Rangers: Headquarters & Armoury

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn, @Rillewen

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, late morning of December 30

Pele had expected an obvious and voiced disagreement on Ava's part, but it seemed that even if the woman did not like the conditions set before her she did not let it show too obviously. Even so the Captain wondered if this meant an actual agreement and that Ava would act accordingly.

Leaning back into her chair to try and relax some of the tension in her shoulders Pele waited for Arnyn to summon the three men back in to let them catch up on what concerned them too. Once they received updated information, it was clear that Tercen looked disappointed... dejected? Which did not come as a great surprise to Pele, what did though was the offer by Gladhron and Gwestion to go with Ava.

"Look, Gladhron, Gwestion," she eventually addressed the brothers. "It might turn out an extremely dangerous venture, I'm sure you understand that; and I would send even my own Rangers with their consent and not merely at my word of command alone. Are you sure you would want to undertake this? Willingly, not forced? When there is a possibility that you might not return?" Pele hated the idea of sending people she did not even know properly into danger, also them being such that Arnyn seemed to care about greatly. However, she did not reject the option right away deciding to examine it a bit to see if it could work at all. Though there would be quite a few details to work out even if it could work.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

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Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen | Tercen
Headquarters - December 30th, late morning

'Gwestion and I could go.'

The words, coming from the man sitting next to her, made her glance to his brother. She caught Gwestion nodding at Pele. Agreeing.
Arnyn's eyes flicked back to Gladhron. She did not want them to go. However... she needed someone to go. And the two brothers were the only options, apart from their own rangers, whom she would even trust. Especially if Gwestion was going. And she knew how good a team they made together. Her head told her there was little to be said against it. If it weren't for that pesky other part of her, she should have been pleased.

She wasn't, though. She was not pleased at all. This was not in the slightest what she'd had in mind when she'd offered Gladhron the option to help her fix things, after he'd blabbed at the tavern. Arnyn couldn't tell him that now, however. Not in front of everyone. Not without calling attention, yet again, to what he had done wrong. And what point would that have, besides putting him on the spot yet again, possibly needlessly humiliating him to boot? No, that was pointless, here and now. Besides, as if she wanted to announce to everyone here that she would worry about both of them greatly?

Pele, thankfully, pointed out how dangerous it would be. How their return could not be guaranteed. The Captain's words almost made Arnyn cringe, but she was still alert enough not to. The question was how much longer that level of alertness would last. It took a rather unexpected amount of energy to hide what she was thinking and feeling, today.

"If you approve," she told Pele quietly, "I would ask to be able to fill Gladhron and Gwestion in, fully - and give them a chance to reconsider, before they decide on their final commitment. I can take most of the rest of the afternoon for that," she informed the Captain. "Since it is time sensitive. And I still have my entire afternoon shift here, today." What else was there that could possibly take precedence, after all? Arnyn held back a sigh, and turned to Ava, sitting on her other side. "Do you reckon there a possibility for me to arrive, after a few weeks?" she inquired, her voice quiet. "Possibly along with one or two others?"

Tercen's lips parted at that, and he looked up with some alarm.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn

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Ava, Gladhron & Gwestion
Ranger HQ office

The warning that it might turn into a very dangerous venture was not really necessary, at least as far as Gwestion was concerned. He listened to the captain's words, nonetheless. Her question, however, brought a faint, wry smile to his lips. "Every venture we go into may turn into a dangerous one, Captain. And we undertake each and every one of them, willingly and of our own accord." Arnyn could attest to that, right? "We have been going into situations from which we might not return, for many years now. And while my brother may be in the habit of leaping into any and every pool he encounters without first checking if the water is safe, I am not." He assured her, using a metaphor. "I'm not saying that we would disregard the danger and think ourselves to be invincible simply because we have survived other things in the past. But it is a very logical solution to the issue at hand, is it not?"

Gladhron rolled his eyes. "Just because I like to swim..." He started to mumble, but decided not to continue that sentence and instead, cleared his throat. "What he's saying is, yeah we know it's dangerous, but we're willing to go anyway. Because we can be helpful that way. We've been through dangerous stuff before, so it's not like we're unexperienced." He shrugged and sat back, then glanced at Arnyn when she spoke up to mention filling them in completely. Ahh! Good. That would definitely be nice to know more about what was going on, and what to expect. He smiled slightly at her.

On the other side of Arnyn, Ava listened quietly, maintaining her calm, collected posture. She listened to each of the brothers speak. If they were going to be traveling along with her, then it would be good to get to know what each of them are like. From her observations, one seemed far more reserved and proper about his speech than the other. She couldn't help an amused little smile at the talk of swimming. "If you're going to be staying at my estate and wish to swim, you had best make sure there are no tigers in the pool first." She commented to Gladhron, with a completely straight face.

Then she turned to Arnyn, at her question. "I should think so," She answered thoughtfully. She considered for a moment. She was deeply disappointed about Ithilien, of course. And also, while she was glad that she hadn't ended up staying longer than she ought to, she was also disappointed about having to leave so soon. But, while a part of her wanted to sulk and grumble that this had all been a big mistake, and that she never should have confided any of her secrets to Arnyn, Ava also shushed that part of her mind. They were trying to reach an agreement, she realized. They could have just told her she couldn't go back. But, it seemed that they were extending some trust toward her, which surprised her tremendously. And she didn't want to be ungrateful for that.

So, taking a slow breath, Ava opened her folder and pulled out a map. It would be similar to those Arnyn had been studying lately, of the cape of Umbar, except that it would include far more details since it had been made in Umbar, by whatever local mapmakers they had there. She offered it to Arnyn first, since she was next to her, and since she had asked about joining her. She pointed to a star marked on the map. "That is where my estate is situated," She explained. "My plan is to sail up to this point on the coast, and time it to arrive by night, then disembark and go the rest of the way across land, in stealth. Therefore, I should arrive at my estate in the dark. I can get into my estate stealthily enough, and from there, assess whether it is safe to openly return, or not." She pointed to the same point. "If you follow the same course when you wish to come, then.. assuming I have not run into any problems, myself, you should be able to follow the same course, and join me there. I can have someone watching for you, to let you in."

She paused, glancing past her, at the brothers. "But, if things are not as they should be, then I, and any who are with me, will have to be prepared to hurry back to the ship as stealthily as possible, and from there, figure out a plan." She added. "Without knowing the situation, it's hard to make any precise plans in that area, but stealth will certainly be necessary..."

"Don't worry about us." Gladhron assured her, smiling confidently. "We're plenty stealthy."

Ava nodded slightly. "Still, if things are not well, then I would certainly want to try to send word back to the lieutenant," She glanced at Arnyn then. "Perhaps I can leave some sort of signal, to let you know whether it is safe or not?" She was trying to think of possibilities, like flying a banner in a window, or tying a scarf around a tree at the beach where the ship would be anchored, or something subtle like that.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

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Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen | Tercen
Headquarters - December 30th, late morning

Arnyn did not disagree with Gwestion when he stated all their ventures could turn into dangerous ones. When he pointed out that entering life or death situations would not be new for them, she offered a minute nod to Pele, in confirmation. As far as she knew... it was true. The addition that the two of them accompanying Ava was a logical solution, made her roll back her shoulders. There was no denying that it was.

She caught Gladhron's mumble about swimming, but did not comment or react to it, just like she hadn't responded in any way to Gwestion's earlier metaphor, which had been a slight dig at his brother - or at least it could have been contrued that way.
Arnyn blinked when Gladhron's response, despite themeaning behind his words, still sounded very...cavalier. Perhaps it was the combination with the shrug. When he glanced at her and smiled a little, she didn't have it in her to smile back. Nor did she have it in her to say anything in reaction to Ava's little joke about tigers in her pool.

Tercen's hands were balled up into fists. Ava was not even fighting the idea of Gladhron and Gwestion going with her, and she was even joking about Izre and talking about them swimming at her estate. She doesn't mean to make it sound like I'm hearing it, he told himself adamantly. Or tried to tell himself, at least. They're professional rangers. I'm not. They will be fully briefed before actually committing to this. I.. would I be? He wasn't sure. She's just making a bit of a joke about Izre to maybe lighten the mood a little, not to rub it in my face, he continued mentally. Besides, it might actually simply be true.

Ava's map was of great interest to Arnyn, and her tired eyes gleamed when she saw the level of detail. When Ava offered it to her, the Lieutenant accepted it without question, and she was already taking in all the details she had never seen before with great curiosity. Ava pointed out the star represented her estate, and where she intended to sail first. Arriving by night and moving across land to get to her estate.

Arnyn's eyes narrowed in thought. "And if all is deemed safe, you will return to the ship, and sail into the harbour?" she asked, unsure of what exactly Ava might otherwise mean by 'return openly'. "And then afterward... you could put out some sort of signal so I know it is safe to approach.. if the signal is not there, that probably means it is too dangerous," she rephrased, thinking it over, because it would be easier to put out a signal if all was good, than it would be to put out a signal if things were bad. Arnyn finally glanced up from the map, at Pele. The Captain would like hearing that, she figured. It meant that the risk to Arnyn would be lower than it would be if she were to venture to Umbar from the first moment. Not that Arnyn liked she would not be able to go with Gwestion and Gladhron and Ava from the beginning - but she was looking for every positive she could find, here.

"You could leave some sort of signal both at the coast - and then around your estate?" she checked. That seemed most efficient to her, as well as prudent. If one signal went awry, at the coast most likely, then at least there would still be another around Ava's estate. They could hash out the details in the few days to come, but it seemed feasible.

One part of Tercen wanted to protest. Say the risk to Arnyn was too great for her to go. But he knew.. he knew that if he did that - if he even so much as breathed a single word about any of that - that he'd forfeit any chance he might still have to persuade Ava to let him go with her. So he bit down on his teeth and looked down at the floor, frowning. At least Arnyn wouldn't be going into the thick of things, when everything was still uncertain. (Never mind that he had been willing to do just the same thing.) She would now be going later. And only when at least one signal proved that it was safe for her to enter the estate. He drew in a deep breath. Ava would do the same, upon her arrival. She would make sure it was safe enough, before going in. She could make sure of that, right? She seemed to think that she could, anyway. He should trust her judgment in that, shouldn't he?

Meanwhile, Arnyn had returned to studying the map. She was so engrossed, she did not even think to inquire whether the folder held anything else...

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn, @Rillewen

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, late morning of December 30

It did not take Pele long to consider Arnyn's request to explain to the two brothers all of the necessary detail to see if they still agreed, and she thought that it might be better coming from her friend rather than her for Arnyn would know way much better what should be said and how having an established bond of friendship. She did not doubt that Gladhron and Gwestion had handled dangerous situations before, yet there may be differences in how they worked and how the Rangers in Minas Tirith worked, but again - she trusted that Arnyn would cover anything needed with regard to these differences as well. Besides... she found the interactions between the two brothers rather endearing though sometimes it seemed to come to the point of bickering.

"Yes, I think you can do that," she gave her consent to the plan thus far. "And if there is something urgent suddenly you'll find me at the Houses of Healing."

Pele said nothing in relation to Arnyn and some other Rangers going to Umbar separately, though she considered the additional dangers of getting there without running into trouble while only on the way, even before setting foot on land. Then she tried to sneak a glance at the map Ava produced without leaning over the table to do so before Arnyn all but privitised the said map. It seemed to hold a plenty of detail, and she wondered to herself if she would be able to recognise her own way of escape from years ago, assuming that the place had not changed overly much during this time.

"Right," Pele spoke up again after some discussion over some detail of how the arrivals and possible departures could take place. "It seems that we have reached some sort of agreement of how we should go about sorting out this mess. Needless to say it still requires a plenty of refinement, but so far so good," she summarised and then asked after a brief pause of just a couple heartbeats: "Are there any other surprises you lot wish to spring on me today?"

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn

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Ava, Gladhron & Gwestion
Ranger HQ office

Beside Arnyn, Gladhron couldn't help but lean in a little to steal a look at the map as well, which he figured made sense for he and Gwestion to see it anyway, since they had just said they'd be going with her. It would make sense to get an idea of their route, right? Having never sailed or anything, he had no idea how long such a trip would take, but he took note of all that Ava said about where they would be stopping, and what the plan was.

Ava nodded in answer to Arnyn. "That seems logical, yes." She agreed. They could discuss the details of that more finely, later. For now, she nodded when she asked about leaving a signal at both the coastline and the house. "If all is safe, that is what I will do." She agreed. She might even see whether she could send a servant to the coastline area to wait for Arnyn, and guide her back to the house. Maybe. She'd have to see how things went.

