Minas Tirith Streets and Levels (Free RP)

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn
Fourth Circle
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn

It seemed like her words were sinking in, at least. Good. She wanted him to think about it, to properly consider the choices he had. The decision came sooner than she had expected, and even though she did not want to give much away as to her own reaction, her nearly black eyes glinted with something as he decidedly told her he would be at their training session the next morning. Inwardly, a wave of relief washed over her, as well. A faint smile claimed her expression as she took half a step closer so she could put a hand on the young man's shoulder, who was just a few inches taller than she was. "I'm glad," she told him genuinely, which applies to him agreeing to use some sort of safety, him agreeing to continue their training, and that he was trying to think about things more carefully. He wasn't fighting her logic. He wasn't being defensive. He was definitely making progress, and she could see that.

She took her hand away again. "What has your routine been, here?" she asked Trastion, but also looking at the guard to indicate she wanted him to elaborate or correct if necessary. "Is this a regular thing on your days off?" It wasn't so much about her assessing how many times he had risked it, or how much of a risk he had taken, though. "We could incorporate something like this, from a safer height, into our training together as well, if you would like. It would certainly change things up a bit." Even though she would be gone for weeks, with the sea training coming up. And even though... Arnyn shook her head slightly, pushing those thoughts down. Not yet.

She raised an eyebrow at Galudor. "I'm assuming my trainee here is the only one who's been mad enough to come and do this here? That you know of?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ranger Trainee Trastion Leithor
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn
4th level wall, with a NPC guard, Galudor

Trastion was about to mention that he had, in fact, been planning to come and find her at some point later, when she asked about his routine here. "Um, yeah, pretty much." He nodded when she asked if it was just about every day that he had off from regular training. "Ever since.. uh," He tried to remember just when it was that he'd discovered this high place.

"September," Galudor supplied. "When he was assigned to help with wall patrol duty," He added, remembering quite well. "That's when he started his 'crazy bat time'.. as I call it."

"Right," Trastion nodded, remembering that it had been when he'd been enduring the punishment for his supposed 'drunken' state. "As for routine," He glanced out at the scaffold, and back to her. "Well, I do no more than ten pull-ups. I start with regular ones, then do a few harder types.. you know," He demonstrated in the air as he explained, "Go up, then shift to one side, then the other, then back to center, and back down. And some with leg raises, and then end with one, one-armed one for each arm. Then I switch to doing the.. sit up type thing, like you probably saw..." He paused. "Only ten of those, too. Usually. I could do more, but.. given the.. location, I don't want to exert myself to the point that I might not be able to keep hanging on." He wanted her to know that he'd at least exhibited some wisdom in not overdoing it. At the thought of implementing some of this into their training, he was a bit intrigued. He had never thought of asking about doing that.

"Absolutely," Galudor answered her question to him with a emphatic nod. "No one else that I know of is that crazy," He grinned toward Trastion in a slightly teasing manner.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Gaelanna, Airelen, and Anardil Thavron.
with Renia. At the Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th

“Faster faster !!” the little girl urged first her parents in their pursuit, and then Renia as they each laid a hand upon the spinner’s rail. Airelen bent her knees, narrowed her brown eyes and smiled the whole length of her small face. She then proceeded to run with the spinner, less so sending it faster, and more clasping on for dear life, as the plaything moved far swifter than her legs could carry her.

Landing facedown on the ground, the sudden stall in laughter caused Gael to gasp a hand up to her face. But by the time both she and Anardil had hastened to the two girls’ their daughter had turned where she lay on the frosted grass, and drew a hand dramatically over her face.


“I am killed !” she announced, and then lifted her head up to see if anyone had taken note. ‘Swooning’ again, even as her parents slowed their panic, and Gael hid her own laughter in a swift turn to meet Anardil’s shoulder. The squire himself restrained the want to shake his head in despair. Though there was more mirth than vexation even in his expression, which softened the longer that his wife rested against him. As though she had only belatedly realised what she had managed, the lady’s eyes widened behind her veil. And still she did not pull away. Instead she looked to him.

“Mama ! Papa !!” Airelen summoned her family, and pouted when they did not run immediately. Finding her own way to her feet, she watched the ‘spinner’ rotate until she felt dizzy. “It is the fastest now,” she concluded, and sat back down crosslegged on the ground.

---

Meanwhile, Gildolen Lhacrist, and Claery.
with Trevadir, at the Swings. Same confused time, same puzzled place.

Gil had visibly puzzled when Trevadir replied with ‘same as’. What even did that mean ? Iole either was this fellow’s sister or she wasn’t. And it seemed that the misunderstandings did not end there. For the valet had not accepted at all what Trev supposed his admission. “I have followed where she led me,” he clarified, albeit under breath, eyes downcast. “And I may have found it a difficulty to tear eyes from observing her .. ” the young man shook himself out of an almost enchanted daze, in time to argue. “I would never say that I ‘stalked’ her,” he turned back and raised up his gaze to meet the ‘brother’s demand.

As the maid awaited entertainment, and Trevadir demanded satisfaction, the valet turned his back on any hope for a respectable departure. He did not cross his arms though, in any similar show of annoyance, and he did somehow manage to keep both hands at his sides. Perhaps the frigid temperature was helping to cool his temper. But ice is just as much a peril as fire may think to prove ..


“If you stand so utterly incapable as was your ‘sister’s friend,” he resumed, stepping in to meet the other young man, with but inches between them, “at observing the contrast between admiring a thing of beauty, as opposed to wanting to bring that same grace unto ruins ..” he set dark eyes intently upon the ‘so called’ brother. “Then I might suggest you ponder on the difference between bird watching and game hunting.” He gave the other young man time to comprehend his meaning, before charging on, regardless of any attempts to soothe the risen ire. For he was not yet done.

“Iole and I have never known yet the advantage of a formal introduction. So I have maintained a respectable distance, from the very first. Still you people seem unwilling or perhaps ill-equipped to resolve any concern without violence. A fact that, I might venture, says a lot more about your own need to strut your physical prowess, perhaps in front of your own good lady, than for my any need to accept a message which has clearly already been delivered.”


“Since it seems, however much it pains me, that my merest intrigue is an unwanted attention, I have stated, at least once already, that I shall cease from such behaviour. A kindness that is for her sake, not yours. For I would further have you know that the only reason I did not defend my reputation when blows fell upon the last occasion, was not out of any sense of guilt, but rather because I was taught never to strike at a woman. Even if she happens to land the first blow, and despite that being achieved by her granting me no warning. So if you now persist ..”

He paused, the high shoulders deflating some to observe how Claery had near fallen off her swing, and followed the two young men, before she collapsed in a pile of laughter.


“It was a girl ?!” she realised and asked for confirmation all at once. “No wonder you would not tell anybody ! You got beaten up .. by a girl ..”

The Belfalasian allowed for the soaking embarrassment to wash over him. “Does that grant you satisfied ?” he asked of Trevadir, with a most unimpressed tone. With a sigh, he straightened to his full, not unimpressive height, though he clearly did not boast the strength of a youth who has been raised on a ship’s hard labour. It did not make a difference to him. “If you else insist on continually impugning my honour,” the valet stepped his feet ever slightly more apart, “I would willingly meet you at a time and a place of our arranging, where hostilities may be indulged without the risk of offending fair witnesses. And have the matter come to cold conclusion.”

The introduction he had craved, with Iole had been with thoughts to speak at least an apology, that she had been upset. If it were now to be delivered in the wake of having duelled her ‘brother’, then any apology he did make would be sincere, to be sure.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn
Fourth Circle
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn

She listened to their replies, and took a moment to consider. "Right. Tomorrow, meet me at the usual hour, but at the stables instead of behind the armoury," she told Trastion. "We will take Narsule and Lightning down to the grounds. And we will do a little something different."

The Lieutenant slanted her head as she assessed Galudor. "Galudor," she spoke his name, as if testing the sound. "I'm not sure why, but your name sounds familiar. Is this your regular posting?" If so, then she'd know where to find him easily enough. "Next time someone thinks scaffolding or the edge of the wall is some fun personal entertainment, I would suggest you do more than advise them against it. Against the rules or not, sometimes we must guard people against their own lack of better judgment," she opinionated. "My guess is that the only reason there is no rule, is because those who wrote them wouldn't dream of doing such a thing," she remarked drily.

Feeling like her continued presence would probably only make them uncomfortable, the Lieutenant smiled faintly at them both and gave them a little nod. "Trastion. Until tommorow. Galudor. Until we meet again." She would find a different spot along the wall. Where she would not bother anyone.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ranger Trainee Trastion Leithor
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn
4th level wall, with a NPC guard, Galudor

Trastion couldn't help but be very curious what she had in mind, when she asked him to meet her at the stables tomorrow instead of behind the armory. Where would they be going? How did she plan to implement new things into their training? He was both apprehensive and excited, all at once. Intrigued, he nodded. "The stables." He agreed.

Galudor straightened a little when the lieutenant addressed him. "Yes, lieutenant. Every day, same post, same shift. For the past few years." He answered her. Then he shifted a bit uncomfortably when she offered a suggestion. "Yes ma'am. I'll keep that in mind." He assured her, casting a brief glance toward Trastion. Almost something akin to 'I told you so!'

Rolling his eyes slightly at Galudor's look, Trastion turned to Arnyn when she seemed to be leaving. "Arnyn?" He was done here, so he moved to walk with her. "I was actually hoping to talk to you, later... Are you going to be busy today?" He wondered. "I.. um, I was hoping to talk with you about something. If you have some time."

---

@Ercassie

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

Renia was surprised when the girl decided, instead of riding along, to run around with it. She therefore tried not to get it going too fast for her, yet without making it too obvious that she was holding back. She kept an eye on her while running, when Airelen fell down, Renia's eyes widened slightly and she came to a stop at her side. Just in time for the dramatic declaration that 'I am killed!'. Renia gave a little laugh of relief that she did not seem to be actually hurt. "Too bad," She said with a sad sigh. "I guess I'll have to go over here and investigate this other thing, all by myself." She cast a glance toward a contraption that looked like it was for climbing around on. Since Trev seemed to be busy in some sort of discussion with that other young man, she didn't want to bother him to ask what it was.


Over by the swings, Trev was a little surprised by the reply that came from Gildolen. As for bird watching and game hunting, he knew a good deal about both, but of course.. this guy couldn't have known that he came from a family of Falconers. Not that it would make much difference to the conversation. So, he made no reply to that comment, and simply waited to hear what else he may wish to say.

One eyebrow arched slightly as Gildolen went on to say 'you people', presumably.. people of Minas Tirith? Or did he just mean Iole's associates? He wasn't sure, but apparently, the young man had the impression that Trev, at least, only wanted to show off or something, by attacking him or.. something? Trev felt a bit baffled as Gil continued his rant, before Trev could even think of correcting him on any of the things he had apparently misunderstood. And then the guy dropped the information which Trev had, of course, known.. but had not expected him to divulge. He sure hadn't meant for him to declare, in front of the nosy young woman, that it had been a girl to hit him! He felt a bit bad for him now. Especially, when she began to laugh about it.

Trev frowned over at Claery for her words, momentarily at a loss for what to do. How to handle this. Diplomacy was definitely not his strong suit. He had definitely not expected the guy to react like this. And then... his gaze returned to Gil at the conclusion of his speech. Trev stared at the guy in silent amazement, and slight incredulity. Had he seriously just challenged Trev to a duel? He had to take a few seconds to absorb this, and tried to think how to de-escalate the whole thing. Maybe this guy had a temper to match his own, and if that were the case, Trev wondered what that might mean. Was that a good thing, or a bad thing? He dismissed the thought for now and took a slow breath in.

"Calm down, Gildolen," Trev lost the challenging sort of tone from his own voice, and dropped his arms down to his sides, adopting a less 'threatening' stance. "Clearly, you misunderstood me. I'm not questioning your honor, for one thing. I'm questioning.. you. Your interest in my sister.. and your intentions toward her." Inwardly, he thought the guy was very lucky that Trev was not like his father. Dev would happily take any excuse to kill someone from the 'snooty Belfalasian society'.

After a pause, he turned back to Claery. She really wasn't helping matters, and he wasn't really sure how to get rid of her without being rude. So, instead, he decided to address what she'd said. "For the record, Miss Claery, there is a big difference between getting 'beat up' and getting struck by a single, unexpected blow." He informed her, feeling it only fair to offer that much in the other guy's defense. "And furthermore, I've seen the "girl" in question, and I sure wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her fist." He assured the maid, who had likely never seen Sorrel. "In fact, I've only ever known one other girl who compares with her, when it comes to dishing out black eyes, and that's my other sister, Cali." He added, recalling that time she'd ended up hitting Rip. While it had been a rather amusing moment, he couldn't bring himself to smile about it. That had been the very last day that they'd spent with Ryn. "I wouldn't recommend getting on her bad side either." He mentioned this bit in an aside to Gil. "She's been toting a skillet around, lately..."

In answer to his question, however... no, that wasn't really satisfactory. Trev cleared his throat. There was still a matter to address. "As for you and I.." He didn't want to have another misunderstanding that might get out of hand, so he tried to think more carefully before speaking. "Relax." He shook his head slightly. "I didn't say that I was going to hit you," Trev out, keeping his tone calm. "I only asked you for a good reason why I should not." There was a big difference, after all. "And the fact that you would defend yourself if I did.. well, that isn't really good enough. Most people would do that, after all." He shook his head slightly. "What I want to know is not whether you will defend yourself, but if you would defend her, if ever needed."

Trev kept his gaze on the other young man, growing quite serious, both in his expression and tone of voice. He stepped a little closer to Gil and lowered his voice, mostly in an effort to keep this conversation from being overheard by overeager, nearby ears. "The thing is, the last fellow who.. took an 'interest' in her.. he was a whole lot bigger than you are, and scarier, and.. well, a very dangerous man to cross. Nardy can verify that, if
you want to ask." He paused to let that sink in. "There's no way I'd dare challenge that guy, ordinarily. But when he tried to hurt my sister..?" Trev gave a small shrug. "I'd do whatever I have to do, to protect Iole, or Cali, or my brothers... I'd give my life to protect any of them." He stated. And, in a way, he sort of had done that.. giving up his chance to reclaim his life, in exchange for her. But there was no need to bring that up here.

"What I want to know from you, is what kind of man you are? Are you someone that she'll need protecting from, or someone who would do anything to protect her? And, how serious are you about this interest in her, anyway?" He asked, very sincere in asking. "Because, honestly, it sounds to me like you're already giving up, and you haven't even met her yet." He frowned a little. "That doesn't sound like the kind of guy who really wants to get to know her."

[Rillewen]

@Lantaelen

|
Eryn Raedor... and a new friend!
Waiting to meet up with Gaer and Linn
Dec 24, afternoon - 2nd level
(Shortly after her reunion with Wisteria)

The day had been so much fun so far. Eryn was smiling happily as she worked her way down the levels, heading toward that dress shop that Gaer and Linn had told her about. She grinned slightly as she anticipated meeting up with her new friends again. While Eryn wasn't really that interested in this ballet thing, personally, she thought it would be fun to spend some time with the others. Gaer, Linn, Wist. She already knew Wist would be thrilled beyond words to get to see the dancing on the stage, since the girl couldn't even stop dancing long enough to get on a wagon and get out of the city when it was being evacuated, nor even when she was supposed to be cleaning. Still, Eryn was glad for her that she had such an unquenchable joy of dancing.

Arriving at the store, Eryn stopped and stood outside the window, peering in curiously and wondering if she ought to wait here for the other girls to meet her, or if she ought to go inside. She decided to wait out here, so they would see her when they arrived. So, she leaned against the wall next to the window, and waited. Meanwhile, she thought back to the other evening, when they'd practiced archery. Gaer had asked about whether her father would mind her having the bow, to which Eryn had pointed out that the bow belonged to Eryn, and although her father had made it for her, she felt sure that he would not mind, as long as the bow was going somewhere that it would be appreciated and given regular use, rather than sitting around collecting dust while it waited for someone to find a use for it. For it would be several years still before Berion had grown enough to use that bow instead of the very small one he currently practiced with.

Then her thoughts drifted to the brief snatch of conversation that they had overheard, upon joining the men. Something about Abrazimir considering a squire, to which Duinion had suggested, a little tentatively, that if he had a mind to do so, he might consider choosing a youngster out of the orphanage for such a purpose, as those children had so little hope of any good future. Eryn knew well how her dad felt about the orphanage, and she wasn't surprised to hear him suggesting ways to help improve some poor orphan's life, giving them hope of a promising future. After having met and spoken with Wist, earlier, Eryn was thinking a lot about that sort of thing, herself. But that was something to think more about, another day. For now, she scanned the streets, waiting for her friends to meet up with her as planned.

That was when the unfamiliar dog came trotting up to her, sniffing around her shoes with a wagging tail. Eryn blinked, staring down at the big, red-brown dog, then gave a little laugh of surprise and crouched down to greet the dog better. "Hi there," She smiled, holding out her hand to let him sniff her. "Where'd you come from?" She found that he was quite friendly and seemed eager to get some attention, but who did he belong to? Eryn glanced around the area, but she didn't see anyone who looked like they might be looking for him. But he had a collar on, so he must belong to someone. Yet, she'd never seen this dog around the city before.

---

|
Brooke, & Gwestion
2nd level, park adjacent to the Market

"Now, swivel your hand around to grab my wrist, instead." Gwestion instructed calmly, waiting with a loose grip on her arm.

Brooke frowned, hesitating. "But.. I don't want to hurt you." She protested quietly. She barely even had a good hold on his arm. In fact, she doubted this 'self-defense' lesson was even going to do much good, since she knew quite well that she probably wasn't going to be able to pull off something like this with a real attacker.

Gwestion sighed, but he maintained his patience. "I promise, if I can survive all the orcs and bandits and other foes that I've fought against in my life, that even if you manage to cause me a bit of pain, I'll be alright." He assured her. "Furthermore, I have faith in the fact that if I tell you 'enough', that you will let go immediately, and therefore, you won't injure me." He pointed out. "It's alright. It's supposed to be uncomfortable to the 'attacker'. And I should hope you would have at least a little belief in my ability to endure a little pain."

Brooke hesitated, taking a moment to consider, then she gave a little nod and carefully folded his arm behind him, as he had said to do.

"Alright, good," He nodded slightly in approval. "Now, what?" He prompted, hoping she'd remember from him showing her this much, a moment ago.

Brooke frowned and considered this, taking a look at how she had him at the moment. "Trap it there with the other hand..." She frowned. "But isn't the goal to make you let go of me?"

Gwestion gave a tiny smile. "Trust me a little, alright?"

"Alright.." She agreed hesitantly. With a little reluctance, she used her other hand to help the first in keeping his hand from releasing her arm, the way he directed her to. "And then?" She looked up at him for the next instruction.

"Now, press down with your hands while pulling up a little with your arm. Take it slow, please.." He added, and proceeded to verbally guide her into finding the correct angle for the maneuver.

Brooke nodded slowly and tried to do as he said. When she got the angle right, she knew it immediately by the way Gwestion cringed. She immediately let go of him. "Sorry!"

"No, that was just right." He assured her, shaking his head, and rolled his wrist a couple of times. "It puts stress on the bone there," He explained. "So, if you practice that move enough, you'll get familiar enough with it that if someone ever does grab you like that, you'll react without having to think it through and try to remember what to do."

She wrapped her arms around herself, nodding slightly. She did want to be able to defend herself, of course. It was just all so... strange. She wasn't so sure that she'd be able to do it 'without thinking' if it ever came down to it. Then, noticing how quiet it had gotten, she glanced around. "Where's Chewy?" She asked, frowning with sudden anxiety as she no longer saw her canine companion anywhere in the park, where he had been racing around from tree to tree, chasing squirrels, last time she looked.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Gaelanna, Airelen, and Anardil Thavron.
with Renia. At the Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th

Seeing as her parents had seemed lost somewhat for a moment in one another, Airelen considered their brief inattention and Renia’s ‘threat’ of going to explore some new thing by herself. Planting her hands on the cold ground, the little girl raised her small behind in the air and lifted the rest of her in an easy balance back upright.

“Faster faster !” she immediately claimed, or perhaps cheered herself on, at the short run to go where the older .. golden haired mermaid princess .. had gone before her. Pausing only long enough to drop her head back on it’s neck, and consider the height of the climbing frame, Airelen approached the nearest bars that she could reach without jumping. By resting one foot against a nearby vertical part of the frame, the child urged herself further up, and clasped the higher horizontal bar with both hands. Drawing her self as far as the waist to dangle over this new hold, she flung herself the rest of the way over the bar, headfirst, so that her feet landed mere moments before the rest of her on the ground back below. A tiny topple meant that she stumbled off balance and landed back on her rear. But there was scarcely time to note the rather less ladylike pose, before she was up, clambering as before, and repeating the small forward roll over the lowest bar.


Finally growing bored of this rather repetitive game, she paused and gazed up to see what her taller friend was doing. Her mother meanwhile, had noticed the small throng of young adults back at the swings, and made her husband aware of the same. Reluctant to break away from his small family, Anardil did nonetheless take a note of what he tried to interpret .. what was this now ? Were the two young men each making a new friend ? Their words could not be heard, and though the young woman beside them seemed to be highly amused, neither of the two young men might be, if body language was any sort of a tell.

---

Meanwhile, Gildolen Lhacrist, and Claery.
with Trevadir, at the Swings. Same confused time, same puzzled place.

That he had reacted somewhat defensively could hardly be denied, but for that Gildolen felt still justified. For he had not seen the last critical onslaught against his unassuming behaviour coming, not until it had been too late to avoid it. And he was a young man who took great pains to not behave in an unseemly manner. Usually. A misunderstanding then .. certainly.

“You have accused me of stalking a young lady, basing your assumptions on no more than the overreactions of others,” he reminded the other young man. “You have demanded, before witnesses, that I present you some cause why you ought not deliver further punishment upon me, even after such has already been dealt, quite undeservedly,” he summarised his comprehension of the matter, when Trevadir compelled him now to ‘calm’ and ‘relax’, as though he had not just incited this entire situation himself ! “By what right do you presume to question my any intentions when it is you that ..?”


The valet turned his head, shaking it as though he might dispel his frustration somehow, yet turned back rather more in surprise. To hear the so-called ‘brother’ then chastising Claery for her own behaviour. His argument dissolving as the two young men found even a brief mutual ground, surprising … Gil did not speak in support of the other’s opinion but raised his chin minutely in a defiant glance toward the young maid. Who, it has to be said, had stopped finding the incident half as amusing, now that it had turned to chiding her.

“Why .. I ..” the young woman began, but met only a dismissive wave from her work colleague. “Well if you don’t want me to stay and keep you safe ..” she supposed, with a careless shrug.

“Your input in this is neither required nor welcome,” the Belfalasian did interject for her benefit, at that point. And scarcely relaxed his posture as the maid took to her heels and ran back toward Gaelanna and Anardil. No doubt to spread the gossip of what she’d just overheard before it burned her up from the inside out ! In her wake, Gil sighed and did, finally relax.


Although the words which Trev handed out next did still confuse the other greatly. Why exactly was this fellow who he did not know .. apparently pronouncing judgement over him, for defending himself or not ? So soon after more or less implying that Gil ought expect now his ‘other sister’ to come abuse him as well ! What honestly was all these peoples’ problem ? Were they all quite mad ?! But just before the servant could respond with bewilderment, as to quite why he was being expected to ‘protect’ Iole now, when he had already been told in no uncertain terms, to have no more to do with her .. the apparent ‘sibling’ dropped a plate of ear-shattering exposition.

