Rangers: Headquarters & Armoury

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion and Imprisoned Shamara
Cells under HQ
A couple days after the Ranger meeting

“Shamara!” Pele called as soon as she unlocked the doors and set foot on the stairs downwards. “How is the rotting process going?”

She had avoided coming here for many months, entrusting the watch over the prisoner to other Rangers. She had her reasons for it, one of them being that she was unwilling to face the Umbarian before she was sure she could have a good grip on herself, and that the other woman would not be able to push her buttons easily. At the same time, she made sure to be informed of any and all reports on how the prisoner was doing and how she was behaving towards Rangers tending to her needs. And, after lengthy deliberation, it had seemed to the Captain that this was a good time to finally come down here.

Even so, the question posed received no answer until Pele had made her way all the way down with an oil lamp in one hand and a covered basket in the other.

“Did you come to take your revenge on me finally, Alarion,” Shamara finally asked as she came to stand by the bars. “What type of death will it be?”

“Revenge? Death?” Pele repeated ponderously, as she raised the lamp and studied the Umbarian for a few moments. While the woman could not be said to be completely unkempt, yet she looked to be far from her trademark sophisticated beauty. She also appeared to carry herself in a more subdued manner, and could it be that those dark eyes had lost some of that spark they used to have?

“If I wanted you dead, I would not have wasted all the precious resources on you all this time,” Pele replied, as she turned away and set the lamp on a projection in the wall. “I brought breakfast.”

“Sure… breakfast. More like, feed me dry bread while you feast…” the Umbarian relented, having satisfied herself that the Captain did not have a sword with her. The scent of some freshly baked delicacies escaped from the basket and made her drool; she did not remember when she had tasted something other than the simple food she was served each day. “A nice game to play.”

The complaining, childish tone in Shamara’s voice made Pele laugh softly. “Why, don’t you like the experience of tables turned? You are not even being tortured, mind you,” she said, and then uncovered the basket to place down within Shamara’s reach a wooden bowl of warm oatmeal porridge with a bit of butter and honey to enrich its taste. Two of the fresh cinnamon rolls she had snatched right from under the cook’s nose were carefully set on the edge of the bowl. A cup of fragrant peppermint tea supplemented the set of the meal.

“Eat,” she nodded towards the food she had set out before the prisoner.

Shamara felt her mouth watering, and yet she could not let go of suspicion easily. “What do you want?” she questioned, still standing at a bit of a distance cautiously. “You come here after who knows how long just to bring me something delicious? I might be many things, but I am no fool.”

“Come, Shamara, sit down and eat. There is no poison there, if you fear it. Nor do I need anything from you, so no need to bribe you,” Pele responded, sitting down cross-legged just within reach should Shamara decide to reach out and grab her. She fished out a cinnamon roll for herself from within the basket and munched on a morsel she bit off of it, savouring the sweet taste, and then urged the prisoner towards the meal once again with her mouth still half full. “You know what, maybe you are a fool after all. You are not able to think outside your box. Eat. Otherwise, I will reconsider and eat all of it myself, and you will remain hungry until the next meal.”

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedŷr & Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters - End of November

Thûllir tightened his fingers reflexively around Kaylin’s for a brief moment when Arnyn began to speak about the slave trade, and made himself not look around at his cousin, focusing instead on the Lieutenant’s words and how she said them. Ship to ship fighting and guaranteed danger…he felt the silent sigh work its way out of his soul, and looked down at Kaylin’s slim but strong fingers intertwined with his own as he continued to listen to the details Arnyn laid forth and her answers to Trastion’s questions. Kaylin would want to go. He did not question that, for he knew her too well to expect her to turn aside from such a mission. So he would also find himself on this mission into the unknown. Knowing that his skills fit well with the criteria needed mattered less to him than not wanting her to go into danger without him.

Finally looking over at Ziran while the Captain began making a speech about fear or revenge, he was caught by the torn look in her eye past the mostly impassive expression on her face. He turned his free hand over slightly in question, drawing her attention. Was that the issue for her? A brief flash of frustration crossed her face before it returned to stillness, and she shrugged slightly while giving a brief and emphatic shake of her head. It was not fear or desire for revenge that caused her pause. Not exactly. She had no fear of battle as it were, but she was weary of it still and loath to leave so soon after her wedding. Shipboard fighting was not new to her, but it also wasn’t the best place for an archer. Her presence wouldn’t make sense unless they made it as far as Umbar, yet she also felt like her duty was to go despite the voluntary nature of the mission and no desire to ever return to that land. It would take her time to sort through these conflicting thoughts and make her decision, and she wanted to talk to Macardil about it, even if the true nature of the choice could not be shared.

The enthusiastic outburst from Cadil drew both of their attention before Thûllir leaned over and quietly murmured under Captain Pele’s reply. “You don’t have to go, Ziran.” Her response was equally quiet and sober. “I know.” It didn’t mean the decision was any easier.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters - End of November

When Thûllir nudged her shoulder, she grinned at him. The shift in the room didn't seem to hit her as hard as it did some others, as she looked to Arnyn at her other side with curiosity more than anything else. She felt Thûllirs fingers curling around hers, which brought a little smile to her face - so she looked quite balanced as the Lieutenant started talking about...

Oh. Slavery. And Umbar.
Heavy.

Her smile dulled as she listened, though the curiosity remained, now joined by a determination that was building in her stance and expression. She frowned a little when Arnyn said many might argue that the risk of the mission would not be worth the results of success. Kaylin most definitely disagreed - and it was rather obvious that Arnyn disagreed as well considering her efforts in the matter. She hadn't been aware of Arnyn's work in this regard, and she watched the Lieutenant in an assessing way as the blonde spoke her piece. Kaylin could feel Thûllir's fingers tightening around her own, and she weaved her fingers into his in response, returning the firmer grip. She could feel something was going on between Thûllir and Karis, but she kept her attention on Arnyn and on how she responded to Trastion's questions.

So...not only would they get a chance to go after human trafficking pirate smugglers... nor was this mission limited to getting to take out key players in the Umbarian slave trade... but the rangers signing up for this would be getting battleship training? Kaylin shifted her balance to the balls of her feet, trying to hold herself back just a little longer and using Thûllir's hand to ground herself.

Pele's words made her look over at the Captain. Any mission could go wrong at any given moment. That wouldn't hold her back, not even if the odds were much worse in this one. Kaylin had meant what she had sworn upon entering the military as well as the king's rangers. She'd protect - she'd defend. People all over Middle-Earth were being taken, she'd gathered from Arnyn's words. Not just Gondor - but that didn't change anything for her either. No one deserved to lose their freedom like that. Even if that meant risking her own life. Kaylin tilted her head up just a little. Fear wouldn't take her, she was sure of that. Not beyond the nerves that would run through anyone who wasn't a complete moron. As for acting unreasonable... that was all relative. If Pele and Arnyn were keeping this well in hand, naturally she would follow their lead and not defy it. Pele's words about the heat of revenge, made Kaylin narrow her eyes.

Cadil's exclamation made her blink and turn to look at him, first in surprise and then with a little grin. Her blue-grey eyes lingered on the former soldier a moment. Did that mean he was trying to get accepted into the King's rangers? And that Pele was about to make that happen?

Kaylin turned her head back to Pele. "I have no need for questions," she said in a clear voice, loud enough so everyone could hear her. Her thumb lightly moved over Thûllir's hand. A warning,to prepare him for what he surely knew would be coming? An apology in case he had hoped it would be a conversation at least before she committed? "Nor do I need ten days." Kaylin looked at Arnyn, who was still standing next to her. "Im in." She raised her forearm, her hand balled into a fist, and when the Lieutenant gave her one of those trademark faint smiles and held hers up in a similar fashion, Kaylin lightly bumped her forearm against Arnyn's.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Headquarters ~ End of November

He stood patiently waiting to hear what news the captain had and soon everyone quieted down to hear it. A promotion! His brows rose with intrigue and smiled as Thullir was called forward. He watched with interest and clapped along with the others. He was pleased to see him promoted. He deeply respected the man and not just because he helped in saving his life, but he knew he could rely on him in a fight. "Congratulations!" He offered his own among those others that did the same.

It was then he turned back to the captain and it seemed the floor was then given to the Lieutenant who he had to turn to see. He listened intently and by the end he was looking down at the floor, much to think about.
He wondered if he could keep his personal feelings on the matter in check or would his anger get the best of him? He absently rubbed his shoulder where he still wore the scars from his last encounter with a slave trader and possibly the worst, Relic.

He reminded himself that she was no longer a threat, but he knew there was always a chance of not coming home when dealing with these people. He looked at his aunt, would he be able to keep his anger in check when it came to exacting revenge on the those that hurt her, tortured her? At this moment he couldn't guarantee anything and that's why he would take the time given to them and use it to sort things out. He didn't want to just say yes and cause harm to others because he couldn't get his anger in check.

His gaze had become hard, his stubbled jaw ticked with thought as his hand came off his shoulder and he hooked his thumb on his pocket as he looked away from Pele and back to the floor. He would normally be among the first to volunteer but this time, for the safety of others, he would take his time to think this one out.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion, and also Cadil
Headquarters, End of November

"Right," Pele said, having given a plenty of time for those to respond right away who wished so. She was not surprised to find that Kaylin needed no additional incentives or time to think, and it caused her to smile slightly. "Let us consider the meeting officially closed, though you may linger and socialise if you like, or discuss some matters. It is not that often I see you all together at once, after all, so..." Regardless of her words, she did not expect all of the Rangers to stay; after all most had either duties to tend to or would want to use their free time as they wished rather than cooped up at the headquarters.

She had used the response time to observe the gathered Rangers and their body language to gauge their initial reactions to the new mission, yet she kept the observations to herself. Instead she took a couple steps closer to Cadil and said: "Dismissal was not meant for you though, Cadil. I'll want to see you in my office sooner rather than later." When he was about to do just that, she added: "Not immediately either." Perhaps he'd want to mingle and chat a bit, and she did not want to take away that opportunity. However, it made the young man blink as he look after Pele, who turned to head for the office, processed the meaning of what it meant - sooner, not later, and not immediately.

[Ercassie]

@Pele Alarion

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta and Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl
at Headquarters, end of November.

The echoes of applause had still haunted corners of the room when the subject altered, to an altogether more sobering matter. The flipside of any promotion in these premises, of course, was the reminder of duty and responsibility, at every level of their hierachy. The Lieutenant did not require a podium to garner everyone’s attention. And this second subject ought not to have been any surprise to Unalmis, even if he had not been already aware of her ‘gathering’ up information: for the most part from close friends of his. It had been mere months ago that an Umbarian slaver had infiltrated their city, their very barracks, and endangered everyone within their ranks. Who knew where it had might have all ended, had the officer now addressing them not put that threat to rest ! Ilisys was also not quite as surprised as she might have expected, to learn that Arnyn had not dropped that particular ball of intrigue. She did not sigh, at the acknowledgment. She minutely narrowed grey eyes, without focusing their gaze at anybody or thing in particular. Perhaps purposely avoiding any distraction as she decided how she might feel about this .. now.

The Captain also had thoughts to venture upon the situation, of course. And when she asked for each of them to consider not only the risks which her Second had referenced, but also the threat of their own fear and/or their fury concerning Umbar .. there was an insightful sense about the suggestion. As though she knew, could see into each of them and she understood. Isys knew of course, and Nal had begun to suspect by now, that the Captain had herself already been to the Enemy’s ‘lair’. She was one of a very small count in their number to have done so, and managed to come back again. It was tempting for the former Swan Knight to seek out those faces in particular, seeking might be for some lead or inspiration how a person was ‘supposed’ to receive such news. Unalmis meanwhile was actively evading the chance that he might meet the knowing gaze of Duinion.


Regardless, of those few who did not shy from speaking up already, Cadil caught the attention of Nal immediately. And he could not help a smile, if only that it was in recognition of his friend’s bold pledge. Few would likely guess what understanding the seemingly careless young man actually had, about what he might be getting himself into. Isys did not yet startle at the unfamiliar young man, for there were plenty of the King’s Rangers she had not yet become acquainted with. But when Pele responded to that youth, by name .. the Ehtyar did startle, and also marvel some, to find the fellow before her, in person, whom she had heard so much about from folk that she cared for.

Tilting her head somewhat, to gauge a better scrutiny of the stranger, Isys found that she had caught Unalmis’s attention. As Kaylin followed the likes of Trastion in voicing thoughts, the Belfalasian turned up a single winged brow in the direction of her usual informant. He nodded, almost alarmed to find that he could stand so amused, and then returned his gaze, pointedly, back to his friend. As the Captain moved to dismiss further announcements, and all but one of those gathered, to their own devices.

“Cadil !” the young man offered that other an undeniable approach, to distract him from the Captain’s ambiguous instructions. “Are you enlisting ?” he queried, albeit with less volume than he’d greeted his friend. And as soon as he could no longer keep control of his curiosity. “I’m glad to see ..” he began then. Until ..

“Cadil indeed ..” put in the woman who had followed him over, without any warning he might have noticed. Isys almost dropped to a curtsy before this strange man … this hero .. she had heard so much about. But somewhere between not having prepared for such a revelation and then catching sight of the Captain retreating to her office, Isys straightened to her full six feet, and left the two slightly shorter gentlemen … to entertain themselves with their reunion. “I shall find you at some point,” she vowed, without appointing eyes to clarify which of them she meant. “There are .. words ..” she ‘explained’ .. without really explaining at all. And headed suddenly, as though she had just remembered something, to pursue instead Pele; leaving Unalmis to roll his eyes, forget the oddity and engage more fully with his friend.


Finding that she had already entered the Command office, short of announcing her intention to do so, Isys left just as fluidly and then entered anew, pausing on the second try to test tap a set of her knuckles against the door frame. There she halted in wait, before venturing further. “Captain,” she recalled the other woman’s rank, and tucked her chin into her throat a moment for the required respect. This reunion would not be a social call.

[Rillewen]

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Headquarters - End of November

Listening to the answered Arnyn gave, Trastion nodded slowly. With a bit of a solemn look to his face, he went quiet as he thought about that, and what it would mean. The thought of spending however much time in training upon the Bregolalph, under the tutelage of Abrazimir himself.. not to mention working closely with Abrazimir and probably Lady Isys as well, during the mission... while he wanted to go very much, his heart was sinking at the realization that such a thing would probably make it nearly impossible for either of them to not realize who he was, and that meant the chances of news of his whereabouts getting back to Torthon would be increased drastically.

