Minas Tirith Streets and Levels (Free RP)

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Ava was surprised to hear that Arnyn even knew the name of the young man who worked with Pharak at the temple, but she merely gave a little nod. As for what rumors, she hesitated as she tried to think of all of the seemingly absurd things she had heard.

While she was thinking about that, Arnyn's reply about Relic brought her some reassurance, at least. That there were witnesses to the fact that the life had left her, and that her body had been burned... presumably, beyond reparation, that confirmed to Ava that the woman was truly dead and had not somehow managed to survive.

When asked if she was alright, Ava blinked and shifted her gaze back to Arnyn, from a distant point she had focused on. "Yes, fine." She assured her, raising her chin slightly as if to defy any sort of accusation of weakness, spoken or otherwise. "Just.. contemplating the implications of that.. ability." She explained. "It is.. unpleasant to think of the monumental task involved in verifying everyone in my staff is really who they should be.. and then, my tiger.." She shook her head, thinking of all of the secrets she spoke to her beloved feline friend. If someone like Relic, or Pharak, had the ability to change into an animal and impersonate Izre, that could be catastrophic for Ava. She'd have to check everyone, somehow, when she returned. Eventually.

"Anyway, concerning the rumors," She shrugged as she tried not to think too much about it right now, and moved over to the silk strips. Since Arnyn was no longer using them, Ava figured going through some of the motions might help to keep her just the right balance between focused and distracted. "I've never put much stock into them, myself. I generally don't believe superstitions and things, but I hear things from those who do." She explained.

She climbed up about midway while she spoke, and began wrapping the cloth in such a way that it would put her into a half split pose. "One of the ways that I sometimes rescue slaves, is by simply buying them at the auction, or from people like Relic," She went on, trying to make sure it was clear why she bought these slaves. "Some of them actually believed her to be a vampire," She added with a faint laugh, amused at such a ridiculous notion. "Still, it's said that she once consorted with a sorcerer, and that she drinks blood and makes potions. Some believe she sold her soul to the dark lord in hopes of gaining some of his powers. I don't know how true any of it is, but apparently, she was known to take blood from some of her slaves, but for what purpose.. I wouldn't know." She frowned. "Some of them have apparently vanished, as well." She added, a bit troubled as she shifted into another position, deciding to offer an example of what she meant, here.

"There was a woman I bought from the auction, a while back. After she was safely with me, she told me that her husband had been sent to the slave fields. They.. usually die there, very soon." She explained. "So, I arranged an escape for those forced to work in the field. Only a few were able to make it, but thankfully, the woman's husband was among those who did. Their reunion was satisfying to see," She added with a faint smile. "But their daughter," She sighed. "She was kept for Relic's own purposes, and from what I could learn, she was kept alive, but after Relic had been reported dead, I could find no trace of her. The girl seems to have simply vanished." Ava frowned and dropped upside down. "It is difficult to investigate very much, without arousing suspicion, of course. But it is very strange that she does not seem to exist anywhere, anymore." She returned to an upright position. "I had hoped to reunite the whole family, then bring them back home. But at least I was able to bring the couple back. Although, I realize it must not have been the joyous return they would have had, it is better than nothing."

She climbed up higher and rewrapped to get a new position. "The rumors about the priest's assistant, or whatever he is," She frowned. "I don't know. I've heard it said that he can project images of himself in different places, so that he can appear to be in two places at once. Or, that he can swiftly transport himself to different places, by some sort of sorcery." She shrugged. "Sounds like nonsense to me, but the average folk tend to believe such superstitions and things."

"There are those who believe that Pharak has dark powers as well, which he also got from the dark lord. That the dark lord would tell him secrets, and that he knows things no ordinary person can know." She hesitated. "It is believed that he knows everyone's secrets, and that he only acts on this knowledge when it is most advantageous for the dark lord's purposes. Of course... that's all very convenient for him to pretend like he knows things and just chooses not to act on it, when in fact, he doesn't really know at all." She shrugged slightly. "And if he did have such powers, then I would assume they are gone now, but.." She frowned as she paused to concentrate on untangling her foot from the silk, then deliberately dropped into another upside-down pose. She went on once she had stilled from the momentum. "He firmly believes that he can revive the dark lord, and that he isn't truly defeated." She explained.

"Then... there's also rumors about the jackals they keep," She added with a sigh. "Those things are terrifying, I will admit. But I don't believe that the Halsads can control the beasts with their minds, nor that Pharak's wife can turn herself into one, as I've heard a couple of frightened people murmuring." She rolled her eyes, shaking her head slightly. "Or at least... I never did," She added thoughtfully. "But, she did once use a jackal to attack and kill her own brother, according to something my father learned when he was seeking for ways to put a stop to that family." She thought for a moment. Had she left anything out? "I've also heard a couple of silly people speculating that the jackals were once humans who made the mistake of crossing the Halsad family, and that as a result, they were put under a curse to become jackals and obey their commands, but again... that's nonsense." She knew for a fact that was nonsense. "They kill the people who cross them. I have witnessed that done, myself." She confirmed softly, with sadness.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Arnyn almost smiled at that slight tilt of Ava's chin. But only because she recognized it so well.

She also understood the implications of the existence of Relic's ability, of course. The rangers had needed to deal with it for a while. They had known - and even then, Relic had managed to easily kill two of their number. By impersonating Arnyn. Arnyn moved away from the balance beam, uncomfortable with that thought. She was not about to share all that had happened and how they had needed to take the shapeshifting into account, however. Besides, Arnyn was not yet entirely convinced that Ava was on their side. Not even after hearing the news about Ava having helped in Pele's escape. Her agenda could have called for it. That didn't mean she meant them no harm at all, Arnyn firmly reminded herself. For she had to - remind herself. Don't warm up to her too easily...

Taking it easy for a while, focusing more on what Ava was telling her, Arnyn wandered around the rest of theroom, to take a closer look at the other things that were available. Not the least of which was the climbing wall.

Ava wasn't very superstitious. Arnyn looked back over her shoulder, at the woman now hanging from the silks again. Level-headed, then. Interesting. Arnyn hadn't missed that there were at least a few similarities between their character.

"You said you buy at the slave auction, sometimes," Arnyn said, hardly believing she was actually uttering such words in 'casual conversation' instead of in an interrogation with a restrained prisoner. "Do the slavers bother to attend, themselves? To take personal stock of who is on offer and what they wish to pay for them? Or do they send someone from their staff who they trust to make the right call?" She wondered out loud. If Ava attended, surely she would know. And Arnyn wasn't just about to take Shamara's word for it. In fact, after Ava's answer, she'd be able to contrast and compare. It had worked quite well with the routes through the town, after all. It was almost unbelievable she now had a way of verifying this, as well.

Whatever the rumours pertaining the Relic.. the woman had definitely had crazy abilities. Evidently. Arnyn sighed as she looked at the climbing wall - without really looking at it. "How old was the girl?" It was a difficult question, one she feared to hear the reply to. But it had left her lips before she had good and well realized it. Trying to focus a bit better again, she frowned. "Relic might have killed her. Dumped the body somewhere. Who knows... Do you know her name?" Arnyn was interested in that. If Ava really cared, as she claimed, she would be more likely to remember the name. Surely, the parents must have mentioned it to her - in their worry, their sorrow, their panic about no longer having her with them.

Strangely, and unexpectedly, she laughed as Ava spoke of the priest's assistant. Projecting images of himself in different locations. Of course. Knowing what she knew about him by now, she could be sure how he 'managed' that. Except that he actually did not manage at all. It was worrisome, though, that Androllius had managed to spin having a twin into a sorcerous reputation. He was no fool. He knew how to play the game. Perhaps Pharak had taught him. Perhaps he was a natural.

As for Pharak's knowledge of everyone's secrets... Arnyn was unimpressed by that. She knew how once could come by a good share of secrets. It was about being in the right place at the right time. And about having people who were in the right place at the right time - who could tell you about them. Arnyn too often surprised people with what she knew - simple because she had managed to witness it. Or because friends or people who had chosen to trust her, had told her about them. And she most definitely had no 'powers' or 'sorcery' at her fingertips to play with. Pharak did not need special powers for that, either.

"Please," she said, her tone betraying just how unimpressed she was. "Despite witnessing Relic's actual abilities first hand - I can tell you that Naluthor's supposed 'power' is no power at all. As for Pharak and his secrets - he could just be bluffing, as you say. Or he might just have a good network of spies or simply people who are loyal to him, who tell him things. He isn't the only one who knows things."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

From her position in the silk, Ava watched Arnyn wander around to explore the other equipment, wondering a bit about what was going on in her head. She pulled herself up into another position that put her facing away from Arnyn briefly, and took that moment to close her eyes and draw up a more pleasant mental image, and thoughts, than what was trying to push to the forefront of her mind. She ended up with a faint smile touching her face as she imagined Tercen meeting Izrazor.

Arnyn's question about the slave auction brought her back into reality, and she unhooked her foot from the cloth and dropped down so that she unwrapped a bit, and faced her again. She took a few seconds to think of quite what Arnyn was asking, and therefore, how to answer it properly. "It is different with each one, I suppose." She answered slowly, thinking. She hesitated. "I don't really.. go there often." She began. "As far as I am aware, Relic would personally make her selections at the auctions, whenever there was new.. stock to pick from." She cleared her throat quietly with discomfort. "Some of those she purchased, she would decide to sell at a higher price, later. There were other individuals who went directly to her place to make sales. Others," She shrugged, and listed one man she knew of who usually sent a hired hand to conduct all of his business, while another was practically always found loitering around the auction block at some point of each day, and so on. "I am not yet sure what Dahak will be doing, nor what his habits will be." She concluded, after listing all of those she knew of.

The question about the girl she had spoken of surprised her a bit. She had not really seen that as relevant information, and she tilted her head a bit curiously as she wondered why it would matter how old the girl was. Perhaps, it was only out of sympathy for her, for her parents, that the lieutenant wondered. Perhaps she wondered if it was a child or a young woman, that was missing? Ava came down from the silk, took a sip of water from her glass, and turned back to face Arnyn. All the while, she was trying to recall how long ago it had been when she had spoken to the mother and had been told the missing daughter's age. "She was about eighteen, maybe nineteen by now," She answered. She sighed, well aware of the likelihood that the girl had been slain. "That's about what I suspect," She muttered, regretful, when the lieutenant mentioned that possibility.

Looking up again, she gave a tiny smile. "Of course." She answered. "The girl's name was Amber. But, I could find no one by that name anywhere that I searched." She sighed. "I even checked at the homes of other slave owners and anywhere else that I could think of that a slave might end up, thinking she could have been sold, but I've found no trace of her." She gave a discouraged shrug. "I couldn't bear to tell her parents that I suspect she might have been killed, and I thought it best to get them back to Gondor, at least, before they try anything unwise and get themselves discovered." She explained.

As the topic shifted to the rumors she had mentioned concerning the priest and his assistant, Arnyn's laughter surprised her a bit, but in a nice way. A way that told her that the other woman shared the same sort of opinion about those rumors as Ava had. She smiled slightly. "I know, it's absurd, right?" She agreed, then paused and looked curiously at her. "You know about this.. Naluthor?" She wondered, curious about what she'd said. As if she knew more about the strange young man than Ava did, despite being from Umbar.

She then waved a hand lightly at the comment about Pharak. "Yes. Exactly," She agreed. "I'm quite sure that's how he knows anything that he knows, and that is exactly why I was worried about that man at the masquerade." She pointed out. "Because I know he does have spies. I just don't know who they all are. I believe it is a combination of bluffing and using information he learns from these spies. Because someone must have reported my father to him, and yet he pretended like he learned it from the dark lord himself." She rolled her eyes, then hesitated. "Still, he is not someone to underestimate, powers or no powers. Nor is his wife."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Arnyn would have to try her best to memorize things, until she had to write them down. "These hired hands at the auction," she mused, touching the climbing wall. "They are paid employees? Do you know what kind of people they are? Whether or not they... agree... with their employers?" If they were planning to hit the market... that should be a consideration.

"I know more about that Naluthor than I ever wanted to," Arnyn said, her tone dark as she approached the punching bag instead. A Gondorian with such a proclivity to darkness that he would fall to such depths. Trick everyone in such a way. At least one of the twins was not so inclined - he had seemed to mean the oath he had taken as a guard. And only the other twin had embraced the evils of the world. "He has not only been active in Umbar," she noted, landing a combination kick at the punching bag. "He has served either the Blood Priest's designs or his own - or both - much closer to home, as well. Betraying kin and country through his crimes. I doubt there will be much mercy for him, when his time comes." Her tone was somehow both angry and detached at the same time. That cold anger that could take hold. The punching bag fit her purpose well, in this moment; absorbing her anger as stoically as only an inanimate object could.

"You did not mention Pharak in regards to the auction. Does he ever go, himself? And what could you tell me about his wife?" Arnyn wondered, thankful for the distraction that offered from the subject of Androllius.

When Ava told her the girl's age, it was no less sad - but at least... at least the couple's daughter hadn't been a very small child... Arnyn lowered her eyes to the floor. People could be so cruel. It was saddening. It was depressing. But she could not let it get to her. There was good in the world, too. Wetting her lips, she tried to push the negative emotions away. What good would they do her? None. None at all.
Then the girl's name made her blink. Arnyn turned, looking at Ava. "Amber?!" she exclaimed in disbelief. The age fit, too. There is no way all of it could be a coincidence, right? "I know where 'an' Amber is - an Amber who'd been taken by Relic. Of about that age. I think she said her family had been killed, but... Do you know where in Gondor her parents went?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

As Arnyn asked about the 'hired hands', Ava paused to reconsider her wording. "Paid? ...I doubt it very much." She answered thoughtfully. "I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I am the only one in Umbar who pays their servants." She shrugged. "Most of the others think I'm very odd and eccentric for it. However, there are people who serve a particular person without being a slave to them, if that makes sense." She placed one ankle up on the balance beam, using it as a stretching bar, and leaned forward to rest her torso onto the top of her leg. "Like the Blood Guard, who serve the Temple and are loyal to it and do what Pharak says, but are not slaves to Pharak. They come from his wife's family, sent by her father." She mentioned. "But, I don't know that much about those particular details, for each household or business," She explained. "I only know, for instance, that one man I mentioned hardly ever shows up to the auction himself, and always sends an underling in his place to conduct all such business. He considers that sort of thing 'beneath him' and so forth." She explained, rolling her eyes a bit. "But there are others who would not entrust such a task to a servant. It really depends on the person."

She paused, considering the other part of that question. "I wouldn't know how those people feel about it, whether they agree or couldn't care less, or what." She frowned, shifting so that her leg stretched outward to the side, rather than front. "And even if I were to ask them, I doubt they would answer truthfully." She added, leaning slowly toward her leg. "It's not really.. something people do, there. Telling the truth. Talking openly... it would be dangerous." She explained quietly. Straightening, she looked at her. "I don't dare to dig into those matters, as my father did. That's how you end up betrayed and exposed and.. killed."

Drawing a slow breath in, she put her foot down and switched to the other, watching Arnyn approach the punching bag, and start to work on it while speaking darkly of the temple acolyte. It seemed that topic had struck a nerve with the other woman, curiously. Even though she seemed to hide it rather well, it wasn't difficult for Ava to pick up on that. She nodded slowly. "I had heard that he was from Gondor," She mentioned softly. "I wasn't sure if it was true." She paused, hesitating slightly. "Personally, I've wondered if he might be an illegitimate son of Pharak's, but I've not heard anything to back up that possibility." She shrugged. "He sure spends a lot of time there, and Pharak seems more interested in teaching him the ways of the temple than his own sons, so that made me wonder." She explained her reasoning.

She lowered her foot after stretching, and considered the next questions as she moved up onto the beam to practice a few things. "Pharak has no need to go to the auction," She informed her, drawing a slow breath in, and let it out in a sigh. "That one son of his, Uhta, is all the time bringing home women," She explained. "And, when he loses interest in them, as far as I know, they become slaves to the house. If.. his brother doesn't get to them, first." She added quietly, with a look of disgust. "I assume you know about.. Keket?" She glanced at Arnyn to verify, then slowly pulled one foot up behind her and caught it, so that her knees were together but one foot pulled up behind her hips, and held that position for a moment, balancing.

"To my knowledge, no one in the Halsad family have bought any slaves for.. well, at least as long as their sons have been born." She slowly pushed her foot backward, still holding it, and leaned her torso forward to counterbalance, keeping her focus on a certain spot. "Although, they do sometimes sell those that are unsuitable for.. the temple," She added quietly. After holding her position for several seconds, she slowly returned to the original position, and put her foot down. She took a moment to rest and watched Arnyn on the punching bag.

"As for his wife," She paused. "Jenahda, she is... not someone to underestimate, either." She frowned and pulled the other foot up behind her. "What exactly do you want to know about her? She's dangerous, I can tell you that much. And she is from one of the tribes in Harad. They are known as the jackal tribe. That's where that whole.. family infatuation with jackals comes from." She shifted into the more challenging hold. "I've heard that her father gave her to him as a slave, but she became Pharak's wife at some point. I've also heard a few hushed rumors that she stole three baby boys and told him they were his sons, so that she would be sure to give him heirs." She slowly returned both feet to the beam. "But he seems to accept them as his own, so I don't know if there's any truth to it."

