Lord of the Rings Fanatics Plaza

aWelcome to the Cavalry HQ. This is a place for all Cavalry related questions, which will be fielded by the Marshals of the Mark. It is also a place to come if you wish to join the Cavalry. We are making an attempt to re-start things here, and see where it goes!

Those wishing to join the Cavalry, please approach the marshals IC (In-character) and request permission.
For former Cavalry members wishing to be re-instated, please approach the Marshals and request permission, including your former position/rank and Éored in your post.

Handy Links:
Cavalry Courtyard - viewtopic.php?f=12&t=198&p=5427#p5427
Oath of the Cavalry - viewtopic.php?f=12&t=231

Rules:

• Please keep your posts IC, and at least 200 characters long.

• Any OOC comments/questions please blank out at the bottom of your post Like this: OOC (change the text colour to white so you can’t see it)

• For those already in the Cavalry, please post in your Éored colours. BLUE for Eastmark, GREEN for Meduseld, RED for Westmark.
  No Godmoding.

• Cavalry business only please.

NOTE: Anyone who knows how to put a table in a post here, so I can do the roster properly, please PM me how!

Gwai approached the Dragon Room, not with trepidation, she thought to herself, that was the wrong word. She had entered the hall countless times in the past, and had felt quite at home for the years she had served, first as a young sperewigned, and then for quite some time as a paethfindian. Her skills were no doubt rusty after so long a time retired, but she was once again ready to respond to the call to serve. Anticipation, she thought to herself. That was the feeling. She had put effort into her appearance, neatly braiding her hair, had shined her boots until they were as new looking as she could make them, and had freshly ironed her breeches, tunic, and vest. Her clothes were not fancy as she had been travelling for quite some time and she had never been well off, but they were clean and neat. She had even given Brightfyr a thorough grooming, polishing his hooves even, much to his annoyance, even though he was unlikely to be seen as she had left him at the stable.

She nodded at the soldiers standing guard at the entrance, not recognizing either, but also was not surprised considering the amount of time she had been gone from her homeland. As they let her pass into the hall, she took a moment to gaze at the flags representing the éoreds. The red and blue of the Westmark and Eastmark respectively, and then the green of her old éored of Meduseld. A feeling of nostalgia, which had been engulfing her all too much recently, swept over her as she recalled the intensive training as well as battles she had been involved with over the years. Her favorite memories, however, involved the intense camaraderie, turning her fellow cavalry members effectively into family.

She straightened to attention as she looked at Shivased and Rowena on the chairs. Both looked as if they would rather been on the training field. As a matter of fact, so would Gwai. Formality did not suit her. But certain situations called for solemnity, and this was one of those occasions. She spared a glance at the empty chair that would normally have been occupied by the marshal of the Meduseld éored. It felt incomplete not to have her prior commander sitting there.

Straightening to full attention, Gwai addressed Shivased and Rowena. “Westu Marshals hal!” she saluted crisply. “My name is Araina Feorsteorra, retired these several years as a paethfindian with the Meduseld éored, and I am here to report for duty, if you have need of me,” she said formally and crisply, trying to remember the last time she had used her full name and not the nickname she been called since childhood. She kept her expression neutral, but she couldn’t help but hope she wouldn’t be put to work cleaning latrines. Even if she was, Gwai reminded herself she was here for the Mark, and would serve in whatever capacity was needed. Hopefully with no initiation ceremony involving certain strong beverages.