That Iole had been in need of protection in the past. That he was not, and this part was less surprising of course, the first to find her appealing. That she had been hurt though .. as a consequence ? That fact settled within him with no small unease. The clear over-reaction though of more than one of her loved ones then faced off with the young man’s own personal outrage, that they were assuming no man could desire the young lady for more benevolent motives. Had they seen her ? She inspired the most compelling yearning that he had ever felt to have a thing remain, sweet and kind and unbittered, as she seemingly was.


“My intentions,” he swallowed, then began with measured patience, and a sure pronunciation so that there ought be no further misunderstanding, “did never yet exceed a wish to learn whether I ought even nurture hope .. of becoming better or at all acquainted with Iole.” He explained, as honestly as he could. As calmly as he could. For it seemed that he was at least now being afforded the privilege to tell his side of the tale. “You can not perhaps comprehend the bewildering uncertainty that vexes one who knows her not, nor her .. specific circumstances ..,” he dared, with caution. For how to broach aloud the curiosity; of why a pair of young women lived with a man who named himself ‘as good’ as a brother to them. Why there were other young men who frequented their residence, and remain therein all the hours of the night. Was any of these young men truthfully her brother ? Was any of them already engaged in courting her ? Or possessed of a wish to ? She had certainly not stopped the ‘friend’ who had warned him off. Nor made with any message since that might give him the barest notion of her feelings, upon any such related matter of this mess at all !

“If I have thus far based your own intentions toward me, upon the last unpleasant encounter from one who was ‘protecting’ your .. sister ?” There was an element of questioning that fact, before the valet ended his line of thought, “then I rightly should apologise.” He did not, of course, apologise quite yet. “But this is the first I have heard of this last, dangerous, admirer of the lady. And it seems you have thus far based your own behaviour toward me, upon that equally unpleasant previous encounter,” Gil blinked in an ironic acknowledgement of the situation. “For which I might then easily expect your own apology.” He turned his gaze with a new light toward Trev as he trialled … “Although I might be persuaded to count it a draw.”


He almost smiled, though the prospect did not reach further than a new want to know that thought of joy. For here before Gil stood a young man who had battled and was willing to risk his own life, so he did claim, for the sake of one he cared for. And as much as the valet might wish to be able to speak so of himself in kind, he was in a quandary and concerned with hard honesty about the unexpected debate. Had he not allowed for his former employer, a man he had sworn to serve in all things, to come to a most horrific end .. at the hands of a most dangerous man ? Had he not been convinced to come to Minas Tirith and retain his honour, rather than pursue justice with a well-deserved vengeance against a most abhorrent criminal ? He would never have even known of the existence of Iole if he had chosen different. So he would .. what ? What manner of a man could he profess to be ? When it abhorred him to speak any untruth ..

“What I might ask of you, then,” Gildolen recognised in time, “is why and rather more, how in fact, you now presume I ought to protect the lady when your fine associates have quite clearly advised me that she wishes me cast far from the barest vestige of her existence ? I find this most conflicting counsel highly confounding, I must say.” he finished. For long enough at least to learn what this unusual young man might make of maybe the first reasonable request that had passed between them.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn
Fourth Circle
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn

She had not expected Trastion to keep pace with her once she'd made it clear she was going to walk away. She also did not mind, however.

And so her expression was friendly, her tone mildly curious, as she looked at the young man and offered her reply. "I am busy, later," she said apologetically. "But I am not busy, now. What is on your mind?" Some part of her was amused that, even though they'd had no scheduled training today, they had still managed to encounter each other at the 'regular' hour, and seemingly for more than just a few minutes.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ranger Trainee Trastion Leithor
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn
4th level wall, with Arnyn

He hesitated, casting a brief glance to make sure that they'd gone beyond earshot from Galudor, then turned back to Arnyn. "Well, I.." He paused to consider the best way to put this. "I was planning to go get some sort of.. pastry or sweet or something, once I left here." He explained quietly. "And, I wondered if you might join me?" He paused, and decided to clarify that a bit, "Today is.. was.. someone's birthday." He said quietly, with a somewhat saddened tone in his voice, and he looked down sadly.

"I don't know of anyone better than you to help me commemorate the occasion." He added quietly with a tiny smile at her. Since she was the only one, besides his own family, who actually knew about his situation in full, he couldn't really ask very many people to join him for this, after all.

---

@Ercassie

Renia
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

Reaching the climbing bars, Renia took a moment to admire it, then sent one of the wheels spinning. Then the next one, so that they both kept going until they lost momentum. Meanwhile, she laughed quietly at the way the girl went flipping over the lower bars.

After stepping back and briefly considering the 'coach' with its team of horses, she climbed easily up one of the side ladders, and sidled her way over the center area, hooking her knees around the top bar going across. She hung there, upside down, with her arms hanging down above her head. "Where do you think those horses are taking us, in this carriage thing?" She asked, curious what the girl might come up with, and if she was into pretending. "It's a very smooth ride, isn't it?" She grinned, stretching her arms out as far as they'd go to see if she could touch the ground.

---

Trevadir
By the swings

He couldn't help but be amused at the young woman's claim of 'keeping Gil safe'. Yes, that was clearly her purpose in loitering around, listening in.. Trev somehow managed not to roll his eyes, hiding a little smile as he watched her finally take off. And he noticed that the other young man relaxed a little when she did, too.

Trev watched, wondering how he was going to react. It seemed, the little bit of information Trev had dropped concerning Iole, must have had some effect. For Gildolen now seemed to have lost his earlier defensiveness, and attempted to explain his intentions. Finally.

At the suggestion that Gildolen ought to offer an apology, Trev then took a brief moment to consider his reasoning for why Trev might owe an apology in return, and slowly a little smile returned to his face after the added suggestion that they call it a draw. "Sounds fair enough." He agreed with a little nod.

He shifted to lean against a nearby pole that supported the swing's framework, as Gildolen then made an inquiry of him, as to how he might protect her. After taking a beat to absorb the question and understand what was confusing the guy, Trev ended up with a little smile. "Well, I don't know how many of Iole's 'associates' you've met," He mentioned thoughtfully. "Sorrela is the only one I've heard about," He gestured briefly to the eye, to indicate that was who he meant. "And as I heard it," Trev considered the tale anew, to help it make sense to the other guy. "Iole was becoming nervous because some fellow kept lurking around, watching her, following her.. she was frightened." He explained in a quiet tone, the smile having faded. "If you had any idea the sort of.. stuff.. that's happened to us all in this past year alone, you'd have no need to ask why this would upset not only her, but all of us." He sighed. "It's.. a lot of why she'd begun asking Sorrel to walk with her almost everywhere she goes. Or me, or Nal.. that's our other brother," he added. "So, perhaps you can understand why, when Iole saw this fellow following her again, Sorrel.. who happens to be a guard.. reacted a bit defensively." He explained. "Honestly... any of us might have done the same. We're all very protective of Iole, and we're also.. all.. a little nervous about this sort of thing."

Drawing a breath, Trev let it out in a sigh as he sank into one of the swings again. "Honestly, Gildolen, I was sort of teasing you on the first, but then you took such offense and challenged me to a duel," Shaking his head a little in mild amusement, Trev looked up again. "But it seems you're really very interested in her. And if it wasn't for some of the.. bad experiences she's had in the past, I think she'd be thrilled about that," He frowned, then motioned toward the neighboring swing, inviting the other guy to join him if he wanted to. "What I'm trying to say is, if you approached her in a better manner and introduce yourself and explain, first of all, I think she'd be relieved after the sort of fears she's been entertaining. And second, maybe she'd be pleased? Flattered? That someone wants to court her, that is." He frowned thoughtfully. "I mean, I'm not aware of anyone ever trying to court her before. And the weird thing is, between my two sisters, I always figured Iole would be the one to end up in a relationship, way before Cali ever decided that maybe boys don't have cooties," he laughed faintly at that notion, which had clearly been proven wrong.

He also had never thought, growing up, that he would end up being the one to have the 'brother to boyfriend' talk with either of his sister's boyfriends. It should have been Ryn. He swallowed and looked down at the ground for a moment, struggling to push past that hurt. "So. Anyway. I'm not interested in fighting anyone if it can be avoided, but I do want you to know that I'd fight a whole fleet of pirate crews, and all the orcs in the world, if I had to. For Iole, for Cali. For my brothers..." He looked at Gil again. "That being said, if you want to court Iole, and if she doesn't object, then I won't stand in the way. I only want her to be happy."

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Airelen with Claery, playing with Renia.
Also Anardil and Gaelanna Thavron.
At the Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th

Somewhat awed at Renia’s climbing ability, or perhaps merely envious of the older girl’s advantage in height, Airelen accepted that she could not manage what the other was accomplishing. Turning back to the attached ‘wheels’ which she had observed the golden haired wonder spinning, the child now did likewise. Because she could replicate that much of her new idol’s actions. Turning the metal orbits with first both hands and then one at intervals, as she stood back to watch the whirring projection go round and round and round in it’s place.

“I would go to the castle,” she declared almost regally, when her opinion was invited, about their ‘destination’. Indeed the small girl had not properly recognised the frame as the shape of a carriage, though she had spent much time in many actual carriages. From her disadvantaged height, she saw a great forest of metal bars interlinked in an opportunity to raise girls from the ground into the air.


Ducking then beneath the bar this time, Airelen found an upside down Renia at her mercy. And began stroking the ‘mermaid’s hair. Then she patted the hands which were reaching for the ground, to meet her hands instead. And after confessing a shy “Pretty hair,” with wide, thoughtful eyes, the child sprang up with a sudden revelation. “I shall tell the horses !” she announced. And dashed forth to clamber into the seat of one of the wooden horses. When it shifted on it’s spring beneath her meagre weight, she giggled, and held on to the ‘head’ tightly. Whispering to the ‘steed’. As though she really expected it might do as she desired. Did not everyone ?


“I’m fairly certain they are naming terms and deciding seconds now,” Claery finished her account of what she’d ‘heard’, rather breathlessly. And Gael glanced with a rather beleaguered expression toward her husband.

“I shall tend to it,” Anardil proposed, assuming their expectations. “Have an eye for Airelen," he mentioned, in afterthought, for it had not been so long since the smallest had last snuck away from the group.

“She is sat upon a horse,” Gael observed thoughtfully, as though she were not sure whether she ought to be glad. Was it better to know that her daughter’s encounter back at the joust had not traumatised her ? Or that the same daughter had come away so utterly unfazed by the near miss, that she had no greater want to be cautious now than she had before ? Without being bidden, Claery rushed over to where the child was rocking rather too precariously now, upon her horse and whispered something in the child’s ear that made her laugh aloud and throw her head backwards in doing so.

Her mother relaxed some, maybe against her better judgement. And her father was quite fixed upon discerning, from his distance, whether the two young men back at the swings required some intervention. Claery did have a tendency toward exaggerating, and they did not seem to look now as hostile toward each other as they had moments before. The Squire took only three steps toward them, and then paused, arms crossed as he debated internally what quite might be occurring.

---

Meanwhile, Gildolen Lhacrist, with Trevadir,
speaking at the Swings.

It seemed in fact as though all real threats of violence had been discarded, and Gildolen was not sorry to realise it. Though he had been quite determined that he would not be so unfairly treated by another of Iole's ‘associates’, .. it seemed that Trevadir would rather speak at than smite him. The Belfalasian allowed for this shift in mood without protest, in part because it would discourage Claery from being drawn back over by the prospect of cheering on a fight. If there was one thing that both the young men seemed to agree on, it was that they were not here for the maid’s entertainment. They were each ‘here’, wherever quite their mental ‘here’ might be, for Iole.

It was no easy thing though for the valet to learn that the object of his desire had been, however inadvertently, ‘frightened’ by his behaviour. And his face dropped from meeting the apparent ‘sibling’. “I had no idea,” he allowed, to the rather belated explanation. For, how could he have ? His efforts to find out more about Iole were in fact what had led her friends to show just how ‘very overprotective’ they could be ! Clearly there were faults here on both sides. Though now that the two young men had accepted that possibility, they might find a way to move forward more productively. Of course there was yet a good deal which still did not make any sense. To each of them.


As Trevadir marvelled then over the Belfalasian’s initial reaction, Gildolen also shook his head. “Most people might ask if there was any cause for them to think me a threat, rather than demanding I prove that I am not in fact,” he ventured, still a little huffily. “It is clearly no secret that I’m interested,” he sank then into the swing beside the other, as invited. Shoes scuffed the ground as the valet rocked slightly in his new seat. “Though of course I am mortified to have caused her any distress. That was why I ..” he began, and then changed his mind. Over what he had been about to say ? Over what he had been pondering if he should do .. ?

“The Lady Gaelanna,” he nodded in the direction of the veiled lady, across the way, “has known me for many years now. She and I were just moments ago brainstorming whether she might make the proper introductions, along with the Lady Ilisys .. who has known your .. Iole .. at least as long as she too has known me.” He sighed, and pushed off a little more swing where he sat. “Apparently your ‘other brother’ saw my shame,” he touched toward the bruising at his face, “when he was at the house for dinner the other night. And he asked the Lady Gaelanna to broach the subject with me; she says. Our thinking of this afternoon was for me to at the very least make an apology to Iole. For it did not seem as though there might be any hope beyond her maybe accepting that. Of course neither of us knew then, about …” Gil waved one hand upon it’s wrist, between the two swinging youths, as if to imply something like ‘all of that’. Because three such words could not hope in truth to try and comprise all that ‘that’ was turning out to be.


The confession though, having been spelled out, the Belfalasian recalled quite another aspect of the whole bewildering situation. And the longer that Trevadir rattled on about what he would do, and what he hoped, for Iole, Gil found he could not turn now from this opportunity to ask. If he could manage to do so, without even suggesting any compromise to Iole’s reputation in the process. Because therein was why he had never asked anyone of it yet.

“It is a strange thing,” he ventured thus, almost warily. “That you say Unalmis is brother, to you, and to Iole, and this Cali also.” Gil proved that he had been taking note of this, although he had not questioned it aloud. Until now. “For I was under the impression that ‘Nal’ is cousin to Squire Thavron,” the confusion was declared. “That was why he came to the family dinner this week. As well as why he and his kin had been visiting the house for some weeks hence, to ready for the recent masquerade.

So why then were you and your ‘sisters’ not in attendance at this family dinner as well ? If you are all kin ? And why is it that I have heard it said that the mighty Trevadir saved the little girl, at great risk to your own wellbeing. That I had heard your name in that respect before ever we met this day. But I had not heard until you professed it to be so, that you were any breed of relative ? To them,” he indicated the small family who had now amalgamated by the climbing frame. “I can not make sense of it, with what you have said yourself,” he sat up and turned toward his ‘informant’, slowing his seat to a stop now.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Renia
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

"Oh, what castle?" Renia asked, watching the girl spin the wheels, and smiled slightly. She couldn't think of having ever spent much time around a small child, but she thought it was rather fun. She hadn't expected to make a small friend today, but it seemed it was going to turn out that way regardless.

When Airelen began stroking her hair, Renia grinned, amused. "Your own hair's quite pretty too!" She told her, then wondered what exactly she was going to go tell the horses. That she wished to go to the castle? Or that Renia had pretty hair? She smiled, trying to twist around a bit, but couldn't see her anymore from this angle. So, instead, she grabbed the bar with both hands and unhooked her knees, then swung down to drop to the ground with practiced ease. She spent a lot of time climbing around on ships, on ropes that moved around as you climbed on them. Solid bars that did not move, therefore, were quite easy.

Approaching the cute little horses supposedly 'drawing' the carriage, the young woman cautiously tested her weight on the one next to Airelen, and was pleased to find that while the spring under it swayed easily enough that a child could make it rock, it still seemed sturdy enough to not risk breaking under her. She grinned over at Claery when she arrived. "Have you come to join us?" She asked, amused. "There's still two horses left! We're going to a castle, apparently." She informed her, to fill her in on whatever game Airelen had in mind.
 

---

Trevadir
By the swings

Glancing over when Gildolen stopped in midsentence, Trev wondered what he was going to say with, 'That was why I..'. But it seemed he was not planning to finish that thought out loud, and instead launched into talking about he and the lady had been trying to think of how to make proper introductions.

Trev puzzled over that for a brief moment before realizing... of course. The guy was from Belfalas. Everything they did there was pretty different, from what he could tell. Trev blinked as a couple of things started to make a little more sense. "You do know that you can introduce yourself to people.. right?" Trev wondered, suddenly thinking back to just a little while ago, when Gildolen refused to give his name. Claery had ended up doing it for him. While Trev had initially wondered if he was just being rude, and then thought the guy just didn't want to speak to him... now he wondered if he had entirely misread that. He turned toward Gil in his swing, so that the ropes ended up slightly crossed. "So.. I guess things are probably different where you're from, but around here, that's usually what people do if they don't know someone." He explained. "At least, I don't know about the upper levels, folks there are a bit more formal I guess, but with most of us.. you don't really need to wait for anyone to properly introduce you." He paused, wondering whether this would have any particular affect on the other young man.

When Gil spoke of having met Nal at a family dinner, Trev recalled Nal saying something about having a thing with his family, only last night. Raising his feet off the ground, Trev let his swing commence with twisting its way around in the other direction, then back, and back again.. until the swing settled its motions and came to rest in a neutral position again.

While Trev waited for his swing to stop moving, he listened while Gildolen worked his way up to asking.. about the situation with the group. Trev glanced over at him with an expression of feigned surprise. "Wait, you mean there was a family dinner, and we weren't invited?" He asked as if offended, before immediately breaking into a little grin. "Just kidding," He assured him. He pushed lightly at the ground to encourage his swing to move again, this time in the more traditional manner, only moments after it had stopped its other motions. "That's a fair question," He admitted with a little smile. "It would seem odd, I guess, if you don't know the situation." Then he paused at the mention of 'the mighty Trevadir' having saved the little girl. "Oh. You heard about that." He paused. "Well, actually, I'd never seen the girl before that day, and had no idea she was their daughter," He said with a little nod toward the parents in question, and then noticed then that Nardy seemed to be looking toward them. He gave a small, friendly sort of nod to acknowledge him, but it seemed that he wasn't planning to come over here so Trev turned back to Gil.

Rather than focusing on the topic of his 'heroics' however, Trev began trying to think about what to say concerning the siblinghood of the group. How much did he want to share, concerning their situation? He pondered this while absently looking at his hand, and the scar that lay there. He figured if this guy was interested in actually courting Iole, he had a right to know, at least, that there was no romantic interest from her two unofficial brothers. He sighed. Where to begin? "First, let me just say.. if you're worried about any sort of competition from Nal or me, don't be." He grinned slightly at the very notion of that. "I think of Iole as a sister, and that's all. Besides," He nodded toward where Renia was playing with Airelen. "The only girl I'm interested in, is the blond there."

He kicked the ground again, sending the swing going again, gently. "To answer your question, none of us are actually truly related to each other," He informed him with a little shrug, then hesitated as he considered how to explain. "Nal and I grew up next door to each other. We were.. as close as brothers, since before we were old enough to talk." He looked over at Gil to see if he was following. "Nal's grandmother worked for Iole's father, and the three of us ended up playing together all the time. Then, we met Cali and her brother. Ryn." He said softly, taking a slow breath in as he looked down at the ground.

After a moment he looked up again. With a small, almost regretful smile, Trev added, "I was closer with each of them than I was to my natural brother. In fact, the five of us became so close, after a few years, we all decided to adopt each other as siblings. 'Officially'." He held up his hand, to show the scar, and wondered if Gil had ever noticed Iole's matching on. "Blood brothers, and sisters, that is." He explained. "We have different parents, but as far as any of us are concerned, we're brothers and sisters." He looked at the other guy. "Does that clear up your confusion?"

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn
Fourth Circle
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn

To any and all eyes, she appeared relaxed as they walked. That he'd invited her to go get some sweet breakfast, was surprising. But soon, the reason came and the invitation explained itself even before Trastion made an attempt. Arnyn noticed how small his smile was, and the decision hardly took any time to make at all.

Even if the thought of something rich and sweet was making her stomach recoil. A breakfast like that might be a bit much to ask, still.

"I will join you," she agreed with a soft smile, and she had to think about her conversation with Gladhron about his sister. "Thank you for asking me." At the very least, he figured commemorating it in some way with her would be better than doing it alone. "Will you tell me some more about him, while we walk?" she asked him gently. "Or would you prefer to talk of other things entirely?" She briefly touched his arm. "It's up to you, Taras," she added, not wanting to make him feel pressured.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Ranger Trainee Trastion Leithor
Jan 1st - Early morning, around dawn
4th level wall, with Arnyn

He was glad to hear that she would join him, and smiled faintly. It was sort of funny, he thought, that he had the day off from training, and yet he had still ended up spending the morning with her. He was still not yet sure how this day was going to go, but he knew how it had been all of the previous years, since Aearon's death. It was likely to be a difficult day. But, all those other years, he had been alone, with no one to talk to. Maybe this year would be different.

He considered her question as they started walking. He hadn't really spoken very much about his brother, aside from how close they'd been. He ran a hand through his hair, thinking as they walked. Once they'd passed through the gates and there were no other people around, he started telling her about some of the best things he remembered about Aearon, and so they talked quietly together all the way to the bakery.

Trastion had already decided what he would be getting at the bakery; Aearon's favorite, if they had it, or something similar. And regardless of what Arnyn chose, Trastion would pay, since he was the one to invite her. Despite the cause for the commemoration, it was a better start to the day than the past few years had been for him, and Trastion was glad to have his mentor there to talk to.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, on the way to Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

Kaylin was humming softly to herself. Ever since the masquerade, she'd been in an exceptional mood - bar a few small moments here and there, perhaps, like when she said that one thing she shouldn't have or when she lost to Arnyn while sparring. Again. The memory had her momentarily halt her humming, but it only took her a few steps to push the mental grumbling away again. Instead, she started whistling. For the day might be cold, but it was sunny! And her duties for the day were done - other than what she had now set out to do.

She'd been tasked with watering plants. It was the first time anyone had really trusted her with that. But given that Thûllir and she were actually trying to expand the family, why not show him and the family that she could be trusted around living things? Really, plants were starting small. She might have preferred a puppy. Not that they were home enough for a puppy. But... Yes. Plants. Watering. She could do it!

---

A Lady
Third Circle, main street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

The lady heading down the third circle was dressed warmly against the cold. The wind was sharp today, and she had armed herself against it with a thick outer velvet skirt and a long, woollen coat. It had been less wise, perhaps, not to take a scarf. Thankfully, she had decided to wear gloves. The basket that was hooked around the crook of her left arm was still empty, given she was still on her way to the marketplace in the circle below. It was almost the time of day for the earliest shops and stands to open, there. Just for the early birds, who liked to run their errands before the hustle and bustle truly began. Or for those who had no other choice but to do their shopping before their own work day began.

Just as a young man, guiding along a horse by the reins, came into view behind her, another man - not at all that young - strode up toward her from a side street. His hand grabbed for the basket. Instinct caused the lady to pull it backward, toward herself, away from him.

Only then did he seem to realize that it was empty. He still used it to yank both the basket and the lady toward him. "This is empty," he growled. "So hand over your money."

Her lips parted, showing shock. For a moment, there was silence. Then she seemed to steel herself. "I need that money myself!" she bit back. "And I work for it. I suggest you leave me alone and do the same!"

The man looked around, and seeing the other lone occupant of the street, behind them, cursed. He used his free hand to grab the back of her neck, squeezed hard, and forced her along with him toward the side street. He called her something that parents would not want their children to overhear. "This is me working for it," he declared gruffly, half dragging her along. In his experience, people did not tend to follow into small streets and alleyways, for fear of getting robbed (or worse) themselves.

Once they were out of sight of the main street, he pushed her behind a tall trash can, with her back against the wall, his tight grip now on the front of her neck. "Hand it over," he demanded.

The lady's eyes were large as she stared at him, shock written all over her expression.