Answering the questions about the girl who had disappeared without a trace, Ava watched Arnyn, noting the way she paused from attacking the punching bag, and how she seemed to look down. Saddened, Ava guessed. She felt the same. But when Arnyn reacted in the way she did, to hearing the name, Ava was surprised as well as intrigued. Was this someone else she knew, or had known? Instead, as it turned out, she might very well have found the girl in question. Ava's eyes widened in surprise as her mouth opened slightly as well. "An Amber, who was taken by Relic? Here?" She asked, stunned. "How is that possible..." She blinked and brought a hand to her forehead, thinking of all the effort she had put into searching for the couple's missing daughter. Trying to bring them back together. The sorrow she had witnessed from them, and had sympathized with, when she was unable to find their missing daughter.

Giving a little shake of her head, she tried to focus instead on what the lieutenant had asked her. "They.." She paused, thinking carefully. "I don't know, but I'll ask Edwyrd. I know he kept a list, just in case the information became necessary." She answered. "Those who came here with me all went their own ways, and most of them did not volunteer where they were heading. I did not ask any of them where they were going. I thought it best, in case.. something went terribly wrong, and I was faced with a lot of questions, when I return home." She explained. "If I do not know where any of these people went, then I cannot tell their former masters where they have gone if they ask, you see." She shrugged slightly. "Not that I expect that to happen, but.. best to prepare for the worst-case scenario." She added quietly. "But, I will certainly get the information for you, before you leave today. If the girl you know of is indeed their daughter, then I would be thrilled to reunite her with her parents." She smiled, quite happy at the thought of it.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen , @Arnyn
Aislin
Sixth Circle Gate
December 26th - before sunrise

Even though Aislin had not found it easy to get out of bed in the morning, yet the usual cheerfulness returned to her as soon as she got moving, and she looked around at the city with renewed wonder and curiosity as they walked up the circles. While she had done some exploration of her own it had not been this high up, and even the lower circles looked different in the early morning hours than they did in broad daylight, and she kept noticing small interesting details here and there, expressing her amazement aloud once in a while.

"Helloooo!" she thus called joyfully at seeing Arnyn and the rest of their own group already waiting at the gate. "I think the sky is already getting lighter, and look how the houses become whiter instead of grey." She reached out to scratch behind Chewy's ears and only then noticed the guards. Standing up tall she gave them a respectful nod, looking at them with a certain degree of awe.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Arnyn shook her head. "No, it doesn't make sense to me," she said, puzzled. "So... the Blood Guard for example - they are not paid? But they are also not slaves? They simply do the work, in exchange for... some kind of position it gives them in society? But then how do they afford to live? How do they afford a home? Food? Clothes? Or anything else - besides basic - needs that they might want for themselves?" Umbarian society seemed like a very foreign thing indeed.

Telling the truth and speaking openly was not really something people did in Umbar. Arnyn scrunched her nose. What a great place. How long would it take for a real change to take root, there? If any kind of change was to take place at all, really... would Gondor need to impose a rule on its people, by placing the right people at the highest echelons of power in Umbar - for generations? Mentally, she swore.

"He's from Gondor, yes," she confirmed for Ava, not seeing any problem in revealing such a thing. Otherwise she would not have mentioned what she had already said either. "I do not think he is actually related to the Halsads. At least, I know he had parents here and grew up here. So unless Pharak dumped him with a Gondorian couple when he was really young..." Arnyn waved her hand, not bothering to finish the rest of that sentence.

She continued kicking combinations to the punching bag as Ava told her more about the Halsads. "Pharak doesn't need to go? People just bring him whatever supply he needs for his... sacrifices, then?" Arnyn grunted when Ava asked about Keket. "I know a little." Unfortunately. Yes.

"I want to know how Jenahda would... pose a threat to what we stand for," Arnyn said. It was difficult to be precise without sharing they were planning a hit on Umbar. But she did not trust Ava enough to share that. When Ava returned to Umbar, if she was to tell the wrong person... Preparing Umbar for such a thing would surely gain her a lot of goodwill. Power, perhaps. Would she be able to resist that possibility? Especially if she was threatened by something or other? You never knew that someone might have found out about her journey to Gondor. They might choose to hurt her for it - unless she could dress up the journey as a ways to learn about the Rangers' plans. She did not even have to mean them harm. All she would mean to do then is save her own life. And then there still was the possibility of a mere slip of the tongue...

When Ava asked how it was possible that an Amber, taken from Relic, had ended up here... Arnyn considered. She supposed there would not be any risk in telling Ava about that. "Dahak sent her to us. As a token of his good will, after taking Relic's position," Arnyn told her. Her expression made it clear she was not happy with it, for some reason. "If Edwyrd has the information, we might be able to bring them back together." That might be nice for everyone involved... If Amber's recovery had progressed enough, in the meanwhile...

"Smart," the Lieutenant commented at Ava's words about how no one could get the information out of her if she was unaware of it. "Of course - besides avoiding a slip of the tongue - since you know Edwyrd is aware, they could still torture that out of you," Arnyn countered, speaking slowly.

"So, Ava. Remind me, what was the name of the person who told you about the masquerade again?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Ava paused to consider Arnyn's puzzlement. It was actually a good question to ask, she realized. Unfortunately, she did not really have a solid answer. "Well," She frowned thoughtfully. "All I can do is make a guess, but.. I would imagine that they probably just take whatever they want or need." She shrugged. "They're with the temple. They serve the temple. Either Pharak provides whatever they need, or they demand it. And, because of their status with the temple, no one in their right mind would protest if one of the Blood Guard were to go into a store and take anything he wanted." She shrugged. "That's a very good way to end up on the 'disloyal to the temple' list." She explained. "But, as I said.. that's only a guess. I've never really looked into it that closely, to be honest." She shrugged and paused for a moment. "As for where they live," She held back a sigh. "They dwell at his estate, which makes it even more difficult to get in there." She answered. "Although, I think some of them may have become part of the youngest son's crew, in the last few years." She added. "Uhta, that is." She added, since Arnyn seemed to have all of those names, anyway.

Hearing that the assistant fellow was, indeed, from Gondor, Ava pondered on that as she moved through a slow cartwheel, still on the balance beam. After hearing that Arnyn knew who his parents were, she had to agree that it did indeed seem highly unlikely that he was some secret illegitimate son of Pharak's. So then, why was he so caught up with the temple and all its horrors? Ironic, that a person born and raised in Gondor would end up serving the temple so devoutly and seeking to continue the sickening sacrifices, while another person, born and raised in Umbar, would be seeking to destroy that very temple, in hopes of putting an end to all of that.

She frowned as she came out of her cartwheel and stood upright. Arnyn's question about the sacrifice stuff was not a topic she wanted to delve into very much. "People.. bring them, yes. " She explained quietly. "I don't know how many people have actually accepted that he's defeated and gone." She paused, glancing at Arnyn. "Pharak certainly hasn't. And because of his influence, the others continue in the same practices they kept, before His defeat." She considered, then watched Arnyn for a moment, kicking the bag. Debating if she wanted to try and explain that matter any further, or let it drop and move to something less uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Arnyn had another topic she asked about. Jenahda. And what sort of threat the woman would pose. Ava had to smile faintly as she heard Arnyn's words. What we stand for. While it was not as uncomfortable as the sacrifice topic, it was mostly just a bit difficult for her to explain the woman, properly. "Jenahda... well," She shrugged, then took a moment to leave the balance beam, by performing a flip off of it, then turned to face Arnyn again. "You've probably heard the saying, that behind every successful man is a strong woman? Or something along those lines. Anyway... what I mean is, she's not someone you want to cross. You end up as her enemy, and you'd better watch out. Pharak may be the priest, but the Blood Guard are her people. I have very little doubt that, if Pharak gave them one order, and she gave another that conflicted with his, they would follow her order." She shrugged. "I don't know her that well, personally. But I know her reputation." Ava folded her arms as she tried to think. "I think she is his encouragement. Her people are very... sold on their beliefs, and I don't think they will give it up easily. She's very influential."

Hearing that Dahak had sent Amber, made Ava raise an eyebrow in surprise. "Token of his good will?" She asked, skeptical. Interesting. "I didn't know he had any." She remarked flatly, wondering about that. Did he have some sort of ulterior motive in this? Probably. Ava could not think of what it might be, however. She did not exactly understand why Arnyn looked so unhappy about it, but at the same time, she sort of did. Still, she was hopeful that the girl was the same one. "I hope it is her," She said softly. "But, I think it would be best if she did not know how her parents came to be safe." She added, a little uneasy about this. "I know you're very thorough," She added with a little smile. Boy, did she know about this woman's thoroughness. "It's just... while I very much hope she is who she says she is, and that all is well..." Ava hesitated. "I can't help but ask myself why Dahak would send her..." She trailed off, not wanting to seem insulting by pointing out things that the lieutenant had already considered.

Instead, she shifted her thoughts toward Arnyn pointing out the possibility that Ava might be tortured into revealing that Edwyrd had the information she did not. She looked down and gave a small nod. "That is true." She admitted softly, uncomfortable with the thought of being tortured, of course, but she did want her to know that she had already given it some thought. "But even if I did, it would do them little good. Edwyrd will not be returning to Umbar with me," She explained. "He is going to stay in Gondor and manage things for me, on this end. It'd be extremely difficult for someone from there, to get to him, here."

Drawing a breath, she looked up again as Arnyn asked her the woman who had told her about the masquerade. She blinked, a bit caught off guard by that question, but then gave a tiny smile. She recognized what she was doing there. Checking that Ava had told the truth. "Her name is Taendis." She answered. "And she came from Lossarnach," She pronounced it correctly, this time. "She worked for a lord in that region before being abducted by a group of corsairs." She stepped closer. "She is a seamstress, and she learned about the masquerade because her Gondorian lord had received an invitation to it, and she had thought she would be making the outfits for her lord and lady. But she was taken before that." She told her, adding more detailed information, in case it helped.

---

@Arnyn @Pele Alarion

Gladhron, Gwestion, Seri, Brooke, & Chewy
Approaching the sixth Circle Gate
December 26th - before sunrise

Despite Gladhron's protest, he did not seem to really be upset at Brooke for having told, and he smiled when Celume add her own, more genuine, thanks. Brooke relaxed a bit, therefore, and smiled as she greeted Seri, Aislin, and Gwestion with a little wave.

Gladhron smiled at Aislin's cheery greeting. "Morning, Aislin, Ms. Seri. Gwestion." He had to admit, it did give him a certain level of satisfaction that he had managed to be up before Gwestion, but he also felt a bit too tired to be smug about it at the moment.

He briefly introduced the guards and Seri, as well as Aislin, so that they would be familiar with the healer and her apprentice when they would come through that gate in the future, on their way to the houses of healing. After that, the group followed Celume through the gate, chatting quietly as they headed for the gardens.

(moving to hoh now)

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

It should perhaps not surprise her, that Ava did not know about the particulars of people who were... well, not as ridiculously wealthy as she must be. After all... Arnyn glanced around the exercise room again, giving a small shake of her head. Ava had bought this house, set all this up... even when she had thought she would just be spending a short time here. Wondering, Arnyn looked at the woman thoughtfully. Would she still only be spending a short time here?

That the Blood Guard dwelled at Pharak's estate, made her grimace. Oh, great. When Ava mentioned some of them had joined Uhta Halsad's crew, that gave her pause. She remembered all too well a particular moment from months ago; when several of the captured corsairs at the chandlery had simply... taken their own lives. Arnyn didn't really need to ask, to put two and two together there. She simply nodded. Noting that Ava had offered her something that made sense with what she knew, what she had seen. Given the information she was now receiving about Jenadha, Arnyn paused her kicking."If the Blood Guard is Jenahda's, above anyone else's... and the jackals are her legacy... The blood guard has a specific tattoo, I take it?" was one question she could not resist. It was all starting to fit together.

Would this help her keep any of their people from dying, though?

Arnyn smirked when Ava said she hadn't known Dahak had any good will at all. "It sounded more like a bribe to me. 'I have no quarrel with you. I won't bother you if you don't bother me.' As if not returning the girl would mean we would agree to letting him conduct his nefarious business." Thus trying to put them in an impossible situation. Watching Ava as the latter expressed her doubts, Arnyn smiled faintly. "Thank you?" she half asked, half said, when Ava said she was very 'thorough'.

"Her parents would be the best people to be able to tell whether she was actually their daughter or not. They could ask her things only the real Amber could know," she pointed out. Pele had told her a few things about Dahak that itseemd like Ava did not know... Pele had shared those things after speaking with Amber. Could they trust the information? Perhaps. But even if they didn't, it was perhaps better to take the cautious approach when it came to this new master slaver. "We could ask her parents what things only Amber would know. Ask her ourselves... if she passes the test..." Arnyn paused, tilted her head. "It is just an idea."

She nodded when Ava explained Edwyrd would be staying here, and again when Ava repeated the same name and information she had told her about Taendis, the evening before. "Interesting," Arnyn finally said quietly, referring to both things Ava had just told her. "And you will not be? Staying here?" She gave Ava a careful look. That might turn into a bit of a discussion with Tercen... But that was for them to hash out. Not for her.

"Yesterday," Arnyn continued, "Tercen interrupted before you could answer a few things. One of which was the question of whether you have ever killed anyone." Arnyn spread her arms slightly. "And I will repeat, also - that obviously, I have. Only under specific conditions, and only when those very same people threatened either the life of my people or my own. But still. I have. Have you?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

"Tattoos?" Ava blinked, puzzled by this question, and took a moment to think, first of all, why Arnyn would even be asking about this, but also, if she had ever seen any sort of tattoos on the guys. But she slowly shook her head. "I don't know anything about that." She admitted. "But then, I have never really.. looked very closely at these men. They wear bright red cloaks and usually stand near Pharak or one of family or at his estate, and that makes it very easy to tell who and what they are." She explained. "If they have any sort of tattoos, then those would be hidden beneath their cloaks." She tilted her head, curious. "Why are you asking about tattoos?"

She stepped away from the bag as Arnyn spoke then about Dahak, and nodded. "Could be," She agreed thoughtfully. "Still, there is something about that man that makes me uneasy." She shrugged. "Perhaps it's his eyes. Very unnatural, if you ask me. For a human, anyway." She took hold of one of the rock grips on the wall and pulled herself up. Listening, as Arnyn spoke of using Amber's parents to figure out if she was really herself. She nodded thoughtfully as she reached for another handhold. "Yes, that might work," She agreed. "Although, it would be tricky," She added with a slight frown. "They would have to be warned that there is a possibility she is not really Amber. And... that might prove rather.. upsetting..." She paused to look over her shoulder at Arnyn. "Not to mention disappointing, if it should turn out she is not really herself." She added softly, thinking of the parents and how devastating it would be to them, to see and talk with a girl who looks like their beloved daughter, only to be forced to accept that it was not actually her after all? That would be terrible.

When Arnyn asked her if she would not be staying here, Ava paused, halfway up the wall, and hopped back down, landing smoothly. She brushed off her hands and faced her. "Of course not." She replied, feeling a tiny bit regretful, despite knowing she could not stay. In fact, the longer she stayed around here, the harder it might be, going back home. But it was necessary, and she knew it. "How else would I go about helping your people get home, if I do not return to where I can make such things happen?" she pointed out quietly. "As much as I would like to stay..." She trailed off with a little one-shoulder shrug, then a slightly sad, half-smile as she turned away and considered what she wanted to do, next. Parallel bars, maybe?

Arnyn's next question stopped her from doing anything else just yet. She paused, holding back a sigh. She turned to lean her back against the balance beam, instead. "I had not forgotten," She assured her softly. "A part of me had sort of hoped you had, however." She admitted, perhaps briefly stalling. She was not getting the best workout, today. All this talking and not focusing on her exercises made it harder to keep moving. But she also understood that it was necessary. If she wanted Arnyn to believe she was sincere, then she would need to answer these tough questions.

"While I did not anticipate him... interrupting, as he did," She added with a glance at Arnyn, "Perhaps it was for the best. You see, when you asked me that, originally, I was... torn, about how to answer that question." Ava explained, frowning a little. "And I am still unsure whether I would like Tercen to hear my answer, so perhaps it's best that he is not here, now. But anyway," She went on, pushing away from the beam to step closer to the bag. "I've had time to think very carefully about that question. And I have decided that the answer I want to give you.. is not entirely the most honest one." She drew in a slow breath. "I do want to be honest, even if my answer makes you distrust me more than you already do."

She may end up regretting this, of course, but perhaps Tercen had been influencing her. His honesty, and openness, had been one of the things that she'd appreciated so much about him, even on the night of the masquerade. She found that she wanted to be like that, herself. Even if it was hard. And she also.. didn't want to disappoint him. Although the thought didn't fully make sense to her, it was there, strangely enough. That he might be disappointed if he learned that she had lied, or been misleading, or deceptive, toward his sister. Therefore, she was making herself give the harder answer.

"I.. have, indirectly, been the cause for others' deaths." She admitted softly, looking down. "While I have not personally taken a life before..." She swallowed. "I have been responsible for other's deaths. Many have died, so that I would not." She wrapped her arms around her middle, frowning slightly. "I have endured much remorse over this, and it is not something that I like to admit to. I realize too, that this information will likely ruin any chance that you would ever trust me." She added with a little sigh. "But I cannot honestly claim never to have killed, when..." she shifted uncomfortably. "It was never a thing I took any joy in, but I was convinced it was necessary." She explained softly, unsure how this would be taken by the lieutenant, and how soon she would regret being so honest with her.