Rather than giving any sort of answer right now, he decided to speak to Arnyn later, perhaps tomorrow during their training sessions, to discuss more about it. But as of the moment, he already mostly knew what he would choose to do. And it was not quite what he wanted to do. Still, there were some things that couldn't be helped.

For the moment, however, Trastion was somewhat relieved to hear that the meeting was concluded for now. He looked around, curious about Cadil's presence here. Having only met him briefly that day at the Wayfarer's common room, he debated going to say hello. But seeing that both Nal and Isys had gone over to speak to him, Trastion hesitated and decided to hang back and see what happened. Once she had gone toward the office, Trastion debated a moment longer before going over to say hello.

---

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor

It was a rather short meeting, as it turned out. Duinion was glad, yet mildly surprised when they were dismissed so soon. He glanced around, noticing that some people made straight for others, others toward the office, and so forth. He had a lot to think about before he would give his answer, and a few people to talk to before he committed to anything like this. But he already mostly knew what he was going to decide.

As for right now, he lingered by the window for a few moments before making his way through the room, with an unhurried stride, heading toward Kaylin and Thullir. "Thullir, congratulations." He spoke quietly as he neared the most recent tirdinen, extending a hand for a handshake. "I'm glad for you, and I'm sure it is well-deserved." He told him with a small smile. Afterward, he turned to Kaylin, also with a small smile. "Kaylin, how are you? Eryn said to tell you hello from her."

[Pele Alarion]

@Ercassie
Cadil
Headquarters, End of November

Cadil felt a bit lost among the Rangers, as an uninvited guest at a party – though technically he had come at the request and not on his own initiative this time. He bit down on his lip a little, unsure of how to proceed.

So he welcomed Nal’s approach as a lifeline in this situation and beamed a hearty smile at him. However, he soon became puzzled again, watching Isys all but curtsy before him. Instinctively, he bowed his head in return, and then looked to his friend for explanations after the woman wandered off again. Had he said or done something at some point deserving ‘words’?

“Well, yes… Trying to enlist,” he eventually said, turning back to the question Unalmis had asked. “Turns out not so easy,” he confessed in half whisper. “So tough I am not sure I have what it takes, but perhaps will see… Is the Captain always so demanding?”

~~~~~

Captain Pele Alarion
Command Office

Pele had just entered the office, heading straight for cup which still held some cooled tea, when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around just when Ilisys knocked and called her by the rank.

“Ehtyar Ilisys,” she responded, a hint of a smile in her blue eyes which touched also her lips. “How can I be of help?”

[Ercassie]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta, with Cadil and Trastion.
Main hall, Headquarters, end of November.

Though he noted his friend’s confusion, Nal was not going to spend his life trying to explain and excuse his training partner. His cousin had made a career out of it, and he was definitely not his cousin. Besides, this was neither the time nor place, to get into quite why he suspected the Ehtyar was so intrigued to find Cadil, in person.

“Good intentions have to count for a start,” he assured the returnee Ranger and the matter of enlisting. “And it’s not like you haven’t served before. Although I suppose the army was different .. but most everyone here has come in with a different background. Wait .. the .. Captain ?” he dropped his mouth in surprise. “She’s not ..” he began, to deny any opinion of Pele being demanding. But it was true, the woman did know when to be lenient and when to be serious. As today’s announcements had proven. Still he would not have called their leader ‘demanding’.

“She needs to know you won’t mess up when it matters, is all,” he shrugged, recalling how strict she had been when conducting his healing refresher course. Their leader knew when to let things go without rebuke, and when to pull things up short. So that when someone who didn’t act strict with you normally, suddenly did, then you really knew that you were on thin ice. And that sort of shock helped you remember .. “She’s not unreasonable. Maybe you’ve just forgotten what it’s like to have people telling you what to do,” he raised an eyebrow. “Oh but don’t give up. It’s absolutely worth it. What we do … ”


Whether it was the recognition of what the most recent meeting had suggested they might have to do .. or the approach of Trastion, regardless, Unalmis took the arrival as a most convenient means to change the subject. “Have you two met ?” he asked, of them each and also both.

---

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl, with Captain Pele Alarion,
Command office, HQ. End of November

As Pele acknowledged her, the Belfalasian stepped into the room, with enough swing from her fingers to the door that it did not quite close, but swung to a point almost at a close .. still enough to escape easily if need be. Though she turned her back upon it and found the other woman’s eyes.

“The last time I was here, I had toyed with the thought whether to tell you something,” she started, as though it had been weighing on her since, and she required relief from the confession. It took a moment then before she resumed, for there was more to it than that mere sentence, of course. “But you and the Lieutenant had just covered the debrief of the fire ..” Grey eyes watched, wary of any reaction the woman before her might have to the memory. Of Relic. Of all that had come of that .. but it was not as though she could shy away from the subject. Not now. “I felt that my .. issue .. was likely a concern I could or rather should attend to, without troubling you with it, on top of all the else you were facing,” she explained, taking the words slowly, as though sneaking up on the subject might make the approach easier somehow.

“It was furthermore, a problem that I believed to have come about of my own making, and it was thus my responsibility to amend it. For, you may not know, but it is not my way to go running to some other for they to solve my problems. Also, it affects others who matter greatly to me, and I would be compromising their reputation by even referring to it. We have spoke before now, you and I, in confidence, of how things are .. different, where I come from. Perhaps it seems as though I flout those rules of society, by forging the career that I have. But I did so in the full acknowledgment of what I was giving up in the process. Connections .. of so many sorts, to say the least. Those very few that I believe I truly possess then, I protect. With all that I have and all that I am. So I have spoken with those few, since the last time we stood here together, in this office. I have their permissions to be frank about it, with you. And you have now spent time yourself, in Belfalas. You know, you saw, and no doubt heard. You know, now. Better than before. It might make more sense, now.”


“I love the realm where I was born and raised,” the woman raised her chin slightly, leaving no doubt of her sincerity in the statement, no chance that she might be misunderstood on that fact. “I hold no shame nor regret at how I have been influenced by that region. So I do not ask your pardon. But there is no longer any doubt that this particular matter is now connected to greater concerns that will affect so many more than just myself. The Lieutenant has just ensured it. I know that you will understand, perhaps better than others ..” she met the other woman’s blue eyes on a more personal level than before. Without needing to clarify why. It was no longer a secret. Pele’s personal role in it all. Not a secret to anybody who had been in that meeting, some months before. “For you once shared something of a very personal matter yourself, although not immediately, not before trying to deal with yourself, privately. But in the end, when it stood as a potential to endanger others … then. ”

The chin dropped then, grey eyes churned with a cloudy countenance. Like silt kicked up to muddy waters. They did not veer away in any hunt for a distraction from her audience now though.


“What you said, just now, about trusting one another. And the significance of it .. in days to come especially. It did not go unheard,” she let Pele know, softer now. “Neither is it the first time that I have heard the subject broached within my hearing,” she smiled even whilst shaking her head, recounting Duinion’s shock at hearing that she did not have in her life what most people would consider ‘friends' here. She sobered noticeably, in the memory of Arnyn’s abrupt departure from this very room, when the Lieutenant had met the doors which would not give way under any means of questioning. Isys did not give away a piece of herself when another asked for it. She waited until she was ready. Now she took a deep breath. Because now it was bigger than her. Now it mattered.

“It will not surprise you to hear that I have more than a passing acquaintance, .. with the man we know as Arkadhur. More than I have openly disclosed before,” and here the Ehtyar glanced toward the door that was almost closed. But not quite. She took a deep breath, to delay the inevitable still further. By but even a moment. “But before I even ask myself if the mission that the Lieutenant referenced is a wise decision for me to be a part of, I feel that you should decide, whether something I must now tell you, may or may not change your own feeling about my being involved. ” She frowned, and then caught back a meeting of grey eyes to the Captain’s blue. "There is .. issue."

[Pele Alarion]

@Ercassie , @Rillewen
Cadil
Headquarters, End of November

“I don’t even know if I won’t mess up,” Cadil muttered, doing his best to cover up the insecurity he felt. “How can someone else know that better. But yeah… I suppose I will try and see how this turns out.” He would have wanted to complain some more about difficulties faced even before proper training, but it would be folly to do it right here in the midst of all the Rangers.

“Ah. We’ve run into each other,” he happily took to distraction, and smiled at approaching Trastion. “Though I don’t think it was long enough to build proper friendship. I surely don’t mind these circumstances instead of those of the first meeting.”

~~~~~

Captain Pele Alarion
Command Office

When Isys began to speak Pele appeared to have all the time in the world available to her, and she simply waited for continuation as she took a sip of the tea, yet without setting the cup aside right after. A flicker of anger might have touched her eyes briefly when the fire was mentioned. While neither the anger nor the pain was acute and strong any longer, the thought of all the mayhem still upset her. However, another small sip of tea seemed to wash the bitter reminder away, and she set it aside along with the cup.

It was Pele’s turn to pause after she had heard everything the Ehtyar had to say, and she took a while to sort through what seemed like a sudden flood of information.

“I have no intention to judge the way you grew up or how the region settles its matters,” she began quietly, and there was no judgement in her blue gaze, though it was keen and intent. “And I believe you would have a wealth of insight no others among us might have. However, my topmost concern is for the safety of people I am responsible for.”

She paused again, and then asked: “Say… your issue. Would it affect your decisions, your priorities? Would you be compromised to the point where your participation in the mission would make you a danger to others?” Pele’s gaze held Ilisys’ greys. “How would you assess it yourself? I would like to have your honest answer before I make any decision.”

There were other questions in her mind, related to Arkadhur, yet she felt that it would be unwise to press Isys with those right away, perhaps not here and now.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie @Pele Alarion

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Headquarters - End of November

Approaching, Trastion offered a friendly smile to both his roommate and the other guy. "Hi. Hope I didn't interrupt anything.. I just wanted to say, hello! I didn't expect to see you here." He said to Cadil. He nodded in answer to Nal. "Yes, we have, although briefly," he gave a little grin at Cadil's reply that it was better circumstances. "Yes, much better than last time.." He agreed, unsure whether he ought to bring up any further details about that first meeting. But he was quite curious why Cadil was here.

"So.. can I take your presence here to mean you're going to be joining us soon?" He asked Cadil, with a brief glance toward Nal to see if he knew any such answers. It seemed almost like it would have to be that, right? Why else would he have been permitted to come to this meeting, when they were bringing up this rather secretive information about plans to invade Umbar and such. So, it seemed hopeful that Cadil might soon be joining the rangers, right? Trastion figured it would be nice to have a few more folks around his own age, although he was pretty sure he was still the youngest ranger.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Thûllir Bregedŷr & Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters - End of November

Thûllir could feel the energy vibrating through Kaylin as she waited for Pele to finish her exhortation. The brush of her thumb was enough warning to draw his attention back as she spoke up with clear confidence to say she had no questions and was in for the mission. A slight smile crossed his lips as he shifted his attention to her as bumped fists with Arnyn on her other side. He nodded confirmation as he ghosted his thumb over hers in answer where their hands were woven together. “And I will join you.” His voice was quiet but still clear enough to be heard.

Ziran heard and cast him a look and a nod. Yes, it made sense for both of them to be on the projected mission. Her gaze moved on across the gathering as Captain Pele gave them leave to go and think about their answers. Many more looked thoughtful than eager, and she noticed Mourgan’s downcast gaze and clenched jaw. She breathed out a slight sigh. She wasn’t the only one wrestling with the decision, although they all had varied reasons. As Pele moved off to her office, Ziran shifted her shoulders before turning to Thûllir and Kaylin, trying to lighten her own mood. “I’m going to head out. Come by The Bay of Belfalas for dinner and we can toast your shiny new clasp.” She figured that would strike a happy medium of being in public and sociable enough without being as loud as the Wayfarers got at times, although they could move there afterwards if desired, and give Kaylin time for rest after her long night. Thûllir flashed a brief grin and cast a glance at Kaylin before replying. “I’d like that. We’ll let you know if anything changes, but count on us for now.”

Ziran nodded and stepped back to turn for the door, noticing Duinion’s approach and tipping her chin in acknowledgement briefly. “Duinion.” She continued her turn away before pausing in thought and stepping behind them instead to make her way over to Arnyn’s side. She lightly touched the Lieutenant’s arm to draw her attention before speaking in a quiet undertone. “Well done.” Her statement encompassed the speech and presentation as well as all the research and planning that had been required. “It can’t have been easy. Such things never are. Thank you for taking up this challenge and striving for justice.” She wanted Arnyn to know that, whether or not she herself could bring herself to join the mission.

Duinion’s greeting drew Thûllir’s attention away from where it had reverted to Kaylin after he watched the varied individuals rearrange themselves around the room or disappear further into the offices. He had seen the man moving from across the room by the window, but was pleasantly surprised to hear his greeting and congratulations. “Thank you, Duinion.” He clasped the man’s hand for a firm shake before releasing it as the other Tirdinen shifted his attention to Kaylin.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - End of November

The gentle bump of Kaylin's forearm against hers, made Arnyn smile slightly, despite the topic. While the Lieutenant was surprised by Cadil's earlier outburst, he was not a ranger at present. And even if Pele was clearly considering making him one, he would be a trainee. Not a full-fledged member of the unit, as Kaylin was. When Thûllir added he would join Kaylin, Arnyn looked to him past Kaylin and nodded at him. He'd be a very welcome addition to the mission. Not to mention... he might help keep Kaylin level-headed throughout - if she were to need it.

Arnyn didn't miss the way Mourgan was staring at the floor, and even if she would have liked him to volunteer, she also appreciated that he was taking the time to seriously consider whether he would be able to keep it together. The Lieutenant had not forgotten about his response to the meeting in this very building, back in Nárië.

Pele soon closed the meeting, and Arnyn drew in a slow, deep breath as she watched the Captain, assessing her friend's body language. She wanted to check about a few things with Pele, Cadil's presence among them, but she supposed it could wait a moment. She would admit it somehow became both more and less difficult to wait when she saw Isys heading for the command office. Mulling over the question of whether or not to wait for the Ehtyar's exit before venturing over to the Captain herself, Arnyn was looking rather thoughtful by the time Duinion had walked over to speak with Thûllir and Kaylin, next to her, and an unexpected touch to her arm brought her to turn toward Karis.