'Like bloody hell I'm going to eat when I'm displayed on this stupid dais for all to see! And not in these clothes! And you shouldn't be drinking that infernal concoction of yours either!' Rowena grumbled. She did not like this one bit. She was all for propriety, sure, but certainly this was over the top. 'As for us needing to sit here, frankly, I don't think it's necessary, if people are dumb enough to see the Dragon Room is open yet think that because they can't see anyone to talk to, its closed, then they probably shouldn't be in the Cavalry to begin with. Basic problem solving skills would suggest that someone has to be here somewhere, and the room isn't ENTIRELY devoid of people. After all you were able to summon a sperewigend to bring you a drink! If a person can't think to ask "Where do I sign up to join the Cavalry" then clearly they won't be able to problem solve when it comes to choosing between saving the life of their comrade in arms or an innocent villager for example.'
Just then someone entered the Dragon Room. Oh, finally, some life. Clearly Shivased was familiar with this face, however Rowena was not entirely familiar with it. She was about to answer, but Shivased got to it first. She waited until Shivased finished speaking, and then said her piece. 'I too agree that we could use more dryhts in Meduseld, and that we have no registered Paeths. And seeing as the previous trainer for Paeth is busy tending to his family's farm, as his father is unwell, possibly passed on by now, we have no trainer. That said, you are still eligible to be a Paethfindian, but for now, I must ask that you wear the badge of dryhtguma, until you complete a task for me, since Paeth is an elite rank.'
She stood up and motioned for Gwai to wait there, as she went to the office of the Meduseld Marshal. She remembered a report that would be perfect for a Paeth to take care of in the pile of urgent reports. She fumbled through the stack until she found it. 'Aha. Here it is,' she said to herself. She quickly skimmed the report to make sure she remembered right, and in fact she had. It had been a task if no one else had come to do, she'd have assigned to Audley, as he was quite familiar with Edoras.
'All right, here's a report. In summary, in the poorer parts of Edoras, there are a number of people complaining about a suspicious figure roaming the parts. So far nothing has been stolen, but you know how we Rohirrim can be. Suspicious of everyone and all. The reports say they are reminded of Grima Wormtongue. Your task is to find out who this person is, and what his plan is. If he is doing any criminal activity, obviously bring him in.' She handed the woman the report, and then continued, 'The last known location was in the western outskirts of Edoras.'


OOC: Please post in LitM, and feel free to RP it going however you like, and feel free to RP specific details being in the report (such as what his appearance looks like, etc) that Rowena didn't mention. When finished, come back with link to your post(s)

Leaving Lígetsliht in the stables out of the way, Elarith walked slowly towards the Dragon Room. Many moons had passed since she had entered the Cavalry HQ, though it looked as proud as she remembered it. "Come on then," she muttered to herself, and stepped forward to the door.

The guard to the left raised an eyebrow, and for a moment she saw herself as she imagined others must see her now - rather tatty tunic and boots, wisps of hair escaping the dull blonde plait, nose askew from an old injury. She held her head up and gave the guard what she hoped was a cool stare. "I'm here to see... well, whoever is here, I suppose," she told him, and with that self-evident statement, she pushed the door open and went in.

The smell was the same, and Elarith took a big lungful as she waited a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dimmer interior. It looked the same, too, more or less. But emptier, the few wigends scurrying about not disguising that there was almost no one around. There were two people on the dias, though, and one stood before it. Their speech echoed back along the hall.

She stepped closer and was able to more clearly overhear the end of the conversation, but before she could pay any attention to it, she first glanced at the woman sitting dressed in the blue of the Eastmark. She realised with a jolt that she recognised her. Shivased! A smile spread across Elarith's face before she could restrain it. Here was one she knew of old, at least, though whether this would count in her favour or not was another matter. She looked across to the woman in red now handing a scroll to the one whose back was to her, but this one was a stranger. She stood to one side and waited her turn.

Allacan Beorhtlig, retired First Marshal, retired Haeland, retired Paethfinder... retired of far too many names and titles, hesitates at the familiar door of the Dragon Room. The intricate carvings and etchings if the heavy-cast threshold catch the gleam of the sunlight - freshly polished to her eye - and she sighs with the relief of one returning home. She might perhaps be criticised for not attending upon the royal family first, but in truth her heart belongs here, in the headquarters of her beloved cavalry.

Once soul-wearied from haunting trauma, now refreshed and revigorated, she stands tall and proud, one hand on her trusted sword-holt as she steps beyond the threshold, braced for wherever she might face. Ready to serve.

She strides with purpose and confidence, the sound of her boots ringing in the rafters, and the stern seriousness of her face breaking open into a grin at the sight of the warriors already gathered their; Shivased, Rowena, Elarith (and was that Gwai on her way out?!) all of them faces of old friends. She maintains her composure barely enough to resist snatching them all up in a group hug, but cannot resist the joyously wide grin that breaks across her face as she sees them.

“Allacan Beorhtlig, reporting for duty, sir” she says with a half laugh of joy at their reactive faces.

She had walked through Edoras, her old war horse was long retired, the horse they kept these days was for farm work. She would need a new horse, among other things, for this return. She would have wanted a moment outside of the mighty Dragon Room, but the door had barely closed in front of her before it swung open again and Gwai exited the building with a spring in her steps, like someone on a mission. Ama quickly entered as the doors closed with a heavy thud. She was expecting the formality that came with the use of this room; oaths sworn, promotions given, retirements accepted... Even as her eyes grew used to the darkness indoor they followed the sound of laughter belonging to Shivased as the marshal hugged and greeted a woman (Allacan) heartily.