[Arnyn]

(private)

Arnyn
Fourth Circle, Arnyn's house
December 27th, evening

She sighed as she took the small kettle off the fire in the kitchen. It was so small, it only contained enough water for one cup, but seeing as Tercen was at Ava's, still, she was alone anyway. With the whole evening ahead of her. And all the privacy she could need or want to try her hand at a new project.

After putting a cup and the kettle on a small tray, she took the tray into the spare bedroom that had grown into more of a drawing room over the past few years. After making a good deal of space on the crowded desk, and taking out everything she would need, Arnyn sat down and poured herself a cup of tea. She stared at the paper and the charcoal drawing stick lying at the ready next to it. Since she'd already added all of Ava's information to her notes, she pushed all of that out of her mind forcefully. And envisioned what she wanted to bring to life on the paper in front of her, instead.

Her right hand picked up the piece of charcoal, her left lifted the cup. She sipped it carefully - it was still hot - and after putting the cup back down, she began. The lines did not seem to amount to much, at first. Slowly, though, the picture started taking shape. Within her cocoon of concentration, time slipped away, the hour grew late and the lines started to blur a little. When an almost familiar headache returned, Arnyn halted her efforts. She assessed the results her work had yielded so far, and figured that one more evening would see it finished. A slight smile played about her lips. Now, however, it was time for bed.

At least, after washing the now empty cup and kettle. As she set out to do just that, the headache intensified - which made sense, after everything - and Arnyn quietly voiced her displeasure with a groan, as if that would make the dull pounding disappear. It took her a while to clean up and get ready for bed. She had her usual morning session with Taras to think about, after all.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Ava mentioning Dahak had very unnatural eyes, gave Arnyn pause. "What do you mean?" she demanded. "What do his eyes look like?" She couldn't help but bring Relic's to mind. That brief moment that she had seen those strange, swirling, crystal eyes... it had been a moment too long. If Dahak's were... similar... then what would HE be able to do?

As for Amber and her parents, Arnyn wasn't sure she had made herself clear enough. "I meant more along the lines of... letting her parents know we found someone who matches her description more or less, and are trying to figure out whether it is worth for them to take the trip. Ask them for what we could ask her, and what their daughter would say in reply. Through a letter, or something. Verify first. Then only ask them to come, physically, once the Amber we found does answer the questions as expected."

Clearly, Ava did not wish to talk for long about her leaving - soon? - either. "Good luck with that," Arnyn wished her. Not that she explained what exactly she meant, by that. It might simply refer to Ava's attempts at bringing more innocent people back to their homes. Because, naturally, Arnyn would want her to succeed with that. As much as she could. Or, it might refer to the conversation Ava would inevitably be having with a certain overprotective man. Perhaps it applied to both.

When Ava answered one of the most important questions Arnyn had left, the blonde gave up entirely on exercising and just watched the Umbarian attentively. The answer was already telling, but... still vague. Arnyn also wondered if Ava was expecting some sort of credit, just for speaking the truth? Umbarians...

"Explain the circumstances," she half-asked, half-told the woman.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Ava had to remind herself that Arnyn would never have met Dahak, so it made sense she would not be aware of his eye color. She frowned slightly as she faced Arnyn. "His eyes are gold," She answered without hesitation. "I've never seen any other person with eyes that color. Rather unusual, if you ask me. But I could not tell you whether it means he has powers or not. Sorry."

The lieutenant's thoughts on how to reunite Amber with her parents, well, it made more sense than what Ava had first thought she meant. She nodded slowly as she considered that plan. "Yes, that sounds reasonable." She agreed. "I think that would work." She was actually really glad that Arnyn had a better idea than Ava had had. It was a way to ensure that Amber was really Amber, while also possibly bringing her and her parents back together, without risking their hopes being crushed, if it turned out that it was not really Amber. It would be nice if it all worked out that well. Ava wasn't sure she ought to let her hopes get too high, however, so she tried not to think too much more about the idea of it all working out.

As the topic shifted to the other matter, Ava held back a sigh, instead letting out a slow, controlled exhale. Explain the circumstances. Well, that was a better request than what she might have asked. Ava looked down at the floor thoughtfully for a moment, then slowly went over to the mat she had started on, for her warmups. Taking a seat, she pressed the soles of both feet together, while gently pressing her knees down toward the floor. This was not an easy topic to broach, and she figured it would be best if she settled into a position that was easy enough to maintain.

"The circumstances," She repeated, looking at Arnyn as she tried to decide whether the woman in front of her could possibly understand the circumstances. Could anyone, who was not there? Who had not lived with this sort of thing? She somehow doubted it, but she would try, anyway. She began, slowly. "I don't know if you can fully appreciate the circumstances, but I will try to explain." She focused her gaze on Arnyn, trying to remind herself not to let her walls up again. Be honest and open, Tercen had said. "You said you know.. about what happens to people.. at the temple." She began quietly. "If so, then.. you know what happened to my father. What I did not mention, last night.." She hesitated. "For Tercen's sake, perhaps, I left out this much.. my father was not the only one taken from our home that night. I, too, was dragged along to the temple." She swallowed. "Forced to watch.. his execution." She closed her eyes briefly, her voice having dropped to a whisper for those last few words.

Drawing a slow breath, Ava continued on, determined to be strong through this. "They took.. his remains.. through the streets, blowing trumpets and declaring his crimes to all. Treason. Heresy. Things like that. And after the message had been made.. that this is what happens to those who turn away from Sauron.. they brought his remains back to the temple. To finish the sacrifice." Her tone held a bitter note as she explained. "All this while, I.. a fifteen-year-old girl.. kept expecting them to do the same with me. I kept thinking, any moment, it'll be my turn. I was.." She paused, looking down as she admitted, "To say I was scared, or even terrified, doesn't fully do justice to what I was feeling that day." She drew in a slow, slightly shaky breath. "I.."

At this point, her gaze drifted downward to where her feet met together on the mat, struggling for a moment as emotion tried to rise to the surface, remembering that horrible day. It took her a moment to be able to talk again. When she did, she spoke softly. "I went back home, feeling.. empty and confused and.. so much more that I can't even put into words. I woke the next day thinking it must have all been a horrible, horrible nightmare. But.. it wasn't. And then it hit me, how very alone I was, now. I had no idea what to do, how to.. survive, how to run the estate.. any of that. All I could think of, every time I closed my eyes.. was how they had killed my father. And wondering when they would do the same to me. I... felt as if I had no one to turn to."

She shifted to cross one ankle in front of the other, and with her elbows resting on her legs, brought her clasped hands up to rest her forehead on them. Drawing a slow breath, she refused to let herself get swallowed up by those horrible memories. Nor, by the remorse that went along with what she was about to tell. "Then, a servant of our household came to talk to me. A man named Ashar, who had worked for my father for many years.. he grew up in Umbar. He knows a lot about how things like this work. He'd seen it plenty over the years. " She went on hesitantly. "And, he told me.. that the temple was going to be watching me very closely from now on. Especially now. And that, if I didn't want to end up like my father, I would need to convince Pharak, and the others who support him, that I did not follow in my father's beliefs... that I was loyal to the temple." She explained quietly. "That I would not pose any problems to them."

She kept her eyes closed. "He told me that I needed to.. bring a sacrifice to the temple. To prove to Pharak that.. I was not against Sauron. To make him believe that I would not be a "traitor", like my parents." She swallowed. "I told him I didn't want to do that. That I couldn't do that. Especially, not after seeing.." She stopped and cleared her throat. "He kept insisting, though, until he convinced me that it was the only way to prove that I was.. not opposed to the temple. He said that.. if I didn't convince Pharak that I supported the temple.." She lowered her hands. "I knew, by then, what happens to those who disagree with the temple. So, I.. did."

She looked up at Arnyn at last, expecting to find nothing on her face but that unreadable, rock-wall expression. Ava did not try to hide the regret and sorrow in her own expression, though it went against her instinct, to keep her 'shields' lowered. "I can't undo what I've done, as much as I wish I could." She told Arnyn quietly. "You may not believe this, or anything else I tell you, but I despised the very suggestion. I.. I couldn't bear the thought of subjecting anyone to what I'd witnessed.. but in the end, I was more frightened of the thought of enduring that fate, myself." She dropped her head again and let out a little sigh. "I'm not asking for any sympathy, or even understanding. I doubt I'd get any, anyway." She raised her eyes to meet Arnyn's. "What I'm asking for, is help. I don't even know how many of the other people of Umbar are truly in support of the temple, or how many are pressured into appearing to support it, like I was. But this.. has to stop. The temple needs to be stopped." She rubbed her eyes to remove any dampness trying to leak out, but there was a hint of desperation showing in her eyes as she looked at Arnyn again. "I just.. don't know how to make it happen. I'll do whatever I can to help make it happen, but I can't do this by myself. I need help.. and if I don't find a way to put an end to this soon... well, I don't know how much longer I can keep my true goal a secret."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Early Afternoon

Gold eyes. Eyes like that must be mesmerizing, she couldn't help but think. But Ava probably meant.. something like golden light brown, right? A lighter, honey-ish brown might count as 'golden' for most Umbarians. Weren't they mostly used to very dark eyes? Eyes like Ava's? Eyes like Arnyn's?

She was more interested, though, in more information around what Ava had said earlier. Many have died, so that I would not. That is what Ava had said. Yet she had not personally taken any lives. Did she mean that people had died because they, for example, hadn't given Ava up? Because they had wanted to protect her, like by not telling anyone in power that Ava was working against the temple and the slavers? Or perhaps bodyguards had died in her service, because Umbar was a ridiculous place and there were fights breaking out in public all the time?

It had to be something like that. Because - what else could she possibly mean?

When Ava started by telling her a bit more about her father's execution, at the temple, Arnyn's expression darkened. She felt sorry that Ava had needed to see that happening to her father. Of course she did. How could anyone not feel sorry about that? What was practiced in the temple was terrible. Gruesome. Despicable. To be forced to watch it with your own eyes... to be forced to watch that being done to a loved one with your own eyes... to expect yourself to be next... Arnyn gritted her teeth. Pharak... this entire cult... it had to stop.

"I'm so sorry, Ava," Arnyn said quietly. She didn't really want to admit it, but the woman was getting to her. Arnyn was starting to believe her.

When Ava continued and said one of the household servants, Ashar, had come to talk to her, and had told her she needed to be careful, Arnyn nodded. It had been a good thing that Ava, being only fifteen, had had someone to tell her what wou--
Her train of thought came to a sudden halt as her mind jumped to the next logical step. For what is the only thing you can give a Blood Priest to convince him you're on his side?

Blood.

Arnyn stilled, her face expressionless, as she listened to the rest of it. Ava had offered someone as a sacrifice to the temple, so Pharak would believe she was not like her father. Ava had shoved someone in front of her. To die in her place. Even if it had only been a one-time thing, something inside Arnyn protested that such a thing was not right.

Her eyes did tighten then, even as her own logic told her that most people would have made the same choice. She tried to focus on how sincere Ava seemed in saying she had despised the suggestion. And who couldn't imagine her fear of suffering the same horrific fate as Ava had seen being forced upon her father? Besides, Ava had already said she wanted to stop the temple and its sway it held over people. Maybe... she had looked for someone who was already dying. Or some murderer. Maybe... sh--

Her unreadable expression vanished. Arnyn's eyes widened in alarm, and her upper lip moved slightly in disgust. "You said 'many'." She was trying to keep her voice even - but in truth some of the alarm visible on her face could be heard in her tone. "You said... many," Arnyn repeated, now accusatory. The situation was only really setting in, now. Ava had not done this just ONCE. It had not been a single sacrifice, shortly after the death of Ava's father.
So much for 'having no idea' of why Pharak had let her live! Ava had handed him other lives, in order to buy Pharak's belief in her loyalty.

Arnyn reassessed the Umbarian woman, quickly. Ava was athletic, flexible, stronger than she looked. But Arnyn was all those things, as well. And she had over a decade of military training and actual experience. Arnyn knew she herself posed the biggest threat, between them. Not Ava. She didn't need to worry about that, at least. Or did she? Arnyn's eyes narrowed slightly, and her body language gained an edge it hadn't had before. There were questions she could ask, her logical side told her. Several decent questions, that might help shed more light on the matter. But Arnyn's idealistic side was reigning now, throwing her into the maelstrom of turmoil that had begun to twist and spin at this entirely unexpected bit of news.

"How many?" she finally did manage, even as she was angry at what Ava had done, and bristling at how the woman had just been showing her around her house, doing cartwheels, spinning around in fancy pieces of silk - not to mention bedding Tercen - like they were all the most normal things in the world! And all of this, while Ava had facilitated 'many' suffering being sawn in half in the Blood Priests's temple. And who knew what else the bastard did to people on that altar.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

"You said 'many'."

The accusation in Arnyn's tone was unmistakable. Inwardly, Ava cringed. Of course, she wouldn't understand. It must be easy for her, having grown up in a place like this, where kindness is a commonality, and to kill another person was a shocking idea. She had never had to live to try and figure out what the right thing to do would be, because, Ava guessed, she'd had good role models her entire life. Tercen, for one. Ava swallowed, thinking of how much differently she, herself, might have been, with an influence like him in her life sooner. She already wanted to be better, and she'd noticed his influence rubbing off on her after only knowing him, what, not even a full week yet?

She drew in a slow breath, keeping her gaze on the floor, rather than meeting Arnyn's gaze. Mostly, because she didn't want to come off as appearing defiant or hostile. A part of her wanted to be, but she also didn't think that would get her anywhere. Yet, she was starting to feel her patience wearing a little thin. She'd been as open as she knew how, and yet every time she said anything, it felt as if Arnyn was already set against her. She was already regretting the hopeful idea she'd had, about asking for help. It didn't seem likely she was going to get any, so what was the point?

Still, Arnyn hadn't gotten up and walked out, and Ava was unwilling to do so, herself. Some absurd hope still lingered, for some reason. Even though she noticed the way Arnyn had seemed to tense, as if she expected Ava to try something. She wasn't quite sure what to make of that, but she did know that the woman in front of her didn't show any indication of wanting to help Ava. She reminded herself of her entire reason for even bringing any of this up. Desperation, to bring about change.

"It's in the past," Ava spoke softly, rather than answering 'how many'. She raised her gaze up. "I told you, I was acting on more selfish reasons, until recent years. And as I said.. I didn't know what else to do." She drew in a slow, slightly shaky breath. "I'm not trying to defend my choices, nor to ask for any pardon. I am well aware of how horrible it was. Believe me... I'm the one who had to stand there and watch it happening, each time, having to pretend like it didn't bother me." Her tone grew more emotional as she spoke. "You think it's horrifying to hear about these things? I had to see it.. be part of it. You think I don't have nightmares about that? You think I didn't try to find any other alternative? It's.. you have no idea what a hopeless situation it is..." She stopped and looked down, struggling to calm the inner storm again, putting her face down in her hands as she took a few deep breaths.

After a few more breaths, when she had gotten ahold of herself again, Ava lowered her hands and clasped her elbows in each opposite hand. "If you're only going to judge me, then I don't see much point in this conversation continuing." She paused, carefully suppressing a tone of bitterness that wanted to come out, along with a sarcastic retort. Instead, she went on more softly, "I'm here, asking for help, because I want to put a permanent end to such suffering. Haven't I made that clear?" She looked at Arnyn, frowning, troubled by how unlikely it was beginning to feel, that she might actually get some sort of aid. Even advice, which she would be glad for.

"If it helps any," She added as an afterthought, "I would like to mention that.. those who died, by my doing, they were far from innocent. I know it doesn't.. change much, but I would like you to know that, at least. I wouldn't have done that." She didn't expect that to change Arnyn's opinion, but she would prefer that she at least didn't get the idea she'd sent a lot of innocent people to their deaths. "Also, it wasn't just to protect myself that I continued to make that terrible choice." She added quietly, and looked Arnyn in the eye, now. "It was for everyone on my estate, too."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

"Pretend like it didn't bother you," Arnyn repeated, her tone deadpan. She crossed her arms, though, her existing frown deepening when Ava responded. The woman was clearly getting annoyed with Arnyn's reaction and getting defensive about what she had done in regards to the temple's expectations. Ava did not want to be judged. But what was she expecting Arnyn to say? Ava did seem sincerely upset about having done what she had done, but did that really make it any better? People also deserved second chances - Arnyn was a firm believer of that - but how many chances had Ava had to stop what she had been doing?

"Ava," Arnyn said grimly once Ava said she didn't see much point in continuing the conversation if Arnyn was only going to judge her. "Look - you are basically telling me you have turned over many people to a cult that worships Sauron, knowing full well how they would be tortured to their deaths. What were you expecting me to say? That I am sorry that happened to you? While you were in fact a large part of the reason that it happened to them? I am sure you had your reasons, but..." Arnyn took a deep breath. How could she make Ava understand her own point of view?

"Wasn't part of you fearing that I might come and arrest you the moment I heard you were from Umbar? But of course I didn't - because that would have been narrow-sighted and prejudiced. But now.... now you are telling me about this - what you have done - and you don't see how that might cause a problem in my estimation of you?"