Who was... complimenting her? Arnyn blinked at the unexpected words, before her lips curved into a bit of a smile. "No, such things never are." As Karis would know, having been in a Captain's position more than long enough. Arnyn gave her friend a gauging look. "You have time to think it over. There is no wrong answer, only that which is the right one for you," she said quietly, as she mentally listed several reasons why Karis might be hesitant to commit to this particular endeavour.

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters - End of November

To hear Thûllir's simple and unquestioning words, which at once made it clear he would have expected nothing different from her as well as that he'd be joining the mission, made Kaylin look over at him with the smile she reserved just for him. How he knew and accepted her. Moments like these still felt like a carress of the heart.
When Ziran spoke to invite them to the Bay of Belfalas for dinner, Kaylin was pleasantly surprised. Thûllir beat her to a reply for once, and she nodded when he glanced at her. Of course they could go, as far as she was concerned. "Good idea," she grinned at Karis, after Thûllir had spoken his piece.

Kaylin's face wasn't hiding approval when Duinion came over to congratulate Thûllir. She was smiling brightly by the time the man turned to her. "I'm doing great," she told him without any sort of hesitation. "I hope you and Eryn are, as well? She and I really need to get together soon," Kaylin spoke her thoughts out loud. "I might go find her at the houses of healing tomorrow. She gets lunch breaks, right?" she checked with Duinion, figuring he could also give his daughter a heads up.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn @Karis Ziranphel

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor

Noticing Karis nodding as he approached Thullir, Duinion returned the nod of greeting, but she soon went to speak to Arnyn, so he didn't try to extend any further greeting to her. Which made it slightly easier for him, anyway, having fewer people around. Perhaps, some other day, he would have more opportunity to speak with her more. One new person at a time, he told himself with a little mental amusement.

Returning the other man's handshake with equal firmness, he smiled at him as they ended the shake. "Nice to have another Tirdenen in the club," He lightly joked. He hadn't heard of there being any other rangers with that rank, but if there were any, they'd been even more reclusive than himself. While he knew it was possible, he rather doubted it.

As Kaylin asked about him and Eryn, he nodded while still wearing the smile. "Yes, we've been keeping busy, but we are all well." He answered, including Aggie and the others in that. "Yes, she gets lunch breaks." He confirmed with a little smile. "She has been missing you, too." He agreed, knowing his daughter would be happy to see Kaylin again. As far as he knew, she hadn't seen her since Kaylin left for Linhir, back in September. "Also, I wanted to thank you more fully for your aid.. before." Kaylin would know what he meant.

"It must be nice for you both to be back home, after being gone for so long," he commented, looking at them both to include Thullir. "I remember how nice it was to finally get home again, after my trip to Rohan back in the spring." He was glad his traveling group hadn't encountered any serious trouble, although he'd heard that Kaylin and Thullir had not been so fortunate. "I hope you didn't have to fight off too many dust bunnies from your house?" He was well aware of how quickly dust could accumulate in a house when no one is there to regularly dust it.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

There was a heavy frost on the ground as Trastion wandered out of the barracks, dressed in suitable winter layers. He hoped that he would soon be warm enough to actually want to peel some of them off, but for now, he was not ready for that. As winter arrived, it became more difficult for him to leave his nice, warm covers and go out into the frigid darkness for this daily training. Yesterday, he'd had a break from it, since Arnyn had had the day off. Therefore, he had taken advantage of that break and slept in until the rest of his roommates were awakening.

His hair, thankfully, was back to normal by now. The night of the masquerade, he'd left a bit earlier than some of the others, and had spent a long while trying to wash the orangish dye out of it. To little avail. Therefore, he'd worn a knitted hat all night and the next, which thankfully, didn't look too out of place during this time of year. Kaylin had come to his rescue, by the afternoon, so he was relieved to have it back to its normal color.. mostly. Close enough for the average observer not to notice the difference, anyway.

Trastion had his cloak wrapped close around himself as he headed out of the barracks and toward the little training area that he and Arnyn used every day at this time. Noticing Cali was already opening armor, and had the forge lit, he decided to cut through there, and hopefully 'steal' a little of the warmth from it as he passed through. "Morning," Trastion greeted her quietly.

"Morning." She smiled as she stoked the coals up a bit.

"It's so cold," He mentioned with a little shiver, holding his hands out toward it, figuring it would be fine to take a moment to warm them.

"That's why I started this up first thing," Cali replied amusedly. "I don't think she's out there yet." She added, having not yet seen Arnyn, but she could be wrong.

"Thanks." He answered, then peeked out of the window to see if Arnyn was there yet. If she wasn't, he'd wait in here where it was warm while he waited for her, but if she was already there, then he'd go out to meet her.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters - End of November

"That's good," Kaylin said, a bit more quietly than she otherwise would, when Duinion said they were all busy but well. It really was good to hear that, considering what the situation had been when she and Thûllir had left for Linhir. WIth Eryn having gone missing and apparently having been briefly abducted - it must have been... well, a lot. She'd pried the full story out of Arnyn, on the way back to Minas Tirith after their bandit encounter. Crazy stuff. "Of course," she reacted to his words of thanks. "That went without saying. She's my friend and you're a fellow ranger. You know?" Kaylin perked up a little when Duinion said Eryn had been missing her. That was always nice to hear. "I was thinking to invite her over to our place in a few days. Thûllir's on duty then and I'm looking for a way to fill my evening without spending it out in some inn for a change." She grinned. "If it's okay with you that she comes by after her healing training? I know it's getting dark soon these days, but I can bring her home myself. Or she can sleep over in our spare room," Kaylin suggested, glancing at Thûllir to see what his response to that might be. It wasn't like they were using the additional room for anything at present, anyway... "She'd be safe with us," she reassured Duinion, wanting to alleviate any concern she imagined a father would rightfully have.

As Duinion commented on how it must be good to be back home, Kaylin only nodded at him with a smile. With it having been over two months since they'd been home (with them leaving for their vacation early September, and only returning with the other rangers mid-November), they'd definitely needed to clean house a little. Get new food supplies, all that. And winter things. Thankfully, Thûllir was an organised man. He'd made sure of it that there'd been no food in the house that could have turned, during their planned absence, at least. Kaylin emphatically looked at Thûllir. She'd let him take this one. Every once in a while, her ranger needed a little... push... when it came to being sociable. Probably not unlike the Tirdinen before them...

---

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

Arnyn had walked up to the sixth, already wearing part of the training gear she'd need for her sparring match with Kaylin, later. She wasn't wearing most of the plate yet, however, only having donned the breast and back plate. She had left what remained at her house. She could pass by to put that on before she went down to the training grounds later. A thick black winter cloak covered everything for now. It was cold, but thankfully dry, on her way up to the ranger buildings.

As always, she passed through the armoury on her way to her usual training session with her apprentice. He'd been making excellent progress, actually picking up a number of things faster than she'd expected beforehand, which only made her want to teach him more. Everything he learned, he'd be able to use if it came to a confrontation, not only a ranger-related one, but a stepfather-related one as well. She'd gotten increasingly anxious about that, of late. Maybe because she was getting more and more invested in what would happen to the young man?

"Good morning!" she said as she stepped in sight of the ranger smith and then saw Trastion was already there, too. Arnyn smiled. "Cali. Taras." She took off her cloak, since it was much warmer in here and she would have to take it off for training anyway. "How are you two doing today?" Her dark eyes settled on Tras. "We best not delay overlong. I shouldn't be late to fight Kaylin." The Lieutenant glanced at Cali. "She'll be using the Maethyr," she informed the weapon's maker.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

"Morning!" Cali greeted Arnyn, then made a little nod toward where Trastion was looking out of the window.

Trastion turned when he heard Arnyn's voice. "Good morning." He answered her greeting less cheerfully. When she mentioned plans to fight Kaylin, he pretended as if he had not already known that. "Oh? That sounds interesting." He commented.

"Ohh, is she?" Cali smiled. "Let me know how that goes, will you?" She asked. "Also, if you don't mind, will you ask Kaylin to let me know how she likes it, in use and all? I'm curious how it will work for someone in actual use."

While Cali was speaking, Trastion copied Arnyn by taking off his cloak as well. He was wearing his armor, same as he always did for their training sessions, and had his sword hanging at his side. Once Arnyn had replied to Cali, he moved for the door and waited until Arnyn approached before opening it to allow her through first.

[Ercassie]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta, with Cadil and Trastion.
Main hall, Headquarters, end of November.

Unalmis had brightened noticeably when Cadil confirmed that he was going to try at least. He swiftly waved off Trastion’s apology for ‘interrupting’, sure that more welcome and encouragement could not hurt here in the least. He assumed, from what was said that the two others had probably come across one another in a pub or tavern or the type. Given what he knew of each of them, it seemed the most likely of venues, and equally the greatest chance for that first impression to be easily improved upon. Let alone why he had not been aware of it until now.

"I'm not going to ask," he promised, not quite from disapproval, but rather more in the hopes of avoiding any awkwardness. Trastion at least had gained himself rather a sore reputation on the score of being drunk and disorderly. In the barracks no less. And while that certainly would not be forgotten, there was no point to raising it any further than that in conversation. It didn't sound like they would like to revisit the story anyway.

“He is re-joining,” Nal did put in though, with meaning to move on with an answer to his room mate’s question. “Is the Captain training you herself, Cadil, or simply playing dares, to see what she can make you attempt in an effort to win her over ?” he wondered aloud. Inviting Trastion to wade in on the conversation about training also, if he wished. It was certainly a subject that even the youngest of them was familiar with. "Many would kill for the honour of learning from such a legend."

---

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl, with Captain Pele Alarion,
Command office, HQ. End of November

She had entertained a lot of time to think about quite what to say, so that when the moment to do so arrived, she had dawdled a little in slowly leading up to the thing. Once it was spoken then, Isys might have relaxed. But relief was not entirely the mood, when revealing a something she had so long feared for anybody to find out about. It was an alien concept to discuss it at all really outside of her own internal considerations. The very very small count of people who knew about it, had refrained from talking about it at all unless they very much had to. But this was finally a case of having to. And it was with somebody who likely had not ever expected to be privy to it.

Isys waited then, allowing for Pele to absorb the information, aware that it would be something that the Captain had not had such a substantial time as she had, to try to understand. The Belfalasian had still not completely come to terms with it herself. But the other woman’s answer, when it came, was neither upsetting or unfair, It was exactly the good sort of sense which ought to have been expected really. And a far cry from the sort of interrogation which she might have expected from others.


“I would hope that it does not affect things, and yet I can not deny that perhaps it has done. Thus far,” she admitted, without shying away at all. She was certainly not the only Ranger who remained far from an open book. There was and should be always a rather delicate line between a comrade’s privacy and their professionalism. This mission though .. It was certainly relevant and to not disclose it, now, when it might likely come out anyway .. This was the right thing to do. It was the right time. “Perhaps it has kept me from trusting wholly in others, when it might have else been more productive to have done so. I do not trust .. easily. But I do not doubt that my priority to keep this secret, may have caused others to glean that I am keeping something back. I can not blame their questions any more than I have felt comfortable to answer them.

So I do not wish to unload the matter of my issue to a crowded room, for it is none of their business. Any more than I would expect to be informed of their own private business. But .. they trust you. It was my thinking that by telling you the truth of it, those who are not told may still have no reason to trust me than they did before. Except that they trust you. So if you can trust me .. knowing what you .. do now, well .. that might put both their and my own minds somewhat at rest. And your own, I hope.”

She shrugged, a habit born perhaps of recent time spent with another. As though performing the gesture might suggest she was acclimatising to more local trends. Or trying to. “I should say .. for the record, that he .." she took a breath and mended the intention, "Arkadhur," she said it now matter of fact. "He is finally officially and actually arrived in custody of the Prince’s dungeons, in Dol Amroth,” she added, as though recalling that perhaps she ought to reassure the woman of that much. “I am not sure how much you were made aware of, that occurred behind scenes of the Joust at Lond Col. But he was located, recaptured, and since handed back to the proper authorities. So if nothing else, I can assure you that the prisoner will not throw any further works into your planning for this mission. He is handled.”

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

Arnyn nodded when Trastion said her fighting Kaylin sounded interesting. "She wanted a rematch, after the one we had in the summer. We are finally getting around to it today. In just a few hours."

Cali's curiosity made the Lieutenant smile. "Of course. I'll tell you all about it when I get back to headquarters later today. I am pretty sure Kaylin will come and report back to you soon enough, as well," she told Cali. "She is very excited about using the weapon you made, and I get the feeling she will want to tell anyone who wants to hear all about it. She knows you will make a captive audience."

Noting Trastion going to the door, she followed suit. He let her pass through, as usual, before he came outside as well. "Alright," she stated, rubbing her hands together briefly. "Let's get warmed up." There was little need to tell him how. They had had countless of these sessions by now. Trastion knew what was expected of him.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

"Sounds good." Cali smiled at the lieutenant. "And, good luck with your match." She added, although she had little idea of how good Kaylin might be with her weapon. Cali had seen Arnyn through the window, training with Trastion. She'd also seen her fighting that sorceress. She knew the woman was good. Kaylin was known as a master of the sword, so she guessed that she was also pretty good. But she'd never had a chance to see her practice or anything. She smiled after the pair as they set off outside to begin their usual morning routine, then she got started on the first of her jobs for the day. A shoulder piece that needed repairs.


Trastion shivered slightly as he followed Arnyn outside, the cold of the pre-dawn morning that much more noticeable without his cloak on. "Right." he agreed, when she said to warm up. He still felt a little sleepy, but figured that would change by the time he had gone through his warmup exercises. He knew them well enough by now that he didn't need to focus too much on them. Therefore, he let his mind drift back to thinking about the other night. The good moments, and the less enjoyable ones.

After losing count of how many pushups he had done, Trastion paused, thinking back to the last number he remembered getting up to, and started back from there. By the time he had finished with all of them, he'd done a few extra. He sat up, taking a few deep breaths. "Did you have a good time the other night?" He asked, glancing over at Arnyn, curious because he didn't think he had seen her at the dance. But he also thought she had been planning to go. "The dance, I mean.." He clarified. "There weren't very many people that I was able to recognize. At least.. not many that I know from here." He added with a little frown.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

She'd joined Trastion for the push-ups, though she made sure not to tire her muscles out today. She needed to be fresh enough for the match against Kaylin. Trastion didn't seem to question it, and that gave her pause. That Trastion then asked her - out of the blue - about the masquerade... Arnyn tilted her head and crossed her arms loosely. In the end, she didn't have to think very long about his first question. It mostly just surprised her that he would bring it up.

