am staying with my brother, in the city for the time being. But from my last counsel with the King, I’m fair sure that our business will keep me in town until your Captain is come, if my brother's list of chores does not manage to.” He let the Lieutenant know. “We shall have to see if I pass your muster, and am fit to even meet with your Captain. But I will not keep you from your fine plans here any further.” Domanol raised his fist to heart once more, and then left the Lieutenant, and her little gathering, to whatever she had in mind for them. "Ladies, gentlemen, good day. And good luck," he grinned.

"Now you mind you do what you're told now," he teased Duinion, rather more personally, as he passed him by. As might a parent bid his son. Looking for Unalmis though, Dom found that young man had already climbed into a large chair, and was contemplating reasons why the Captain might not be in town. Nal raised one hand and pointedly waved the Northern Ranger off without looking.

Nobody knew that the stranger made a point of passing by the Barrack Master’s office door as slow as ever he could, but left, almost disappointed when nothing came of it. Now he had made himself known though, and gained the approval, who was to say that he would not be back .. at some point, just .. not this day.

[Arnyn]

@Isolde Alarion (Mourgan) @Rillewen (Duinion, Trastion) @Romeran
@Karis Ziranphel (Thûllir) @Ercassie (Unalmis)

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
&

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - Common Room, September

The easy jesting between Unalmis and... his uncle... - a strange thought, somehow - at least made it seem like they had smoothed out any issues, if any had even been present.

Get out of their hair. The pun was seamless. A smile flashed across her face. It was soon followed by curiosity, for she knew next to nothing about Unalmis' father, but she tamped that down the instant it surfaced, made easy by the northern ranger's reference to her own hair. But then that was soon eclipsed by Domanol thanking her for her time. What time? He'd been here for all of five minutes, if that, and was already excusing himself - how was that taking up any time, really? And how was he 'overdue' in making himself known to her? Besides, Arnyn must have missed some newly instated rule then, that it was necessary to report to her even for those outside of the unit?

"Perhaps," she allowed, sounding very level-headed (despite her mental protest to his former words) in response to his cautious statement they might have much to talk about. 'Helping with things in the south', he said. Then casually dropping a 'counsel with the King' - who was this man? And why would he need to pass her muster? Did he think she was a gateway to speaking to Pele? Arnyn held herself back from snickering. She didn't think he really believed that himself - but did that mean he was making fun of her?

Meanwhile, Kaylin was almost staring in open and unabashed disbelief - and utter amusement. He'd blown in like the fall wind, ruffling through all the neatly gathered leaves, so to speak, causing them to fly all over the place, and then... he just left! HA! The redhead did not fail to note that Arnyn hadn't managed a reply before Domanol left. Had the Lieutenant chosen not to? Or had she been unable to process everything in time to say anything? Whatever the case, Kaylin thought it was absolutely brilliant. Once the man had cleared the door, and after Kaylin had waited the appropriate three heartbeats, she just started laughing out loud.

Arnyn raised an eyebrow and looked at her. "Sun-lit tail," she repeated drily, looking at Kaylin who was forcefully trying to stop herself from laughing even harder at the repetition of those words. The Lieutenant slanted her head. "Was that simply a more exotic description, a joke, or a diss?"
Kaylin finally succeeded to stop laughing, and grinned broadly. "Maybe he thinks of you as a cat. Or maybe it was a compliment, Lieutenant."
Arnyn rolled her eyes. "Riiiiight," she drawled. "Anyway. Off we go." Without any further explanation, she wordlessly retrieved her knife from Mourgan and then exited the common room herself, expecting the others to follow her. Out into the hallway, and then toward the stairway leading to the - still closed off - North Wing.

Kaylin blinked at the door and then rose to her feet quickly, wondering if she needed to take the book Arnyn had left with her, or whether it was one of the books that belonged to the common room. "Erm." For a moment, she froze with indecision. Then she hurried to place it on the end of a shelf she would be sure to remember, and then hurried after the Lieutenant. "Come on," she urged Thûllir, but the others as well. She did not want to miss out on a single second of whatever this was going to be.

When she saw the blonde going into the North Wing, the curiosity almost burst out of her. Never mind any boring questions like 'was it safe to go up there?' or 'had she cleared this with Lieutenant Brian?' The only question on Kaylin's mind was: What on earth was Arnyn planning for them?! Without hesitation, she followed. Up the stairs...

[Rillewen]

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Barracks - Common Room, September

Grinning back toward Unalmis, Duinion couldn't help being amused at the young ranger's excuses for why he should not have a haircut. Clearly, he had thought up plenty of reasons before, which amused Duinion a bit. Sitting back, he watched the proceedings with a little smile, which widened into a little grin when Dom nodded to him, teasingly implying he had been merely trying to ditch him. Of course, Dom knew that wasn't the case. Duinion had, in fact, been quite disappointed to have to cut their fun short in order to come today, but it seemed well worth it, now, seeing this.

And all too soon, Dom was taking his leave. Duinion had intended to offer introductions to the others, but maybe it was better that he not try to introduce everyone. While it wasn't by far everyone in their unit, there were a few there, to keep track of, for someone trying to meet all at once. And Duinion still hardly knew at least two of their numbers, so he felt unsure about trying to offer introductions. Trying not to be too disappointed that his friend would not join their group for a longer period, Duinion grinned back at his parting words. "You try not to get into too much trouble." He raised a skeptical eyebrow at that. "If you can manage." He added.

After he had gone, Duinion glanced toward the source of laughter, and grinned to find Kaylin as the source. Big surprise. He laughed as well, quite amused by the reaction from their lieutenant. "I'm fairly sure it was a compliment," He offered his own opinion, while attempting to regain a straight face. And failing. "I'm sure it was not meant to be taken in offense, if that's of any consolation." He snickered, for even he couldn't entirely be sure whether the words were meant to have any particular meaning, other than Domanol being.. Domanol.

And suddenly, they were moving on. Wait, they weren't staying here? He blinked as Arnyn declared 'Off we go' and then did that, without further ado. He looked around in slight puzzlement before rising from where he had only recently claimed a spot on the fireplace. Several others had selected seats, as well, so it seemed he was not the only one to have assumed they would be doing whatever it was, here. With curiosity increasing, he followed a little more slowly through the door, and watched Arnyn, with Kaylin on her heels, going up the stairs to the North Wing. What? Aware that he wouldn't move as quickly as some of the others, he moved a little off to the side to allow any others to pass him if they wanted to. Perhaps warily, or perhaps due to confusion and uncertainty, he proceeded onward less eagerly than Kaylin had done.

---

Recruit Trastion Leithor

So, it seemed that they were not gathered here with the purpose of meeting a visiting ranger from the northern lands, although that would have been rather interesting. Trastion couldn't help grinning as he watched and listened to the exchange, and decided that so far, he liked this guy. He seemed like a fun sort of person to talk to. The fact that he was Nal's uncle shouldn't really be much of a surprise, he decided. They seemed a good deal alike, from what he could tell just from this. He didn't remember hearing Nal speak of his uncle before, but then, Trastion hadn't spoken much of his own family in the presence of his roommates.

Their visitor left almost as quickly as he'd arrived, leaving a whirl of questions in his wake. Trastion was a little disappointed, having wanted to meet him, and maybe ask questions about the North, but maybe there would be another chance some other time. And just as abruptly, the Lieutenant indicated it was time for their group to move on. Where were they going? Trastion was intrigued as well as surprised, and eagerly hurried after her, curious what sort of mysterious plans she had in store for them. He passed Duinion after the door, and paused as he saw Arnyn going up the stairs to the North wing. "Inspecting the fire damage?" He wondered, glancing around briefly as he followed her and Kaylin. Perhaps, keeping an eye open for the other lieutenant, almost as if expecting him to come chasing after them with his list of rules to enforce.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Barracks - Common room - September

@Arnyn

He couldn’t hold back the “Pfft.” He let out at the lieutenants suggestion of him becoming a hair dresser if the whole Ranger thing didn’t pan out. “It’s not for me, too much pressure not to mess it up. I’ll stick to Rangering.” He chuckled lightly. He then looked back at her to answer her question about using his strength and swinging something heavy around.