"You offered people up to be sawn in half, mutilated, tortured, to their deaths, for their bodies to be torn apart further until Mandos knows what is left of them.. Which, with just that information, basically goes against everything I stand for and which I would fight against until my last breath..."

"Moreover - you did that while..." Arnyn looked away. "While Sauron was still attacking our defenses. Weakening our positions. Killing our people. My father died, fighting the Enemy. My mother died, fighting the Enemy. Tercen nearly died, too, trying to save her. He got away by the skin of his teeth. Friends... friends died, fighting or running from - or both,in their desperation - the Enemy." Arnyn blinked, her eyes too watery for her liking. "And more people who mattered to me than I want to count. Never mind how many times I almost died myself, surrounded by blood and death on both sides of the battle. I might never truly know whether those disgusting sacrifices to Sauron even ever helped the Shadow somehow or not. But it is a very sharp reminder of all the support Sauron received from Men beyond our borders. Support that enabled much suffering here, as well. You come here now and you see our city, you see how we are to each other - and you think we have not known pain? Everyone has their own story. Yours is horrific. More so than mine. But I can assure you that there are stories here, as well, that can rival yours. A horror story is most definitely - and most unfortunately - not solely your prerogative."

When Ava continued more quietly, however, Arnyn watched and listened. She was asking for help, yes. To make it all end. "Yes, you have made that clear. You want to put a stop to Pharak and the temple as a whole." The Lieutenant uncrossed her arms, putting one hand in her side and running the other over her face. "It's just -" She paused, trying to think, and to push her emotions away. How many more absolutely crazy stories was she going to hear, which were related to these awful people?

Looking back at the Umbarian woman as Ava told her more about the circumstances, Arnyn did not hold back her sigh. "So... you handed over... who? Where did you find them?" Arnyn could not help but ask. "I've already explained why I am definitely going to have an opinion on this," she told Ava. "Even if you probably won't like it. But wouldn't you at least want me to have the right information before I make up my mind about it?"

The fingers of her right hand paused at her neck. "Assuming that, if the temple were to deem you insufficiently zealous, not just you but everyone serving you was going to be sacrificed instead... how many did you save? By offering how many in return, over all this time?"

"And howcome it is in the past, now, but your hands were tied, before?"

[Arnyn]

|
Arnyn | Tercen
Fourth Circle, Arnyn's house - December 25th, evening

She'd just gotten home from dinner at the mess hall when the knock on the door came. Shortly thereafter,she heard a key. That meant it was Tercen. Even if she gave him a key for when he was here, he still had the manners to knock first, since it wasn't exactly his house.

"I didn't expect to see you today," Arnyn told him, the words serving as a greeting.

Tercen shrugged. "It's just a quick fly-by. How are you doing?" he checked casually, though he did want to know whether whatever had caused her nightmares was still bothering her.

"I'm alright," the expected answer was provided to him, along with a reassuring smile. "Even had all three of my meals today," she added, mildly amused. "You?"

"Great," Tercen grinned. Ava was back, after all. "I just wanted to check in with you and agree on an evening to go out? Like we always do."

Arnyn slanted her head. "Really? And would this be with or without 'Lady Cat'?" she inquired curiously.

"Um. I don't know. That depends, I suppose. You do want to go, right?"

"Of course I do," she agreed quietly before suggesting a few evenings.

Once they'd settled on a day, they had some coffee together. It didn't take long before Tercen excused himself, however. "I should go. Father always said never to keep a lady waiting."

Arnyn smirked and refilled her own cup. "So the saying goes. See you around, big brother."

Tercen grinned as he rose from his seat, waving goodbye on his way out.

Arnyn rolled her eyes. "Men," she mumbled quietly over the edge of her cup.

[Rillewen]

Solo/Private

|
A happy, young couple
One of the lower levels, near a fountain
Roughly 6 years prior to present day

Amy laughed at the story her boyfriend was telling her about something his youngest sister had done, shortly before he left to join the guard. “And then what happened?” She asked, amused by the tale Reilly had been telling her. She grinned as he went on. The fountain bubbled gently behind them as they sat together on the edge of the fountain, talking.

“So, we hurried home as fast as we could, and then my other sister got her cleaned up, brushed her hair, and she was just getting it braided again when our parents came home. I met them outside and delayed them just long enough for the girls to get everything tidied up, and they never knew. My aunt was busy with my baby brother the whole time, and since my sister kept her as occupied as possible, she thought us two were just outside playing the whole day.” He grinned in amusement. “The things you do for your siblings, right?” He shrugged and gave her hand a little squeeze.

“That’s really sweet of you, covering for your sister like that.” Amy smiled. “I’d like to meet both of your sisters, someday. They sound nicer than mine,” She rolled her eyes with a little laugh. “But I’m glad you were able to help her.”

Reilly smiled and took her hand. “I’d like you to meet my whole family.” He hesitated, drawing a deep breath. “In fact, Amy. I’d like to make you a part of the family…”

Amy’s eyes widened in surprise slightly as she caught her breath. “Reilly.. are you..?”

A little smile spread on his face as he squeezed her hand, leaning in to kiss her. He caressed her face softly, smiling as he brushed back a lock of her dark hair. "I love you, Amy." He said softly, then kissed her again. When he pulled away, he was holding up something in his hand. A a simple ring made of wire, which he held out to her. "I've been wanting to ask you for a while now... Will you marry me?" He grinned, eager hope shining in his blue eyes, enjoying her surprised reaction.

Amy's eyes grew round as she gasped. "Oh! Yes! Of course I will!" She threw her arms around him with a little exclamation of joy, happily hugging him as joyful tears flooded her eyes. She grinned as she hugged him a moment longer, then drew back just enough to kiss him, instead.

Quite relieved by her response, Reilly happily held her close as they kissed, then took a moment to slide the ring carefully onto her finger. “It’s only temporary,” Reilly informed her. “I’ll get you a real one, later.”

Amy smiled happily as the ring was placed on her finger. “I love it,” She grinned. “I love you, Reilly.” She hugged him again with a big smile.

Their happy moment was interrupted just then, as a courier approached, clearing his throat softly. “Excuse me, are you Reilly Veranis?”

Reilly reluctantly withdrew from Amy’s embrace, and looked toward the young man, still smiling. “Yes, I am. Do you have something for me?”

The courier handed him a sealed envelope. “I was told it was urgent.” He explained. “I apologize for interrupting.”

“Thank you.” Reilly nodded, his smile fading slightly as he noted the fact that the document looked rather official. The courier gave a little nod and then went on his way, while Reilly broke the seal on the letter, opened it, and began to read.

Amy tried not to pry, busying herself with admiring the ring he had made for her. It was made of one long strand of wire, folded and twisted together, then bent into a circle, with the cut ends bent around the loop and carefully filed so that it left no sharp edges. The place where it bent in half was shaped into a heart. When she looked up with a little smile, she noticed Reilly’s expression had fallen while reading the letter. “What’s wrong?” She asked in concern. “What is it?”

Reilly lowered the letter into his lap, frowning. “I.. I’ve been transferred, to beacon duty. Effective immediately.” He told her, the dismay clear in his tone. He looked at Amy, then held the letter out for her to read. “I’m to report to my new posting by the first bell.. the day after tomorrow. But it’s.. so far away. Dol Brannor, that's.. that's nearly two day's journey from here!” He frowned, confused. “I’ll have to leave.. within the hour, just to get there in time.” He sighed heavily. "Why didn't they give me more notice?"

“I can’t believe this.” Amy frowned as she also read it. “But Reilly, it’s only for a few months,” She added, seeking to make him feel less disappointed. “It’ll be alright,” She wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “We’ll write. You can do that, can’t you?”

Reilly sighed. “Yeah, I guess. I don’t see why not. But.. I don’t understand. Why would they select me for this? There’s lots more guys in the guard who are more experienced. I wonder if I should speak to captain Baelthor, ask him about it.. it is his signature on there.” He frowned.

“But isn’t the captain off duty until tomorrow afternoon? You just said, you'll barely have time to get there if you leave right away.” She reminded him. “I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble for being late to report in,” She expressed her concern.

“Right.” He let out another sigh, then caught her hand and lightly kissed it, his frown melting away slightly, replaced by a little smile he gave her. “What terrible timing,” He grumbled. “Well, I was planning to take you out for dinner, but.. I guess that’ll have to wait until I get back.” He told her apologetically. “Six months… it seems like forever,” He sighed. “But, this leaves me very little time to get packed."

“We’ll celebrate our engagement when you return.” She smiled, trying to be positive. “It won’t be so bad.”

Reilly smiled and kissed her again before standing. “As soon as I get settled in, I’ll write you. Then you’ll know where to write back, and we’ll keep in touch.” He promised, trying not to let it show how disappointed he was by this turn of events.

Amy nodded as she stood as well. “I’ll look forward to it.” She said, trying her best not to look downcast. “It’ll be alright, Reilly. We’ll be back together again before you know it.”

“I’ll see you in six months.” Reilly smiled as he kissed her again, reluctant to go.

Amy finally had to push him gently away from her with a little laugh. “If you don’t go, you’re going to be late.”

Reilly grinned. “My horse is fast, and I'll take the ferry as far as I can.” He assured her. “Oh..” he smiled. “That reminds me. I want you to meet me at the stable, before I go?”

Amy gave him a puzzled look. “Well, I thought it would be better to say our goodbyes now..”

Reilly shook his head. “No. Meet me there. Half an hour. Be there, alright?”

“Alright.” Amy promised. “I’ll be there.”

Reilly smiled happily and kissed her hand again. “I better go pack.” he declared, then hurried off, regretful to have to leave, especially at a time like this.

---

Reilly & Ric's apartment

It didn’t take long to reach the apartment. Reilly hurried in, glancing around. “Ric? Are you here?” he called, listening for a moment.

“I’m here,” Ric answered. He came out of his room and stopped at the doorway of Reilly’s. “What is it?” he asked.

“You won’t believe this,” Reilly sighed as he looked at his roommate. “I’ve got reassigned.” He huffed a sigh and gestured to the letter he’d left on the desk. “I have to pack and get gone in the next half hour, or I’ll be late to report in.”

Ric blinked in surprise. "What? Where?" He asked, then took a look at the letter, frowning a little as he read it. “Why was there no prior notice?” He asked, confused. “That seems odd. When they sent us here to Minas Tirith, we were told over a week in advance..”

“I guess there must be some urgent need for someone to take over at one of the beacons. It's the closest one to my home, so maybe that's why they picked me? I don't know.” Reilly answered, while hastily putting some of his things in his bag. “I guess I'll get an explanation when I get there." He sighed, glancing around. "I’m going to have to travel light. I’ll send for some more of my things once I get there, if you wouldn’t mind sending them?”

“Sure, yes. Of course.” Ric nodded. “Anything else I can do?”

Reilly paused. “This posting is only supposed to be for six months. Can you keep the rest of my things here for me?”

“You don’t even have to ask that,” Ric assured him. “This is your room, Reilly. Your stuff will be here when you get back.”

Reilly smiled. “Thanks. Oh, and..” He paused. “Will you look after my fiancé, for me?”
“Fiancé?” Ric raised his eyebrows in surprise, then smiled. “You asked her?”

Reilly grinned. “She said yes. Not that I was surprised, but..”

Ric laughed. “Well, good for you! And yes, of course, I’ll look after her.” He smiled, then the smile faded as he glanced at the letter, and at Reilly packing. “Oh.. that’s pretty bad timing, though.” He added sympathetically.

“Yeah,” Reilly sighed as he closed the drawstring on his bag. “I didn’t even get to take her out to dinner. And I haven’t gotten to tell my family, or even my valar-father about us. I can’t wait to introduce her to everyone,” He sighed. “But, it’ll have to wait until I get back.” He shook his head. “I wish I had more time to celebrate, but I have to get going.” He glanced around again, then came and took Ric’s hand, shaking it. “I’ll write to let you know of anything else I need you to send me. Thanks, Ric.” He smiled. “I’ll see you in a few months.”

“Yeah, a few months.” Ric tried not to seem too disappointed, walking with his friend to the front door. “It’s going to be kinda lonely around here, for the next few months.” He mentioned with a half-smile.

Reilly paused and smiled. “You’ll be alright, Ric.” He put a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll miss you, too. Take care of yourself, alright?” He smiled. “See you later.” Waving, he set off at a quick pace for the stable.

---

Public Stables

Reilly was just finishing packing his things into his saddlebags when Amy arrived. He smiled and turned to her. “There you are.” He grinned. “I was worried you wouldn’t show.”

“I said I would.” She smiled and put her arms around him, kissing him lightly.

Reilly’s arms wrapped around her, holding her close. “I’m going to miss you so much.” He murmured.

“And I, you.” She answered, sighing.

“Maybe a little company will help you not miss me so much.” Reilly suggested.

“Company?” Amy tilted her head curiously. “What company?”

Reilly smiled and led her toward a stall not far from where his horse was. Inside was a black and white horse. “He doesn’t have a name yet.. I wanted to leave that for you.” He smiled at her, watching as her eyes widened in surprise.

“You.. you got me a horse?” She turned to Reilly with delight.

“Do you like him?” He smiled. “I was thinking we could go riding together sometimes, but..” He sighed. “It seems we’ll have to wait a few months on that. But, I figure he can keep you company while I’m gone.” He explained.

Amy let out a happy little squeal and hugged him. “Thank you!” She turned then to the horse, smiling as she ran a hand over his soft forehead. She turned back and hugged Reilly again, then sighed as she rested against him. “I’m still going to miss you, though.” She assured him softly.

“I know. I’ll miss you.” He stroked her hair lightly, then kissed her softly. “I’ll be back though.” He assured her. “It’s only six months. I’ll write as soon as I get a chance.”

Amy smiled. “I’ll be watching for your letter.”

After their goodbyes had been made, Amy watched Reilly ride away on his horse, sighing softly. Once he was out of sight, she turned toward the horse that he had given her, smiling softly as she began to get acquainted with him. At least taking care of a horse, thinking of a name, and getting familiar with him would give her something to do. It was going to be a very long six months.


(edit; matching up with information that I located in another post)

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava was not really sure what Arnyn seemed to be so... whatever the word would be. It was like no matter what she said, the woman was set against her. She was really feeling like this was all a huge waste of both their time, and she didn't know whether to assume it was a lost cause, trying to convince Arnyn that she was sincere, or if she should just accept that she would never believe it. She didn't even seem to believe that the horrific things she'd had to see, really did bother Ava.

As Arnyn spoke her name, and then began to explain a few things from her side of things, Ava took a few slow breaths and tried to listen. She let her gaze drift down, mentally accepting the points that Arnyn was making. And, at the same time, she was trying to get some better idea of why the other woman wasn't seeming to understand Ava's side.

The information that she dropped about Tercen and his mother, however, made Ava blink and look up at her. She had not known about that, and recalled how quiet he got when he spoke of his parents' deaths. She reminded herself that was Arnyn's parents, too. Her mother. "I'm sorry." She spoke softly. "I didn't know about your mother, or.. any of that." She kept quiet as Arnyn continued to speak about how things were here, and how so many others had terrible stories. She nodded slowly, trying to show that she understood that.

"I keep having to remind myself that you don't fully know how things are, there," Ava admitted softly. She paused. "So, in light of that, I realize that maybe I did not explain things as well as I might have." She shifted, finding her current position a little uncomfortable. She stretched one leg out to one side, the other tucked in. "When I spoke of it being in the past, I was referring to that one incident. Shortly after my father's death." She explained. "It was.. what I was convinced was best, even if I have often wondered if there might have been a better option." She paused, looking down. "I do wonder what I might have done, if I had had someone like you or Tercen to consult with," She added quietly. "But I had only Ashar. He is Umbarian, and he knows the ways of Umbar quite well. So, he tried to help me in the way that he knew how."

She closed her eyes briefly, drawing in a slow breath as she tried to think of how to explain, before looking up at Arnyn. "I spoke of it being in the past, because I was referring to that one incident." She explained. "But.. you see, aside from that one occasion, the sacrifices to the temple are not voluntary. It's.. expected. Demanded, even." She paused. "Think of it this way, if you will; Suppose your king decides to impose a tax upon the entire kingdom. Everyone would be expected to pay it, correct? Most likely, the lords who are over the realms would collect the tax from their people, then deliver that tax to the king. If one of those lords withheld the due amount, however... there would be repercussions, yes?"

"It's the same basic idea, in Umbar. Only.. darker." She went on with a frown. "The common folks don't have to bring a sacrifice to the temple. They only have to worry about being brought there, as the sacrifice. But the lords.. or, in my case, lady, are required to bring a.. tribute. On a regular basis." She frowned. "My father learned what happens when you refuse for too long." She added softly.

"One time, not long after.. that, I tried to be brave and refuse, like my father had done. I.. said that I couldn't do it, that I just.. couldn't bear.. to have to stand there and.." She pulled the one knee up and hugged it, letting out a shaky sigh. "You can't just drop off your sacrifice and go on your way, you know?" She mumbled. " You have to stay for it all. And you have to bring it in person, too. Anyway, I.. kept insisting that I wasn't going to do it. The day when I should have brought the sacrifice came, and passed, and I didn't. And then.. a man showed up at the door to my home, escorted by one of the blood guards." She explained, glancing at Arnyn. "He gave me a bloody veil, and told me that the priest was extremely displeased with my attempt at deception, and that the next time, I was expected to triple the usual tribute." She frowned. "I had no idea what all that was about, but after they left, I saw how pale Ashar looked. I demanded to know what he had done." She let out a slow sigh, looking down. "He tried to help. He.. took a girl from my staff, who resembled me somewhat. Same age, same height, dark hair... and he had her wear a veil and take my place in bringing a sacrifice, thinking that Pharak would believe it was me." She bit her lip, closing her eyes tight.