"Yes, I did have a good time. It's not because you didn't recognize people, that they were not there," she pointed out with an amused half-smile, before moving on to the next warm-up exercise. "Did you?" she returned the question, figuring that whatever was really on his mind, would come out soon enough. "Have fun?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Did he have fun? Trastion hesitated as he sat back on his heels, taking the opportunity to stretch his arms behind him, hands clasped together. "There were some good moments," He admitted with a little smile, recalling the great moment when he saw his stepbrother get wine thrown in his face. Also, dancing with his sister had been really nice. Even if he couldn't let her know who he was.

"My.. family was there." He mentioned, glancing at her. That had been gnawing at him, making him worry. All day yesterday, he'd felt like he had to keep his eyes peeled to watch for them.. worrying that they might recognize him if they did catch a glimpse of him. Therefore, after finding Kaylin at the Wayfarer, and going back to her house so she could help him with his hair issue, he'd stayed in the barracks as much as possible.

As he informed her of that, Trastoin tried not to let the anxiety show on his face.. trying to maintain a calm expression like Arnyn would do. As he spoke of the next thing, however, a little grin broke through as he shifted into position for the next warmup exercise. "My stepbrother apparently offended some lady well enough that she flung some wine in his face. That was... amazing.. and also quite well deserved." He let the somewhat smug grin spread on his face so that it could help conceal the concern that he was hiding beneath. "I was dancing with someone at the time, but I was lucky enough to happen to be turned just the right way to see it happen."

[Lantaelen]

@Arnyn

Lord Abrazimir Dimaethor
Afternoon, Dec. 23rd
Rangers Headquarters, Minas Tirith, Gondor

---

Sometime in late Autumn, after the meeting with Lieutenant Dealedwen in Harlond…

The small group led by Lord Abrazimir Abrazimir surveyed the sharp bay that cut into the cliff walls of shore, just westwards of Lond Côl. Here was where, after the escape from Umbar in the late Third Age, with other friends and comrades, they had scuttled the stolen Corsair vessel – the Sea Scythe - in what was a natural deep harbourage. Where the water stayed many dozens of feet deep, right to the shore and the cliffs, rather than gradually slope downwards from the ground to the deep sea level. He recalled watching the ship descend into the depths, like a ball sinking into a pocket. There it rested, still, years after the War and incident, never to trouble the waters and Free Peoples of Middle Earth.

Well, here they were again, with a party of strong men, and a specialized deep sea diver, to look for something very important for a mission.

They were here to look for a flag. A standard and banner, of Umbar.

It was there somewhere. In a chest lined with whale skin – a cruelty typical of the Corsairs, to slay so majestic a beast of the high seas, and use it for various purposes. Like guarding and preserving their treasures against the very waters they traverse and claimed to dominate. That’s what the deep sea diver was from, brought in from the shores and mouths of the Anduin, where such men practiced the art of endurance swimming and breath-holding. Abrazimir paid him out of pocket for this service. And to keep his mouth shut about what they found.

Well, several times, this diver swam down to the sunken ship, searching it’s bays and holds for the chest. When he located it, he returned, where the men unfurled a long rope with a hook, which the diver took down to attach to a handle of the chest. Then, with great effort and labour, they hauled the chest from the depths of the vessel, the diver clearing any obstacles, and managed to drag it out to land.

Did they find what they sought…?

---

Today, months later, Lord Abrazimir Dimaethor and four men dressed in the livery of Lond Côl entered the Headquarters of the Rangers. Two men bore this very chest, now dry and slightly snow stained, while others bore more manageable packages of gear, equipment, and a few weapons of the make and style of Umbar. The ram was left on the deck of his battleship, as always covered with thick sheets to stave off it’s evil eye effect on the men’s moods…

The men approached the offices of Lieutenant Dealedwen where the next meeting and planning session of their joint operation against the remaining Corsairs was to be discussed. Abrazimir had the men set down their tokens and trophies on a nearby table, the chest put on the floor, with the uniforms and weapons of the Corsairs arranged on a table. For their aid, Abrazimir produced a few coins for the men’s efforts. He knew they would have done it regardless because of their oaths of fealty to him and his family, but they deserve this. And he hoped gratitude would be a factor in them keeping their mouths shut about this.

These particular men were not the same as those who hauled the chest out of the ship. Abrazimir hoped his idea of compartmentalizing the tasks kept the retrieval under shrouds of uncertainty and obscurity. As far as his people were aware, they were turning in trophies to the central administration of Gondor’s military forces for glory and recognition, nothing more. And he was in no rush to disabuse them of that notion anytime soon.

With word given of his arrival, he waited respectfully to be summoned into the interior of the office of Lieutenant Dealedwen, ready to plot out the next stage of their mission, to restore peace and security to all Gondor and the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

His family. Arnyn frowned slightly at that, before a sense of concern settled deep in her stomach. He hadn't just said 'stepfather'. He'd said 'family'.If his mother had been there... but most of all, it was the sister Arnyn was worried about. The sister he had been writing to. If he hadn't been able to resist writing, then... had he been able to resist approaching her at the masquerade? With the anonymous opportunity it provided? She hoped so. For if his stepfather had been there... maybe he'd been looking for young men approaching his daughter. To determine possible candidates... Please, please - let him have been wise about it.

As Trastion continued, he spoke of something that could only be referring to one, rather specific situation. Which had, unbeknownst to all rangers except for Kaylin, involved Arnyn. It took a second for that to filter through her worries, and combined with the surprise that the man she'd doused in red wine had been Taras' stepbrother led to a rather spontaneous response from the Lieutenant. "Wait - that was your stepbrother?!"

[Pele Alarion]

@Ercassie , @Rillewen
Cadil
Headquarters, End of November

“Ah, no interruptions, Trastion. If there was anything to interrupt in a random casual conversation,” Cadil said with a grin, and then noted to Nal: “Perhaps the story of how we ended up meeting would be fit in a different setting. Who knows…”

“Suppose, re-joining it is,” he then said with a slight frown. “I haven’t started any proper training yet, and not even sure whether I will be allowed. But being called in here probably means some hope of it.” He could not help but roll his eyes slightly. “Guess it was a dare, she made me run for it much worse than you did back at the time, Nal. The big bag and all. I think I made a fool of myself.”

He looked at Trastion then with a slight grin. “Who knows, you might still regret knowing anything about me,” he warned.

@Ercassie
Captain Pele Alarion
Command Office

Pele could easily see how Isys might appear more secretive to people, even she had thought her mysterious and unpredictable at time, yet never to the point where she would think that the Ehtyar was purposefully hiding things with an aim to harm the cause of Rangers. Besides, it would be difficult to demand full transparency from everyone when she did not come out with all the secrets she had. There were certainly different matters and different times for being open, and not everything concerned the Rangers directly. Perhaps it was a faulty thinking on her part, but it seemed fitting with how she saw things.

“I certainly appreciate you coming here and being honest about how things stood,” the Captain then said. “And it is a relief that Arkadhur is held away from interfering with the mission.” She kept herself from saying that she thought him as capable of switching any number of roles as he liked to mess with people, probably even to a greater level than she had seen Shamara do.

“I would trust you,” Pele said, and then added with a small smile. “Though I cannot claim that I always understand why you do certain things. But I doubt you’d seek to harm any of the Rangers or the aim of protecting our people. For why else would you be serving? But I can also return the question to you – do you trust me enough to follow when it matters most?”

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Trastion wasn't really sure why she frowned, but he figured it was probably for the same reason he felt like frowning. The fact that his family being there meant that his stepfather and stepbrother had been there, both of posed a threat to him. Also, the fact that them coming to the city meant that they were surely still in the city, even now. After all, he couldn't imagine them coming all the way here only to leave immediately after the event was done. They'd stay for a few days, he guessed, at least.

And then there were other reasons for him to frown. The condition of his mother's health, for one... he had seen her, himself. After all these years, it was strange to actually see her from afar, and not be able to approach. To speak to her. But, he had been able to speak to his sister, without her realizing who he was. And she had mentioned her mother's health was poor. That concerned him a lot.

Trastion was pulled from his thoughts about that when Arnyn let out a very surprised response to his words about Togg. He gave a little laugh, looking back at her. "Yeah, it was." he answered, then paused. Blinked as it began to click. Then, he shifted and stared at Arnyn incredulously. "Wait. That.. that was you?!" He asked, shocked as well as.. amazed? Amused? He wasn't even sure what his emotion was. That Arnyn would have done that... wow! And then, he had actually danced with her and never even realized!

---

@Ercassie @Pele Alarion

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Headquarters - End of November

Trastion flashed a brief grin toward Nal when his roommate declared that he was not going to ask. He was a bit glad for that, since it wasn't really a story he'd enjoy repeating. Especially not with Thullir somewhere over there, celebrating, and probably not too eager to be reminded of that rather bad day for Kaylin. Best to let that incident fade from the memory of all involved, he figured.

Hearing that Cadil was joining, or rather rejoining, Trastion smiled. "Ah! Welcome, then!" He said to Cadil. Somehow, it was nice to know that he would not be the only trainee around, anymore. "Are you going to be staying in the barracks or do you have a place already?" He wondered, just out of curiosity.

"I'm no authority on it, but I would imagine that you're probably already 'in' if she's called you here for this meeting, which is apparently for rangers only. Right?" Trastion glanced at Nal for some sort of confirmation, as he seemed to be far more familiar with their captain than himself. In fact, he had personally had very few interactions with the woman. The day he had enlisted, another day that he and Romeran had gone riding in the Pelennor together, and another day when he'd gotten swept up into a training session with her... and the recent mission. That seemed like very little, compared to how much time he had spent with Arnyn, both in training and out of training.

"Why would I regret knowing anything about you?" He asked Cadil with a laugh. "You seem alright. Good in a fight, at least, from what I can tell." He shrugged. "I look forward to getting to know you a bit more, and maybe seeing you around a bit." He considered for a moment, then added, "From what I've seen of the captain, she doesn't seem to be all that harsh or anything," He spoke slowly, hoping he wasn't giving any incorrect information. "I mean, I showed up to enlist all covered in mud, remember Nal?" He asked, grinning with amusement before continuing, "And she let me join." He mentioned, amused at the recollection of it. "I thought sure she was going to kick me out at the very sight of me." He laughed. "Instead, she asked me if I knew any other ranger skills, besides camouflage."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

Her surprise was replaced by amusement when Trastion fell into a surprise of his own. Arnyn first contained her amusement, but the shock plastered all over his face, along with the fact that this was Taras , that no one else was around, and that she was in a rather good mood, made it difficult to keep it up for long. She laughed, looking down for a moment, before grinning at her trainee. "Maybe," she said, before shaking her head and dropping the act. "I couldn't believe you didn't put two and two together when I told you it was interesting for me to follow your lead, for once." Curious to see if it would embarras him to have danced with her, Arnyn tilted her head as she gauged his expression. "Guess my disguise was better than yours," she teased.

Unable to stay away from what was now troubling her for long, though, she had to ask..."Speaking of... Did you approach any of them?" she inquired, trying to keep her tone inquisitive and otherwise neutral. "Your family. Or did any of them happen to talk to you?"

---

@Lantaelen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Afternoon
Ranger Headquarters

After Trevadir and Renia had left the office, Arnyn had gone over her notes, adding in the new information where she could. Then she had lost herself in Devedir's captain's log. A light frown rested upon her face as she was going through it, looking for hints about future plans, but also trying to figure out how the man's mind worked - if she could - and what his usual movements were.

With the door to the office open, as it usually was, she heard the arrival of what sounded like a few people. And the voice of Abrazimir Dimaethor. Right. Her last official order of business for the day which involved others. Probably.

The Lieutenant looked to the door as the sounds quieted down. She shut the log and pushed it off to the side of the desk, and rose from her chair to stretch her legs. After stretching her neck a little too, she rolled her shoulders before striding for the door. It had been a long day already. But it was going to be much longer, still.

"Good afternoon," she bid the small group in the common tongue since she was unsure whether they would all speak Sindarin, nodding at the four men separately before her brown eyes rested on Abrazimir. "Lord Dimaethor," she singled him out, assessing his overall demeanour before her gaze swept over the chest and the items on a nearby table. The Lieutenant stepped back into the office, making room. "Glad you could make it. Come in." She would leave it up to him what he would do with his men as well as the chest and the trophies. Leave them out there? Bring them in so he could show her certain items?

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Trastion dropped his head down, trying for a moment to hold back laughter at the realization that he had actually danced with Arnyn and had not even recognized her! He couldn't believe himself for not realizing who she was. Giving in to some laughter, he took a moment to get over that before speaking again. "Wow.. yes, your disguise was good. Accent and all." He grinned. "But then, I had a fake accent too... so I should have realized I might not be the only one." He shook his head in amusement at himself. As she mentioned her parting words, and how she was surprised he had not realized it then, he ran a hand through his hair as he thought back to that moment. "I did find it a bit odd." He admitted. "I assumed that the lady from Belfalas must have mistaken me for someone she knew.." He shrugged and looked back at her when she mentioned her disguise being better than his.

"Well.. it helps that I did tell you I was going to be dressed as a fox." He pointed out, amusement glinting in his eyes. He had told her that so that she would be able to easily find him in case he was to need any assistance at any point during the night, not that he'd really thought he would need it, but when someone is out to kill you, it made sense to him to take that little precaution.

His amusement faded as he grew more solemn, upon her asking about his family. Had he approached any of them? Or did they talk to him? He hesitated. "Well..." He tried to think how to explain it without her overreacting. "I first heard my stepbrother's voice while he was standing by the bar. He was drunk, and being very obnoxious, so I recognized his voice right away. So, I moved away from the bar and quickly asked someone to dance.. the first lady I came across that didn't have a partner already. I called her Lady Swan, which she seemed to like well enough." He explained. "I danced with her a few times, and that was when I saw you throw wine at him. It was.. one of the best parts of the night." He grinned, then focused on adjusting a piece of his armor that didn't actually need adjusting.