A part of her hated having to discuss all of this while Tercen was overhearing, and looked dejected for having been told he should not come. It made her feel almost guilty, for telling him she didn't want him to be there, while discussing how his sister and friend could come along, instead. But because of that, she also tried her best to disconnect from the thought of it. She tried to 'pretend' like he wasn't there, but she was very well aware that he was. And that he seemed unhappy with her. And that made her upset inside, which further made her try to push aside her feelings, and try to keep up her 'business face'. After Arnyn had been looking at the map for a moment, Ava took another map from her folder, this one a map of the city itself rather than the general area, and offered it to her. "I thought this one might also be useful." She mentioned. She had marked on this map where each of the other nobles of Umbar lived, such as Haarith Gimlan, Pharak Halsad, and other notable figures. As well as marking the locations of places that might be of interest to someone looking to bring down the slave market and other places of excessive cruelty, like the fighting arena, the temple, the auction area, and so forth.

On Gladhron's other side, Gwestion listened closely to all of the plans and details as well, though he was a bit too far away to try and get a look at the map Arnyn had. When Ava pulled out another, he shifted slightly in his chair. "May we see, also?" He asked quietly, hoping Arnyn might pass the maps around to everyone else.

As for other surprises, Ava glanced up and then shook her head with a faint smile. "Nothing from me. At least, not today, I think." She declared, figuring anything else she may have to discuss could surely wait for another day. She still had a few left before she would have to leave, after all. And she didn't want to keep the captain any longer than necessary.

Gwestion shook his head as well, then cast a questioning glance at Gladhron.

Gladhron considered making some sort of joke, but then he decided that it might not go over well at the moment. So, instead, he kept quiet and shook his head. No surprises that he could think of.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

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Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen | Tercen
Headquarters - December 30th, late morning

Even though he was visibly sulking, Tercen was still paying attention. Even though he felt like he was disconnected, in a way,from his own body, and like he was watching the proceedings as if he were not there at all - he was. He was there, and he did watch. And he did listen. For while Tercen and Arnyn differed in many ways, and while Tercen was more impulsive than Arnyn, and while he cared much less what people thought of him, the two siblings shared an upbringing, and they had both been taught to observe and listen first, think it through, and then make decisions accordingly.

Meanwhile, Pele agreed to Arnyn briefing Gladhron and Gwestion, while Pele could handle her duties as Master Healer. The Lieutenant nodded briefly at that, to show she had registered that decision. The second map had her eyes gleaming as she took it in. That one was... extremely valuable. She had to make sure not to look up at Pele and display just how priceless information like this would be for their mission. Gwestion's question, however, did finally make her look up from the map. She glanced at the Captain before she wordlessly passed the first map on to Gladhron, who could then hand it to Gwestion. She leaned forward to place the second map onto the desk, turning it toward Pele, so the Captain could already see what Ava had pulled out next.

Pele's question made Arnyn blink. These meetings had just dropped a good deal more work into the Lieutenant's lap. And Arnyn was trying to keep it all clear and organised in her head, despite her exhaustion. After a while, she finally shook her head. Nothing more from her, she thought. At least not today. Certainly, before everything could be made final, Arnyn and Pele would have another lengthy talk about all of this. Arnyn had her work cut out for her...

From his spot by the wall, Tercen finally said something. "May Ava and I leave, then?" he asked, quite ready to leave and try to talk to her a second time. Somewhere they could talk freely. That is... if she agreed to.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn, @Rillewen

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, late morning of December 30

Pele retained a rather serious look as she assessed the others' reaction to her question about more surprises, though a tiny glimmer of amusement did touch her blue eyes. Most only shook her head, and only Ava expressed her response verbally.

"Not today, Ava?" Pele repeated, and a that hint of amusement reappeared for a moment in her eyes. "There are a couple more days for that, I suppose."

When Arnyn gave the first map to the two brothers to take a look and placed the second one Ava had produced on the desk, Pele's whistled softly as she took in all the detail.

"This certainly counts as a good surprise," she said quietly and looked at the marked spots and studied the map more carefully before her finger drew some invisible bits and pieces of a route known only to herself until it came to rest on one of the marked spots. "Excellent. This is excellent!" she commented just as quietly as she finally removed her hand from the map.

At Tercen's question Pele looked up to him for a few lengthy moments as if trying to read behind his visibly upset exterior. She would want him and Ava to enjoy the next few days available to them though the whole mess seemed to have driven a wedge between them.

"If Ava reaffirms the fact that she won't share many more surprises today, I see no reason to keep you both here much longer," she eventually said. "However, there would still be a plenty of things to settle in the coming days."

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn

Ava
Ranger HQ office

The maps hardly meant anything to Ava. She had brought these from home, on the off chance she might find someone willing to help her achieve her goal. Since she had indeed found someone likely to help with that, she was more than willing to give up the maps. If she wanted another, she could always buy another from home. She had marked the places of 'interest' for their benefit. In fact, she had gotten up at some point between 'middle of the night' and 'early in the morning' to gather everything she wanted to bring here, and had taken the time then to mark everywhere on the local map that was of interest to someone trying to put an end to the horrors.

Watching as the captain took a look over the one that had been passed to her, Ava thought back about that night so long ago when she had freed her from that cage, and wondered what might be going on in the woman's head as she looked at that map. It was clear, at least, that Pele was pleased by this 'surprise', and Ava smiled slightly at her.

Then she glanced over at the ranger brothers, to see that they were leaning together to both share a look at the map of the coast and general area around Umbar. She deliberately avoided glancing at Tercen, for she didn't like seeing him upset, and she feared that his annoyance was aimed at her. Instead, she ended up looking down at her folder as she waited for them to finish looking at the maps.

When Tercen spoke up to ask if they could leave now, Ava glanced up slowly to see what the captain and lieutenant would reply. A yes, as long as she had no more surprises. "Nothing that I can think of," She replied. "Although, you may find the rest of these somewhat interesting." She laid the folder down on the desk before standing. "Everything is labeled, I think, but if you have any further questions, Arnyn knows where to find me." She informed the captain. Inside the folder, they would find a couple of carefully drawn maps of estates, which would be labeled for each Umbarian lord that they belonged to. There was also one of the temple, but the Halsad residence had only a map of the exterior, with guesses as to the layout of the house based on what a person could see from the outside.

"I hope it helps in whatever mission you're planning." She offered a little smile, not even bothering to add 'possible' or 'alleged' or any such uncertain terms. Because it was rather obvious to her by now. Having decided to give these copies over to them, she nodded in farewell to them all before she and Tercen left.

---

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Gladhron & Gwestion

Once Arnyn passed the map over to them, the brothers both examined it. Recalling the route that she had said she intended to take, Gwestion located the star and then made a guess at the probable spot that she intended to park the ship and walk across. It looked like a bit of a walk, despite how small it looked on the map. If the scale was as he guessed, then it wouldn't be a short little walk across the beach. But that was why he and Gladhron would be with the lady. In case of danger, right? As well as other reasons, he guessed.

Gladhron sat back after taking a good look at the map. It was useful to have a visual, at least. He just hoped it wouldn't actually take all that long to get there. He was already wondering if he was going to regret volunteering for this, since he had no idea how he would actually do, riding on a ship across the waves. He'd heard they tended to do a lot of bobbing up and down, right? But they'd deal with that when they got there.

Soon, Tercen and Ava were leaving, but it was clear enough to both of them that Arnyn and Pele were not quite ready to dismiss the brothers. So, although Gladhron wasn't sure what else there was to say, they remained behind while the other two departed.

Gwestion had already begun thinking about everything that they would need to do, and get settled before leaving, since there wasn't yet any sort of established timeline for when they would return... but he wanted to wait until the other two were definitely out of the room before he began asking about those matters.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

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Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen | Tercen
Headquarters - December 30th, late morning

Tercen's gaze was fixed upon the Captain until she replied. His eyes briefly flicked to Ava, who was pointedly not looking at him as she fulfilled the Captain's request and confirmed again there was nothing else she wished to discuss at the time. After that, his attention moved to Arnyn, and she briefly made eye contact with him to offer him a little nod. He could tell she felt badly for him, but he didn't feel like it was his job to try and make her feel better about anything that had been decided in here, so he just nodded back in a similar fashion before pushing off against the wall and moving to the door.

At Ava's reference to the 'mission they were planning', Arnyn gave her a blank look. "If we are planning anything," she amended, her tone deadpan, knowing all too well that she would be assuming the same thing in Ava's place. However you looked at it, though, if they never admitted to it... at least there would be some form of doubt, somewhere. Right? "Thank you," the Lieutenant added, after a moment's thought. "For your cooperation. I am sure we will talk soon enough."

Meanwhile, Tercen opened the door and held it, waiting until Ava had passed through before following suit and closing it behind them.

Once it did, Arnyn let out a long breath. Hopefully, in a way the others would not notice. She had just played an integral part in not only taking away her brother's trip with Ava to Ithilien, but also in advising Ava against letting him go with her to Umbar. If the woman were to follow both Pele's and Arnyn's advice, it would be a heavy blow for him, if what Ava said was true and he wanted to go with her to Umbar. It weighed heavily on her that the first time her brother was this serious about a lady, this was what the situation had to be...

Mentally, she was trying to prepare for everything she would need to inform Gladhron and Gwestion about, generally speaking, when it came to Umbar and everything they knew about what was going on there. Could she even do all that in one afternoon?

Then there was everything that needed to be considered about them leaving for Umbar with Ava, too. And she was sure they would have a lot of questions to which they wouldn't even have the answers yet - not until everything had been clarified with Ava, in turn.

So much work to be done, still.

This day was never going to end. And when it did, the hours in it would have been too few.

"I suppose then the time is nigh for me to brief Gladhron and Gwestion," Arnyn offered up for Pele's approval. "Unless you have the time and inclination to speak to them first, Captain."

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn, @Rillewen

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, late morning of December 30

Pele said nothing to either confirm or deny that they were planning a mission when Ava gave up the rest of the folder saying it might be useful for what they were planning, there was only a slight nod of agreement when Arnyn corrected Ava's statement. Even though it was probably unambiguously clear that something was indeed in plans. She resisted the urge to look into the folder though to pay attention to Ava's and Tercen's departure. "Thank you and farewell for now," were her simple words.

As soon as the two had left, she could no longer keep her curiosity at bay and opened the folder to look at the contents. "Ooooh, excellent! Most amazing!" she exclaimed as she looked through the maps of estates, and her eyes were lit with blue fire when she came upon the plan of the temple. "Look at this, Arnyn!" She slid the folder towards her Lieutenant. "Might certainly save us some trouble."

Only then she looked at Gladhron and Gwestion, having heard Arnyn's words about briefing them and having delayed the answer when she had seen the contents of the folder. "I will leave you to that briefing, just one thing... or two," she said, leaning down and fishing out from the back of a bottom desk drawer a small box containing nuts and raisins. "First, it might take a while, so you might want something to snack on." Her hand remained on top of the box as she held it near her on the desk.

"Second, you should be aware, Gladhron, Gwestion, that your task would be extremely sensitive and it would require you to take on a disguise, a role of someone else," she said, studying the two brothers. "Are you skilled in that aspect of work? Would you be able to play your roles no matter what you see? And not act on impulse, and not even squeak a word? Much would depend on it. Possibly lives of many people."

She then moved the box of snacks to the middle of the desk and rose from her seat to give it up to Arnyn if she should wish to take her place, though her eyes remained steadily focused on the two brothers as she waited for their response.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn

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Gladhron & Gwestion

The captain's enthusiasm surprised Gwestion a bit, as she changed tone suddenly from calm and businesslike, to excited, like a person opening a great gift on their birthday. He looked up from the map he had been examining, wondering what had made her so delighted.

He passed the map over to the desk as well, having seen as much as he felt he needed to see, at the moment. Then he turned his attention to Pele when she resumed her serious mode. One more thing or two... before briefing? He was curious. But when she brought up snacks, he was a little amused. Snacks had not really been the first thought to cross his mind, but he suspected Gladhron might have been thinking about it. At the moment, Gwestion was more interested in what she had to say, and listened closely as she explained that the task would be sensitive -not that he didn't know that already, but it didn't hurt to say it for Gladhron's benefit, right?- along with some other questions and things. He was a little surprised she would ask that before they'd even been briefed. Gwestion was reluctant to give an answer too hastily, until he was sure of what exactly he was agreeing to. Which, he assumed, Arnyn would cover.

