Lord of the Rings Fanatics Plaza

@Arnyn

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Ziran’s grin broadened at his laugh, and she watched with a light in her eyes. It pleased her that he saw the humor in her comment, as she had intended.
When he finished laughing and commented about the coffee, she nodded with an amused smile. After a full meal she understood only wanting something light or a hot drink to relax before concluding, even if he hadn’t directly answered her question. But then he continued, and she once again found herself intrigued by his method of stating things. Layers. This man definitely had them.

Macardil’s shift to take a drink of water reminded her that she was just sitting and watching again, so she matched his gesture in taking a quick drink of her water to quench her thirst, the wine having been finished with the meal. She noted the sweep of his gaze around the room and smiled quietly as he signaled the waitress before speaking. Ziran considered a moment and then nodded acceptance of his suggestion and in acknowledgement of his question.

The young woman showed up promptly, so Ziran didn’t have time to answer him more fully. She shifted her attention and listened to the options with some interest at the variety of confections from around the known seas, including sweetened seaweed, lemon tarts, or delicacies of thinly layered pastry with nuts. When the girl paused, Ziran gestured with her free hand. “Those sound amazing, but the meal was particularly excellent, so this is just filling in the corners. Perhaps just a few of those spiced wafers you mentioned and coffee for both of us.” It was a simple enough request, and the waitress nodded before leaving with her usual alacrity and a last glance at the table.

Ziran took the opportunity then to answer Macardil’s question. “As to family, yes I do have some in the city, and you likely know most if not all of them.” She smiled at that. “Thûllir is my cousin, although not closely related. His father Brennyn is a former Ranger, who retired after a bad wound in his knee, and Nestaid is a talented healer. I often spend time with them as my duties allow, as they live here on the fourth circle, and it is a short walk to find company. Kaylin, as you know, is now also a cousin by marriage, which has been a joy. I of course also see them a bit more frequently when in the city. I had the honor of officiating their wedding…years ago now.”

The coffee service arrived then, with the heady aroma of darkly roasted and well brewed beans, and Ziran fell silent as the cups were placed in front of them and a small plate of spiced wafers was set between them. A smile and nod with a quiet “thank you,” was all that came forth. Waiting until they were alone again, she looked at Macardil a few moments with a quiet smile before raising her cup to take a sip. Meanwhile, not able to continue staying still, her hand shifted slightly to hook her thumb over his and started lightly tracing shapes across his skin. The beverage was potent and dark with a medium body as he had described, and brought a hum of pleasure from her lips before she spoke. “Very good.” Realizing her actions, she stilled her movements before posing her own question to distract herself. “You’ve told me of your father being one of Imrahil’s knights and your right to take up that mantel yourself, and yet, unlike many I know, I don’t recall hearing you mention a House name or association. Why is that, Macardil?”

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

While Karis listened to the options listed by the waitress, Macardil's gaze roamed to their hands. She wasn't pulling hers away, and she had been the one to reach out to him, but... Then again, she had also reached out to him several times the day before. There was no reason to think she might find his hand curled over hers uncomfortable. He would leave it where it was for the moment. Her voice drew his attention as she ordered some wafers and coffee. A simple order, and a light one. Was she accommodating his earlier mentioned preference, or did she share it? He took a thoughtful sip of what little was left of his wine.

The reply to his question drew his eyes back to her face. Hearing that Thûllir was her cousin mildly surprised him. He would have put that in their files, perhaps, knowing both had been extended an invitation to join the King's Rangers, but he had been the one to receive the files - not the one to make them. Thûllir and Kaylin's relationship had been mentioned, but not Thûllir and Karis' relation. He tilted his head to indicate that was news to him. At the name Brennyn, his eyes narrowed slightly. He thought... he recognized the name. Or did he? At the very corners of his mind, it sounded familiar somehow. Perhaps they had overlapped in service for a short while, or perhaps he had only heard stories of the man from other Rangers... Macardil couldn't be sure. It was a long time ago.

Karis continued and mentioned officiating Thûllir and Kaylin's wedding. Mhmm. Yes, that must have been a memorable family moment. Officiating a wedding... He wondered if she had ever done so before, or whether it had been a one-time thing, considering they were family. The most probable answer was that Thûllir would have asked her, he supposed. During the mission, Macardil had found Thûllir to be levelheaded and calm. In fact, he could see some similiarities between Thûllir and the woman now sitting at his table. Distant or not, their relation seemed to make sense. Kaylin... she had a sound mind, Macardil had found, and an easy way about her, but he had also found her rather impulsive. Uninhibited. And bad at hiding what she really thought or felt. The latter had been quite a surprise, since he had read in her file that she had received certain training and could portray herself as someone else. That meant that Kaylin could hide what she thought or felt, if she wanted to - but that she chose not to most of the time. Very different from Thûllir, whom Macardil had recognized as reflective and deliberate. That being said, Macardil had seen the spark between the two. Despite their successful efforts at adopting a mostly professional attitude during the mission, he'd found it hard to miss. "They make an interesting pair, given their dissimilarities," he nodded. "I was entirely unaware you were related. A stellar family you have in the City. A talented healer, a retired Ranger of Ithilien - the others all chosen by the King to be part of his Rangers. Impressive, Ziranphel." A smile tugged at one of the corners of his lips.

The wine glass was empty by the time the coffee arrived, and Macardil smiled his thanks when the waitress cleared it as she moved away again. His dinner companion had already thanked her for bringing the coffee and the spiced wafers, so there was no need to reiterate the statement. Looking back to Karis, he found her already regarding him - with a smile that made him wonder what she was thinking. The movements of her thumb almost drew his eyes away, but he resisted the urge and kept them where they were. Watching her expression, trying to figure out what was going on behind those dark eyes of hers. She was comfortable with him. That much was clear.
It still struck him as remarkable. She had said she trusted him, and had even shown it in some ways as well - today and the day before. Yet he still found it difficult to wrap his mind around that fact. But he hadn't realized until now that she was actually comfortable with him. Perhaps he should have gotten it earlier, but... it could be he still needed to re-acclimate to others a bit. Be that as it may - the realization humbled him. His stomach and chest momentarily felt as if he were tumbling under water.

He was downright staring when she hummed and spoke appreciation of the coffee, but since the motion of her thumb stopped right then, he blinked and dropped his gaze to his coffee. He picked up the cup and took a sip of his own. Her question regarding his father and his House, made him look back, even though he had thought not to re-establish eye contact right away. Macardil tried to keep it light, looking away from time to time as would be more usual during general conversation. "Ahh..." Why was that, she asked. "I never really... understood the point." He shrugged, glancing at the room before returning his gaze to Karis. "It could be a corollary of moving to Minas Tirith when I was young, I suppose. We left Dol Amroth before it became a habit of mine and I never saw the need to introduce myself as belonging to a House when it would not mean much, if anything, to most people here. I know that others do, and that is their prerogative." He shrugged. "But I have heard no one ask whether there was more to my name, or heard mention of a need to differentiate between me and some other who happens to carry the same name." He paused to take another sip of the dark beverage. "Why complicate things? Life is complicated enough as it is."

But... there was more. And if he were honest, it was even more important. His blue eyes sought out Karis' again. "I rarely tell people of my father's - my - lineage. Most simply do not know. I prefer escaping any consequent prejudice - be it good or bad. Without it, people can just see me for who I am. Not for the name of my House. I have no say in those. I do have a say in my own actions, my own words. My own accomplishments." He swallowed, realizing how ironic it was that he had fallen victim to Barguzlaam's binding. He, who prided himself on his actions over anything else. Holding back a sigh, he looked for a way to shift conversation away from that sidetrack before they could properly head into that direction. His eyes fell on their hands again.

"Would you perhaps like your hand back?" he asked, a bit more quietly as he very softly tapped his index finger against her hand two times. "That way you could hold your coffee in one hand and a wafer in the other." He was content leaving his own where it was, but he did not want her to think she could not remove hers. He would not see it as rejection; so he thought it best to offer.
He took one of the wafers, but did not proceed to take a bite just yet. Muted amusement hinted at the corners of his eyes as he allowed himself some playfulness. "Or do you like it where it is?"

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Ziran wondered a bit momentarily at what Macardil was thinking when he abruptly blinked and looked at his coffee just as she started to ask her question, but he responded quickly enough. The answers he gave, and that he wanted to be known for who he was rather than his lineage, made sense and fit with what she had seen of his nature. She nodded thoughtfully and took another sip of the potent brew. She understood wanting to make one's own mark on the world and making a name and reputation for oneself that was earned by acclaim rather than preconceived notions. Despite keeping the use-name given by her father, here hardly anyone knew the heritage of the name or the meaning it held in her area.

When he emphasized that he did have a say in his own actions and accomplishments before pausing to swallow, she winced internally and nodded again even though he looked away. It would have hurt tremendously to have that control and identity taken away, even if it had proved temporary by the actions of the King.

His seemingly abrupt change of topics by quietly asking about her hand made Ziran pause a moment to adjust, but her lips twitched in a smile as he continued. Her gaze had also shifted when he drew her attention with the tap, but she looked back at him then with an almost solemn look besides the crooked curl of lip she couldn’t quite suppress and a lifted eyebrow. It would be more efficient to use two hands, but she honestly didn’t normally do so anyway. Deliberately she put down her cup and considered her response as he asked his next question. At the words, however, an amused but slightly shy smile bloomed. Ziran glanced down at their hands and let her thumb move again to trace over his knuckle and back before looking up and speaking equally quietly. “I think I like it where it is for now.” She paused again and picked up a wafer in turn before searching his gaze. She nibbled on the wafer and swallowed before continuing. “You don’t need to give it back.”

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He'd been watching carefully again for a reaction to his last question. The shyness in her smile made him shake his head with a soft smile of his own. Such an interesting mix, that shyness, with her confidence. His eyes flicked back to their hands for but a moment when she traced her thumb over his knuckle, but they quickly returned to her expression, even before she spoke. She thought she liked where it was. He held back a chuckle, the amusement only showing in his prolongued smile and the small sparkle in his eyes. He did not need to give it back, she said.

"Mhmm," he hummed in response, but did not elaborate as his gaze locked on hers and he proceeded to eat the wafer he'd been holding. When he was done, he regarded her for a moment longer. She was not opposed to silence here and there - that much was obvious. There had been several throughout the meal, but he had found none of them awkward. Charged, perhaps. Not awkward, however. Macardil shifted his own thumb into the palm of her hand, drawing small circles. The memory of when she had put her hands on either side of his face the day before, suddenly came to him. He finally tore his gaze away to pick up his coffee. He did not want to risk a spill by not paying attention.

While taking a sip, however, his focus returned to Karis once more. "You mentioned earlier that you had been building things for your father. What things do you build then, for the man whom I would presume gave you your second name, given its meaning?"

@Arnyn

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

Somehow Ziran managed to finish the wafer she had started while Macardil merely hummed assent and smiled at her. It was good to see the sparkle in his eyes even though she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Watching the shift of light and shadow held her attention. When he started drawing circles on her palm her stomach dipped, and it wasn’t until he dropped his gaze to pick up his coffee that her heart steadied again. She blinked and picked up a second wafer to almost absently dunk it in her coffee, eating it as he asked her about building things for her father. His question indicated that he understood the language of her home, and she bit her lip a moment before picking up her coffee for a sip and to clear her thoughts.

He would have felt the calluses of sword and bow, hammer and carving tools, each forming its own piece of the map. Her gaze flicked to her palm and then back up to him as she replied. “As you know, many followed the lord of our green hills to the defense of Minas Tirith, and not many returned from the fight. So skilled hands were needed to carve and strong backs to help repair homes and furniture. I helped fill the gap. My father taught me as a child to wield carving tools and construct simple things, to hammer a nail in straight and what wood was sound or suited for each use. There were tasks that needed several to accomplish, so I lent that hand. Rebuilding a shed that had fallen in and repairing the roof of the storage barn, and dealing with the fences for pasture that are just easier with more people.” Ziran took another sip and then continued. “My skill is more with the carving though, so I made replacement bowls and other dishes of wood for the home and as gifts, and added ornamentation to the chairs and table that needed adding for my brother’s children.” She smiled slightly in memory. “As to the name my father gave me…it is somewhat of an occasional tradition in my family to give this name to the eldest daughter when they do not stay near the home. Thus, only a few of us have borne it, as a reminder that we always have a home and family.”

Her smile lingered a moment and then faded. She had clung to that name through dark times, but not many outside of her family knew. He had been vulnerable with her, however, and she felt it only fitting to share in return. “I began to call myself only by my second name during my captivity, and was glad for the opportunity to thank my father for giving it to me, as it helped see me through when I felt adrift from my identity.” A trace of a smile returned as she glanced at her cup and then up at him. “To know that I was cared for and cherished…helped ground me. Even now I like the reminder that although I have changed in many ways, that is still the same. So my family still uses it, although I go by the shorter form with friends who may not understand as much as you apparently do.” Her eyebrow lifted in question even though her words were more of a statement. It made sense when she thought about it, that some in the noble houses would still understand the tongue even though it wasn’t much used anymore.

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

He dipped his head in acknowledgement when she mentioned many had followed the Lord of the green hills to Minas Tirith. He sighed mentally when she said not many returned. It made sense, but one did not always stop to think about the effect that had on their communities as a whole, instead of on the people's families alone. He could see her 'filling the gap', as she said, and a smile formed on his face again as he tried to picture her hammering and carving. It was an easy image to conjure, for some reason. Repairing a roof... Macardil tilted his head as he listened. A remarkable woman, indeed. In more ways than one. His next thought made him drop his gaze for a moment, still smiling. Perhaps he would speak it out loud, later.