"The only way I know of to escape from this, is to simply.. give up my land, my money, and my title... and live as a commoner." She went on. "Which, then, would make me and everyone in my estate 'up for grabs'," She bit her lip, then went on. "There is no real law in Umbar, but everyone knows you can't just grab someone else's slave, to deliver to the temple." She explained. "And, while my people are not slaves, but paid employees... as far as the rest of Umbar is aware, they are my property. Which means they are under my protection. If anyone tried to harm one of my servants, they would regret it, because I defend my people." She explained. "So, as long as I remain in good standing with the temple, not only am I safe, but everyone who lives under my protection." She looked at Arnyn. "Not just my staff, which is.. a lot of people, but also those whom I have rescued, who are taking refuge there. That, is also a lot of people." She paused. "I'm not even sure how many, to be honest. Hundreds, probably, in total. I have a lot of people who work for me, not just on my estate.. plus their families..." She frowned as she tried to even consider the ballpark figure, and gave up. There were too many to try and count just off the top of her head.

"Once," She sighed, "I considered just running away. Going someplace where such atrocities were unheard of, so I would never have to do that again." She gave a faint, sad smile. "I even thought of going to find my mother's people, to hide there. But, then it came to my attention that if I abandoned my estate.. then all of my people would become vulnerable to the very thing I was running from. I would be abandoning them to some terrible fate. The same fate my father endured." She paused. "And, that is also why I will have to return, eventually." She added quietly.

"But as for your question about who.." She hesitated. "Since I couldn't find any way out of it, I tried to at least make it count in some positive way," She mentioned softly. "I figured, if I had to do this, then I would seek out the worst sort of scum. Murderers, rapists, muggers, thugs, corsairs," She shrugged slightly. "Also, the sort of people who coerce children and other innocent people into crime. Sadly, that's common in the warrens. I mentioned before I had done some vigilante sort of things. There isn't really any sort of justice system in Umbar, like you have here. So, people like that roam rampant, especially in the warrens. They have nothing really to stop them." She glanced up at Arnyn. "I know that doesn't make things any better, but at least I know it wasn't innocent people that I had to send to their deaths," She added softly.

"All of that being said," She straightened slightly, and stretched her other leg out, remembering she hadn't switched yet. "Another reason I used the words 'it's in the past', is because I have every intention of ensuring that it is all in the past, forever. From now on, I intend to make sure there are no more sacrifices at that horrible place." She explained. "I am determined to find some way of putting a stop to it all, whether I get help or not. I just.. hoped, that with you and I having the same goal, maybe we might be able to come up with something together." She sighed. "I'm sorry if I've wasted your time. The way Tercen spoke of you, I thought you would be just the person to help me figure out some solution." She shrugged apologetically.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

It was no surprise Ava hadn't known about their mother. "He doesn't talk about it," Arnyn acknowledged. "He spoke of it to me, once. So I would know what happened to her. But never again, since. So if you ever ask him about it, and he is not forthcoming, don't take it personally."

Arnyn retrieved her black sweater and pulled it back on. She was not intending on leaving... per se. Not if Ava was willing to offer more of an explanation. However, it was clear she was abandoning exercise. And she did not want to get cold. As she did that, she listened to Ava as the latter began to fill in some of the gaps. After putting her sweater back on, Arnyn turned to Ava to listen. She did not move or even turn toward the door, as to not give the woman the wrong impression - for that would likely shut her up completely. And close the door on any kind of understanding between them.

As Ava explained about demanded sacrifices, much in the way of a tax, Arnyn moved to lean against a wall. Her face was difficult to read and mostly offered only thoughtfulness, but at least Ava would notice her body language was not hostile. She nodded quietly when Ava asked if there would be repercussions if one of the lords were to withhold their tax. That had happened a few times, when they had still been at war and under Steward Denethor's rule. Of course, the repercussions had never involved torture or death... but she understood the principle Ava was comparing it to.

The exposition of what had happened after Ava had refused to bring a sacrifice to the temple, had Arnyn frowning as she listened. A bloody veil? When it turned out that Ashar had sent another girl in Ava's stead... the conclusion was quite clear. Pharak had not been fooled. The girl had been... slain. Or at least that was the best one could hope for. Her fate had probably been worse than simply death. So the temple had taken the sacrifica Ashar had sent with the girl.. and they had taken the girl... and Ava had been ordered to bring three people, the next time, instead of one.

Arnyn lowered herself down, to sit against the wall instead rather than stand, as she tried to take all of this in. As she tried to put herself into Ava's shoes as the woman continued to explain what her options had been. And what her options still were, Arnyn supposed. Why she could not refuse the sacrifices. Why she could not run. Why she could not stay in Gondor, now. Why she had to return... and try to change things, locally.
Arnyn took a deep breath, letting it back out slowly, as she let all of that sink in. The situation was impossible. The Lieutenant slanted her head a little as she took in the slender woman once again. How many times had she reassessed this Ava, by now? In the mere span of but two conversations?

Once Ava paused, a silence fell between them while Arnyn was processing in silence, staring at a spot on the floor somewhere between the two of them. "You haven't wasted my time," Arnyn finally said slowly. "Nor your own." She rose to her feet again, and approached Ava, until she stood right in front of her.
"First things first, then? If you are looking for the best place for some kind of recovery house in Gondor, I would choose Pelargir. It is a big city, so no one other than the immediate neighbours would take much notice of a new resident. It in still located in our southern regions, but safely within our borders, and it offers convenient routes both by road and water to travel on to the different parts of Gondor, beyond."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

That Arnyn put her sweater back on was noted by Ava, and she thought it wasn't too bad of an idea.. if they weren't going to be exercising anymore. She'd like to, of course. But if Arnyn was ready to stop, then Ava could understand. Ava could also, always come back later to exercise more. As the silence stretched on for a long moment, Ava was beginning to feel a bit anxious. Arnyn's expression gave away nothing. Did she still doubt Ava was telling the truth? Because she didn't feel as if the lieutenant believed her.

Finally, the other woman spoke. And Ava felt a wave of relief wash over her, though the only outward signs of that was in the way her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she exhaled slowly. Letting out a breath of relief. The information about Pelargir came as a surprise, however. Ava blinked up at her, listening and hardly able to believe that she was actually entrusting her with any information.

Ava got to her feet then, so that she could look at Arnyn on eye level. She nodded seriously. "Thank you." She said quietly. "Pelargir was one of the cities I had considered." She admitted. Hadn't the corsairs launched their attack there during the war, for that very same reason? That was also along the way from Minas Tirith, to Ithilien, wasn't it? She started to ask, but decided to save that question for Tercen. He would know the route he intended to take to get to his charming little cabin in the woods, after all. But if it worked out, it would be convenient to be able to stop at the port city along the way, to procure a place for her plan.

"If it interests you," She added with a little smile, "I have hired a carpenter to make any necessary adjustments to whatever house I end up buying, to accommodate the people who will be eventually arriving there. I don't think there would be much danger of slave owners tracking them down once they get this far.. at least, I hope not, but I still thought it would not be amiss to have a hiding spot built in somewhere, in case of some danger like that." She explained. "If it would make you feel better, you can ask him to keep you informed about all of that."

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Pharak Halsad, FLASHBACK – 6 years ago
The Great Gate of Minas Tirith >> First Circle

He stood not apart from the many who sought entry to the grand city of Minas Tirith, and as one of a long procession of willing applicants he waited, to be admitted. He had patience. He had waited. And though he had bourne more than he had ever thought to, suffered hardships he had looked only to inflict upon others, finally his day had come. All that he had once believed to be his misfortunes had turned out to be instruments of his success. His countenance, devastated by the cruelty of fire had rendered him the sort of face that nobody wished to look upon overlong. And the exact sort of alibi that a man of Lond Col might wear. After all, who had not heard about the massive ship fire which took the late Lord Araldur down to the depths, even as he celebrated his success over the Corsairs of the South ? And who would not believe then that a man so scarred by flames could not be anything but a loyal man of that fief ? A man who had earned his brutal features in desperate service of the lord he loved ... it was not exactly untrue. He simply served a different lord completely. But the folk of Lond Col had believed him, they had given him passage. They did not know yet how much more they would give.

His brother was dead because of them. And it was not out of vengeance for his sibling that Pharak had chosen this course of action. But because the blow had left a defect in the reputation of Halsad. The last thing that anybody recalled of House Halsad in Gondor, was that they had caught Salukhatar. They had seen the end of the reckless corsair. But that was not allowed to be the last line in this tale. No. Soon they would remember the House of Halsad for a very different reason. They would recall his name in Lond Col with fear and with grief, instead of mockery and arrogance. A single glance back toward Harlond reminded the Umbarian that their ship, his passage, was naively about it’s errands here in the harbour. The sailors aboard believed that they would be going home soon. Little did they know that once at sea, his readied allies would assist their vessel toward an entirely alternative destination. The final destination for all of those aboard, except for him. He just had one little errand of his own to undertake. They would wait for him. They would die for him !

For suddenly he was stood at the forefront, with eyes upon him, and he knew not yet what answers he should give up to the questions they would ask him. One began a brief search of Pharak’s small pack and person. The thorough Gondorian found nothing of concern, no weapon, and waved him on to the brief but necessary interrogation.

“Name ?” the second soldier enquired. This guard of Gondor looked alert, but not suspicious, only interested. Especially after he took Pharak’s hat in both hands, and cast it back from his face. There was just a moment, when the Gondorian’s startled eyes then fell about the macabre coat of melted skin, the blind white eye, the twisted mouth which could no longer smile as a smile ought to.

“I .. I am a servant of the esteemed Lord Edhelmir,” Pharak recited, as he had long practiced on the road. “He of noble House Azrubel, Lord at Lond Col, in far off Dol Amroth,” he proclaimed, without grandeur or enthusiasm. “I am bidden to come here on errand and deliver message to both friend and family of my employer.”

“Who is it you seek within the city ?” the soldier would learn, tearing his gaze eagerly away from the devastated skin of the hapless haggard man before him. The Steward insisted on such enquiries of course. They were a city at war. And they needed record of all and any who passed though their gates, in either direction. Thankfully this particular Guard enjoyed a proclivity towards paperwork which stole some of the hardship from the duty. “And do you require direction ? I do not think that we have seen you here before.” He would have remembered, certainly, the soldier swallowed.

“I seek Raxelilta,,” Pharak managed to recount the name as though it meant nothing to him, even as his mind curled around his intentions “I have news come of their kin, the Lady Sirdis.”

“These names are known,” the soldier was relieved to realise, and looked upon the ruined face of the man before him with a gentler disposition. “I hope your stay in Minas Tirith is pleasant and memorable.” He smiled, warmly. Earnestly.

Pharak hurried in and toward the inn which had been named. He hoped this little expedition would prove both pleasant and memorable also. For him, if none other involved. Now. All he had to do was find his quarry, to achieve his errand. Perhaps he ought to have asked for directions, but a good servant would have obtained an address from his employer before ever setting out. A slight disadvantage to Pharak of course not being a true employee of House Azrubel. He was unconcerned though. He trusted that his true Lord would somehow provide the means. The Dark Lord of the Shadow Cabal had gotten him this far, after all. And he was not done yet, not by a long shot ...

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn
Descending the Circles of the City - December 26th
Continued from here

When Gladhron, Arnyn and Narsule passed through the gate leading from the Sixth to the Fifth Circle, the guards were relaxed and cordial. In fact, the guards at every gate were very nice and polite. It was obvious they were used to Arnyn and Narsule passing through, and that they knew very well who she was. There could be little doubt, even if some of them were less familiar with her, given the black leather armour she was wearing, the White Tree's image on the black leather cuirass, and the badge of her rank pinned upon one shoulder, and a badge with twin crossed swords pinned upon the other. All that was missing, were visible weapons - most notably of which, of course, was her longsword.

Upon passing the street where her house was located, she asked Gladhron to stay with Narsule for a moment, as she quickly left her pack inside. She hardly stepped in, just leaving it in the hallway, by the door.

Arnyn inquired which stables the brothers had chosen to house Gaeroch and Mael. Since she assumed they would be stabled together, she was looking forward to seeing both of the horses again, even if Mael would not be joining them. On their way down the circles, people tended to make way for them, so Nársulë could pass easily. Arnyn asked Gladhron what he knew about the Pelennor and how extensive it was, whether he knew about the different main gates in the Rammas Echor. Arnyn found herself quite relieved that everything was out in the open, so to speak, that he knew about her name and her rank and her home - and it showed in how freely she spoke. What he did not know, she told him about.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

"You're welcome," Arnyn said in return, just as quietly. Ava saying she had hired a carpenter, made Arnyn tilt her head. "Let me guess. He's reading a book in your house somewhere, right?" She sighed, and looked hesitant. "You know... I understand the topic is not exactly casual dinner conversation, but you should tell him some of this," Arnyn ventured carefully. "If you are serious about him. My brother has a healthy dose of respect for people's privacy, but if he is also serious about you, I still think it would hurt him if you were not the one to tell him, or if you were only to tell him much farther down the road."

"Are you?" she asked Ava, then. "Serious? About Tercen?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava smiled at Arnyn’s guess about the carpenter. “Well, I can only assume that he is,” She answered, amused that she had guessed so easily. She didn’t actually know that he was reading, but it would be the most logical guess, given his interest in the fact that she had a collection of books that he could read. Therefore, it was the most logical conclusion.

Wrapping her arms around herself as she felt a bit chilled without her own sweater, Ava’s smile faded to a more serious expression when the other woman mentioned how she ought to tell Tercen about the latest information. She let out a slow breath, relieved that Arnyn did not apparently didn’t want to try and tell Tercen herself, before Ava had a chance. “I intend to,” She answered quietly. “I just… hope it doesn’t change his opinion of me too much.” She added, a little concerned about that. She looked down at the floor as she considered that possibility, a little troubled at the thought that he might decide he didn't like her anymore.

Her next question made Ava look up again. She blinked, processing the question. Serious? Ava hesitated, not quite sure to make of it. She went over to lean against the balance beam, thoughtful of how to respond. “I’ve never.. felt the way I do about him, with any other. I like him in a way I’ve never felt, before.” She said slowly, thoughtful, then smiled as she recalled something. “He asked me, the other day, if I plan to ‘keep him’.” She smiled a little in amusement. “And I told him that I planned to keep him for as long as he wanted me to.”

She paused, glancing at Arnyn. “I’m not sure exactly what will come of this, but.. I keep worrying about how he may react when he learns some of the things I’ve told you.. I keep thinking, what if he doesn’t like me, anymore?” She admitted quietly, then sighed. “It seems hard to believe that I only met him less than a week ago, and yet.. I can’t imagine how I got along without knowing him.” She swallowed, a little uncomfortable admitting this to Arnyn. But she’d been telling her a lot of other things far worse, so maybe she was on a roll. “I hope..” She took a breath. “I hope that I will be able to come back to visit regularly. Because I certainly want to. He's invited me to stay with him for a while, at his cabin,” She added, with a little smile. "I'm looking forward to it.. I want to see the cabin, and the forest, and of course.. to spend time with him."

She then bit her lip, thinking before adding, “I told him where I was from, the night that I met him. At the masquerade.” She added. “Initially, I thought.. we might just enjoy a night together and have some fun, but the more time I spent with him, the more I realized I didn't want to just move on and never see him again, but.. feared he might not even want to dance with me, if he knew." She smiled faintly. "And yet, when I told him, he didn’t care.” She smiled a little bigger as she looked down, remembering that moment. “Then, I feared he would walk away after hearing about my thefts, but he didn’t.” She shrugged and looked up again. “Anyway.. if I didn't hope to continue.. whatever it is that he and I have together, then I would not have told him all of this about myself.”

After a moment, she glanced around before looking back at Arnyn. "By the way, are you done in here, or would you like to continue in here for a while?" She asked, curious if she would like to resume the workout or call it quits for the day.

---

Gladhron
Stables, with Lt. Arnyn

Gladhron grinned. “Of course, he remembers me,” He reached out to pet Narsule affectionately. “After all the sugar cubes I sneaked him, I should hope he would...” He paused, glancing at her. “Just kidding,” he added hastily, with a little laugh in case she wasn’t happy about the idea. They hadn’t had any sugar, for one thing, and also he wouldn't have given her horse anything without her permission. He grinned and continued to rub around Narsule’s ears while Celume was saddling him.

Soon, they were starting down through the streets together, listening to her talk about the city and the Pelennor. Gladhron knew a little bit about the area from having been here before, but there was plenty more that she told him that he had not known before. When Celume stopped at her house and asked him to mind her horse for a moment, Gladhron smiled and took hold of his halter. “Sure thing,” He agreed. While she went to set her things in her house, Gladhron scratched around Narsule’s ears. He talked to Narsule quietly in Rohirric while they waited.

He didn’t have long to wait, and soon they were stopping at the stable nearest to the Wayfarer. Gladhron led the way to three stalls, occupied by Gaeroch, Mael, and Nutmeg. “Look who’s here!” He declared with a sweeping gesture toward the ‘guests’, as if the horses could fully understand what he said.