"Later.. after I danced with you, I went to speak to Lady Swan again, and she was sitting at a table with two of her friends, both younger than her. They asked me to join them, so I did." He glanced up. "While talking with them, I realized that the youngest girl at the table was my sister." he explained quietly. "As far as I know, she never realized who I was. But.. I knew who she was." He cleared his throat. "Lady Swan asked me to give a dance to each of her friends, so I obliged out of politeness." He smiled faintly. "So, I had a perfect excuse to dance with my little sister.. and talk to her. I didn't let her know who I was, though. Then I danced with the other girl twice, and I have no idea who she may have been. But, I figured, to any one watching it ought to only look like I was just being a nice obliging fellow that agreed to dance with the little girl because her older friends asked me to." Hopefully.

He watched Arnyn's reaction, hoping she would not find fault with his actions. "I also saw my mother and stepfather, from across the room. When they were leaving, and stopped to speak to my sister." He sighed. "I wanted so much to be able to speak to my mother, but I didn't dare. Especially, not with him right there by her." He shrugged. "So.. I think everything should be fine.. right?"

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

Not embarrassed, she was glad to note! She returned his grin when he commented on the accent she'd used. She nodded when he added he'd been using a fake accent too, so he shouldn't be all that surprised. It was incredibly entertaining to see Tras working through their interaction again, while running a hand through his hair like that. The Lieutenant laughed. "Yes, that you mentioned the fox thing was incredibly helpful," she grinned. That hadn't been a fair comparison at all. But it had been a funny one.

When Tras spoke of his stepbrother, that he'd heard his voice while he'd been at the bar himself, Arnyn rolled her eyes at her own recollection of the young man's obnoxious behaviour. "He was being arrogant and impolite," she agreed, offering her own thoughts on what she had heard of his stepbrother. It was good that Taras had stepped away. She smiled slightly at that, approving of that decision. She raised an eyebrow when he adjusted a piece of his armour, figuring the next part might be something she was not going to like, if he was avoiding eye contact like that - even if briefly. Taras had the tendency of looking away when he thought people weren't going to like something he was about to say, or when he wanted to be intentionally vague about something...

Arnyn listened quietly, not interrupting her trainee and apprentice as he told her what had happened with the different members of his family. So.. he had spoken and danced with his sister. But as far as he could tell, his sister was unaware of who he was. That meant he had not revealed himself to her and she had given no indication of any suspicions she might have had, if she had had any to begin with. Going over everything in her mind, Arnyn agreed that it did not sound like that would have been a problem. It had been a risk, but Tras had not known beforehand, and could she blame him for not running away the instant he had realized the girl was his sister? No. She could not. Would not.

As he mentioned wanting to talk to his mother, but not daring to, especially with his stepfather right there... Arnyn's heart sighed. That little shrug did not fool her. And his question... Arnyn remained silent for a moment as she watched him and was sorting through her thoughts and feelings on the matter.

"That must have been very difficult," she said quietly, moving closer to touch the same piece his armour that he had 're-adjusted' before. "Not saying anything to your sister about who you were, and that you are alright. Not approaching your mother. When they were both right there." Her hand moved to his shoulder, resting there. "You did well, Taras. I'm proud of you."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

"I'm not surprised," He answered, rolling his eyes when she mentioned that Togg had been being arrogant and impolite. "He always gets like that when he drinks too much." Trastion glanced at her. "I am curious what he said, but if you'd rather not say, I'll understand." he shrugged. Then, thinking back to what they had talked about while they danced, he laughed lightly. "By the way, I did mean it when I said it was a highlight of the night." He smiled. "I did tell you how he once threw some alcohol in my face, right?" He was pretty certain he had told her that tale. Probably while he was in the houses of healing, or maybe it had been in the Training grounds. "I've heard it said that you reap what you sow." He added with a little smile, shrugging.

He was glad that she listened without interrupting him, when he spoke about dancing with his sister, and seeing the others. As she finally did speak, he nodded slightly. It had been difficult. He smiled faintly as she put a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks. I was glad to be able to dance with Linn. But she made me sad.. she spoke of how much she missed.. me. Only, she only referred to 'her brother'. I.. told her that she reminded me of a friend I used to have, whom I hadn't seen in years." he smiled sadly. "And I told her that I'm sure her brother misses her as much as she misses him. I think maybe it helped her. I hope so, anyway." He sighed. "But she isn't the only one I'm worried about."

He had forgotten about trying to go through his warmups by now, and wrapped his arms around himself. He was getting a bit chilled, now that he wasn't doing any activity. "She mentioned that her mother's health was poor. That she had to take breaks often, so she didn't get to dance but a few times during the slower songs." He explained. "I had hoped.. well.." He sighed. "I'm worried about her. But I don't know what to do. She's got a nurse who hardly leaves her side, or at least, that's how it was, last I heard. And there's a healer at the estate who, I'm sure, tends to her constantly. Yet, no one seems able to make her better. And she's too stubborn to let on, so she tries to keep it all secretive because she doesn't want the other lords and ladies to know she's got some sort of ailment," He huffed in frustration. "Like they can't figure it out." he muttered, rolling his eyes. He realized he might be ranting a little, and figured he ought to stop. Looking up at Arnyn, he sighed. "Sorry. It's like you said.. difficult."

[Ercassie]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta, with Cadil and Trastion.
Main hall, Headquarters, end of November.

When Cadil suggested that perhaps the story was more fit for another time, Unalmis tried on half a smile, in restrained support. After all, more than one of the ‘adventures’ he had known in the returned man’s company .. might have been quite difficult to recall afterward with only good humour. Still he had been grateful, on each of those occasions there had been, to have the amiable man there with him. Undergoing such things alone would have been .. far more difficult. For more than one reason. And he enjoyed the manner in which the fellow continued to surprise and amaze him. Like some sort of very modest magician.

“A friendship found in the not so best of times can turn out to be the best type of friendship,” he shrugged. “You know from the start that you can trust the other. That they have your back.” He glanced toward Trastion, with a knowing expression, recounting their meeting indeed. The mud … and the collaboration in the face of an enraged certain Barracks Master. And that was a story they might have all enjoyed, if it might not also discourage one of them from throwing himself into Lieutenant Brian’s custody as well.


“It would be less of a walk from here to home, if this was your home,” he appealed then to other assumed incentives, as the younger recruit asked if Cadil would also soon be lodging at the Barracks. He knew that the latter had family in the White City, so he had options. Unlike Trastion who had travelled far from his home and kin to enlist. But Nal too had family residing in Minas Tirith and he could not imagine living with his father rather than in the barracks. Not now that they were both finding themselves. And not without GrammyO there any more to stand as referee between them. Things were good when father and son spent time together .. as long as they did not have to do it too frequently.

“In any case, you are one of us, it is clear. You know about the secret mission and we shall have to kill you if you try to scuttle out of the corps now.” He offered Cadil a wide grin and a raised eyebrow to dispel any real threat of violence. “Spare us the sorry task that would be ! And don’t put yourself down so much. I mean, I am not sure I would enjoy running quite so much either, if I packed as heavy a bag as you do !” Extending his hands both horizontal and then vertical, he tried to convey the sheer volume of the other’s usual luggage size, to Trastion.


“Seems to me you’re being harder on yourself than the Captain is !” he teased. “I mean, yeh, she got me too,” he laughed along with his room mate. “First day. Absolutely soaking wet from the rain, I left puddles all down the corridor. I was lucky she was the one who found me. Of course she was still a Sergeant then. I guess I was lucky that they weren’t exactly turning recruits away in those days.” The Captain back then had been far too busy to personally accept the many numerous recruits that a kingdom in constant war was always gathering. It was different now. “And she probably doesn’t seem all that harsh to you, because you’ve been training with the Lieutenant,” he reminded Trastion honestly.

“But you think those pair are hard work ? I face the absolute unpredictable and don’t ever know quite what to expect, from training with the Ehtyar,” he rolled brown eyes as though it was any sort of complaint. When really all three of them were very fortunate to each have a more veteran Ranger showing such an individual interest in their career and wellbeing. “Lady Azrubel does not tend to use the Training Grounds. Prefers ‘improvising’ ..” he shook his head although he did not look especially disappointed. There were other reasons of course why his cousin’s .. new cousin by marriage .. was affording their work together such privacy. Ilisys had determined to help him be ‘prepared’. For what they had both known was coming, at some point, and now seemed almost imminent. They had a few things to work out between themselves on that score also. It was best nobody else bore witness to a lot of that. As to what little he actually knew of Trastion’s training with Arnyn, it consisted mostly of observing how exhausted it left his room mate. Rather less though, the longer that it went on, he had to admit. So it must be working. Whatever they were up to.

---

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl, with Captain Pele Alarion,
Command office, HQ. End of November

A small nod met Pele’s take on her admission. This had been the right call to commit to then, after all. It was a shame that Isys had not been able to manage this degree of frankness from the outset, but there, the Belfalasian had been bred in a world that favoured subtleties over the succinct.

“This Umbar .. concern,” she remarked then, feeling rather more comfortable now in her company to do so. “It does urge us to doubt those we have ever been taught to trust. While perhaps now more than ever, we must learn to find faith in those whom we do not understand. When there are men of Gondor committing the cruelties of piracy and smuggling, even while men of Umbar play at being respectable gentleman,” the Ehtyar sighed, seeming unsure if she were disheartened by her own opinion. “The lines are blurring,” she concluded, allowing for ripples of confusion to furrow her brow.


“At the very least, I am glad if I have not disappointed you,” the woman admitted. “I have trusted you with this, a confidence that I have not shared with any other here in Minas Tirith, besides my Handmaiden.” She allowed for Pele to realise how few in the city, in fact, were privy to what they had spoke of. And whom else was (or was not) aware, just in case. “Thankyou, for not asking me to explain. I am not entirely sure that I could manage that. So you see, I think you understand me rather better than even you realise,” she smiled.

“I should say though, that I did not trust you so, last winter, when upon the Cruise. I liked you then, and wished to keep you safe from hurt, but knew you less I think than I have come to since.” She had seen Pele’s hurt, the day that Shamara had first been found here, skulking in the kitchens. Isys had seen both Pele hurt, and also her hate. That was what she had recalled, that day on the cruise. But back then, she had not yet heard what Pele later did, when Relic had attacked the Barracks. Choosing the preservation of those she cared for, over justice against one who had harmed her … personally. That made a difference. That was the sort of leader that any soldier should wish to serve under. A commander who fought for want of peace, not for the sake of war.


“I trust you now, with all that I can,” she affirmed. “And would demonstrably place my hope and faith in your judgement, rather than mine own. For of the two of us, it is fair to say which has the far better track record, you must agree.” she smiled. “But I have taken enough of your time, I am certain.”

Isys turned then to depart.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

She smiled slightly. "It speaks to your credit that you worry for them and their wellbeing, Taras." Even so... she was kind of glad that his sister had told him she missed him. Without knowing she had actually been talking to him. "Even if it made you sad when she said she missed you... Part of me is glad you got to hear it. Your sister loves you. That is a beautiful thing. Despite everything. Isn't it?" Arnyn increased the pressure on Trastion's shoulder enough so he might feel it through his armour.

Hearing about his concerns for his mother's health... Well, it was harder to offer a reply to that. "I'm sorry to hear that." Her voice was quiet. Was Taras concerned that his mother might not last until he could return home? "It's alright," she reassured him gently, when he apologized. She was the only one here whom he could really talk to about this. "That you trust me enough to talk to me about this.." She tilted her head, not finishing the sentence but simply offering him a little smile.

Perhaps she should provide some sort of answer to his curiosity about what his stepbrother had said to her. While there was no way in all of Middle Earth that Arnyn would be repeating the ridiculous compliments the young man had thrown her way, she could tell Tras the things the his stepbrother had said which had actually prompted her to throw a drink at him. "Your stepbrother was being rude to the bartender," she offered. "He also claimed I had made him spill his drink. And how that meant I owed him a new one - though he might be satisfied with a dance instead," she said more slowly, trying to remember as correctly as she could. Arnyn shook her head. "He clearly assumed I would dance with him, simply because he told me it might please him." She raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what they are teaching young men in Belfalas these days... but it seems like either his education or his character, or both, are severely lacking." With a slight wave of her hand, Arnyn continued. "I preferred getting him a new drink rather than dancing with him. Even if that drink didn't quite leave the glass the way he probably hoped it would."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Trastion smiled faintly as she commented about his sister. "Yeah. I was glad to see her, and to see that she's doing alright, too." He added. "Did you see her, by chance?" He asked. "She had like a forest look going on. Called herself 'Forest Nymph'," he grinned. "I quite enjoyed seeing her love of the forest manifested in her choice of costume, I have to say."

He nodded when Arnyn offered sympathy about his mother's condition. He was glad that he had someone to talk to about all of this. It had been really hard during the prior years, when he was completely alone. He'd even considered trying to tame a squirrel to talk to, and he found it amusing to later learn, in one of Linn's letters, that she actually had a squirrel as a pet. And thinking of the fact he could talk to her, he wondered if he ought to ask her about something else that had been bothering him.

Before he could decide about that, Arnyn began speaking to him about what his stepbrother had said and done. He looked up, listening and feeling both incredulous and unsurprised at the same time. "Wow.." He muttered under his breath, resisting the urge to roll his eyes the more that he heard. Finally, as she concluded with the bit about getting him a new drink, and that it left the glass differently than he'd hoped, Trastion grinned, then laughed. "That's great." He happily revisualized the scene in his mind's eye, enjoying it just a bit more now that he knew a bit of the stuff behind it.

"I wanted to laugh so hard when I saw that happen," he grinned. "It was really challenging, trying not to react.. but I somehow managed.. mostly. I was dancing with a girl at the time, so I figured it might seem odd to her if I started applauding or something." He half-joked, then his smile faded slightly as he considered the other thing Arnyn had said. "He didn't learn that behavior from my family." He assured her. "My mother would be horrified to hear about that. And shocked.. he always acts like a perfect little angel around her, or in front of anyone else he wants to impress." He scoffed, rolling his eyes, along with a brief mutter under his breath. "Anyway.. if you'd met him when he's not drunk, he would've been more like that." He shrugged, then looked at her as he lowered his voice a little. "That's the um, example that I had to work with when I was trying to pretend to be drunk." He explained softly. Maybe now she might understand that a bit more.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

A forest look. Wait. "Nymph?" she repeated questioningly, and with clear disbelief. "Unbelievable. So I threw wine at your stepbrother and I twirled around your baby sister?" she asked, utterly taken aback by the coincidences of that evening. "We spoke," Arnyn added, figuring it would be even stranger for Tras than it was for her. "She was sweet. Polite. We joked about how Nymphs and Fairies may be related. She told me..." She paused, hesitant for a brief moment. "I asked her if she'd heard of the tales where a nymph's life was tied to that of a tree. She told me her brothers used to tell her stories like that." Arnyn offered Trastion a little smile. "She paints." Not that Tras wouldn't know that, but it might help eliminate any doubt of whether they were indeed speaking of the same person.