The man pulled out a knife. "Don't make me mar that pretty face of yours for some coin, woman," he growled. "Be smart."

"I... it's -- my coat," she croaked, trying not to suffocate.

He put the knife away with a deft gesture before his hand plunged into one of her pockets. And found his prize. He grinned at her- and backhanded her across the jaw. The sound reverberated through the small side street. "Anything else you can offer me, sweetheart?" he asked, amusement glinting in his eyes as he squeezed her neck a little harder and shoved her downward until she was sitting on the cold cobblestones, looking up at him helplessly.

"Stop!" she pleaded with him, as loudly as she could. "I gave you my money. Please, stop..."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - leaving from Hall of Song
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn had only recently finished her shift at the houses of healing. There was far too little daylight during these winter months, so she wanted to make the most of what there was. Since she had only recently discovered the presence of her friend, Wist, still in the city, she decided to stop in and see how she was doing. As it turned out, Wist had only just finished her own tasks for the day, though how long she'd been working at it, Eryn couldn't guess.

And so, since they both had a little time to spare, it was quickly agreed that they would set out for a park. Since their last meeting four days ago, Wisteria had discovered another park in the fifth circle that she wanted to explore. "This way!" She urged Eryn onward, happily leading the way, though her steps included many little twirls and dance-like hops. The park was situated near the residential area, but she'd seen nothing to indicate that only those who lived there were allowed in the park.

"One of these days, you'll have to come out and visit the farm!" Eryn told her, grinning as she walked along after her in a normal fashion, amused at her friend's inability to stop dancing even long enough to walk down the street.

"That sounds wonderful! Your aunt was so nice to me, before." Wist smiled, recalling the period of time when they had stayed at some farm in Lossarnach, near one another. Stepping up onto a low wall, she walked with graceful steps along the length of it.

"She's always nice to everyone." Eryn assured her with a little smile, then paused and tilted her head as she heard something.

"I hear music!" Wist declared, curiously glancing around for the source. "Over there," She drew Eryn's attention toward the red-haired lady some distance ahead of them, approaching one of the houses. "Someone else with red hair!" She grinned at Eryn.

"Ah! I know her." Eryn grinned, recognizing her other friend. "In fact, I was wanting to talk to her.." She glanced at Wist, then over toward Kaylin. She was approaching a house a few doors down, and seemed to be rather cheerful about something, if her whistling was any indication. "Probably shouldn't shout," She realized, stopping herself just before she did just that, to get Kaylin's attention. She glanced at Wist. "She's another friend of mine. Come on, I'll introduce you." Eryn suggested, then set off jogging to catch up to where Kaylin was.

Wist hopped down from the wall when she reached the end, and hurried to catch up with Eryn, though she ended up being a few paces behind.

"Hi Kaylin!" Eryn called with a smile, once she was within a few yards from her. "How's things going for you today?"

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

There weren't usually very many people on the streets this time of morning, especially with it being winter. Not that many people wanted to get out in the most frigid part of the day, fresh out of their nice warm beds. But Trastion had been taking Lightning out for a ride every day since he first met the horse, and although the horse wasn't actually his, he felt that he'd developed a bit of a bond with him. And he usually did took him for a ride shortly after his and Arnyn's daily training sessions. Except that she was gone, at the moment. Out at sea, with a great part of the other rangers.

In a way, he felt a little jealous. He would have gone along, except that it would put him in close proximity, and training alongside with some people who could recognize him. Abrazimir, for one.. he'd gotten lucky that first day he encountered the knight in the training grounds, but he didn't want to push his luck. And he didn't know if lady Isys was going on that training thing, but she was also likely to realize who he was. He had a few moments, now and then, when he thought she might have. But he didn't know how to be sure. Either way, he felt it would be safest if he just stayed behind. Plus, he was only a trainee, so it was understandable that his mentor would not want him going along on some potentially dangerous mission.

As it happened, Trastion was also unsure whether his family was still in town. Therefore, he had been mostly avoiding going out and about if he could help it. So, taking Lightning for a ride in the early morning seemed the safest time for that, as it was less likely that any of them would be out of their inn, to risk seeing him. Regardless, he was being cautious. He had his hood up, and he wore a scarf to keep his neck warm, and the gloves Arnyn had given him for his birthday were keeping his hands warm.

He was wrapped up in his thoughts as he walked along, following the main street as it went down through the levels. By the time he reached the third level, the only other person who seemed to be out on the streets, besides the guards, was a lady. He'd only spared her enough of a glance to be sure that she wasn't anyone he ought to recognize from home, like his mother or one of the family's servants.. since he didn't know who all might have come along with them.. but she was no one he'd ever seen before. Or so he thought.

Then, a man appeared. Trastion was still a ways off, so he could not hear what they were saying, but he could read the body language. It was clear that the man was trying to rob her! Startled, Trastion's eyes widened and he took a quick look around. There weren't any guards in sight in this section of the street, unfortunately. He hastily looped Lightning's reins around a nearby post that supported the roof of a porch, then grabbed his sword. He had brought it along thinking he'd ride out to some isolated place in the Pelennor and do a bit of practice on his own. Now, with sword in hand, he hurried toward the pair. The man had by now dragged the woman into the alley.

Pausing at the side of the alley's entrance, he took a moment to assess the situation, rather than barging in blindly. The sound of a slap made his grip tighten on his sword, struggling to push down the waves of anger threatening to rise up inside him. He glanced to see if the alley had another exit, or if it was a dead-end.

"Anything else you can offer me, sweetheart?"

"Stop! I gave you my money. Please, stop..."

What he overheard made him tighten his jaw in suppressed anger. He stepped into the alley. "That's an excellent idea, and I suggest you do as the lady asked." He declared, approaching with his sword unsheathed. "Let her go. And," he narrowed his eyes. "Give her back her money. Now." He ordered, pointing the sword at the man, taking a second to think how to actually apprehend the guy, who clearly needed to be turned over to the guards. "Put your hands up and place them against the wall." Surely, it would be foolish to try and fight him, so he hoped the guy would do as he said without forcing him to fight him or anything.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, on the way to Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

It was a surprise to find two girls running up to her. The surprise faded when she recognized Eryn. "Hey, Eryn!" Kaylin grinned at her friend. She blinked at the question. "Things are going well, I suppose." Everything considered. "How about you? Done at the Houses for the day? Did you learn anything exciting?" Her grey-blue eyes fell on Wisteria. "Who's your friend?" she assumed, before addressing the girl in question. "Hi!"

---

|
A Lady |A Thug
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

The man looked up sharply, not loosening his grip on the lady as he focused on the man now standing at the beginning of the side street. His expression darkened dangerously, but he also looked on guard. The lady was hitting his arm in the meantime, though it didn't seem to be helping her much.

The newcomer looked threatening. Angry. Hooded. Sword out. The robber visibly hesitated, before letting out a brief chortle, letting go of the lady then and flicking out not just one, but two knives from... from where, exactly? They hadn't been visible before... "Money's mine now," he declared, not seeming to be very alarmed. "And you have no right to command me." He only listened to a few people. And this guy certainly was not one of them.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - leaving from Hall of Song
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Wist slowed to a stop beside Eryn, wearing a smile despite not knowing this other friend of Eryn's. So far, everyone she'd met lately had been super nice! Especially people who were also friends with Eryn. So, why shouldn't this lady also be nice?

"Yup!" Eryn answered Kaylin's question about the Houses. But as for learning anything exciting? "Umm, I practiced stitching wounds on a practice thingy." She wrinkled her nose a bit. "Not that exciting, but useful I guess." She shrugged, but smiled when Kaylin spoke to her friend.

"Hello!" Wist greeted her back with a bright smile.

"Kaylin, this is Wisteria, future professional ballerina." Eryn informed Kaylin, causing Wist to grin. "We met years ago, when we both got sent away from the city. We were both in the same wagon group." She explained. "Wist, this is Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr, of the King's rangers." She returned the introduction, smiling. "Kaylin and I have had some fun times together this past year," She added with a grin.

Wist, unsurprisingly, gave a very ballerina-like curtsy, still smiling. "Pleased to meet you, Hyandaner."

Eryn turned back to Kaylin. "We were on our way to visit a park near here that Wist was telling me about." She explained. "But what're you doing here? I know you don't live on this level."

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

As the man drew two large knives.. practically daggers, in fact.. Trastion didn't show any indication of fear. He didn't even blink, but he calmly took a second or two to assess the change in situation as he moved closer. The lady was a bit too close to the threat, and he wanted to get her a safer distance from this thug. The alley did have another escape, he observed, now that he had come further into the alley. Trastion glanced at the woman and gave a subtle move of his head, trying to indicate that she should get away from the man, now that he had released her. But his main attention remained on the mugger.

"Actually," Trastion replied with slightly narrowed eyes, when the man claimed he had no right to command him. "I happen to be one of the King's Rangers, which does give me authority here." He thought that was the case, anyway, and hoped he wasn't wrong. But even if he was wrong, he hoped this guy wouldn't know it. And he furthermore saw no reason to mention that he was only a Trainee. If the guy thought he was a full ranger, he might think twice about putting up a fight, after all... whereas, knowing he was only facing a trainee, he might have more confidence. "And you are breaking the law. So, I suggest you drop your weapons and do as I said, while the only charges you have against you are theft and assault." He ordered, his tone hardened as he stared the man down, hoping he wouldn't continue to challenge him. And also hoping that if he didn't surrender, his training so far would be enough to allow Trastion to defeat him if it came to a fight.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, on the way to Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"Hey," Kaylin said when Eryn seemed to reply in a way that implied she hadn't found the stitching very exciting, "if you'd known how to do that... and if you'd had supplies..." She was thinking about their little adventure last March, of course, but she wasn't sure how much she wanted to say about it, with Eryn's other friend present. "It definitely sounds very useful, anyway," she shrugged, before flashing Eryn a little grin.

"Future ballerina!" she repeated, impressed, when Wisteria curtsied. "How formal," she grinned. "No need for all that, with me. But it's nice to meet you, as well. Just call me Kaylin." Hearing that Eryn called the girl 'Wist' for short, Kaylin slanted her head. "Can I call you Wist, as well? Or would you rather I didn't?" If it was an insider thing, Kaylin wouldn't mind that, either.

Kaylin smiled brightly when Eryn asked her what she was doing here. "I could be on my way back home, you know," she stated, even though she'd obviously been walking down the Fifth, not up. "Or running an errand, or something. Which I sort of am, I suppose. I'm watering plants for family who are out of town." She wriggled her eyebrows. "In a big, fancy mansion on the Fifth. And they didn't make me promise not to snoop. Very dangerous of them."

Kaylin glanced at Wisteria again, then back to Eryn, before she bit her bottom lip and her eyes got very twinkly. "Soooooo..." she began conspiratorially. "How did it goooo??"

---

|
A Lady |A Thug
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

The lady looked hopeful when she heard the newcomer was one of the King's Rangers. One of her hands carefully lifted to touch her sore neck. Red spots had appeared all over, and they were clearly painful as she winced upon touching them. The subtle indication for her to run wasn't missed, but she stared back wide-eyed, minutely shaking her head before looking at the thug. He was so close... and with his knives out... who knew what she would be risking, if she tried to run?

The knife-wielder cocked his head toward the Ranger, narrowing his grey eyes coldly. "Oooh, fancy title," he crooned. He didn't reply to much else, though. He only took a step back, closer again to the lady, who was still slumped down on the ground and against the wall. "Do you believe it will help her?" He moved one of the long knives toward, her, just inches from her face. "Do you think you will help her? I could cut her up right now."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - leaving from Hall of Song
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn gave a little nod to show she understood exactly what Kaylin was getting at. "Yes, very useful." She agreed. "Just not that.. exciting." Shrugging, she grinned back at her.

Wist grinned. "That's right, I'm going to be a dancer someday. Perhaps even a star dancer. I hope so, but even if I don't get that far, I'm going to at least be one of them, even if I have to be in the background or something." She giggled at the thought of maybe being a piece of scenery. A dancing flower or snowflake, maybe. "I'm training for the audition coming up soon, at the hall of song." She added a bit shyly, but brightened when Kaylin asked if she could call her Wist as well. "Sure, pretty much everyone calls me that, so feel free." She answered, smiling.

Eryn folded her arms, tilting her head a little when Kaylin mentioned that she could have been on her way home. "Except you're going the wrong way for that," She pointed out with a little smirk, showing that she had been paying attention and had noticed. But soon the explanation arrived, and she nodded with amusement. "Ohh, yes. Very dangerous, if they know you well." She laughed. "Because you definitely will, I'm sure." She grinned in laughter before the grin shifted to a different sort of grin. "Oh.. you mean the date?" She asked, blushing lightly. "It went well, I think."

"He bought her flowers." Wist declared, sharing a bit of what she had heard already, with a wide grin, while absently testing her balance by shifting from one ball of foot to the other, while holding the other foot just behind the ankle of the standing foot each time she changed.

Eryn nodded. "Pink flowers, to match the ones from my dress." She explained, still with a bit of a blush. "And then I asked for a glass of water to put them in, and they made the table look all pretty." She smiled.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

Trastion was momentarily transported back to another time, when he had stood facing against another 'tough guy' who had refused to be intimidated by him. He had been defending someone then, too; Nimrodel. And three fox cubs, and their wounded mother. Things hadn't quite gone his way then. To be fair, being so young, he didn't exactly make a very intimidating or daunting appearance. But hopefully, his looks were deceiving enough to make up for that. He'd improved his skills tremendously since then.

But the woman hadn't run, apparently too frightened to make a move. Trastion could understand that, but now.. the fellow was threatening to hurt her. He wasn't sure what to do, now. What would Arnyn do? Definitely, maintain a calm demeanor, even if it was false. He gazed back at the man, swiftly going through a few possible options in his head. He had to pick one, quickly, though. Rather than going with threats, since that had already failed, he chose.. something a bit less expected.

"You could," He answered slowly. "But that doesn't offer you much sport, does it?" He shrugged. "Cutting up a helpless woman.. for what reason? Just to get some sort of thrill? Make yourself feel big and strong?" He huffed, then made an inviting sort of motion toward himself, taking a couple more steps closer, cautiously. His heart was racing. "Sure, you could try to hurt the lady. Or, you could take on a real challenge. Why not try cutting me up, instead? Much more of an accomplishment, don't you think? You could really brag to your friends about that. If you can do it, that is." He gave a grim sort of smile as he issued his challenge, all the while inwardly hoping.. very much.. that he hadn't just gotten himself into something he was going to regret.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, on the way to Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"Well, being in the big army is just as important as being the scout," Kaylin grinned,comparing the background dancers and the stars of a show to something she knew a whole lot better. Even if Thûllir, as a practiced scout, would surely disagree. "I'm an army girl myself," she winked at Wisteria. "And I can tell you it's very enjoyable to be part of a group like that. More often than not, the scouts end up a bit off by themselves, you know? Two sides to every coin, and all that."

"How observant," she told Eryn, when her friend noted Kaylin hadn't been heading in the direction of home. Kaylin rolled her eyes when Eryn agreed it was dangerous of her family to forego telling her snooping was not allowed. "I loathe your lack of faith in me, Erynneth Raedor," Kaylin said, tilting her chin up. "No matter how founded it may be. I expect a staunch defence of my character!"

At the reference to the date, however, she dropped her pretenses. It went well? It went well!! Kaylin's eyebrows lifted when Wist said Eryn's date had bought her flowers. "Oooh myyyy," Kaylin drawled, flipping her hair back emphatically. "How storybook romantic of him. What did you say his name was, again?"

"Come on," she told the girls, and she took a few slow steps. "How about you tell me everything there is to know about that date, while you two help me water the plants in this place? It's so big, I won't mind the help. Just..." She turned back to the two girls for a moment. "Don't.. move anything. I'm pretty sure the man of the house is pretty particular about that." She blinked, looking at Eryn. "Unless... you two reaaaaaally wanted to go to that park?"

---

|
A Lady |A Thug
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

The lady listened to the young man's words. He was offering himself up, to save her. And he did not even know her. This was the sort of thing that she thought Dauntless might do, as well. This was... this was wat chivalry looked like, wasn't it?

Fear was still evident on her face and in her body language, as she pressed herself against the wall. But underneath it all, she wondered how the knife-wielder would choose to react to this. They had not gone over all the possibilities. He knew what she needed from him. But she would still have to be ready to handle something that might happen unexpectedly, as well.

The knife-wielder laughed quietly. "I hadn't been planning on cutting her up, boy," he stated. "Because, despite your mysterious hood and your fancy sword, that is still clearly what you are. A boy, playing at a big man's game," he taunted, trying to make the ranger lose his level head. "I'd cut her up to get you to back off, though. To prevent me from cutting her even more." His eyes narrowed, but he did take a step away from the lady, then. Toward the ranger. And another. And another, still.

"I don't need to brag to my friends anymore," he said, hiw voice low. "They know. Looks like you want to find out, as well." Without any more talk, he moved - he moved like a desert snake, so lithe and quick it was difficult to follow. It would require a very quick, and very alert swordsman indeed, to prevent the man from stepping into his guard and delivering a cut to his side... shallow as it would turn out to be. If it struck...

The lady gasped just as the knife-wielder made his move. She pressed herself into the corner made by the stone wall and the tall trash container, one gloved hand covering her mouth.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - leaving from Hall of Song
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Wist nodded as Kaylin spoke of the bigger group being just as important as the 'scout' or in the case of dancers, the leading role. "True, I suppose." She agreed with a smile. "I wouldn't mind either way, as long as I could be dancing." She added, with a little sigh. Hopefully, the upcoming auditions would go well.

Eryn grinned at Kaylin's words about expecting a staunch defense of her. "And you shall have it, if ever it's needed." She promised, amused. "But between you and me, we know you're going to want to snoop." She teased, before being asked for more details about the day. "Oh, right! My date," She grinned when Kaylin asked for more. "His name is Lucion." She smiled a little as she spoke about him. "He's an apprentice cartographer. We went to the Guesthouse for dinner." She bit her lip lightly. "Lots of other people.. couples I mean, whom I knew.. were there, too, but we kept to ourselves at our own table. We talked, and he asked me to dance, and we agreed to meet again later."

She was slightly surprised though when Kaylin invited them to assist her with her plant care. Eryn glanced over at Wist when Kaylin asked, in Kaylin-speech, if they'd rather go on to the park as they had planned. It was mainly for Wisteria that they had been going there, after all.

Noticing Eryn deferring the question to her, Wist glanced at the sky to check how much daylight there was. They should still have a couple of hours, right? She smiled. "We'd love to help, if you're sure they won't mind?" She had no idea who these people were, after all.

Eryn gave a nod of her own agreement as she began to walk along with her. "Noted," She smiled at the warning about not moving anything, and glanced over at Wist. "So, probably not a good idea to be dancing around this place, right?" She grinned teasingly.

"I'll try my best to refrain," Wist promised, with a slightly shy smile as attention was called to her habit of lapsing into dancing steps all the time.

"Who's the house belong to, anyway? You said it was family?" Eryn asked, curious as she turned back to Kaylin. "You're sure they wouldn't mind you bringing us along to help?"

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

When the man mentioned his hood, Trastion's eyes briefly flicked upward to the part of the hood that hung over his forehead. He'd completely forgotten he even had his hood on. He definately wasn't deliberately trying to be mysterious. But he only spared a split second to look up at it, before returning his attention on the man before him. A wry smile tugged at his face at his taunting words. Calling him a boy. As if that was supposed to upset him? He had definitely been called worse. "Well, in that case, you shouldn't have any trouble defeating me." He replied with a slight shrug.

He didn't like the threat about cutting the woman just to bother him, however. "Yes, clearly, you're very good at attacking defenseless women," He said dryly. "And trying to frighten.. little boys." He added with a faint smirk. "Key word there is trying.. apparently you're not so good at succeeding with that." Though he spoke with a taunting sort of tone himself, he didn't seem to be bothered by the man's taunt at him. He figured if the guy was going to label him as a 'boy' then he might as well accept that. It wasn't like Trastion could change his opinion with words. Although his pulse raced as the man moved nearer, Trastion continued to appear calm, watching him without a trace of nervousness showing, either in his face, his stance, or anything else about him.

When he made his move, it was so fast, if Trastion had not been training so regularly against Arnyn, and also occasionally against Kaylin, he might not have had much of a chance at blocking it. Fortunately, Arnyn had been teaching him a lot of useful moves. No sooner had the man begun to strike, than Trastion's sword shifted to block it as smoothly as if he'd practiced it a hundred times. Because, while he had primarily trained in sword against sword sparring, he had practiced a similar move about a hundred times before.

Almost at the same time as he blocked the knife, his other hand slid over their crossed blades and scooped swiftly around his opponent's wrist, disarming him in one deft motion*. As Trastion slid back at an angle to a bit more space between them, the knife was now in Trastion's hand. He kept his eyes on the man, watching for another attack, while slowly attempting to maneuver himself around to get between him and the woman. Thankfully, it was winter, so his layers of clothing would help to protect him from getting a few small cuts, but it would not protect him from any deeper cuts. And he did not have his armor on, because he had not anticipated doing any sort of sparring today. So, he'd have to be extra alert while fighting this guy.


*as discussed and agreed on, beforehand

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, on the way to Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"Awww," Kaylin said wiht a hand pressed to her chest. "You'd lie for me, then, in company?" She slanted her head in Wist's direction. "That's true friendship right there." She shrugged one shoulder. "But I could not snoop, you know. I do have some discipline."

She was more interested in Eryn's account of her date, however, and quickly focused on that. "Oh, the Guesthouse," she nodded, thinking fondly of some of her own times there. She was a little confused at how Eryn described the evening there, however. To her recollection, the Guesthouse was nowhere near an ideal place for 'romantic dinners' and slow dancing. Or at least, that's what she assumed they had been dancing... "Was it slow dancing?" she teased Eryn. "Did he keep his hands where he should?" She tried not to bite her lip with amusement. "Or did you wish he wouldn't keep them where he should, but he was nice and proper anyway?" Even though she knew Eryn was new at this, Kaylin couldn't help herself. Frowning a little at how Eryn summarized the end of the date, Kaylin looked disappointed. "What? No kiss?! How old is this guy?"

The girls agreed to come with her, thankfully, so Kaylin could keep grilling Eryn about the date. She waved dismissively at Eryn's question. "I don't know if they'd mind. It's not like they told me ahead of time to bring anyone - or not to bring anyone. They're more of a private sort though, so if I had to guess then they probably wouldn't love it. On the other hand - with you ladies present, there might just be enough social pressure for me not to snoop," Kaylin declared. "And I know for a fact they wouldn't want me doing that. So it's better that you join me, all things considered."

"Technically it's the house of my husband's cousin's husband," Kaylin said thoughtfully. "Though I'm sure the guy would insist it's my husband's cousin's house now, too. I must have mentioned them to you before, especially since they got married earlier this month. Ziran is Thûllir's cousin. Macardil is her husband."

They reached the house and Kaylin paused, gesturing at the building, which was wide along the street, not just deep. The balcony along on the first floor, which stretched along the full width of the house, kind of breathed 'money'. "He is... very well off."

She chuckled as she pulled out the key and stepped to the front door. "Not exactly the kind of man I'd imagined Ziran with. I more imagines she'd eventually fall for some guy living in a cabin in the country somewhere. But they do fit together, when I see them now. So it's a good thing." So far. The door opened and Kaylin let the girls into the spacious hallway with the high ceiling, since the first floor didn't cover this area. The broad stairs winded along the side of the house, in front of a tall window that stretched across both floors. The place was immaculate. Very tidy. It had obviously been very clean when the couple had left, days ago. "They're travelling. So they asked Thûllir and me to check in once in a while. Mostly for the plants." Kaylin gestured at the large potted plant which reached a good height by now, that was standing in the curve of the stairs. "Kitchen's that-a-way," she indicated, before opening a door and stepping through. Ziran had told Thûllir they could find what they needed, there.