"We've done things involving disguises before," Gladhron spoke up. While he had been pleased to hear that there were snacks available, he'd managed to keep his surprise to a minimum. "In fact, it was one of the Halsad corsair ships-"

"You didn't put on any disguise, nor did you board the ship." Gwestion reminded him quietly. "You can't exactly say 'we', when only I did it, out of us two." He refrained from rolling his eyes, and instead turned to the captain with a soft sigh. "I.. believe we can manage," He answered more carefully. "I would not say we have an abundance of experience, but we are willing to give it a try." He paused to consider what else should be said.

"Right." Gladhron agreed. "And I've heard that my brother did an excellent job posing one of those corsairs a few years ago, and even saved our friend's life..." He added with a sidelong glance with a little smile, toward Gwestion. "Of course, you wouldn't have had the disguises to wear at all, if it hadn't been for me." He added with a little shrug.

Gwestion gave him a 'please stop talking' sort of look. He cleared his throat as he looked again at the captain. "The point I think Gladhron's trying to make," He tried to divert the conversation back toward the matter at hand, "is that we have done a few similar type of things in the past, though not many. Perhaps not with so much at stake, but we understand the risk as well as the stakes, and we will do our best. I'm sure, also, that we will be surer of our answer once Arnyn has explained everything more." He added, having little doubt about that.

"Exactly. Don't worry. We'll do whatever we need to do." Gladhron nodded with a confident smile. "Also, thank you for the offer of snacks as well, Captain." He added, his smile widening just a bit. He had been trying to think, if this meeting went on much longer, how he might manage to get Arnyn to eat something so she wouldn't skip lunch. He'd even considered whether he'd be allowed to go grab something from their mess hall and bring back here. But now, he didn't have to do that!

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn, @Rillewen

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, late morning of December 30

Pele observed the two brothers for a while, a slight tilt to her head and her eyes somewhat narrowed. It seemed that they would need a brushing up on skills but then again she herself was not that good with any disguise work to teach the tricks herself. But suppose the briefing would have to come first, indeed, so that the men can decide if they even want to stick their necks in it.

"Snacks are all I have at hand here, no full meals hidden around the office," she then responded to Gladhron's thanks lightly, and then added a more serious warning: "But if you agree to the task and then end up endangering any one soul under my care due to some lack of attention or restraint... I might make you into a snack." While she would never literally carry out the threat it would serve a reminder how seriously she took the matter.

"All right then," she added after a short pause. "I will leave you to your briefing and snacking; and you know where to find me in the case of emergency."

A parting nod later Pele left the office, closing the door behind her as she assumed any passing people might not need to hear what was spoken after.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - December 30th, late morning

Pele's surprise and very positive reaction at what else was in the folder, brought some new alertness back to Arnyn's eyes. When the Captain was done with her own perusals and slid the folder over to her, Arnyn took it and ventured a look of her own.

Her eyes widened minutely. Sweet Yavanna... "That, it might," Arnyn agreed with a mumble. "If it is all correct," she added in a distracted tone of voice, as she lifted some papers to check those below.

The Lieutenant glanced up when Pele retrieved a box of snacks from the desk. Ah yes. The Captain's stash. She smiled faintly at her friend, and gave her a grateful nod. Pele couldn't know it, but something like that was probably ideal for her current physical disposition. Or... was Pele guessing correctly at what Arnyn was doing with the Belladonna?

At the questions Pele posed the brothers, Arnyn closed the folder and regarded them as they replied. Obviously, she was interested in what they might say, herself. While their interactions would usually amuse her, she just sort of listened. All she could muster was another faint smile, to show she was registering what was being said, and that she understood the reference of course. Meanwhile, Gwestion was being Gwestion. And Gladhron was being Gladhron.

Once the Captain rose from her seat, so did the Lieutenant, although Arnyn remained standing in front of her chair. Waiting. "Yes, Captain," Arnyn told her commanding officer, briefly touching her hand to her heart before her gaze followed Pele as the latter moved to the door, and left. Arnyn's eyes rested on the closed door for a moment, before she moved to put all the paperwork back into the folder Ava had brought.

How in Middle-Earth was she supposed to even begin?

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn

|
Gladhron & Gwestion

Gwestion glanced at the captain upon hearing the threat she had made toward his brother. He said nothing, and kept his expression mostly solemn, but he couldn't really stop his eyes from showing a hint of amusement.

Gladhron was about to comment that snacks were just fine, when that threat followed her words. He ended up staring at her for a few seconds. Then gave a slow, serious nod. "Understood, captain." He answered. He knew she wasn't serious about cannibalizing him, but the threat made its point. And it was at least a little funny, even though he hadn't been sure whether she'd appreciate him laughing about such a serious matter.

"Good day, Captain." Gwestion said quietly, as she was setting off about her business.

Once she had left, Gladhron turned back to Arnyn, somewhat unsure what to say now. Well... it turned out, they were going to be able to assist her in her Umbar thing after all, but.. not quite the way he had been thinking initially.

Gwestion cleared his throat quietly. "I would like to inquire about one thing, before any other." He mentioned. "What sort of arrangements can be made for our horses? For, if we are going to this place, and it sounds as if we might be there for a while.. a few weeks at least?" He guessed. "Then, I would not like to leave my horse without sufficient exercise and attention." He sat back. "Also, I have to be quite realistic here... I'm not sure how we could pay for the stable fees if we weren't even here, and I would not like to put that sort of burden on Seri, nor would I like to impose that upon our hostess, though I don't doubt she would mind."

"Good point." Gladhron nodded in agreement. "Aislin might agree to take the horses out for a ride, but Brooke certainly wouldn't, and Seri is a bit busy for that sort of thing," He frowned, thinking. "And if you're going on some training thing... that leaves very little options for people who would be willing to take them for a bit of exercise." He frowned, not sure why he hadn't thought about that problem until Gwestion had brought it up. "And, I assume it wouldn't be practical to bring them along on the boat..."

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - December 30th, late morning

She heard one of them clearing their throat. When she turned to face them, Gwestion spoke and mentioned their horses. The Lieutenant stared a bit empty-eyes at both brothers as they explained why they were making the inquiry. Exercise, attention, money, burdens.

"That is a far easier inquiry than I had expected," she half-mumbled, before clearing her own throat and half-leaning against, half-sitting on the desk. "If you two do commit to this venture, you will be delivering a service to our unit. That earns you the right to stable your horses in our stables during the time of your assignment. Which also means you will neither have to pay, nor worry about your horses being well fed and well exercised. They will be well taken care of. Should there be any doubt - I am leaving Narsule in the samestables, to the care of the same people." That ought to reassure them, she supposed. Hoped.

"There are more sensitive matters to discuss," she continued, after a brief pause. "Such as who Ava is, what is expected of her in Umbar, and the fact that we cannot be certainof whether or not she can be trusted. And then I have not even begun to explain the overal situation in the city of Umbar. This is why I wanted to speak to you both in private. and inform you in full. Before you officially agree."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Gladhron & Gwestion

Upon hearing Arnyn's answer to that, Gwestion nodded in satisfaction. That was definitely a load off his mind, to know that his horse would be cared for in his absence, and that he would not have to worry about whether she was getting exercise. And not to have to worry about coming home to a large boarding bill, at that.

Gladhron smiled. "That sounds great." He was also relieved. Once Gwestion had brought up the horse problem, he'd been concerned about that. He hadn't thought about that when he volunteered, so it was good that it wasn't going to be a problem. "Perhaps those who run the stable would even be willing to indulge us, and let Narsule and ours have neighboring stalls?" He suggested, thinking the horses would surely be pleased by that. They'd become friends during their time in the north, after all. And, recalling how Arnyn liked a wordplay pun, he couldn't resist adding a little emphasis to the 'neigh' in neighbor...

Gwestion gave a little glance at Gladhron, then turned his head away to keep Gladhron from seeing the tiny smile that tried tugging at his mouth, as he shook his head slightly. Trying to make jokes, now? Would Arnyn even find that amusing?

"Right," Gwestion focused on what Arnyn said then, about the rest of the topics she'd need to cover. "Well, let's have it then." He straightened in his chair, listening as Arnyn delved into the much more serious matters. He and Gladhron listened closely to all that was said, asking whatever questions they had... about everything that came up.

---

By the time they had covered everything, some of the snacks from the box had disappeared, and both brothers a far better understanding of what they were, and might be, getting into. Yet they were both still resolved to go, despite whatever danger there might be to themselves. It was an important task, and someone must do it. And besides, it was clear that if Ava was truly on their side, that it would definitely be best to keep her from being exposed as any sort of opposition to their common enemy.

Gladhron sat back after they'd spent a long time going through all the details that she could think of. "So, is that everything?" he asked, checking if they might be nearly done. "I assume we won't have many days left before we'll have to leave, so I figure we should make the most of what days we have left in the city." He mentioned. He did not mention 'especially since there is that chance that we may not come back'.

"We'll need to prepare," Gwestion disagreed mildly. "Get our things packed, prepare ourselves for this mission, learn what roles we'll need to portray, get our horses situated, let Seri know that we'll be going.." They had already gone over what they would need to tell their companions about their upcoming trip, but they still needed to actually do that. "I don't think we'll have a lot of time left for leisure, Gladhron." He pointed out.

Gladhron rolled his eyes. "All that stuff, obviously. But, I mean... we are still on for that play this evening, right?" he asked, addressing Arnyn, not Gwestion. He really hoped so, because he thought Seri and the girls had been looking forward to it, and he had been looking forward to spending time with Arnyn. And of course, the whole idea initially had been to get Gwestion to do some stuff he might enjoy. Besides, Ava and Tercen had talked like they might even join them, so that would actually be a good chance to get to know more about Ava, and try to gauge whether she was sincere or not. Right?

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - December 30th, late morning

She nodded at their acceptance and relief at her solution for Mael and Gaeroch. Gladhron's pun, however, did not garner any kind of response. She was far too tired to pick up on it, and it therefore passed her by - unnoticed. Unusual.

Instead, she dove right into everything she needed to tell them. What they knew of Umbar's current situation. How she had different sources that all seemed to confirm the dangers. What she knew about Ava, what they had been told, what appaeared to be the case - but also the risks. In fact, she emphasized the dangers and risks they would be subjecting themselves to rather heavily.

All that being said, it did not seem to deter either of them. When Gladhron asked: "So, is that everything?", Arnyn drew in a deep breath. "Yes," she confirmed, drawing out the vowel slightly. It appeared that 'everything' was not 'enough' to make them change their minds. And she was in no position to ask them not to go. This whole situation made her feel like she was trying to wring herself into a mold that did not fit.

A slight smile did appear when Gladhron suggested they make the most of the few days they had left in Minas Tirith. Always the optimist. And it grew minutely when Gwestion countered that with a more logical way of spending their time. Honestly...

"Yes," she replied to the question Gladhron put to her. She was a woman of her word, after all. "It would be nice to end the day at a more leisurely note, at least." The Lieutenant slanted her head and gestured toward Gwestion. "You're right, though. At least part of your time in the days to come will need to be spent preparing for the mission. I'll help where I can," she added, wanting to have a good idea of what she was sending her friends off into. "I will still need to coordinate with Ava, as well, on my own belated arrival - after the training. Supposing everything has been going smoothly, until then..."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Gladhron & Gwestion

"Right." Gladhron agreed, when Arnyn said that it would be nice to end the day on a leisurely note. But she almost immediately pointed out that Gwestion was right, and that they couldn't just 'enjoy' the time they had left in the city. Not entirely, anyway. He held back a sigh, nodding. Yes, of course, they had to do all that stuff. Packing and coordinating and probably some training, and other preparing. He hadn't actually expected them to not do any of those things. But couldn't they do some things to relax and enjoy time together, too? He decided to just take things one thing at a time, and to be grateful that she wasn't going to back out of the play.

"And," Gwestion added, when Arnyn spoke of joining them later, "if anything is amiss, and we learn that she is not as she claims to be, we will do whatever we can to bring warning before you also fall into some sort of trap." He promised. "If we're able." He was not dismissing the possibility that they could be taken out of the picture before Arnyn had a chance to get any such warning, but he hoped that if things were off, that they would realize it in time to get away from any danger.

"Always assuming the worst of everyone," Gladhron muttered, shaking his head slightly.

Gwestion gave him a look before shaking his own head, and then looked at Arnyn. "If that is all you wished to speak to us about, then I suppose it's about time we leave you to your other work." He said, standing to leave.