He saw her smile fade, then, and his thumb hesitated in response. The explanation that followed pulled at him, and he went very still as she spoke. He got the distinct impression this was something she did not share with just anyone. She was returning the trust he had given her with his own vulnerability, earlier. The urge to reach out to her, almost shelter her, welled up with a sudden roar from deep within, but this was a public place and he did not feel free to do as he would. It saved him the question of whether she would think it presumptious, however. Be that as it may, given the situation they were in, he instead tightened his hand around hers.

Now... What on earth to react to first?

"Words cannot express how reprehensible it is that this happened to you," he said quietly. His blue eyes spoke not of pity, but of recognition of pain - different as her pain may have been for her than it had been for him - as well as of a deep sorrow. "That this world can be so dark, the people in it so evil... Despite the beauty of the sun and the moon, the kindness that can be shown by one man to another, and the glittering of the dawn upon the green leaves of the forest." His hand slid up her wrist and part of her forearm. "Your father is a wise man, honoring the family tradition and giving you such a name. How could you be anything but what it means?" After everything she had told him, he was certain her father's heart was filled with pride at who and what she was.

He fell silent for a moment, the wafers and coffee forgotten as he looked at her. He would give this moment the attention it deserved first.

After what might have seemed like a long time to the two of them, but what was in reality not that long at all, he acquiesced to the question her lifted eyebrow posed. "Yes. Despite Sindarin being much more studied in Dol Amroth, my family has always thought languages to be very important. I am by no means adept at speaking it myself; the grammar and intricacies of Adûnaic are truly beyond me - but I have knowledge of its vocabulary at least." A pause. "The use of the shorter form by friends would be intriguing, that is if they knew what it meant. Any gentlemen who call you as such, at the moment?"

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

She had felt his hand tighten on hers before he replied, and although she couldn't quite read all the emotion in his eyes other than sorrow, his words gave some insight. Her gaze warmed, and she just barely managed not to react when he slid his hand further up her forearm. He understood even without knowing all the details, and that meant a good deal to her. His words were beautiful, and relaxed and soothed the jagged edge of emotion that had risen in response. The complement before he fell silent brought a touch of heat to her cheeks, but from pleasure rather than discomfort. He had answered her question rather obliquely, acknowledging he knew the meaning of the name, and affirming it.

When Macardil fell silent she waited, his gaze holding her until he spoke again. She nodded at his comments about his family placing importance on languages, and then listened closely after his pause. An interesting question indeed. Most did not know Adunaic, and thus didn’t have the accent that lent it more meaning. Hearing it spoken it was just a name. There had only been one gentleman years ago, and that had not had anything behind it other than amusement at the name as far as she could tell. It would be very different if the one in front of her now was to use it, however.

"No" was her low-voiced reply, and a smile hovered on her lips. "Not…yet." She didn’t think she needed to ask him to be careful with its use If he chose to speak it. He had shown great care with her thus far. Ziran bit her lip as she looked at him, and then reached out to him with her other hand. Her heart felt slightly shaky but her hand was steady as she gently placed her finger against his lips. “Not here.” It came out as a low whispered request before she removed her finger and placed her hand over his on her forearm. She had said she would happily wait until he was ready to leave, but there were some things that she was not willing to discuss even in the semi-privacy of their table, and couldn’t respond to as she wished.

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

No. He kept his expression calm at her response, but it required considerate effort. Not... yet. His lips quirked into a half smile at that. Her finger against his lips put him on edge. After she removed it again and put her hand over his, he took a slow, measured breath. He nodded - just the one time - as he gauged the look in those dark eyes of hers and considered her last words. They might not have been a request, per se. But he understood instinctively where they were coming from, and the knot in his stomach told him he need not overthink it for once.

"In that case... If you wish to leave in favor of that walk, I am not opposed to the idea," he said, slowly, keeping his eyes fixed on hers. It would not take long to pay for their meal. He could even do so at the bar - he had done it in the past. Part of him wondered at the sudden urge to leave the tavern where he felt so comfortable, and another part questioned whether he was accommodating a subtle request from her or rather his own needs.
"I realize it may not be far to your home, but if you do not wish to roam more of the City under the cover of darkness, I will be just as content to escort you a small ways."

@Arnyn

Karis Ziranphel
Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

She wasn’t initially sure how he would respond. Would he push the issue or change topics on her to diffuse the situation? No. She watched the reaction appear in his eyes before his single nod in response to her whispered words, and her lips tilted in a slight answering smile. His words, though slow in coming, confirmed that he had understood her at least to some extent, and was willing to leave for some more privacy. It was her turn to nod, and she squeezed his hand once in response to the look in his eyes, replying quietly. "Then I would be delighted if you would escort me home, Macardil." Her smile bloomed briefly before her features returned to more serious lines. "It is a far enough walk to stretch the legs after such a meal, and short enough that it is not tiresome." Her words were light and in a more normal tone as she straightened and then paused, but her gaze was still intent before she slowly withdrew her hands from his.

Ziran was not usually one who left even a drop of coffee in her cup, valuing and savoring it as many soldiers did. This time, however, she felt no need to add to her edginess and reached instead to drain her glass of water after a quick glance at the table before looping her scarf once more around her neck. She looked at Macardil again and couldn’t help the small quirk of a smile that tilted the corner of her lips before she pushed back her chair and rose in preparation to leave. It had been a memorable meal, and not at all what she had anticipated. “I’ll meet you by the door.”

@Karis Ziranphel

Macardil
The Bay of Belfalas - Fourth Circle Tavern

There had been no doubt in his mind that she would agree to his suggestion, but that did not make it any less satisfying when she verbalized it. Delighted, she said. And that smile had been uncharacteristically unguarded, he thought.

Her guardedness returned quickly enough as she continued and straightened her back, but Macardil figured that was more for the benefit of the other patrons of the tavern. He easily let go of her arm when she moved to withdraw, and watched her finish her glass of water. On any other night, with any other companion, he would have checked whether the water bottle was empty and he would have finished his coffee and the wafers. Not this evening. His mind was otherwise occupied. What was left on the table had been quite forgotten. As she stood up and said she would meet him by the door, his manners did kick back in, however. Not that quickly, Karis Ziranphel.

Smoothly, Macardil rose to his feet and moved to her chair, lifting her coat in the same fluid motion and holding it out for her. "Allow me," he requested more than said. When she did, it was a simple pleasure to step behind her and help her into the woolen garment. He stepped in a bit closer as he did so, only long enough to say: "By the door, then." Once he was satisfied the black coat was on properly, Macardil headed towards Turgil.

After weaving through the tables with purpose in his stride, he put a hand on the bar. "The meal and the wine was excellent, as usual. Do pass my compliments on to your cook, he is rightly proud of the dish. What do I owe you, good man? "
At Turgil's reply, he retrieved the necessary coin from a pouch hidden under his blue tunic. Sliding them over to the tavern's owner, the latter gave him a look. Macardil ignored it. "Thank you," he just said. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Turgil raised both eyebrows slightly as he handed Macardil his cloak, which he had handed over to the barkeep upon his entrance. "You too, lad..."

Ziranphel was waiting by the door, as she had said she would. Macardil whirled his black winter cloak around him as he moved to the exit. He then held the door for her. "After you," he said, and followed her into the streets of the Fourth Circle.

@Arnyn
Captain Pele Alarion
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

"Sometimes I am not sure what to make of my own feelings and instincts, sir," Pele responded and shook her head slightly. "Sometimes I wonder if I am overreacting; and yet, it is difficult to just keep living comfortably when I know that the Umbarian and any of her accomplices could strike at the most unexpected moment. Suppose, proper peace will come only if the threat happens to be completely eliminated..."

She listened in silence to the King's orders regarding her safety, and his recommendations. and acknowledged it with a slight nod as she considered her words. Pele was not too happy to pull in other people into this matter and subject them to danger, but at the same time she knew that she might not be able to deal with the threat all by herself. And now, with her additional responsibilities... Besides, others were already involved up to their ears, though perhaps any revenge would not be aimed directly at them, not right away.

"Yes, my King," she eventually responded. "I understand and orders will be carried out."

A small smile then replaced her frown, as she added further thoughts: "I already suspect a couple Rangers are already looking out for me without me asking, though I can officially instruct them to do so. One of Relic's underlings had made her way into the Barracks somehow, and was caught by two Rangers I had shared my story with. I've heard the woman has escaped the dungeons, though..." She looked at Aragorn to see his reaction to this piece of news.

"But a guard in the headquarters and perhaps even the barracks would not be amiss," Pele said, thinking that she would prefer the Rangers to gather intel and be aware of the situation in general rather than play her bodyguards in the narrow meaning of the word. "And I will surely think about the second in command," she promised, aware of safety aspects, the benefit of shared responsibility, and the implications should she disappear.

@Pele Alarion
He nodded. "Very well, Captain." When she brought up that one of this Relic's people had made their way into the Barracks, he looked... displeased. And when Pele Alarion added that this person had even escaped the dungeons, the King's face was mastered by surprise. A breach of the dungeons? Wasn't such a thing important enough to inform him? Even if it was a stand-alone incident...

"Yes, a guard in the barracks you shall have as well, for the time being," he decided after hearing the news. He gestured to one of the citadel guards trailing them about a dozen steps back. "You are being temporarily reassigned to guard the Captain as you would guard your King," Aragorn ordered. "You will be relieved as usual." He turned to Pele. "At the fourth bell after noon, this man's shift is over and another one's begins. Eight bells later, the process repeats itself. Tell me now where you will be at the fourth bell after midday. I will inform the next guard." He nodded at the citadel guard who was coming with her. "You are to tell every guard who leaves your side where you will be eight bells later. They will send word, and thus we can make the rotation seemless. I realize this might require a bit more planning on your end, Captain." A faint smile. "Welcome to my world."

@Arnyn
Captain Pele Alarion
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

It seemed that the King was displeased with the bit of half-checked rumour to the point that he was assigning her a guard right this moment, and Pele found herself somewhat surprised at the immediate decision. It meant that she would have to reorganise the whole way she planned her days. If a guard was constantly with her... how was she to run off on a bit of relaxation adventure all by herself and whenever she wanted to? And then she imagined going for a cup of tea to the Wayfarer's - would that mean she'd have to get tea for the guard as well? She did not think it would be easy to convince a guard to sit down to tea instead of doing his direct duty.

"I will do exactly as instructed, m'lord," Pele responded to Aragorn, struggling to reign in amusement at how she'd handle simple everyday matters while under a watchful eye at all times. "And it seems that my patients at the Houses of Healing will have to get used to the idea of seeing a guard with me at all times, even if it is outside the door of treatment room."

After a moment of thought, she asked: "What would be best for trips further afield and for several days, such as my home in Lossarnach, perhaps longer training sessions and similar? I'd suppose a Ranger or two would be best in those cases so that the duty of the citadel guards would not exceed due hours excessively."

Even if Pele felt like complaining of the fact that what she thought of as her private relaxation times would now be cut off significantly, she did not dare do so aloud - not to the King for whom such routines of having guards with him were normal. Flexibility is key, she reminded herself mentally. And gratitude, at all times. After all she might not have been here at all, had Relic managed to do all she had purposed.

@Pele Alarion
"When it concerns Ranger activities such as long training sessions, patrols, missions - yes, I expect you to assign yourself guards among your own Rangers, Captain. You may choose who you may or may not inform. As for personal activities that would take you away for several days or weeks even, I suggest you either wait for a more opportune moment or turn to your friends among the Rangers as well. For the latter group I will count accompanying you as time served, since it serves your protection."

"I realize this makes your life a whole lot less... private, Pele. But I imagine you prefer safety above privacy. At least for the time being."

"We will reevaluate the situation in two weeks. Seek me out again then, Captain, and we shall talk and reassess." He gauged Pele's expression. "Agreed?"

@Arnyn
Captain Pele Alarion
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

Pele considered the option to restrict leaving for lengthy periods of time for reasons other than Ranger business, as her gaze took in the courtyard. She found that her desire to leave and wander around was not fueled by the usual wish for adventures or enjoyment of nature, as it used to be - lately it was rather a compelling urge to escape the possible presence of her enemies and vanish from their sight without leaving a trace for them to follow. And yet she was now bound here by increasing burden of duties, and the King's suggestion which she took as an order. There was a saying though that the best defence was a good offence... Her blue eyes narrowed in dislike when she recognised the lurking fear in her heart, and she made herself lift her chin and turn her attention back to the King.

"I do not foresee any urgent lengthy absences for these two weeks," the Captain stated her agreement to staying mostly put for a certain period of time. "I suppose I will get used to not being able to get out and about on a whim, or else any unfortunate guard on duty might end up in most interesting situations." Having an impromptu tea party with a citadel guard amused her, yet the only sign of amusement was a slightly lifted corner of her lips.

After a brief pause she nodded: "In two weeks. Will be done, my King," Pele voiced further clear agreement. "I will also see if I can use the time to find out more information and figure out ways how to eliminate any possible threats, if any exist."

@Pele Alarion

"Rest assured, these men are very good at what they do," the King said. "And discreet." It did take a lot of getting used to, and if he was honest Aragorn was still in part acclimating to all the different things that came along with kingship. "You may of course discuss the details with the guards as you see fit. They are very well aware of what they can and cannot do while serving as your protection." A lopsided smile mastered his face for a moment. "Although that does not mean you should put them through the ringer, Captain Alarion. I will hear about it if you make their lives unduly difficult." He raised an eyebrow.

"Well then. I think we can call this meeting to a close. Thank you for coming, Captain. I will speak with you again soon."