---

|
A Lady | A Thug
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

They were, the both of them, surprised. At the move the ranger trainee pulled. For the lady, of course, knew all about this young man. Trastion Leithor, trainee of the Gondorian Rangers, studying under their Lieutenant. Even though the lady had seen a few of his training sessions by now, she'd never seen him actually pulling anything like this off against his mentor. Performed more slowly, yes. But she'd assumed that the Lieutenant had... let him. Blinking, she wondered if both might be true. That the Lieutenant let him, but that he had learned enough to execute a move like that against others. For the man Trastion was facing, was a fighter, as well. Quick and agile. He usually won his knife fights. He... he almost always won his knife fights.

Then again, she had asked him to take it easy on the young man. She didn't want another victim that turned out to be someone else than her actual prey. She hadn't seen any definitive proof. That was what this set-up was for.

The knife-wielder was now only left with one weapon, the other having been claimed by the ranger. "Not bad," he couldn't help but comment, with a little grin. "Not bad at all," he added under his breath, glancing at the lady with narrowed eyes. Had she been holding out on him? Had she known how good this young man was?

At his glance, the lady pressed herself harder into the wall. Oh - but she was a good little actress, wasn't she? Meanwhile the ranger was trying to position himself in front of the woman. How predictable. The knife-wielder let him get away with it. When the young man was positioned with his back fully turned toward the woman, effectively cutting him off from her, the knife-wielder stepped in again, launching a flurry of attacks. He couldn't help himself. He was too curious as to the young man's abilities. Even if the aim was not to kill the aspiring ranger, the knife-wielder still wondered whether he'd be able to avoid every cut? Every little jab? Moreover, this was exactly the kind of distraction the lady had asked for...

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

"Of course I would, what else are friends for?" Eryn laughed, while Wist grinned in amusement. Eryn rolled her eyes then, and proceeded to tell Kaylin more about the date, including the dancing, and how he had been a proper gentleman throughout, and so on. As for his age... "I don't really know." She frowned thoughtfully. "I didn't ask. But.. I'd guess him to be.. maybe the same age as Nal?" She shrugged. "He's very polite and well-mannered." She added. "And no, no kiss.. it was only the first date, Kaylin." She reminded her, lightly blushing.

Eryn then smiled in amusement at Kaylin's reasoning concerning having her and Wist join her in the plant care. "Right, makes sense. Hear that, Wist? We'll have to keep a close eye on her to make sure she doesn't start snooping around."

"Sounds like a tough job," Wist grinned, finding it easy to join in the teasing even though she didn't know Kaylin that well. "Maybe between the two of us, we can manage." As they approached the house, Wist couldn't help looking up at it in amazement at how very expensive the place must be.

"Oh! Macardil? I know him," Eryn mentioned. "Or, I met him, once. He came out to the farm one night and shot some arrows with my dad and me." She looked up at the house, impressed. "I had no idea he had such a nice place, though."

Wisteria blinked, tilting her head as she listened, and stood back slightly to look up at the house while Kaylin was unlocking the door. Then, she joined the other two as they stepped inside. She looked around slowly, admiring the interior even more than the exterior. "Does.. he teach violin lessons, at the Hall of Song?" She asked tentatively.

Eryn paused, thinking about that. "You know, I think he did say something about teaching violin, when Dad asked him what he's been up to lately." She answered, glancing curiously at her friend.

Wist smiled slightly and nodded. "Then, I think I have met him, too. He's very nice. Always greets me very politely if he passes me in the halls or something, you know?" She shrugged slightly. "Most people just.. sort of ignore me, unless they need me to clean something." She added shyly, explaining why this stood out. She looked around again, a bit wide-eyed. "I didn't realize teaching violin lessons could make someone so.. well off." She added, using Kaylin's wording.

"I doubt it's from the lessons," Eryn answered with a little shrug, but she didn't know very much more. "Kaylin, is there a pitcher or something to use to carry the water for the plants?" She asked, also unsure where to find the water, since she was unfamiliar with this house.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

He could see that the man was surprised by his move. Good. Maybe he'd begin to question whether this was a fight he should pursue. While he slowly circled to try and position himself between the lady and her attacker, Trastion's left hand moved to tuck the newly acquired dagger into his belt, out of the way. He was not used to having a weapon in each hand, and figured he would do better with having both hands for his sword. Yet, he was loathe to toss the knife away, lest the guy manage to get it back. He made no comment when the guy spoke, seeming impressed by his move. In fact, Trastion was a tiny bit impressed by the fact he'd managed to pull it off, but he wasn't about to let on. He watched and waited for his next move, hoping he might actually get lucky, and the guy would surrender. Or even flee. Unfortunately, it didn't seem that was going to be the case.

No sooner had he managed to place himself between the lady and the attacker than the guy came at him again. The guy was fast. Really fast. It was.. a lot like fighting Kaylin or Arnyn, so fortunately he'd done that often enough to be prepared for how to defend from such speedy attacks, even if he'd never actually practiced against someone using a knife, rather than sword. But he knew that he had to keep the guy from getting too close to him. If he let him get in close enough, he could use those knives on him, while the sword would be useless. So, he did his best to block the attacks and keep the guy at a distance, all using the small, deft motions that Arnyn had been teaching him for the past few months. But the guy was really good.

Trastion soon found himself getting forced backward a step, then another, as he tried to manage the distance between them. It was getting harder not to appear worried. He did his best to block everything the guy threw at him, but there were a few things he didn't block or evade fast enough. So far, none of the blows that had landed seemed to be serious, thankfully. Meanwhile, some of Trastion's counterattacks manage to land against the attacker, but as it turned out, it didn't do as much good as he had hoped. The guy was wearing armor. It seemed to be only leather armor, but still. That was.. surprising. But Trastion didn't take the time to ponder on it at the moment.

He dodged and evaded a lot of the attacks, yet he also tried not to expend too much of his energy in doing so. He was getting pushed backward toward the wall a bit, and he didn't like it. Not only did he not want to get trapped against the wall, he also didn't want to let the guy get any closer to that woman. Trying to maintain the appearance of calm, Trastion ducked a slashing attack aimed for his head. The knife came so close to the top of his head, Trastion's hood was knocked down. If it'd been about an inch or two lower...

He didn't pause to think about that. As he hastily blocked the next attack, an attempted stab to his rib area, Trastion followed up with the first thing that came to mind. He brought the pommel end of his sword up to strike the guy in the face with it.. unless his elbow struck first.. either one was possible, as hastily executed as the move was, but either one would also hopefully stun him a little. From there, he hooked his sword hilt around the back of the guy's neck, and yanked him downward slightly, while at the same time, Trastion brought his knee up to strike him either in the gut or ribs, or whatever his hastily done move would achieve. If he had been able to pull that entire move off like he had hoped to, he would have caught his knife-wrist and held onto it to put him into a controlled position. Unfortunately, he hadn't managed that. His knee-strike might not have been the best idea, given the man's armor, but at least it was only leather. It didn't hurt Trastion's knee all that much. He was just glad the guy wasn't wearing plate metal or something.

Having thus made a slight opening for himself, brief as it was, Trastion delivered a strong pushing kick to the man's torso immediately after, with enough force to send him backward several paces while he was still stunned. With any luck, he hoped the guy might end up with his own back to the opposite wall, but either way, Trastion moved after him. Just enough to get a more comfortable distance from the wall, while keeping himself a comfortable distance from the man. Close enough to use his sword, but not close enough for the man to use his knives. While taking the moment to recover his breathing, Trastion kept his eyes on his opponent, careful not to show any fear. He held his sword ready to defend again, but he didn't initiate an attack. He was here as a defender, and besides, he'd prefer if the guy would just surrender.

"I'll say it again," Trastion said in a low, almost dangerous-sounding voice while leveling his sword at the man's neck or face, since the rest of him seemed to be armored. His gaze was hard as he glared at the thug. "Return the lady's money."


(fighting scene was mutually agreed upon)

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

The same age as Unalmis. Kaylin didn't let it show, but she wondered just how interested Eryn really was in this Lucion... And how it compared to Eryn's interest in Unalmis. She chuckled when Eryn said there had been no kiss, because it had only been the first date. "Well, excuse me," she said. "But what are you saying? That kissing on the first date is too... licentious?"

Kaylin raised her eyebrows when both Eryn and Wist said they knew Macardil. She hadn't seen that coming. She almost whirled on Eryn. "He shot arrows with you and your dad??" Her lips parted in shock. "Who was better?" Kaylin couldn't help but ask Eryn. "Your dad or Macardil?" For she remembered that Macardil's weapon of choice had been the bow, as well. Just like Duinion.

She let the girls talk when Wist said how she knew about him, but made a mental note about how Macardil also greeted the cleaning staff at the Hall of Song. "Sounds like your Lucion isn't the only well-mannered and very polite guy out there," Kaylin remarked to Eryn, grinning as she wondered how Eryn would react to her word choice.
She had to laugh when Wist assumed that the music lessons were what had enabled him to buy a place like this. "It's not," she confirmed Eryn's words. "He only took up being a violin instructor pretty recently, too. Before that, he was a ranger of Ithilien. Which also wouldn't have enabled him to afford anything like..." Kaylin gestured around her, not really having the words. She thought about something for a moment, then stepped toward a tall, narrow cupboard. "Ahh. There we are," she mumbled, taking out a watering can. Karis had described its location pretty well!

"There should be a rain water basin on the patio," Kaylin said thoughtfully, before going to the door leading to that from the kitchen. It was locked, of course. She tried the second key on the key ring. It fit. She rolled her eyes. "That they call it a 'patio' says enough, I guess," she muttered. It was more rich people talk, wasn't it?

While the patio floor was paved with beige stones, the walls surrounding the space were fully covered with climbing plants and other greenery. The greyish white stone water basin off in one of the corners was decorative, but it somehow didn't draw the attention away from the plant-covered walls. There was a square, lightly-colored wooden table in the middle of the space, which would work well for two to four people. Only two chairs were poised around the table.

Kaylin went to fill the watering can. "One of you can use this. I'll look for something else, lke a pitcher or something. Like you said, Eryn." Kaylin glanced over her shoulder at the girls. "So. No kiss. Disappointing. Have you ever kissed anyone, Wist?" Kaylin asked curiously.

---

|
A Lady | A Thug
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

The young ranger wasso much better than he'd expected! If this is what their trainees were like, then it was no wonder that a fully trained Ranger had killed one of the Fingers of the Hand, and that his replacement had been captured by them, years later...

That being said - he was still confident he would be able to take this young man down, if it came down to it. Only - that was not what he'd been paid to do. By his own colleague. And after throwing down his opponent's hood, the fact that the ranger trainee managed to stun him and kick him back did not garner much appreciation. The knife-wielder scowled visibly, before narrowing his eyes at the issued demand. "And I'll say it more clearly," he breathed, a bit harder than he liked. "No." He nodded to the lady behind the ranger. "Uh oh. Oooops," he drawled, indicating the now limp form of the lady. "Maybe I squeezed just a little too hard?"

After flashing a grin, he turned on his heels and ran. Like the wind. Leaving Trastion to decide what he would prioritize: the lady's money and apprehending a criminal... or the lady's overall wellbeing...

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn shrugged slightly about the kiss topic. "I don't know.." She answered, thoughtful. "I mean, it was not only the first date with Lucion.. but also the first date for me, ever," She reminded her, not sure whether to feel awkward about it or not. The change in topic was sort of welcome, and she laughed when Kaylin asked which was better between her dad and Macardil. "Well, I think you'd have to ask them about that." She grinned, then shrugged. "I'd say they were pretty close to even. They can both out-shoot me, that's for sure." She sighed but shrugged with a little grin. "I'll just have to practice more, I guess." As if she didn't already practice a lot, every day.

As Kaylin explained that Macardil hadn't gotten his riches from teaching violin, Wist nodded a little, and was sort of glad in a way to hear that. "Oh, well.. I just thought, because ballet classes cost a lot." She shrugged, glancing around again. It was a very nice house, and she couldn't help being a bit curious how a person came to be able to afford things like that.

"Oh right, that's how he and Dad met, years ago." Eryn said, when Kaylin mentioned that he had been a ranger of Ithilien. "Oh, but you already heard about that." She remembered, now, about her dad telling Kaylin the story about how he and Macardil had met while doing some training together in Ithilien.

They followed Kaylin out to the patio, both continuing to be impressed by this place. While Kaylin went to find a pitcher, Eryn rolled her eyes a little when she brought up the lack of kiss again, and gestured for Wist to take the filled watering can. Then, as she went to join Kaylin in finding a pitcher, she rolled her eyes with a little smile. "He isn't 'my' Lucion," She corrected her, with a little laugh.

Laughing lightly at Kaylin's question, Wist shook her head as she took the watering can. "No.. I've.. never been kissed by anyone." She answered, looking down a little shyly. And a little sad, thinking that she probably hadn't ever had a kiss from a parent, let alone any other sort. But she didn't let that thought bring her mood down. "I've never even had a date, but I did have a few dances at the masquerade!" She added cheerfully, smiling at the memory. "It was a wonderful night, wasn't it?" She asked, before realizing she didn't even know if everyone had gone. "Or.. were you there?" She asked Kaylin, not wanting to assume.

"Kaylin was there," Eryn assured her, grinning a little. "You wouldn't have recognized her though, even if you had known her."

Wist smiled. "Good. It was fun, wasn't it?" She asked Kaylin. "I'd never been to a dance before.. like that sort of dance. I hadn't ever danced with a boy before, but it was fun. I mean, no one asked me to dance at first, but then Sir Fox did, because Lady Swan asked him to dance with her friends. But he was really nice about it," She smiled slightly. "He didn't act like he was only doing it because she asked him to, you know? Even though it was obvious that he was interested in her, and not me or Linn," She giggled. "But then after that, a few other guys asked me to dance, so I got to dance a lot, and it was fun. I'm really glad I went to it. I made some new friends, and I found Eryn again, because of it. And the food was really nice." She sighed happily, then remembered the watering can and glanced around. "Oh.. do the outside plants need water, or just the inside ones?" She asked, thinking that if they did, she could do that while Eryn went to join Kaylin in search of pitchers or something.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

Trastion wasn't surprised when the guy refused, yet again. He hadn't entirely expected him to do it, but he had hoped maybe he might. But when he nodded behind him toward the lady, Trastion didn't let himself be tempted to glance behind himself. It was probably a trick. He knew that she had been conscious all of this time, cowering behind the trash bin, so if she had fainted now, it would surely be due to the stress and fear of the situation, not from any injury the man had done to her.

Expecting some sort of attempted trick from the man, Trastion didn't turn around to check on her. He narrowed his eyes slightly but kept them on his opponent. When the guy grinned before fleeing from the scene, Trastion blinked and looked after him in surprise, before letting out a sigh. Whether it was a sigh of disappointment or relief would be difficult to tell, for anyone observing. He relaxed somewhat, however, once the guy had disappeared. Only then did he turn to see about the woman.

Lowering his sword, he came over to kneel beside her. For the moment, he ignored whatever few cuts he had sustained during the fight, since he was pretty sure nothing was serious. Maybe he would need to take her to the houses of healing, and they could check on him, then. First though, he figured he ought to check if she was hurt or not. "Ma'am?" He spoke gently, not wishing to startle or frighten her, but concerned, for she did indeed seem to have passed out. "Um, ma'am, are you alright?" He asked, a bit unsure what to do. Fainted women were not something he had any experience with at all, and he wasn't sure how to handle that.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"If I asked either of those two, I probably wouldn't get much of a straight answer, either," Kaylin complained when Eryn referred her to the men themselves. "But I suppose it would make sense if they're more or less evenly skilled at it," she allowed.

She grinned at the topic of the masquerade. "Yes, I was there. Now that was a great night," she agreed with Wist. "Sir Fox?!" she repeated in surprise, before laughing. She tried to remember whether she'd noticed someone who could pass for whoever 'Lady Swan' was. "The guy in the fox mask was interested in a Lady Swan?" she prompted, curious to learn a bit more about that. "Do you happen to know who she was?"

"I think mostly the inside plants?" she half stated, half posed a question in return. "I guess I can sort of feel out the soil of those outside, but..." Kaylin shrugged. "They just asked me to water the plants. I didn't get very detailed instructions. I'll check whether the outside ones are dry," she shrugged. "If so, I can give them a little extra, right?" Thûllir mostly took care of the garden at their house, if she were being honest. And when he used to be gone for long periods of time, the plants just seemed to... fend for themselves, mostly.

---

A Lady
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

She didn't move when he addressed her. Not the first time, nor the second.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

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Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Wist giggled at the response Kaylin had concerning this 'sir fox' and 'lady swan'. "I do, yes." She answered, smiling in amusement. "I met her and her friend, the Forest Nymph, the next day, and we spent the morning together. Along with Gaer's brother, too." She grinned.

"That's how me and Wist actually came to reunite," Eryn mentioned. "Gaer and Linn - that's their real names - came out to the farm after they left from Wist, and spent the rest of the evening with me. They mentioned having met Wist, and I was surprised to hear that name, and.. next chance I got, I went to the Hall of Song to see if it was really her. And it was!"

"And we had a great day together, too!" Wist grinned. "We went to a park and ended up joining a dancing lesson with these two guys there," She mentioned. "That was fun. They were really nice, and the one guy helped me figure out how to do my pirouettes better, so that was really helpful. And yesterday, we all went to see the ballet! And it was amazing." She sighed happily, smiling as she spontaneously did a spin there on the patio, forgetting that the watering can in her hands had water in it.

"Wist!" Eryn leaped back slightly to avoid getting a little water splashed onto her, and laughed. "Careful, we're not plants!"

"Sorry!" Wist looked apologetically at them, quickly setting it down. "Did I get you? I didn't mean to."

"It's fine," Eryn assured her, amused. "No, what about you, Kaylin?" She asked, glancing over to check if Kaylin had gotten any splashed on her.

"Maybe, I could check if the plants outside need water?" Wist offered. "That way if I make a mess, it won't be as big a deal as it would, if it was inside."

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

She wasn't responding, and that had him slightly worried. He glanced around, partly checking to make sure that guy hadn't decided to come back. Then he gently put a hand on her shoulder, giving a light shake, as he would if he was waking someone. "Ma'am?" He repeated, a little louder. He was trying to think about what to do. Should he try and carry her to the houses of healing or something? "Too bad I haven't had any of that healer training yet.." He muttered under his breath. Then he might know what to do.

He figured he could carry her out to where he'd left Lightning and then the horse could help him get her up to the sixth circle, but then he'd have to figure out how to carry her as well as his sword, since he had left the sheath on Lightning's saddle. And maybe it wasn't necessary? After a moment of thinking, he picked up her wrist and checked for a pulse, frowning. Maybe if there was a guard close enough, he could get some assistance? This was a perplexing matter. He tried shaking her shoulder lightly again.

"Alright, Houses of healing for you, then." He decided after another failed attempt at waking her. Laying his sword down to free both hands, he eased her forward so he could slide one arm around behind her back, and the other under her knees so he could lift the lady, carefully. All while hoping he was making the right decision here.

When he went to lift her though, he winced with a soft intake of breath as his arm reminded him of one of the small gashes he'd taken, and he hesitated briefly before pushing past the pain. It wasn't enough to actually hinder him from the action, it just hurt a little, just enough that it had caught him off guard a bit. He braced himself for it this time before shifting so that he held the lady in his arms while still kneeling, then he hesitated, frowning at the sword. Could he grab it and hold it in one hand, while carrying the fainted lady?

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"A dancing lesson," Kaylin repeated, sounding sceptical. "In... the park. With... two random guys." She raised an eyebrow. "Two GUYS were DANCING in a PARK?" What was this? Stuff like that just didn't happen. Guys going to a park to dance? Unless maybe they were in some kind of dance company... Maybe that was it.

"Wait - who did you go see the ballet with? Not the two rando's, right?" she checked, glancing over at Eryn. Not that she'd exactly be opposed, necessarily, but... still.
She had to chuckle at Wist's little spin. Thankfully, they were already outside, and spilling the water didn't matter much. "Nah," Kaylin reassured the girls. "No water on me. But yes - you check the outside plants, here - and I think they might have some on the balcony upstairs as well. But then you'll have to take care not to spill on the stairs. And maybe I should just do those. I think I have to go through their bedroom for those. So how about this: Wist starts out here, and Eryn can do the big one in the hallwayand the smaller one I saw in the kitchen. I'll hurry with the upstairs area. And when I get back down here, we can do the living and dining rooms together." That should also be the least worrying for the owners of the house. No strangers near their bedrooms. And 'supervision' in the living room.

She handed the pitcher she'd taken from the kitchen earlier over to Eryn. "Here," Kaylin smiled at her. "I'll get something else for upstairs." Hardly waiting for a response from the girls, she dashed back into the kitchen to find some other kind of pitcher or large pot. Soon enough, she was back outside to fill it with water. She'd also taken a kitchen towel to wipe off the water on the outside of the pitcher. "Here." She handed the towel over to Eryn, so she could do the same - and not leave a water trail through the kitchen and the hallway. "I'll be right back!" And then she went back inside a second time, hurrying toward and up the stairs.

---

A Lady
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

She felt a hand on her shoulder. No, not yet. I can't be sure he's close enough. Not without looking, to verify... And if I open my eyes, the distance between us might grow. Whereas... if I don't respond... Surely, he would not just leave me. Surely, he would either continue to try and wake me. Come closer. Or he will try and move me. And to do that, he would also have to get closer...

Of course, she couldn't be certain. She was only basing her assumptions on her experience with people, on how men acted when it came to injured women (pretty ones in particular) and on the sense of morality and honour she'd expect guards or rangers to have.

When she heard him saying something about the Houses of Healing, she had to be careful not to smile. She didn't - because she had learnt to be a good actress. Out of necessity. She made sure not to move yet as she felt one arm sliding beneath and around her back, the other under her knees. He was intending to lift her. Perfect.

Once he was actually holding her, even though he wasn't standing yet, he seemed to hesitate. Maybe... maybe he couldn't quite lift her, even if he wanted to? Then this was when she'd have to take her chance. Her eyes opened a fraction - just enough to see the young face of the man holding her. The lady lifted one of her gloved hands. To touch several fingers against his face, where his cheek met his jaw. "You.. saved me," she said quietly. "Thank you..."

Her gloved fingers, however, were wet. Soaking wet. With something that was nearly odourless. But which her target would most definitely feel - sooner rather than later. For there was an open bottle, between that trash can and the wall. And with pressing herself into the corner made by that trash can and the wall, earlier, the bottle had fallen over... and what had still been inside, had spilled onto the cobblestones... and soaked into her glove as her hand had been positioned on the ground, right next to it.

That she had been the one to place the bottle there, earlier - half empty and open - that would be impossible to know. Or prove.
That she had intentionally and silently put that bottle on its side, with the opening toward her - who would expect such a thing from a mugged lady?
That she had made sure her hand had found its way into the liquid - who would dare claim that of a woman who had nearly been choked to death, and who had the angry marks on her neck to prove it?

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

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Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Kaylin's reaction to hearing about their park adventure made Eryn laugh. "Maybe I should clarify," she said with a little grin. "They were just arriving at the park, and one guy was trying to learn to dance so he could impress.. a lady he likes, and the other happened to be good at dancing, and he was going to try and show him some stuff. But they hadn't figured out what to do about the lack of practice partners, when we showed up. And Wist was going to practice some ballet stuff, and we ended up going to the same place as the guys." She explained, while Wist nodded to support the facts. "Anyway, the guy who knew how to dance, I recognized him because I'd danced with him at the masquerade, and he was really nice." She smiled a little, remembering how he had cheered her up. "And when he heard that Wist was trying to figure out an issue with her pirouettes, he mentioned that he'd once dated a ballerina, and he ended up giving her some advice that helped her with the problem. And in return, we agreed to be their practice partners for the dancing lesson."