"Until tonight, then?" Gladhron said as he also stood up, smiling as he tried to make it clear that he was looking forward to that, although he couldn't help worrying that she might end up getting wrapped up in work and maybe lose track of time or something.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - December 30th, past noon

She didn't really see how they could signal her that it wouldn't be safe - since if it was not safe for her, something would probably be preventing them from delivering any kind of warning. But perhaps she was simply too tired at this point to think about complicated matters like that.

Arnyn didn't react to Gladhron's comment and nodded at Gwestion's. "Yes, that is all." Unfortunately, there were several more things she intended to take care of, today. No rest for her. Not until after the play, she figured.

"Until tonight," she confirmed for Gladhron, with a little smile. "I will be there," she promised. Her dark eyes stayed on them as they finsihed their goodbyes and the brothers left. Once the door closed behind them, Arnyn slowly sat down behind the desk and sighed deeply. Her eyes closed for a moment, before she shookher head vehemently and pulled back her focus. Come on, Arnyn. There is work to be done.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
calling in
Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters, Command Office - December 30th

Kaylin frowned thoughtfully as she leaned back into the chair. "That's why you called me in here?" she asked, clearly having a hard time believing what she was hearing.

On the other side of the desk, Arnyn calmly returned Kaylin's gaze. "Do I look as if I'm joking?"

"Not in the slightest," Kaylin assessed. "It's just." She visibly hesitated, which in and by itself meant she did not mind Arnyn seeing that she wasn't sure how to handle the question that had been put to her. "Why would you need me for that? In fact, Lieutenant," Kaylin continued, now leaning forward in her seat, "Why would you need it at all?"

"I don't believe I'm under any obligation to tell you," Arnyn evaded both of those questions.

"Then perhaps I cannot help you," Kaylin considered slowly, watching Arnyn with rapt attention.

"I could order you."

Kaylin's eyes narrowed on the Lieutenant. Taking in her demeanour. The way she was almost sagging in her seat. The dark circles under her eyes. Speaking of eyes... "You wouldn't," she uttered in barely more than a whisper, her tone coloured by apprehensive disbelief.

"Wouldn't I?" Arnyn challenged.

"I'm not talking about making it an order anymore," Kaylin continued, more loudly now, her eyes narrowing further as her suspicion sunk in deeper. "Does Pele know?"

"She knows I requested it from the Houses of Healing some days ago."

Again, with the evasion. Kaylin smirked. "Again, not what I meant. Not that you didn't know, this time."

Arnyn paused before her next reply. Her gaze may have been tired - but it was still quite capable of being calculating. "The Captain knows I would never use it on anyone without their permission."

Now it was Kaylin's turn to be silenced for a moment. Slowly, her frown slipped away and her eyes widened. "Well, I'll be damned. I swear. I only just told some people that you keep surprising me at every turn." Muttering, she added: "You sure don't disappoint."
The Hyandaner sighed heavily, though she was clearly putting on a bit of a show. "So. You've covered the musts with the Captain. But you haven't clued in your friend. You haven't actually told her."

"I haven't told you, either. Yet you're putting it together. So can she."

"Did she?" Kaylin demanded.

Despite the question, Arnyn didn't shy away from the redhead's intent gaze. "I'm not sure," she admitted.

Kaylin grunted. "Well. At least you're no liar." She waved a hand over the armrest of her chair. "You're mad, obviously. But not a liar."

Arnyn smiled faintly. "Can you get it for me, Kaylin?" she repeated her earlier question.

"I should take that question as an insult."

The Lieutenant slanted her head. "Can you get it for me while insulted?"

Kaylin's eyes narrowed once more at the blonde in front of her. Slowly, the corner of her mouth lifted. "I can."

"And you will?" Arnyn prodded.

Kaylin had a smile for her by then. "I will. Are you planning on taking a batch with you while we're out at sea?"

"Of course."

"Oooooof course." Kaylin shook her head. "Mad," she repeated, as well as warned the woman in front of her. Not so much the officer now, as the friend.

"I appreciate the warning," Arnyn said, smiling faintly again. "But it'd be more foolish quitting now."

"I never said it wasn't interesting. Or possibly a weird kind of genius. Just that it's also - well, mad."

"Point made," Arnyn acknowledged. "Now that is taken care of, I have some more questions for you. It looks like I'll be heading into a particular kind of situation, shortly after sea training. I could use your presence, at best. And your advice, at the very least."

Kaylin pulled her chair closer to the desk, so she could lean her forearms on it. "If this new topic is anywhere near as interesting as the previous one, I'm all ears, Lieutenant."

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters - Reporting to the Command - late January
Concerning: To the Belegaer & Back Again

Kaylin was in a pretty great mood, honestly. Despite the rigours of the training their group had just undertaken. Despite the sleep deprivation she had built up over the past few weeks. Despite the way some of her muscles ached.

Because it had felt just like her days in the army. Cooped up with comrades in arms, spending basically every moment of the day together, sleeping in shared quarters… Training hard during the day, and playing hard in the late evenings and into the night.

Kaylin would be game for doing something like this more often, really.

Walking into headquarters in black leathers, she wasn’t nervous about reporting in about their time at sea. Pele, Arnyn and Abrazimir had all been there themselves. And they had all had some good times. It wasn’t as if anything she was going to say, would be news to them. Kaylin figured they mostly just needed some account from each of the rangers to finance the undertaking, or fill up a folder with enough paperwork to convince someone or other that this venture had been worthwhile to undertake. One of several reasons she was glad she’d never been an officer, and had no ambition of ever becoming one.

The three of them were waiting for her in the command office. The Captain, the Lieutenant - and the ship’s Captain. But when Kaylin entered, they actually gave her very little direction on what they wanted to hear from her. Thus giving her… free rein.

“I suppose what you want to hear from me are all the things I’ve learned,” Kaylin began, glancing at Pele, Arnyn and Abrazimir in turn. “Aside from the dry list of things you already know - like how we all learned to work the rigging, the sails and the oars, measuring distances across the water, operating trebuchets… and how to fish,” she added with a slightly upturned corner of her mouth, “I learned a lot of other stuff, too. Like what to do when the waters get testy. Who to watch. Which would be Cadil,” she said while looking at Pele. “How to be careful not to fall overboard myself - since I almost did.” Just once, during the worst of the storm, but still. Despite the adrenaline rush she’d felt, that wasn’t an experience Kaylin was willing to repeat.

“I’ve learned my share of sea shanties,” she continued her little list, smiling by that point. “And I already knew our dear lady officers aren’t exactly drinkers, but now I also know that neither are Duinion or Unalmis. And that Isys appreciates wine rather than anything else. In turn I’m sure the others all found out I’m a wonderful team player, given my engagement to handle their part of the rum,” she noted with a grave nod. Kaylin bowed to Abrazimir with a grin. “As to not offend our host, of course.”

“I learned my luck at dice still hold up on open water,” she couldn’t resist to add. “Also - that not all your sailors appreciated that.” The redhead shrugged at Abrazimir. “Their loss.” Literally. “I also learned sailors aren’t at all that different from soldiers.” Her eyes glinted as they rested on Pele for that little tidbit of her ‘report’. After all, engaging in heavier banter, some dares, perhaps an altercation here and there - in order to feel each other out and gain some healthy levels of respect for one another… that were all things Kaylin had been quite used to in the army. And honestly, exactly the kind of environment where she thrived.

“I’ve learned climbing the mast can be fun.” Especially at night. And especially after drinks. Well - the latter hadn’t been true for Unalmis, just for Kaylin, but still. She remembered that as quite a good time. Cards and dice and somehow turned into dares and bets, and trying to climb the mast in silence and unseen had been a good distraction in one of the first nights after that storm had scared the wits out of them all.

“I’ve learned storms are scary as hell.” Kaylin’s gaze flicked to Abrazimir. “Your crew is amazing. It was my honour to learn from them. And it will be my honour to sail with them again, when we go on this mission later in the year.”

“Also, I haven’t had that much fun with a large group of people for such an extended amount of time in years,” she admitted freely, smiling broadly. “In short, I think the whole thing was a stellar idea.” Supposing it had been Arnyn’s, cause it sounded like just the thing the Lieutenant would have recommended given the upcoming mission, Kaylin’s smile was directed at the blonde for that part.

Hoping she wasn’t about to get any questions or reprimands concerning her ‘fun’ behaviour in the evenings and some of the nights, Kaylin gave the three ranking people in front of her a very Kaylinesque smile. “Anything else you require of me for this report?”

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn , @Lantaelen
Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Late January - Receiving reports

Pele had half intended to take serious notes on the report and had all the utensils set out before her, but upon Kaylin's elated entrance - all alive and fully herself - the Captain discarded that idea and leaned back into her chair to listen to the account undisturbed by trying to jot down notes. A hint of a smile lingered on her face as she listened to the Hyandaner's account with an occasional glance towards the other officers.

"I figured something like this would be right down your lane," she eventually stated with a note of contentment in her voice once Kaylin had finished reporting. The whole affair had been an excellent exercise, and very well organised for which she was immensely thankful to Arnyn and Abrazimir. And since they were all stuck together in such limited space with minimal privacy, Pele had done all she could to facilitate bonding and teamwork between Rangers and sailors, making sure they would build mutual trust to stand on when the circumstances of dire need came about. She had made a point to engage in as many activities as she could alongside others, testing and sharpening her own skills, and learning as many new skills as possible, though it was clear that if she ever wanted to make sure to excel in these, it would require more than this training time.

While Pele had made an effort to maintain some sort of 'formal officer conduct', it had not helped her to keep wholly away from pulling a silly prank or two on unsuspecting people and join some merriment. Always good for morale, or so they say...

"It appears that you've had a whole lot of room for entertainment while acquiring the necessary skills, hmm?" Pele said after a while. "Let's see what else is needed..." her gaze turned to the empty page before her as if she had invisible instructions written there that she was looking up. "Any complaints to bring forth? Suggestions? Apart from more of similar expeditions, that is."

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

|
Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr | Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - Rangers reporting to the Command - late January
Concerning: To the Belegaer & Back Again

She could only grin when Pele said she'd figured the expedition would be just her kind of thing. "Glad not to disappoint," she said, giving her words some flair with a small bow. To her professional credit, Kaylin managed to maintain an air of innocence without grinning like the mischievous little rebel she could be. At times. "Yes, Captain," she merely agreed, more or less with a straight face.

Arnyn had taken a few notes, though not copious ones, while Kaylin had been speaking. The Lieutenant leaned back in her chair and smiled faintly as she regarded Kaylin. "Suppose your attempts at sneaking bottles out - and back in - to the Captain's cabin had best not make their way into the official report," Arnyn mused. "Unless that has also taught you anything?"

Kaylin didn't so much as flinch. "Not a thing, Lieutenant."

Arnyn nodded, gesturing slightly with her hand as if to confirm that it would not be mentioned further.

At Pele's question, Kaylin seemed a little caught off guard. "Well... no," she said emphatically. "You said it. I would enjoy doing it all over again," she confirmed with a shrug. "Not having another storm would be nice, but it's not like that is up to anyone..." Kaylin shrugged again before regaining her composure. She straightened her shoulders a little. "It was a useful and enjoyable training exercise. I understand it would be difficult to organise a second one before the onset of the mission it served to prepare us for. But if it all possible, I would welcome it."

After glancing to Pele and Abrazimir, to see if either had any further questions - which they apparently did not -, the Lieutenant nodded. "Thank you for coming in, Kaylin. That will be all. You're dismissed."

Kaylin flashed the three a grin, gave a quick salute, and turned on her heels. She was out of the office in no time, humming a bit to herself as she left headquarters.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn @Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Headquarters - reporting to the Command - late January
Follow 'To the Belegaer & Back Again'

Duinion was entering the building about the time Kaylin was leaving, so he nodded in greeting as they passed one another. When it was clear that they were ready for him to come into the office, he went in and offered a polite greeting to each of them; Pele, Arnyn, and Abrazimir. He was not entirely sure what they wanted him to offer in this report, but he cleared his throat and tried to offer whatever he thought might be useful to them.

"Well, I think that the training was... useful." He wasn't sure of the word. "I believe it gave us all a glimpse of what to expect in the coming mission, at least. I now have an idea of how to handle some of the tasks which will be expected of each person to fulfil, while on a ship." He was trying to be careful not to speak negatively of the experience, although really.. he'd hated almost every bit of it. He thought for a moment to try and find something positive about it, to speak of. "I thought the trebuchet practice was interesting, and enjoyable. Although I would have been more interested in trying out a ballista," He admitted with a little smile. As an archer, he would have really liked trying his skill with a gigantic crossbow, after all. "Still, I liked the challenge of learning to aim and adjust the trebuchet device, even if the offered reward was not the best incentive to me," He gave a little shrug at that. As a man who avoided alcohol, being offered the last of the rum for winning that game, was not much of a prize. The food part of the prize had held much more incentive, but he hadn't really cared very much whether he won or lost. It was for the rest of his team's sake that he had tried to win that competition, more than for himself.