Aragorn nodded at Pele, and turned. After a glance of his grey eyes to the guard he had reassigned, he then nodded to the second guard to follow him. The first guard stayed with Pele as the King and his remaining guard walked back toward the Citadel itself.

There was much to be done still this day.

@Arnyn
Captain Pele Alarion
Seventh Circle, Court of the Fountain

"I don't doubt their skill at all, m'lord," Pele said, and was quite sure of that; and yet she wondered if they would know how to handle Umbarians who would probably not charge in head on and imply all sorts of sneaky tactics. Yet, she was grateful for some additional protection. "I will try not to overburden them, as much as possible." She thought she would just inform the guards of the necessary details and otherwise just leave them to do what they did best.

By habit, she snapped off a salute in return to Aragorn's nod and said: "Yes, my King."

For a while she stood and looked after the King, and then turned to the guard who was waiting for her. "Well... Suppose, it is time to return to daily duties. Most of the day at the headquarters today; I am not sure how familiar you are with the layout, but I have no doubts you'd get accustomed to it quickly enough." Feeling that she did not need to tell the guard how to do his job, she headed off with one last look at the fountain to enjoy its joyful bubbling before she committed herself to working within closed walls for many hours.

Kaylin
First Circle
@Rillewen
@Aikári Salmarinian

Kaylin was glad to be back in the City. "Fiiiiinally," she breathed with some irritation but mostly relief, as they passed through the Great Gate and the familiar hustle and bustle of the city envelopped them like a cosy blanket. A relaxed smile found its way to her face. Home.

Baerden spotted Silinde and raised his hand to the knight through the crowd. "Oy, Silinde! Good day to you, sir! You have the thanks of the ladies!"

Kaylin rolled her eyes. Of course she was thankful for the knight's kindness, but she hadn't actually toldBaerden as much. She turned her head a bit to look back at Eryn. "Well, I would accept the gold and see how it can help with the dagger. Whatever is left, you could return to the man. As long as he's still in the city, I'll be able to track him down easily enough." She had the connections, after all. "Or give what is left to Baerden, if you like, to help with things in Osgiliath."

Baerden shook his head. "Everything we ask the Crown for, is granted to us in the way of funding. It is more that we lack the people. Everyone is busy elsewhere, it seems. So we have no need for your gold." He smiled over his shoulder at Eryn. "Although the thought is much appreciated."

Swan Knight Silinde Merenion
First level, city gates.

Speaking with Isandril was a kind of relief to him. He couldn’t say much more as the small trail was coming through the gates with Kaylin and Baerden. And the other woman riding on horseback. Until now he hadn’t learned her name personally, or heard it speak by the others. He saw Baerden’s raised arm waving over the heads and heard clearly, despite the chatter, what the man said. Silinde smiled and gave a salute back with his right arm in the air. Customary he was not in the screaming talent. He could. He had thus the thanks of the ladies. That was excellent they had accepted it and he felt good by it. The essence of a swan knight as it was. Share values if the other had need for it. “We will catch on later, Isandril,” he said to his friend and gave him a pat on the shoulder to say goodbye. “In the Screaming Goose on the first level on the south side of the town,” said Isandril and turned grinning away. He would have a good night of feasting ahead.

The crowd by the gate was rather thick to get easy through, so Silinde jumped back on his horse and used the beast to get the wagon with the two on it. The chattering hive around was like market in distant lands. What did they say all? But Silinde didn’t need to understand Westron to know what facial expressions could tell. And those told more than words ever could. He had attained his knighthood for fifteen years of bravoury, and like his lord and lot of others they had come back unscathed from the battle. The secrets of Numenorean blacksmiths wasn’t lost in Dol Amroth to create excellent armour, which had protected most of the men and women. Knighthood was a position of honour and came with a code to live by. The other Swanknights were his brothers and sisters these days.

There was a possibility that Baerden wanted to team up with him, out of curiosity who Silinde really was. That was how the friendship with Isandril and the others came to pass right after the battles, in the ruins of Minas Tirith. All of that had changed. He gazed around at what he hadn’t seen before. The old and new was visible, but it was also what made a city alive and breathing. The material was still stone, but the stones seemed happily as the sun glistered up the little glass crystals. They were not dull like last time. He gazed back at Kaylin the back of the wagon. What would be happening now? Westron was a pain and he disliked the sound of it. “Sure, Baerden,” he said finally. “What now?”

@Arnyn @Aikári Salmarinian
Sitting in the wagon beside Kaylin, Eryn was quiet and thoughtful as the group passed through the main gate. She had not meant for anyone besides Kaylin to hear about her dagger, and now it seemed everyone knew about it. She should have waited to comment about it until she was someplace more private, she realized. She'd know better for the next time something like that happened, at least. At least her father was unlikely to come into the city, and so was unlikely to hear any gossip about this, if people started talking about her and Kaylin's entrance in the wagon.

As for the gold, she wasn't sure how much was there, but couldn't help thinking that whatever amount it was, it was too much. Especially since she had really brought this predicament upon herself, and didn't feel that she deserved to have someone just give her the money. Though she did feel appreciative of the gesture, she felt a little guilty about accepting it, and therefore somewhat awkward as she didn't know how to turn it down without seeming ungrateful.

Then Baerden called the knight back over to them, and Eryn glanced up in surprise. She had thought he was long gone, and now it seemed he would join them yet again, though she wasn't quite sure why. And she still didn't know what to say, since he barely understood Westron. And Baerden had already told him thank you for her and for Kaylin. "Um, yes, thank you." She figured she might as well confirm that she was, in fact, grateful. "But I'm sure it's far too much..." She frowned, unsure if he would understand what she'd said. "Surely, you have a greater need of the money yourself, sir?" After all, as a traveler, he would surely need money for expenses such as a room, food, and whatever else.

Kaylin
First Circle -> Second Circle

Baerden blinked when Silinde told him "sure" and asked "what now?". He had only meant to acknowledge the man and thank him for his generosity, but he had not expected the knight to join them once more. Perhaps Silinde felt somewhat responsible for them and wanted to ensure they arrived good and well at the houses of healing? He'd heard that knights were at times ridiculously courteous.

Kaylin smiled as she heard Erynneth trying to be polite about how the coin was too much. "Perhaps gold means little to him, Eryn," Kaylin suggested. She raised her voice a bit. "Sir knight! My friend is concerned you might end up missing the coin you gave us. Can you rid her of her worries?"

Meanwhile, Baerden was not stopping the wagon, taking them onwards to the Second Circle. It did not take long before they reached the gate and they were let through after they gave the password. Despite the conversation that was or wasn't continuing, Kaylin finally drifted off into a light snooze. They could wake her when they got to the sixth gate, if necessary...

Swan Knight Silinde Merenion
Arrived in Minas Tirith, level one to level five....

Silinde never considered what wonderings being a knight called up with strangers. He was obliged to aid the defenceless, the destitute and the weak. He had a sworn an oath to Lord Imrahil to uphold a range of morals and values that went with knightship. He was not a soldier, an agent or even a ranger. Half of those rules were of elven origins, the other half from old Numenor. They were a stronghold in the corner of known Middle Earth that was hated and envied by the coasts in the southeast. It was rude to turn your back without a proper goodbye or farewell, or well wishes. The gaze from Baerden spoke stories to tell. Silinde ignored the expression to avoid embarrassment. He looked from the woman on horseback, whose name was Eryn as Kaylin in the wagon was calling her and answering. He understood it partly as the fluent conversation with Isandril required not much thought.

Yet it was Eryn who spoke to him and Silinde looked at her listening. It was Kaylin who spoke next and elaborated further, and he nodded thankfully. “Adleithaind?” he translated to himself. “Hmm? Eh…” Collecting his thoughts and putting them to Numerorean didn’t go by heart with him. “Not worry, Lord Imrahil’s coin, not mine,” he explained. “Meaning for needing people. Each knight has coin with him. Not mine to keep.” He nodded hoping they could get the meaning of the gift. He shook his head. “It is not to return.” Swanknights were an entity in this world, not easy understood outside the borders of the lands of Lord Imrahil and his family. The hills and mountains east were not inviting enough to pass over, so going west was more logical.

They left the gates and travelled into the city, where from the first to the second circle was somehow some barrier? That was extremely odd to him. He changed positions to ride up front and pave a way that they could pass unhindered instead. He bore noble presence and sat upright looking forward. It was an attitude that made guards salute straightaway without further interference. Anyone could adopt such bearing as it was not inherited by blood. It took some guts to do, but Silinde had plenty of that. He could easily be an emissary. Gates three and fourth weren’t a problem at all. But behind gate number five Baerden could pass unhindered further with Kaylin and Eryn for the healing houses at level six. Silinde stopped there. He nodded to Baerden to go further. “I join shortly with you,” he said. He would pick up someone here in the neighbourhood.

Map to help us out in MT.

@Arnyn
Hearing that the coin was from Lord Imrahil, and intended for the needy, Eryn only felt all the more uncomfortable about accepting it, but it seemed that the knight was set on this, and said it was not to be returned. She bit her lip and nodded, unsure how to argue that, but also unsure how she could feel right using it for herself. "Well...um, thank you." She replied. Hugging her knees up to her chest, she sighed softly, deciding not to keep on about it. Kaylin looked to have dozed off at last, and Eryn kept quiet so not to disturb her resting friend. Perhaps she would find some sort of use for it, which would help someone who was truly needy, although she couldn't think of anything right now.

Arriving at the gate to the second circle, Eryn supplied the password to the guards there, knowing they had their orders not to let anyone through who did not have the password. Plus, it helped that they recognized her from her frequent trips to deliver dairy products to the citizens. She suspected that they would have let Kaylin through regardless, seeing that she was injured, and probably Baerden since he was driving the cart. But since Eryn did know the passwords, it didn't hurt anything to give them anyway, to make things easier. Until they reached the sixth gate.


"Hello," He greeted the driver of the wagon with a friendly smile. "Do you have the password?" He took a look at the party who had approached, and came to take a look in the wagon to see what was inside. Two ladies were inside, one apparently injured, another younger one sitting with her. "Houses of healing?" He guessed, thinking he may have to escort them there, which presented a tricky situation, since Korsey had not arrived on post yet, and Ric was the only one here at the moment.

Eryn nodded slightly. "Yes sir. I'm sorry, I don't know the password, but she does." She was reluctant to wake Kaylin, but it was necessary. She gently shook her shoulder until Kaylin stirred. "Kaylin, we're at the sixth gate," She explained.

Ric waited patiently, feeling a little bad for having to disturb the patient on her way to the healers, but orders were orders. He didn't usually work this gate, but was supposed to be training a new guard. Who unfortunately, wasn't there yet, or they might have had a chance to learn something right now. "My apologies to disturb you, ma'am." He said once the injured woman had awakened. "Your companions don't have the password." He explained softly. "If you have it, could you just verify that for me, and vouch for these two with you.. otherwise I'll have to ask them both to remain here while I escort you to the healers."

Kaylin

She was pulled from a pleasant slumber by someone. Kaylin frowned lightly as she woke, hearing Eryn's voice. Eryn. Right. Sixth gate. Right. Kaylin automatically moved to sit up straight but was quickly reminded of her injury and thus she bit back a curse as the guard at the gate apologized to her. Kaylin almost rolled her eyes at him calling her 'ma'am'. She wasn't THAT old...

"Of course," she said to put the guard at ease. "It's fine." She did move, carefully, enough to look at the guard in question and to look around to find the Swan Knight gone. She spoke the password. Not knowing the guard, she would have to tell him a bit about who she was if she were to vouch for her friends. "My name is Kaylin Maethyr. I'm a Hyandaner Ranger of Gondor, my residence is in the Sixth at the Men Thalad Cirbann and I so vouch for these two, who go by the name Baerden and Erynneth. Baerden is a former soldier of Gondor, and both he and Erynneth are friends who would see me to the Houses of Healing. Perhaps once we reach the Houses, one of them would also be so kind as to check my place of residence or send word there, in case my husband is home, so he can be informed of my situation. Will that suffice, Lieutenant?" She'd quickly noted his designation of rank and hardly realized she'd used it as an appellation.

Swan Knight Silinde Merenion
Arrived in Minas Tirith, level five.

The streets were rather narrow on this level. He watched the cart with Baerden and Kaylin going into the tunnel accompanied by the maiden Eryn. People from Dol Amroth and surroundings were also in this town, some lived here for a while, others were merchant visitors mostly and would return home. But now he met with another knight, who had come from further north. They spoke in Sindarin. “Anything news?” Silinde asked. “Not much really. Realms of King Aragorn is well established. And skilled rangers keep the borders with the outerlands safe,” said the other knight, Alagos. “Anything in the south?” “Probably new raids from Umbar. There are too many spying ships on the waters of Belegaer,” said Silinde. “Lord Imrahil informed?” asked Alagos. Silinde nodded. Other than their commander, there weren’t other ranks among the knights. They came up for the weak and destitute. “You have coin you can miss?” asked Alagos. “You need something?” asked Silinde. Alagos nodded. Apparently he was out of money, so Silinde shared what he still got with him. He withheld Imrahil’s gold as this was meant for other purposes. Alagos nodded again. He had to return to Dol Amroth and it was still a week stiff riding on horseback. The meeting was rather fruitless, as so often than just exchanging money to each other. It was for the road to cover any costs that rose up, with meals and beds and such.