Nutmeg picked up her ears curiously and looked at them with interest, but she hadn’t spent as much time with the others. Mael came to the door and greeted Celume and Narsule, while Gaeroch showed a bit more excitement. She pressed up close to the stall door and stretched her neck out to greet her old friends, both human and equine. Gladhron smiled and got to work on saddling his own horse while the others got reacquainted.

---

@Ercassie

Ademar Androllius, FLASHBACK – 6 years ago
One of the taverns of Minas Tirith >> First Circle

Mar stared at the man from under his hood. Under the table, his hands clenched and unclenched nervously, closing into fists, then opening onto his knees. Wondering what he was going to do about this problem. Because it was definitely a problem. Mentally, Mar cursed. He should have been more careful. But how could he have known his brother was assigned to street patrols, today? It was the first time he and Ric had ever been in Minas Tirith together, at the same time. He’d come here with the intention of spying on him, to see what Ric and that stupid 'friend' of his were up to in Mar’s absence. They’d been both too eager to get rid of him, hadn’t they? Despite their pretending to beg him to come along. Not that he wasn’t glad to be rid of Reilly’s company, for he grew weary of pretending to be friends with him. But Ric.. Ric was his brother. How could he choose Reilly over Mar?

His hands clenched again, but he had a bigger problem on his hands, now. At first, when he’d seen the invalid hobbing down the street toward the tavern, Mar had watched with idle amusement. He’d been thinking how great it would be if someone would kick that cane out from under him, and leave the one-legged man sprawled on the street. And then, as if some divine being heard his wishes, some drunken fellow had come staggering out of the pub and bumped into the man, knocking him down before wandering off his way.

Mar could hardly believe the excellent timing of such an event, and watched the show with great satisfaction. But then his amusement had changed to disappointment when a young guard swooped in out of nowhere to aid the invalid back to his.. well, foot, anyway. Mar was losing interest in the scene, when the young guard turned just enough that Mar caught sight of his face. And in the same moment that he recognized his own brother standing there, helping the one-legged man, the invalid turned to continue his journey to the pub, and caught sight of Mar’s face in the window.

Mar had seen the man do a doubletake, but by then, Ric had already continued along his patrol. Probably to seek out the drunk who'd knocked into the other. Ric didn't see Mar, at least. But still. The damage had been done. Mar knew it. He saw it in the invalid’s face. He had been seen. Mar wasn’t sure what to do, now. He watched, his heart racing, as the man continued on his unsteady, hobbling way into the tavern. Thankfully, the man seemed more interested in getting a drink than coming straight over to question Mar, but…

Mar knew this man. He had a reputation for telling stories of adventures from his ranger days. He also had a reputation for being either drunk or hungover most of his days. Most people would probably disregard it, if he told them about seeing two of the same person. They’d assume he was too drunk to know what he saw, or else that he was so drunk he was seeing double. There was still a chance that he might start blabbing to everyone here about having seen Mar. He might even point him out to them. Perhaps, there was also a chance he might be too drunk to even remember it. But if he went home and told that to his family… that could be disastrous. It was not a chance Mar could take, was it?

Mar was so caught up in watching the former ranger that he didn’t even pay attention to anyone else in the pub, regardless of how notable their features might be. Mar watched intently as the invalid launched into another tale, but he wasn’t listening. He was thinking, trying to work out what to do. After what seemed like ages, the man concluded his tale, then staggered across the room. Toward the washroom. After the amount of drinks he’d had over the past hour or so, Mar found it surprising he actually made it without falling flat on his face. Which would have been funny, but Mar was not very amused anymore. He was worried.

Mar stared at the door for a long moment, thinking. Or trying to, anyway. All he could think about was how bad it would be for him, if the man started talking about what he’d seen in the window. Especially if he mentioned it to his family. Mar's gaze swept over the room, wondering if anyone else was paying attention to him, or to the drunken invalid. Then he looked out of the window for a moment. He drew a slow breath, trying to think of what to do. Inevitably, he found his gaze drawn back to the washroom door. Without him even knowing what he was going to do, he found himself starting across the room. Toward the washroom.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn
Descending the Circles of the City - December 26th

She hadn't been sure whether or not he was teasing about the sugar cubes, but she didn't have to wonder for long, so her response was a combination of narrowed eyes and a grin. At the stables where Mael,Gaerochand Nutmeg were currently housed, Arnyn had to smile at both Mael's and Gaeroch's response. "Hello, ladies," she bid them while Narsule greeted them at the same time. With her hand in a loose fist, she held it out to each horse in turn, letting both Mael and Gaeroch bump their muzzles into her hand. "You both still look just like I remember you," Arnyn mumbled in Sindarin, while smiling at them. She felt kind of bad that Mael would be staying behind. But at least this way Nutmeg would not be left 'alone' in the stables.

Once Gaeroch was ready and they'd left the stables, Arnyn smoothly climbed onto Narsule and waited for Gladhron to mount Gaeroch. They passed through the gates easily, Arnyn being recognized and not even halted. "With the distances, we can't exactly go all around the Rammas, that would take too much time," Arnyn said. "But we could go to the two southern gates. The large gate leading off to the rode south to Pelargir, and the smaller gate to Harlond. What do you think?" she asked, smiling. "We can add in a race between the two gates?" she suggested, her smile growing into a bit of a grin. "We never did get to do that, years ago."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

A half smile played about her lips when Ava said she could only assume that, yes, he was reading somewhere. She wasn't sure what to think about Tercen and Ava as a couple, or about Ava involving Tercen in her plans. It would make sense for her to limit the number of people who knew about her plans, of course - Arnyn could appreciate that much. And she could not begrudge the woman in front of her for wanting to enjoy spending some time with a good man. Did Arnyn have to be excited that this man happened to be her brother, though? That her brother was getting involved in a ploy that had the chance of upsetting some of the worst people she'd ever heard about? That her brother was getting involved with a woman who was playing a very dangerous game, and who lived in a very dangerous land?

But what if she made him happy?

Arnyn wet her lips thoughtfully, looking away when Ava said she did intend to tell Tercen more about all of this. Her eyes returned to Ava's, however, when the latter was surprisingly honest about how she felt about Tercen. And about how she worried how Tercen would react to it all. For some reason, the conversation felt more personal, now, than it had up until now. Perhaps because it involved someone they both cared for. For Ava did seem to care about Tercen...

"I am not sure how he will react," she admitted. "So I cannot really prepare you. All I can say, is that he hasn't invited anyone he's met here in the city back to his place, before." That he had invited Ava to Ithilien, was definitely saying something.

Her eyes flicked around the room at Ava's question. "I'm sorry," she apologized with a faint smile to Ava. "It became difficult to focus. Do you... would you... show me some more of what you do with that?" the Lieutenant asked, nodding at the cloth. She didn't really want to end this interaction on a bad note. Given... well. Given bloody everything.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava appreciated the honest reply from Arnyn, rather than trying to make some guess about what Tercen might do or say. She gave a little nod, but was a bit more interested by the other bit of information. That she was the first he had ever invited to his home in Ithilien. That made her smile slightly, feeling rather special in that regard. Somehow, even though he hadn't said anything to indicate this, she had sort of assumed that he might have brought other girlfriends back home with him in the past, or at least any who were willing to make the trip.

When Arnyn asked about trying out the silk again, Ava smiled and pushed off from using the balance beam as a prop to lean on. "Absolutely." She agreed, feeling much more positive, now about the other woman. Perhaps it wasn't even out of the question that they might even become friends. Maybe not instant besties, obviously. But perhaps in time, something. Ava spent as much time as Arnyn wanted to, showing the other woman different combinations and sequences, then letting Arnyn try it for herself.

By the time Arnyn was ready to take her leave, they had both gotten plenty warmed up, and the towels that had been provided were quite helpful in mopping up sweat. The pitcher of water was nearly empty, as well. Ava pulled her sweater on again, after taking some time to stretch as she cooled down from the exercise. "I do hope you enjoyed your time here," She mentioned with a smile as she walked with Arnyn to the door, as she prepared to leave. "Also, if you are interested, you are welcome to come back to use the room again, anytime you like." She added, recalling how Arnyn had said something like she wished she had a room like that, or something similar. "And that includes, after I've gone back." She added more quietly. "As I said, I intend to keep the house, so I'll have someone hired to stay here and mind the place in my absence. If you think you might be interested, I can leave instructions to allow you to use the fitness room anytime you like." She offered.


Once Arnyn had gone on her way, Ava made her way to the washroom. She had left a set of clothes in the upstairs one, so that she could clean up and change directly after her workout, so she did that now. Only once that was done did she go seek Tercen, wondering how long they had actually spent in there, and if he might have gotten bored. Perhaps he'd fallen asleep. Expecting to find him in the study/library, she had only to go across the hall to the door across from the washroom.

As she stepped inside quietly, Ava smiled softly to find him curled up in the cozy little cushioned nook she had there. "Find anything good to read?" She asked as she crossed the room and took a seat on one of the round cushion seats, so that she was across from him. Despite how much she'd rather curl up next to him, she was still debating how to go about what she needed to tell him. And she thought it might be best if she were facing him, if she was going to tell him such a serious thing.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Arnyn
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Arnyn had to admit, Ava's offer was very surprising. "I am not sure whether I would feel comfortable with that," Arnyn admitted. "Visiting here, while you are not here yourself?" What a foreign concept. But then again... Ava was foreign. Arnyn couldn't help a tiny smile of amusement at that. "But the room is... very nice. And so is your offer. Thank you, Ava. I will definitely think about it." While putting on her winter outerwear, Arnyn fell silent. Before she left, however, she gave her hostess a thougtful look. "I hope to see you again, before you leave."

After saying goodbye, Arnyn stepped outside. Once again, there was... a lot to think about.

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

He'd made himself rather comfortable in the little corner. His boots were cast off to the side, he was lounging on the cushioned bench, his legs stretched out and his feet resting on one of the round high cushion seats. He was reading, still, too nervous about how things were going with Ava and Arnyn to really relax and be able to fall asleep.

Ava's voice startled him a little. He looked up from the story immediately, following her with his eyes as she sat down on the other round cushion. "It's not bad. Though I bet it was not nearly as interesting as the conversation you had with my sister. How did it go?" He straightened just a little. "Has she left...?" he wondered, not sure what to expect, really.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

She had merely shrugged at Arnyn's words, and pointed out that when she was no longer in town, the room would only be sitting there gathering dust, so why not let someone use it who would appreciate it? The offer was there, whether Arnyn wanted to take it or not.

Since Tercen's feet were resting on one of the cushions, which was deliberately meant to be either a footstool or a seat, Ava had taken a seat in the other. She hadn't meant to startle him, but couldn't help giving a small smile when he looked up at her. "Yes, she left a few minutes ago." She confirmed, clasping her hands loosely around her knees, thinking how to answer the other question. "I believe we parted on good terms," She answered. "She suggested I use Pelargir, for that safehouse or recovery house, or whatever it should be called."

She paused, considering the options. "I might send Edwyrd there to see what houses might be for sale in the area. Isn't Pelargir on the way, to Ithilien..? If he finds something that might work, then, I thought it might work to stop by and take a look, and decide whether it will work," She mentioned thoughtfully. "Your sister mentioned it's a large city.. so hopefully, there will be something suitable."

[Arnyn]

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

"She made a suggestion!" He exclaimed, taking his feet off the cushion to place them on the floor, sitting up straight now. "That is good, right? She believes you, then, or she wouldn't have offered even that much," he continued, his light brown eyes searching Ava's to see if he could deduct more about their conversation.

When she asked about Pelargir being on the way to Ithilien, he offered her a half smile. "It's on the way to the southernmost part of the woods," he acknowledged with a slow nod, "but if you were thinking we would pass Pelargir, then I'll have to disappoint you. I live near Emyn Arnen, which is nowhere near that far south. The hills are to the southeast, but not too far. The trip is short."

He closed the book and leaned forward to put it on the table. "You should definitely be able to find some suitable residence in Pelargir," he agreed. "You might want to look in the part of town that wouldn't be too far from whatever road most of the people would be taking to enter. If you want to make it easier on them. But I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that." He searched Ava's face. "Doing better than yesterday, then?" he asked, more quietly.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava smiled slightly at his enthusiasm. "Yes, she did." She looked pleased as she answered, though rather unnecessarily. She listened to his input, as well as the information that they would not be passing there, and nodded. "I see. Well, if you would not mind taking a detour, perhaps?" She suggested, thinking it would be nice to get the 'business' out of the way, so she could focus on their time together. Assuming they would, in fact, still be doing that.

She gave a little smile as he asked, so caringly, if she was doing better. "Yes. I am." She hesitated though, trying to think how to broach that topic. Her gaze strayed to see what book he had been reading, although she didn't really pay much attention to what it the book's cover even said once she looked. "There is.. something that I need to tell you, however. Before any other plans are made," She told him, making sure to keep her breathing calm and steady. She could do this. She'd just went through a much more stressful 'interrogation' with his sister. How was it that it seemed a little harder now, with him? Perhaps, because the worst that could happen was that he might look at her differently.. and he might tell her to forget about coming to see his home, or any of that.

'Be strong, Ava.' She scolded herself, in her head. She could do this, she just had to find the best way of putting it, so as to avoid the same sort of misunderstandings as she'd had to clear up, with Arnyn. Plus.. she didn't really have to get into the finer details for him, right? She'd rather he didn't know any details about the temple, for instance... much less the sort of things that happen there. She had enough nightmares herself. She didn't need to give him any.

"This is.. not something I like to speak of, but.. it is something that came up with your sister, and I feel I owe it to you, to tell you, as well." Her fingers toyed with each other, around her knees. She risked a glance toward his face and then dropped her gaze down to her lap. "I've had to make choices.. and do things that I did not like doing, in order to protect.. not just myself, but all those who are under my protection." She spoke quietly. "I mentioned that there are quite a lot of people at my estate. People I have helped escape, whom I have not yet managed to bring here, who are hidden." She didn't speak it as a question, but as a fact, for she knew she had told him that. "There are also a great many people who work for me. Servants of varying sorts, guards for my estate, plus all their families..." She swallowed.

"People have died, to maintain that protection. Bad people," She hastened to mention. "Still, I.. had to.. bring about the deaths of those people." She said in a whisper, hoping that would be enough 'details'. She looked up at Tercen finally. "I'd rather not have it this.. skeleton lingering in the closet, if you'll pardon the term, to pop out at some time later on, and surprise us both." She took a deep breath. "So, if this information changes your opinion of me at all, then it's best we know it, now."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

"We could take a ship from Harlond to Pelargir," he suggested after a moment's consideration. "And return the same way. Before going to my neck of the woods," he added with a little smile. He still got the feeling Ava was not acting as her usual self. And since she had just spent a long time talking to Arnyn, he could not help but think something had happened or had been said between them, that was putting Ava ill at ease.

When Ava said there was something she should tell him - that she felt she owed it to him to tell him - Tercen frowned. He already knew she was from Umbar, that her estate had been built by slaves, and that she was a thief... or had been one. How much more was there? He wanted to say as much, turn it into a tease, but the way she was playing with her fingers by her knees, it... stopped him. Maybe later.

He nodded when she spoke of the large number of people who lived at her estate. "Right," he said, when she paused briefly. As Ava continued, however, Tercen frowned. People had died to maintain that protection? "You had to have bad people killed to protect the people at your estate?" he sort of repeated. "Because they were getting too close to finding out about what you were doing? Or because they were a threat to you or the people there in some other way?" He slid a ways toward her, so he could reach his hand out to her. "Isn't it a normal thing to fight back when you are being attacked?" he asked, unsure of why she seemed to think this had a big chance of him changing his mind about her.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

It seemed like a good plan, taking a ship to Pelargir, then back. She nodded in agreement to the idea, and filed that away for later. But at the moment, she focused on the other matter.

He didn't quite get it. She held back a sigh, realizing she was going to have to give him more details. She bit her lip lightly, thinking how to explain so that he'd get it, without having to go into the horrible details. She didn't really want to have a repeat of the same miscommunication as before, with Arnyn, so she wanted to be sure that she explained in a way that did not give him the wrong impression, either.

"Not quite like that, no." She shook her head slightly. She wanted to take the hand that he reached out to her, but she refrained. What if, when she explained, he pulled his hand away? She thought it best to maintain a little distance until she knew how he would react. "The man who runs the temple, the one I've referred to as my enemy, he.. holds a sort of monopoly of fear over the city. He thinks that everyone ought to be as devoted to worshipping Sauron as he is," She frowned. "And, you heard what he did to my father, because he had turned away from that." She took another second's pause. "Even now, despite Sauron being gone, he.. he's got some delusion that he can still return, that he can bring him back somehow, and he expects the rest of the city to maintain the same level of devotion. So, he expects the prominent citizens to show their devotion by bringing sacrifices to the temple," She explained, frowning.

"It's.. like a tax," She used the same comparison as she had with Arnyn. "Those who pay the tax remain in good standing with the temple, and therefore are left alone, and everyone who belongs to them. Those who don't pay it.. well, my father was an example of what happens to them. I didn't realize it at the time, but I wasn't the only one who was fortunate to be spared the same death." She bit her lip again, then continued, "I am the only one standing between the rest of the city, and my people. My employees, their families, and so on. If I.. fell out of good standing, they would lose that protection.. does that make sense?" She asked, hoping he could understand.