It was good to see his grin and hear his laugh. Apparently her act with the wine would be something he'd be hard pressed to ever forget. "I'm glad you liked it," she said casually, half hiding her own grin. Frowning when Trastion said that his stepbrother put on the good guy act most of the time, Arnyn sighed. "I suppose his true nature comes out when he drinks," she mused. "When you drink enough, you lose your boundaries. The real you comes out much more easily. Unfiltered." She gave him a sympathetic smile. "So, when you acted like a complete buffoon in the barracks, when pretending to be drunk... I'm sure plenty of people thought that was the unfiltered you." She tapped his shoulder sympathetically, then laughed at the bizarreness of the situation. "Manwë's breath," the Lieutenant let out while exhaling with half a sigh. "You might have been better off mimicking someone like Kaylin, rather than your stepbrother. But it's too late for that now." Arnyn raised her eyebrows, amused.

"Speaking of... your family were not the only Belfalasians in attendance," she noted. "Abrazimir Dimaethor was present, as well." As if the man's disguise had been successful, with that hair of his. "Did you happen to speak with him at all?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Hearing that she had 'twirled around' his baby sister, Trastion laughed. "Did you?" He grinned, somehow pleased to hear that Arnyn had sort of 'met' her. And even more pleased to hear the impression that his mentor had gotten of his sister. "Yes," He nodded with a little smile, a little amused to recall those silly tales. "We used to take her for walks in the woods with us, sometimes. And we'd tell her stories about the woodland creatures that live there.. real and fictional." he smiled a little sadly. That had been mostly Aearon, but he remembered pitching in a detail here and there.

Hearing the mention of painting, he smiled. "Yeah, she does." He nodded. "She did a painting of me, once.. she'd just finished it, the day I.. left." He recalled with a little sadness. "I wonder how good she is by now." He added, wishing he could get a look at some of her more current works, but that didn't seem possible. "She still has my horse, too." He added with a little smile, feeling sort of proud of that. "Well.. her horse, now. But, you know. Anyway.. she rides him almost every day. She mentioned it when I was talking to her."

The topic about fake drunken behavior made him want to cringe, thinking back on it. "I hadn't really observed Kaylin being drunk all that much." He mumbled, shrugging. "At least, I have a reasonable excuse for why I don't drink, now." He mentioned, trying to find the silver lining of that situation. Perhaps one of his roommates was rubbing off on him, he thought with a little amusement.

He glanced over at Arnyn when she returned to the topic of his family at the masquerade. And mentioned Abrazimir. Trastion nodded. "Yeah, I saw him." he admitted, slightly hesitant. "I... um.." he hesitated. "I think I might have danced with his sister. Quite a bit." He frowned slightly. "I'm not certain, but.. well at some point, Lady Swan spoke to him.. I knew who he was. But I wasn't sure about who she was. I think she might have said something about him being her brother, but I didn't quite catch it." he admitted, a little embarrassed about that. "It was right about that time when I happened to spot my mother.. and him." He made a face as he referenced his stepfather. "Anyway.. I sort of missed some of what was being said around me for a moment." He felt a bit bad for that, but it couldn't really be helped.

"But.. later I saw them all leave together.. and my sister was with them." he went on, frowning slightly as he spoke aloud his thoughts, trying to sort it all. "I know Linn's really good friends with her.. so, it's the only thing that made sense. And if that was her, then..." He hesitated, not sure if he wanted to continue that thought out loud. He glanced at Arnyn. "Aren't we supposed to be training?" He asked, starting to wish he hadn't left his cloak in the forge.

[Lantaelen]

@Arnyn

Lord Abrazimir Dimaethor
Afternoon, Dec. 23rd
Rangers Headquarters, Minas Tirith, Gondor

”Good afternoon, Lieutenant,” Abrazimir answered, when Lieutenant Dealedwen emerged from her office, greeting him and the few men he brought. She invited him into the office, after a cursory glance at the war trophies he had brought, including the worn chest and trunk. As far as he was concerned though they now belonged to the Lieutenant and the rangers. Abrazimir and his ilk saw plenty of Corsair equipment and tools about, it was not impressive or necessary for them to keep. Before stepping into the office, Abrazimir gave a gesture to his men. Take the coin I gave you and go find a pub or a tavern or something. I’ll get you when I’m done…

”Good afternoon,” Abrazimir repeated, in the Sindarin tongue, now that he was alone with the Lieutenant in her office. He shut the door behind him and swept his eyes over the office, though he had no thoughts on the workplace as he moved to stand before the desk. Taking a seat might not work for him, given that he arrived in full kit and uniform as a Swan-Knight of Dol Amroth. He carried too much weight. He figured he ought to look his best if representing the Prince and Belfalas in the Headquarters of the Rangers.

”As per our last discussion, I have brought the requested items. Including the war standard of the Sea-Scythe, which I retrieved from the sunken remains of that vessel. Intact as well, you may be pleased to note.” The Corsair chests, the important ones, were lined with whale skin that helped keep the water out. A chest could, theoretically, sink to the bottom of the ocean and water may never touch or soak the contents concealed within. The banner was intact, with none of it’s colouring or durability lost from the few years it spent at the bottom of the natural harbourage off the coast of his home. It was remarkable. If only the Corsairs used their know-how for good, and not for evil purposes…

And that’s why it was so painful and frustrating to war with their kind. Because like the Gondorians, they too claimed descent from ancient Numenor, having the same potential and strength and capability. And what did they use it for, but to spread misery and pain?

”I trust your preparations have been as productive as mine in this endeavour. Has their been any changes I ought to be aware of, Lieutenant?” He inquired of her, making reference to the hints of oceanic training for her Rangers she gave the last time they met, down in Harlond.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

"A very reasonable excuse," Arnyn agreed, not showing what she thought of it, though her expression did look more amused than neutral. His punishment had been tough. No one would question that he gave up on alcohol after that - especially with the Lieutenant taking a personal interest in his training.

But - why was Trastion looking like he didn't want to tell her about seeing Abrazimir? Did he think she would be upset with him? When he mentioned Swan may have been Abrazimir's sister, Arnyn's eyebrow piqued. And when he asked if they should not be training, the Lieutenant nodded in all seriousness. "Of course. Do your exercises," she said, starting her own back up herself. As she did so, however, she did not drop the conversation. "But if Swan was Abrazimir's sister," Arnyn drawled in between reps, and similarly to Trastion, she didn't finish the sentence. "Did you enjoy dancing with her?" she asked carefully, instead.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

He was glad that Arnyn agreed. Of course, she had said something of that sort at the time, too, but it was good that she still agreed it was a good excuse for him to have 'given up drinking' after that incident. In the weeks following it, he had said on multiple occasions, in front of different people, that he had sworn to the lieutenant that he'd never drink, ever again. That way, it would be no puzzle to his fellow rangers why he would not be drinking alcohol, and if needed, he could remind them of it and have a perfectly legitimate excuse to avoid it completely.

As he started moving again and worked on his next set of exercises, Trastion considered Arnyn's questions. Had he enjoyed dancing with Swan? "I did, but.." He paused, frowning slightly in confusion. He took a few moments before speaking again. "I've been sort of troubled by that.. by some of the things she said." He admitted. "Confused, and a bit worried, and.. did I mention confused?" He let out a slight laugh before glancing at his mentor. Then let out a small sigh, knowing she was going to want some further elaboration on that. "There's.. something I haven't told you." He paused in his activity for a moment, wondering if she might already know, actually. Since she had apparently done a bit of research into his family. But he went ahead anyway, because it wouldn't be reasonable to just assume she knew.

"I haven't mentioned it because it wasn't really necessary, but.. well, she and I are betrothed." He explained. "My mother informed me.. shortly before I left home, in fact." He frowned, remembering that argument. "I told her I didn't want to marry someone I don't even know. Someone who.. was supposed to marry my brother." He added quietly, before continuing with his exercise. He continued talking as he did those. "I hardly know anything about her, and I told my mother that I did not want to. But she said something about it being my duty or something, because our family and the Dimaethor families had an agreement or something." He scoffed. "Stupid reason to marry."

"Anyway.. I didn't know who she was until I saw her leaving with Abrazimir.. and Linn." He explained. "But once it clicked.. I started thinking about some of what we'd talked about, and that's where things got really puzzling." He drew a breath in, then let it out in a puff of white steam in the frigid air. "See, after we'd danced a few times, I thought I'd better tell her that I was betrothed to someone, because I didn't want her to think I was looking to start courting her.. I wanted to make it clear that I wasn't, and that I was only there to have a few casual dances and that's all. And.. maybe it was my imagination, but she seemed.. almost disappointed?" He glanced at Arnyn, puzzled. "And then she told me that she was also betrothed to someone.." He frowned as he split his attention between what he was saying and what he was doing. As for the latter, it was fairly obvious he was distracted.

"And then spoke about how her intended was supposed to be there, and that she believed he must be avoiding her since he had not made himself known to her, even though he was supposed to know how to find her, by the feather in her mask or something." He found that incredibly puzzling. "But that makes no sense. If she is who I think her to be.. then why would she expect me to be there? And why would she expect me to seek her out, to dance with her? In fact, if I'd known that it was her at the dance, I probably would have avoided her, just because I wouldn't want anyone to take notice of the fact that I'd approached her, even once." He shook his head in puzzlement. "I've went over it all in my head, again and again. Everything I can think of. I haven't contacted her except once, and that was only to apologize for leaving without explanation. She shouldn't have any idea where I am, and I'm quite sure that Linn wouldn't have told her." He sighed in frustration. "I just can't come up with any possible reason for why she would have the idea that I would've been at that dance, nor why she would be expecting me to find her there.. or that I should have known to look for the feather in her mask or whatever. It's got me completely baffled... and a bit concerned, to be honest."

Realizing he'd let loose a bit of a rant, Trastion stopped himself there, and drew in a slow breath as he glanced over at Arnyn, wondering about her reaction to all this.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

When Trastion told her about his betrothal to Abrazimir's sister, Arnyn nodded slowly while going through the familiar motions of the training's beginning. She did not comment whether she had already known or not. Most of all, it still seemed such a peculiar thing: to be informed of whom you were betrothed to. While Arnyn knew it used to be much more common among the people of Gondor than it was today, and that some families still adhered to the practice, the nobility seemed to have mostly refused the development altogether.

So she rather understood Trastion's sentiment. Marrying someone while you had no idea what they were even like, just seemed like a good way to become very unhappy very fast. Especially if you had little to nothing in common, or if you ended up annoying each other more than anything else. It just sounded like a terrible idea. Arnyn sighed when he said his family had an agreement with the Dimaethors. Family politics and alliances... Right.

Frowning a little when he said the girl had looked disappointed when he'd said he was betrothed to someone, Arnyn let out a thoughtful hum. Perhaps she had thought Tras was trying to come up with some excuse to ditch her sooner rather than later? Perhaps she had liked his company? And perhaps she was just as non-excited about being engaged to someone she did not know, as he was. But if she had liked Trastion, not knowing he was in fact Trastion... Maybe there was some hope for the ridiculous betrothal?

The Lieutenant blinked, however, when Trastion said the young lady had claimed her betrothed had been present, and had been supposed to find her by the feather in her mask. Clearly, that was puzzling Tras as well. But as he was reasoning it out, out loud, Arnyn gave him a thoughtful look. Meanwhile, she had finished her set and moved on to another strength exercise. "I think you're right," Arnyn said slowly. "She doesn't know where you are, and there was no way that she could have known you would be at the dance. There was no agreement between you and her or her family that you would even be there - for obvious reasons - let alone one about how you could find her. Which means... if she was sure that her betrothed would be present, and sure that he would know how to find her..."

"Taras. She wasn't talking about you."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

It seemed that Arnyn was thinking through what he'd said, and Trastion couldn't quite blame her. He'd said a lot of things, and hadn't really meant to let loose such a stream of information. The whole thing had just been on his mind so much since the other night, it was a relief that he could talk to someone about it. Especially someone who might be able to see some things he could not.

When she agreed that he was right, that the girl could not know who he was, nor that he would be at the dance, he felt some relief. Good, so it hadn't been too obvious that he was himself. Perhaps only to those who knew him well enough to see through the disguise.. which, again, was a tiny bit of a concern, since his family might fall under that category, too. But he hoped it had been enough years that they would be fooled by his fake accent, dyed hair, and everything else he'd done to disguise himself. His sister had been the closest to him, both relationship-wise in the past, as well as proximity-wise in the present. And if she had realized who he was, she had not given even the slightest indication of it.

However, Arnyn's next comment brought his fully focus back to the lady Swan. She wasn't talking about him? He blinked, pausing from the exercise he'd been doing, and thought about that. If she hadn't been talking about him, then.. it wasn't her, right? Somehow.. he wasn't sure why he felt a little bit disappointed, and he tried not to think about that. "So.. hm. Alright.. that's good then. Right?" He nodded slowly and then resumed what he was supposed to be doing, although his mind was going over everything that statement implied. Who was she then, he wondered? He wished he could talk to Linn, but obviously, that was out of the question. "I mean, I thought it was weird, but everything pointed to Swan being.. her. And it didn't make sense.. so.. yeah." He should be relieved to learn that he'd been wrong.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen, @Ercassie
Cadil, talking with Unalmis and Trastion
Headquarters, End of November

Cadil had to admit to himself that somehow it felt good and right to be there, as if he suddenly had a new purpose, perhaps a chance of being useful in one way or another. Besides, he thought that sense of friendship and camaraderie could not be gained elsewhere.

“I live with my family here in the city,” he replied when Tras asked if he was going to live in the barracks. “I am not sure yet if I’d move to the barracks. Perhaps if I am allowed back in.” The nearness of everything was definitely an advantage, but he suspected that even then he would be made to run and walk great distances.

“I had no idea there would be any meeting,” he told the two guys. “Thought I was coming for a one-on-one talk, and found myself facing the whole multitude of Rangers instead. Go figure… But no, better do not kill me for eavesdropping.” He laughed and ran his hand through his unruly hair.