“Silinde? You’re often in Edhellond too? Still lots of ships leaving from there?” asked Alagos. “Not that many, but enough,” said Silinde with a nod. He didn’t want to say too much. “I look over the Lond Cobas, but never see grey ships leaving, when we are home,” said Alagos with some regret in his voice. “Were you hoping to go with them?” grinned Silinde. “Sometimes,” admitted Alagos. “We have a different destiny as them, as knights,” said Silinde. He waved somewhat around the direct questions and remarks not answering them as that was fruitless hope. All knights knew not to fuel hopes as the Numenoreans once had allowed to happen to them, with disastrous consequences. The old language lay very sensitive in Dol Amroth to use, because of the association with Annatar, alias Sauron. They had adopted a lot of the Sindarin culture instead. And the Sindar who left Middle Earth went by night when there was a bright moon. Most people were asleep then, except for the guard on duty. Seldom their ships were spotted as the grey of the ships blended with the water and the rocks. A light could indicate something was passing by, but quickly it was gone in the west. “Sad they are leaving,” commented Alagos. Silinde nodded. “Yes, it is, but they have a different destiny from us.” He never felt regret knowing they left, he was rather glad not to live forever. The changes he saw, were enough for him and one day he would be through with that all, and leave for other realms where his forefathers dwelled. He would have to leave soon and rejoin with the small group of Baerden.

@Arnyn
Listening as the injured woman spoke, Ric nodded as she identified herself and the other two. Kaylin Maethor, he noted in his mind, in case he needed to remember that later. "Yes, that absolutely suffices, thank you, Hyandanar. I'm terribly sorry to have disturbed your rest, and I hope you have a swift recovery." Ric answered, relieved that he would not have to leave his post. Opening the gate, he waved to Baerden, and let the cart pass through before closing the gate again.


Eryn waited, slightly anxious as Kaylin answered the guard, wondering if he was going to let her stay with her friend. When he waved them through, she let out a silent breath of relief. She wasn't particularly needed at the houses of healing, but she hoped to stay near Kaylin and keep her company, if nothing else.

"He was nice, at least," Eryn commented, glad for that. She'd encountered a few guards in her life who weren't so nice. "I'm sorry we had to wake you, though." She added. "I'd be happy to go check your house, once we get you to the healers." She had already thought of offering to go, in fact. "Is there anything you'd like me to get for you from there?" She tried to think of what sort of things she would want if she were going to be staying at the houses of healing for a few days.

Kaylin
Sixth Circle

"Not a problem, Lieutenant. And thank you, I have to say I hope for the same..." She fully understood he was doing his job, and she appreciated people taking their duties seriously. Moreover, he had been very friendly. She would try and remember his face. It surprised her that she had never seen him on post there before.

Once they were through the gate that gave access to the Sixth Circle, Kaylin relaxed. This circle had been her home for years now, and she loved it more than any other part of the city, even though it didn't have the hustle and bustle she so appreciated about the first circles of the city. When Eryn spoke, Kaylin smiled at her. "Aye, he was very nice. PLease, don't be sorry you had to wake me!" Hadn't she said something about that being okay earlier? Or had she just thought about it to herself? Her head was a bit fuzzy.

Eryn's question caught her a bit off guard. "I don't know..." she said slowly. "Maybe. I guess that depends on what the healers say. If I don't have to stay longer than is needed for a check-up, I don't really need anything. If they order me to stay there for a few days, then yes..." Kaylin made a face. "I really hope I can just go home after they take a good look at the wound and maybe re-dress it or something." Hirgond had seemed capable enough, right?

Meanwhile, Baerden was steering them steadily toward their destination.

To be continued in the Houses of Healing thread

Swan Knight Silinde Merenion
Arrived in Minas Tirith, level six.

He closed down the conversation with Alagos and departed further to the sixth level. He could continue straight through without any objection and Silinde arrived at the healing house where he found the empty wagon of Baerden and Kaylin. They had arrived which was good. And inside were sufficient healers. He had no business here further and rode on towards the houses where the dead were buried. Not only the kings of Gondor were buried there, but also other people of renown across the centuries and with them the latest fallen from the last battles. He left his horse at the wide courtyard and read an information board which held a map of this area. A visitor could find his way without bothering anyone. Not many came here, as the dead of Minas Tirith were usually buried in another place. Two knights lay here resting for eternity. Two men he had known, gotten drunk with, shared tales and stories and fought together against a mighty foe. Outlanders were quickly forgotten in faraway places.

Both deceased men lay entombed in their coffins on either side of the corridor. In splendour their images were carved into the closing stone. Silinde touched their faces, each separately, and said softly some words in Sindarin, hoping their spirits would hear them. “I, Silinde, have come from the south. All is well. I remember the fun we had, the spirit we fought with. Our paths have diverted for now, but will cross again in the future. Rest well.” He had his hand on his chest and gave a short bow to each of them. He left nothing behind, even it could be done. They lived on in his memory as long he breathed. Otherwise they were recorded in the annals of their order. One thing he knew, they had died too young. It was a sad matter than happened in war, and could not be reverted. Outside he had a magnificent view from the walls up here, over the south going Anduin. It was beautiful up here, but could not steal his heart. That had happened long ago in Dol Amroth.

He left the houses of the dead, walking then back to the streets of the sixth level, where the more wealthy and nobles of the town lived. This was also back in Dol Amroth, richer and poorer parts of town. In Minas Tirith it was about the view. In Dol Amroth it was about the ocean. The poorer parts looked mostly out over the bay, but picked also the most beautiful shots of the dusks late at night in the summer. But even the poorer neighbourhoods in Dol Amroth did have to climb the stairs to the walkway that led to Lord Imrahil’s citadel and view from there the great ocean. It was not a private view, but that didn’t matter. Private could feel lonely, but socially shared by the neighbourhood a very happy happening was after a day of toil. He trailed his horse behind him, until he found a stall where he tied up his horse and sat on the outside enjoying a light beer.

The small collection of rooms above the shop were not overly generous with their space. Although he might be judging them unfairly, given how long it felt like he’d been holed up, and simply pacing their capacity without reprieve. He had not spent so long indoors for as long as he could remember. A dusty dance of footprints betrayed his disquiet, the scars of his restlessness strewn all about. There was a broom propped nearby, that he might have made good use of, or at least engaged with to spend coiled energy as well as time. In fact there were no less than seven brooms in the otherwise empty chambers. If he had not been so intent upon other matters, he might have cared, at least enough to ask, what was the purpose of so many of so similar a thing. He doubted that he would have received a straight answer anyway.

Unfurnished, undecorated, the owner had done naught yet to stamp her identity upon any of the first floor. He did not mind. The only feature which he needed was provided; the window from one room in particular, that gazed out on the scene he wished to view. The perfect position to watch. To wonder. To rear up from in a curse of agitation, and perform a further orbit of the room. It was infuriating, to have come so close. To stand by, and to see .. yet still be as a world away from that he had come all this way for.

“It has been a long time,” Ilisys filled the doorframe, ran one finger down the length of the wood before her eyes sought out the bearded visitor. Her pale moon face turned upon him then, unrelenting, with those eyes that never seemed to blink. Her ‘guest’ threw his back against the peeling white-painted wall, and his gaze away from his torment. His fingernails were thick with dirt, he realised, bringing up his hands to catch his face before it fell.

“This is a bad idea,” he decided.

“And you have never had a bad idea before.” she assumed of him the very opposite. Those grey eyes prising away all his will to evade their attention. As though she could see all. He was not sure yet if he liked this woman. But there again, that was besides the point.

“What have you heard ?” his brown eyes flicked up with a hint of jest, although their motion spoke more so of concern.

“All have ears,” the Belfalasian mentioned. She crossed the room, tilted her head and laid one hand upon the Man’s shoulder. Thoughtfully, she patted it, several times, as though she felt she ought to try and comfort him, but never had tried before. “He will hear you,” she expected.

It was not like she could know for certain. It had been a terrible long time, and long parts of it indeed had been more terrible than they had any right to be. Much much more of it had never even been broached. If this then was to be an end to the unknown, for good or for ill, he had only to cross the street. It might as well have been a mountain range, or a chasm that straddled the one side of the road from the other.

“I have given him words,” the lady declared, now lifting her one hand, somewhat gingerly, as though she had just run it along a sideboard to check for dust. She was as tall as he, the Man observed, now that they were stood close enough to see right. Even without the elaborate carriage of her perfumed hair. He did not smell quite so delightful, the stark contrast and a sudden self-consciousness informed him. He should have gone to the bath houses first perhaps. He could have at least ..

“Can you sit ?” Ilisys wondered as she crossed back the length of the room, and slid down the opposite wall, until her long fingers were sowing a circled outline of her pooled skirts in the dusty floor. Serving as example. When that failed to inspire him, she raised an index finger out in front of her, and lowered it slowly, wordlessly. Slowly, wordlessly, the Man sank down in a fold of shadows where the window’s beam of early morning could not reach. “You can sit.” she answered for him, approvingly, as he opened and then closed his mouth.

“And when he comes .. when he wants to know ..” Gwandhyra shook his dark head and paled clandestinely beneath his sun-baked skin.

“He knows you,” she smiled absently. And gently batted away a loose fall of dark hair which had escaped it’s decadent bonds to curl around her tapered chin.

“It has been a long time,” the long-errant wanderer recalled.






The rooms above the shop were not overly generous with their space, yet their keeper was content. More space would have meant more room to rattle about in, now that he lived alone. More space would have meant more places to pile up belongings that served no other purpose than cultivating dust. Everything in his small residence had been allowed to remain because it served some purpose, it had it’s place. And he felt ridiculously in control when he could see all that he needed at a moment’s notice. There was very little room for sentimentality and when it did appear, was not immediately obvious. A certain book set on the shelf held more meaning than anyone could guess within it’s bindings. Still it sat along with all the other books, only the gentle wear that softened it’s cover to suggest it was by far the most frequently studied. Other things .. he could neither bring himself to ever look at, or to throw away. These things were generally stowed deep, in locked drawers. There was a sense of knowing who a person was when you walked into their home, their life laid bare. His was ordered, neat, and anything he did not want for all and sundry to be aware of, was purposely concealed. It was a very small number of people who the carpenter let into his abode anyway.

The one who rapped excited knuckles on the door that sunny morning was a thing most treasured and tiresome in equal doses. Where all of the energy the younger man exuded came from, his father could not have said. Save that he was somewhat like his uncle. Similarities had been remarked upon before this day, and would be resurrected in the Gondorian’s mind, every time that his well ordered and neat world was invaded. A smile replaced any wont to finish washing up the breakfast dishes. Drying his hands, he made it slowly and steady down the stairs, to unlatch the strong door from his hideaway unto the shop below.

Sensing movement from the small glass panes in the door, Unalmis waved excitedly, almost exploding with anticipation as his father took his time admitting his guests entry.

“I am not yet open,” the former Ranger opened the door just enough to inform them, and then relented, as ever he had meant to, before he got more than halfway to closing up again. “So there is time,” he smiled. Drawing back the defences of his humble home, he allowed room for entry, and all but shook his head as he saw whom had accompanied his son to come and see him this day. Never had Unalmis more reminded him of Domanol than in moments like these. It was not unlike a glimpse into some past invasion on his time, by those that he would not begrudge. There would always be time, because there had not always been. And that required serious compensation.

“We have news,” Nal imparted with as much and as little as he could manage. For it was not his news to disclose. The young man looked to Duinion expectedly, as did Addhor now also, with a slight duck of the elder man’s head to welcome the other.

“It is good to see you,” the carpenter mentioned calmly, and with recognition of just how important this was be, for their old friend to have braved the market place. It was still early of course, he was not the only business not yet about their day. But still there might be crowds to manoeuvre before too long. “It has been a long time.”

The walk down from level six was not that bad. That was one good thing to that meeting having been set very early in the morning... not very many citizens were stirring yet, so there were not too many people along the streets. It helped that Unalmis was eagerly leading the way, as if it were he who had suggested going to see Addhor, and not Duinion. He could have laughed at the young man's excitement, when he arrived and seemed set to beat the door down. It reminded him of...

He mentally pushed away the pang of sorrow at the loss of his best friend. Deep down inside, Duinion was reluctant to accept that Domanol was dead, as was commonly believed, yet it didn't stop him from missing him. Perhaps that was another, subtler reason why he had such an aversion to coming to the city, he thought absently as he stood by the door, waiting for it to open. There were so many memories here in this city, both good and bad, but most of the good ones seemed now bittersweet. Domanol, Idhrenel, Dawion, even Odessa, the closest he'd ever had to a mother...all gone. He wished he'd had a chance to see her again, before...

But this was not a time to think about sad things. While Unalmis was excitedly waving, Duinion grinned at his young friend's enthusiasm, while giving a quick, last-moment polishing to the new badge worn at his shoulder. At last, the door opened. He wasn't all that surprised it had taken Addhor so long to come to the door. He had to come from upstairs, after all, which couldn't be an easy feat for the man, although he did get around well enough on that wooden leg. He had made tremendous progress in the last few years, and that made Duinion very happy for his friend and former comrade. The recent trip to Rohan had proven just how much progress Addhor had made with his recovery. And now he had this very nice shop to show for all the long, difficult road to recovery.

The shop had a nice, woodsy smell to it. It was almost as if Addhor had, in a way, managed to bring the forest to himself. Stepping inside after Unalmis, Duinion couldn't help a little laugh when he blurted out that they had news. Nudging the young man with his elbow, he gave a small shake of his head, hazel eyes gleaming happily, trying to signal the young man not to reveal anything else. Duinion had intended to refrain from mentioning anything about the 'news', being curious to see how quickly the former ranger would observe that very news for himself, pinned boldly to Duinion's shoulder where there had never been anything pinned, before. "Indeed, there is some news," He smiled, almost in a teasing way, as if he were going to make Addhor guess what their news might be, trying (not entirely successfully) to keep from outright grinning. At least, until Addhor would notice it...