"Right! And now I can do a double pirouette!" Wist declared happily. Setting the watering can down, she proved it by demonstrating, in a clear, open area of the patio. She grinned when she was done. "See! And, it was fun dancing with them, too." She added, grinning. "Now, next time I have a chance to dance with a boy, I'll have a little more idea how to do it."

When Kaylin asked about who they'd gone to the Ballet with, Eryn grinned again, shaking her head. "Noo, no, not the park guys." She assured her hastily. "They were nice, but not that nice. Besides, they were way too old for us," She giggled. "No, we went with Gaer and Linn. It was all girls," She explained. "Her brother didn't even stick around for that, and he was technically Gaer's 'chaperone' or whatever."

"Yeaaah, those guys were probably like, twice our age, I guess? About the same age as Sir Abrazimir, I think." Wist giggled. "I really doubt they'd be interested in going to a ballet with us, anymore than he was."

Kaylin's plan seemed good, and both girls agreed cheerily. Eryn took the pitcher and wiped any excess water from it, leaving the towel on the table for whoever had to refill their container next, before she returned to the hallway to give water to the big one, and the one in the kitchen like Kaylin suggested, while Wist went about the patio, checking each of the plants there. She couldn't help adding a few dance steps and twirls in, while moving from one to the other, but since she was outside, there was no need to worry about a mess.

When she'd finished with all the plants outside, Wist refilled the watering can, dried the outside, and then came to join Eryn in the hallway to wait for Kaylin to return. "This place is amazing." Wist sighed, looking around. "Maybe one day, I'll get a place like this."

Eryn glanced around, nodding. "It is nice. I think, for me, I'd rather live in the sort of place my family is in, though. Or, the little cabin I lived in when I was young," She added with a little smile, recalling how happy they'd been there. "I guess a place like this would be great for you, though." She grinned at Wist. "You'd probably have a huge room designated as a dance room, with a long pole going all along the length of the wall.."

"Barre," Wist corrected her, shaking her head a little in amusement. "And yes! That would be great. With mirrors, too. And.. well, I'd have to pretend for the music, I guess. But.. yes, something like that would be wonderful. One day." She gave a little nod of determination. Dreams were nice to have, after all. "Though, I guess, I already have that same sort of setup where I live now," She mentioned with a tilted head, thinking about that.

Eryn nodded, though she didn't comment on the fact that she could easily be living on the streets if anyone ever found out she was living there. "I need to talk to Kaylin about something, when she comes down." She mentioned thoughtfully. Something she'd thought about off and on for the better part of a year now, but which had been growing more present on her mind, since her reunion with Wist.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

Even as he was debating whether he could lower the arm under her knees and grab his sword before he continued with lifting the lady, she surprised him by speaking. Trastion blinked as he looked at her, relief washing over his expression. As she placed a hand on his face, he was a little surprised at how cold it was, though he realized a moment later that it was cold because it was wet. Had she fallen into a puddle?

"Oh, you're awake," He sighed in relief, looking a bit embarrassed as he eased her back down, not sure how the lady might feel about him trying to pick her up. He was a stranger, after all. "Sorry, I.. I was afraid you needed a healer," he explained, one hand absently rubbing at the place where her hand had touched him. It was tingling, for some reason. He tried to ignore it. "Are you hurt, ma'am? Do you need to go to the healers?" He asked anxiously. "I mean, he uh.." he motioned to her neck, to explain his concern. His gloved hand lightly rubbed at the side of his face again, starting to feel puzzled as the tingling grew steadily into more of a burning sensation. One that he began to notice felt.. uncomfortably familiar. His eyes shifted down to the ground and froze briefly when his gaze locked onto the bottle laying on its side. Uh oh... that was not a good sight.

Trying not to let on, he returned his gaze to the lady as he offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I wasn't able to get your money back, but.." He wasn't sure how to finish that statement. "At least that mugger is gone now." He finished, trying to add some sort of 'good news' to the situation. As he said this, he turned slightly away as if to look after where the guy had gone, but really, it was an attempt to keep that side of his face out of sight while he tried to think how to conceal it. The burning was growing more intense by the moment, and he was worried about it. Was it already turning reddish? He couldn't tell, but it was definitely unpleasant, and it was difficult for him not to bring his hand up to press against it, as if that would do any good.

Whatever had spilled on her glove, it must have been really strong stuff... from what he'd experienced in the past, only the strongest kinds of alcohols had such a rapid effect on his skin. And of course, 'extra strong' was the kind that Togg had thrown on him before. The only other time he had encountered such strong alcohol on his skin, he had been unconscious and, unfortunately, hadn't been able to get it off of him for several hours, thanks to having a concussion. Those blisters had been really bad, but hopefully he could get someplace and wash this off quickly. Trastion continued, while tugging his hood back up, as if to keep his head from getting cold. One side of it just 'happened' to be closer to his face than the other. "He got away, but... I'll give his description to the guards." He assured the lady. It was an effort not to make any grimacing faces or anything, but he was trying very hard not to let on that anything was wrong.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

While Kaylin was watering the plants upstairs, she was impressed at the study adjacent to the master bedroom. She hadn't actually been in there before. Somehow it had never worked out that way. Maybe Karis had shown Thûllir the house sometime, but he'd never commented about it to her, and Kaylin knew he would probably also love a room like this. Even though he had his workshop in the back, it... it just wasn't the same. Then again... they didn't have as many books. Her eyes were wide as she scanned the walls. Not even close. And then they had that huge wall in the living room downstairs, as well... Aulë's hammer! Was this what having money was like? She whistled low before actually watering the small plants in there.

Once she was done upstairs, she came back down. For the first time, she was a bit impressed with how Karis had told her that Macardil had no servants in Minas Tirith. In a house of this size, that meant he did everything himself. A guy. Cleaning. This place. Kaylin made a bit of a face on her way down.

She caught the last of Eryn's words. "What about?" she asked as she cleared the last steps, and immediately passed by the girls to open the double doors to the dining room. The place was large, just for a round table and 6 chairs. There was plenty of empty space to move around. The tall windows, not to mention the impressive glass domed window in the ceiling, bathed the room in natural light. The amount of plants, both on the ground and on standards by the windows, was... Well. There were a lot. Kaylin sighed. "Right." She'd forgotten just how many were in here. "I'll need a refill," she mumbled, waving the girls in as she started on the plant closest to her. Meanwhile, she glanced at Eryn. What did she want to talk to her about?

---

A Lady
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

He carefully put her back down, and she nodded a little when he explained why he'd been holding her. He rubbed his cheek, but anyone might do that after being touched with something wet. When he asked if she was hurt, she visibly hesitated, and reached up to her neck. "I... I don't know..." She cleared her throat. "It hurts," she said quietly. "but whether healers can do anything about this..." She shook her head a little. "Maybe?" She looked to him, as if hoping he could be the one to advise her. People tended to look for advce from people with some kind of authority, right? Rangers belonged to that category, as well. She'd play the part.

He rubbed at his cheek again. That was promising. She watched him looking past her, to the bottle in the corner made by the trash can and the wall, pausing briefly. He didn't show any alarm, however, before he offered her a friendly smile and apologized for not getting her money back. The lady gave him a weak smile. "That's alright.... sir." He hadn't told her his name, after all. Nor had she told him hers. "Thank you for chasing him off, at least. I was afraid he would..." She lowered her gaze as a shiver went through her. "Do other things," she finished, more quietly. The lady swallowed, before looking back up at him. "Thank you. Thank you so much..." Her eyes were getting wet as she looked at him, his face now partially hidden by his hood again. She'd have to get a better look at that cheek, in a little while. "Could you.. Help me up?" she asked, still speaking very quietly. "Please?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn turned, a bit surprised to hear Kaylin ask her what she wanted to talk to her about, as if she had appeared on cue. She and Wist followed her toward the new room, and then both stopped in wonder as she opened the doors and they caught sight of it. It was absolutely beautiful! Eryn was mostly impressed by al the plants and vines in the room, with the sunlight streaming in through the dome window in the ceiling, all of which gave it a very forest-y look.

Wist, however, was mostly impressed by how very story-tale and fantasy-like it appeared, like something out of a dream. A perfect place for dancing! Except she'd promised not to do any dancing, in the house. So not to risk breaking anything, if she should accidentally bump something. Too bad. "Wow, it's so... wow." The dancer breathed in wonder, clasping the handle of the watering can in both hands in front of her as she gazed around. If she ever did get a house anything like this, she decided that she wanted to have a room something like this.

"Yeah, me too," Eryn said in reply to Kaylin saying she needed a refill. She glanced at Wist, but she seemed absorbed in admiring the plants, reaching up to touch one of the ones trailing down from the dome window. She smiled a little, and used the last of her water on one of the plants in a stand near her. Once both she and Kaylin's pitchers were empty, Eryn joined Kaylin to refill their containers. "So, you remember when we were coming back from Ithilien?" She began, as they started outside again. "I mean, I know you slept a lot of the way, but do you remember that knight who apparently couldn't speak common?" She asked. "And.. what he gave me?" She frowned slightly, still a little confused about the guy's reason for that.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

Trastion paused when she seemed to be asking him whether the healers could do anything about her neck. He hesitated, thinking about that. "Well, they might be able to put something on it, so the bruises heal faster?" He suggested. "They have salves and things like that, but.. I don't know a whole lot about it, myself." He shrugged, resisting the growing urge to press his hand to his cheek. If he could see it now, it would appear pinkish as if she had slapped him, rather than just touching him. In another minute, it would be turning redder, developing a rash.

He gave a small smile when she called him 'sir'. It felt weird, being called sir. "Trastion," He corrected her gently. "Not 'sir'... I'm not a knight. I'm actually not even fully a ranger yet, to be honest. I'm still in training, actually." He admitted with a slightly nervous laugh, now that the danger seemed to be past. He gave a more serious nod though, when she mentioned what the mugger might have done. And probably would have, if Trastion hadn't come along. "Yeah.. I'm glad I was able to help. Just between us.." He turned his head again toward the alley entrance. "I'm just glad I was able to fight him off." He'd definitely be thanking Arnyn for all that intense training, later. When she got back.

When she asked him to help her up, he gave a nod. "Of course." He'd already been going to do that, anyway, he just had wanted to find out if she was alright, first. He grabbed his sword from the ground before rising to his feet. Then he held out one hand to her, deliberately holding his hand toward the one of hers that was furthest away from the puddle of alcoholic stuff, so that it would be most natural for her to take his hand with her dry one... he didn't want the alcohol from her glove to soak through into his, after all. "I think maybe I should walk with you to wherever you need to go." He suggested as he helped her up, in case that guy might be hanging around. Maybe he'd watch to see if they parted ways now, so it would be better to see the lady to someplace safe. Even though that meant that it would be longer before he could go wash his face, and put some of his own salve on it, to sooth the burning rash that was rapidly developing.

Once he had aided the lady to her feet, he stepped back slightly and began adjusting his scarf, giving a little shiver as if he was cold. "I uh, I left my horse out there, and my sheath is on his saddle." He explained, in case she was wondering about that. While wrapping his scarf around his head, he winced slightly when he moved his arm in just such a way that the gash reminded him it was there. He still had to assess just how much damage he had taken, but that could be for later. "I was planning to go for a ride, but now.. I think I should've dressed warmer. I didn't realize how cold it was out here," He mentioned with a slightly exaggerated shiver to explain his actions. The scarf now wrapped around his neck on the outside of his cloak, and therefore held the hood closer around his face, so that between the two, the place she had touched him was much more difficult to see. The fabric didn't feel very good on the rash, but he didn't want anyone seeing it and asking uncomfortable questions, so he would just endure it. "Now, ma'am, would you like me to escort you to the guard's headquarters, to make a report about this?" He asked, assuming that would be a logical place to go. Especially since she ought to feel plenty safe around all those guards, after what just happened.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"I know, it's a great room, isn't it?" Kaylin agreed, grinning at the girls' reaction. Especially Wist's. Eryn and Kaylin soon left Wist to marvel over the room and refill their pitchers in the water basin outside.

Kaylin blinked at Eryn. "Yes, I remember," she said, not particularly wanting to dwell on her condition at the time, but also not avoiding the topic. "The gold, you mean?" she checked, just to be sure they were talking about the same thing. "What about it? Have you decided what to do with it yet?"

---

A Lady
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

"I don't really like being fussed over," she mumbled, avoiding his eyes when he said the healers might have a salve or something. "And I can just get something like that from the marketplace, I imagine."

She sighed with a small smile after he admitted to only being a ranger in training. "I'm glad, too. I thought you were very skilled," she told him, actually looking a bit impressed. "From what I saw, anyway. Before I..." she looked away again, not wanting to say out loud that she'd 'passed out'. She sighed again, and her smile was a little wobbly. "Nice to meet you, Trastion. My name is Meluiel," she said while he helped her to her feet. "I'm sorry, I'm just a little shaken up. So yes, I wouldn't mind you walking with me." A little blush crept up her cheeks. "I was already heading to the marketplace," she told him. As he mentioned a sheath, she didn't seem to follow right away. "Huh?" Following his gaze to his sword, she seemed to understand. "Oh."

Her eyes grew wide, then. "Oh! Are you hurt? Both of you were so fast!" She noticed how he happened to conceal the cheek she'd touched with her alcohol-soaked glove, but she didn't let on. When he mentioned the guard's headquarters, she let her shoulder slump. "I suppose," she agreed, her tone deadpan. "Though I really don't want to go back there. It reminds me of... something that happened last year," she mumbled. "This is just my luck, I suppose." She hid her face. A few tears were streaming down her face.

She'd always been good at crying on command.

"We should go," she said. "I don't want to stay in this street any longer than I have to."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn nodded. "Yeah, that." She answered, with another nod when Kaylin asked if she'd decided on a use for it. "I've been thinking about it off and on, since then." She paused to dip her pitcher into the water and waited while Kaylin did the same. "First, when I met this little boy at the houses of healing, back in the spring last year. An orphan boy," She added quietly. "I got to thinking about some of what Dad told me about the orphanage, when he was growing up." She frowned. "He never told me anything too detailed, just that it was always too crowded, and a really bad place to have to live. Bad enough that he ran off to join the rangers before he was properly old enough to, just to get out of there. And Aunt Aggie said that he helped her find a job at the dairy farm when she was pretty young, just to get her out of there, too. That's how she met Uncle Cailon," She smiled a little at that.

"Anyway, then later, I thought about it again when they adopted Berion and Della, and they've said a little bit about how much they disliked it there, and.. well, anyway, Wist also grew up there," She mentioned. "She.. she was supposed to go with another wagon, when everyone was evacuating, but she ended up with the one me and Nal were in, because she got overlooked. They had so many kids to keep an eye on, they didn't even notice she wasn't there. And she was like, eleven or twelve then. Anyway, some of those kids found homes there in Lossarnach, and I thought she had, too. But then the other day, when I found out she was still in town," She bit her lip and hesitated. "Well, she said that when they had come back to the city, because of the war, there were so many new kids to add to the orphanage that they couldn't take them all, and they told the oldest ones to basically.. fend for themselves. She was one of those,"

Eryn hoped Wist wouldn't mind her telling about this, but she was getting to a point. "Anyway, that's gotten me thinking yet again about this. I don't want to donate the gold to the orphanage, because.. then, who knows whether it'll actually really get used to help the kids. But I was thinking, what if I could use the gold and like.. do something to help them, like.. build bunk beds so there's more places for them to sleep, and.. buy clothes and blankets and stuff, and I don't know." She sighed, leaning against the water basin. "I get that it probably costs a lot to take care of all those kids and all, but.. do you know how much it costs just to adopt a kid? It's crazy. They could never have afforded it, without Dad's help. He had a lot of money saved up over the years, because he doesn't really have to spend much, usually. And it took them borrowing pretty much everything he had saved up, just to pay the fees." She sighed.

"Anyway. Basically... I want to try and use that gold to do things that'll help the orphan kids. I was thinking, maybe I could ask Addhor to manage any of the carpentry. But then, I'm not even sure how to like.. go about this, you know? I mean.. there's probably some sort of channels to go through." She frowned, unsure how to go about all that. "I might need some help..."

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

He couldn't help but smile faintly when the lady complimented his skill. "Thanks." He gave a little nod when she trailed off from mentioning her passing out. It was perfectly understandable that she would feel a bit shaken up, though, so he wasn't about to criticize the lady for that. "I don't think anyone could blame you, miss Meluiel." He assured her.

He offered his arm, although that was the one with the cut on it. But, if he offered the other, then she would need to take it with her alcohol-soaked glove hand. It would also put her on the side furthest from the developing rash on his face, which he preferred. About that time, she asked if he was hurt. He hesitated, but gave a small shrug. "A few small cuts, but I'll be alright." He assured her. "Nothing to worry about." He could feel one on his side, and he thought there might be a tiny slice in one of his gloves, but he hadn't tried to check yet.

Meluiel's reaction about going to the guards surprised him a bit. "Oh.." He was surprised to notice tears on her face, and felt a bit awkward, for the moment. "Well.. it was just.. I mean, I thought you'd want to report the attack, is all," He explained, frowning slightly, with a slight cringe as the motion pulled uncomfortably at the side of his face.

"Right." He agreed, when the lady suggested they move. He set off at whatever pace she seemed comfortable with. "I need to go back to my horse before anything else, but after that.. I'll walk you wherever you wish, Ms Meluiel." He told her, with a hint of a pained note in his voice. It felt like the burning patch was spreading, as if it wanted to cover his whole face, but he hoped that was all in his head. 'Please, let that be in my imagination. Please don't be spreading.. please.' He strove to keep his expression as neutral as he could. It hurt so much. His thoughts briefly drifted back to that awful day, so long ago, when Togg had flung and entire glass-full of something into his face, just when he'd been in the middle of yelling at him. He'd even inhaled a little of the stuff. He'd nearly died, then. But this was only a little bit on his skin.

Trastion focused on keeping his breathing steady and calm as he walked. 'Don't panic. It's not that bad. It's nowhere near that bad.' He told himself. 'It's just a bit of outer discomfort, nothing life-threatening. No need to panic. I've endured worse.. much worse.. even since joining the rangers.' He would wash his face as soon as possible, though it was obviously too late to prevent any rash. Still, it wasn't like it was going to soak into his clothes and stay on him overnight, like when Relic had poured Mourgan's alcohol on him. Hopefully, the rash wouldn't be quite that bad, this time.

He arrived at his horse and took a moment to slide the sword into the sheath that was strapped to the side of the saddle, then from his belt, he drew the knife that he'd taken from the mugger and took a look at it before stowing it with his things. He'd turn it over to the guards when he went to make his report later, but it could stay with his other stuff, until then. His pack was secured to the back of the saddle, because in addition to a little sword practice, he had been hoping to explore the Pelennor and the area around the mountain for some sort of climbing spot. And if he found something, he definitely wanted to have his gear. He gathered the reins from where he had flung them around a post. "Now, Ms Meluiel. To where shall I escort you?"

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"I don't get why it should cost anything to adopt one of the orphans," Kaylin said, a bit more quietly. "Aren't people who are adopting taking costs away from the orphanage, anyway? I mean - I understand the orphanage wanting to make sure that whoever adopts one of the children, can actually financially support them," Kaylin clarified. "But how would charging an excessive adoption fee guarantee that? It could have people spending all their savings, before the kid has even spent one night under their roof," she muttered.

Kaylin glanced sideways at Eryn as they stepped back onto the patio. "Official channels?" She made a face. "And you are asking me?" she joked, though the subject matter was just a tad too serious for it to really sound light. She bit her lip. "I think...I think I would talk to the orphanage, first. Find whoever is in charge, there. Find out whether they are open to such a thing. And then you can also get an idea of whether... you know. They would actually accept it and use it for the kids. Because you don't seem to have much faith in the organisation...?"

---

A Lady
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

He offered his arm - and she did not fail to notice it was the one of the opposite side from where she'dput the alcohol on his cheek. All signs were pointing toward this being her target. But all the evidence was still circumstantial. Not definitive. And she could NOT afford another mistake. She needed to get the correct target this time. And she needed to make it look like anything but murder. The Hand had told her that the robbery she'd fabricated at the guesthouse, with murder as a side result, had also been toeing the line. When the client asked for it not to look like a hit, she needed more than an excuse for the kill. She needed to make it look either like a natural death, or some unfortunate accident - something along those lines.

She accepted his arm, and made sure to look grateful about it. "Thank you, Trastion", she said quietly, holding onto his arm with her dry glove. She was silent for a while, even though Trastion spoke of having a few cuts and how he'd figured she'd want to report the attack. She kept her eyes on the stone beneath her feet as they walked. "Sorry you got hurt," she spoke softly, only raising her gaze when they got to his horse. She just caught him sheathing his sword and then pulling out her associate's knife. Her eyes fell upon the young man's pack.

The pack... It took some willpower for her eyes not to widen. As well as to keep a little smile from her lips.

It looked exactly like the description she had been given by Torthon. She even had the perfect excuse to properly make sure of it - since the ranger was putting the knife into the bloody thing. "Are you... coming with me?" she asked him, watching his movements. "To the guards? I'm sure they will want your account, as well. They were very thorough, last time. They might not believe me if I just go in alone, claiming all of this. Or maybe they will, but... they will look at me like they did last time. With pity." They had looked at her, after what had happened with Urion, as if she'd been a broken shell of a woman. They had looked at her that way - and it had vexed her. Because, deep down, she knew it was true. She knew she was a mess. Yet she pushed that away, day after day, and refused to face it. Refused to acknowledge it. Instead, she basked in the power she had, and in what power she could so easily exert over most men.

Not this one, however. She wouldn't even try with this one. She already had the perfect accident in mind. Now, if she could only get another look at that cheek, before they parted ways. For if there was some kind of reaction, it was almost impossible for him not to be her target. If there was some kind of reaction... her next order of business would be with a certain piece of scaffolding along the Fourth Wall.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Eryn
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn frowned, nodding in agreement. "I know, right? I mean, by the time the average person pays all that, then they can probably barely afford to take care of the kid they just spent all that money to adopt. It's like.. they want to take advantage of the people who actually want to adopt a kid bad enough to pay the fees." She sighed, grabbing the towel to wipe their pitchers with.

She laughed at Kaylin's joke about her asking Kaylin for help with 'official channels'. "Well, yes, because I don't know who else to ask." She grinned, half teasing. "I mean, I can't exactly ask my dad to help. He'd want to know where I got this gold from. Most people I can think of would want to know that. But I figure if I could get you to help... I don't know." She shrugged. When it seemed like they were both refilled and ready to go back inside, she motioned for Kaylin to lead the way, while Eryn addressed the other part of what she'd said.

"According to Berion, the place is run by some lady named Ms. Esme. Wist said she was the same one in charge when she was there, and she's very.. cold and strict, I guess. Not the type of person to make a kid feel loved, you know." She explained. "At least it's not the same person who was running things back when Dad was there, though. Still, it doesn't sound like the nicest place to have to live." She paused. "Daevion doesn't like it there, either." She added quietly, feeling bad for the kid. "From things I've heard, I have a feeling that 'Ms Esme' doesn't really care that much about the kids, or finding them homes. I haven't met her, but she sounds like she cares more about filling her pockets, you know?" Eryn frowned, thinking about her last statement. "I don't know. I've heard enough bad stuff to know I'm glad I didn't have to grow up there." She shrugged. And she felt bad for Wist, for having done so.