What else? Ah, right... "I was very intrigued by the hammocks we used for sleeping aboard the ship." He mentioned. "In fact, I might even start using one of those on a regular basis," He grinned slightly in amusement. "Seems like a good option for camping, also. A hammock would be lightweight enough to carry in a pack easily, and then you can just string it up between two trees... especially if you're interested in avoiding being seen by others." He mentioned, thinking to his early years with the ranger company, operating in Ithilien. "You could put it up high enough not to draw attention, and weave leaves and branches in around the ropes to camouflage it..." He would certainly be giving that idea more thought, but he realized he was veering off topic, and cleared his throat. "Anyway. I thought the hammocks were nice. And it was nice that we were able to put them in various places outside, on the deck, if we wished." Which, he certainly had.

"Rowing was... difficult, but endurable, although I wish it wasn't necessary." He added, recalling one of the least pleasant aspects of the time aboard ship. The work itself wasn't what he was referring to, but he didn't say that. It was being stuck down below in the dimly lit area, with no way of knowing how much time had actually passed, except for listening to that drum that had gotten very tiresome, very quickly. He would really rather not have to do that job, but he knew it wouldn't be fair to even ask to be exempt from it.

He took a moment to think if there was anything else. He was not willing to get into his own personal feelings about how he felt about being aboard a ship. He'd hated it and didn't want to do it ever again. But he would do it again, for that upcoming mission. So, at least he now knew what he would be enduring. He knew what he'd be getting into, as far as the sailing went. And he'd had a bit of experience figuring out how to get around some of the things he found unpleasant. With any luck, after the mission had ended, there would never again be any reason for him to have to go onto a ship. Hopefully.

"Well, aside from those things, I felt good that I was able to contribute well enough in the area of restocking the ship's supplies, from that island we stopped at." He mentioned. It had been very nice to get off the ship and actually put his best skills to work, foraging and hunting, and finding all manner of edible things that could be brought back to the ship. It had been especially nice that it happened to fall on his birthday, when they camped on land again, but he said nothing about that; neither then, nor now. "I hope that helped to raise your crew's opinion of me," He added with a little nod toward Abrazimir, though he really didn't know if they had any opinion whatsoever. He had mostly avoided getting involved in any card games, he hadn't been interested in learning those bawdy sea songs they were fond of, although he did enjoy the ones praising the Valar. And he didn't partake of any alcoholic drinks. They probably thought he was very boring, if anything. Especially since, most of the shenanigans he had participated in had been in secret, and would not be repeated here, lest he and his co-conspirators got into trouble.

"During the storm," He added, hesitating as he tried to think of how to word this. "I think we all learned a great deal. It was frightening, but also helpful training. I believe that helped to push us all toward working together, maybe even nudged us all toward trusting one another a bit more. We had to rely on each other more, and there was no time for questioning whether what we were told to do, was the right thing." He mentioned, not sure if that was making sense. "I think, in a situation like that, it makes a person rely on those with more experience far more than when the waters are calm." He paused. "And that applies in all sort of careers, not just sailors. I had the same experience in my youth as a ranger trainee," He added, smiling faintly.

"When things are calm, and there's no trouble, the more experienced men tend to play tricks and have a bit of fun with the new guys. Giving them absurd tasks to perform, for instance, for a laugh when they actually fall for it, you know." He shrugged. "But when things get serious, you know that everything they tell you to do is absolutely for a purpose, so you had better listen and not doubt that it might be their idea of a practical joke. So, I think the storm was helpful in that regard, as well as helping us know what to do in such weather. And it helped us to all band together and work as a team. That being said... I really hope we don't have to endure another storm like that during the mission." That had been very frightening, and he did not want to repeat it if he could help it.

Drawing a breath, he looked from one to the other. "Was there anything else that you'd like me to speak about?" He asked, unsure whether he'd covered everything, or if they wanted more specific information about anything.


(Edit: adding a couple of things I forgot)

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn , @Lantaelen , @Rillewen
Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Late January - Receiving reports

Once again Pele found herself mostly listening and paying attention not only to words but body language when it was Duinion who came in next to share his experiences. While the whole sea exercise had put them into rather close teamwork, she still found him to be somewhat secretive beyond sharing the actual job skills. She did eventually take some notes, or rather a couple of questions as she compared Kaylin's outgoing and bustling nature and is quiet and reserved one. She was not sure though if she could actually frame the said questions in the form to be asked out aloud at this very moment, and as he pondered on it her hand absent-mindedly drew a couple of stars along the mostly empty page.

"I cannot make any promises of not having another actual storm... or storms of other kinds," Pele said eventually, a corner of her lips lifting ever so slightly. "Though it is good to know that you are able to handle yourself and know that teamwork matters in such event. Otherwise... I do not think I have more questions for now." Not until she could properly formulate those couple things she had jotted down so that those did not turn out as means of prying for information mercilessly.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen @Rillewen

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - Rangers reporting to the Command - late January
Concerning: To the Belegaer & Back Again

When Duinion entered, Arnyn was not sure what to prepare for. Her back straight, she leaned into her chair, assessing him calmly and quietly, returning his polite greeting with a silent nod of her head and a very small smile. She hadn't forgotten anything about their talk, all those months ago, at the farm. She had not missed the fact he spent all those nights on deck, either. And then there was the whole, other matter...

Duinion's general opinion of the training exercise was phrased... diplomatically. It made a corner of her mouth twitch upwards, amused in spite of herself, while she looked down at the paper in front of her and made a small note. Her expression stayed the same as he spoke of the trebuchet and the prize not exactly being the best incentive, for him. It hadn't been for her, either. And it hadn't been for a few more of them, either. It had proven to be quite a difference between Abrazimir's sailors and Pele's rangers. And Arnyn had been very interested to see that, and recognize the same tendency in others of their unit.

Another note, concerning the hammock, made its way onto her paper. And when the Tirdinen spoke of the storm, and how it may have helped them bond, Arnyn nodded her agreement. Pele's reaction made her glance aside at the Captain, and Arnyn's eyes lingered on her friend briefly as the latter claimed she had no more questions. Arnyn's dark eyes flicked to the notes in front of the Captain. Seeing the questions, there. Her gaze lingered a moment longer, before lifting to Duinion. The Lieutenant tilted her head minutely. "Thank you, Duinion," she said, her tone genuine. "No questions from me," she added, more quietly. She had observed him during those weeks. She had observed them all. It was interesting to hear what had stood out to them, now, but she was not planning on grilling anyone -- today.

She briefly made eye contact with Abrazimir, who nodded minutely. He had said, prior to these reports, he was planning to be present to listen. Still, Arnyn wanted to make sure he did not think of anything he wished to ask or tell, after each ranger had given their little report.

"You are dismissed, then," she told Duinion. "Well done, out there, Raedor." It couldn't have been easy, for someone who avoided small spaces as well as the fact he was a general introvert. Arnyn wasn't oblivious to that.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn @Pele Alarion @Lantaelen

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Headquarters - reporting to the Command - late January

Duinion was both surprised and a little relieved when neither Pele nor Arnyn had any questions for him. Particularly Arnyn. He had, of course, left out a few things which he thought best not to say to them. Like the mast-climbing shenanigans he had gotten involved in with Unalmis and Kaylin... There was no need to tell anyone in command about that, after all. That would only get everyone involved in trouble.

He gave a nod of farewell and a salute to all present and was turning to go, when Arnyn added that he had done well. Pausing as he looked back to her, Duinion smiled faintly in gratitude for those words. "Thank you, lieutenant." He replied quietly, although he still wasn't willing to admit just how much he had disliked the experience. With another nod in farewell, he left the office. Moments later, he could be heard speaking a greeting to the next person arriving to give their report, shortly before that person entered as well...

@Ercassie

[Ercassie]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn @Lantaelen

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl, reporting in, at Command office.
After the Sailing experience. - To the Belegaer and Back Again
In January.

Isys had not gained much insight from the Tirdinen, of what to expect, before he'd departed the building. But she had knocked at the door for her turn nonetheless. Her mood was measured, sitting pretty where it would confess no wild opinion, neither for or against what she had come here to report. She took grey eyes upon a tour along the three gathered officers and then waited. She did not look to sit. She did not say a word. At the point where it would have been tempting to invite her to finally speak, she lowered her chin and raised one arm up across her chest. For a significant amount of time, the woman's eyes closed in what could be counted silent reverence. And then she returned a steady gaze toward them.

There was no direction. There was no prompt. There was only the assumption that she’d find words of her own to say. To be fair, she usually did.


“With respect, it is neither surprise nor a secret that this was not the first time I had sailed, even under the command of our esteemed Master of the Seas.” She addressed her superiors here, but an undeniable if subtle gesture was delivered toward Abrazimir, in acknowledgement. “For all that, it was unlike any other time in my experience.”

The ensuing pause was long enough to give the impression that this was maybe all that she was going to offer. Some suggestion of whether the ‘experience’ had been an improvement or a devolution on her baseline might have at least been a kindness. But it was simply .. giving her opinion on a thing, where her opinion would not change a matter at all .. that was where she was finding the struggle. They did not actually require her feedback. They had been there, each and every one of them. Perhaps they wished for reassurance and support that this mission was not a huge mistake. Was she supposed to thank them for the opportunity ? Perhaps this was just a convenient means to gauge if her mind had been changed about going. Maybe it was where they would inform her she had been judged during the excursion and found wanting.


It certainly could not be said that she had thrown herself into the sailing trek with the same gusto as some of her Ranger peers had done. Although Isys certainly did not dislike any element of sailing, and she was in fact well practiced to the point that she maybe had found the ambience rather less surprising and eye opening than others. Still she had enjoyed herself. Even if that is not the sort of thing which a lady ought openly admit.

“I was glad to be allowed the opportunity to explore the navigation tools,” she admitted, eventually. Though the joy and novelty at even handling the very same sorts of measuring and mapping utensils which her father had once permitted an infant Isys to ‘play’ with, years ago was a thing she felt no need or want to express. She had always felt some manner of affinity with the great blue, it’s unpredictable and terrible nature, ever at odds with the simple wonder and power of it’s charm. Being reminded how men endeavoured to tame or at least counter that vast nautical power had certainly proven of interest. Not only because it was an activity where men in general did not trouble themselves over how she might cope. Though perhaps it was the refreshing sensation of not being the sole female amidst so many men in such quarters .. the sailors had seemed to enjoy themselves more rowdily about her, than most had a-ship before. Both a pleasing and thought-provoking realisation.


“I did take some personal affront to the claim that others lost the trebuchet challenge on purpose, to avoid the risk of tasting what I might help to prepare,” In truth, the woman did not seem overly upset, particularly when she added. “I had been hoping for some practice ..” in an ambiguous tone which those who knew her might suppose was jesting. The lack of any humour about her expression however .. left room for doubt. “Though I was glad for the opportunity to swim while the foraging was managed.” Admittedly she had not been granted permission for that spontaneous decision, but neither would she apologise for it. Embracing the instinct, as Nal had described it later. And honestly Ilisys felt she had been quite reserved, not leaping into the water on more occasions than she had. Pele at the very least would recall her habit of leaping fully clothed into harbours and the like, whilst back on land. She had once grabbed her now-Captain’s hand and taken her off the edge of a pier at a run ..

What they may have noticed of her general behaviour during the trip, .. was somewhat closer to the likes of Duinion, than Kaylin. Even when she had been amidst company, she had seemed to stand .. alone. Primarily because her temperament was more that way inclined. She’d made no fuss and managed the necessary exertions without duress though. She had hung her hammock with the rest of the Swan Knights before now and did so again on this occasion, cocooned in her little swaddle, she had slept as though at home in her most comfortable bed. She had not properly indulged in the gambling or card games, though neither one was an oddity for her to behold. Indeed she had frequently lingered about the fences of such revelry, to watch the proceedings with interest, privately hedging her own bets of who was most like to win or lose. And she had at one point consented to blow for ‘luck’ on some dice for a particularly bold sailor who had begged for the ‘blessing’. It had not brought him good luck but it had made her smile to be so included.