Dusk readied to draw her drapes upon the day, and Sorrel was none too sorry about it. Her high boots were warm from standing in the warm sun, so that her feet felt they may have melted into the leather, and her legs ached for a want of exercise. She had never imagined that duty as a guard would call for so much standing around, nor that such a lack of movement could be so utterly wearisome. All the thrilling prospect of chasing down criminals and keeping the streets safe mocked her naivety though she fought hard to keep her face set and serious. Not least of all because she was here under supervision of her mentor.

'Ric' looked to all purposes not much older than she, which was not a particularly good foundation for taking him too seriously. Moreover, she had an inkling that this particular young man had given her younger sister a hard time at school. Though she wasn’t sure. He seemed cordial enough to her at any rate, since she had been ushered under his direction; and he had behaved professionally on every occasion she’d been sent to shadow his duties since then. This was her first time on the front gate, the Great Gate, and it carried that much more prestige than simply any circle gate within the city walls. This was the first point of entry, the last means of defence against foreign invaders. And it was her job to mind each and every arrival with all the attention one might owe a potential threat, whilst still maintaining an amiable welcome to those who were harmless. Quite how she was meant to tell the difference was a trick that apparently only time would train. So for all that having a lieutenant present bred self-consciousness and second guessing, so too did it lend an element of understated security. He hadn’t had cause to call her up on any calamity as yet. She had almost survived her entire first shift in this capacity, flavoured only by his occasional advice and her awed interest in the variety of folks who passed them, in or out, and sometimes both in the same afternoon. One day, so she was informed, she would know most of the regulars by face, let alone by name. But as the diminishing light began to drag at her resolve and alertness, she only knew that she wished she was home already with her feet up.


They had chosen this particular time of day with just such a deliberate intention. Not least because the gathering gloom would better shroud those details they would rather keep secret, but because of the burden a long shift could render on even the most stalwart of City Guards. It was not difficult to identify the greener official. Her uniform was stiffer, and darker, and she glanced occasionally to her colleague when she had completed a turn at allowing entry. She was seeking for approval, or at least assuring herself that there came no complaint to her efforts.


“I am not entirely approving of this,” the Belfalasian sighed, stating his morals for the record, and in case the Valar were for whatever reason paying any attention.

“You are not breaking any law," the man close at his heel assured him, in low tones. "We are none of us breaking any law. And no one will get hurt.” They had dismounted some feet away from the main path to allow this hushed exchange. The Elf stood off to one side of the two men quite on purpose, though he could easily follow their whispered exchange with his enhanced sense of hearing. He glanced away as though he was, and very honestly might have been simply, bored of what they believed was intrigue.


Turning his attention to his mount, the Immortal made soft words in his native tongue toward the animal, in no apparent urgency to enter the walled city. Erfaron had arrived a good ten minutes before either of the Mortals whom he had travelled all this way south from Eriador with. He had avoided their camps since passing into Anorien, and seemed in fact all the more glad to have been so liberated of their company. Colourless eyes scrutinised the scene with a placid frame of face. A shocking spill of thin, silver hair screamed over both shoulders in contrast to his lightless garb, and he held back as the two Gondorians made ready to approach the gate. Timing of the thing was paramount.

“Greetings,” Warder inclined his head as he headed toward Sorrela, his companion bobbing to follow suit just behind him. In fact Gwandhyra was stood so close to his distant relative, that they might have been conjoined. It was difficult for the young Guard to tell where the one man ended and the other one began. Their clothes were similarly travelstained, though there was not dust enough in the world to pale properly the colours of Lond Côl. A bursting golden orb rose on either man’s chest, basking in the cerulean blue of it's surround. The same heraldric emblem was daubed without subtlety about the caparisons of their clearly well-bred horses, which might too have been twins, so alike did the two beasts stand. Each dark haired man wore a deep navy cloak with gold rim, and the younger met the woman guard with serious grey eyes. His older, and more bearded companion, flicked up warm brown eyes but momentarily before leaving his companion to break words for them both.


“And to you, good gentlemen,” Sorrel met them both. “Is it your will to enter the city of Minas Tirith this day ?” she carried through the motions of a script she’d surely speak in her sleep all that night to come. But a smile was managed. They were not unhandsome and she marvelled at the rich colours that they bore so calmly.

“It is, at that,” Warder agreed, calmly, and presented his papers. “My kinsman and I are come to visit with our noble Lady, of House Azrubêl, who resides within your city walls. May we have leave to enter ?”

Private with @Ercassie


The day had been weary. Not because of the new recruit he'd been asked to train, but simply because of the amount of traffic that had come through, and the lengthy amount of time spent on his feet. Ric honestly preferred patrolling to gate duty, but he would never complain about what assignment he received. It had come as a slight surprise to learn that part of his duty as a lieutenant would include training of newer guards. At first, he had felt rather tentative about it. He wasn't sure he would be very good at that, though he tried not to let on. It didn't help matters that he was fairly sure he remembered this young woman from school; yet another who disliked him for no apparent reason that he could understand. But she was a couple of years older than him, if he remembered right. It was easy to confuse the Korsey sisters, for there were five of them... that he knew of anyway. If he was right, she was the oldest, though he hadn't ventured to ask. Still, despite his misgivings, he wasn't entirely sure if she recognized him. He took slightly more care than usual, throughout the day, to maintain a polite and respectful manner. He wanted to give no reason whatsoever for any later accusations of his being rude or mean to her, as used to happen all too frequently in school.

Thankfully, there was not much time left in their shift. He'd lost track of exactly how much time was left, but it shouldn't be more than half an hour. The light was fading as the day came to a close, and he estimated that before long, the traffic through the gates would die down, as most people by then would have gone home for the day, to enjoy supper and then bed. Travelers in worn clothing were not so unusual, so the two who approached did not look so out of place. Ric had seen the younger before, and knew the emblem they wore to be in association with the estate of Lond Col. He further knew that Lady Azrubel did, indeed, reside within the city, and so the reason the man had spoken for their visit matched perfectly with what Ric would have concluded. Still, the way they stood so close together made him somewhat wonder if there was a particular reason for it. It was almost as if something could be hidden beneath their cloaks... but what reason could they have for such a thing? A brief possibility flashed through his mind, that perhaps the silent, unknown man could be holding a weapon to the other's ribs... and just as quickly as that thought entered, he hoped that it was not the case. He certainly did not want to have any hostile activity to deal with, especially with a new recruit around!

Recruit Korsey's greeting was well done, Ric noted with a tiny nod, but then there seemed a slight hesitation, as if she had a twinge of uncertainty. Perhaps she was also considering the very things he had just thought about? He took a step nearer to the group, in support of the trainee. "Do you intend to stay long, good sirs?" Ric spoke up, hoping to spare her from showing any obvious self-doubt in view of the travelers. Despite the length of the shift, he had frequently dusted his uniform off, trying to keep it as clean and nice-looking as possible. Especially the two stars, showing his rank as Lieutenant, of which he was very proud. He kept a friendly smile as he addressed the two travelers, keeping his stance non-hostile, yet not relaxed, either. Making sure the stars were easily visible. "The hour is late; will Lady Azrubel be expecting you this evening, or shall you be needing an inn for the night?" He inquired, keeping a cordial tone, partly stalling to give the trainee time to remember what else she ought do, but also trying to gauge the mannerisms of the unknown fellow, trying to perceive if he seemed any sort of threat, or whether the younger seemed threatened in any way by his presence. For that was part of their job too; to direct folks to the places they wished to find within the city.

The Marketplace
The small home of Nelladel Alarion
above the Bakery
@Pele Alarion

She didn't know why but she was actually excited to be getting away from the city if even for just a few days. She hurriedly packed the last of her things into her pack and tied the strings then rolled it to secure it. "Mourgan!" She called for her son who was in the other room. "Yes?" He answered as he pulled back the curtain to her small room. "Are you certain you have everything?" She asked as she hurried around. He sighed at her question. "Once more Mother, yes. I've gone into battle being less prepared then I am for this trip." Of course he was being sarcastic. She'd only asked him a dozen times. She turned her green eyes on him and pursed her lips. "Fine then here.." she shoved her pack into his arms causing him to grunt lightly."What in Bemas name do you have in here?!"

"Just what I need, essentials is all." Her explanation caused his eyes to roll as he adjusted the weight. "Whatever you say." He left the room to go downstairs and outside to pack her horse, he pitied the poor beast. Still in her room Nell made one last glance around the room and was satisfied she needed nothing more. Adjusting her trousers she left her home and headed down stairs into the bakery.

Andarion, her adopted son and bakery helper met her there. He handed her a pack stuffed with all kinds of foodstuff and bakery items. "Here's all you requested." She took it with a smile. "We'll be back in about a week, kiss those babies for me." She lifted up on her tippy toes to kiss him on the cheek and he returned it. "Mother, we're going to be late if you don't stop hugging him." Mourgan reminded her causing her to smile. "Love you all." She pat his hand and turned toward the door.


Mourgan took the pack and added it to the pile on the pack horse then moved to help his mother mount her horse. A pretty roan gelding with a sweet manner and easy going way. Once she was settled he mounted his own horse, a bay gelding with a bit of spitfire in his eyes. He gathered his reins as he spoke. "I'll follow you to the gate. I hope we didn't miss her." He was referring to his Aunt, Pele.. otherwise known as Captain. "We are 10 minutes late because you couldn't decide on which tunic to bring. Does red or blue really matter?" He asked as he ushered his mount closer to hers. "It does to me." It was the only answer he would get as she guided her mount through the many shoppers in the marketplace. Mourgan adjusted the lead rope of the pack horse and watched the pack for any needed adjustments then turned back forward.

It seemed forever to him but it was a pleasant ride for Nell. It wasn't often she left the city so she was soaking up every ray of sunshine she could. Closing her eyes briefly she turned toward the sun and took it in for a moment. Her horse slowed and she returned to looking forward and urging him through the thick of wagons and carts.
Then she seen it, the gate. "See, she's not even here yet." Nell stated. "Or.. we've missed her and she's left without us." Mourgan chimed in. "I highly doubt that Mourgan. Come along, we'll wait over there." She motioned to a small clear area not far from the gate. She pulled her horse to a stop and turned him so she could see more clearly who approached the gate. "There, we can see well from here." She settled in to wait while Mourgan aligned his and the pack horse to stop next to hers.

Pele, meeting Nell and Mourgan
Searching for Some Freedom
By the Great Gate
@Isolde Alarion

Months of being under watchful eyes of constantly changing guards seemed to have worn Pele down, and she had reached out to grab the possibility to leave the city for more than a few hours as if it were a lifeline. And even so she had made sure to get in the daily exercise, and had gotten carried away a little while tackling one of the obstacle courses.

When she realised that she would be late, Pele was very happy that she had come out here already prepared for travel. Her horse, Temper, made no sign that her light pack, bedroll and weapons encumbered him in any way, and he welcomed the hasty canter back to the city, as much as it lasted. Unwilling to trample the people coming in and out, Pele gradually slowed her horse to a walk and finally dismounted to make sure she could control his head and see that he wouldn't bite anyone on a whim. Also, it gave the opportunity for her guard to finally catch up on his less speed-loving horse.

Pele made her way through the crowd, hoping that her mud stained clothes would not leave dirty marks on anyone - she had hastened back almost from the last muddy ditch she had crawled through. Finally she caught sight of Mourgan's strong frame first, and then Nell nearby, and steered for them.

"Nell, Mourgan! Sorry, got carried away on the training grounds," she said apologetically when she had reached them. "But I am all ready to leave whenever you are."

Then she turned towards the guard. "Mourgan... This Ranger here, that is, will be keeping an eye on me," she explained, while nodding towards Mourgan. "And your shift should be over in a couple of hours. I don't think you'll want to extend it to days, right? Go on home, I figure your folks will be happy to see you home earlier."

Mourgan and Nell meeting Pele
Searching for some Freedom
By the Great Gate
@Pele Alarion

He'd just adjusted his riens when he heard a very familiar voice, he looked up to see his Aunt. His greeting mixed with his mothers as she also seen Pele. "You're here now and that's all that counts." Nell responded before Pele turned to introduce her guard. Mourgan eyed the guard with suspicion. Was he still needed despite being with them? He listened as Pele tried to dismiss him.

Mourgan and Nell listened as the Guard spoke up. "Respectfully I must ignore that order Captain. I've been instructed to guard you despite any order to the opposite you may give me. My orders come from the King himself Captain. He warned me you may try to send me off. Besides, I have no folks and the barracks are my home. They will not miss me Sir." He straightened his back and gripped tighter to his reins. He would not be swayed from his duty.

Nell tried hard to hide the look of amusement spreading over her face and Mourgan simply flicked his brows in acceptance. Nell figured she'd best speak up before she might be overcome with a round of giggles. "Well, now that that's settled shall we?" She asked motioning toward the gate. She wasted no time and when a spot opened she urged her horse forward with Mourgan and the pack horse behind her leaving room for Pele to ride beside her with her steadfast guard behind her.

Pele with Mourgan, Nell, and a guard @Isolde Alarion
Searching for some Freedom
By the Great Gate

Had Pele not had reigns in her hands and a horse nibbling on her shoulder, she would have crossed her arms before her, as she looked up at the guard, a frown on her face. "It was not an order. Your shift will be over soon, and I am allowed to travel with my Rangers for protection in case of longer than a few hours. Just so you know," she said, unwilling to appear as if she was contradicting the King's orders. Usually the guards were happy to leave after a shift of eight hours, and often she did not even notice when they changed. This one seemed to be more than stubborn though.