"Did you know there was one time when someone tried to take me away from Dad, and threatened to take me there?" She asked, tilting her head as she tried to remember if she'd ever mentioned that incident to Kaylin.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

"Sorry you got hurt,"

Trastion managed a small smile. "It wasn't your fault, don't feel bad." He paused, then shrugged slightly. "Risk of the job, I guess." He added, trying to make light of it as he tucked the knife into his pack, to keep it out of sight until he reached the guard's headquarters.

When she asked, timidly, whether he would be coming with her to the guards, Trastion nodded, while working on fastening the flap down again. "Of course." He had offered to walk with her, after all. "I was going to go there anyway, whether you were going to report it or not." He informed the lady. He hesitated before explaining, "I learned my lesson about not reporting things, last time I was involved in a situation similar to this." He started to make a face or scowl or something, but he quickly changed his mind about that. Instead, he tried his best to keep his face neutral as he moved to the front of the horse.

Grabbing the reins in his left hand, so that his left side was closest to Lightning, he again offered his right arm to the lady, in case she still felt shaky enough to need the support. "See, back in the summer, a couple of thugs attacked me and my big sister," He kept his head down slightly as he began walking, trying hard to ignore his burning skin. "The guards had them in custody, but we had somewhere to be, and said we'd come by later to file a report. But then we.. didn't." He explained, sighing, a little ashamed now about that. "So, the guards had nothing solid to hold them on, and they had to let them go after so much time had passed." He kept his head down as if in embarrassment or shame, since that helped to hide his face better. "My sister and I, and a couple of our friends, ended up getting hurt later because those thugs showed up where we were having a few drinks with some friends. They remembered us, and they weren't happy with us." He kept the details fairly vague and kept to the most basic, simple form of the story that he could. "Anyway, if my sister's husband hadn't shown up when he did.. things definitely would've been a lot worse." He explained.

As he talked, Trastion was trying very hard not to sound pained. Every little move he made with his head seemed to make the fabric of his cloak rub against that patch of skin, making it burn all the more, reminding him of how Cali would pump the bellows on the forge to make the fire hotter. That side of his face felt like it was being rubbed raw, although he told himself it was probably not really that bad. While he managed to keep it from being obvious that he was in pain, it might still be noticeable to someone paying enough attention. He was already thinking about when they got to the guard headquarters. He would probably have to come up with something to explain this, once he took his cloak and scarf off...

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"Right," Kaylin mused when Eryn said her dad would want to know where the gold came from. And Eryn couldn't tell Duinion the full story, because they had agreed not to. Kaylin frowned while listening to Eryn speak of this Ms Esme. "Ugh. Sounds like the last person who should be in charge of an orphanage. Do you think that if you would use the gold to buy stuff for the kids, she would sell it? To fill her pockets? Because if that would be the case... then I don't see how it would do the children much use." Kaylin frowned. "Maybe you should go about this all differently. Maybe there is someone in the city who is much more suited to running an orphanage and who would really want to, but who doesn't have the capital to actually make that dream a reality. You know? Then at least there would be a different place for the kids to go to. A better place?"

"Or - you could start like a fund or foundation for couples looking to adopt. And help them with the fees?"

She shrugged. "I'm just spitballing ideas," she said apologetically.

Once they headed back inside, and Eryn spoke of an incident, Kaylin raised her eyebrows. "Just how many 'incidents' have you had, Miss Eryn?" she asked chidingly. "But no," she said back in her normal tone of voice, "that doesn't seem to ring any bells."

---

Meluiel
Third Circle, side street - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

She listened curiously to the young man's story. His sister? "You have a sister?" she inquired, since him having a sibling here did not match with her target. And he was talking about 'having a few drinks'. But... he matched his description perfectly. He had been pretending to drink alcohol at the masquerade, when he hadn't been. She had snooped around enough to know he was a recent enough arrival to the rangers in Minas Tirith. He had the backpack, which was very specific. "What did your sister's husband do?" she asked, pretending to be interested in the story, rather than in who Trastion really was.

They continued talking all the way to the Guard Headquarters, and she also explained a bit about why she had been there before. About how, some months ago, the young man she'd been seeing had been robbed and killed in his room. It was ironic, part of her thought, that she had now almost recreated the same scene as what had supposedly happened to him for herself - only out on the streets. She made sure to let loose just a few more tears, albeit not too many. Just so there would not be more than a few questions about the whole incident.

She thought Trastion sounded a little... off. Perhaps those cuts he had mentioned earlier were hurting more than he was letting on. Or perhaps, his cheek... The lady wasn't worried. She would see soon enough. One way or the other. She could be patient.

In front of headquarters, she made sure to withdraw into herself a little. Her shoulders were a bit slumped, her chin was tilted down. Trastion secured his horse to a post outside that was inteded to serve just that purpose, and then he escorted her inside.* "This is bringing back a lot," she admitted quietly to him as they stepped inside. She sighed a little, clinging to his arm with her one hand, as if she were trying to prepare herself.


*as agreed upon with Rillewen

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn frowned, thinking about what Kaylin had said. How would they even go about trying to get Ms Esme replaced? She pondered on that while Kaylin went on to suggest the idea of a fund for people wanting to adopt. She bit her lip. "To be honest, I briefly considered using it tp help Dad adopt Daevion, but not only would he want to know where it came from, but.." She sighed. "Well, somehow it seems... selfish, I guess, to use the money to help a kid get adopted. It seems like it'd be better spent trying to.. make the place better, to improve the lives of all the kids who don't get adopted, and all the ones who may come along after that, and.. I don't know. I'm not even sure how much money is there, or how much could be done with it."

She laughed a little when Kaylin asked how many 'incidents' she'd had as they returned inside. "I've lost count." She grinned, then she shrugged as the grin faded as she paused once they had come inside. "It was.. shortly after my mom died," She explained quietly. "He.. wasn't himself, you know. He just sat there by her grave, for days. It was like he was lost without her. He wouldn't eat, or talk, or respond.. to anything." Eryn bit her lip, remembering that period of time. "So, one of our nearest neighbors eventually came and tried to take me away, said he was going to take me to the orphanage and said he wasn't fit to take care of me." She paused, looking at Kaylin. "He not only snapped out of his.. whatever it was, but.. well, that's the only time I've ever seen my father come close to attacking a civilian."

She resumed walking toward the dining room as she thought back about the other topic. "Another orphanage would help with the overcrowding," She agreed thoughtfully. "But I'd still like to try and do something about the one that already exists." She frowned, entering the dining room again. "But I don't even know how to go about finding out if anyone would want to run an orphanage, or how to be sure they'd be a good choice.. or anything.."

"I've got most of them done!" Wist declared when she saw them come in. She pointed out the plants on the far side from where she currently was. "I haven't gotten to that side yet, but this half is no longer thirsty." She paused. "Were you talking about making another orphanage?" She asked, curious.

"The possibility of it, yes." Eryn answered, moving toward the other half. "Trying to think of ways to make things better for the orphan kids."

Wist smiled. "Really? Like the people from the *Trust?"

Eryn glanced at Kaylin, then Wist. "Trust? What's that?"

"Oh.. I'm not really sure exactly. But a few months ago, I overheard someone talking about the Trust. Apparently, there's a benefit thing for widows and orphans. They're planning to do a concert at the Hall of Song, to raise money for it. Only, I haven't heard anything else about that." She shrugged. "I'm not sure how long it'll be before they actually have it."

"Hm, I've never heard of it before." Eryn said, glancing over at Kaylin. "Have you?"


*referencing this post

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - A very early morning in January

As they walked, Trastion tried very hard not to let the pain in his face affect his ability to talk with the lady. He told her about how the matter with the thugs had resolved, and that as far as he knew, they were still locked up.

He had not been going to ask about why she had been to the guard headquarters before, so he was a little surprised when she volunteered the information. And seeing how upset it made her, he felt bad that she was having to relive all that now. He wasn't sure how to comfort her, so he just tried not to ask anything more about that incident.

Instead, deciding to try and distract her from the upset, he told her about his 'sister', and how she was not really his sister, but had been a very close friend of his brother, and how they'd grown up together in Linhir, a couple of streets apart. He spoke of how his parents had died when he was six, from some illness of the lungs. And how he and his then sixteen-year-old brother had gone to stay at Kaylin's house to keep them from catching the same sickness, and after they became orphans, she had helped his brother take care of him. And after growing up with the two of them practically raising him, he came to think of Kaylin as his big sister. He mentioned how, even though some of his brother's other friends had helped out with babysitting him over the years, Kaylin had been the most frequent one because Trastion liked her best, because she always played the best games, and told the best stories, and how she was the most fun to be around. Which was why, after his brother was killed in the war, Trastion decided to come to Minas Tirith to join the rangers, just like her.

He was just finishing telling about that, when they arrived at the guard headquarters. After he'd secured Lightning to a post and taken the dagger back out of his pack, he escorted her inside. Her words as they stepped in made him nod slightly in sympathy. "I can imagine," He answered, unsure quite what else to say to that. His face was hurting so much, it was hard to focus on anything else. Telling her, on the way here, the made-up story that he and Kaylin had discussed together, had helped somewhat to distract him from it. But it was extremely painful, despite all distractions.

Approaching the desk, he spoke quietly to the guard on duty and explained that the lady had just been mugged and that Trastion had intervened, and that they would like to make a report about it. But he asked if there was a washroom or someplace where Trastion could clean his cuts, first. The guard nodded and gave him directions, and pointed out some chairs along the wall where the lady could wait. "I'll be right back," Trastion told Meluiel. "I just.. want to check how bad these cuts are." Without waiting for a reply, he walked briskly off to the washroom. It might be too late to try and wash the stuff off, but he was going to try it anyway.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

Something in her heart wrenched when Eryn painted that picture of her father, after having lost her mother. It was rare, but Kaylin did not have much to say in response to that. She did not want to linger on such possibilities. Such thoughts.

She got a bit absent-minded and still wasn't saying much of anything when they got back to Wist. At the girl's indication, Kaylin moved along with Eryn to the other side of the room, starting at a different plant from her friend. When Eryn asked her something, Kaylin blinked. "Sorry, what?" The words seemed to seep in a moment later. "Oh. The Trust? I don't know," Kaylin shrugged, turning back to the plants. "Maybe. It sounds vaguely familiar, but I don't really know."

---

Meluiel
Guard Headquarters - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

The way he was telling her about his sister, first made her doubt whether she did have the right young man, after all. But once he dropped the name Kaylin - Kaylin - she grew weary of the tale. She had heard all about that one. She knew all about what she had done. Even so, Trastion's story sounded plausible, and the words came so easily to him. It was possible, wasn't it? That he had grown up near the Master Sword? That he had come to see her as a sister of sorts? That he had come here, to be a ranger, just like her, once his family in Linhir had died? Perhaps Anurion Taurhebor had sold his backpack to some unsuspecting young man who looked like him. It would definitely throw off anyone who would come looking for him.

She caught his quietly spoken words to the guard behind the reception desk. She had lingered a few paces behind, to help sell the 'uncertain and reluctant victim' look. A cluster of chairs were pointed out to her. The ranger trainee told her he would be right back. There was no chance for her to answer him before he strode off. Her eyes narrowed slightly in thought as she watched him. He had not pulled back his hood, yet. Why would he keep it up, if he wasn't hiding anything? Surely, he would know it was not polite. Wondering if she was actually going to have to wait until the morrow to find out whether Trastion had had any sort of reaction, Meluiel sat on one of the chairs, folding her hands together in her lap and staring down at them. Mentally, she was preparing for her statement, and how to play it.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Airelen with Claery, playing with Renia.
At the Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th. Attended by the little girl’s parents.

“Why, certainly !” Claery smiled as Renia asked if she were joining their play. “You two are far more fun than those silly boys. Imagine, arranging a duel to fight over some girl .. as though she is a toy they both want to play with at once,” the maid smiled back disarmingly at the blonde and rose up from where she had been squatting at her ankles next to Airelen.

“We are going to Princess Mermaid’s castle,” the little girl informed them both, clearly agreeing that she was more exciting than whatever a ‘duo’ was. And duly ignoring the inciteful gossip, in favour of her more innocent game. “In the sea.” The child made clear her thinking, and grinned over toward Renia.

“Oh, are these sea horses then ?” Claery asked, seeming more amazed and intrigued than sarcastic.

“Of course they are,” she was informed, and smiled even as Airelen beckoned her over and whispered very loudly that “they told me so.” It was unclear then whether the avid ‘rider’ was now nodding her head or simply rocking upon her springy seat.


“But do you know yet how to swim, Miss Airelen ?” the servant raised one eyebrow, and enquired, with a hand placed at each hip.

“I am nearly six years old,” the answer came back, quite decidedly.

“Of course you are,” Claery laughed then, and hugged the small girl before she decided not to brave Renia’s example, but instead skipped back to sit upon the ‘perch’. “I shall be the coachman,” she let the two ‘riders’ know, and held her hands up before her, as though they were holding real reins and not simply thin air.

---

Meanwhile, Gildolen Lhacrist, with Trevadir,
speaking at the Swings.

Trevadir was proving rather more creative in his swinging efforts, and Gildolen was content to simply lull forwards and backwards. The front of his boots were risen slightly so that they did not scuff on the ground, but else, his mind was far more engaged with thinking upon all that he was hearing. And it was .. a lot to process. But at the same time it was very much explaining all the things that he had failed to discover for himself, without the trouble of actually asking. Perhaps this more direct approach had something going for it, after all !

“I ..” the valet commenced and paused there, as he met the other young man’s assumption. That it was just that easy to make introductions. “Well ordinarily, I would seek to find out who a stranger is before I introduce myself to them,” he sought to explain. If he could have explained just what sorts of trouble had come from mistakenly falling in with the wrong sorts of acquaintances … maybe that would have made more sense to what he was saying. But there was no way that he could talk about any of that, so freely. “In this case, I truly believed my actions to be the less intrusive means available to me, of learning whether she is even open to new acquaintances, or whether she might be already .. engaged .. to certain people in particular.” The Belfalasian politely sidestepped one of the biggest issues he had concerned over. He stopped short of disclosing how much effort he had put in, during the recent family dinner, to trying to find out if Unalmis was ‘involved’ with Iole. Claery had in fact been similarly intrigued, though for rather different reasons.


“Again with your jest,” he smiled in the raising of his gaze, after Trevadir feigned shock at being left out of that same family dinner. This fellow was strange, always playing as though he was offended, when really he was not. Back home, he would have surely talked himself into several duels a day ! But Iole’s ‘brother’ did though make so very little of his own heroics, in saving Airelen; particularly making clear that he had not done so with any notion of reward. It was hard to dislike him, for all of his strangeness. He gave off the impression that he likely would have risked his life just as keenly, if it had been but a small bird endangered by the charging horse, rather than a lady’s daughter. And that was an honourable if remarkably odd thing to do. Fortunately, he was becoming more climatised to 'strange' since moving into his current place of employ.

“I had no idea that Iole was your any sort of sister,” Gil put to him then, in a return to the admission. “Either of you. And I have certainly never heard of a situation such as your ‘family’s before now.” Admittedly the house he served could not be said to stand rightly conventional. By any means. But he was new to them as well. And family amongst them still meant joined by blood or marriage. Not simply by ‘choice’. “By my understanding, I knew only that you lived with her and Cali,” he guessed, by a process of elimination that the latter was the correct name. And that several other young men often visited and occasionally spent the whole night there … he did NOT remark aloud. “So I thank you for your candour,” he allowed, with respect.


The valet was however then introduced to Trevadir’s scarred palm as well, and he stunned to try and acknowledge what he was being told. “You did that to yourself ? On purpose ?” he needed to ascertain. How very strange indeed these people were ! “And you would think it wise still, for me to approach Iole ... again ?!" he was far less sure of that even, despite the appeal. "That would be the done thing to attempt next here ?” Gil was more reluctant to scare the young lady now, than he was concerned about being punched or pan-whacked. “Where I come from, please understand, a man who persists when the lady’s loved ones have warned him to desist, is thought to be something of a cad, or a bounder even,” he tried to make clear. That his any hesitation was of unwillingness to make things worse, rather than to simply give up and go … all the way across the kingdom home.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn glanced at Kaylin when she seemed distracted, but she didn't comment, and instead listened as Wist answered.

"I don't know very much about them, either." Wist frowned thoughtfully. "I never heard of them before that guy said something about it. Maybe they're sort of new. If they ever do more planning for the concert, I'll let you know." Wist told them. "They gave some contact information to my boss, and I don't know much more than that." She hesitated. "They didn't know I was there. I wasn't really supposed to be, but the place was also supposed to be closed for the night, you know?" She realized how that might sound. "I was in there to clean," She added, glancing over at Kaylin so she wouldn't think she'd just broken in. "That's.. my job. For now."

Eryn nodded as she poured some water into a plant's holder. "Well, anyway. Kaylin and I were talking about ways to try and help the orphans." She glanced at Wist. "Partly inspired by the things you told me."

"That's really nice." Wist smiled a little. Though she wasn't still living there, she did like the idea of helping those who were. "So, you're talking about making a new orphanage?"

"Well, initially, I was thinking of trying to do things to improve the current one, but then Kaylin suggested just having a whole new one." She shrugged. "I don't like what I've heard about the current one.. and that Ms. Esme." She frowned.

"She doesn't seem to have much real concern about the kids, no." Wist agreed quietly. "More like about how much money she can get, for taking care of them."

Eryn moved to another plant, thoughtful. "Maybe something in the Pelennor would be nice. More room for the kids to run around and play, right?" She suggested.

"Oh, that would've been nice! And all the pretty wildflowers out in the fields, and the trees.. remember when I first saw a field full of flowers, Eryn?" She asked with a happy smile.

Eryn laughed. "You mean, when we stopped to rest the horses at the stream, and you wandered off and we had to go look for you?"

Wist smiled a bit sheepishly. "Well.. they were pretty." She shrugged slightly, and grinned over at Kaylin. "Then she let me help take care of her newborn calf. It was adorable!"

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - Early morning in January

In the washroom, Trastion took off his scarf, cloak, and gloves. Then, he took a look at his face in the mirror. The whole left side of his face looked pink by now. The place where her glove had touched him was red and blistered with a rash. It burned and itched so much it was nearly irresistible, but he knew that if he scratched it, it would only make it worse. He cringed at the sight of it.

He took care to wash the area carefully, trying not to rub at it lest he make the itching worse. It didn't help, and in fact, it may have been his imagination, but it seemed to almost make it worse. Sighing, he stared at the rash for a moment, then shook his head and sighed. There was nothing more he could do for it right now, and his jar of salve was in the dorm.

He took a moment to inspect his cuts. There was one on his arm, and another on his side, and a couple of other nicks that were hardly worth noting. He had no bandages, but he did his best to clean them while he was there. Then, he couldn't put it off anymore. He had to go back. But he had to think of some explanation for this...


When Trastion returned to the waiting room, he had his cloak and other things draped over one arm, as he couldn't think of any way to justify keeping them on. He had his head down as he went to pass the desk to rejoin Meluiel, feeling rather self-conscious about his face.

Galudor was just coming in to report at the end of his shift, and he did a double-take when Trastion went to pass him. "Trastion? What happened to you?" He asked, startled by the guy's appearance.

"Oh.. Hi Galudor." Trastion forced a little smile and ran a hand through his hair, slightly awkward. He hadn't expected to run into anyone he knew. He gave a little sigh. "Just a stupid prank." He explained in an annoyed tone. "I guess one of my roommates thought would be funny to put poison ivy in my pillowcase.." He lied, rolling his eyes. He shook his head in frustration. "Haven't figured out which one of them did it, yet. But when I do.. there'll be payback, you can be sure." He promised with a little smile.

"Ouch. Seems like a mean prank." He said, frowning. "I heard there's sometimes prank wars going on in the ranger barracks, but that seems a bit... well, extreme."

"Yeah, I thought so too. Anyway, I have a report to make. See you around?"

"Making a report on your roommate?" Galudor asked, a little amused at the thought.

"Hah.. no. Something else." Trastion answered. "I'll tell you more about it in a couple days, alright? I bet you're eager to get home and get to sleep."

"You guessed it." Galudor grinned. "See you around, and good luck with that payback thing." He waved and went on his way.

Trastion nodded with a feigned smile, then went over to where Meluiel was waiting. "You alright?" He asked. "Sorry to leave you waiting out here alone," He apologized. "I was worried about those cuts getting infected or something. Who knows how clean that knife is, you know." He explained with a small shrug. "So, at least I know they've been washed. I'll have a healer look at them, later."

---

@Ercassie

Renia
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

Renia gave Claery a questioning look at her comment. "A duel?" She let her gaze drift back toward the boys, not quite sure why the two should be fighting over a girl, nor what girl they were supposedly dueling about. "Hm, well I hope your fellow knows how to fight." She remarked casually. They didn't look hostile or anything. Her attention was drawn back to Airelen though, when she declared that they were going to the mermaid castle. "Oh, really?" She asked with a surprised sound to her voice. "I can show you around, and we'll have so much fun!" She played along, smiling at the thought of having visitors to her castle.

She patted the horse's head when Airelen said 'they told her' they were sea horses. "Yes, the sea horses are very reliable, you can always believe whatever they say." She assured Claery, then turned to Airelen. "We have to watch out for the seadragons, though." She informed the girl with a slightly worried expression. "Maybe you can help us rescue the castle from them?" She asked, as if with hope. "Have you ever fought a sea dragon, Airelen?"

---

Trevadir
By the swings

Trev had to admit that it was a good idea to find out who a person was before trying to make their acquaintance. If he'd known more about who his father really was before...

But he didn't let his mind run down that path. Firmly shutting the door on that, Trev merely gave a little nod in understanding of Gildolen's words. "I guess that makes sense," He agreed quietly. He gave a little side glance at him when he spoke of having wondered whether Iole was already engaged. To him? He might have laughed at the idea if not for the more serious nature of their conversation. Instead, he merely smiled at the coincidence of him saying that. "Well, in case you should ever hear a rumor of that sort," Trev mentioned with amusement in his eyes, "it's not true. Definitely not true at all. Iole is my sister, as far as I'm concerned."

Trev smiled a little as Gil spoke of not having heard of a family situation like that before. "Funny. We took the example from Nal's uncle and his adopted brother," He explained with a little grin. He gave a nod when it was mentioned about him living there with the girls. "I guess if you didn't know the situation... yeah. To explain.. yes, I live there. Partly to protect them, but partly because I uh, had nowhere else to live." He admitted a little sheepishly.

As far as the scar, Trev merely shrugged with a glance at it. He still remembered the time when he'd thought he was going to lose that scar, and it had frightened him. It was an important symbol for the whole group. "We were kids. We all did it. It was probably foolish, but.." He shrugged again and looked up with a little smile. "I dunno. It was important to us. Like.. a way of making it 'official', that we're all siblings forever." Since he'd asked, Trev felt it only fair to explain about that.

He held back a sigh, then, when Gil asked about whether he should approach her.
He pushed his swing again to keep it from stilling its motions. He considered for a moment. "Well, like I said. I can't speak for her. Iole can make her own choices. If she tells you that she doesn't want to see you, then you should keep away. If you persist after she tells you, But as far as I understand it, you've never even spoken to her." He pointed out. "I think.. you should at least give her the chance to tell you herself whether she wants to get to know you or not." Trev answered. "You have no idea what she wants." He shrugged. "Sorrel, her friend who uh.." He gestured to Gil's eye, "she only warned you away from Iole, because Iole thought you were stalking her." He explained.

"So, you come from Belfalas, that much is clear." Trev shifted the topic slightly toward satisfying a bit of his own curiosity. "But.. I'm curious. What do you do? How do you fit in with them?" He asked, nodding toward Nardy and Gael. "You mentioned earlier that Lady Gaelanna has known you many years." He wasn't entirely sure how to ask what he was trying to ask, but he was curious how this guy had known her for so long, when Trev knew that she'd been in Umbar for a while, several years ago. He didn't think it was very likely that the guy had been there with her, and besides, Trev would've probably seen him if he had. So, that meant he must have known her before, right?