“I’d say I’m around 85% of strength and as far as swinging anything heavy? I’m alright I guess, muscles are a little tight yet.” He explained then as she turned to speak with Kaylin he eyed the knife and tested its sharpness on a bit of his scruffy cheek. Yep, sharp as a wargs tooth he confirmed as he felt a few hairs flitter off his cheek.

Meanwhile the Lieutenant had gone to the doorway to speak with Unalmis and an unknown person, at least to him. When she offered them his personal grooming services, which she passed on herself, he casually looked at Kaylin as she too declined. “None taken.” He wasn’t offended in the least.

It seemed even the bearded visitor would pass although he half grinned at the defensive stance he took to guard his beard and his foodstuffs. As Trastion hurried to sweep away all evidence of his cutting Mourgan added to his statement of having moved into the houses of healing. “Sorry for that inconvenience.” He kidded him.

When the conversation continued with the bearded stranger he tuned into it although the didn’t want to become a part of it by placing himself too near. He wasn’t sure what this whole meeting was about so he held his tongue.
He then offered no offense to his barber skills and Mourgan nodded slightly to confirm his name. He watched the exit of the man in silence. Something felt, off. He couldn’t put his finger on it though. Kaylin started laughing and she and the Lieutenant passed words back and forth while he waited to make sense of it all.

With a quick retrieval of the knife they were off! Back to business and Mourgan quickly fell in line behind Kaylin and Thullir. Just in front of Trastion. He was prepared to be heading out somewhere but paused a moment when she turned and lead them to the North Wing. “ This should be interesting. “ he muttered to himself. He wasted no time in heading up the steps.

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Commons Room, Ranger Barracks, September

This was not the first time his Uncle had decided to just ‘drop in’ and drop off a bundle of bewilderment, and that was just in the last couple of days. Unalmis had noted the clear relief of not only Domanol’s ‘unburdening’, but Duinion’s as well. That very morning he had seen a far more easy-going version of the Tirdinen, which had added to the frivolity of what a simple ‘dog walk’ had evolved into. But quite honestly Nal had been glad to have received the summons from the Lieutenant, hoping for a bit of a reprieve from the whirl of excitement and the stories and the energy. Domanol was clearly doing his best to make up for lost time, to make up for a lot of things in fact. But apparently, impatiently almost, all at once. And having naively walked in to join his father for supper, and found a long estranged relative sitting there expectantly, the young Ranger’s head was still quite a blur with all that he’d heard since. It was good, well, it was closure. But it was already taking some getting used to.

After Trevadir’s emotional homecoming, the mind-blowing impact of Relic. Macardil’s astounding vindication and the truth behind it, the re-emergence of Arkadhur and the revelations about Ryndir’s death .. it had been quite a year so far. So what Arnyn intended to ‘surprise’ them with next, he hazarded no guess.


While their unexpected ‘guest’ had failed to even introduce himself without causing some chaos, Nal was not sure whether to be amused, proud, or embarrassed. Maybe all of it and more. But he was certainly not in the mood to talk about it. So when Arnyn’s swift departure soon succeeded Domanol’s, the young man took to his feet as easily as he had relaxed into the chair. Somehow sitting around had not been what he had expected, and he was glad to be on the move.

Following the curiosity (and excited urging) of Kaylin, he fell in with the group. And hesitated when passing Duinion, long enough to stall and to see if the man could manage on the stairs. Mutters from ahead spurred him on soon after, and he didn’t want to embarrass his friend by drawing attention to his pace, so on he ploughed. It was not like they could lose Dui, after all. There was only one place that this path could be taking them.

Having not been on site at the time of the fire, Unalmis had not seen the now ruined Wing since he had long since helped Ilisys to move in. Technically he ought not to have been there on that occasion and it was only due to Warder dithering about downstairs which had ensured Lieutenant Brian had been too occupied to notice. In any case, he expected that whether it was still in a state, or else newly renovated, this was a change of scenery and an already engaging distraction. And who knew what else yet ?!

[Arnyn]

@Isolde Alarion (Mourgan) @Rillewen (Duinion, Trastion) @Romeran
@Karis Ziranphel (Thûllir) @Ercassie (Unalmis) [/center]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
&

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - Common Room - Damaged North Wing, September

"Don't worry, gentlemen," Arnyn smiled, turning around after one set of stairs, waiting a moment. "I cleared this with the barracks master beforehand." A frown flickered over her face. "More or less." The Lieutenant started down the hallway while flipping her braid back.

Kaylin grinned after her and shot Thûllir a look. "Hey, Lieutenant!" she called after Arnyn as she hurried behind her. "What's the plan?"

"The plan," Arnyn said loudly, for she wasn't looking back, "is not to let the Captain be the only one to have a bit of fun."

"Well, sure," Kaylin readily agreed. "But there are countless ways to have fun. What kind were you thinking of?"

Arnyn smiled, which none of the rangers following her at present could see. She waited for them about one third into the hallway. The floors, the walls, the doors - cracked and charred. Her expression was serious as she regarded Kaylin and Thullir, Mourgan, Trastion and Unalmis, Duinion, and then finally Rome, who was trailing behind - possibly making sure whether Duinion could still use a hand with the stairs or not. "During the barracks master's absence," she began, gesturing lightly with her hands, "I had several building inspectors come in and make their estimate of the situation. Assessments were made. Suggestions were drawn up. Budgets were negotiated." She waved dismissively. "All of it was very time consuming without yielding any visible results. More recently, plans have been drawn up and approved for renovations."

Uncharacteristically, she sighed audibly. "Contractors have been hired, and so on and so forth." She seemed to switch topics abruptly as she walked into one of the rooms. Everyone would be able to see it was badly damaged in the fire. "Pele had the right idea when she decided to go on a trip. But there are other ways to work off tension and emotion, other than travel." She looked at no one in particular, instead focusing on the room around them. "Other ways to... work off emotion."

Arnyn walked beyond a charred bedframe. She leaned forward enough to let her fingers curl around a thick wooden handle of something. First one hand on one handle, then the other on a second handle. She walked over to Mourgan, carrying one sledgehammer in her left hand, another in her right. "Frustration at not being able to do more," she spoke more quietly as she offered the left one to him, looking him in the eyes. Her voice dropped to a whisper, her next words for him alone. "At feeling powerless. Angry."

The Lieutenant calmly walked to the wall to their left, raised the sledgehammer she was still holding with both hands, and slammed it into the wall. Sound exploded through the room. Once. Twice. "At being misunderstood," Arnyn stated, the set of her shoulders tense.

Kaylin's jaw dropped as pieces of the structure flew around Arnyn, and the redhead watched the Lieutenant ram the hammer into the wall for a third time. "At not being trusted," the blonde groaned, lifting the hammer a fourth time. A hole was gaping in the divider between rooms.

Breathing a bit deeper, Arnyn looked at the hole for a moment, before stepping back to look at Mourgan. "The healers cleared you" she shrugged, her earlier oh-so-casual question to him now explained as she nodded at the wall. "And it's not a bearing wall."

Then she approached Kaylin. "Not being heard." Arnyn's eyes flicked to Unalmis as well, long enough for the ranger to notice. "Ideas being ignored..." Like Pele faking her death to draw out Relic... Before switching back to Kaylin and offering her the second hammer. "Or shot down altogether." Like outright killing Shamara and Relic on sight, to avoid further collateral.

Kaylin stared at Arnyn for a long moment. Surprise mixed with suspicion. From all the things she might have imagined, Arnyn bringing them here to... demolish the North Wing... had not been one of them. And was this the woman's way of admitting it would have been wiser to simply kill Amber? At least she wouldn't have been able to cause all of this destruction, if they had. Kaylin gritted her teeth. Well, alright. They'd been idiots not to listen to her!

Nodding, Kaylin took the sledge hammer from Arnyn and stepped up next to Mourgan. "Pick a side," she growled at him. Oh - how she was ready for this...

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Barracks ~ Common Room, September

@Arnyn

He followed along listening to Kaylin and the Lieutenant and hearing there would be fun he half grinned to himself but it was short lived as the Lieutenant spoke of contractors and whatnot as they entered one of the damaged rooms. Work off emotion? He watched her go beyond a charred bedframe where she seemed to pick up first one handle of something and then another. He watched her approach with the sledgehammers and she spoke of frustration and then between them the feeling of being powerless and angry. He took the offered hammer as he seemed to take in her words.