It seemed to him that no matter who was training the newer members, it was all hard work, nonetheless. But then again there was probably no easy way to achieve results wanted from training.

He slightly rolled his eyes at Nal’s portrayal of his usual luggage which he thought was an exaggeration. “I haven’t brought anything with me this time though,” he said. “Assuming I’ll be let out of here again and not locked up forever and ever. One must have enough provisions at hand most of the times though…”

@Ercassie
Captain Pele Alarion with Ilisys Azrubel
Command Office

“Yes,” Pele responded slowly when Isys pointed out that it might not be that easy to distinguish between good and bad. “Unfortunately, there are a plenty of bad apples among Gondorians. If it were not so, there would be less work for us to do. Also, I would like to think that there might be some good ones among Umbarians, though I am not sure I have really met any that have not been involved in causing some form of harm or other.”

She then dipped her head slightly in acknowledgement of trust freely given her way from the Ehtyar, and she hoped that she would not come to a point where the other woman would regret the choice. “Perhaps you would explain at some point if you figure it out yourself and feel the need to share,” she said with a small smile. “Until then…” A small shrug completed the sentence instead of words.

“I’m counting on you then,” she said again after a while, in parting, when Ilisys had already turned to leave. “If you reconsider at some point during those ten days or otherwise, let me know.”

[Arnyn]

mention]Rillewen[/mention]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

Arnyn blinked. Well, that was one possible conclusion. Yet if Lady Swan had indeed left with Lord Abrazimir... He surely wasn't her betrothed. For some reason Arnyn could not quite see Abrazimir Dimaethor escorting a host of young noble ladies to their respective families if not at least one of them were his sister?

"Lady Swan could still be her," she frowned. "Taras... how long was it before your two families...well, changed the betrothal conditions? Between what happened..." - she left 'with your older brother' unsaid - "and informing you that the agreement between your two families now fell upon your shoulders? And how long has it been since you left home?" Trying to make him see all the possibilities did not mean that this particular one was correct, of course. But it was an option.

---

@Lantaelen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Afternoon
Ranger Headquarters

She nodded her goodbye at his men before they exited headquarters and stepped deeper into the office to give Abrazimir some room. The man needed a bit more of it, after all... in all that armour. Seeing it brought a faint smile to her face. Perhaps because she had been just as heavily outfitted that morning, for her early sparring match with Kaylin. Even if her plate had been blackened as not to reflect the light when needed in maneuvers.

"I hope your journey treated you well," Arnyn replied in effortless Sindarin, getting the pleasantries out of the way and opening up the conversation for what the knight had really come here to discuss. Seeing as Abrazimir made to stand in front of the desk, she moved mostly behind it, leaning one shoulder against a book case and loosely crossing her arms. An eyebrow lifted when he spoke of indeed having recovered the Sea Scythe's war standard. The Halsad flag... Her eyebrow lowered once again when he referred to her own preparations.

The Lieutenant nodded, stepping away from the bookcase and unfolding her arms. "Indeed. The Captain and I have spoken to the rangers and we have enough interested parties to proceed with the King's approval," she shared, her tone business-like despite the eloquent tone of the Elven language. "All are able to swim, so we need not worry about that. I want them getting used to traveling on a ship at sea, to the movement of the ship - even if only along the shore, but also the sleeping arrangements... But I also want to know if they can handle being at sea or whether they get seasick. And I want us all to learn to pull our own weight to some extent, how to board another ship, how to fight on a ship - the typical layout of these vessels, what to avoid and look out for," she said, listing all the things she had mentioned to Captain Alarion before, as well.

"It will also be a good introduction of your men to the rangers and vice versa," the Lieutenant continued. It was always better if some kind of friendship and trust was established before a mission. "There should be time for them to get to know each other, too - outside of any training. Lastly, I feel we should all discuss what to do when our enemies threaten one of our own, or possibly innocent Umbarians, to force our hand at letting them go or pulling us into a trap."

"The Captain and the King both agreed to completing the training in winter, so the mission itself can commence in the spring, if matters progress as anticipated." Arnyn tilted her chin ever so slightly. "Which month might be possible for you and yours, so we can conduct the necessary training?"

[Ercassie]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl, with Captain Pele Alarion,
Command office, HQ. End of November

“I have known both,” Ilisys agreed with Pele’s musings upon people, and potential. “We are certainly as much alike as we are different. Gondor. Umbar. Rangers even... And peace may be the goal of war, but it is often just as difficult a struggle in the after. It is far more difficult to forgive those who have wronged us than to wrong those we do not want to forgive.”

As the Captain indicated that there was still a chance they might speak on .. explanations, the Belfalasian considered, without words, for some considerable time. This, the coming here, had been a need to share. For the sake of safety for all those concerned. Did the other woman mean that she ought otherwise speak up of her innermost turmoil and troubles to another .. with no such need as life or death to press her ? That she would give up her secrets keenly, even if there was no way to resolve them ? The concept was .. bewildering. Of course she had surprised herself before now.


“Perhaps indeed,” Isys smiled, perhaps upon reflection of her diction, before ducking her head with respect to the commanding officer. “My thanks, both for your time, and due discretion,” she concluded and then turned back at the last to add. “It will not be an easy thing to go back there, but you are very brave. I will follow you, even upon this path, with honour, and confidence, and the very greatest hope we can imagine. Captain.”

A hand to heart proved she had adopted at least that local custom. And then it was done.

---

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta, with Cadil and Trastion.
Main hall, Headquarters, end of November.

“You should definitely consider it,” Unalmis encouraged Cadil, on the possibility of moving into the Barracks. “And if you ever want some practice running about to impress the Captain, you are welcome to come join with exercising my dog in the Pelennor,” he threw in easily. Hattie did adore to run about. “She loves making new friends, and we are teaching her all sorts of clever tricks.” He did not invite Trastion to join in as well on this occasion, for he knew all to well how extremely busy his room mate was already at the moment, with the Lieutenant. He had invited the Trainee along before, and he knew that he was very welcome if he found himself available.

“The freedom of the great outdoors is unrivalled,” Nal grinned then, rather than react otherwise at Cadil’s reference to being locked up. As though he was still thinking about running around to exercise a dog. “Was that one-to-one of yours with the Captain though ?” he wondered, observing Ilisys depart from the Command Office. “Maybe she’s free now ?” he shrugged.


“You found me,” he mentioned, when the Ehtyar came over, after departing the Captain Office.

“You have not moved since last I saw you,” she smiled. “But if you want to be ready for Cair Andros, we should really ..”

“I guess I’m off. See you later,” he laughed then, agreeably and readied to take leave from Cadil and Trastion. But this time it was the latter who caused the Belfalasian to stall. She did not say a word at first, until at last she did.

“I am told your name is Trastion,” she reported but did not take the lead anywhere beyond that opening. And if she had been waiting for his reaction or response, she did not remark any of the sort for her part. “Gentlemen,” she decided eventually, and with that farewell, departed. And with Unalmis also.

[Lantaelen]

@Arnyn

Lord Abrazimir Dimaethor
Afternoon, Dec. 23rd
Rangers Headquarters, Minas Tirith, Gondor

”The journey was tolerable.” Abrazimir said easily about the voyage to Minas Tirith, even during the winter months. ”Came with family for the Masquerade and other social obligations. But my mind has been focused on the task we have at hand all throughout.” He explained to her, as the Lieutenant took in his report and explained her end of the operation.

They had the King’s approval, which he liked to hear, the very mention of their sovereign making Abrazimir sit up straighter and perk up, if that were even possible with his attentiveness on Lieutenant Dealedwen. She explained that the Rangers were able to swim, so there need not be any exposure to the literal ocean waters around their homeland. The rest was routine. Life on a ship at sea was vastly different from barracks life on ground. Space was more cramp and compact. The water was endless, the swaying ceaseless, and it could have an adverse effect on the untrained or undisciplined mind. Best to get that handled and tempered before they engage in the actual operation, which would see combat, and other stresses of the mind and body.

He nodded to his crew and her Rangers getting to know one another. Even between sailors and land trudgers, there was still a lot of cooperation and trust to be had. He agreed with that. Spending time on a ship at sea, far from land or other people, could either get people getting to know one another greatly…or putting them at stark odds. Three points she raised; the training itself, their conduct towards Umbarins both hostile and innocent, and finally the month in which to conduct the training exercise.

He started with the final query first. ”I will be departing from the City in a week’s time and it shall take me a handful of days to return home. My end of the preparation can be done as soon as a fortnight from now, if your Rangers can be ready by then. The sooner we sail south into the open ocean the sooner we might escape the winter winds pushing down from the north.” He pointed out, knowing some men and women might find that preferable than waiting around a base or camp during the cold months. But by early January they could be out to sea.

Then he addressed the first topic, that is the matter of the training and layout of vessels. ”Many of the Corsair ships were those taken from our own docks during the last uprising by the descendants of Castamir. They are - or I should say ‘were’ given their losses during the War - modelled and styled after our own kind. So your Rangers should find many similarities between my vessel and those of the Corsairs. Even if they have constructed new vessels in the time since the sinking of their old, they will still be modelled after our designs, albeit with slight variations, depending on their construction techniques and available resources.” He explained, referencing there shouldn’t be much confusion in figuring out the layout of Corsair vessels, since they had stolen from Gondor in the past centuries. Evil could not create, only mock and twist.

And finally…the middle topic. What to do with so-called innocent Umbarins. Abrazimir was of the belief their ought to be none of those. They either opposed the tyranny of their rulers and perished, or had stood by and allow their fellows to enslave, raid, and savage the Gondorian coasts. But he was not the one in charge of that. ”Whatever our conduct with the enemy, whether it be their soldiers or their other personnel, should be handled with extreme prejudice. On a case by case basis, I would think. Who would be the officers accompanying you? Just yourself and Captain Alarion?” That certainly assuaged his nerves, knowing he could trust both of them and they generally had a competent outlook on such matters.

But if he were to have his way…let’s just say he had been given enough examples, by the Corsairs themselves, on how certain things should be handled. Ruthlessly and decisively.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Trastion frowned slightly and glanced at Arnyn. When had they changed the betrothal plans? He hesitated. That was not something he liked to bring up. He cleared his throat and looked down at the ground. "He.. it was.. I don't know. Maybe a year, after.." After his brother died, was what he didn't say. "My mother brought it up at dinner. Told me it was time to.. to realize that his duties had fallen to me." He swallowed, trying not to sound too bitter about that. "She spoke about a lot of things.. learning how to run the estate, and this and that. Then she mentioned that."

He drew in a breath. "The other things, I had already expected. But that.." He shook his head. "We argued about that. She was adamant about it. It had to be me, she said." He frowned. "Something about some sort of arrangements and promises made between the Dimaethors and the Taurhebors," He added in a mumble, too low for his voice to carry beyond the two of them. "My mother has been close friends with Abrazimir's mother for a long time," He explained. "From what I've heard, practically from the moment Lady Dimaethor birthed her youngest daughter, she and my mother were making unofficial wedding plans between the future heir of the Taurhebor estate, and the youngest daughter of the Dimaethor estate. My mother wanted that to happen way too much for her to give up on it just because I'm not at home." He felt pretty sure about that. She would've fought for it, and insisted on it.

"I mean.. I don't know how her father might have felt about it... but they've had no cause to think I'm dead... just.. gone." he found this confusing. "My mother was very much counting on this.. in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to keep the Dimaethors from knowing I'd run away, for as long as she possibly could." He shrugged. "I mean.. I don't know.. I'd have to look into whether it's even.. allowed? for them to change the betrothal." He frowned, as that was something he hadn't even considered. "I mean, I didn't really want anyone telling me who I have to marry to begin with... but, I've just assumed all this time that it was still.. you know. I haven't forgotten in all this time that I'm not free to get involved with anyone." He said quietly. "Even if I don't know her, even if it turns out I don't even like her.. I would never be unfaithful to her, as long as we're betrothed.. or more." He frowned a bit.

Thinking about being trapped in a marriage with someone he didn't even know just gave him a sense of dread and he couldn't help it. Maybe if he could actually get to know her, he might feel less uneasy about it, but it wasn't exactly an option. Even if he'd stayed at home, he probably still wouldn't know her any better than he did now. Yet, if that was her at the masquerade, and their encounter there was any indication to go by, he might not be opposed to spending more time with her in the future. As if such a thing could even happen.

---

@Ercassie @Pele Alarion

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Headquarters - End of November

Nal's sentiment about friendships forged in not so good times, and how it showed you you could trust that person, brought a little smile to Trastion's face. He had a good point. And yet.. he also wasn't entirely sure if it applied to all situations. Sometimes, it depended on what it was you were entrusting to a person. A secret about some silly adventure you didn't want Lt. Brian knowing about, for instance, was a whole lot different from other things. He mentally shrugged such thoughts away and gave a smiling nod toward Nal as he glanced at him, as if to remind him of their own meeting. Yes, that had been rather amusing. Except for the whole.. month-long barracks inspections. Ah well.

"If you're happy living with your family, then I guess there's no reason for you to move into the barracks," Trastion replied to Cadil. "Although, it is kinda nice, being around all others." He smiled. "And besides, think of the fun we could have," He joked, motioning between himself, Cadil, and Nal. "And we gotta band together, you know. It's great for camaraderie, which makes us a better team, and therefore, better rangers." He presented his own arguments with a little grin, only half teasing.

The joke about Cadil being in the 'know' about the secret mission, and how they'd have to kill him if he didn't join up now, made Trastion grin. "Oh, yeah." He agreed. "It's in that rulebook Nal keeps in the window." He joked, smirking. "Article 34, paragraph B, or something like that." He invented, before laughing at Nal's surely exaggerated description of Cadil's pack. "I'm sure it couldn't be any heavier than mine." He mentioned with a little shrug. Nal may not have ever handled Trastion's pack when it was full, but he'd worn it for a couple of years, traveling from home, all the way here, with a few stops in between. It got quite heavy, but he was unwilling to part with his climbing gear and other things of the sort. "It's all great to bring your own provisions and all," he mentioned with a shrug, "But what do you do when that runs out? Or if you lose your pack? Best learn to prepare, you know? Learn how to hunt and forage and survive without anything." Something Trastion had done, himself, a time or two.