Ama could not help but smile, she had prepared herself for the solemn formality she remembered from years passed. She looked curiously on the woman so friendly greeted by the marshal, it looked like that of one of the marshals from her own days in the cavalry. She was not the only rider of old who had answered the call, she noted with a smile as Elarith stood awaiting her turn.

Ama was barely inside the door, watching the scene unfold as she walked slowly towards the dais at the end of the room. It might not be as busy as before, but it sure seemed to be filling up again. She had sort of hoped to find one of the marshals alone in their office, so she could speak more privately, after all, there were a few things that needed to be settled if she were to return. She stopped a some steps away from Shivased and Allacan, not wanting to interrupt. And she found a moment standing there, breathed in the familiar smell of wood, dust, horse, and weapons, letting the sound of wigends marching (they never seemed to walk) across the room fill her ears. The banners made her stand even straighter, the old pride of being part of the cavalry filled her. Then she brought herself back, she was not a part of the cavalry, she was a hælend, but not in the cavalry. She did not look like a member of the cavalry either, she wore a simple, homespun dress in uncolored wool, the hair that had once been red had faded to gold under the head scarf, only the sword by her side and the bag that hung over her shoulder betrayed the move she inteded to make.

Elarith watched as the first woman (Gwai) turned and left, looking pleased to have a task. She returned the friendly nod, trying to place the face to the possible names rattling round in her head. She should know this! She used to pride herself on having a good memory. Gah! Either it’d come to her in the small hours before the dawn, or it would never, and if she met her again she’d have to fudge her way through it or humbly apologising for not knowing.

Shivased obviously recognised her, though, and this time Elarith couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, I heard the Cavalry were in need of some old hands. If you will accept me, I can still hold a spear,” she said, with a wry grin. She assumed she could still hold a spear. It had been an age or more since she’d last used one for more than a clothes prop.

The Dragon Room door opened again, letting in a block of light and the sound of boots. Elarith turned to see who the newcomer was, wondering if it was someone else she’d served with back in the day. The figure quickly resolved themselves to be Allacan, looking larger than life, and Shivased leaped up to hug her. “Allacan! Good to see you!” she said. If this was the quality of the returning members, the Cavalry would be in fine shape before too long.

Over Allacan’s shoulder, Elarith spied someone else had come in. She tried not to show the concentration on her face, but she thought she had the right name for this one. “Ama?” she asked.

Rowena simply a gave a nod in response to Gwai's acceptance of the task. She was pleased at the seeming excitement in the woman's demeanor to prove herself. That would be good for Meduseld. That Eored needed some life. She thought for a moment about Equi, the former Meduseld Marshal, which inevitably led her to thoughts of the Westmark terror Egeslic which caused her to instinctively cringe. When she realized that her cringing wasn't very inward she coughed and pretended nothing happened before moving on to the next arrivals.
Elarith came next, then a sight for sore eyes, Allacan. She tried not to break form as Shiva had on seeing the woman, instead gave her a formal salute. 'Welcome back, old friend and Marshal and all your other lovely titles you've held over the years. Its an honor to be back in your presence again. You are joining the ranks again, are you?'
Her attention was quickly recaptured by the arrival of another, Amadhrill. Okay, now she couldn't resist cracking a rather awkward grin. Amadhrill had seemed so hesitant about the Cavalry previously, or that they could find a place for her. So it was good to see the woman back in their old halls. 'Ahh!!!!! Amadhrill. Elarith. I see you both are here to take up our offers. I am so glad to hear it!!!!!'
She first gave attention to Elarith though, and said, 'You can still hold a spear can you? I am afraid I've forgotten what Eored you were with? Were you Meduseld as well? Or am I completely off mark? Pun not intended.'
She then turned to Amadhrill, 'And you, my dear, I presume are wishing to take up your old position of haelend? If such is the case, then, I have a task for you. If I recall you weren't sure about being up for battle, unless absolutely necessary, which of course still is fine. But that doesn't mean you won't know battle. BUT I am getting a little sidetracked. You will be assigned to be caretaker of the Westmark Eored as until the other Eoreds find haelends I also must see to them plus be Marshal. Your first task will be to ensure everyone gets their physicals. I have done a fair number of them, and I keep neat and tidy records, you'll find them neatly shelved in the bookcase in the back office. As I am sure you are aware, Westmark is shall we say notoriously high spirited in nature, so this will be quite the feat. Good luck to you. Until you satisfy me with this task, consider yourself a Dryhtguma, whether you are wanting to be on the front lines or not.