How did she know he was having such feeling? Was it so obvious? He thought he hide it well but apparently not that well. This he thought as she walked to the wall then proceeded to smash into it with the hammer. His grip tightened on the handle of the sledgehammer he held with every swing she took till there was a hole looking back at them. He looked back to the Lieutenant when she mentioned the healers clearing him and telling him it wasn't a load baring wall. A small look of gratitude followed by a nod of agreement and a slow smile. He listened as she spoke to Kaylin then offered her the other hammer. Amusement crossed his features when she growled for him to pick a side. He chose the right by sliding over a bit.

He stepped up to a portion of the wall still standing and making sure he had clearance he took the wooden handle in both hands and taking a deep breath he lifted the hammer and stretched his healing muscles he swung it as hard as he could. It hit with a resounding thunk and cracking of the charred plaster and brick. Again he swung at the wall and once more plaster and brick crumbled, and with every swing out came the frustration and anger. The wall took the beating till it gave in and now he lowered the hammer, resting his hand on the end of the handle, as he breathed deep breaths. He smiled at the hole he'd made, at the tension now gone from his shoulders and the feeling of being freer from his anger. He looked over at the Lieutenant. "That felt good." He said before letting out a deep breath.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
&

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - Damaged North wing, September
@Isolde Alarion

As Mourgan chose the right, Kaylin stepped to the left. She glanced over at him as he breathed in deep and lifted the hammer. Right. They were really doing this.

They were really allowed to do this.

Mourgan's hammer pounded into the wall first, but Kaylin's soon followed. She did not have the muscle to put behind it that Mourgan did, so it would take her longer to get the same results, but she knew it wasn't the result that mattered. It was the movement. The pounding. The release.

The impact of the strikes jarred through her arms. She grunted as she hit the wall again, with more force this time as she gained more confidence in how to hit that damned wall. It was... cathartic.

Meanwhile, Arnyn was watching Mourgan and Kaylin working off their feelings, but she also watched the rest of the group for their reactions. When Mourgan looked over at her, Arnyn gave him a genuine smile. She was happy it felt good. "Perhaps Unalmis would also like a turn?" she suggested, glancing from Mourgan to Unalmis.

[Rillewen]

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Barracks - Common Room, September

After having managed the stairs up to the other wing, back when his injury was still required two crutches, Duinion couldn't help being mildly amused to see Unalmis glancing back as if to check on him. Or at least, that's how it appeared to him. He managed a smile and nod in an attempt a reassuring him. Still, he let others go ahead of him so that he would not hinder them from the 'exciting adventure', whatever that might be.

After reaching the top of the stairs, he looked around at the destruction that had been left behind in the fire's wake. He'd heard plenty about the fire from more than one source, but had not seen it for himself, and had certainly not expected to. So, seeing it now, he couldn't help thinking how glad he was that certain people, whom he cared a lot about, had not been there when it happened. He was also glad that the fire had not caused anyone any serious harm.. although he wasn't sure if Lieutenant Brian's injuries counted as serious or not.

Still glancing around, he listened with slight confusion as the lieutenant began talking about contractors and building inspectors and such. What did any of that have to do with them? He glanced toward Unalmis, wondering if his father might have even been included in this group of people, but he somehow doubted it, though he couldn't say what gave him that feeling.

The eventual reveal about what Arnyn had in mind... well, it was certainly not what Duinion had expected at all. Nor anything he could have anticipated. With slight surprise, and slight amusement, he watched Arnyn begin smashing parts of the wall, before opening up the floor to Kaylin and Mourgan. Unsurprisingly, they both eagerly jumped at the chance for a free license to destroy things. Duinion was slightly stunned by it, and a bit unsure what to think of it all. So, they were called together to demolish the damaged North wing? He nearly laughed at that. If only Domanol had known, he surely would not have left so soon. A chance to make a mess and not get in trouble for it? A slightly amused smile fought its way onto his face, and as the lieutenant suggested that Unalmis might like a turn, he glanced toward him, curious what the young ranger might think of this whole thing.

---

Recruit Trastion Leithor

Curiosity drove him onward, although the further they went into the damaged wing, the more Trastion slowed. He paused at one point, looking at where there used to be a lamp on the wall. A piece of it had been embedded in his arm for a while, and he still wore a scar from that. The wall there bore a scar of its own, charred marks where the oil in the lamp had been forcibly splattered against it, burned darker where the fire had licked hungrily at the fuel.

Moving onward, he kicked at some of the mingled dirt and salt still covering the hallway, remembering the mix of emotions from that day, along with all the chaos and adrenaline, and sorrow at the losses. He hadn't known those who'd died but it didn't matter that much. Mourgan had nearly been one of them, and that would have been quite a blow. He could imagine, and remember, how it must feel for those who had lost a friend that day.

The talk about building inspectors, contractors and builders and all the paperwork it must also include, made him nod in sympathy for the lieutenant's position in all of that. He remembered after the war, having to rebuild some of the structures that had taken damage from the enemy's fire. It was definitely not a light matter, and required a lot of work, and headaches were somewhat inevitable. But he wasn't sure why she was telling them all of this, until she began swinging the hammer and tearing holes in the burned wall of what was once a dorm, and then invited Mourgan and Kaylin to do the same.

Astonished, he felt a grin spreading over his face as he moved back to allow the other two more room to do whatever demolishing they wanted. Well, that was definitely one way of getting rid of the damaged structure! The lieutenant seemed to always find ways to surprise him. Trastion was thoroughly amused as he watched, and wondered if she had brought more than just the two sledgehammers. It looked sort of fun, and definitely not an everyday sort of opportunity. And there was a lot of ruined parts of the wing that would need to be demolished, right? An ax might be useful in this sort of demolition type of thing, too, and he considered the idea of asking the lieutenant about going to get some, while he glanced over to see if Nal would accept the hammer and take a turn at smashing things.

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
The Damaged North Wing, Ranger Barracks, September

When Arnyn promised their little parade ‘a bit of fun’, he hastened further to catch up with those in front, and any prospect of an explanation. Because with this particular officer, really, all bets were off. And if the Barracks Master wasn’t completely sold on the idea, that was definitely a good sign. When she finally came to journey’s end, and Unalmis caught the chance to look about him, his pace came to a slowing stop. Brown eyes narrowed as the young man tried to fit what he was being told, with what he could see.

A bit of fun ? But, they were stood in the ravaged wreck of a place. Reminiscent of so much of the city, after the Siege some years back. But this was not the work of Orcs, for all that it had been the work still .. of an enemy. Seeing it, smelling it, made the statement of ‘fire’ and ‘damage’ so more real. As though the brain could not ever really understand a fact without the support of it’s senses. The contrast of what the place stood now, from what it ought to resemble, caused a frown. And then Arnyn began her speech about all of the work and renovation. Working off emotion ? Inwardly he sighed. She was going to have them help out with the clean up, wasn’t she ?


It was moments later when the woman had brought a sledgehammer to the wall. “At being misunderstood,” she stated. And proved it. And he ought to have been shocked at such wanton destruction .. except that it was .. genius !

A sledgehammer was offered to each of Mourgan and Kaylin, with no more instruction than a nod and a shrug. The example though was invitation enough and nobody was likely to turn down the opportunity. Nal noticed Arnyn’s inclusive glance in his direction, as she mentioned what she must have thought might be bothering him. But honestly, so many of his ideas were ignored that he was long passed caring about it any more. Most were shot down for good reason, and the rest were offered largely to allow for others, with better thoughts, to find the confidence to improve upon his with their own.


As he watched with awe as his peers drove their tools into the structure, it was impossible to deny the guilty thrill. If the room felt like it was pulsing, from more than just the impact, it must have been the excitement. And then the Lieutenant supposed that Unalmis might enjoy a turn. He had stepped willingly forward before he could think of words to form an answer.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr
Barracks - Common Room
September

Swift to join Kaylin in following Arnyn out the door and up the staircase at a brisk pace, Thûllir relaxed from his earlier still watchfulness at the presence of the strange ranger. He returned Kaylin’s excited smile with a quieter one when the talk turned to having fun. The sight of the charred beams and smoke blackened walls and furnishings, as well as the scent of ash that still permeated the hall, was sobering. He remained quiet as they followed the Lieutenant into one of the rooms and she picked up sledgehammers. Her words were heavy, despite being intended to lighten emotions through action, and although he was not startled by her attack on the wall, he felt the impact of the hammer join that of the words reverberating through him.