It was true, what Nal pointed out about the Captain not seeming all that harsh, because Trastion had not worked with her that much, personally. He shrugged in reply to that. In fact, he'd had very little contact with her since he joined, except for a few interactions during the recent mission. Still, he was quite distracted from that thought when Nal mentioned 'the Ehtyar'. He blinked at his friend when he realized he meant Lady Azrubel. Trastion was careful to keep a neutral expression, as Arnyn had been working with him about, as Nal spoke about the former knight who had been his childhood hero. Whom he had once had the delight to actually enjoy a dance with. That memory flitted through his mind and he was hard put not to grin at the memory. Instead, he maintained a politely curious expression when Nal said she preferred 'improvising' than using the training grounds. "Really? That sounds interesting."

He took no offense from the lack of invitation in joining Nal for his running routine. Trastion had joined him once or twice, when he could, but usually he did not have time. "Just don't get too sore about it if Eryn outruns you," He added with a bit of a smirk, having experienced that surprise before. "She's a lot faster than you'd think." He paused, realizing he didn't know if Cadil knew who that was. "That's.. not the dog, by the way, she's a healer apprentice who's taking care of Nal's dog."

There had hardly been any time pass from Nal pointing out that the captain might be ready for Cadil, when none other than Lady Isys Azrubel came over to their group. Trastion put on a small smile, a polite one typical for when you are faced with someone whom you do not know, and don't wish to appear unfriendly. Cair Andros? If he had not felt nervous about being in such close proximity with the former knight, he might have asked about that. But she had trailed off from whatever she had been going to say, and Trastion felt somewhat uncomfortable, and even awkward, when he realized she was looking at him. For a long moment. Without saying anything. He cleared his throat, feeling his heart speed up a little with nervousness. "See you around, Nal." He answered the other's parting words, but then glanced again at Isys. Why was she looking at him like that? Had she realized who he was? What would she do? What could he do?

"Uh.. yeah. Trastion Leithor," He tried not to stammer too awkwardly when she remarked on what she'd heard his name was. What was that supposed to mean, exactly? "And you are..?" He managed to say this about the time she was also speaking the word 'gentlemen', and apparently not loud enough to be heard by her. He blinked as she parted from them almost as abruptly as she had arrived, taking away a member of their little group. He had not expected that encounter at all. Taking a slow breath in, Trastion swallowed and turned back to Cadil with a little shrug. "That was.. weird." He gave a faint laugh as he tried to shrug the whole thing off as just one of her oddities. "I guess that must be the Ehtyar he mentioned being so unpredictable..."

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel @Rillewen @Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - End of November

It seemed like Karis indeed needed the time she had been granted to decide on her participation. Arnyn smiled at her friend, but her eyes caught Isys leaving the command office. The Lieutenant subtly followed the Ehtyar's trajectory over to where Trastion, Unalmis and Cadil were speaking. A small sense of concern seemed to slide past her heart at that, but Isys soon thereafter left with Unalmis, leaving behind Trastion and Cadil. "We will talk soon," Arnyn both delivered a promise as well as an expectation to Karis, before excusing herself with a nod and approaching the two young men.

She did not bother to offer any greetings to either Trastion or Cadil as she joined them. "Taras, find me later if you have any questions," she told her trainee, with a hint of gentleness to her tone that only Trastion would have a chance at recognizing. Then her dark brown eyes settled on Cadil, a little smile playing about the Lieutenant's lips. "How about you and I go see the Captain now, Cadil?" she asked him, tilting her head into the direction of the office.

---

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

If the betrothal had shifted to him only one year after his brother had died, then why did Tras have such difficulty believe the betrothal could have shifted again, after almost four years now? Arnyn wondered how wise it would be for her to push the matter, and to make Trastion see the possible reality of his situation. And that of Abrazimir's sister.

Arnyn gestured at him. "Get up. I want to see your sword forms, now." As he prepared to do that, she made her decision. He had to be able to think like this. Even when he might not want to. She had learned to do the same. Did it not fall to her, as his mentor, to teach him?

"Your mother told you that your brother's duties had fallen to you, as the future heir of the estate," she began, once Trastion had started executing the different forms she had shown him. "So tell me this," she demanded, "who would be the next heir, if you could not fulfill your duties?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Trastion got to his feet and drew his sword, following her commands. He started to move through the things she had taught him, trying his best to put the matter off to the back of his mind, so he could focus on today's training. But when Arnyn brought it back to mind, he paused slowed his movements slightly and frowned in thought as she posed a question to him which he had.. honestly.. not wanted to think about. Yet, one he had thought about often enough. It was the entire reason he had left home to begin with, after all.

Who would be the next heir, should he die or be unable to take his place? "Torthon." He answered quietly, without having to give it much thought. The thoughtful frown was because he failed to see the connection between that, and the matter they were discussing. Until.. it hit him. He paused and looked at Arnyn. "Wait... you think.. surely, not Togg?" He couldn't help a bit of incredulity creeping into his tone. "But.." All of the arguments he could think of to protest that possibly failed to actually prove why it couldn't be so. He wasn't a Taurhebor? So what? If the last Taurhebor were gone, then it would go to Togg's father. He was a terrible guy and lord Dimaethor wouldn't want his daughter marrying a creep like that? But Togg was good at putting on a false front, so the other lord wouldn't have any idea what sort of guy his daughter might be marrying. But Anurion wasn't dead, and would eventually be able to return home? So, how would lord Dimaethor know that? And so on.

Trastion frowned to himself as he silently worked through his forms, while also working through all these thoughts. He couldn't quite make sense of why it troubled him so much to think of Azrain marrying Togg, unless perhaps it was simply because the other was a fraud and no good. He scowled at that thought as he reached the end of the form and looked over at Arnyn. "But there's been no announcement about it, at least none that I'm aware of. So, if that is the case, it hasn't been made public yet, because I've been trying to keep up with such news, as well as I can."

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion with Ilisys Azrubel
Command Office

Pele touched her fist over her heart in return salute, and remained so until the Ehtyar had left indeed. Pondering over the words said, she then picked up her cup and took a sip of the cooled tea as she meandered over to the window, looking out of it at a sparrow that jumped around on the ground looking for a meal. She should perhaps call in Cadil, but she preferred to have a moment or two to sort through the previous... meeting... conversation... first. And so she did, looking at the world outside and yet not seeing it properly.

@Arnyn , @Rillewen , @Ercassie
Cadil, talking with Unalmis and Trastion, and also Ilisys and Arnyn
Headquarters, End of November

"Run with the dog? Presumably without a bag on my shoulders," Cadil said, not being totally opposed to such an idea. "And also I'd guess anyone would outrun me at this point in time. So... But I figure I should learn of my fate first before making any other plans. Depends on whether I'd be acceptable or perhaps thrown right back out the door. And yeah... I was supposed to see the Captain, she did not mention anything about attending a meeting."

Then it appeared that their merry discussion would come to an end with the arrival of Isys to whisk Nal away, not without leaving Tras confused, and Cadil also. "Ah, go figure... Suppose it was the Ehtyar and they are off to some sort of training," he said, looking at Tras and lifting one shoulder slightly in a half-shrug.

When the Lieutenant joined them almost immediately, he was about to excuse himself and leave, but it turned out that she had not come for Trastion this time but rather for him.

"I suppose we could..." he replied somewhat hesitantly to her suggestion, thinking that apparently it would turn into a two-on-one either by design or not. "Till later perhaps then, Trastion," he said in farewell, turning towards the office.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion and Imprisoned Shamara
Cells under HQ
A couple days after the Ranger meeting

Pele was already reaching for second bun, when Shamara finally decided that it would be best if she did not miss out on a meal she was likely not to get any time soon again, so she sat down opposite to Pele, on her own side of the bars and carefully tasted each food item. It was delicious and the prisoner fought off the urge to devour everything, instead taking her time to savour the food as if to memorise the taste. For a while they were silent, Shamara eating, and Pele only nibbling as she observed the Umbarian.

"Say..." Shamara reignited the conversation eventually. "Will you really keep me here forever?"

"Hmm," Pele hummed thoughtfully, and lowered what was left of the bun to rest on her thigh while she tilted her head. "Have you been mistreated here that you groan so much? Has someone tortured you?"

"No, but... it is... lonely here," the Umbarian said.

Pele shrugged lightly. "Lonely, hmm," she repeated, though without mockery in her voice. She thought back to days and nights beyond count when she had merely tried to survive without going insane from both mental and physical pain while locked up all by herself. She then shook her head as if to clear away the memories and focus on the present. "And what would you do in my stead? If I let you go you would right away resume your business and take off for Umbar with some unsuspecting Gondorian in tow, would you not? Relic is dead, but it would probably not keep you from working for someone else or perhaps setting up your own... enterprise. No? It is my responsibility to make sure people here are safe from the likes of you. I don't see you regretting anything you've done."

"Regret what? I only did my work, so to say," Shamara said defensively. "And I haven't really killed anyone. Is it not possible for me to be brought before your King? I mean... don't you have some form of other punishment except for keeping people locked up forever?"

"Shamara... do you even know what you are asking for?" Pele could not resist a quiet laugh. "Do you understand that the King would see right through you and would not be swayed by your sweet words nor by your good looks? And what do you think he would do with you - let you loose?"

The prisoner sighed with exasperation and tended to her food in silence again. Before long she had finished the meal and returned now empty dishes to the Captain.

"Want the last cinnamon roll?" Pele offered and collected the empty dishes when Shamara accepted the last bit of food.

The Gondorian turned to leave, but on the stairs she turned back and said: "Think, Shamara, think. Perhaps you can reconsider your ways and make yourself useful instead. And then we can maybe discuss your sitting here again. Your fate is in your own hands." With that she turned and left, locking the door behind her and leaving the Umbarian to her solitary life.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - End of November

She smiled faintly at Cadil's recalcitrance, and once Cadil had turned toward the office, Arnyn's lips twitched up into a bit of a bigger smile as she nodded her goodbye at Trastion.

She leisurely followed Cadil, but still ended up walking next to him the short way to the office. "Not nervous, I hope?" she inquired, her voice neither mocking nor too sympathetic. "We won't bite," she said more quietly, as they arrived at the door. It was still open, it seemed, and Arnyn knocked on the doorframe. "Permission to enter, Captain?" the Lieutenant inquired of Pele, who was standing by the window.

---

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Behind the Armoury - Pre-dawn training session

He didn't look happy about any of it. Nor should he, Arnyn agreed. But it would be better for him to think it through now. Get used to the real possibility this was happening. So he would not be caught off guard if it turned out to be true. She noted how he paused his forms, but gave him a little grace. These were no small matters. And he seemed to be working it out, thinking it through. Realizing it was indeed possible, instead of fighting it against what logic should tell him. There was no need for her to confirm that, yes, she had also been thinking about his stepbrother. He had figured that part out by himself.

"Does something have to be made public for it to be true?" she challenged, knowing he didn't believe that, but asking the question anyway, to hit her point home all the way and leave no room for denial. His brother's death had been announced as an accident, but that had not been the truth. Trastion's true name had not been announced in Minas Tirith, yet that did not make his actual name any less true. What people did or did not announce, hardly mattered when you compared it to reality.

"It would fit," Arnyn continued, meanwhile giving Trastion a gesture that indicated for him to resume his sword forms. "Swan told you her betrothed was supposed to be there. You told me your stepbrother was there. Swan told you he was supposed to find her, but as it turned out he didn't. And your stepbrother left - after I messed up his frock."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 23 - Two days after Midwinter
Pre-dawn training session - behind the Armory

Trastion resumed the form he had been working on, frowning at her question. "No.." He answered slowly. "I mean.. they never had a chance to announce it, when it was me. I.. left home pretty much the very same day that my mother told me it was to be." He frowned. "I've just.. assumed all this time that she wouldn't let it go. I mean," He let out a faint laugh. "You have no idea how stubborn my mother can be about such things." She could imagine, based on what he'd told her, but without having met the woman, Arnyn could only imagine. "Anyway, it would be... weird, not to make it publicly known, once it's official."

He frowned, trying to think. Trying to imagine his mother's stance on the matter, as well as his stepfather's. He realized that Torthon and Togg both stood to gain from the marriage, which meant that Torthon would surely push for the betrothal to shift to Togg. Something Trastion hadn't even considered before. But, if he knew his mother.. she would be opposed. She'd insist on trying to hold out on making this new plan final and official, because it was supposed to be her son who was marrying the Dimaethor's daughter. While she had always accepted Togg as her own, he felt sure that she would strongly oppose letting Togg marry Azraindil, when it was always meant to be her son. Which meant, there had probably been a lot of arguing about the matter between his mother and stepfather. Maybe that was why it hadn't been announced. Perhaps.. it was his mother's stubbornness in hoping that her son would return before they had to make the announcement, or something like that.

He let out a sigh, feeling frustrated that even without being in the midst of all that life, he was still so deeply tangled in it, it was making it hard to enjoy any sort of freedom from it. In the middle of trying to work through the frustration of this revelation, Arnyn's words brought an unexpected laugh as she mentioned ruining Togg's costume. "That's right.." He realized, laughing a little more as more pieces clicked into place. He had been so caught up with figuratively trying to cram two puzzle pieces together that didn't fit right, that he had entirely overlooked any other pieces. He let his sword tip rest on the ground briefly as he laughed again, suddenly struck as he remembered something else he'd said. Once he recovered a little from his amusement, Trastion looked up at Arnyn with a grin. "I told her that her intended must be a fool... If only I'd known how accurate that was..." He couldn't help it, and started laughing a little harder.

---

@Arnyn @Pele Alarion

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Headquarters - End of November

"You're also welcome to join me when I do my running," Trastion mentioned with a shrug. "I like to do mine in the forest, in the training grounds." He didn't mind joining Nal at times, but he really preferred the woods, and neither Hattie nor Eryn were allowed in the training grounds. Of course, all of that was still up in the air, since Cadil did not yet know whether he would be even permitted in the rangers yet. Trastion suspected he probably would, since.. why would the captain invite him to show up for a secret ranger meeting, and have him stay for it, if she had no intention of letting him in? Still, he merely nodded when Cadil mentioned it.

He had no time to make any comment about it, however, as Arnyn then came up. Trastion nodded to her as she spoke to him. Good.. he did have some things he wanted to ask her. "Right, see you around, Cadil." He waved, smiling as the other guy set off with Arnyn toward the captain's office. He had a feeling he'd be seeing him around a lot more from now on, but didn't want to presume too much. Instead, he took a glance around and then decided he might as well go on about the rest of the plans he had for today.