[Lantaelen]

@Rillewen

Lady Gaerlothriel Dimaethor
December 24th, Minas Tirith streets, Gondor

It had been two days since the most exciting day of her life so far. And Gaer was still riding the rush from it all. A tour of the city, a visit to the Hall of Songs and tickets booked to a show, with new dresses commissioned, with some rare archery practice, a new bow, and not one but two new friends made! It seemed the standard for expectations in the city of Minas Tirith were set very high and this was during the winter season too. Think of how tenfold the delights and thrills could be in the summer. She wished she could live here all year ‘round.

Yesterday, after Linny slept over, Gaer’s brother and her took Linny back to the place where her family was lodging during their stay in the City and spent a whole day with them and Linny’s mother, before returning home with the promise to see her the following day – today. Thankfully, he hadn’t been around then, but today there was no chance of escaping them. Abrazimir could not chaperone them today, having other obligations, and no one it seemed could match her brother’s permitted freedoms to the girls to do as they pleased. He had been content to let the girls experience things without a frame or bias put over it.

Today though they were stuck with Toggornir, Linny’s brother, and Gaer was trying so hard to try and see some pleasantness in him. After all, the betrothal to him might be finalized and they could be spending a lot of time in the city together. She wanted to believe that he could be fun and enjoyable, that his nastiness towards Linny would change or he would grow out of it. But it seemed unlikely.

But today, they had to return to the dress shop, to meet Eryn, and see the final measuring and prep work for their outfits. A whole new outfit, matched in style with her friends, to see the ballet! Gaer felt so fancy and for once, it was a fanciness that she chose for herself, not something put on her. Gaer arrived to the Talven’s residence, then with Linny and Toggornir, they could make their way to the dress shop.

There was no dancing or spinning or twirling about on the streets. Not with him around. He just wouldn’t understand, or at least tolerate it as Abrazimir said.

”I have calluses on my palms.” Gaer whispered to Linny, as they walked a bit apart from Toggornir. She referenced the happy labours of their archery work and was proud of the little marring that happened on her hands as a result of it. Very unladylike, Adar would say. ”Oh, there’s Eryn! And she brought her dog – a different dog!” Gaer noted and corrected herself as they turned onto the street with the dress shop and saw their friend up ahead. Hattie was smaller and a different breed from this one. Gaer waved to announce hers and Linny’s rapidly approaching presence. How curious! What an adorable dog.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Airelen with Claery, playing with Renia.
At the Sundial Court Park. Dec 25th. Attended by the little girl’s parents.

It had been difficult to rein in her amusement when Renia called the valet as ‘her fellow’, but somehow Claery managed. As if she would ever waste her time on somebody who spent most of their time with his head in a book, or up his own behind ! I mean, admittedly he was the only one her age back at the house, usually. And it was tremendous fun to wind him up and watch him go … off on one of his hoity-toity monologues. She was rather disappointed though, that the blonde girl had not seemed all that interested in the subject of duels and romance … and would rather play day dreams instead with the little girl. Who, admittedly, the maid also thought was a little star. But still. Was this not Trevadir’s ‘girl’ ? Did she not want to know more ???? Did the boy who saves little girls also duel every other day until it was no longer any sort of excitement at all ?

“He fences .. ” was all that she had answered back, on Gildolen’s behalf, rather airily, even as Airelen stole back the entire spotlight.


The child had continued nodding, or riding her bobbing ‘seahorse’, as the ‘mermaid princess’ approved of her plan. Though Airelen glanced up at the talk of ‘sea dragons’. “Those stinky smelly snuddy sea dragons !” she loosed one hand from holding on and shook a tiny fist at their mutual enemy. “Faster faster Claery !” she screamed suddenly, as though the maid’s mime-acting really was in any way speeding their nautical ‘mounts’.

With a grin, the maid leapt just as swiftly off her wooden seat at the main climbing frame, and strode in great exaggerated steps with an apparent ‘evil’ way about her approach to the ‘horses.’.


“IIIIIIIIII ... am the mighty sea dragon !!!!” she announced, seizing Airelen around her waist and lifting her easily into the air, so that she turned where she stood and whirled the small girl out and around, above her head, to the backdrop of much over-dramatic cackling. “I’m going to eat you !! And your mermaid princess toooooooooo !” the maid declared, in a booming voice which suggested she thought that she were on the stage.

The shrieking giggles and the shrieking overall was quite ear piercing, though it seemed quite undeniable that Airelen was not scared, but having the time of her life. Her father on the other hand .. turned back from where he’d expected to see the two young men to come to blows, and found instead that it was the ‘ladies’ who were proving the more boisterous.


Claery had brought Airelen down to the ground, and had the small one straddled between her two longer legs, resorting to tickling to keep up their ‘fun’. There was certainly much laughing going on. Until the child broke free, sprang to her feet and ran to hide behind Renia’s legs, screaming even as she laughed at the same time.

---

Meanwhile, Gildolen Lhacrist, with Trevadir,
speaking at the Swings.

Gil had released a breath and a mighty burden of relief, when Trevadir laughed off the notion of his being thought ‘engaged’ to Iole. Though all amusement seemed to abandon the conversation when the other young man admitted, he’d been homeless. “I am usually the only man in a house of women also, these days,” he realised aloud, and was amazed as he was glad to find he had some sort of common ground with Trev. For one, he did not doubt that Lotte could match Cali when it came to wielding a kitchen pan !

The valet stopped short then, in even his slow sashay back and forth upon the swing’s trail. “In a manner of speaking, they took me in,” he added quietly, in an effort to alleviate the other’s discomfort about his own admission. “Though I could not say we consider ourselves kin.” A small smile escaped his best efforts and there was even smaller need for even a reminding glance in Claery‘s direction. “Still I must and shall safeguard them, should the need arise. And I vow .. you shall never have to protect Iole from me.”


Rising up out of the suspended seat, the Belfalasian glanced from the scarred hand back to meet the bearer’s explanation. “Your injury was a vow,” he observed then, quietly. “A self-inflicted sacrifice. And a vow is a strong and honourable thing that once meant more alas than it oft does these days. There is more to a promise than just words, or should be. And though you might have ventured a more primal interpretation of the act than most, still I can appreciate the meaning.”

He bowed his head minutely between them to cement his point. And duly accept the counsel as regards to approaching Iole. They would leave it up to the lady herself .. A foreign concept but it could hardly go any worse than his existing efforts. “I might suppose that I am fortunate, she did not arrest me !” Gildolen remarked, as Trev referenced Sorrel. A bruise after all, would fade, and hopefully so would Claery’s amusement in the incident. But a criminal record, … for some crime he may have unintentionally managed .. that would be no good at all.


Poised to offer a hand now in friendship towards this .. was this a friend ? Gil froze as he was bade to take his turn at the explaining of ‘situations’. “I am not sure whether to meet your guess as an insult or a compliment. Nevertheless, I shall concede, that yes, I am from Dol Amroth,” he confirmed. As much as was obvious. The rest … ? Should he say ? How much ought he say ? He had been schooled to keep it to himself. But it seemed now only fair that he give something back for Iole’s family to find peace in. Since he had been handed hope for his endeavours with her. Brown eyes glanced back toward the Lady Gaelanna when Trev named her.

“She has known me since I was very young,” Gil let Trevadir know, before he brought his gaze back to meet the other young man’s. “My mother was the housekeeper for the Lady’s Father,” and her son spoke the claim with the pride he felt that it deserved. “He was a good man, the old Lord. He gave me a place in his house as well, when I was old enough. And I was sorry .. when he .. died ..” A frown burrowed along the young man’s brow as he contained emotion within. Died .. the man had been murdered ! After being ruined .. The Belfalasian cleared his throat and hastened through a conclusion that ought serve, though it scarcely did the ‘situation’ the due justice it deserved. “When he died, the house and all else .. everything he had .. was sold off. There was nothing left. Nothing to stay for. The Squire helped me to find a new place in a noble house here, instead. I remain the valet.”


The pang which had shuddered through the word ‘here’ .. was palpable. And overshadowed most of what words followed. Gil clasped each of his hands close about the wrist behind his own back, as though he could restrain his emotion even half so well as he could manage his limbs in an orderly fashion. “Forgive me, that is probably more than you ever cared to know ..” he bristled, and straightened up suddenly, dropping both hands to his sides. “I am sure I will not regret having made with introduction to you, Trevadir.” The valet thrust out his right hand, determinedly, in a gesture that one did not need to be from Belfalas to recognise.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

An orphanage in the Pelennor sounded pretty great, Kaylin thought. At least, for the youngest kids. And most of the older ones got out one way or the other, anyway, she figured. Kaylin wasn't completely following the conversation about the stream and having to go look for Wist. And something about a newborn calf? Probably when the two had first met, she told herself.

"I think the Pelennor would be a great place for an orphanage," Kaylin put in. "More space to run around. More things to do, too - maybe more skills to learn? If they had animals and a vegetable garden and such they could also provide some of their own necessities. That way maybe the fees to adopt could be kept lower, too?"

"I mean... I understand wanting to fix the orphanage we already have, but it's not like you could force this Esme," she mused out loud whilst passing by plant after plant. "Unless you could actually charge her with abuse or neglect or something. Even so, you would still need to find a replacement."

---

Meluiel
Guard Headquarters - A very early morning in January
(Private with @Rillewen )

When she heard someone sayign Trastion's name nearby, she looked up. To see one of the guards addressing the ranger trainee. His cloak was off, but she couldn't see the side of his face where she'd touched him with her alcohol-doused glove. Not yet. Soon, though. The guard was startled by something, she noted. And she wondered, quite curiously, whether he was already reacting to the proof she needed that this young ranger was in fact Anurion Taurhebor...

She listened attentively while Trastion claimed someone had pulled a prank on him. Poison ivy. She wet her lips in order not to smile with amusement. Not a bad explanation. Not a bad explanation at all. As Trastion made it clear the conversation was coming to an end, Meluiel looked back down at her hands, wiping any trace of curiosity or interest from her face and focusing on insecurity and sadness, instead. Only when the young man addressed her, did she lift her gaze.

Her brown eyes widened when she saw the discoloration. It had marred almost his whole cheek, and it was even travelling down his jaw and toward his neck, it seemed. Her lips parted - and she did not even have to fake it. That was... a bad reaction. "Me?" she gasped, a bit stunned. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Your face..."

She now knew she had the right guy. There was no way he could be someone else. Someone who fit the description, with the right age, the right backpack, the right reaction to alcohol, who had arrived at the city around the right time, who pretended to drink when he did not, someone with manners, someone who spoke Sindarin, and someone who enjoyed something as insane as hanging from a hundred foot high piece of scaffolding.... It ALL fit. No one could check all of these boxes. No one except for her target. This was him.

To be honest, her feelings were mixed. She did not want to kill anyone. She'd never wanted to do that. She'd always hated these assignments, and it was no different now. But now she knew that there was no question... no doubt... she had to. It was either him, or her. There was no way out of her cage. Other birds had tried. And had lost their wings, before losing their lives.

Someone approached them, then, before Trastion had a chance to respond. "M'lady, sir. You may both follow me." After walking partway down a corridor while he explained their statements would be taken separately, the man held out an arm to one of two open doors that they could see. "Ranger Leithor," he indicated, "my colleague is waiting for you in there." He turned to Meluiel. "You may follow me."

And so she did.

She gave her statement. Played her part. Before she knew it, she was able to leave the office. They told her Trastion was still inside, and she seemed to hesitate. "Could you... could you tell him I did not want to wait, here?" she requested, clearly nervous. "I still have errands to run, and... I'd like to go home as soon as I can. Please offer him my apologies. And my gratitude? I'm just so tired..."

It was almost child's play, she thought, feeling something twisting in her gut as she stepped out of the guard headquarters.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

"Ohhh, that's a good idea." Eryn answered, when Kaylin mentioned animals and a garden. "I mean, with the right person running it." She added with a small frown, thinking it was still possible that a meanie running things could make things bad for the kids. Making them work more than they should, and so forth. But the right person could use the garden and animals to give the kids fair chores, to teach them responsibility and things like that, in a good way.

She pondered on this while listening to the rest of what Kaylin said, then looked over at Wist. "What do you think? Is she abusive or neglectful?" She asked, since her friend was the one who'd grown up there, under Ms Esme's care. She had very little doubt that the woman before Esme had definitely been those things, but she didn't know much else about it, and her dad wouldn't speak of it. Neither would Aggie.

Wist slowly shook her head. "Stern, yes. But not abusive. And not really neglectful, either. Just..." She tried to think of the right word. "Not very.. maternal." She frowned, unsure quite how to explain it. "Not many kids got adopted while I was there, but the few who did, I don't think she really had much care about who they were adopted by, so long as they were willing to pay the fee." She explained.

"She didn't really seem like she cared much about the kids being happy, so long as they had all they needed, you know? She.. cares a little too much about order and neatness, and not that much about.. how the kids felt about anything, or what the kids want, or like, or.. anything. It's like.. our interests, and likes, and dislikes.. those didn't matter." She hesitated, looking down. "I heard once that some of the others, some like me, who got pushed out to make room for others.. they didn't take to being on their own, as well as I did." She added quietly, with a bit of sadness.

---

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Third Circle - Early morning in January

If he hadn't already been pretty red, Trastion might have blushed a little at the way the lady reacted to the sight of his face. "Oh.." he managed to force a half smile, but before he had a chance to offer an explanation, the guard came along, asking them to follow. He offered his hand to the lady, again making sure that he did so in a way that would almost require her to take it with her non-alcohol hand. He sure didn't need his hand getting all blistered! The other hand was holding his cloak, scarf, gloves, and the knife.

As they followed the guard, he spoke quietly. "I guess you hadn't seen that before, with my hood up and all." He mentioned, trying to play off like it had been there like that all along. "You fainted before the guy knocked my hood down," he recalled, hoping she had been a little too disoriented, and facing the wrong way, to know whether he'd had the rash when she awakened. "Don't worry. I'll be alright," He assured her. She almost had to have heard him talking to Galudor, since he had actually sort of made sure to speak a little loudly to make sure that all the people within hearing would believe it was just from poison ivy.

"I tend to get a strong reaction from poison ivy, but it'll fade after a couple weeks. I'll be fine." He smiled as well as he could before being addressed by the guard. He nodded, hoping Meluiel would be alright, then stepped inside the office to give his statement. Despite the fact that he really wanted to get up to the houses of healing, they kept him for a little while, going over the fight, and the description of the man, and it seemed like every detail he could remember, before they finally let him go. When he finally returned to the entry a little while later, he was informed that Ms. Meluiel had already finished and had gone on her way. Trastion nodded, somewhat glad to hear that she wasn't so traumatized by the experience that she would feel she needed an escort everywhere.

Although he did hope that she would be safe from further attacks, he was anxious to get up to the sixth and see a healer about his face.. and wounds. After thanking the guard, he pulled up his hood and wrapped the scarf around it, making sure it was properly hidden, before going to retrieve Lightning. "Sorry, fella. It looks like we'll have to postpone the ride today." He sighed, then set off back up to the sixth.


(continued here)

---

@Ercassie

Renia
Sundial Court Park. Second Circle. Dec 25th

Hearing the other girl proclaim that 'he fences' made Renia glance toward her with a little grin. "Does he?" She couldn't help being inwardly amused. Having seen Trev fight with no more than a simple parasol, and having heard tales about him fighting big, scary pirates with no more than his flute and the knife tucked inside it.. she couldn't help but be less than impressed by this news. As far as Renia was concerned, Trev could outmatch this Gildolen guy any day of the week if he felt like it. Fencing or no fencing. Still, she didn't think Trev would like it if she started boasting of his skill, so she merely offered a little smile at the other girl. "Good for him." She declared.

Airelen's game was far more interesting, really. Because she didn't think that whatever this supposed duel was about, was anything she needed to be concerned about. Or else, Trev would be looking upset or angry, and she would have gone over there long before now to see what was going on, and how she could fix things. Instead, each time she'd glanced over there, it had looked like things were calm, and he even looked amused from time to time. Nothing to worry about, right?

"Yeah, those stinky, smelly, snuddy sea dragons!" Renia agreed, grinning in amusement. Whatever 'snuddy' meant, she didn't ask. Then, suddenly, Claery had 'transformed' into one of the sea dragons! "Oh noooo, don't worry, I'll save you!" Renia declared, but all she managed to do was leap off of the 'horse' before the tickle-attack began. She stalled, smiling as she saw that the girl was laughing and having a good time. Until she ran to hide behind Renia, at least. Then she grinned and picked the girl up and positioned her on her shoulders, so that Airelen could sit high over them both. "There, you should be safe up there!" She declared, holding onto each of the girl's ankles to make sure she wouldn't fall.

Glancing over at the boys about that time, Renia couldn't help a little smile as she saw them shaking hands. She glanced over at Claery with a teasing grin. "People here in the White City sure have an odd way of dueling, don't they?" She commented with light amusement as she nodded toward them, to direct the maid's attention there.

---

Trevadir
By the swings

Trev gave a little smile of sympathy when Gildolen mentioned being the only guy in the house, too. "They don't happen to have a cat that jumps on you while you're sleeping, do they?" He asked, amused. "BB does that to me all the time," He rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "That's Cali and Iole's cat, by the way." He looked toward the sound of laughter, smiling faintly to see the ladies playing with the little girl. He was glad Renia seemed to know how to do that, because.. he wasn't really sure how. It was different, with her being a girl and all. And Renia didn't have so much anxiety about upsetting Nardy, or the entire Azrubel family, or any of that.

"Ever since Renia came to town, I've even given up my spot on the couch, once my sisters so kindly agreed to let her stay there as well. And I have moved to the floor.. Which means the silly cat thinks I'm there for her to walk all over." He added with a little sigh, although he didn't sound as annoyed about it as his words might suggest. Since the masquerade, Trev had offered to go and stay in the tree house or something, to avoid intruding on the ladies, but Renia wouldn't hear of him staying there, and then the sisters had pointed out that it was winter and that would be far too cold for that. Now that he knew Renia's reasons for wanting him to keep away from the treehouse, Trev couldn't help but agree with all three of them. Really though, there were plenty of times he just fell asleep sitting at the table while working on his music. Or sitting on the couch with Renia curled up next to him. But he didn't have to mention that to Gil.

Nodding as the other mentioned that he had been 'taken in' by the family over there, Trev thought of how Nardy had come to stay with Nal during the time when the family needed help, and how he had also come to Trev's defense, that time in the tavern, and he didn't find it all that surprising to hear that he had 'taken in' the guy who had nowhere else to go.

Hearing his vow that he would never have to protect Iole from him, Trev's nod turned even more serious, despite the small smile that came to his face. "Good." He answered, before allowing a little smile. "Cause, if I ever do have to, you can be sure that I would be taking you up on your earlier 'offer'." He assured him, referring to the 'offer to fight him anytime, anyplace' or however he'd worded it.

Trev was a little surprised to hear Gil speak as if he understood about the 'injury', but he did seem to catch on. Trev was glad he understood, for there had been plenty who didn't. Who just looked at them all like they were crazy for having cut their hands. Ryn hadn't been able to write for several days, afterward, so the 'sacrifice' had been harder on him than the rest of them. Regardless... Trev still remembered the lecture his grandmother had given him back then, not to mention her reaction when she learned that he'd sacrificed one of the handkerchiefs that she'd made him to bandaging Nal's hand, and how upset she had been about all of that.

When Gil mentioned being glad the lady guard had not arrested him, Trev couldn't help a little grin. "You know, I can't help but remember that when I first came back here, after being gone for a few years.. I had a black eye, too..." He confided with a hint of amusement at the coincidence. "I don't know if that makes you feel any better, but Cali and Iole made a big fuss about it. Gave me some ointment and stuff.. I might still have some.." He mentioned. "If you'd like to use it, I could look for it. It seemed to help it heal a bit faster." He made the offer to make it clear why he was bringing the ointment stuff up at all.

He was a bit curious when the guy seemed to hesitate at the questions about himself. When he called into question whether Trev had been insulting, or complimenting, him, he shook his head. "No, I meant nothing at all by it," Trev assured him. "Just, I can tell you're not from Minas Tirith, or anywhere close by. And it's fairly easy to tell you're from Belfalas. My brother's best friend lives in Dol Amroth. And my grandparents live at Lond Col, and work for Lady Azrubel." He explained. "I've spent enough summers there to recognize the accent, as well as some of the other clues."

Trev fell silent then, letting the other speak as he began to explain how he knew Gael. When he mentioned the lady's father, Trev felt a little uneasiness in his stomach. "Lord Estennin.." The name slipped out before Trev meant for it to, but he gave a small nod as he listened. He swallowed down any other comments before they could come out, and listened in silence. Except one, which he allowed himself to speak quietly; "I was very sorry to hear that he had died, too."

Trev took a slow breath then and shook his head, when the other young man apologized for saying too much. "I'm sorry that my question brought up painful memories." He told him quietly. He was not entirely sure what a 'valet is, but figured it was nice that the guy could keep his old job. When he put out his hand for a handshake, Trev paused out of surprise, then smiled and stood up before clasping his hand in his own right one. "It's good to meet you, too, Gildolen." He answered sincerely, smiling as he shook his hand.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Kaylin
Fifth Circle, Macardil & Ziran's house - December 28th, afternoon

"That sounds like a very cold way to grow up," Kaylin said thoughtfully, knowing that at least her being cold would not be one of her faults as a mother. Some day. As she looked about the room she noted they were done, here. She opened the next set of doors, toward the living room.

They opened up into the largest space yet, which had a very different atmosphere from the dining room and the kitchen. Where the dining room and kitchen used the typical white and beige Minas Tirith colours, and while their floor was made of stone, this room was… different. The floor was a polished, darker brown wood. The wall opposite from the wall adjacent to the dining room was covered, from floor to ceiling, in an undeep book case of a similarly toned wood. Not all of the shelves had been filled with books; some parts displayed other things, like a framed map or a small plant. What was similar, however, was the use of windows and light.

The floorlength windows of the dining room continued on the same side of the house in this room, bathing the room in natural light. The opposite wall had one set of double doors leading back to the kitchen, and a second set of doors leading to the patio.

Given the amount and size of all the doors, the wall made of windows, and the bookcase wall, hardly any furniture was placed against any of the four walls. The furniture present was all brown, mostly deep shades. A large couch was placed near the center of the room, large enough for at least four people to sit on it without feeling crowded, with a low and long coffee table in front of it. A small side table next to one end of the couch held another plant, and an indoor lantern. A blanket was neatly folded on the other end. There were several more plant standards by the windows as well as tall candle holders, to light the room when darkness fell. A standalone fireplace stood a ways removed from the windows, a thin chimney going through the ceiling.

In between the doors to the kitchen and the doors to the patio there was a low cupboard. A sheet music standard stood next to it. On the wall adjacent to the dining room, a painting of a lush green forest hung right next to the doors. While spacious, the room felt cosy and warm due to the books, the browns and greens, and the wood that had been used.

"Macardil and Karis might adopt at some point in the future," Kaylin said as she stepped into the room. Though she then suddenly realized that might not actually supposed to be 'known'. "I mean - he mentioned something about it," she added. "But um... yeah, if this Esme lady is just a bitter old bat, you can't just have her removed. And I have no ideas how to make sure she actually accepts or makes good use of any donations, even in the form of new beds or bedding or clothes. Maybe you could have better meals provided or delivered, though? Or like hire a new cook? Though that money won't last you forever, either. It wouldn't be a long term solution, I guess."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Eryn & Wisteria
Fifth Circle - Joining Kaylin for plant care
Dec 28th, Afternoon

Eryn couldn't help but agree with Kaylin's comment, but she said nothing as she followed her to the next room, briefly glancing at Wist.