The feeling in the air shifted as words continued to flow and a hole appeared in the wall before Arnyn handed off her hammer to Kaylin and gave permission for her and Mourgan to let loose on the wall. Thûllir saw the smile on Mourgan’s lips and the fiery glee on Kaylin’s face and shifted into a more relaxed stance.

He stood watching the action with his arms crossed and a slight smile on his face while Mourgan and Kaylin enlarged the destruction of the wall that Lieutenant Arnyn had started. He knew the value of being able to physically lash out in a safe way to combat hurts and frustration that weighed on the heart. He didn’t feel the need to do so this day in the same way that others likely did, but he could see the fun of helping tear down the reminders of the frustrating search and battle so that they could build anew. It was a positive move, and he wouldn’t mind giving it a few swings himself once those who needed the action were satisfied.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Damaged North Wing~ Barracks~ September

Letting out a deep breath from the exertion of hitting the wall he nodded as the Lieutenant suggested Unalmis take a turn at it. He nodded in agreement before looking over to Unalmis and offering him the sledgehammer handle first. “All yours.” He offered as the other man stepped forward and took the hammer.

Mourgan stepped back to offer plenty of room to get a good swing at it and to avoid any flying debris. He couldn’t help but smile at watching the others take their turn.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - Damaged North WIng, September

Kaylin breathed heavy, having thrown herself - through the sledgehammer as a medium - at the wall. She lowered the hammer to the ground, leaning on it with both hands for a moment. "Oh, man," she mumbled, under her breath. Grinning at Mourgan, who'd also already pounded at the wall like a madman, Kaylin looked for recognition in the shared experience. She watched Mourgan handing over his sledgehammer to Unalmis, and glanced at the others in the room. Thûllir, Duinion, Trastion, Rome...

Having decided, she approached Trastion. "Little brother," she said meaningfully, offering him the tool. "You're next." Then she moved to stand by Thûllir's side, slightly leaning into him. "Much better than a punching bag," she commented.

[Rillewen]

Recruit Trastion Leithor

Trastion watched the others smashing the walls and venting their frustrations through the sledgehammers. He was a bit surprised when Mourgan seemed be finished already, but then he thought perhaps he was tired from his injury. But, when Kaylin then offered it to him, he was slightly more surprised. He gave her a slightly questioning look, as if to say 'are you sure?' But then, she was breathing hard, so he figured she'd worn herself out already.

With a little grin of amusement, he took the offered hammer and tested the weight. It was a bit heavier than a lumber ax, but not so much he couldn't handle it. Amusement faded though, as Trastion looked around and let his thoughts drift to the memory of that day when this place had been on fire. Flames engulfing the hallway, the rooms, the ceiling even. How they'd all worked tirelessly in a desperate attempt to quench the flames, and all the people who'd suffered burns and smoke damage. While it was a relief that the fire had not claimed any lives, people had still lost belongings, and he knew how hard that could be. He swung at a charred part of the wall that was still standing. He remembered the destruction that had followed the war, how much had been lost and destroyed by the enemy. He swung a bit harder.

Thinking of losing belongings led Trastion to think of all that he'd lost, personally, when he was forced to leave home. And because of that, he'd lost other things, which he might never see again. He struck the wall again, harder. And not just things, either. He'd had to leave his family. His sister.. and he couldn't even contact her again without risking himself. The hammer slammed into the wall again. And his mother. He wasn't close with her, but he did love her. And she wasn't well when he left. How was she? He couldn't even find out whether she was better or worse, or the same. He struck the wall harder. And then there was his brother... losing him was the worst blow of it all.

He continued to swing the hammer and smash whatever was left of that portion of the wall for a bit, until he was breathing hard and lowered the hammer to the floor. Letting out a little sigh, he ran a hand through his recently trimmed hair to sweep it back from his face, looking at what he'd done. He was a bit surprised how much he'd destroyed, and smiled faintly. It had been rather fun. Turning around, he looked around and held up the hammer. "Who wants to go next?" He asked with a little grin.

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
The Damaged North Wing, Ranger Barracks, September

That transfer from spectator to participant was achieved by the easy exchange of the sledgehammer. And, following the titan effort from his newest room mate, Nal considered the wall then for his own sake. It was true that few could easily equal the sort of impact which the likes of Mourgan could rain down on anything that stood in his path. But viewing the literal obstacle which stood before him now, Unalmis refused to turn from the task. There was no failure to be had here, no expectation except to participate. And did he ever want to participate ?! The only fly in the ointment was that their ’beloved’ Barracks Master was not personally here to see it happen. Even that was not enough to dampen the young man’s spirit though.


“Lieutenant Brian said I was to see no more knives strike the wall,” he recalled, and glanced toward Arnyn with a look which seemed to start as unsure but swiftly altered to amusement. One eyebrow rose with a delighted mischief before he turned back to the matter at hand. “He said nothing against sledgehammers,” the young man shrugged, almost defiantly, with a small but satisfied smile.

With a determination though not to squander this precious opportunity, the young man eyed the wall for a moment first, rather than have it over with too swiftly. He intended to enjoy this. Readying the weight of the hammer as it hung from his one hand, almost idly, he reached out with the other hand to touch the stone before him, assure himself that this was really happening ! And for a moment, he saw before him not only the remnants of a barrier, but also the bruised fingers, bloodied, and torn nails hanging or lost entirely from the toil they had undergone in desperation .. trying to get out. Trying to break through .. With a blink, recalling where he stood and amongst who, the memory was gone, and no lasting impact could be seen now in it’s place. Nails grow back. Hurts heal. And the memory itself .. would now be forever accompanied by this one.

His right ear leaned in briefly toward it’s closest shoulder as the young man rallied his stance to prepare for the impetus. And there was certainly something to be said for unleashing what was within. A sledgehammer was a case of two-handed employ, so not his usual go-to for a tool. Though play-practicing with left-handed Ryndir since they each were old enough to pick up sticks and duel, had allowed by now for an ease of ambidexterity. which should prove an aid and which his trainers had only encouraged. His aim was for a point of the wall thus far untouched, so Nal could best witness the pay-off afterwards.


The audible complaint shuddered by the stone, as the sledgehammer ploughed into it only roused a moment’s pause. To peer through the cough of dust that had been spewed out, as though some pitiful last attempt of defence from the wall. For a fissure was evident where the blow had landed, snaking away from a sizeable dent. Now he had his target. And there came no excitement of fingers to explore the first efforts which had been driven in at the site of the hammer’s clout. The rush which had ventured through Nal was already addictive and encouraged repetition. Once he’d learnt the swing of the thing, it was a hard dance to disengage from afterwards.

It took a little longer than others perhaps to bore a sizeable portal through the wall, almost as though the Ranger was unwilling to surrender the experience. Or had quite forgot himself in the moment. But the satisfaction when targeted blows rendered a low hit, to bring down a part of the wall it was supporting just above .. more than satisfied with it’s eventual result. Unalmis peered through the created gap, exploring the damage done, with a silent triumph which was evident in brown eyes. And released the breath he had not realised he had been holding.

Stone had ever held this city up, sheltered the inhabitants from harm, but there was certainly something to be said for observing a damage done and making it their own. Not one to deny others such sport, Nal looked quite deliberately for Duinion. Holding out the hammer, he made clear his point. “Bringing down those walls,” he ventured, keenly. ”Nothing like it,” he promised.

A small nod was sent in Arnyn’s direction thenafter, an unspoken gratitude and could it be yet further wonder at the woman and what insight she might hold ? Handing them the literal tools to properly establish a foundation for moving forward.

[Rillewen]

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Damaged North wing barracks - September

“Bringing down those walls,” Said Unalmis, as he looked at Duinion. ”Nothing like it.”

Duinion met Unalmis' gaze with mild surprise, curious, but smiled at his young friend as he accepted the sledgehammer. "You sure you're finished?" He asked with a small grin. "You seemed to be enjoying yourself." In fact, he had found it highly amusing when Unalmis made his comment about Lieutenant Brian, and he was surprised Unalmis would give up his turn to wreck things so soon.