"I despise it, I hope you believe that." She looked up at him, hoping he would understand. "I've been trying to find a way to put a stop to it." She paused. "That's why I mentioned that it was bad people that I.. caused to die." She watched him for a reaction. "Criminals of the worst sort." She added softly.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Flashback - About 5.5 years ago
Amethyst "Amy" Nerennia
Seated at one of the small fountains, a lower level of the city

The water flowing from the fountain seemed gloomy and dismal, today. A steady parade of raindrops made the surface of the water dance in a chaotic way. Amy stood staring at it, her arms wrapped around herself, keeping her rain cloak closed around her. Drops of water fell from the hood of her cloak, onto her face, giving the illusion of tears. But she had not shed any, not yet. Her heart ached for answers, for news, for anything. But tears were for those who already had the worst answer, right?

The entire matter was baffling, frustrating, and troubling. No one knew anything. How was that possible? No one had any record of anything. She wanted to raise up a big fuss about it, but she'd tried that a month ago and had been escorted firmly out of the captain's office. Letting out a heavy sigh, Amy lowered herself onto the edge of the fountain, in the same spot where she had sat that day. The last day she had seen him. It had been months ago. Too many months.

Staring ahead of her, Amy's eyes had settled on the dancing rain puddle before her, but she wasn't really seeing much. Instead, she was trying to think of something else she could do. She'd spoken multiple times to the guard captain. She'd asked Reilly's friends to look for him, and she'd written countless times to Dol Brannor, and still nothing. Was there any other option she hadn't tried yet?

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Gaelanna Thavron with Gildolen Lhacrist
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

Winter coats kept warm all that was wrapped beneath, but pale faces were cast still more pale under the anaemic sky. The lady buried each hand in a deep pocket, as though her fingers sought to hibernate there until the return of spring. The younger gentleman beside her had clasped his digits together, and blew on them hopefully with small clouds of breath. They had surrendered to strolling, for the benches in the wintry park gave chill to any soul brave enough to sit. As though they perched upon seats of pure ice, rather than stone.

“I had thought the winds of Belfalas were cool enough, but winters here .. somehow ..”

“Does it pain you ?” Gael interrupted the smalltalk, albeit gently. She did not gesture toward the youth’s one swollen eye, the bruised cheek, but he knew all the same what she must be concerning over. Even through the woman’s shadowed veil, he could feel the burn of her gaze.

“You have become more direct in recent years,” Gildolen raised his face and turned to behold his company. “It is not a criticism,” he added, then after. As the lady tucked her lower lip under her teeth. “Forgive me my lady but the doing so reminds me some, of your father.” He offered her a small smile, which she mirrored, grateful.

“Parenthood would seem to have me behave as my parent in due turn,” Gael stopped where she stood and saw no time at all pass before the young man did likewise. “So you must forgive a maternal interest in your own wellbeing. Things here are not as they are, at home. But ..”

“I agree.” The response was not curt but seemed to suggest all the same, that any further discuss on ‘the matter’ would not be his pleasure.

“I can only think it was some matter of honour which saw you to embark in physical dispute. For surely none at the house would mistreat you so.”


The young man held his silence, though his brow furrowed somewhat, perhaps an indication of what he could not express in words.

“Sometimes it is easier to be heard where there are less ears to listen,” Gael mentioned, quietly. Turning back away from any clear focus that he might bow under.

“I am happy at the house,” her young friend ventured. And at first the lady started to assume he would wish to cut short their recreation and return there. Away from such conversation. Perhaps she had become too direct ... But he persevered some in explaining. “I could wish to be happier still, in my dealings, outside of the house. The people here ..”

“What is her name ?” Gael put in with a composed confidence. “The girl,” she further prompted. And when Gildolen sought for answers through the enigma of her shroud, the lady paused where they stood. “It is written all over your face,” she did not see the need to give up the source of her information, though her apparent assumption caused the young man to glance away, as though her claim were so true he dare not to be seen in public.

“She has some rather ardent associates. Well meaning, I am sure. Though there was clearly a misunderstanding.” Gil sighed now that he had clearly committed to the confession, back toward the woman who had known him since he had entered her father’ service, some ten years prior. “Iole,” he admitted, and his tone altered upon the voicing of her name, as though it was a thing he ought take care over. “I do not know whether she might appreciate my interest. For it is clear her friends do not.” He sighed.

The memory of Sorrela charging at him like a tidal wave was a difficult memory to forget.

---

Claery Rochindis and Anardil ‘Warder’ Thavron
looking for an errant little Airelen Thavron
Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th

The iced grass crunched like small shards of glass underfoot, betraying the approaching tread of her hunters. The little girl sucked on the end of her long hair ribbon which hung loose now, and squatted down where she was hid, close at hand.

“Hide and seek … ” Anardil expressed his utter disbelief at the foolish idea, now that there was no one close enough to hear him. But whatever had the girl been thinking ? That was not a wise game to play with his pert young daughter, in a strange city. It generally turned into something of an adventure when they resorted to it back in their home. For whenever Airelen was not within sight, a worried father could only consider all that she might be up to, and usually was.


Claery’s pursuit was a rather more animated effort, the young woman’s skittering across the hard lawn, skirt’s hem caught above one ankle as she picked up speed, and raised low branches of the huddled hedgerow, with a loud “Ahah !” which had so far met only tiny thuds of snow drop and the dark turn of leaves peering out from beneath. For the small child continued to elude both those who had vowed to find her, before her mother ever discovered she had danced off from their sight.

It had to be said though that the young maid was far less sure why the child playing, in a public park, should be any real cause for concern. Her hunt was thus sporadic in it’s intensity. As opposed to Anardil’s determined lunging stride about the place. Still neither one was having any more luck than the other.


A giggle erupted meanwhile from behind a slender silver barked tree, not so close to those who sought, that they might find their quarry. And as a completely different young couple chanced along the path nearby, Airelen drew back, as though these bystanders might also be searching for her. As they passed by then, the child heard the young man’s voice, and recognised it. And so springing out from her hiding place, she caught up to him and threw both arms around his legs excitedly. Almost bowling the whole of him over from the knees down.

“Hide me ! Hide me !” she squeaked, and did not easily let go. For that was best, she knew, since the first time she had ever met Trevadir. Whether at her home or here, at his, Airelen felt safe when he was near.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Trevadir & Renia
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

"I really hope you'll get a chance to see it all when everything's in bloom," Trev told Renia with a smile. "I mean.. I haven't even been back long enough to see how it all looks, now that they've added all the new trees and things, but I'm sure it'll be great."

"I can't wait to see it." Renia assured him, grinning happily. "It really is lovely here, I had no idea. I mean, I always thought it'd be this.. cold, stony place without anything growing, from stuff I heard before." She shrugged. "I can't wait to see more." She smiled, strolling down the path with her arm linked with Trev's. She smiled at him. "So, you spent a lot of time here in this park, you said?"

"Oh, yeah, lots of time." He gave a laugh and began telling her about a few of the silly adventures they used to get up to, and was starting on a tale about a time when they'd tried to build a fort right in the middle of the park before some guards had made a big fuss about it, and sent them on their way. "That's when we got the idea to build our fort in our own backyard.. up in the tree." He explained with a grin.

"No way," Renia laughed. "You actually tried it in the park? Did you get very far along in building?"

"No.. not really." He admitted. "And the guard said if he caught us trying anything like that again in public property, that he'd confiscate our building supplies, tools, and everything, and we'd have to fill out some massive books of paperwork just to get them back..." He rolled his eyes. "So, yeah... we decided if we're going to build a fort, we'd better make sure it's on our own property. Well, technically, property shared by my grandma and Nal's dad." He grinned a bit mischievously. "The ironic thing? That same guard later bought Nal's house, and now the treehouse is technically half in his yard."

As Renia began laughing at the humor of that unlikely circumstance, Trev was startled by a weight suddenly crashing into him from behind. Immediately on alert, his hand started for the flute hanging at his side even as he turned to see who was attacking him.. only to blink in surprise and confusion to find a small child there. It took him a second to place where he had seen this little girl before, and his eyes widened in surprise. "Airelen?" He took a glance around, puzzled by her plea to hide her, but also searching for any sign of her parents.

Caught by surprise at the arrival of this little girl, Renia's face spread in a teasing grin. "What's this? You've got another girlfriend?" She asked with a raised eyebrow, then grinned further when Trev cast her a 'really?' sort of look. "Just teasing," She assured him, then turned to the girl, bending down with hands on her knees so that she was closer to eye level. "Hide you?" She asked, in feigned surprise and concern as she played along. "Who's after you? Bandits? Pirates? Ohhh I know, it's orcs, isn't it?" She asked with a gasp. "Or... maybe it's angry shopkeepers?" She added with a little side glance toward Trev. "Quick, Trev, we need a hiding place!" She turned to him with wide eyes shining with amusement. "Don't worry, we'll protect you!" She assured the child.

Trev was still sort of processing the fact that Airelen was even here, and worrying that her parents might be missing her, but he couldn't help but laugh at the way Renia jumped in with the playacting. "Ohhh, let's see," he took a few seconds, thinking fast, trying to remember all the good hiding places, especially when Rip was bothering them. "The playground has plenty of good hiding spots?" he suggested, offering a hand to Airelen, slightly unsure what else to do.

"Ohhh, the playground!" Renia exclaimed in a hushed, but rather enthusiastic tone. "Yes, that sounds like a great place to hide." She agreed. "We'll keep you hidden." She promised conspiratorially, holding one edge of her borrowed cloak out so that she could spread it behind Airelen, and thus keep her shielded from view, and anyone looking at them from behind would think, at a glance, that she and Trev were simply sharing the cloak.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

He didn't understand what was going on. Why wasn't she taking his hand? Why was she so conflicted over this? He had told her he had fought off enemies with his own hands, right? That also included them dying. That she had needed to order the same, wasn't about to change anything.

When she started about the temple, Tercen's frown deepened. This again? It was not a topic he wanted to spend any of his limited time with Ava on. And as that thought flitted through his head, his mood took a bit of a tumble and he looked away, his gaze finding his boots near the other end of the bench. He forced himself to listen to Ava as she spoke about the temple's priest. Monopoly of fear. Delusions about bringing back the Dark Lord. Expectations of devotion. Bringing sacrifices to the te--

His lips parted as he finally guessed at where she was going with this. Tercen's eyes widened a little, focusing back on Ava as she compared the whole thing to a tax. "A tax, in the shape of people?" he repeated in disbelief. "A tax," he repeated once more, looking away from Ava to stare at the wall. "But... People..." What are they thinking in Umbar? Who in their right mind would demand such a tax? Who would agree to pay it? Errr... Ava just told me she has paid it. Is paying it? To protect her employees and their families and the slaves she rescued. Okay.... Okay!? Tercen resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. Criminals of the worst sort, Ava had said. Did that matter? It should, probably. Right?

By Mandos... What am I supposed to do with this...?

"And you - you spoke about this with Arnyn?" he asked, trying to find a way not to simply sit there in stunned silence. "And you parted... on good terms?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava was a little concerned by how quiet Tercen was. His silence worried her a little. He had not had to take such a lengthy pause when she told him where she was from, initially. Her lower lip caught lightly in her teeth as she watched him, wondering if this would be the last straw that would push him away.

At last, he spoke. But it wasn't quite what she'd expected him to say, or even ask. She drew a slow breath and gave a little nod. "Yes, once we got past a little.. misunderstanding, which I hope to have avoided with you.." She answered. "It was after that when she gave me the suggestion about Pelargir, anyway. And we went on to enjoy ourselves exercising, for a while."

She held her fingers tight between each other, around her knees. "I want to put a stop to it all, Tercen. That's.. what a lot of this is about. Helping your people get home to safety is only a small part of a bigger goal. This temple, I'm.. so sick of it. Of him. It should have ended when Sauron was ended, but.." She sighed, dropping her head down. "I want better for the people of Umbar. They could be so much better, if they only had someone good as a leader, to show them how people ought to be. But he.. won't let them move on.. he just keeps clinging to the past, and sometimes it feels like I'm the only one who sees how messed up it all is." She said with a little sigh of frustration.

"I don't know what to do, Tercen. If I refuse to comply, I could get myself and all of my people killed. But I can't keep it up.." She brought her hands up to the sides of her face, sighing as she put her elbows on her knees now. "The only solution I know, is to somehow get rid of that priest.. but I don't know how. I just know that I can't.. pay that tax anymore. I made up my mind when I came to Gondor, that I was going to try and get help or find some way to put an end to it all, so that it would never have to happen again." She looked up at him, hoping he wouldn't be giving her a look of disappointment or disgust or anything like that.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

He couldn't quite see how Arnyn, of all people, with all her ideas and principles, could have heard something like that and just... enjoyed herself exercising some more, before leaving. Tercen, therefore, looked quite doubtful at Ava as she made that claim. But if she had advised Pelargir to Ava, after Ava having spoken about the sacrifices, then...

He groaned, leaning back. "How... how is this your life?" he exclaimed. "It's just - so terrible..." He gave her a strange look when she told him she did not know what to do. When she told him of what would happen if she refused to bring a sacrifice to the temple. When she told him she couldn't stand to keep paying this 'tax'. When she said the only way she could see out of this, was to get rid of the priest. "Kill him, you mean?" Tercen asked, to clarify. "Kill the priest? Would that make it end? No one would follow his footsteps?"

He frowned. "Did Arnyn ask anything about him? I would think she would want to get rid of him, too. He violates just about everything she stands for," he said, almost making a face at that. "Maybe if you can offer her enough help, enough information, enough.. I don't know... of a cover? Maybe she and some of her people could get rid of him for you?" he ventured, hopefully, meeting her gaze.

[Arnyn]

|
Macardil | Arnyn
Himhathol residence, Fifth Circle - Early December

"Arnyn? Or should I say Lieutenant?" Macardil asked, unsure of whether or not this was a social call, or about business.

"Macardil," Arnyn said, waiting beyond the threshold. "Or should I say Lord Himhathol?" She raised an eyebrow.

He took a deep breath, considering. "Point taken. Come in, Arnyn."

Smiling, she stepped inside, quickly taking in the hallway before taking off her coat. Macardil reached for it, and put it away. Arnyn watched him. "I imagine lords usually have servants for this kind of thing," she remarked.

Macardil smiled, amused. "They do. But I do not. Not here."

"I'm sure Karis appreciates that."

He nodded, preceeding her to the living room. With a gallant gesture, Macardil invited Arnyn to take a seat on the large couch. "Might I offer you a drink?"

"Water, please," she agreed with a polite smile, watching as a former Ranger Lieutenant and current Lord of Belfalas retrieved them glasses and a pitcher of water, filled both glasses and moved to hand her one of them. She accepted the offered glass with a small nod. "Thank you."

"You are welcome." Macardil took a seat, as well. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Arnyn looked at him for a moment. "Reilly Veranis," she said, not bothering to prepare him for such a topic, which would surely not fit with his idea of casual conversation.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Airelen Thavron, playing ‘hide and seek’
with Trevadir and Renia
Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th

As Trevadir glanced about for any sign of the girl’s parents, it was the young woman with him who ducked down and met the child, face to face and first of all. Airelen nodded, enthusiastically when Renia played at puzzling over the request to ‘hide’ her.

“It’s the game,” she explained, after beckoning for the blonde stranger to lean in closer. Cupping her mouth in her hands, the small girl did not however remember to lower her voice, and laughed. Skipping between the woman who promised to protect her and the man she knew had done before, Airelen glanced up at each of the pair in turn, as they turned in search for a good place to hide out.

“What’s a playgrown ?” she wondered though, taking up Trev’s offered hand. Unconcerned over the unfamiliar term, she went with them, for he was not a stranger ! He was a protector ! And the lady had hair like the sun. With the borrowed cloak billowing out behind them, Airelen was escorted about her ‘game’.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava went quiet as she heard Tercen's question. Kill him? She bit her lip and hesitated before lowering her hands from her face, looking up slowly. "I.. don't know." She frowned. "That was my father's plan, but.." She trailed off and wrapped her arms around herself. "I don't know. I really don't know how to handle any of this." She drew a slow breath, not liking the idea of having to kill anyone, even as awful as that, but also not liking the idea of him being alive to possibly return with a vengeance. It seemed like a no-win situation, really.

Looking at Tercen, she wondered what he was making of all this. "She asked about him, yes. And I've told her all that I can. I.. also told her what my choices were, and after a clearing up a little misunderstanding, I believe she came to understand why I chose to do as I did." She answered quietly, hoping he would, too. She paused, taking a moment to think how to put her thoughts into words, concerning what he had said about getting Arnyn to help. "I don't know if your sister would trust me enough to accept such help," She gave a little sigh. "but if she would.. I would gladly give whatever help I can to her, or anyone who sincerely wants to.. deal with this problem." She spoke softly. "But I don't think I could ask for her to trust me that much, or to ask her rangers to. For all she knows, I could be trying to lure her and many other rangers into a trap, and deliver them right to him." She pointed out, a little awkward about even putting such thoughts out there, since she would rather have his trust, not suspicion. Still... "I'd be suspicious of such a trick, in her place." She shrugged and looked down with a little sigh.