Pele patted Temper's nose and then climbed back into the saddle. "But do what you want - after the shift ends, it is your private time to handle as you will," she grumbled and turned her horse to join Nell.

"I really hoped to get rid of all guards for a day or two," Pele continued grumbling, though now quietly and only for Nell's ears. "It is so tiring to have one always mirroring my footsteps, for months now. So stubborn this one. Technically, I bet Temper could outrun his horse, and I could lose him somewhere..." Having said that, Pele fell silent realising that she must sound like a dissatisfied child.

"So what are the plans exactly, Nell? Since I'm just going along for a bit of a ride and some fresh air without any other plans of my own?" she asked, now in her normal voice.

Macardil

The double floor-length windows of his first floor bedroom were wide open, the heavier curtains undrawn, only the sheer white curtains flowing in the breeze coming from the city into the room. Since his release from the dungeons in early spring, he no longer slept with closed curtains, and with the current pleasant temperatures, even at night, Macardil gladly opened the windows themselves to let in both the sounds of the city and to not feel... encarcerated.

He knew he was lucky. It was hard to find a place to live after leaving a cell and when you had no profession to speak of. People judged you. Yet Macardil had money. And coin made things infinitely easier. He had but to say he was willing to buy and pay in full - and his demeanor, the make of his clothing and the contact information of the man at his bank, did the rest. He could not imagine how anyone without the funds he had at his disposal would find a home after being released from captivity, however. The prejudice would be crippling.

In his case, he had found a home that spoke to him. While he had formerly lived at the barracks, in a small room, without much personal effects - and he had no desire to accumulate a lot of useless items - the months spent in his small, damp, cold and dark cell... combined with him being stripped of any position whatsoever within the Rangers... had given him a need for something entirely different. His new home had spacious rooms, more often than not with many and large windows, and he had spared no cost when it came to the purchase of a large and comfortable bed, a similar couch in his living area and a few insanely soft armchairs in the room that served as his miniature library or study, as some might call it.

He had lost some weight during his time... off the grid... due to less sustenance and a lot of time on his hands which he had spent on body-weight exercises rather than on thinking himself into depression. The past few months he had been eating more but healthy, and the option of other types of exercise had rebuilt what muscle he had lost in some places, to complement the muscle he had maintained or even gained during his imprisonment.
Much of his time had also been going to the shooting his longbow, playing his violin, and the simple pleasure of reading books. He had been outdoors as much as he could, and had traded in pallor for his usual healthy tan. His body and his mind were well satisfied.

Socially, however... He had gotten reacquainted with a few of his old friends, but a larger number - whilst being perfectly polite when they spoke - no longer sought him out or seemed to have gotten much busier lives. It was possible, he supposed. And, even if it was a lie, he could understand some reticence on their behalf. That did not mean it did not sting, however. Luckily, there were those who trusted him implicitly, and who acted no different around him now than a year ago. And then there was the matter of Ziranphel.

The room was dimly lit, with only the moonlight filtering in through the sheer curtains. Macardil forced the thoughts from his head as he fluffed the pillow with an unnecessary thump or two. He needed to sleep. Tomorrow was a new day, and as always it would start with his morning calisthenics and a run through the White City when its streets were still quiet.

Searching for some freedom
Nell w/ Pele & Mourgan and once very determined Guard
By the great Gate
@Pele Alarion

Listening what she was allowed to do the Guard nodded his head and kept a stern expression. “Yes Captain, duly noted.” It swayed his decision not one bit though, he was going with.

Nell leaned in conspiratorially as Pele voiced her dissatisfaction, she smiled and gave a quick glance toward their guard then back to Pele. “I can only imagine how…”She searched for the right word. “Aggravating it can be to have someone watching your every step but the King feels it’s for your own good.” She shrugged and tried to give her encouraging smile. “Come along, at least you won’t be stuck indoors and I know how you love the countryside so let’s just focus on that for now, shall we? … and I do believe you could outrun his mount, on foot even.” A string of giggles followed.

Mourgan watched the two. They were as two young girls giggling and laughing, speaking in hushed tones. He watched the whole thing with a rather bored expression. It was good for the both of them to enjoy each other’s company as they were both dedicated to their work. He looked over to the Guard. “I’m Mourgan.”” He introduced himself. He might as well know who he’s traveling with. The guard returned the look. "Daryn Torben."

"See, now that didn't hurt a bit did it?" Mourgan asked being a bit of a smart arse to which the Guard..Daryn answered with the raise of a dark brow and a pursing of the lips as his hand adjusted the hilt of his sword. Mourgan laughed to himself and heeled his horse forward.

Nell laughed to herself hearing the whole thing but she turned to Pele when asked where they were going. "Well, I have some trading to do for some spices and then we have some business to attend to at Mourgans farm. I thought the fresh air would do us all some good."

“Indeed ?” Addhor repeated, as Duinion joined Unalmis in withholding the ‘news’. “I am sure it must be extremely important for you two to have come rushing down here,” he remarked. “And both all turned out in uniform,” he observed keenly. Though said not what he had observed yet. They wanted to draw this out, and he would oblige them. So, what might they possibly be both so excited about ? The former Ranger’s son had previously mentioned that they had been warned of a royal visit, when he had come for his last dinner visit. The two of them had agreed some while back, to undertake such a meal together on every Tuesday, unless some prior engagement should take precedence. Efforts then to ask Unalmis about ‘progress’ in his chosen vocation had very swiftly been cast aside in favour of the King’s visit.

It had been all the young Ranger had wanted to talk about. Then, at the least.

Unalmis watched the moments pass between the two older men, with no words spoke, and eventually let out a sigh as the excitement was held back on both their counts. Duinion had confirmed that there was indeed some news, but without ever sharing it. Aware that it was not his place but, aware also that they had come here with the explicit purpose of sharing that news, Nal might have rolled his eyes at both the pair of them.

Good news, from the monarch, which required a Ranger gathering, but with several days notice, and concluding in such smiles as the pair of them were struggling to shroud ? It did not surprise the father to realise his son would not have been the one who had been promoted, and indeed the way that Unalmis looked repeatedly toward Duinion was clue enough ‘whose’ news it really was. Passing each of the Rangers as he appeared to go about the motions, of readying the shop, Addhor finally came to a stand before the newly promoted Tirdinen.


“I am that glad for you,” he said, sincere. “You have come a long way from the young enthusiast, bustling along to keep up with us, back in the day. Now you are somebody for the young enthusiasts to aspire to,” he glanced with purpose in his son’s direction. And then recognised the missing factor in their little gathering. “You are on your way to tell Erynneth,” he assumed. For it was likely this was not meant as a long visit. Addhor had known Duinion for long enough indeed to consider the younger man’s opinion of large crowds. The marketplace would very soon be a very large crowd.

“Oh he’s not just got a promotion” Unalmis celebrated, elbowing Duinion now lightly, in his turn. “He has a date to keep. Ilisys asked me to point him to her quarters in the market.” Nal shot a teasing glance toward his elder and looked entirely unrepentant of sharing the news that Duinion would not have.


Addhor made his way calmly toward the front window, and cast brown eyes toward the boarded up show front across the road. Painted letters spelt out ‘Needful Things below the neat façade, but so far all the locals wanted from the place was some sort of explanation.

“Noone knows what she is up to in there,” Unalmis informed the new Tirdinen. “Its not the first property she’s purchased in the city, though the others are just houses and her family stay in them sometimes when they come to visit. But the shop ?” he raised both eyebrows to emphasise his intrigue, although then backed off, under his parent’s silent reproach for spreading gossip.

@Ercassie
The grin could not be contained any longer, once Addhor had acknowledged the new badge he wore. Of course he didn't let on the moment he spotted it, so there was no telling when exactly he noticed it. Duinion wouldn't be surprised if he saw it the moment the two of them walked in. "Indeed! I couldn't believe it. I still can't, quite." He admitted. "Pele has been promoted to Captain," He informed Addhor. "And she, in turn, decided to give me this," He touched the badge, smiling as Addhor congratulated him.

"Thank you, Addhor," The retired ranger's words meant much to him, and his grin would be very difficult to get rid of for some time. And he quickly surmised that Duinion wanted to get home to his daughter, not unsurprisingly. "Yes, I want to get back and tell Erynneth as soon as possible," He confirmed. "but, I couldn't NOT stop in to say hello to you, first, and.. show off this new badge." He explained with a little laugh. In fact, he was very eager to get home, and not just because he disliked the city. He couldn't wait to see his daughter's reaction, as well as Aggie's, when he shared his news.

He was going to say more, when Unalmis reminded him about Ilisys' request to go someplace to meet her. "Ah, yes. It seems I do have to make another stop to make," He added with a slightly puzzled smile. "But it is not a date," He spoke with emphasis, frowning slightly. "I've only just met the lady. I haven't the slightest clue what she could want to speak to me about, but... I'm sure it's not any sort of date." He rolled his eyes at the very notion of it, but then couldn't help wondering, with some amount of worry, whether that could be something the lady had in mind.

Watching Addhor move to the window, Duinion curiously followed, looking to see what the other man was looking at. "She owns that place?" He inquired thoughtfully, listening to the young ranger's 'gossip'. What could she want with a shop, he wondered? "I suppose I ought to go and find out what she wants, so I can be getting home," He decided. The longer he lingered, the more crowded the marketplace would become, and he'd rather get out of the city before that happened. "Is there anything I should know, before I venture over there?" He asked, a little hesitantly as he glanced from Addhor to Unalmis.

The news that Pele had been promoted as well, and had even been the one to promote Duinion, made it all the more gratifying. There were some good decisions being made within that institution, it sounded. And it certainly inspired confidence that their homeland was in safe hands. Addhor was not familiar with the Tirdinen Rank but it was likely something which had come about since he had last had anything to do with the Rangers. That had been after all, nearly twenty years ago. Things changed. A lot of things had changed. Duinion for one. There was a hint of greater confidence about the man in this special moment, which his old friend did not fail to notice. He knew that the new Tirdinen would never have looked for any rising of his rank, let alone expected it. Which only made it all the wiser a decision. Because he definitely deserved the recognition, and was capable to take on a greater responsibility

Unalmis was rather more intrigued with the mystery at hand. And nothing that Duinion was telling him was near enough to convince him it was nothing. Especially since the man himself could not know for sure yet. Nal merely shrugged when his friend seemed surprised about Ilisys buying up property. It wasn’t a bad idea, that; if you didn’t want people to know which location you could be found in at any time. And if you just happened to possess the means to afford such a luxury on an apparent whim. “I met the lady years ago, and still never know what to expect from her,” he admitted. “So you’ll have to let me know what this was all about,” he added, with a grin. “If you honestly want to convince me it is not what it looks like ..”


“Ilisys is good people” Addhor put in, rather more decidedly, and in some attempt to beat away his son’s presumptions. “I’m sure it is nothing to worry about. Perhaps she wants to gauge your expertise on some Tirdinen matter. Given your new status. Since you say she has not approached you before now, it likely is work related,” he suggested. Quite aware that this would be an outcome that would put Duinion at more ease than would any of the nonsense Nal was managing to imagine.

“She is more used to scouting about in a social ball than in a secluded forest,” Unalmis was forced to admit. “Maybe I should come with you. I mean, to learn something from my betters and all. And since it’s not a case of you two wanting to be alone together .. ?” he suggested, with a grin, and with no real expectation that he would be permitted.

“Not wanting for you to be watching their every move is not the same thing as wanting to be left alone,” his father suggested. And Unalmis declined to reply, which proved rather telling. But at least Duinion was spared further teasing. And Addhor could conclude now that a Tirdinen was something to do with having scouting expertise.

Pele with Mourgan, Nell, and a guard @Isolde Alarion
Searching for some Freedom
By the Great Gate

"Well, I know, I know... all for my own good," Pele couldn't help but roll her eyes and join in with a bit of a light-hearted laugh. "It has just been so long, Nell! But suppose this will be a very welcome break indeed, since I've mostly kept to the confines of the city and the training grounds outside it."

She rode along for a while in silence, smiling, as she listened to the short description of the plans. "Ah, not a journey to the ends of the world then," she noted, with another laugh. "But yes, it will be good. I am really looking forward to not doing anything else but simply being, and enjoying your presence, and Mourgan's. And perhaps even that guard's if he gives me room to breathe."

Having galloped his fill from the training grounds, Temper was now rather obedient and did not try to rush forward too much, so Pele relaxed the reins, holding them loosely. "I am sure Temper is very grateful too though he would likely not show too much of it," she added as her fingers brushed along his mane. "I'm trying to take him out for a ride every so often, but it is not enough and the poor beast has to spend lots of time in the stables."

Then she looked at Nell and asked after a brief pause: "You do not happen to have any cookies or sweet rolls within reach, Nell, do you?"

@Ercassie
"Tirdenin, as I understand it, has to do with the skills I enjoy most... tracking, being in the woods, things like that. I suppose, it means they've decided I'm good enough with such skills to be considered an expert at it." Duinion offered an explanation to Addhor, as the rank had been unfamiliar to him at one time, too. "Much of which I learned from you," He added, with a smile at his old friend, and former comrade. "I don't know if I ever thanked you for having the patience to help me learn such skills, but I hope you know that your efforts weren't in vain." He felt it was only right to give credit where it was due, after all. If not for Addhor, Duinion likely would never have become a ranger, or made it very long as one.

Addhor's suggestion seemed sound; that Lady Ilisys had asked to meet with him concerning some sort of ranger-related thing, to do with his new rank. Yet, he also recalled that she said she had heard of him before now. Everything about her seemed very mysterious, and even Unalmis' comments confirmed that mystery. He looked out at the shop across the street thoughtfully, listening to the other two for a moment. "Well, if it is a secret, then I can hardly go around sharing it with someone who was not invited to share that secret, now can I?" He returned to Unalmis, with a small smile. "But if I can tell you what this whole thing is about, then I surely will do so." He assured the young ranger.