Privately, Duinion couldn't help thinking it was really a shame that Domanol had left so swiftly, for he definitely would have enjoyed this wall-smashing 'party'. But it would be enjoyable to tell him what he missed out on, later. Looking down at the hammer in his hands, he stepped forward with slight hesitance, feeling a bit self-conscious about all of the others around, watching. He tried to put that from his mind as he looked at the walls, portions torn down by his fellow rangers, while other parts still stood, charred and stained with soot and scorch marks. For a brief moment, he stared at these places, feeling a bit stuck on a proper motivation to begin striking it.

The sledgehammer went to his shoulder, and he took a moment to test how his ankle was feeling with this extra weight. Bringing down the walls. There were some walls he would like to tear down, though these weren't them. Still, he frowned at a soot-darkened portion of the wall, his thoughts drifting to the darkness within those other walls, and some the other darker times of his life. Yes, time to bring down some walls.

Taking a deep breath, he slammed the hammer into the darkest portion of the burned wall. He tried to ignore the others in the room, despite feeling very aware of their presence. He let out a long breath and swung again. As some of the wall crumbled, the feeling of tearing it down encouraged him to keep at it. The more he smashed the walls down, the more enthused he became about it. His hammer strikes grew less hesitant, gaining more determination as he went.

After a time, he stepped back to study the gap he had made in the wall. With a nod, he let out a little sigh and turned back to the others. Stepping carefully around some of the rubble, Duinion was mindful of his ankle as he went back toward where the others waited. He offered the hammer next to @Romeran, and smiled encouragingly. "Your turn, I think." He hoped that the activity might help the young man take his mind off of the loss of his uncle, and also perhaps give him a chance to work through any lingering feelings of guilt or whatever he might have to deal with.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
& a guest star
Barracks - Damaged North wing, September

This was going well. None of them were looking at her like she had completely lost it. None of them were refusing, even, so far. (It might be they did not believe that was an option, of course.) Kaylin and Mourgan had definitely enjoyed it. Unalmis and Trastion had accepted the hammer from their peers easily. Unalmis' comment about Lieutenant Brian made her eyes sparkle with amusement, although she only allowed herself a wise nod once he added that the barracks master had never included anything about sledgehammers.

She'd been wise to stand at far enough of a distance to avoid breathing in the worst of the dust that came off the wall, which was being smashed bit by bit, and soon partially crumbling apart further on its own. When Unalmis handed his hammer to Duinion, encouraging the Tirdinen, and then sent a small nod her way, the Lieutenant offered the young ranger a smile in return. It had been her hope that they would each take something away from this, for she believed they all could - except for perhaps Thûllir. He could be difficult to read. And so far, it seemed like they were. Even Duinion, whom she'd thought might not want to participate.

Duinion's words to Romeran were accompanied by the footfalls of heavy boots in the hallway. Arnyn wondered, but she needn't do so for long. Soon enough, Lieutenant Brian appeared in the blackened doorframe to the room. "What in Aulë's name is going on here?" he demanded, his eyes first taking in Duinion holding out the sledgehammer to Romeran, before they took in all the others in the room. "Wanton destruction is not allowed in the barracks - or anywhere in the city for that matter!" he barked. When his gaze got to Unalmis, it settled on the ranger for a moment. As if thinking: of course Raxelilta is involved. Arnyn hid most of her smile at that. Amusing. The barracks master seemed to be taking mental note of everyone in here. When his gaze passed to her, it hitched.

Arnyn gave him a professional smile and nod. "Lieutenant Brian. How are you doing today, sir?"

One of the man's fists clenched at his side, but he otherwise maintained his composure admirably. "Lieutenant Dealedwen. Quite well, thank you. The excessive noise drew me here."

She nodded. "Understandable. But you can rest assured that we are not targetting any load-bearing walls. Your domain will be safe from any destruction that has not been planned for renovations anyway." She had taken the planning upon herself for that until Brian's return, and he knew that very well. She had meticulously explained everything to him upon his return to his post.

"Might I speak with you in private, Lieutenant?" he asked stiffly.

Arnyn nodded. "Of course." She moved to step out into the hallway with him, and he made room for her to do so. And even though she stepped far enough away from the open door so the other rangers could no longer see them, and while it was not her intention that they be overheard - they were probably still within earshot. Just barely.

"Lieutenant," the barracks master began. "While I appreciate your oversight making sure there will be no structual damage to the building with this... exercise... This is not an endeavour I would have chosen to further whatever purpose it is that you have in mind."

"We all lead in different ways. But it is noted that in the future you would prefer an alternative that is less--"

"Disruptive," Brian finished her sentence for her.

Arnyn gave him a calm look. "Yes. One that is less disruptive. Anything else, Lieutenant Brian? As you said - my presence in there -" she indicated the room where the rangers were still present, "is preferable. Just in case they get too excited."

The barracks master seemed to hesitate and Arnyn took that hesitation as a 'no'. "Very well," she said, trying to finish up their conversation. She never did enjoy lengthy talks with the man. With a respectful nod at the barracks master, she started walking back to the door.

But Brian raised his voice then, ever so slightly. "If there ever should come a next time, despite your note of my preferences, technically you need to clear this kind of activity with the barracks master."

Arnyn halted, held back a sigh, and turned back toward him. Silence reigned the hallway as she assessed him. He had lost some weight during his stay at the houses of healing. Yet he had lost none of his inflexibility, it seemed. "I am aware," she said finally, intending to continue - but Brian broke her off.

"If you did, how was I unaware of all this?"

She shrugged. "I have no idea, for I know and greatly respect that you are aware of everything that goes on within your domain. I can assure you that if you check your records, you will find a written request - submitted by me - for exactly this activity." He was about to interrupt her again, but she raised a hand before he could. "And you will also find the written approval to this request. Also submitted by me. During the time I was taking over all responsibility and authority of the barracks master. While you were recovering from your injuries."

The subsequent range of expressions that Brian tried to hide, was worth several lengthy conversations. Not that Arnyn would ever admit it. She watched calmly as he realized he did not have a leg to stand on. Not according to his own standards, anyway.

"I submitted the request several weeks in advance, as the rules require. Perhaps you have not yet had the time to go back that far," she allowed graciously while his neck was turning red. "I understand." About to turn back around, she seemed to change her mind and focused on Brian a bit longer. "This should not take us much longer, and there are no more... disruptive exercises included in my request. Nor did I submit any other requests of the sort," she tried to reassure him.

Realizing she was putting him in a situation where he could do little else from his position as her subordinate, he nodded. "Thank you," he forced out the words.

"You're welcome, Lieutenant." With a slower nod to indicate her goodbye, Arnyn left him in the hallway. Her eyes shifted to the current locations of the sledgehammers. She wouldn't have minded taking another go, at this point. However, she reclaimed her earlier position by the wall opposite the entry, and indicated for the others to continue.

***

Once everyone had had their turn, and a second one if they wished it, the Lieutenant instructed them to leave the hammers in the room. "I don't know about you all, but I could use a drink." At Kaylin's eager gaze, Arnyn rolled her eyes. "Water still counts, Maethyr."

Kaylin rolled her eyes in turn.

"I aked Pete for a bit of a different spread in the little mess," the Lieutenant shared. "After you." Arnyn held her hand out toward the door.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - Damaged North WIng, September

The Barracks Master's arrival had made Kaylin's gaze veer off toward Arnyn, wondering what she had meant when she'd claimed she'd 'more or less' cleared it with him. It didn't look nor sound like Arnyn had gotten Brian to agree on this at all. Had she lied earlier?

But Arnyn seemed as composed as ever, perhaps even mildly amused... could that be right?... at the way he barged in and made his typical proclamations. She also sounded perfectly undistrubed when she greeted Lieutenant Brian and simply asked him how he was doing today. Hah! Kaylin sucked in her lower lip to bite on it. She couldn't laugh. Best not grin, either. The civilized and brief back-and-forth that passed between the two Lieutenants while they were still in the room, was almost disappointing after that. When the Barracks Master asked Arnyn to speak in private, Kaylin pouted mentally.