“The company was by and large diverting,” she employed the typical practice of her upbringing, to downplay quite how much she had truly appreciated the company. She had even felt so comfortable to loan her voice to the songs which she knew, which admittedly were not all of them and, on the first try, her contribution had brought most others to a silence, for a moment or two, when they realised that she was partaking. Other voices had swiftly joined in however, once the surprise had been shaken off. She had not turned down a glass of wine to unwind of an evening, although notably not every evening. And she had played no part in the ‘games’ which involved sneaking alcohol out from the officers’ cabin. Or back in again. Her interest in keeping watch may have had rather more to do with her keeping a certain telescope of old Numenorean design almost ever to hand, an item which the Ranger officers at least had seen once before they set out. “The peace at times was equally appreciated. The tempest though, .. I have known worse."

Perhaps she had been referencing the storm at this last, though of course she was not clear in this regard. Isys had certainly not lost her composure to panic when their vessel fell afoul of the weather. Strong arms had hauled where directed, and her balance had held true. But there she had an advantage over most of her Ranger peers at least, in that this was certainly not her first ‘dicey’ crossing.


She had not told her people back home about this little excursion, counting it as confidential. So no sign of any from her side of home showed up, when they banqueted at Castle Dimaethor. The food had been considerably more sophisticated on that occasion than some of the offerings they had been encouraged to try while on route. But she had demonstrated no altered demeanour between the two.

“I did think at one point that I saw a whale,” she admitted, perhaps randomly. “It might have been a whale,” she came close to repeating, this time it seemed, to herself. She was unsure what else to say at that point. A long enough stall in vocal offerings implied, after a while, that she had said her piece, such as it was. Her audience here of course had known much of what she had just imparted, even before she had shared her account.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn , @Lantaelen , @Ercassie
Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Late January - Receiving reports

Pele had noted that Duinion spent his nights on the ship out on the deck rather than within, and now she wondered if he was happy to be back where he can have all the space that he liked. Most times. She looked after him thoughtfully when he exited the office and maintained the same thoughtful look when Isys came in next and took her sweet time to even say a word.

Even though she wanted to start the flow of words with a statement or a question, Pele held off and tried to read any story that she might find behind the body language which... almost told her nothing.

"I assumed you would feel like a fish in water in that environment," the Captain spoke when Isys did finally make a few statements. "Though I hope us city and forest folk did not look too poorly as we tried to master sea life. What do you think?" She ended with a question out of curiosity to see how the woman whom she still often found mysterious would gauge the joint exercise, or if she would avoid making clear evaluating statements. She added an afterthought though right away: "I am glad the whale did not eat you while you swam."

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen @Ercassie

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - Rangers reporting to the Command - late January
Concerning: To the Belegaer & Back Again

As with Duinion, Arnyn was not certain what to expect from Ilisys Azrubêl - and for more reason than one. Then again, the Lieutenant might dare make the claim that never knowing what to expect from the Ehtyar did deliver in and by itself a certain expectation.

Humour had not been it. Whereas before, Arnyn had been slowly rolling her quill between her thumb and index finger, her hand stilled at the Belfalasian's apparent jesting. If that was indeed what it was - for the Lieutenant did not know the Ehtyar very well at all. It sounded like a jest, through the turn of phrase. And it was not its dry delivery that cast doubts, but the way Ilisys' body language and facial expression gave away nothing at all...

The blonde wrote down just a few words, once Isys seemed to have finished and while Pele was engaging in conversation. While Arnyn's expression was polite, even friendly, albeit serious - something was missing , and to the trained eye that would be a change. Anyone who might have noticed, however, would have seen that change in her for weeks, now.

Arnyn waited politely for the Captain and the Ehtyar to finish their conversation. After which she would indicate her lack of questions for this ranger, as well, and cast her gaze Abrazimir's way, just as she had done with the other reports.

[Lantaelen]

@Arnyn@Pele Alarion @Rillewen@ercassie

Lord Abrazimir Dimaethor
Rangers: Headquarters and Armoury, January

The Captain of the Bregoalph had a little space at the end of the Captain’s desk but it served well enough. He was simply here to listen to the reports of each Ranger, to give context and clarification if necessary, but overall to observe and await the next stages of the forthcoming mission. He could not deny he was a little enthusiastic about the entire prospect, to strike back at the hated foe, instead of always being on the defensive. He hoped the reports would all give strong credence and backing to the prospect they wished to undertake. With the King’s blessing.

Kaylin was first, speaking in her usual manner of the wet-work she had learned, regarding the sails and riggings and such. Abrazimir was a little proud that he had managed to impart such lasting lessons in the land sloggers. She learned a lot of her comrades too. And when she gazed at him, with her remark of not offending our host, Abrazimir acknowledged her with a dry but humorous ”Mhm”. He knew that she had no qualms about beating him or his men in any competition, whether drinking or dice or other games. Their loss. Next time.

He stirred though when she talked about climbing the mast could be fun. Especially after drinks. No, don’t put that in the official report. They were serious, focused sailors and soldiers! But she concluded with compliments to his crew and an honour to learn. Abrazimir nodded his head graciously and put a hand to his heart. ”Berio i refn-en-alph len. It’s been a pleasure to host you, Hyandaner.” He responded courteously.

Captain Pele Alarion and Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen addressed Kaylin next. Pele noted what a boon it was to combine pleasures and work. Thankfully it hadn’t been distracting. Arnyn though remarked on bottles being taken in and out of his ship cabin, which he had loaned to the officers for the duration of the trip. Already replaced and their loss was not missed. He just gave Kaylin a knowing smile. Don’t worry, nobody will notice. Kaylin was dismissed and next up was Ranger Tirdinen Duinion Raedor.

The man had a lot to say and Abrazimir listened attentively. Like Kaylin, he picked up a lot from the machinations of managing a vessel, though Abrazimir detected a hint of unease. Sea travel was not for everyone and certainly held it’s fair share of perils. The man was not a drinker though, as Abrazimir recalled, so it hadn’t been that much of a…vacation, like some. Although I have been more interested in trying out a ballista. ”We’ll get some installed for you, and others.” Abrazimir assured him, knowing they could never be without enough weaponry on this kind of expedition.

The hammock though seemed to have the most lasting impression. Dangling and suspended in the air, no hard lumps of soil beneath you or the unforgiving hardness of plank or board. Abrazimir smiled and nodded along to the various benefits Duinion listed about hammocks. They were mostly employed on ships so sailors could be crammed in there like…well, planks. One atop the other. He kept his smile sympathetic to the arduous nature of rowing – no one liked that work, but it was necessary.

Well, aside from those things, I felt good that I was able to contribute well enough in the area of restocking the ship’s supplies, from that island we stopped at. I hope that helped to raise your crew’s opinion of me. ”Oh, definitely. Compared to their usual fare, it was quite the banquet. Thank you for your services.” Abrazimir replied back with gratitude, touching his chest in a heartfelt gesture. He really did want comradery and strong cohesion between his sailors and the rangers. Duinion had more than proved his worth and efficacy.

He too liked that the storm had strengthened everyone’s resolve and expectations, that they knew what to expect and more importantly, what to do. No one panicked or lost their nerve, even without warning or foreknowledge of the event. Now they would be even stronger. It was a good sign, thank Uinen. All jokes and competitiveness between the two groups had ceased when the storm came about. When troubles arise, there was no differences between service branches or regions. Just one united front.

As for the practical jokes…well, hopefully during the real mission that would be kept to an appropriate minimum.

That concluded Duinion’s report. Pele and Arnyn both had little to add. The Lieutenant glanced his way and Abrazimir returned with a soft nod. Perfect report, no notes. Duinion was dismissed and Abrazimir repeated the same message of parting. ”Berio i refn-en-alph len. It’s been a pleasure to host you, Ranger.”

Next up was his fellow Swan-Knight, neighbour, and distant kinswoman, Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl. Abrazimir wore a silly little grin of familiarity as she stepped in. And in her usual bluntness, she wasted no time with a preamble. It was not her first time on the seas. In fact, it went the other way. Isys had gotten Abrazimir started on his sailing missions and expeditions. He learned his experience coming up under her command during his youth, in the past ten, fifteen years or so. He doubted there had been anything that surprised her on this training mission, which she confirmed as much.

Though, she was usually a leader, not someone generally tasked with the menial labours. And truthfully, Abrazimir was not keen on letting a ‘Lady’ muddy their hands with such basic tasks. But Isys had her own will that was far greater than his and he tried not to argue with her. She was a known quantity among his people too and they had a sort of familiarity and informality with her, and her kin, their two families having served side by side for generations. Their fathers had been on the expedition to Umbar in the 2980s of the last Age and there was a legacy and prestige that went with that. There was nobody Abrazimir would trust more with his warship, if something were to happen to him, than Isys.

He did however lower his gaze and scratch his brow when Isys took some, teasing, effrontery at her cooking. Yeah, he was not going to get involved with that. Swimming had not exactly been authorized but again…he was not going to argue with this particular woman, who had flattened him in the jousting sands before and indeed had been his mentor on many other private quests and missions. Maybe keep that out of the report too. The officers should be soon to be in control of all the elements of their crew and soldiery. No one swam against orders or drunkenly climbed masts or gambled.

I did think at one point that I saw a whale. It might have been a whale. ”He must have been seeking new feeding grounds if he was that far north during the winter season. Not unusual. A strong portent of Lady Uinen’s.” Abrazimir remarked, with some sailor superstition sprinkled in, before passing the floor to Pele and Arnyn to make any remarks, if they had any. He smiled and waved his hand dismissively at Pele’s hopes the urban and forest folk did not embarrass themselves. For several first timers, they were quite impressive.

That seemed like a conclusive statement and he turned to see Arnyn gazing at him for any final remarks. He had nothing to add himself to Isys’ report, who clearly knew more than he did. He looked to Isys next with a…mischievous smile. ”Thank you for your report Lady Azrubêl. Berio i refn-en-alph len. It’s always a pleasure to host you.” He concluded graciously and leaned back to await the next report and Ranger.

[Ercassie]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn @Lantaelen

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl, reporting in, at Command office (2).
After the Sailing experience. - To the Belegaer and Back Again In January.

Their Commander had a disarming lean to her demeanour, and this was not the first time that the Ehtyar had observed it. Pele could have any individual so easily feel as though there was no call to stand upon ceremony. But this was rather more a formal, than a social event. And where Ilisys came from, the two were often interchangeable regardless.

“I would have to agree with my Captain,” she imparted, and her words were slow but steady in the delivery as she watched the other woman for reaction. And then did smile, minutely. And left that single answer to try and satisfy all three of their Commander’s enquiries. Isys was certainly not likely to venture a personal opinion upon the conduct or competency of either the Sailors or the Rangers. Raised around one group, resident now among the other, and counted not properly among either one of them, rather than in both .. If the exercise at sea had been an experiment, she had been treading water in just such a trial for some time before they had ever set forth. Whether her any understanding of her ‘place’ was more or better defined now, she could not have made any report.


At the Sea Lord’s supposings on the whale sighting, the lady paused to consider quite what, beyond the will of the Valar, might have diverted such a titan of the waves away from his usual feeding grounds .. in the warmer southern seas. “Sea may rise,” she concluded though quiet as she met Abrazimir’s gaze. A tuck of her tapered chin into her throat, and the lady curtsied, a testament to poise and practiced perfection, and the fact that she was garbed today in the increasingly familiar black and silver uniform, rather than her any blue-steeled armour. The lack of an elaborate gown somehow did not take from the grandiose gesture. Her offerings concluded, as her eyes rose up anew, with ”Sky may fall.” And if any present in the room were unaware of her family’s own motto, offered in exchange to the nobleman’s, then they would no doubt simply think it simply more of her sporadic strangeness.

When no word whatsoever emerged from the Ranger Lieutenant, the Ehtyar nodded mutely once, in both acknowledgement and in Arnyn’s direction. Then, since she had not been permitted any formal dismissal as yet, Isys fell to an echo of the same reverent gesture she had performed on arrival. One forearm raised up across her chest in solemn silence, and the grey eyes lowered. And it lasted .. waiting .. as though the woman were now turned unto stone before their very eyes.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion @Lantaelen @Ercassie

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters - Rangers reporting to the Command - late January
Concerning: To the Belegaer & Back Again

The nod in her direction brought about a fleeting, small smile, before the Lieutenant's expression returned to its previous state. After a glance at the two others, Arnyn nodded as if to herself, and observed the Belfalasian's demeanor.