OOC @ Ama - if you want someone to RP out the task with give me a prod. Post in LitM for now.

He had only been back in the Mark a few days, but it had been long enough to ride out to his family farm and visit his sister. Meeting his niece and nephew had been a learning experience that he wasn’t sure he was keen to repeat. Who knew that such small creatures could make so much noise? But he’d had enough time to think, to plan and decide a few things. And so, he found himself standing outside the Dragon Room nervously brushing a hand over his best-but-worn shirt.

“I won’t look any better for standing here,” he muttered to himself and walked inside. He drew down the façade of confidence and strode towards the dais. A small crowd was gathered, greeting and orders being called out and it teased a small smile over his lips. Éolath was by nature a cheerful man, and more so when those around him were so clearly pleased.

He waited until there was a small pause in the hubbub, then pushed his lanky form to the base of the dais. Éolath recognized the faces from the Inn, but he was unsure of the protocol in this place so he limited his greeting to a cheerful grin. As he looked up at the marshals, a trickle of nerves had him running a hand through his golden curls. They made him feel a child again, and he did not like the feeling now any more than he did when he was a youth.

“I, ahem,” he cleared his throat, grinned at his own nerves. “I’m called Éolath, as you probably remember.” He shook his head slightly, gave up any idea of maintaining his own dignity. “I’ve been gone from the Mark these last years, but I’m -I’d like to join the cavalry. If you’ll have me.”

((ooc- I’ve no desire to roust Firimar from her contented retirement (and she tells me that there is no way in hell I’m going to anyway), so I am hoping to start with a clean slate here and now with young Éo. ))

She didn't have time to return Elariths greeting or even speak before Rowenas voice boomed across the room, quickly greeting Allacan, Elarith and herself in what must have been about the same breath. She didn't have time to speak the words she had so carefully planned, before she had even spoken a word to the marshals she was given a clear order, order and way back into her old position as a hælend of the cavalry. She took a deep breath and saluted, it might not be as sharp as it had been 15 years earlier, but it held a promise of improvement. «Yes, ma'am.» Her voice was strong and clear.

She was about to continue, when she heard someone clearing his throat. She recognized him as Eolath, and smiled encouraging towards him, before returning her attention to Rowena. Her voice was businesslike and straight forward as she spoke, not unfriendly in any way, but clearly focused on the task ahead of her. «May I use one of the cavalry horses, marshal? The horses belonging to my household these days are not fit for speedy rides. And also, I have a husband and children here in Edoras, I beg permition to go there first and pick up what I need and let them know that I will be away until the task is completed and I have reported back.» She hesitated for a moment and then smiled a little. «I did not expect to be put to work so quickly, so I did not come prepared for travel.» she added.

((OOC – thanks, I might take you up on that, Rowena! *lol* I hear you and Firi,I have had a good fight with Ama about that, be eventually she realised she was still too young to not return when needed ))

Rowena smirked at Amadhrill's response, to her, quite pleased that the woman had decided to come after all. She was quite pleased as well that the woman didn't complain about being sent all the way to the deep, but rather, she simply requested the means to get there, and to inform her family of the fact she would not be home for a matter of time. This was exactly the type of behavior Rowena wanted to see, especially for the Westmark Eored. Eager to send the woman on her way, she decided to go ahead and grant the woman the person before the others responded to her requests. Shivased could manage giving assignments to them, after all, she couldn't do ALL the work around here.
'Of course you may borrow one of the Cavalry steeds. I will however grant you warning. There are two that stand alone from others, and because they stand alone from others, you may be tempted to take one of those. One is my mare Synne, she's the black one. But the other is Beadwof, a chestnut bay of the Westanmearc Raging Rover breed.' (OOC: yes I totally made up that breed name, but I'm basing it off the Icelandic breed of ponies/horses. Icelandic and Appaloosas are my favorites lol.) Rowena paused and then said, 'Synne is the only horse Beadwof will tolerate, thus she stands next to him, and they remain aloof from the others... And Bead has a reputation for being easily the worst horse of the Westmark Eored. If you want to make your life easier, leave them be. Otherwise, you are free to take Beadwof. Just be prepared, he has a worse mindset than soldiers avoiding healers.' She chuckled at her own little joke.
'As for your family, of course you may inform them of your travels and say your goodbyes. We aren't in the business of forcing people to just up and leave without warning. And as you said, you didn't expect to travel. After all you had no indication you'd be headed to the Westmark.' Rowena's steel grey eyes sparkled with understanding, after all, she had a family too, a rather large one at that, and she was the headmistress of the clan. Granted, she had older children than many in the Cavalry, but she remembered the days of having young children and being in the Cavalry. It was a task like none other, balancing all her duties. But she found it was worth the sacrifice, knowing she was doing good for the whole land and not just her family. Some said she had messed up priorities, and to some degree it was probably true, but she had what most people didn't often think of her having, a heart. 'Plus, I didn't earn myself the nickname 'Fiery Mama Row' because I hate people having families. I earned it because I see the Cavalry as much as my family as I do the ones I actually am related to.'