To her great surprise and delight, the two officers did not go far. In fact, they stayed so close that the rangers in the room could perfectly follow the conversation - as long as they did not speak themselves. Their agreement to remain quiet and listen in, was unspoken - obviously. And unanimous. It was as if they were all sitting on the edge of invisible seats. Or at least it seemed that way to Kaylin. She, for one, was incredibly curious to how the conversation would play out when the Lieutenants thought they would not be heard.

Her eyes widened when Brian interrupted Arnyn and called her chosen activity 'disruptive'. He definitely did not simply roll over and play dead because he was talking to the second in command. And part of her respected that. Kaylin held back a chuckle, instead grinning at Mourgan and Trastion when they heard Arnyn say it was better she return 'just in case they got too excited'. Her jaw dropped soon thereafter, when Brian informed Arnyn about the rules she hadn't followed - and basically ordered her to do so in the future.

Arnyn's response was puzzling, at first. She responded with a compliment? And then Kaylin's eyes widened and sought out Thûllir's in amazement. Arnyn had submitted the request. Weeks before. When she herself had been acting as the barracks master. Thus she had both perfectly followed protocol while still managing to annoy the heck out of Brian. Had that been intentional?

When Lieutenant Brian even thanked her, Kaylin just looked dumbfounded. She shook her head. Incredible. She had to hurry to get her expression back under control when Lieutenant Arnyn came back in and simply motioned at them to continue bringing down the house. Who WAS this woman, really?

***

"Water, water," she grumbled in response to Arnyn's comment that water still counted as a drink. Yet her amusement about the conversation between Arnyn and Brian was still so overwhelming, she couldn't help the grin that was plastered all over her face. She was the first to step out of the room and head down the stairs. All the way to the Little Mess, she was qecretly on the lookout for Lieutenant Brian. But when they passed his office, she figured that is where he would be. She was mature enough not to giggle or chuckle when she was closest to the door.

The Little Mess

The usual spread of fresh fruit, nuts, bread, honey and similar snacks did look notably different today. There was still fruit, but for some reason today's fruit selection was composed nearly entirely of different kinds of berries. There were also berry tarts and several kinds of cake - Pete had even gone so far as to offer sweet rolls and chocolate pastries, which appeared to have been brought in from Nelladel's bakery.

When they entered, Kaylin noted how a kitchen helper hurried off at once. It did not take long before large, steaming pots of coffee as well as hot water were brought in. There were some herbal blends available to make tea - not that Kaylin would be doing any of that. In addition to the hot drinks, there was also simple water and juice. After their exertions with the walls, that is what she would turn to first. A tall glass of water and some of those berries. And then perhaps, a piece of one of the cakes. What was that - maple sirup? To pour over it if you wanted?

It was still too early for dinnertime, but close enough to it that not many would want to spoil their appetite by coming to the little mess now. Hence, they had the place to themselves. The Lieutenant who had brought them here, didn't say much. Arnyn just walked over to the buffet and picked one of the chocolate pastries to bite into. Kaylin watched her with slightly narrowed eyes. Wondering whether or not to expect something like a pie in the face. But Arnyn merely smiled at her before lifting the pastry in her hand toward Trastion and Mourgan. A wordless invitation to the two, but also to the rest of them to take a look and pick out what they liked among the foods and drinks on display.

[Rillewen]

|
Tirdinen Duinion Raedor | Recruit Trastion Leithor
Damaged North wing barracks, going to the Little Mess - September

Just as Duinion was passing off the hammer to Romeran, the other lieutenant appeared, with obvious protests to this entire activity. Duinion froze, his gaze focusing on the barrack's master who looked quite upset.

Trastion, having finished his turn, merely stood looking 'innocent' off to the side, as if he hadn't done anything. He was tempted to ask the lieutenant how his back was doing, but he was already busy griping at Arnyn before Trastion had a chance. He bit his lip and glanced at Mourgan, Nal, and Kaylin, wondering if they were as amused as himself. But they surely couldn't get in trouble for this, since it had been Arnyn's idea. Right?

Perhaps they ought to have invited Brian to join the activities, Duinion thought with a suppressed snicker. Soon, both lieutenants were stepping out for a 'private' word. But it wasn't exactly so private when they spoke so near, and loud enough, that all could hear their words, regardless. He glanced around, hazel eyes briefly meeting Nal's and he suspected they both remembered the way the man had spoken to Eryn. He tried his best to hide a smile of amusement as he heard the words passing back and forth from one lieutenant to the other.

When the victor of the 'verbal battle' reemerged into the room, Duinion was struggling to hold back a grin. Trastion, meanwhile, didn't even try. In fact, he went further by clapping his hands as quietly as he could, barely making noise, though he couldn't resist applauding her. Soon the ''wanton destruction" had continued, and Trastion took another turn at it himself, eager to do his part. Someone had to tear it down sooner or later, so why let some construction crews have all the fun? "Do you think if the walls in the other wing get damaged enough, we could get some remodeling done on our side, too?" He asked teasingly, with a glance at his roommates.

It almost seemed like it was too soon when the lieutenant called an end to the smashing party. Trastion wiped the dust off from his hands to his clothes, wondering what she meant when she spoke of a 'different sort of spread'. As the whole group moved downstairs, he was close behind Kaylin, intrigued to know what sort of drinks there would be.

Duinion was mildly surprised, having thought there was nothing else planned for this meeting. Quietly, he set off with the others, walking close to Unalmis. When they entered the 'little mess', he was not familiar enough with the place to know what was usual, but he was impressed with the spread that lay before them.

Trastion grinned at the lieutenant's invitation, and nearly took a step forward but then motioned for Kaylin to go ahead of him. Ladies first. Once he did approach the buffet, he looked eagerly at all of the delicious treats spread out before him, and found it difficult to decide what he wanted. After a moment, he selected one of those chocolate pastries that were so delicious, and a slice of apple cake, which soon had maple syrup drizzled over it. He smiled as he took in a nice, slow breath, inhaling the scent of the maple and apples together. A very autumn-y scent that he enjoyed tremendously.

Taking a look at the drink options, Trastion grinned before mixing some maple syrup into a glass of water, which some may find odd but he didn't care. He had enjoyed that drink since he was very small and had missed it quite a bit. In fact, he hadn't even realized one could get maple syrup around this area, although he also hadn't really thought about it. He wondered where it came from, and if it was the same or similar to the maple he was familiar with from his own land.

Standing back as the first few people went through the line, Duinion waited for his turn with patience. From where he stood, he could see some blueberries among the selection, and smiled. He hoped there would still be plenty of those left by the time he went through the line, but he didn't want to rush in among the first few. Rather, he preferred to wait until last, and was content to stand back while everyone else selected what they liked best.

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
The Damaged North Wing >> Little Mess. September

“And you don’t want to ?” Unalmis had returned to Duinion in some disbelief. Of course, that had not been the case at all, as the Tirdinen soon proved. But there was someone apparently rather less keen on their recreation. And before Romeran ever had a chance to enjoy the opportunity, the Barracks Master was upon them.

Disappointment diluted Nal’s grin as Lieutenant Brian rained down his discontent, and the young man supposed .. well that was an end to that then. It was impossible to hide the regret as their invader’s eye fell upon him. Not that he was ashamed to have had a part in it, not at all. But that clearly .. it was over now. Had he conjured the officer into their company by devilishly wishing that he could see what they had wrought ? When had the man even been discharged from the healers ? Or had he scampered over here, regardless, having heard the sound of his beloved building being devastated. Again ...


When Arnyn drew her fellow Lieutenant’s attention and followed him aside, Unalmis narrowed his eyes and glanced after the pair. For it was unlike Brian not to tear an unruly Ranger down in front of an audience. A case of teaching more than one lesson at once, as it were. But perhaps he felt somewhat outnumbered .. or the chances of his being taken seriously by such a number of folks .. particular which folks, might be slight. A rumour was exhumed in Nal’s memory of how Arnyn had apparently met the Barracks Master at his complaining before, and not given any quarter. So perhaps he knew what he was doing. Arnyn inescapably did ! In any case, it turned out that having ‘a quiet word’ with the Second in Command did not go quite as well as the Barracks Master might have hoped for this time either. And experiencing the marvel firsthand exceeded even the legend which the Ranger had heard accounted before.