"How is this my life, you asked? I'm not really sure what you meant by that," She hesitated. "But, I am trying, in the only way I know how, to make it a better life for me, and for many others. Better, for the slave population, as well as the native people of Umbar who don't know any other way of life than what they have now. I want my homeland to be healed from the influence of Sauron.. to become as good as I believe it could be. And I have a small glimmer of hope now, for the first time in many years." She hesitated, inwardly fighting against her own reservedness, and instead tentatively reached for his hand, taking it if he would still let her. "These past few days with you.. they have brightened my life more than I thought possible, Sunshine." She told him softly. 'Please don't take that away from me, now.' She added mentally. "But this is my life.. my goal. To somehow bring about a change, a revolution perhaps, for my people." She drew a slow breath. "Can you.. understand?"

---

@Ercassie

Trevadir & Renia
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

Laughing lightly, Renia nodded in reply with Airelen's mention of a game. "I love games." She assured her with a grin. "I'm Renia, by the way," She told her cheerily as they walked. "What's your name?"

"You don't know what a playground is?" Trev asked in surprise, marveling, until he remembered who the girl's father was. Right... 'Mr. No Fun Allowed' probably never let her go to anywhere that might remotely have anything fun, if there was a chance she might get a scuffed knee or something. "You'll love this." He promised, casting a grin over her head toward Renia. Her parents may not.. however, he thought belatedly, but it was too late now. He'd promised the girl a playground to enjoy.

Leading the way, he kept an eye out for any other adults around. "Where are your parents, by the way?" he asked casually. A part of him was concerned that one or both of them, or possibly even one of the other relatives, might show up out of nowhere to scold him and make accusations of kidnapping or such. He thought it best to try and keep her occupied in this public place, at least, so that she ought to at least be kept out of trouble and danger, but he also didn't want to be the recipient of false accusations.

"Ooooh, look there!" Renia pointed excitedly as the playground came into view. "That is the playground!" She grinned, only guessing after all the description she'd heard from Trev. "Right?" She asked more quietly, glancing at him.

Grinning amusedly, Trev nodded and anticipated that the little girl might be excited, so he prepared to quicken his step to keep up with her. "Over there is the round-about," he pointed with a grin. "My friends and I used to go as fast as we could on that, until either my brother, Toby, or my sister, Iole, would beg us to stop." He then pointed out several more things, including swings, a double-slide that he and the others used to race on, a single-slide that was a bit lower for younger children, plus a very tall slide as well, some seesaws, a horsey, climbing equipment made to look a bit like a wagon with a team of horses, and so on. "Most of this stuff has been here since I was a kid, but they restored and repainted a lot of these, when they fixed up the park." He mentioned, probably mostly to Renia since he doubted Airelen would be paying attention to anything but choosing what she wanted to play on, first.


(taking some liberties with the playground possibilities, feel free to add your own ideas as well.)

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

He was clearly trying to focus on other things - like solutions - instead of working out exactly how he felt about Ava having given people up to that temple to be sacrificed. He did not want to think about that. Yet, unbeknownst to even himself, part of Tercen still did just that, in the background of his mind. For he wondered how he could even figure out what he thought or felt about it? He had not lived her life. He had not been raised as she had been, and he knew next to nothing about Umbar. He focused more on what seemed like the most important fact to him: that out of all her choices, the one she had taken had probably been the one that caused the least amount of damage. Or hurt. All things considered...

Especially considering the fact Arnyn seemed to have reached the same conclusion. For if she had not, surely she would have come to him, before leaving Ava's house. Demanding that he left with her, or something of the sort. If Arnyn had let him stay... then at least her opinion of Ava had not been so negative that she would not risk him staying here.

"Right," he drawled when Ava pointed out that Arnyn would only be able to really use her information if there was absolute trust between them. And while he knew Arnyn was quick to trust when it came to certain things - such as her own life - he also knew it would take a lot more to trust someone enough when it come to other things - such as the lives of any of the rangers. He flicked his eyes back to her when she admitted that she would be suspicious of a trick, if she were in Arnyn's stead. Tercen frowned slightly. Ava... and Arnyn... they did share more than just a few similarities. He shook his head, glancing away again. "Then you can bet on it that she is still suspicious, as well," he said, staring at the little table in front of him with a faint smile that could even be interpreted as somewhat amused. Whether he was amused at himself, his sister, or Ava, was not that clear - not even to himself.

He sighed when she explained what she wanted. What she was trying to do. More than a few similarities, indeed. Like the tendency to take on an impossible responsibility onto their own shoulders. "You two are quite a pair," he grumbled when Ava took his hand, not pulling his hand away, but rather finally making eye contact with her. His light brown eyes looked rather unhappy, despite the compliment she paid his company. "Yeah. I understand," he said, his tone dejected. "It's part of what makes you, you."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava nodded slightly when he agreed that Arnyn probably was still suspicious. Given the sort of people Umbar was known for, Ava couldn't really blame her. "So, as much as I would like to open up my home to her and all the rangers she could gather for such an endeavor, and off all of my aid and resources, and anything else I could have that would be useful in such a thing... I'm sure that if I did, it would only appear like some sort of trick or trap." She gave a little sigh. "So, it's probably best that I refrain." Disappointing, but it was reality.

She wasn't really sure what he meant when he said 'you two are quite a pair', but she was relieved that he did not pull his hand away. That was a good sign, right? A hopeful sign. That meant he wasn't rejecting her, right? She bit her lip lightly, meeting his light brown eyes with her dark ones. Why did he look and sound so unhappy, then? She searched his face, his eyes, briefly. Perhaps, she guessed, he would rather drop this topic? It wasn't exactly pleasant, after all. She wouldn't blame him a bit if he wanted to change the subject and discuss something.. lighter.

As he said, "It's part of what makes you, you.", she tilted her head. Wasn't that one of the things he had liked about her, at the masquerade? Her bravery, in trying to help others? Risking her own safety to bring slaves home? She wasn't sure if this meant he had changed his mind about that. She decided not to pursue that line of thought, however. "Are you hungry?" She asked quietly, feeling quite hungry, herself, after all that working out.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Was he hungy? He had not exactly been thinking about food, because at first he had been preoccupied with how things between Ava and Arnyn were going, and then now he was heading in a downward spiral. Unexpectedly, not because the conversation between the two women had gone terribly wrong. But rather because he now realized that the odds of him being happy once Ava left, were rather abysmal. Because he realized, now, that his hopes of convincing her to stay in Gondor, were quite likely nothing more than the hopes of a fool. They are too alike. Too stubborn. I'll never convince her.

That did not mean he could not try. But whereas before this, he had thought his chances were perhaps fifty-fifty - because she did like him, didn't she - now, he figured the odds were about ninety to ten. Against him.

And if she left... what were the odds that her crazy, wonderful, idealist plans would get her killed? Or worse.. sacrificed? What were the odds that some idiot would try and force her into marriage, or something of the sort? What were the odds that she'd end up in a cell somewhere? All of that... opposed to the so very small-looking chance of turning things around in Umbar?

He could stop seeing her. But that would not change how he felt about her. He would still worry. He would still...

"I could eat," he said with a half smile. He wasn't hungry, but he wanted to take the chance she offered to stop talking and thinking about how terrible things were in Umbar, and how dangerous it would be for her to go back. And he did not want to lie. So - he could eat. That much was true. Tercen scooted away from the table toward the end of the bench - the one where Ava was sitting on one of the round cushions. He clasped her hand in return when he rose to his feet, intending to help her up as well, if she would let him. Intending to hug her close, just for a moment.

Would he remember the way she felt against him once she had left Gondor, to go risk her life in Umbar for the good of the many?

He did not know.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Airelen Thavron, playing ‘hide and seek’
with Trevadir and Renia
Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th

“Renia” the little girl repeated, as though trying it on for size. “You have a very pretty name, Renia” she announced. “I am called Airelen” she returned the conduct in kind, ducking into a very quick but perfect curtsy before returning without hesitation to her skipping dance. “And I’m not allowed to tell my family name. He knows ..”

The little girl leaned in against the shelter of the young woman, and glanced with meaning toward Trevadir. Until he asked about her parents. Then she screwed a wrinkle onto her nose and glanced this way and that. “Mama is on a mission,” Airelen reported, quite obviously, what she had overheard an adult say. “And Papa is with Claery,” she added, as though that was entirely enough information to appease enquiring minds. Who had no idea who Claery even was.


“That is the playgrown ..” she repeated soon after what Renia said, as they reached the destination which Trev had intended. And then, as though all sense or recall that she was supposed to be hiding .. had left her, the young girl broke free of her kind escort’s hands, and ran headlong into the middle of the play area.

Unsure what to do then, for she certainly did not have anything like these facilities at home; Airelen considered her options. She then began to happily skip around and in between each of the slides, and other excitements as though they were strange trees erupting from this massive garden. “Play play play play play ..” she sang, in time to her head tilting first left, then right.

---

Gaelanna Thavron with Gildolen Lhacrist
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

“So it was a matter of honour,”

Gael did not slow or stall their stroll as she delivered this observation, and could only hope that her company would keep up with her. It was refreshing for him to not keep even a half step behind her. Perhaps his time in Minas Tirith was already affecting him more than either of them had realised. But she was certainly not about to point it out and potentially embarrass him. So Gildolen managed to stay at the lady’s side. If not because of duty and expectation, then to hear what more she might be able to tell him. Honestly he was at a loss what to do about the entire circumstance, and had none other to confide in. Her visit was not for his sake of course, but still it might be fortuitous. The very urge to confide at all, about such things .. was as new and strange as the city in which he found himself. He would never have brought it up, on his own self. But since she had .. Well, he had ventured a request to return to Belfalas, in her service … and she had of course, asked for the reason … That was fair. At the very least he felt obliged to defend his actions and intentions to the lady who he held in such esteem. The first of them, that is. He would be fortunate to even get close enough to break words with the second after what had happened. But should he leave the city ?


“You did not fight back,” the lady assumed. And the softness of the woman’s tone did help some in the calm delivery. Gil nodded to declare her assumption was right, and then wondered if he ought to have shook his head for a no, .. to answer more accurately. At that moment it mattered not so much, as the lady slipping on some deviant ice that had lain in wait under shadow of a tree. The sun’s meagre works had not managed to dispel it’s threat, but the young man easily caught the noblewoman. And just as swiftly released her, as soon as he was confident that she was unhurt.

Gael smiled with a fleeting wave of one hand to assure her aide that she was well. He was so alike to her Anardil in his worry and consideration, she wanted to help, more than any other reason she already had to try. That same behaviour had convinced her that there was no way he would not be good for a nice sweet girl. And he’d already found one ..


“She .. ” he began, turning from her dedicated attention, but then frowned. “I did not believe it good manners to respond in kind to the unexpected ambush, my lady. And Iole was there. She saw .. ” he faltered and then cleared his throat. “I honestly am not sure whether it was better to leave her with the impression of a man who was apparently cowed by a girl, or to take a blow at a woman in her sight, for whatever reason.” The young Valet sighed. “I do not expect it matters anyway now. Neither option was the impression I wished to leave her with. She will no doubt never look my way now.”

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ava
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

Ava smiled as he agreed to having some food. She had worked up a bit of hunger with all the exercising, but of course, Tercen had been sitting around, reading. Waiting. She could understand if he was not terribly hungry yet, but it had been a while, too, and they'd only had a light breakfast.

When he stood and gave a tug on her hand to help her as well, she didn't resist, but rose up as well. The hug rather surprised her, since she had only moments ago been unsure if he would pull his hand away from hers. It was nice, however. She let herself relax against him for that moment, her arms sliding around him as she relished the way he held her close like this, even after learning the worst thing there was to learn about her. She wished more than ever that she could just stay here, with him. It was going to be really difficult to leave, when the time came. The smarter thing to do would be to withdraw and keep her distance, and not let herself get so close to him so that it would be easier to part ways when the time came, but she couldn't make herself do that. She wanted to be near him as much as she could, while she could. Food could wait a bit.

---

@Ercassie

Trevadir & Renia
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

At the little girl's polite words, Renia couldn't help but smile. "Thank you! Your name is very pretty, too." She told her, then tilted her head curiously in a glance toward Trev, when the girl stated that he knew her family name. "Well, we wouldn't want you getting in trouble for breaking rules." She agreed with a little nod.

"She's sort of related to Nal." Trev explained quietly. "His cousin's daughter." He still wasn't sure where the guy was, nor who 'Claery' was. But given the number of servants around the household of that family, he wouldn't be surprised if it was a servant of some sort. Wondering what sort of mission her mother might be on, Trev cast his gaze slowly about the park while they walked, but saw no sign of the veiled woman.

As Airelen ran toward the playground, Trev and Renia both laughed and grinned after her, before the latter jogged over to catch up with her. "Oooh! It looks like so much fun, doesn't it?" She asked eagerly, as if she herself had never seen such a place before and found it nearly as exciting as Airelen did. In fact, she had not, and was curious about some of the equipment, but probably about half of her excitement was actually feigned for the girl's benefit. "What do you think we should play on, first, Airelen?"

Trev laughed and walked over a bit more slowly, amused at the both of them. "Want me to push you on the swings?" He asked the smaller of the pair, amused. "Orrr, I could make this spin for you?" he suggested, indicating the round-about thing.

[Arnyn]

|
Macardil | Arnyn
Himhathol residence, Fifth Circle - Early December

"Reilly Veranis," he repeated slowly. This, he would not have seen coming in a thousand years. "Alright, Arnyn. You have my full attention."

She nodded, having expected as much. "As you may or may not have heard from Karis, or possibly even Trevadir, a few of the guardsmen are being investigated," Arnyn began. The Guard and the Rangers shared those whom each unit was looking for with each other, after all, as a standard cooperation practice. And her telling Macardil this much, was not breaching any kind of protocol. Besides, the odds that he knew about the investigation into Aderic Androllius, given his friendship with Trevadir, and Trevadir's friendship with Unalmis, and everything that had happened in that little circle... well. The odds were high.

"I may have heard a name," Macardil said, sipping his water.

"That name," Arnyn continued, unperturbed, "is linked to the name of Reilly Veranis. They trained together, in Pelargir. They were transferred together, to Minas Tirith. They continued to serve in the Guard here, together. Until Reilly disappeared." Arnyn crossed her legs, leaning back into the couch cushions, though her back was still straight.

Macardil's eyes narrowed slightly. "His roommate," he said quietly, dimly remembering only now that the roommate's name had been... that one. It had been over six years, after all, and Hal and Macardil had never been able to actually speak to the man, so the name had only been mentioned in passing. Which explained why it had not sounded familiar when Trevadir had first mentioned it. He held back a sigh. "I was told he has a twin," Macardil noted, not adding any more of his own thoughts and questions. He assumed Arnyn had come here for a reason. She would tell him, without him being required to ask.

She smiled faintly, unsurprised by Macardil being in the know. "It appears that he does. It would explain a few things. Soon enough, I should be able to verify that, beyond any question of a doubt. As for now - it is highly likely." With Ryn's last words, and the journal... "It also seems likely that all three of them were friends in Pelargir. And that they trained together, there." Assuming the journal was not made up. "But the twin did not wish to be transferred here, and left the Guard. It seems that no one here in Minas Tirith thus knew of the Androllius twins. Except for Reilly. And Reilly disappeared."

A bit stunned by what Arnyn was implying, Macardil said nothing. His face also showed nothing. How had he not put this together yet? If Androllius was being investigated, and if it was true he had a twin, and with everything Trevadir had said about the man's two faces... He had never tied it to Reilly's disappearance, as Arnyn now seemed to be doing. Worst of all... it made sense. He moved slowly as he took his glass and drank from his water, before returning the glass to the coffee table.

After a pause, Arnyn continued. "Reilly's file here in Minas Tirith, named you as one of his contacts. As for the circumstances of his disappearance, it has very little information, really. That he did not come into headquarters one day. That his girlfriend claimed he had received transfer orders to one of the beacons - Dol Brannor -and that Reilly had needed to leave immediately as per those orders. Supposedly. Because the Guard itself has no record of this transfer. Whatsoever."

Macardil watched her thoughtfully. "You know I know all of this. His file probably also had a report with their findings after they spoke to me, and after they finally called in Halberion. Reilly's father," he added, unsure if she would otherwise be able to place the name.

"It did," Arnyn confirmed. "In the end, they assumed Reilly simply deserted. Despite the fact both you and his father testified against that being in line with his character. And that you had not heard from him. But I wished to speak with you, for a few reasons. First of all - what is your exact connection to Reilly Veranis? Or his father? And could you tell me anything else that might be helpful in figuring all of this out, do you think?"

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Tercen
Fifth Circle, Ava's house
Dec 27th - Afternoon

He could feel her muscles relaxing. Her arms around him. Tercen dipped his head, his eyes closed, and took a slow, deep breath, letting his mind go blank. He could accept the consequences, later. How bad could they be, after all, when simply holding her felt this good?

His right hand briefly carressed the back of her head - that lovely dark hair. "I should put my boots back on," he murmured with a faint smile, before pulling back from the hug so he could look at her. Something about the set of her eyes reminded him of the masquerade - the night they had met. It had not even been a week. And yet.

"Come dancing with me and Arnyn," he suggested quietly, smiling softly. "In a few days." He searched her eyes. "Maybe you can build on that trust with her a little... But more than that, I want to have all the evenings with you that I can get," he admitted.