OOC @Amadhrill Haha be careful what you wish for.

Elarith nodded at Rowena's first question. "I think so. Pointy end goes up, yes? And I was a Westmarker - Marshal at the end, but plenty of ranks in between," she answered, remembering various demotions to Twitwigend along the way. Almost all had been deserved. "I will go wherever is short-handed, though my heart will always belong with the wild West, I'm afraid," she added.

She waited, fiddling with the edge of her cloak, as Ama was given a task of her own. Was she to be given some deed to prove herself by? Maybe she could investigate the pub? As she waited, the door opened yet again. The Dragon Room was getting positively busy now. This time it was another new face, but the lad Éolath announced he was here to join so she would not have served with him before. He looked like he could be useful.

Shivased stepped back from Alla, still grinning as she re-took her seat, and gave the woman a minute to recover from the rather enthusiastic hug while she listened to Rowena deal with others who had come in, including Ama and Elarith. She picked up her tankard and took a sip of the warm tea, while surveying the room. She didn't expect so many to return so quickly, but it seemed the call for help had been spread far and wide and more than she could have hoped for were returning. It was truly amazing.

She overheard Elarith's comment about the pointy end of the spear and laughed, setting her drink down. As long as you know where the pointy end goes, we're good she told the woman. I think once you successfully complete a task to prove your skills are not rusty, the Westmark would be happy to have you. Seeing that Rowena was busy discussing suitable horses with Ama, she reached for her pile of reports to see about a suitable task for Elarith. Selecting one she quickly perused it. I have a rather dangerous criminal that needs to be brought to Edoras so he may be brought before the King. He is at a Cavalry outpost in the Eastemnet, being held until someone can escort him here. According to this he is a murderer and horse thief. Take two dryhts with you and escort him back. She held out the parchment for Elarith to take, so she could read of the man's crimes and be prepared.

The door opened again and she watched as another person came in, though this one was not a returning rider but a new one. She remembered him from the pub. He looked nervous, and she didn't blame him. The marshals, especially when in their formal uniforms, were an intimidating sight. And she and Rowena had both been known to scare new dryhts more often than not. Westu Eolath hal she greeted him when he stepped forward and stated he wanted to join the Cavalry.

You are welcome to join our ranks, we rarely turn down a sword when it is offered. She considered him, thinking. She no longer maintained her training grounds since there weren't enough trainees to require it. But Eolath wasn't a returning rider, she couldn't just give him a task to complete to prove his worth. He would need full training. It would have to be in the Courtyard, though it would be a few days before she would have time to start.

As you are new to our ranks you will need to undergo training she explained. It will be conducted in the Cavalry Courtyard, though it will be several days before I can get there in order to do it. Meet me in the Cavalry Courtyard, and we will begin your training.

OOC: @Éolath The Cavalry Courtyard will be open some time this weekend, you may RP meeting me in the training yard there to begin training once it is open. @Elarith Feel free to use LitM for your task, and once the Cavalry Courtyard is open bring your prisoner there. )


ALL: For any tasks given to returning riders, the task should take at least 2 posts. Feel free to do more if you want, but 2 posts is the minimum.

Elarith dropped the edge of her cloak as Shivased retook her seat and turned her attention to her. As she had expected after seeing how Rowena had dealt with Gwai, she would have to complete a task too. She watched the Marshal rummage through a pile of parchment - she remembered the reams of paperwork the job generated, and she had not missed that part of it one jot - before producing one to her liking.