Though nobody seemed to have moved, it was clear that the group were paying great attention to what none could miss from the hallway. There were, after all, several holes in the construction which allowed for sound acoustics. And there was no question of rushing to either Lieutenant’s assistance. For the one did not require it and the other would not welcome it. Facing the floor, Unalmis tried to smother his amusement. And when Brian was left with no choice but to thank Arnyn .. for not doing any worse than he’d already discovered .. it was fast becoming a losing battle.


Trastion’s decision to clap, on Arnyn’s reappearance, saw Unalmis raise his gaze to wonder at the Lieutenant who was left. He shook his head slowly to showcase the entire reach of his smile, but ventured no comment for words were beyond him. An amazing feat in itself. His room mate’s suggestion that they continue the ‘remodelling’ back in their own lodgings almost drew forth an agreement. They had discovered much fun, after all, by being all together. Perhaps knocking through a few walls would only further the reach of comradery. Though possibly lessen the chances of sleep. And Duinion wouldn’t be much of a fan of the growing crowd anyway, he realised.

Before long their play had resumed, and only when they were done, were they in fact done and dusted. Admittedly rather ‘dusted’ to be sure. The fact that Lieutenant Brian no longer posed a threat to the enterprise did take something of the thrill out of it. But unsure they would ever have this chance again, it was only right to make the most of it.


Though Kaylin grumbled, Unalmis had no objection to the prospect of water. And after checking Duinion was managing the stairs on their descent, the unveiling of coffee only furthered the young man’s satisfaction. Arnyn had swiftly acted as ‘taste-tester’ and so suspicions were withdrawn enough for Kaylin to encourage Trastion and Mourgan to partake of the veritable feast. Waiting for his turn, Nal found that his gaze could not help but note all the absolute reams of berries .. the potential for absolute squashable anarchy, as his childish fruit wars with friends had proven in the past. To calm from such a colourful temptation, he glanced instead at the coffee, .. and while he was thirsting for something cold to drink first, he could not help wondering just what the Lieutenant might flavour her drink with today.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September

At Trastion's insistence she go first, Kaylin had opted for the cheesecake. Well, after the inevitable eye roll. It was good cheesecake, too. She frowned at Arnyn, still suspicious of the whole thing. "Dih Peeh mwake dis?" she asked, her mouth not yet fully empty. She covered the lower half of her face with her hand as she made a face at speaking as she had. Unguarded. And not very ladylike. She swallowed. "Sorry," she said, clearing her throat. "Did Pete make this?"

Arnyn nodded. "All of the cakes, I think. He already seemed upset when I requested the pastries from Nelladel's bakery." The Lieutenant shot a quick smile at Mourgan. "But really, once you're hooked on those, few can surpass it."

Kaylin could agree with that much. "While I've never had Pete's version, I can verify that the other bakeries I've tried over the years don't live up to Nell's chocolate pastries. There's one that comes close, but I can't remember which one it is. But I didn't know Pete baked this much. He should serve cake for dessert more often."

The Lieutenant smiled as she poured herself some water. "Maybe it is the prospect of making endless cake for the Rangers that is holding him back."

"He baked cake this time," Kaylin protested.

"He had specific orders," Arnyn countered. "And I know better than to antagonize the Ranger Cook." Her water was gone almost as quickly as she had poured it. Breaking down walls made you thirsty in addition to dusty. Yet instead of a second glass, she now felt drawn to the coffee. Seeing Trastion adding the maple syrup to his water, Arnyn slanted her head. "Maple syrup in water? I've know it to be a thing on desserts, but haven't seen anyone adding it to water." Her dark eyes happened to fall upon Unalmis then, who seemed to be eying her with some curiosity. Arnyn wondered what she had done this time. Perhaps she had a particularly funny speck of dust or smear or dirt on her. Trastion's addition to his water and the sight of Unalmis, though, made her hold back a smile.

"No oranges today, I'm afraid," she told Unalmis. "And I should say I am feeling more like the safe option of the syrup than smashing in a handful of berries."

Not understanding what Arnyn was getting at, Kaylin's gaze travelled in turn to Unalmis in turn. "Smashing berries into what, exactly?" A grin spread across her face, already thinking of too many past escapades.

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Little Mess. September

Kaylin had already introduced herself and the conversation to the matter of cake, while Arnyn very diplomatically failed to make any promises for the dessert becoming a habit in the Mess. “If you had cake all the time though, maybe you’d be sick of it,” Nal mentioned, as he took his turn with the water. “Or maybe just sick .. full stop ?” he grinned.

The subject of Nelladel’s bakery saw the young man glance toward Mourgan between sips of his own very tame refreshment thus far – well, breaking the wall had entirely called for the coldest beverage on hand. The baker though, .. was the other Ranger's mother, he had learnt recently from Cali, though very little more than that. Pele was their relative too, somehow. As for the infamy of Nell’s delightful goods, Nal's father sometimes promised he was going to the bakery but, although he would be gone for some long time, Addhor never came back with any cakes to show for it. They must be reaaaaally good, to have been consumed before his parent ever got home. ‘Forgot’ to buy some while he was there ? Yeh. Right .. a likely story.


“But even plain coffee can be perilous some times, no ?” he winked at Trastion with fair humour, and observed that his room mate’s sweet flavouring seemed to be winning over the Lieutenant. Unalmis merely shrugged some at the officer’s remark though. “More for the rest of us ..” he teased, and left her to suppose what might come of that. Indeed, she no doubt had some suspicions already. She would not be the only one. The colourful spread of berries was almost too good to be true. Living up to the day’s activities thus far then !

“What have you heard ?” he wondered, innocently, as he half-caught Kaylin’s remark, and finished his water before glancing almost accusingly toward Duinion. “What have you told ?” he laughed, raising an eyebrow toward his family's friend, and clearly not all that concerned as he guessed who might have told her tales. “According to a little bird I know, you’re very fond of stories. Is that right ?” he wondered of the other woman.


He did wonder at times how it was that he and Kaylin did not know each other really very well but mostly summed it up to the rumours that she spent a lot of time in pubs. And he did not really, not since back when he was much younger. There was clearly some comradery going on that he was missing out on, amongst the other more mischief-prone of their number. Mourgan or Trastion or maybe the both, must be quite keen on the drinking out as well. Because the scent of alcohol wafting out from their room after midsummer had left a quite mistakable impression. Meanwhile, ever since Poros, Unalmis had become almost repeatedly caught up in the catching up with old friends. Perhaps it would not hurt to try to make some new as well. Already sharing a barracks room was having an impact, whether Lieutenant Brian had even realised that yet or no !

But what was it that Duinion had said in their meeting with Arnyn and Isys ? That these people, peers, colleagues, whatever you wanted to call them .. might mean each other’s life or death some day, given their mutual vocation. For all that their group clearly were all very different, that oath, that choice, stood as a very solid starting ground for what they must have in common. And after all the old relatives and old friends springing out of the woodwork of late, all with such history and memory and meaning to it all, Nal could absolutely go for a little more letting go and breaking down the walls to just run free today.

“Do you know any good drinking games though ?” he wondered aloud, and to no one or perhaps anyone in particular.

[Rillewen]

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Little Mess - September

Trastion grinned at Arnyn. "It's very nice, actually. Adds a light maple flavor to the water. And you can add as much or little as you like, depending on your taste." he shrugged. "I've heard it's more hydrating than plain water, but I wouldn't know how they know such a thing. I've never actually done a test.. but it tastes great to me. But then, I'd put maple syrup on almost anything," He admitted, only half-joking. "It's something I learned from the lumber men I worked with for a while." He added, in case anyone began wondering how he was familiar with such a thing, although he figured Arnyn would surely know he'd probably learned it elsewhere that could not be mentioned.

He did wonder what she was talking about when she brought up oranges, but it seemed to be some inside thing between her and Unalmis, so he restrained his curiosity the best that he could, and sipped his maple water before setting it down so he could enjoy the chocolate pastry. The comment about coffee, from Unalmis, made him glance at the other with a little grin. "Yeah... let's not do that again." He shook his head a bit in amusement at the memory of how that had made him feel like he was bursting with energy. He really didn't know how Unalmis and others could drink that stuff all the time and not be super energetic as well.