"Perhaps she only wants to ask my help with something involving the forest. That would make sense, if, as you say, she isn't familiar with the forest." He mentioned thoughtfully, then shrugged. "Regardless, I should go now. The sooner I finish with this, the sooner I can go home and tell Eryn the news..." He paused, glancing at Unalmis. "And don't you go there ahead of me and tell her anything before I can." He gave his young friend a suspicious look, as if Nal might have actually been considering such a thing. Moving away from the window, he decided there was no sense in delaying any longer. "I hope you see you again soon." He said to Addhor. "And I know I'll be seeing you again before long," He added to Unalmis. Not only because they were both rangers, but because Unalmis occasionally came around to see Eryn.

Having spoken his farewells for now, Duinion waved to the two of them before setting out from the carpentry shop, hastening across the street, and came at the door of the other shop. Whatever manner of shop it was, he couldn't tell. Was it open? He couldn't tell that, either. Nor was he quite sure whether it was intended that he walk in, or knock first. After a moment's inner debate, he knocked upon the door and waited, still completely mystified about this whole thing, despite whatever Addhor said.

The door held fast, the knocks administered upon it echoing through the empty space beyond. And in that unseen place, something was summoned. She had, after all, been awaiting this very moment. And she was not alone. Though she opened the door, to admit Duinion his entry, Isys did not reveal herself from behind that same door. So that it might seem at first as though the shop itself was bidding the man welcome. In case this eerie if unlikely possibility might have occurred to the Tirdinen, the Ehtyar eventually whispered,

“You are expected,”

before emerging around the door which slammed shut, hopefully behind the man if he had managed to convince himself to step inside.

Ilisys then tiptoed across the footprints that were set like stepping stones in the undisturbed dust all about them. Treading lightly from one previously made print to the next, as though she truly were leaping with balance over some misty brook below, .. the Belfalasian paused when she had reached the counter at the far end of the room. Only as she sidled around it, did she glance back to observe if her guest was yet with her.

Then one hand pushed the plush curtains away from a hidden door, and the second hand twirled an elaborate key between nimble fingers.
“Do you know yet,” she wondered aloud, with a slight tilt of her head, “what to expect ?”



If there was anything that could be said of Addhor, it was that he was possessed of patience. As much the tree which tolerates all manner of birds and animals that acclimatise about it making racket and leaping all about it’s branches. Duinion had never been so trying as some others the older man had taken time over, but there had certainly been some wilder moments, particularly in the earlier years. His friends had made the orphan a part of their pack back then, when he had enlisted, and that had been the bulk of what he’d needed. To be a part of something. It had been that simple. The Tirdinen had picked up the skills and the schooling easily enough without much help from anyone. Probably because he'd so wanted to be a part of it, he’d thrown himself in to the thick of it. And here Duinion was, now the very last that was left of all their old Ranger unit. The news that he was infiltrating a new circle of comrades, rather than keep on with the tried and tested isolation approach .. that was certainly good news.

“We’re all very proud of you,” Addhor returned, quietly but genuinely as his guest resolved to go and confront Ilisys. Not least because Duinion didn’t tend to linger in this vicinity if he could help it. Small steps, after all, were the start of greater journeys. And as far as credit that was due, saving someone’s life rather put everything else in it’s place. Duinion had certainly given back more than he had ever been handed. He was certainly owed more than he thought.



Unalmis had begun a countdown as he watched the neighbouring shop door swallow up their friend, wondering how long the Tirdinen would last before he fled. “I really hope he doesn’t tell the lady that he wants to get ‘this’ over with swiftly,” the young Ranger laughed, having recovered from the ‘unjust and entirely likely allegations’ that he might spoil the Tirdinen’s surprise by telling Eryn himself. “Even I know that’s ..”

But Addhor, like Dui, had something to be getting on with. “Not so swift as all that; thankyou,” he spoke up as Unalmis readied to maybe even walk over to see what happened with their friends across the street. For the parent had heard something of what Duinion had asked, even if the youth had chosen to overlook it. “I’m going to need you to remind my son not to go distracting Eryn from her chores ..”


The Ranger paused with his hand upon the door handle, and turned back, recognising their private word play. “Well, I might,” he obliged, with a grin, “if you could kindly inform my father that you don’t just drop a dog on a girl and leave her to get on with it. Hattie needs food, after all. And exercise, attention .. and .. there's rather a lot involved in looking after a dog you know.”


“You are telling me that my son has finally learnt what it means to be responsible ..” Addhor was actually in some shock to recognise the sense coming out of his son’s mouth. He watched his grown child, always unsure what might happen next.

“Well my father has believed even more wild stories that I have told him before now,” Unalmis paused, and grinned, before making a fresh break for the door. Which he left, as usual, wide open, in his wake. Though the veteran was relieved to note that the young Ranger made off from the scene, admittedly to some purpose unknown, but not in the direction of where Eryn would be hard at work. It was probably too much to expect that Unalmis might be heading off to become hard at work himself. But it was about time Addhor was, for his own sake. Still, what a lot of news to take in all at once ! And the day had scarcely yet begun ..

@Ercassie
He didn't have long to wait before the door creaked open, revealing a place filled with dust, cobwebs... and shadows. He hesitated, surveying what he could see of the place. Someone had opened the door, and logic would assume it to be the lady who had asked him to come. Yet, the ranger had learned some caution since his childhood and teen years, which he proved now as he carefully ventured over the threshold, his searching gaze trying to take in all the details of the shop, as if to learn the place's layout, and observe all that he could. Sturdy boards covered the windows, shutting out any hope of daylight reaching the insides of the shop. The thick layer of dust indicated the amount of abandon the shop had suffered for who knows how long, until the lady had seen fit to purchase it. For what purpose, he couldn't even begin to guess.

The whispered voice he had placed as belonging to a woman, Isys if he was correct, though he could be wrong. Before he had a chance to peer around behind the door, to affirm to himself whether it was indeed she, or another, lurking behind it... it had slammed shut behind him. The rectangle of light which had allowed Duinion to observe as much as he had, instantly vanished. The bang from the door, accompanied by the sudden darkness swallowing him up with the rest of the room, left Duinion tensed, his breath catching in his throat as he stood frozen in place. He couldn't see anything. It was too dark.. was this a trap? Closing his eyes, he forced himself to take a long, slow breath, and then push it back out, just as slowly. Addhor had vouched for Isys, which alone served to reassure him about her. Not only that, but he reminded himself she was also a ranger, so he forced away any thoughts that she may have led him into some sort of trap for nefarious purposes. But what was she up to? Opening his eyes again, while listening to the sound of his heart racing, Duinion tried to force himself to relax. It wasn't completely dark, as it turned out. A few slivers of light had fought their way through small gaps between the boards, enough to allow his eyes to gradually adjust to the new lighting. It was certainly darker than he liked, but it wasn't so dark that he couldn't see, much to his relief.

With his eyes now adapted after just coming from the sunlit streets outside, into this dark place, Duinion observed the unusual lady tiptoeing across the floor, trying to keep her steps inside some prints left in the dust, probably her own. He frowned, watching. She had whispered, he recalled, and now was tiptoeing, as if it was important to remain hushed and silent. Yet, why had she then slammed the door? Confused, and trying to make sense of it all despite the concern tugging at the edge of his mind, wondering if there was some great monster holed up behind the door she had revealed, Duinion slowly pondered the question she had asked. He still had not moved from his place near the door, and took a moment to consider whether he wanted to venture further in, or not. At last, curiosity won the inner battle, and he followed, moving carefully and silently as he joined her by the counter, eyeing the previously hidden door warily.

"How could I know what to expect, when I have been told nothing?" He returned softly, keeping his own voice hushed to match hers. He shook his head slightly. "The only guess that comes to mind at all, is that you have need of someone with great skill in the forest, such as I have been recognized for having, earlier today. But for what reason, I haven't the slightest idea." He added, still in a hushed tone. He had no idea what was on the other side of that door, or whether he would need a weapon or not. Everything about this was greatly puzzling to him. Why all the secrecy? And what was she keeping hidden behind that door? Why couldn't they have met someplace else, like a park or something? He had many questions, and could only hope that patience would see them all answered in due time.

They had managed to slow down by about the third Circle, after flying through the previous gates, shouting out “Dog !” as more of a warning or an explanation, than any password, to the surprise of city guards. Unsurprisingly the officials were intelligent enough to not join the hue and cry. Then Hattie suddenly caught a scent that took her interest and decided to slow down to sniff after that for a moment, giving her determined pursuit a chance to catch their breath.

“So,” Unalmis shrugged, as though it had been naught for them to go through such a time. “That was Lieutenant Brian,” he delivered perhaps the understatement of the year, as the pair adapted to a more or less more convenient pace. There was nothing idle about their journey though, for Eryn was expected at home soon, and the last thing the Ranger wanted to do was to get anybody else into trouble. It was a rather disconcerting notion, now that he didn’t wish to ponder on it. And the Barracks Master had certainly touched a nerve when he’d warned Nal about his tomfoolery having consequences for others beyond his own silly self. It may have been a wonder that the thought had never struck him before, but then he had spent most of his life amidst a group of friends all equally owed their share of the trouble they had gotten into together. Annoyed now, by the fact of his ‘assumed foe’ actually making some sense, the young man was quiet for a time as they walked. And realising that he was still holding Eryn’s hand, let it go and wiped the remaining dirt down one trouser leg, lest it get her any more dirty than he might have already.


“Sometimes I think your father has the right idea, with living outside the barracks,” he mused eventually. “Do you think he’d mind if I camped out around yours tonight ? It’ll give us some time to talk about your little 'project' ... I promise I won’t let Hattie chase the cows or anything. She’s less crazy in the fields anyway, than when she’s cooped up. And now that varmint, Angol is out of the picture, it’s safe enough to take her out there for some real exercise. I mean, if you don’t mind ?” he acknowledged this last, a little belatedly. “I’ll help you with the milking or whatever you like. ”

Hattie presented before the pair then, with a resounding bark as though her opinion mattered most of all of them on the subject. "You see ? She says we are at your disposal," he let Eryn know.

The race down through the city might have been fun, if not for the cause behind it. After witnessing Hattie leap onto the fuming Lieutenant's back, pushing him face-down in the mud, Eryn half-expected him to come rushing after them throwing out punishments left and right. It was fortunate for them that the passwords weren't required to pass down into the lower levels; that was only for going up to the higher ones. Otherwise, she and Nal would surely have lost Hattie some time ago, but at last they slowed their steps to a pace which enabled them to catch their breath, and not risk plowing people down in their haste. "I hope I won't be banned from ever returning," She mentioned, slightly out of breath. She had promised Kaylin, after all, that she would return the next day to see her, and visit with her for as long as she was able.

That thought jarred her memory, as Eryn recalled what she had been wanting to tell Nal about. But she wanted to catch her breath a little first, after that lengthy run down three levels of the city. And all while holding Nal's hand! Glancing down at their joined hands, she couldn't help a little smile, feeling a little bit silly at how giddy it made her feel to have her hand in his. Yet the warm feeling in her heart brought a faint blush to her cheeks that she hoped he wouldn't notice.

Nal's words drew her back from her secret contemplation, reminding her of the recent events outside the rangers' barracks. "He seems truly awful," She declared, frowning. "I can't believe you have to put up with a monster like that.. on a daily basis! How do you survive?" She looked up at him with wonder in her hazel eyes. "I thought sure that he was going to chase us down and... who knows what!" Her heart sunk slightly in disappointment when he pulled his hand free, and wiped it off. She bit her lip and tried not to read too much into that. His hand was rather dirty, and maybe he thought she would mind. She could have laughed, but refrained, tilting her head with curiosity as she listened to him talk now.

"I don't think he'd mind," She answered slowly, thoughtful. "He isn't home, and won't be for a few days yet, at least that's the timeline he gave me. But he knows you well enough, and I don't think he would mind." She decided, hoping that she was truly speaking for her father, and not just herself. A little laugh escaped, then. "You needn't help with the milking, Nal." She grinned. "Do you even know how?" She was a little amused by the very idea of Nal trying to milk a cow. The poor things would probably rather he wasn't yanking on their udders, and there was no telling how much milk might be lost if he wasn't careful enough.

Watching Hattie run around, she thought about Nal's suggestion about her running around in the fields, getting exercise. "Yes, I'm sure she would like that much better," She agreed, thoughtful. Smiling down at the dog, she giggled at Nal's interpretation of her bark. "Yes, you'd like running around the farm, wouldn't you?" She knelt and petted her for a moment, with one hand. The other, of course, still held the sheath-less dagger, out of sight among the folds of her dress. "You're a sweet doggy, Hattie," She informed her, smiling as she kissed her on the head. "You were protecting us from that meanie back there, weren't you? You're such a good doggy," She grinned while scratching around the dog's ears, before standing up again.

Turning back to Nal, Eryn thought for a moment before speaking. "You know, she must get awfully bored, here in the city. That's probably why she gets into trouble and everything. And you can't keep her closed up in your dorm all the time, you know that meanie lieutenant is going to have a fit if he catches her anywhere around there again." She pointed out, then hesitated. "What if Aunt Aggie said it was alright for her to stay out at the farm?" She proposed the idea that she had been toying with ever since hearing the Lieutenant's news concerning the dog, although she was unsure whether Nal would be willing to go for it. "She enjoyed it there, when I watched her for you that other time, and she loved it out in the meadows and such when we went to Rohan... and you could come out and visit her all the time if you like?"