"Murder and theft?" Elarith hissed through her teeth as she took the offered paper. "We shall bring him, and may the King have mercy if the accusations are true." She saluted the Marshals, waved to Allacan and Ama, and turned to go. She would have many miles to cross to reach the Eastemnet, and her mind was whirring with arrangements she would need to make whilst she scanned the parchment.

When Elarith reached the door, something Shivased had said came back to her. Two dryhts! Best to collar them now. She twisted back, striding off towards one of the rooms that led off from the side of the main hall. Back in her day (ha! she was definitely old if she was thinking like that) it was where the sperewigends and dryhtgumas used to congregate awaiting orders. She stuck her head around the door, startling a small pack of dryhts. One swiftly pocketed a couple of dice. Hmm. "Busy, are we?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. "Any one of you from the Eastemnet? Or know those parts?" Eyes flicked back and forth in silence as the gumas tried to fathom where this was going and what they would be getting involved with. "Well?" Elarith could feel her patience fraying.

A sturdy dryht cleared his throat. "Aye, lady, I grew up in that region," he said. "And Wigmær here likewise," he added, nodding to a lad across the table. Wigmær didn't look very impressed at being called out. "Excellent. You two are coming with me to -" Elarith checked her paper "- Briggastun. Bring your things and meet me outside the Dragon Room in an hour," she told the pair, and ducked back out. Chuckling quietly to herself at the look on the dryhts' faces, she pushed her way out of the Dragon Room, off to sort her pack and her horse.

Dicun walked towards the Dragon Room and found himself hesitating at the bottom of the steps. He was 19 years old, he was a man, it was his great desire to join the cavalry of Rohan and serve his people well. And yet he wasn't taking the first step. His mother and father had given their blessing, as long as he didn't get himself killed. His sister, recently returned from 8 long years of travel, had been a little less enthusiastic. He suspected it was only because she was worried she would have to help on the farm if he was gone. He looked up the stairs to the guards stood at the door and took a deep breath. There was no turning back.

He walked up the steps, shoulders back, trying to put on an air of confidence. At the top he nodded to the guards and stepped into the hall. Looking around he saw a few people around, though he hadn't visited Edoras anywhere near enough to recognise anyone. There was a dais at the end with three chair, though only two were occupied. Those must be the marshals he thought to himself, they would be who he needed to speak with.

Dicun ran a hand through his mousy brown hair, then quickly smoothed it down. He had to look presentable. A quick adjustment to his tunic and he was ready. He stepped up the dais and bowed his head to the two women sat before him.

"Good day, my name is Dicun. I seek to join the cavalry and serve Rohan." His eyes darted between them, suddenly aware that he was standing there, a farmer's son, with no brave deeds to tell tales of. "I...if...if you'll have me." Somewhere in his mind he could hear his sister laughing, he was sure of it.

It hadn't been Thalionwen's plan to rejoin the Cavalry--not a lot of what had happened over the past years had been part of any plan on her part. But she'd heard they were lacking numbers, and while the horrors of war had been distasteful to her as a girl, she'd seen much since then, and was made of sterner stuff. There was too, the matter of her farm--they were barely getting by, and even the proceeds from keeping a shop were not much to speak of. The recent loss of her savings had been a serious setback as well. All in all, the stability a position in the Cavalry could offer was more appealing than it had ever been.

So Thalionwen found herself inexorably drawn to the threshold of the Dragon Room, where Marshals Shivased and Rowena presided over a small crowd. It was gratifying to see other souls coming back to the Cavalry--Thalionwen hoped that soon the ranks would be full again, and their former glory restored.

Slipping through the throng, she approached the dais upon which the Marshals sat and smartly took a knee.

"Westu Marshals hal," she said. "I am Thalionwen of the Eastfold, a former Sperewigned and Haelend. I moved from the first role to serve as Haelend, and was dismissed from the post of Haelend with honor, to return to my family when they had need of help. But I've heard it's the Cavalry that's in need of assistance now, and have come to pledge my loyalty and rejoin the ranks, if you'll have me."

A nervous-looking boy of nineteen or so (Dicun) waited beside her, and Thalionwen stole the opportunity to offer him a reassuring smile.

"Courage, lad," she whispered. "They may look fierce, but I promise they won't eat you up alive."

Shivased turned from Eolath and Elarith to the newest arrivals to the Dragon Room, taking a second for a swig of now cold tea and to appreciate the bustle in the room again. It was good to be so busy again. The numbers arriving would bolster their ranks, and her mind was already calculating where these new riders could be used. Patrols needed to be strengthened, reports of thieves and other dangers needed to be investigated, various outposts could use their numbers strengthened, and the guard duty roster could be supplemented to give those who were working overtime a bit of a break. And since many were returning riders, they already had experience. Though they would be rusty, she could assign them to more difficult tasks immediately.