Listening to others talk and chat around him for a moment, Trastion enjoyed the chocolate pastry in between sips of maple flavored water. When that was finished, he began on the maple-apple pie. The question about drinking games made him pause for a moment and tilted his head slightly, a bit confused as he tried to imagine how drinking could be any sort of game. It was definitely not something he had ever heard of before, but that wasn't surprising, since he had mostly avoided places where that sort of thing would happen.

---

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor

As he waited for a few moments, Duinion listened with some curiosity to some of the things said by others. Oranges? In what, he wondered? He did smile slightly when Unalmis teased Trastion about the coffee incident, and remembered how overly energetic he had been that day. As well as how incredibly exhausted he had been by the end of the day. He shook his head lightly with a little smile, and studied the treats available. Everything looked quite good, but there were only a couple of items that really attracted his attention.

After giving plenty of time for others to go ahead of him, he finally stepped up to claim a good-sized amount of blueberries, then took a slice of cheesecake. He couldn't help thinking how disappointed Eryn would be to have missed out on her favorite dessert, and made a mental note to ask Arnyn, if there was any left after this, whether he could bring her some. For now, he took a moment to press several blueberries into the cheesecake, on the tops and sides of it.

He was busy doing this when Unalmis looked at him with mock accusation, asking what he had told. He looked up, half-wondering whether he had missed something, but decided to just go along. "Who, me?" He smiled innocently. "What makes you think I've told anything about you?" He glanced toward Kaylin with a grin that seemed to imply there was a secret there, when really, there was not. He didn't recall telling her anything about Unalmis, but he could let the young ranger believe he had, for a joke.

However, as Duinion was pouring himself a glass of juice, he was a bit surprised to hear Unalmis asking if Kaylin knew any drinking games. He blinked and looked up at him in some surprise, his thoughts immediately jumping to memories of the young man's father, and the alcoholism that had claimed him for so many years. He thought Unalmis had said before he wouldn't touch that stuff, because of what it had done to his father. But he was older now... had he started drinking after all? Still, he kept quiet for now, trying not to grow too concerned by this seemingly odd change, and thought, maybe he didn't mean drinking drinking?

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September

Kaylin's eyes gleamed when Unalmis asked what she had heard. There were things to hear, then? A slow grin spread across her face when the younger ranger proceeded to ask Duinion what he had told! She was just about to ask what delights had somehow failed to reach her ears, when Duinion pretended like he had shared something with her. Kaylin was torn between playing along and pouting. For truly, she now believed she was missing out - and wished to know just exactly what she was missing out on.

"He has not told me anything," she finally put in her contribution, choosing honesty over jesting this time around. "But I am very sorry to be missing out..." And then Unalmis inquired whether she liked stories. The redhead shrugged, as if it were obvious. Which, of course, it was. "Someone who doesn't like a good story, isn't all there in the head," she declared, gesturing at her temple.

"As for the people here knowing any good drinking games... I think Tras here is too innocent, Arnyn and Duinion too proper and Thûllir too..." She smiled at her husband, thinking of the right words, "... too aware that I have more up my sleeve than he does. For them to answer your question, I mean. Which leaves Romeran, Mourgan, and myself. Now I don't know Romeran that well... but Mourgan and I have quite the arsenal of games, I should say. And plenty work without the drinks, too. Just like drinking also works without games a lot of the time," she laughed. "Why are you asking about drinking games, anyway? You want to play?"

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks - Officer Quarters, September (at a later date than the bashing of walls and indulging at the little mess)

She'd already had breakfast while watching the sunrise - skipping the mess that morning. Afterward, she'd returned to her room. Arnyn had a little time before she needed to make her way to headquarters.

Yet she had hardly arrived in her room when a knock came at the door. When she opened it, she was greeted by a bunch of red roses. Blinking, she tried to see through the flowers to the person behind it. "Yes?" she asked, her tone conveying instant doubt that whoever this was, had come to the right place.

"For you, ma'am," the messenger simply declared, holding out the bouquet toward her.

The Lieutenant made a face. "Doubtful," she mumbled, pulling the note from the ribbon and not yet accepting anything else. Her eyebrows lifted. It was addressed to her, so the messenger had not made a mistake. Glancing back at the man for a moment, who was still holding the flowers patiently, her face regained a poised expression before her eyes returned to the note to read the rest of it. She held back a frown while reading - hiding quite well that the words were definitely unexpected. As well as difficult to believe.

Arnyn gave the flowers and the messenger a dubious look. "You are waiting for a reply?" she asked, already knowing the answer. Upon the messenger's nod, she crossed her arms, looking at the roses while she thought. "Wait here, then," she said, not unkindly, and she left her door open while she retreated inside of the room to place the note on her desk and write a different one in reply. Returning to the messenger at the door, she tied the note back to the ribbon onto the flowers.

"You can bring back my reply along with the flowers," she stated while giving the messenger a half smile. "And if whoever sent this wants to offer a decent reply in return, you can find me at Headquarters later. If not, good luck with the rest of your deliveries."

[Ercassie]

@Arnyn

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Barracks Masters Office
(Some point during Lieutenant Dealedwen’s tenure/Lieutenant Brian’s absence)

This was not the first time he had ventured to this very same office, on this very same mission in fact. It was though the first time which might prove to be successful. The difference was to be found in the different Lieutenant who was currently manning the role of Barracks Master. And while Unalmis would not have instinctively looked to go behind Brian’s back, .. well, according to Trastion, the two of them had all but been invited to come make request of Arnyn in the meanwhile.

There was some part of the young Ranger’s thinking which was revisiting the risks of telling the Second-in-Command, just which of the confiscated items in her colleague’s office belonged to him. The more reckless part, which to be fair, was often the more dominant, assured him that the woman had likely been recipient to a letter (or several) already dictating all the things he ought not to have had within his room in the first place. If this was a trap, well .. everybody knew by now that he’d been hiding a dog in his room for several months and he’d already been sentenced punishment for that already. He couldn’t imagine that owning up to anything else now which Brian had outlawed could get him in even half so much trouble as that had.


He arrived at a decent hour, when the Officer was reputed to be at barracks duty (amidst her many many duties) and had managed to dress himself appropriately. The latter was not hard since all that he had left of his clothes were the more official; anything resembling dirty laundry had been thrown out of the window in a panic, duly confiscated from the garden, and never returned. It had been a stark lesson in learning to wash what sparse supplies he had left, but if there was a chance he could retrieve some of what was, in fact, his property .. then he could commit to laundry less often. And he could not imagine that Arnyn would protest the removal of dirty laundry from an office which she was currently committed to working in. Surely the usual Barracks Master had suffered such a fate out of sheer spite. Or it had all been removed and burned or something. There was only one way to find out.

The knock was forthright, but not so repeated and musical as his usual announcement. Different Lieutenant .. different approach.

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Little Mess. September

Unalmis found his eye drawn to the rather creative work that Duinion had managed with his piece of cake. Decorating it with the berries was a different way of gathering up supplies of two foodstuffs at once, he supposed. And was impressed by the Tirdinen’s efficiency. He was also looking forward to watching the man try to eat the cake, without all of the berries falling out of it.

He narrowed that gaze when his family friend claimed to have shared no secrets, but shrugged off all suspicion even before Kaylin seconded the fact. And shrugged herself. “Personally I find the most fun is the part where you actually have the time worth telling stories about later,” he shared, sort of. “But I guess the second does add to the first.”

The Hyandaner’s response about drinking games did keep his attention after all. Even if he shot a somewhat dubious look toward Trastion, when she declared the recruit was too ‘innocent’. As for Arnyn being too ‘proper’ ..?

“I was just wondering if that was what all this,” he indicated the colourful spread, “was for.” Nal looked to the Lieutenant as he explained his question, and his thinking. “A drinking game. Like the last time ?” he raised an eyebrow in Arnyn’s direction. She had mentioned trialling the syrup rather than the berries so … Honestly he had learnt thus far only to take nothing at face value with this officer. And particularly after the surprise they’d just all been served upstairs, having this delicious feast now be simply a feast would be a surprise. Maybe that was it. But he could not help suspecting that there was some ulterior motive in play. Which was possibly the result of having been dealt so many surprises lately in his personal life. So he gave up guessing and, instead supposing that perhaps there was not any more to it than a simple multitude of refreshments, moved to make himself a coffee.