Wist glanced down at her watering can, momentarily debating whether to say anything in reply to that, but in the end, she decided to let the comment slide without replying. "I need a refill." She declared instead, and skipped off toward the patio again.

As they stepped into the next room, Eryn stopped to admire how very woodsy it appeared. Especially that beautiful painting! She smiled as she looked around. "No wonder he and my dad get along." She grinned, thinking her dad would also appreciate how much of the outdoors had been brought indoors, not just in this room, but the whole house. She moved toward the nearest plant while Kaylin spoke of a few more things regarding the orphanage. "That's good, that they'd think if it." She replied thoughtfully. "I guess they could afford it, at least." She added. "Though I do wish I could think of some way of getting someone nicer put in charge. It'd be nice if people could not have to pay a lot just to take in a kid. It's no wonder the place is overcrowded," She muttered in annoyance.

"You know," Wist started saying as soon as she came through the doors, but paused to look around with a little smile. "Wow, it's so pretty in here, too!" She had to comment, as she'd only briefly glimpsed a little before running off to refill the can.

Eryn grinned. "What were you going to say?" She asked.

"Oh! Right. I was going to say, I wonder if we could get her on.. what's the word.." She paused, looking at Eryn as if she had the answer. "Like, when the boss of a business uses money that's supposed to be for the business, but for their own personal stuff?"

Eryn tilted her head. "Does she do that?"

"I think so..?" Wist answered, but shrugged. "I'm not sure. I always sort of thought she might, though."

"What is that even called?" Eryn wondered, feeling like there must be a term for it. "Does the orphanage get funding from the city?"

"Some, yes." Wist answered. "She was always grumbling about it not being enough, though. And I always sort of felt like it was 'not enough' because she was skimming off as much as she could, for herself. Beyond what she gets paid to run the place, that is."

Eryn glanced at Kaylin, curious whether this information might change things, and if she had any further ideas.

---

@Lantaelen

|
Dulinneth and Gaer, escorted by Toggornir
Dec 24, afternoon - 2nd level, outside the dress shop

This was the first time that either Togg or his sister had been to Minas Tirith. While he had been enjoying himself, getting acquainted with the taverns and other such things, Togg had also been instructed by his father to keep an eye on his little sister. See where she might go when she thought no one was watching. See whether she might attempt to contact a certain other brother she had. Apparently, according to his father's sources, he was hiding here somewhere.

Togg had no idea how exactly he was supposed to spy on his little sister and future fiancé when he was also expected to act as their escort, but he also didn't protest getting the opportunity to walk around with her. Azrain, not Linn. He would've rather Linn not be around, but for some annoying reason, she was always tagging along with Azrain. He didn't really get it. They were several years apart. Why would a young woman of Azrain's age want to have a silly little girl like Linn hanging around all the time? Still, for whatever reason, they were friends. And so, he made an effort to be nice today. Not just to Azrain, but even to Linn. He was putting forth his best behavior, acting the perfect gentleman. He had even offered his arm.. to both of them. Just for a chance to have Azrain hold his arm, he could endure the kid hanging on the other, he supposed.

But they preferred to walk ahead of him, much to his inner annoyance. Whispering in their girlish secrets. Togg clasped his hands behind his back as he walked, looking around. After the masquerade, he had, of course apologized, to her and to her family, for not making an appearance at the dance. That was what he claimed, at least. His story was that he had begun to feel ill a short while before the dance, and that, by the time he meant to be getting dressed, he felt so awful that he ended up laying down for a while, instead. And the next thing he knew, it was the next day. He couldn't exactly tell the truth, after all, and fortunately, he had his own room at the inn. So, no one could really confirm or deny the story, not even his father or stepmother, or the servants. He smiled faintly to himself at his own cleverness about that.

Ahead of Togg, Linn couldn't help but feel her brother's eyes on her back. She would have to be cautious of what she said about things, with him lurking around. At least he was acting ever so polite and well-mannered, with Gaer around. But Linn didn't believe his fake manners for a moment, knowing what he was really like. She wondered what he was up to. And she wasn't sure how she was going to do any secret investigating with him lurking around, either.

When Gaer leaned in and whispered, she gave a little laugh. "Really?" She whispered back, surprised. "But you had gloves on. And.. wouldn't it be on your fingertips?" She asked, in a hushed tone. Besides, it would probably take many, many hours of practice to develop any sort of callouses, right? She figured Gaer's 'callouses' must be imaginary, but she still tried to sneak a look.

Then her attention was diverted toward the dress shop. "Oh, look at the doggy!" She practically squealed in excitement. She wanted to rush over and pet the doggy, but she thought better of that, not wanting to startle the dog. "Hi Eryn!" She called, waving eagerly. "Who's this?" She asked, smiling as they drew nearer.

---

|
Eryn Raedor... with a dog

Looking up, Eryn smiled at her new friends, although she was a bit surprised to notice the new guy shadowing them. Not Abrazimir, today? She wondered about that, but decided not to ask. She waved at them. "I don't know." She laughed in reply. "He just ran up to me. I think he belongs to someone, but I've never seen him before." She smiled at the new guy. "Hi."

"Good afternoon, miss." He replied to the new girl.

"Oh, Eryn, this is my brother, Toggornir." Linn remembered to conduct some introductions. "Togg, this is my friend Eryn. See, we're safe. You can go now."

Togg dipped his head politely to the girl, and was sorely tempted to take Linn up on her 'dismissal'. But.. he was supposed to be escorting the girls and keeping them safe. And that was a rather big dog. Would he be neglecting his 'responsibilities' if he left now? Would their parents even know if he did? Perhaps they wouldn't tell on him... but he figured he ought to at least pretend to be doing his 'job'. "Be careful, sister." He warned, feigning concern for his sister. "It could be dangerous." Togg frowned as his sister crouched down to begin petting the unknown dog. "Dulinneth, you don't know if that dog bites or not."

She rolled her eyes and swatted his hand away when he reached to pull her back. "He's friendly," She assured him, giggling as the red-brown dog began licking her face. "See?" She scratched around his ears, grinning broadly. "Aww, you're such a good doggy, aren't you?"

Togg frowned and bit back a retort, but only because Azrain was there. And the other girl. Fine. Whatever. If she got dog-bit, he'd just tell their parents that he tried to warn her. Stupid girl. He refrained from rolling his eyes as he watched the girls.

Eryn couldn't help a little grin. "He seems to be just as friendly as Hattie, at least." She mentioned. "I don't think there's anything to worry about. It's not like he's growling or acting aggressive."

In fact, the dog was absolutely loving all the attention from these nice girls. He rolled over on his back, enjoying some tummy rubs and showing off how well he could wriggle around and act silly. Then he suddenly heard a whistle, followed by his name being called. And it was a voice he recognized. Sitting up abruptly, he looked past the group that had gathered around, and barked happily at a pair across the street.

---

|
Brooke, & Gwestion
2nd level, leaving the park adjacent to the Market

They had ascertained that Chewy was not in the park. Therefore, it stood to reason that he had left the park, becoming distracted by something, no doubt. Unfortunately, there were no tracks to follow, but Brooke trailed along with Gwestion, anxiously looking around for her beloved canine. "Chewy?" She called worriedly. "Gwestion, can you whistle for him?"

Being taller than Brooke, the northern ranger scanned around the area, but the market was sort of busy at this time of day, and he didn't see the dog anywhere. Upon Brooke's request, Gwestion whistled for the dog, the same way they had previously had success with getting him to come, at times when squirrels and such distracted him while traveling. "Chewy?" The two were alike in that they were both rather shy and tended to be quiet, but Gwestion's call was somewhat louder than Brooke's.

A moment later, they both heard him barking. "I hear him!" Brooke swiftly glanced around. That bark was so well-known to her by now, she doubted any other dog could match it. It had to be Chewy! But where..?

"Over there." Gwestion indicated across the street, to where her canine friend had apparently made some other friends. After waiting while a wagon passed, the two hurried across to where he had found several people to give him attention. "Chewy, there you are," Brooke sighed in relief as she approached, though she smiled shyly and awkwardly at the other people who were gathered around him.

Chewy happily pushed his way past them and threw his front paws up onto Brooke's shoulders, so unexpectedly that he knocked her backward a little with a quietly startled gasp, and she would have fallen backward if Gwestion had not swiftly caught her, steadying her. "Our apologies." He said to the others, giving a small nod of greeting to the ladies and young man there. "We did not notice he had wandered off, until a moment ago." He explained.

Brooke nudged her dog back down onto all fours, then looked at them. "He doesn't usually wander off," She added shyly. "Sorry." She looked down at her dog, worrying that they might be upset.

[Lantaelen]

@Rillewen

Lady Gaerlothriel Dimaethor
December 24th, Pelennor Fields, Gondor

Okay, maybe she was exaggerating the possibility of callouses on her palms. It had been the first time in a while that a noblewoman like Gaer got to be active with her hands. She felt some wear and tear on them. Being with Linny though, she was always unserious and carefree about precise meanings. They liked to have fun! It was all for giggles and smiles. Moreso today, perhaps, with that looming shadow behind them…

”Hi Eryn! How are you?” Gaer beckoned to Eryn first, clasping her hands on the other girl’s shoulders and giving her a friendly, half embrace, before finally turning her attention to the brown furred dog. She knelt on the other side of it from Linny, eagerly running her gloved hands along it’s side and neck. ”Hello!” She said again to the dog, using a playful, teasing voice. ”Who are you? Aren’t you so pretty? You are so pretty and gorgeous.” Gaer lavished praises on the dog in both Westron and Sindarin.

She looked up though when Toggornir tried to warn them that it might be a dangerous dog. Did he not see the dog so peaceful and calm around Eryn? If the dog didn’t like it, he or she would make it known. Gaer’s expression was neutral as she watched Toggornir, wondering if this protectiveness was genuine. Why didn’t it feel so? Her hands continued in rubbing the dog’s neck and back vigorously, when the dog’s posture abruptly was made attentive to something. ”What is it? Do you hear something, someone?” She continued on in the elvish tongue, both her and Linny just petting and caressing the dog, yet this approaching sensation had the dog’s full attention despite the girl’s combined efforts to love him.

A man and a woman were coming down the street, who called out a lovely name to the dog, whom answered in turn, leaving the trio of girls and Toggonir to rejoin the approaching couple. Gaer rose to her feet and smiled politely, giving an incline of her head to acknowledge the apologies and yet brush it off. ”There is nothing to apologize for. Chewy is a good dog and we are glad to have made it’s acquaintance. He has such a lovely coat. Like it shines under the sun!” Gaer praised the dog more, and looked to Linny, Eryn, and yes, even Toggornir for acceptance of this. Especially him. It was a very good dog.

”How old is she?” She inquired further, putting her hands on her knees and bending down to the dog a little, hoping she’ll get graced with a little more attentions before the couple had to depart, Gaer assuming they had their own business. ”Chewy, that’s his name? That’s so lovely. I’m Gaer, and this is Linny, and Eryn, and Linny’s brother, Toggornir.” She introduced the four of them to the duo and their dog. She did not say she and Toggornir were anything more. Just her best friend’s brother. ”How are you both faring today?”

[Rillewen]

@Lantaelen

| |
Dulinneth, Toggornir, & Eryn Raedor
| |
meeting Brooke, Chewy, & Gwestion
Dec 24, afternoon
2nd level, outside the dress shop

Though a bit surprised by the brief hug, Eryn had returned it and replied that she was fine, before Gaer began to lavish attention onto the dog. She listened with curiosity while her new friend spoke in elvish, for she recognized that it was elvish even if Eryn did not understand it. The dog seemed happy to hear her speak in the language, however.

Togg, meanwhile, tried his best not to sulk when the girls completely ignored his warnings. Honestly, what was the point of sending him along to 'protect' them, if they were going to just ignore his attempts at doing so? He folded his arms and held back a sigh as he watched his sister, fiance, and their new friend going nuts over the dog. Until two strangers came over, and he turned his gaze over to study them while Gaer spoke to the girl who looked about the same age as her, perhaps a bit younger.

"Yes, he's not only beautiful, but he's so friendly!" Linn agreed, glad when Chewy wandered over to her, Eryn, and Gaer again for more petting. She was actually kneeling on the sidewalk, happily giving the dog all of her attention.

"Linn, get off the ground," Togg muttered quietly, rolling his eyes. He knew that her mother wouldn't be pleased about that, at least. But she ignored him, and he decided not to make a scene by insisting. Instead, he stayed back and eyed the newcomers,

Meanwhile, Brooke smiled slightly to hear compliments about her dog. "Thank you," She answered shyly, though she couldn't help but smile a bit more upon hearing the comment about his coat. If the other girl had seen him the way he was when Brooke first met him, she'd be amazed at the difference. But she didn't comment. How old is he? Brooke blinked, looking down at her dog. That was a question she'd never really considered. "Umm.." She paused. "I'm not really sure.. he was already grown when I found him." She answered. The next question was easier to answer, thankfully. "Oh, yes, Chewy," She confirmed that much, at least. "He umm, does like to live up to the name," She added with a little smile.

When the oldest of the girls began introductions, Brooke mentally went over each of the names to make sure she wouldn't forget them while looking at each person as they were introduced. She paused and looked a bit longer at Eryn, curious as she recognized that name. Then, looking last at the young man with them, Brooke blinked at his appearance and looked down at Chewy instead, scratching around his ears briefly before looking up at Gaer again. "I.. I'm well enough. And you?" She asked in return. "It's nice to meet you." She added, smiling at each of the three girls there. "I'm Brooke.. and you already met Chewy." She smiled at her dog. "And, this is my friend.." She paused, glancing at Gwestion who had lingered a step or two behind her, unsure whether he would want to give up his name, so she left that up to him.

"Gwestion." He answered quietly, with a little nod to greet them. "I am also well." He added, before going quiet again, although, while they talked, he was silently assessing each of them to determine if there was any reason to suspect a threat to Brooke. The young man with the ladies had no weapon, but he did look as if he might have a bit of training. As for Gwestion, he did not have his sword, but he did have a dagger tucked into his belt, which was far less noticeable than a sword. And his cloak kept it concealed from sight, so not to alarm anyone.

"Your name is Eryn?" Brooke asked, addressing the red-haired girl with curiosity.

"Yes.. why?" Eryn asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Oh, I just.. um, I hope this won't sound weird, but.. do you know.. Domanol?" Brooke asked tentatively, having to remember to use that name, rather than the one she was most familiar with for him.

Eryn looked surprised, then grinned. "Yeah, he's practically my uncle.. I mean, he and my dad are like brothers, at least. I only met him like.. a few months ago." She answered, curious about why she was asking. "How do you know him?"

Brooke paused, then couldn't help a little laugh. "Well, I guess in a way, he's almost my uncle, too." She realized, amused at the thought, then explained. "I mean.. um, he.. well, he and my aunt are.. together." She paused, shrugging slightly. "So, I mean, if they ever get married, he would be my uncle, so..."

Behind her, Gwestion almost smiled as he listened to this revelation between the two girls.

"Ohhh, so you two are practically... cousins? Right?" Linn asked, looking from Brooke to Eryn, unsure if that was how that relationship worked or not.

"Cousins.. I'm not sure." Brooke hesitated, a little awkward, feeling like maybe she shouldn't be too presumptuous about that.

"Sounds good to me!" Eryn grinned, not minding at all about the thought of having a cousin close to her age. "It's really nice to meet you, Brooke!" She smiled at Brooke's friend, too. "And you, Gwestion." She added cheerfully. "Well, this is a happy coincidence, isn't it? Are you going to the dress shop, too?"

"Oh.. no," Brooke shook her head. "We were in the park over there," She pointed across the street to the adjacent park, "and then Chewy wandered off, so.. that's why we're here. But.. don't let us keep you," She added, anxious not to keep them from whatever business they had with the dress shop.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Airelen with Claery, playing with Renia.
as Lady Gaelanna and Anardil Thavron ready to leave the Sundial Park.
December 25th.

“Boys,” Claery shook her head in a show of despair, as she beheld the scene which had so gladdened Renia. But when she turned back to behold the sight of Airelen, raised high on her new friend’s shoulders, the maid’s smile returned. “What you doing there, Miss Airelen ?” she asked aloud, for the little girl had settled without concern upon her impromptu perch. And was busily engaged now in lifting strands of golden hair up, one after the other, as she beheld them in a quiet wonder. “Are you giving the mermaid princess a crown now ?” the maid proposed.

“I AM the crown,” she was informed by the child, with another less than perfect try at winking.

“You are wet through !” her mother corrected them, observing how soaked the little skirts were from when her daughter had been flailing about to avoid tickles, in the icy grass.

“We’d better get you home, and changed before you catch a chill.” Anardil put in, finding himself stood beside and supporting his wife.

To one side, Claery made a rude noise which the couple scarcely noticed. Which was just as well because their daughter duly copied the same rude noise, moments later, at the thought of leaving her new playmate behind. "Come with us," she begged the young blonde.


“Might I make request of your arm, my good sir,” Gael faced her husband, and raised up her eyes beneath the veil to find his. The grey pools were widened slightly by shock, but not unhappily so. “I have no want to slip,” she further pleaded for his compliance. And waited.

She did not have to wait long. Though it felt as though they had waited overlong. The squire extended his arm, and she poised gently over it. As they turned both to face the same direction rather than each other, her limb made contact, briefly, more than once with his. Until it settled there contentedly, gloved fingers curling as they could around his strong hand. And though the lady’s expression were hid behind her veil, her husband looked as though he had been handed the crown of the kingdom, or something even more precious and long desired.

“I would never see you fall,” he vowed as they began something of a stately procession back across the park.

“The other night .. I ..” she began until he pulled apart and turned, his shock rendering her to silence. The man might as well have raised a finger to his lips and bid her ‘Shhh’.

“They will hear you,” he concerned aloud, instead.

“They have no thought or ear toward us,” his wife assured him. “You are all mine.” She smiled, as she turned back to recommence their trek and the squire hastily saw his arm resume it’s role. To raise hers. To steady her. To be there … for her. In lieu of further words, they tightened grip. And if there was some fear of falling, it would not be any type of fall that would meet the icy ground.


“If you really want to beat the sea dragon, you must beat me to the swings ..” Claery challenged Airelen. Or was it Renia she really wanted to beat ? Either way the maid took up each side of her skirt's hem in a hand, and took off at an unrestrained speed, slipping some of the way but not at all slowing down in the least.

“To the castle !!!” the little girl bellowed, raising up one arm to ready a valiant charge in a last defiance of the competition.

---

Meanwhile, Gildolen Lhacrist, with Trevadir,
speaking at the Swings.

He had spent a lot of the last week, lamenting his lot in life. For he had lost all, it had seemed; both his past and now his future. But suddenly .. the present, what a gift ! For the more that Trevadir shared, about his life in the girls’ house .. the more Gildolen recognised how fortunate he really was, in comparison. Despite the idyllic company that the other far more easily enjoyed. He, unlike Trev, had a bed of his own, just for starters. He had a room in fact of his own, they all did where he lived. Nobody was left to sleep on couches or the floor.

“So. She likes cats ..” he quietly acknowledged the subtle tip about the object of his admiration. Felines troubled him not so much. Sometimes cats did tend to follow the Lady Ilisys home, or .. rather she would walk in, casually stroking one in her arms and then hand it to the valet .. as though it were a coat to be stowed away or something. But no, cats did not live at his house, not unless Claery’s grooming habits could see her named such a pet. She was certainly the most inefficient maid he had ever seen. But that was Lotte’s problem.


The offer of medical assistance, Gil did not rush to accept, nor to refuse. He had done his very best at avoiding anybody’s notice of the damage, let alone asking for anyone to inspect the damage .. until of course Claery had seen it. And now absolutely everybody knew anyway, or soon would. “I would sooner have his name, if you know it,” the valet decided. “The knave who hurt your sister, and gave you a black eye,” he then clarified. If he did not want to mess up again, the more information that he could himself with, the better. “It sounds as we know perhaps several of the same people,” he noted thinking more upon the matter, and also with some intrigue as the other dropped names and referenced places .. Lord Estennin even .. A brief duck of the chin expressed a respectful acceptance of this stranger’s kind words, concerning the dead. “Likewise,” the valet offered then, when apologies were made regarding bringing up painful memories.

---

“Gentlemen,” the squire made his approach known and declared the two younger men, or at least expected them to try and behave so. There were ladies present after all. “We are to take our leave, and head home. The ladies would like to bid you farewell.” He indicated said ladies, with a fluid gesture of a single hand, as Claery skidded to a halt before the two younger men.

“Trevadir, your friend is a treasure,” Gael approved openly with a nod towards Renia, as their approach came to a close before the ‘feuding gentlemen’. And though she did not release her husband’s other arm, she smiled even behind her lacy cloister.

"You mind to keep one another out of trouble, now." Anardil could not help but to add. As though they needed telling. As though they would listen anyway ..

[Lantaelen]

@Rillewen

Lady Gaerlothriel Dimaethor
December 24th, Pelennor Fields, Gondor

They praised the dog lavishly, even if it had been a stray or owned or a prize hound, it was all the same. A magnificent, glorious creature. And yet, even in the face of such sunshine made canine sized in front of them, Toggornir still somehow cast a shadow on them. Gaer could feel it even when it was not aimed at her. It was aimed at her dearest friend. Eyes flickered fugitively to look at Linny, how she responded to this. There was such…malice, in the way Toggornir seemed to speak. Even Gaer’s siblings, bossy as they were, did not have such piercing demand in their tones and manner of speech.

Why should she care? She cared so much, apparently. Because according to things her father taught her and informed her of, this young man might one day be her other half. He would represent her. And how he was acting now…was not how she wanted to be presented. In front of family and friends. In front of strangers. And now the dark cloud was on her heart, even among friends, festive occasion, and a dog. It just seeped like that. Like poison.

Fortunately, Chewy was there to rescue, and rightly held all the attention, as he deserved. The newcomers, his owners, did not know his exact age. He had been alone or a stray before. But they took him in and Gaer felt these were good people, to be so empathetic. Easy to trust and engage with. Not like that other one back there.

The tall man was Gwestion, who had a most curious accent and manner of speaking. The younger girl was Brooke, who in a strange and fascinating coincide, like in the vein of Eryn and Wisteria, already had some connection to the former. The two might even be related, if through marriage or other bonds of kinship. ”Oh, that’s wonderful. A true coincidence.” Gaer remarked, after Linny commented on their exchange. A happy coincidence.

The pair, with their dog, were not here to visit the dress shop. Chewy had wandered off, but here they were now, with a startling revelation. Why stop there though? ”We don’t mind really.” Gaer waved off Brooke’s concern about keeping them. ”We’re new to the city, my friend and her brother and I, we’re always happy to meet new people.” She turned back to Chewy, vigorously rubbing both his ears. ”Especially this little pretty boy.” She praised in Sindarin again.

”We’ll be in there a while, for fittings and tailoring and such.” She rolled her eyes playfully. Boring stuff, yeah? Lots of downtime. ”But if you two wish to catch up, learn more about your surprise kinship, why not join us?” Gaer suggested, glancing between the two. ”Lots of idle time. You learned one shared link. Who knows what other discoveries you might make.” Gaer beamed at them both, Gwestion and Brooke. But of course, they wouldn’t let a dog inside, so perhaps it would not be possible.

She sure did want to ask the older man where he was from. She felt like she heard his manner of speech before somewhere. A familiar dialect. Someone at the masquerade had spoken like him. Maybe the men could wait outside, with Chewy. Some time with the dog and seeing how lovely he was might be good for Toggornir’s mood. That would endear him a little to his future betrothed. They didn’t have to wait inside like her brother had, so dull and bored out of his mind.