Setting her mug back down she nodded to Dicun. He looked young and nervous, but that was to be expected. We will have you, she told him. As I just recently said to another, we never turn down a sword when it is offered. She looked him over briefly, recognizing the look of a young farmer. So he would be used to hard work and long hours; that would serve him well. I am Shivased, First Marshal of the Cavalry. You will complete training with me, which will be done in the Cavalry Courtyard. See me there in the morning and your training will begin.

Giving the lad a few minutes to think, whether he chose to agree and leave or ask questions of her, she turned to Thali, who had also just arrived. What Eored were you in? she asked, looking over to catch Rowena's eye. If Thali was a former haelend, she would leave the woman's return to the Cavalry to Rowena as bealdorhaelend, to choose if she needed another haelend or to re-instate Thali as a Dryhtguma. Speak to Marshal Rowena, and she will assign you a task to show us you are still capable and do not need re-training, and decide your rank and eored.

OOC: @Aethelu: As soon as the Cavalry Courtyard thread is up, you may RP meeting me there on the training field, and we will begin training. )

"Thank you, First Marshal," Thalionwen said as Shivased offered instruction. "I served in the Eastmark, with pride. I'll speak with Second Marshal Rowena, as you say."

Bowing, Thalionwen approached Rowena and knelt yet again.

"Westu Second Marshal hal," she said. "My name is Thalionwen--a former Sperewigned and Haelend of the Eastmark who's returned to pledge myself to Rohan again. First Marshal Shivased asks that I await your instruction as to re-entrance. I am yours to command."

(OOC - This plaza is as glitchy as the old one (although to be fair it may be my laptop). In true form I spent over an hour writing a lengthy reply only to lose it when I clicked post! Ah, just like the old days )

At the enthusiastic greeting, Allacan's face erupts in a victorious grin as her old friend Shivased breaks her composure first and swiftly moves forward to catch her in a hug. Her old friend has lost none of her vigour with age and for a moment Alla is unbalanced by her enthusiastic hug, teetering on the brink of losing her balance and falling over backwards with the First Marshal on top in what would have been a catastrophically undignified manner. She just about manages to catch herself moments before disaster, laughing with the free joy of one who has returned home to the brightest welcome imaginable, pulling away from Shiva so they can both re-gather what tatters of their dignity remain.

Her face takes on the briefest moment of melancholy but it passes swiftly in such company. "Alas, my beloved Beaducrym will no longer grace our revered halls with his over-large backside; he passed this season gone, although I assure you he lived a long and happy retirement growing fat on rich grass and making mischief with the local breeders' herd. I am that sad and wretched creature; a Rohir without a horse, although now I am returned to our glorious capital I suspect it will not be long before that is rectified. I am glad to see my beloved cavalry and the Eastmark in particular in the hands of such a capable First Marshal" she says with an appreciative grin and still-sharp salute to her old comrade, now commander.

Hearing a familiar voice, she turns then to see Elarith and with her own composure now broken, steps forward to pull her also into a hug. "Elarith, freond min, are you a sight for sore eyes!" she exclaims even as they embrace awkwardly; Allacan now wishing she had opted not to don her carefully-maintained old leather armour before attending the Dragon Room - it did so make hugging infinitely more awkward than she had intended. Drawing away even as Elarith calls out another name in recognition, she whirls around to see the newcomer recognise Amadhrill even as Rowena steps forward to salute her respectfully.

Visibly torn between greeting to both warriors, she instead makes a ridiculous attempt to acknowledge to them simultaneously, making a bizarre gesture somewhere between a salute to one and a wave to the other which achieves only the ridiculous result of her hitting herself in the face. "Hail, Rowadhrill! I mean, westu hal Amadena! Oh bother, I'm far too excited!" she laughs at her own embarrassing display and takes a moment to compose herself, aided by the calm and focused presence of Ama. "Rowena, Amadhrill, it is so good to see you both." She says, offering them each a warrior's handshake in turn. "I am indeed here to re-enlist, if you will accept a somewhat muddled and giddy veteran back into your ranks? Although I must beg leave to purchase a new war-horse before I am committed to my duties, if that is permissible?" she queries Rowena with a rueful smile.