"Thank you for your participation, regardless of your expansive previous knowledge," she did impart upon the dark-haired woman. "I was glad to see you among the others." Every word was true, genuine, and there was no ulterior or additional meaning behind them. "You are dismissed, Ehtyar," she added, to provide clarification they required nothing further from her report. And another small smile appeared on Arnyn's face at the mentioning of the old division rank and one of the Lady's titles, before she well and good realized the corners of her mouth were lifting. For regardless how Ilisys might feel about anything, it had seemed to Arnyn that she had fit in perfectly well with the diverse group that made up the King's unit.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Dec 31, just before dawn
Training area behind the armory

It was cold outside in the hours just before dawn. Trastion blew on his gloved hands and rubbed them together to warm them, then looked around. Again. He sighed, pacing from one end of the training area to the other. He looked up at the sky, frowning slightly. Just a few days ago, he'd waited and waited, getting more and more worried. And then the lieutenant had shown up after a while, looking rather sick. And then she'd cancelled the next day, so he figured she must still be feeling unwell. She'd probably show up in a few minutes, he decided. remembering how she had assured him that there was nothing to worry about. Well, at least he could get started on his warmups while he waited.

After getting through his warmups, Trastion paused and looked around again. Still no sign of Arnyn. Well, he thought it had been later than that the other day when she came. He hoped she was alright, but he figured she would show up before too long. So, expecting her to come along any moment, he grabbed his sword and began going through his forms, then moved into practicing defense techniques and other drills. He spent a while going through each thing several time, trying to make sure he did everything just right.

Still, no Arnyn. Frowning as he glanced at the sky, Trastion noticed that it was getting light now. What was taking her so long? He took a moment to think. Then he sighed and decided to spend a little while practicing some other techniques, and if she still hadn't shown up by the bell rang for the 6 o'clock hour, then he'd check for her at her house.

When the bell rang, Trastion sighed, finished the thing he was practicing, and sheathed his sword. Then he went back into the armory where Cali was working on a piece of armor. "Hey, Cali. If Arnyn shows up, will you let her know I went to get breakfast?"

She glanced up, pausing in her work. "Sure." She answered with a little nod. "You think she's alright?" She asked, frowning in concern.

Trastion paused, thinking for a moment. "She wasn't feeling well the other day. And she canceled, the next day." He reminded her. "I'm gonna stop by her house and try to find out what's going on, if I can." He explained as he got his things together. After telling Cali goodbye, he set off to the mess hall to have a quick breakfast. When he'd finished, he set off with the intention of going to the training grounds for some additional training. With one stop along the way.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

She had been debating herself for most of the Fourth Circle, all of the Fifth and part of the Sixth. By the time Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen walked through the entrance doors to Ranger Headquarters, she knew which side of her had won.

Pushing back the heavy hood of her black winter cloak, her boots moved over the floor with a nearly silent rhythm, a testiment to her ranger knowledge and skills. Which leathers made the least noise; what kind of weight division and speed reduced the sound of your steps, depending on the canvas you walked on.

Arnyn worried she was too late. That the office would already be empty, nothing but glowing embers in the hearth of the command office. A ranger passed by, greeting her. Arnyn returned the greeting with a faint smile, then returned her gaze to her objective. Only to finally find... Faelind.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, December 31

The day this far had been far from idle, with a run down to the Great Gate and back up and a couple of exercises in her room for a shortened exercise routine to start the day, and most of the time spent at the headquarters, only with a couple brief breaks to visit the Houses of Healing to grab some papers she intended to inspect later, a look at Shamara to make sure the woman was not about to wither away just yet, and some lunch which she had taken with her to the headquarters to eat as she dealt with business. However, she had spent most of the last hour standing and staring out the window as she thought over the matters.

The thinking session resulted in Pele swiftly turning around, collecting the cup with some tea still in it to set it out on a shelf out of the way, and heading for a door with determination in her step. She had already locked the door and turned to leave, but she did not take any step to further her intention when her eyes settled on her Lieutenant.

"Nyn! You come as if called," she said with a hint of excitement in her voice, relieved that it would mean not having to go in search of her friend. She unlocked the door again and swung it open to let them both in. "I think the water is still hot if you would like to join me for tea. Besides any matters to discuss - assuming you have any of these to add?"

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

"As if called?" Arnyn picked in on Pele's words while smoothly stepping into the office, not even needing to slow her steps after how quickly Pele had re-opened the door for them both. "I would," the Lieutenant agreed to Pele's suggestion, unstrapping the sword from her belt and putting it against the wall. Then she claimed one of the seats in front of the desk.

"Were you going to call for me?" She was curious whether the Captain had possibly alrady received orders, from higher up - or whether Pele wished to speak with her from her own volition. "If you are asking me whether I have any matters to add, that means you already have some of your own?" she inquired, reflecting the question back to her friend.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, December 31

"It's not that I would call for you," Pele replied as she closed the door in a manner that was very much opposite to the way she had opened it - closing it nearly without a sound.

"I was about to go in search of you myself," she added, and procured a cup of fragrant peppermint tea for Arnyn so quickly as if pouring tea into cups was her main business activity. Topping up her own cup with the same tea, she slid into a seat opposite to her Lieutenant. "Because I've been observing and thinking lots, and wanted to speak with you. So... shall I go first with my stuff or would you rather set out whatever led you here at this time?"

She breathed in the scent of the tea bringing her cup towards her face though she did not drink of it yet. Her blue eyes looked over the rim with measured curiosity as a small smile touched her lips.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

She listened and watched in silence as Pele poured the tea. Still warm, indeed. Had the Captain simply left this much hot tea in the office? Peculiar. But it suited them just fine at the moment, didn't it? The scent of peppermint spread through part of the command office while Arnyn shifted her chair to face Pele more fully. Then Arnyn reached for the cup her friend had poured, holding it carefully by its ear and the very top of its edge, so the cup would not grow too hot under her fingers to hold.

So Pele had been observing. And thinking. Both good things, Arnyn supposed. The Lieutenant tilted her head. "I'm fine with you going first," she said quietly, mirroring the Captain's little smile.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, December 31

"Ah, so you want scolding first?" Pele laughed gently, lowering the tea into her lap before she went straight to the heart of the matter. "Or should I rather say it is a multi-faceted concern. I've been watching you like a hawk whenever I've been able to see you for those couple days since I learned that you have nightshade. And after the said observation and re-consideration the friend part of me heard the healer part of me say that there should be another conversation about this. I am not sure that research of nightshade would be doing you favours. So there..."

Her gaze lost most of the humour and reflected gentle seriousness. "I have started worrying about you, to put it plainly," she summarised the previous longer words in a few and more cordial version and then paused to take a cautious sip from the cup. A moment later she added: "I worry that this might not actually be the right time for experiments with all that we have coming up. So I want to know your version of how you are doing with the said research and if there are any results. This is the primary reason for why I wanted to sit down with you for a while; everything else would depend on this..."

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

A scolding. For a moment, Arnyn thought the King had already spoken to Pele without her. But then, what? Pele had already known everything. And had not scolded her upon receiving all the information. Even when Arnyn had been prepared for it. Or was it the new facet of allowing Ava to go to the theatre and meet more people? Pele had not seemed to think Ava was fooling them---

Arnyn's thoughts moved so quickly, they tumbled over one another, entwined into themselves - even during that brief moment - until Pele spoke again, to clarify.

She blinked. Pele had been watching her? A slight frown settled between her brows. Oh. Oh. This was about the belladonna.

Her first instinct was to deflect. Minimise. Pretend she was perfectly fine.

But. This was Pelepele.

Arnyn's lips parted, then she paused before she began. Arnyn remembered everything she had told Pele, from when she'd returned to Minas Tirith to join the King's rangers as she had found out more and more about her friend's ordeal in Umbar, at the hands of Relic, of Keket. Arnyn remembered how she'd told Pele she could be honest with her without shame or fear of judgment.

The Lieutenant slowly sipped her tea. "I take a small dose one time a day, before bed," she began calmly. "I have only taken four, so far. Since I started the night of the 27th. I couldn't sleep much that night. Nor could I eat much the following day. I still managed to handle early morning training with Trastion, somehow. I did not neglect my duties at headquarters, either. As you know, I had no specific duties on the 28th. I did have to cancel my training with Trastion that morning. The second night did not go much better, and I hadn't been able to keep anything down other than water. I managed to sleep some during the day, however - the worst of the dose hit me during the night. It was better during the day. The thought of eating, however..." Arnyn took another sip of the peppermint tea. "Did not appeal."

"Somehow, I managed to still hold to my agreement with my brother. To go out that night. But I suppose I was lucky Gladhron also wanted to go. He was playing around, offering his arm - I used it more than I should have. And he agreed to walk me home early, when I couldn't manage anymore."

Arnyn resisted a sigh, and assessed Pele's blue eyes as she paused. Should she tell her everything? Probably. If she would not agree to tell Pele, then... No. Arnyn owed it to her friend to share this with her. Mordor's pits. She owed it to herself to share this with Pele.

"Two days without eating," she summarized, "and two nights and two days with much too little sleep. After the third dose that night, I tripped over my rug," she admitted drily. "And just.. blacked out on my floor. I'm afraid I scared the wits out of Gladhron. He saw, before he left for the night. Poor man tried to find me something to eat in my kitchen. I did manage to eat some crackers, which was an improvement."

"The night itself - it went better. I actually slept some. The crackers stayed down. I was up early the next morning. Training with Tras. A visit to Guard HQ regarding Ava. Then we had that long morning of meetings; you, me, Tercen, Ava, Gwestion, Gladhron. Where I told you everything in detail -- barring this. Barring the nightshade." Arnyn offered Pele an apologetic look. "It did not seem like... the time. And I thought you would insist I stop before I really got somewhere." To keep Pele from doing just that, now, Arnyn immediately continued with the 'results' of her 'research'.

"I did eat a few small things too, that day. Yesterday." Nothing more than a few small snacks. But still. "The day did feel.. long. Too long. I'd agreed to join Gladhron, Gwestion and their party from the North for the play at the Theatre. I still managed to go." Arnyn's teeth caught at her lip. "I fell asleep," she admitted. "And went home at intermission. Apparently I scared Gladhron so badly the evening before, he insisted on tagging along." She almost rolled her eyes.

"The first two nights and days were the worst. The third night and day was better; since small amounts of food and sleep became possible. So even after a few days, there has been an improvement," she emphasized, although her tone was objective - the only emphasis lay in the repetition.

"And after the fourth dose, last night - even though I was able to sleep, ready to sleep, eager to sleep - unfortunately, things required my attention. But I'll tell you about that once we've covered this topic," Arnyn suggested. "Or we will get derailed."

"I did sleep, in the end. Finally, I got to the hours I usually sleep at night. Which makes me think the worst nights are behind me, when it comes to suffering the poison's effects. I know I can sleep now. That should help enormously. And today, I managed to eat and keep down a small but decent lunch."

Her chin tilted up. Just a little. "What does the healer in you say now, after hearing all of this?"

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, December 31

Pele listened to the detailed account Arnyn provided with great interest, even as she attempted her best to balance out sincere concern and professional interest so that one wouldn't completely take over the other. Though one extreme might be more possible than the other. It would be very uncharacteristic of her to treat the matter only as an unaffiliated professional who would be only after practical results to the detriment of the one conducting the experiment. On the other hand, no matter how concerned she was for Arnyn's wellbeing she was aware she should not deny the possibility of any possible benefit, even if she had her doubts.

"The healer says: two days and two nights of rather serious onslaught from that dose, no matter how small," she concluded, "And I would very likely have stopped you if I had known the extent right away. It does sound less concerning, and I am glad you have had some food and some sleep, and a friend watching over you."

Pele paused and tilted her head as she glanced at Arnyn with a slight glint of tease in here eyes: "But by Yavanna's gardens, Arnyn, it seems to me that Gladhron likes you quite a lot; all that attentive care from him."

She did, however, turn back towards the matter at hand right after and scratched her chin thoughtfully as she said: "How long do you mean to take those doses though? While it might give you some protection from any nightshade used in attacks, who knows what else those Umbarians have up their sleeves. There might be plants we know nothing about yet to be used... It might be worth asking Ava about this. So we can find some antidotes. Besides, books might say one thing about long-term effects of this research, but each body might still react differently. Who knows if it wouldn't do some damage eventually? And also I would not want you to set out into further danger if it somehow made you less alert or capable."

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

Arnyn nodded, not denying that the poison had ben... an onslaught, as Pele called it. Avery faint but knowing smile tilted at her lips when the Captain continued to say she probably would have stopped her if she'd known about the effects. Another nod followed at the mention that she'd had some food and sleep, since then. And a friend watching over her.