Unalmis could not help but notice that Eryn seemed troubled. Perhaps she had been a little more alarmed by the Barracks Master than he had assumed, but there he was used to the man by now. She was not so much.

“He can’t ban you before you even enlist,” the Ranger rushed to reassure her, with no real evidence to support the motion, beyond faith. “Besides which he could only kick you out of the barracks, not the Rangers. That is the Captain’s call. And Trastion will probably start a revolution if the Lieutenant even tries it,” Nal couldn't beat back a smile at even the notion. There was a faint blush already about Eryn’s cheek though, and the young man wondered maybe if he had dragged her too swiftly from the scene. He’d taken up her hand so she would not be left behind, but then he did love the liberation of running and he wasn’t so sure if Eryn was quite so keen. Iole and Cali had never been much for it really, unless they were all running away from trouble, and then the girls had held their own !


“Well, no. Not exactly, or well, even at all,” he admitted, when his friend enquired after his milking experience. “Maybe you can teach me,” he supposed, and located the dog, whistling to bring her back to them. There was small time for scenic routes. Although, to be completely fair, they were going to be late regardless .. It would not be the worst thing in the world if they made the delay worthwhile. Already the Lieutenant's lecture about being more considerate of consequences was beginning to fade, the further they roamed from Brian's reach. Nal would come back to it perhaps when he also felt ready to face the Barracks themselves again. But for now he laughed as Eryn followed up her opinion that her father ‘won’t mind’ with an immediately added ‘he isn’t home’. In other words, Duinion did not even need to know, the young man supposed. The mystery of the dagger was already beginning to draw on his intrigue and he cast a sidelong glance at his young friend in some approval he could never (or should never) speak aloud. He was doubtless already a bad enough influence on her.

Hattie liked the girl a lot though, he noticed, as Eryn fussed and played with the dog. The latter trotted off to water the nearest white wall in delight and overexcitement after she was named a good girl, but Unalmis did not move to stop her. “She’s sort of always been trouble,” he admitted to Eryn honestly. “But the best kind. I mean, that idiot who owned her wanted to drown her just because he could not keep her under control. That is just not right. It’s not her fault ! There was no question that we had to bring her someplace where he couldn’t get to her but then he spitefully told the Guard that Beren had stolen her, and I thought for sure they were going to come and seize her back. The Barracks were a temporary solution but keeping her hidden all the time was .. yes, she gets bored. You’re right.”


It had been easier when there were two of them sharing the room and looking after the dog. He and his room mate had been able to alternate their schedules and each be there to entertain the dog when the other had to be elsewhere. On the rare occasion they both had to go out of the city, on a mission or the like, Nal had left Hattie with Eryn or with his father, and his father had afterwards given some choice words along the lines of ‘never again’ after that. A lively dog underfoot in a small shop had not been a welcome surprise for the carpenter to wake up to, and it didn’t seem to have made any difference that Nal had left a note explaining everything … But Hattie loved to run, and play, and there was never enough time/room/attention .. The Ranger had pondered briefly upon asking Narradir if he could watch her sometimes, but the forester spent his days cutting down trees, and a dog like Hattie entered into that equation would not likely end well ..

“So I was going to ask if you knew anyone in your neck of the woods who trained dogs or needed an extra hound to herd sheep or something; so that she’d have something to do all day,” the Ranger admitted, since the matter had come up now sooner than ever he’d expected it to. “It's just that I don’t know what else to try, if I’m honest. Especially now. She’s been swiping poultry from the kitchens, stirring up the horses in the stables, now she's started stealing things from people too .. It's all but a game to her but .. it’s been a right old time trying to keep her under the Lieutenant’s radar. And now that he knows ..” The Ranger sighed. He might have done better to go to Captain Pele months back when it had begun becoming difficult. But if Nal had learnt one thing growing up, it was that they can’t say ‘no’, if you never ask for permission. So he stared as Eryn made a suggestion which might solve everything, and he hadn’t even dared to think on by himself.


“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask,” he considered, the excitement of the not knowing .. He’d met Aggie before, but rather briefly, when he’d walked his father down to the farm for riding practice. Then he’d left Duinion to take over and made his excuses to be off. “It’s not a terrible idea,” the young man admitted. “Stars, I’m tempted to ask your Aunt Aggie if I can move in as well,” Unalmis grinned. “But then Lieutenant Bore will think that he’s driven me away from his precious Barracks. That won’t do. Can’t let him enjoy a quiet life !”

Hattie was running back and forth between them and the gate down to the Second Circle by this point. Soon they’d be in the thick of the market, so the Ranger called the dog closer to him. They’d lose her all too easily in such a busy locale and that was not the aim at all. She needed to be safe as well as happy. And, looking at the silly hound wagging her tail with her mouth open, Unalmis knew he’d come to care a good deal more than he ever expected over what happened to her. There had been many nights in particular when he’d been extremely grateful for her company in the barracks. His room, despite all of it’s clutter, would certainly be quiet without her. And empty now besides, since most of her favourite belongings had been flung outside to hide them. So now Lieutenant Brian had them ..


“You never did tell me how you met Kaylin anyway.” It seemed the best course of action, to change up the conversation, before Unalmis became fixated on a plan to break into the barracks master’s office .. It might be too secret a matter to speak openly about Duinion’s dagger yet. But at least there must be some lead up to that story, where they could start. He was not un-interested either, though he had a suspicion that he knew what might have happened. At least along the lines of knowing Eryn's interest in all things Ranger related.

“He can’t ban you before you even enlist,"

Nal's words made Eryn realize she hadn't been quite clear in what she meant. "Oh.. no, I didn't think that," She assured him back. "It's just.. well, I promised Kaylin I'd come back to her house to visit her every day that I could." She explained. "Only, now I'm worried that mean lieutenant is going to say I'm not allowed anywhere near the ranger areas, but I don't want to break my promise..." She sighed, but smiled faintly at the notion of Trastion starting a revolution. "Is he a friend of yours?" She asked, curious. She'd never heard of him before, but that didn't mean anything, since she didn't know everyone that Nal knew. Nor did he know everyone that Eryn knew. "He seems very.. fierce, anyway. I hope he didn't get into too much trouble." She had seen the young man make a hasty retreat off somewhere, presumably the washrooms as that's where he said he was going, so hopefully the meanie lieutenant hadn't caught up to him and..well, she wasn't exactly sure what the lieutenant would do. Probably yell a lot.

A giggle slipped out at the idea of Nal learning to milk cows. "I suppose I could teach you," She agreed, though a little unsure how that would go, but it might be comical to watch Nal try. A frown settled onto her face as she heard the tale of how her friend came by the dog. "I can't believe they didn't arrest him for that. How horrible!" It was truly an orcish thing to do, mistreating a dog like that. "How could they let something like that happen here in Gondor, without any consequences befalling that awful man?"

Fortunately, thoughts of that terrible person slipped away as Nal replied to her suggestion. She smiled again, pleased that he hadn't rejected the idea. "I don't think she'd mind," She mentioned, hopeful that it would all work out. "And maybe, we could teach Hattie to guard the cows or something, or herd them home after they've been out grazing... and I could play with her.. we could teach her to be a guard dog maybe?" She was full of ideas on how she might sell the idea to Aggie and her husband, the man truly in charge of the farm. Yet, Eryn knew that if she could sell the idea to Aggie, she would then sell the idea to her husband. A laugh followed at his suggesting the idea of moving in. Along with a little blush, thinking how exciting that would be to have Nal living so close. "If you get kicked out of the barracks, maybe my dad would let you camp out with him, but you're right, you can't let that meanie think he's won." She decided, then shrugged. "You might not like living outside all the time, anyway." She added thoughtfully, glancing curiously at him as they walked. Or would he? She didn't recall hearing Nal complain about camping outside during the entire journey to and from Rohan some while back.

Soon they would be in the market, and she wondered whether it would be busy or not. It was later in the day, about the time most of the shops would be closed for the day. So there was a chance there were many people rushing about, trying to get their last minute shopping done before the shops closed, or there was an equally good chance that there would be hardly anyone about, because they'd know the shops were closing. She hoped for the latter, simply because it would be easier to get through the level quickly.

"Oh," She smiled when asked about how she and Kaylin met. "Well, actually we met in the market," She laughed. "Going into the same shop. I was looking for a present for Daddy's birthday, and some man bumped into me on the street, cause he wasn't looking where he was going. Just about knocked me down!" She explained. "Anyway, Kaylin saw it, and yelled at him for it, and then we just started talking and became friends." She shrugged. It was really quite simple. "Then, she was gone for a little while, on some mission with my dad and Captain Alarion, so I didn't get to see her for a while. But then... a few days ago, she came by to see me at the farm..." She trailed off. "I think I'd better wait til we get past the Great Gates, to tell you the rest." She concluded, with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. "Race you there?" She suggested with a grin. She had caught her breath by now, and was eager to get through the last two levels quickly so she could tell him all about it, without fear of being overheard. Hardly waiting for a reply, she set off as fast as she could run.

Fleeing from some kind of threat was one thing.. like orcs, or a raging barrack's master. But running for the sheer joy of it, that was something else entirely. Eryn loved to go fast, feeling her hair streaming behind her in the wind. It was even better when she could ride on a swift horse, but she'd always enjoyed running, pushing herself to go faster. Despite being a bit shorter than her ranger friend, she managed to match his speed fairly well, probably because she was so accustomed to running on the fields and such. Dodging this way and that around people walking along the street going about their business, she pretended she was in a forest, dodging around trees and things, rather than people. Her only real concern at all, was that she still clutched the dagger against her side, which made it slightly harder to run freely, but that didn't stop her from putting forth her best efforts in winning this spontaneous race!

“We can certainly sneak you in to see Kaylin, if it comes to it,” Unalmis was confident. Chalking up the recent close call, or, rather the absolutely getting caught out .. as experience, he supposed that he couldn’t do any worse at helping Eryn. It would take a lot more than their recent encounter with the Barracks Master to dispel all hope of putting anything past him. “And that is a promise.” But she steered the conversation right from her friend, toward his apparent ally. “Yes, I do hope he’ll stay around,” the Ranger admitted, considering Trastion. “It definitely didn’t look as though the Lieutenant has scared him off at least,” he laughed. “And I’m fairly sure that he needs some help with something, he said.” Whatever the new Recruit had wanted to reclaim from Hattie was surely important to Trastion. So he must have it returned to him. Somehow. It was certainly only fair, given all the newcomer had managed today. That had really been something !


“Well we’re going to have to find some way for you to make some use of me tonight, if we want your Aunt Aggie to even hear us out,” Nal pondered, thoughtfully. Admittedly Eryn trying to teach him to milk the cows ‘might’ end in more trouble than they were already in ! But there was no hesitation at all in wanting to prove useful and productive, even to make up for misdemeanours, .. if it was for the sake of nice people. Lieutenant Brian did not figure into that collective, besides their anarchy giving the dull man something to do with himself. But there was no chance that the young Ranger wanted to spend Hattie’s celebratory night listening to a stern lecture from the Barracks Master. He’d worry about that tomorrow, or sometime, and besides. Eryn had that other problem they needed to resolve .. No, tonight they had too much to organise. Brian would have to wait.


“Outside does has it’s advantages ..” Unalmis mused over the point of living wild and lost himself in thinking over the possibilities for a short time. Iole knew about the time he’d spent living in the park for a while, but he hadn’t shared that with Eryn thus far and didn't know if it was something her father would have told her since he'd been found out. “There is nobody fussing about folded sheets and dusting, when you’re sleeping under the stars, for a start !” he celebrated merrily.

“And here I was thinking that you had been asking her to help you build experience, .. for .. you know what,” Unalmis half-glanced for his friend’s reaction, when Eryn explained how she had met Kaylin. Well, it was exactly what he’d done himself; bothering Pele before the war, before she disappeared. So his friend could hardly think he’d disapprove if that were the case. But if he paused, it was to realise how Eryn got along so easily with people rather older than herself. It must have been that ‘girls maturing quicker’ malarkey that Iole was always trying to convince him about. He forgot sometimes, when he was hanging out with his young friend, that she actually was that bit younger. Then Eryn would bounce a little, as she was doing now, or around horses, and spoke about her ‘daddy’, and called the Lieutenant a ‘meanie’ … and he couldn’t help observing it, though he would never insult her by mentioning it. Except he had, he realised belatedly .. not long ago and to the Barracks Master. But hopefully she had not caught that. There had, after all, been a lot going on at the time.


Eryn certainly had the measure of him though, proposing a race in the very same breath that saw her speeding away, for the Pelennor. Unalmis glanced at Hattie, and the dog stared right back. Their minds were as one. He did not have to even give the word, but the wild hound had already started running after Eryn and he also. Concerned initially about her running with the dagger, catching Eryn up was easy. When she met his challenge though by throwing on the burst of speed she clearly had been holding back, he did the same, surprised enough to forego much further thought of the damaged weapon in her hand. Once, when it looked like a sudden sharp decline might send her off balance, he put a hand out ready to steady her, but the girl had no need of it at all, adapting her gait to the road as though she had almost certainly done this sort of thing before. Their race kept the pair neck and neck all the way out into the Pelennor. Hattie dashing ahead and then rounding back to herd her little flock of friends.

After all, there was a secret to be found at the end of the exhilaration. And all indications pointed to something of an interesting evening at the Farm likely to follow. Paved road fell away to plush grass and the world widened up. And Hattie was already heading for the Dairy Farm as though she knew already that it was their destination. Or simply one of her favourite places to visit.