Seeing the way Pele slanted her had, the way her eyes were gleaming, Arnyn raised an eyebrow even as her friend spoke. The eyebrow rose even higher once Pele had made her claim. Arnyn let out a huff of breath. Even if she had wondered that very same thing - for just a moment here and there; once when they'd been at the tavern, and again with what had happened last night, or this morning, or whatever one might choose to call it. Before logic and remembering his words had bid her to reconsider the notion and label it ridiculous.

"He was worried," Arnyn pointed out, before gesturing vaguely at Pele with one hand. "And still is, I think. Just as you are now worried. But you are not looking for anything more than friendship, are you, Captain?" Arnyn challenged. "Then why would you suspect otherwise from someone else? Is it just because he is a man, and I am a woman?" she continued to challenge the woman in front of her.

At Pele's questions, Arnyn looked at her tea cup, turning it around slowly in her hands. "I promised Gladhron I would take a smaller dose, going forward." How much smaller, however, had not been agreed upon. And Arnyn had yet to make up her mind about just how much smaller a dose she would make it. "For how much longer - I do not know. As far as I am concerned, it all depends on how it evolves: how much effect it continues to have, whether I can keep up with my duties while taking it, whether my body can continue to take it or not."

"It is very true that many a poison exists in this world," she agreed while lowering her head briefly in acknowledgement. "Yet nightshade was the one Relic used. On you. On Mourgan." Her right hand involuntarily brushed at her collar. "I don't know. It seemed worth a try. I actually do agree on asking Ava about what poisons she knows are used, but..." Domanol's voice seemed to have taken up residence in her mind. How could they ever fully trust the information? It could be intentionally wrong. Ava could have been fed lies. There were so many ways her intel could end up as the wrong intel. Arnyn's head was in risk of starting to spin, so she firmly shut those thoughts out. "Nightshade is the one poison we have confirmed ourselves, beyond any shadow of a doubt," the Lieutenant finally pointed out. "It's the only one we can take as an undeniable fact that it is used by some, at least."

After a pause, Arnyn's dark - so dark - eyes grew sharper. "How about this:"

"In just a few days, we are leaving for sea training aboard Abrazimir's warship. We will be together, in close quarters, for weeks. That will make it very easy for you to observe me and how I am handling the belladonna." There was little to be said against that. If she'd mess up, be less alert - Pele would notice immediately. She knew Arnyn too well.

"If my performance out at sea, or my handling of the... situation... is unsatisfactory - that can be where it ends. If you see anything unacceptable while we are out at sea, say the word. Say the word - and the experiment ends."

"If you still see things you merely do not like by the time we return to the city, we can do this again." Arnyn nodded at the tea in Pele's own hands. "Tea. A conversation. And an end to my little project."

"However - if you see nothing unacceptable... and if you hardly notice the poison is affecting me at all by the end of those weeks on the water... While you can still have your opinion, while you can have your preference - the decision will be mine."

Arnyn had presented her deal. Now it was up to Pele to accept or reject it.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, December 31

"Only worry and friendship, you say?" Pele's blue gaze retained the merry gleam. "And no, don't expect more than that from me. But when you speak of how Gladhron cares, it sounds like his care is tinged with manly tenderness." Even though she felt rather amused, she thought that it might not be the best to use this tea time to debate this exact matter. She raised her left hand in submission and said: "But fine, fine! I won't argue with you. I must be allowed to say though that it does warm my heart to know that he keeps an eye on you. I'm sure a fair share of good care, companionship and even some measure of worry expressed are good for you."

"And you know, I'm glad you agreed to a smaller dose and did not decide in favour of even larger," she then followed Arnyn back to the proper topic. "Wouldn't want you ending up like me on that... vacation... travel to Umbar. Not sure if that was nightshade or something else they fed me to keep me subdued, but I barely remember anything of the travel, and then thought I'd die how sick I felt after." She shivered involuntarily at the memory and wrinkled her nose in disgust. "But since we can't have everyone do the same experiment with nightshade and can't guess all poisons that might be used, everyone's first aid kit should contain at least those beans and charcoal, whenever we set out..."

Pele considered the offered deal for a while, doing her best to consider all the pros and cons that she could think of quickly. "You know, Lieutenant," she finally said, a faint grin touching her lips. "I am sorely tempted to tell you to stop this very moment for I do not like what those doses are doing to you and I don't like you taking such risks. But then again, you are right: I'd have as many opportunities to observe as I want in the confined space of a ship and yell in your ears when things go wrong. See, technically I could agree to this, but... on a condition that you tell me if you feel really awful and do not put on a brave front up to show me when I appear near you. I'd rather you be honest with me than come upon you passed out somewhere."

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

Arnyn was already tiring of repeating it. And she'd only told Kaylin so far. And herself. "His words," she said, a hint of a hiss on the last s escaping her, unwilled. That was all she was willing to say on the matter, and she refrained from responding at all when Pele said his care warmed her heart. Instead, her eyes were level as she gazed at Pele over the cup of tea, the warmth lifting to her lips and face from holding it up so close.

"I'd figured he'd call me crazy, demand I stop, or at least ask with insistence. But in the end, all he asked was to be more careful and lower the dose. What could I say, really? I agreed. And I'm a woman of my word."

The Lieutenant nodded when Pele said all of them would need to carry some of the antidotes that were known to them. But as Pele claimed she was strongly considering to tell Arnyn to stop right away, Arnyn took another sip of tea and then lowered the cup to her lap. In turn, Arnyn was sorely tempted to remind Pele that what she did in her free time was her own decision, really, not the Captain's - as long as her work did not suffer.
Something some would challenge, surely - but her lenient approach to Ava had begun before the poison. Her carelessness, leading to Gwestion and Gldhron piecing things together... that had given them clues before the poison, as well. As for everything else, Arnyn supposed she could overanalyse it to pieces. She would still never know what she would have done differently without the poison. No one would ever know.

"You can ask me whenever we are alone," Arnyn acquiesced. "I will be honest and won't... omit. We can talk as we are talking, now."

Arnyn shifted, putting her tea cup on the desk and folding her hands on top of her now crossed legs. "If that has now been settled? I have something of my own to bring to you. Yesterday, I wrote a very... very... long report for the King, detailing the situation with Ava, what was discussed in our meetings, and so forth. And while I did not hear from Aragorn yesterday, it was late afternoon when the report was sent up. And I suspect a very, let's say disgruntled individual has spoken to our King today. There is a very good chance I will be in no small amount of trouble."

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, December 31

"A wise approach by Gladhrhon, I deem, not making strong demands," Pele acknowledged, seeing some sense in handling the matter this way, even considering the scare it must have given him to find Arnyn all but passed out on the floor. She did not comment any more on this and gave some more thought to the possible deal between herself and her friend.

"Sounds like a good deal for that training exercise, and... I promise to leave the matter at your discretion, no matter how I don't like it, and object only if it has obvious effect on your performance," she offered, thinking that she should not let Relic's words that she always came too late to save people dear to her affect her friendships to the point where she would opt for a complete control of anyone near her.

When Arnyn then spoke of the reason for her coming to the headquarters, Pele frowned at the cup before she took another thoughtful sip of the tea.

"Well... the situation is definitely unenviable, but why would you be in trouble, of all people?" Pele queried. "What happened between those meetings and this one that could make things even worse?"

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

A little touch of wonder touched Arnyn's face, when Pele agreed to Arnyn's proposed deal and even mitigated it, by promising to only object if it negatively affected her performance. So now three people knew - with two people knowing the full scope, and Kaylin half knowing half guessing, and none of them had demanded a stop. None had judged her, exactly - if not counting Kaylin's initial reaction that she was a madwoman. Was she...not giving people enough credit? Her gaze strayed around the office as her heart twitched.

Her eyes lifted at Pele's inquiries. Arnyn sighed, not holding it back in front of one of her oldest and closest friends. And she started telling Pele... everything.

How Gladhron and she had 'arranged' it for the whole group from the North to go see a play at the theatre, to get Gwestion out and doing something just to relax. About Ava expressed her interest when it was mentioned. About Tercen and Ava showing up. About Domanol Raxelilta being expected to show, at some point, as well. About Arnyn falling asleep during the play. About her waking up during intermission, with... Gladhron also asleep next to her. About them leaving word for the others and figuring they should leave. About the little tug of war between Gladhron and herself about who should walk who home. About how Arnyn had taken the poison without Gladhron knowing. About how Gladhron had gone to the guest room, and Arnyn to her own. About being woken up in the middle of the night, Gwestion and Tercen in her living room with Gladhron - about all they had told her which had transpired at the theatre. The collossal misunderstanding between Domanol Raxelilta and Ava. About how Gwestion had told her they needed her to go to Guard Headquarters. About Arnyn agreeing with that, despite how terrible she felt - because everything about Umbar was to be kept on the wraps, and she did not want anyone mentioning the city out of turn, if the Guard applied skilled interrogators - not to mention she did not want either Domanol or Ava to spend the night there.

Arnyn told Pele of how much it had cost her to listen to Tercen and Gwestion in her living room, to walk down two circles, to march into Domanol's interview room. How she had thrown one of the guards out of his own interrogation. And while Arnyn told Pele about what Domanol had pointed out, she did not paint the man in a bad light for doing so. Arnyn stuck to the facts, forgeoing the emotion that had clashed against the walls of that room - both Domanol's and her own.
Arnyn went on to tell Pele about how she had also spoken to Ava, what had been said there, what her actions had been regarding the Guard, the safehouse, everything. And wrapped it all up by stating she had only arrived back home in the wee hours of the morning.

Meanwhile, her cup of tea had gone cold. Arnyn ignored it, leaving it on the desk. "That being said. I expect Domanol to have taken his - valid - concerns to the King. And I am expecting to be summoned sooner rather than later. If not, however, I will be the one asking for an audience with Aragorn, regarding the matter of Ava an dher possible return to Umbar, or us keeping her here against her will. Raxelilta has opened my eyes to my shortcomings in the situation," she spoke, and despite Pele being the closest friend she still had in the city, she did not let her see how those shortcomings had crushed her. "Before we proceed, I need the King's view on all this." For she no longer trusted her own. And while Pele had at long last agreed, it had been clear the Captain had had her doubts.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, December 31

Pele listened to Arnyn's account without interrupting, confirming that she followed with an occasional nod and 'mhm', sipping from her tea until the cup was empty and she set it on the desk. Understanding and compassion softened her gaze even as she attempted to set all the new pieces of information into the picture of the situation she already had.

After Arnyn had finished explaining the matters, Pele was silent for a while and then also sighed, before she said softly: "Look, Nyn, on one hand I am glad you had to meet friends you hadn't seen for a good long time, and I can't blame you for letting down hair if even a little bit. On the other hand... things certainly have gotten even more complicated, as you have explained. Perhaps you should have been more careful, yes, there is that. And Domanol Raxelilta has a point. But no one can anticipate every single aspect of a very complicated issue."

She paused again, considering further words, and then continued: "There are so many people involved, each wanting to protect people they hold dear, each seeing a different facet of a complex issue. In fact, I think the King might be able to take the most objective look at it all and help us to work together to achieve the aim. Also... I suspect if he summons you, he will also want me to come."

"It is also my responsibility to make sure the plans work," she added, and her blue gaze darkened as an overcast sky as she thought to herself that there have already been too many losses due to Umbarians, and she still felt that some of those were due to her decisions.

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters, December 31st

Perhaps you should have been more careful, yes, there is that. And Domanol Raxelilta has a point. But no one can anticipate every single aspect of a very complicated issue.

Arnyn's gaze had dropped to the floor beside Pele. Pele - who spoke gently. But how much of that was biased by their long-lasting friendship? The countless tower guard duty shifts they had undertaken together? The many battles in which the two women had guarded each other's back? The years Pele had spent under Arnyn's command? The time Arnyn had spent under Pele's, in the meantime? Neither of them would ever truly know.

But they agreed on one thing. The King's ability to judge the situation. His judgment was what they would all abide by.

The Lieutenant's eyes lifted, slowly, when Pele said it was also her responsibility. "We tend to shoulder much," Arnyn admitted, as she only would - only could - to a close friend like Pele, a close friend who understood fully, for they were the same in this regard. "Too much. And though you would never tell yourself that, and I would never tell myself that - both of us would tell the other exactly that." A strange smile played around her lips. "Ironic. Isn't it?"

She uncrossed her legs. "Pele... We should inform Abrazimir Dimaethor about Ava. Regardless of what the King decides. He has agreed to supply his warship and his men to the mission to Umbar. He is part of the command of the mission. Whatever the King decides on the matter - Abrazimir needs to be in the know." Even if the Swan Knight might just want to chew her up and spit her back out.