As the two women break away into a conversation regarding Amadhrill's first task, she notes with curiosity the number of duties the ambitious Marshal of the Westmark has taken upon herself and her wise suggestion that the newly-returned haeland take on the responsibility of the routine physicals. "I volunteer as tribute!" she says to Rowena with a wink towards Amadhrill. "It will be good to have the excuse to catch up with an old comrade away from a crowd, and I suspect I will have to prove I have not lost all my faculties after this ridiculous spectacle" she says, grinning again at her own over-enthusiasm.

The Dragon Room is exceedingly busy, with multiple conversations being spoken across each other, so she decides to ease the burden on the commanders a moment by stepping aside to make space for those new arrivals entering and approaching the dais, waiting patiently. She marks in her mind the new face of first Eolath, then Dicun, smiling encouragingly at them both as they offer their service to the cavalry. She notes with a hint of self-deprecation the lanky forms and youthful faces, and in a moment of revelation realises that to these two young men she must now appear like the middle-aged veterans she once thought old, grizzled and battle-scarred. Suddenly conscious of the new wrinkles she has gained since the last time she walked this hall she silently thanks Bema that her hair has thus far retained its Rohir-blonde colouring so as to mask the few grey hairs beginning to appear.

She overhears 'Eastemnet', her attention drawn momentarily back to the First Marshal as she assigns as task to Elarith. As her old friend heads away to her task, Allacan calls after her "Take the southern road to the Eastemnet; the northern is still muddy from the recent floodings and trust me, it isn't the shortcut it usually is" she offers with a gesture towards her muddied boots.

Turning her attention back to the dais she realises she has missed the introduction of another familiar face, thus losing the chance to catch the name that her traitorous memory now refuses to offer up to her. She is sobered a little by the acknowledgement to herself that she will have to work on her perceptiveness; the city is much busier than the quiet corner of the Eastemnet where she has been spending the last few years, and missing details might be only embarrassing in a busy hall, but could prove lethal on a busy battlefield. Thankfully Thalionwen steps away to introduce herself to the Westmark Marshal, and Allacan silently mutters the woman's name to herself so that she will not forget it again.

Shivased is offered but the briefest of moments to herself. From her new position across the room Allacan catches her friend's eye, grinning knowingly with one eyebrow raised. She mimes the gesture of raising a glass in a silent promise to her friend that they would catch up later in the pub, when neither of them are being distracted by their duties.

OOC - ( So sorry for the long wait for a second post; didn't mean to tease or frustrate anyone. I moved in with my boyfriend last week and he was off work on holiday, but now I have kicked his butt back to work and am still at liberty myself I will have much more time to post again. Bema, have I missed you all!)

OOC @Ama (if you fancy more role-playing at any time let me know and we can RP the 'physical' somewhere so you can put Allacan through her paces)

She was nearly out of the door as a young man (Dicun) passed her, showing the familiar (and healthy) nerves of one about to offer his sword to the cavalry. The cavalry could surely need more hands and swords, so she gave the young man a friendly nod as she passed him. Nodding her greeting to Thalionwen as she thought she remembered the face of another former comrade-in-arms. She smiled as she heard the woman present herself as a former hælend. Ama had nearly reached the door when she heard Allacans words, she could not help but smile. She turned sharply on her heels, her voice businesslike, but her eyes glittering with laughter and merriment. «Meet me in the infirmary in two hours then, Allacan. I will see to it that you are still fit for duty, unless of course, the marshals want me to be off at as soon as possible.» She looked at Rowena and Shivased hoping they would allow her another delay before heading to the Westmark, and not least, the chance to have a small talk with another of the veterans that had now returned. Veteran. It sounded strange in her head, but she imagined that was how they would be talked about from the younger members.

((OOC Allacan Great to see you too back, congratulations with moving in with the boyfriend! It took me until this afternoon to get on the new forums at home. I've just alway written my posts in word, firstly to check on spelling, but also so I would loose the post. Also, trying not to godmod the marshals here, but I'd love to (I think ) RP the physicals with you, LITM seems like the best place at the moment, so I will just wait for the go and then return to the infirmary before going to the Westmark.
Marshals -Should we already post in the cavalry colors when out and about and change our insignia? Just have some vague memory of having «hælend-in-training» in my signature at one point, also I get way to carried away with this again. ))

As Dicun waited for the response to his request, a woman (Thalionwen) came to stand beside him. She made her own request before turning to smile at him and offer her reassurances. It certainly did give him a little heart, he smiled back and found himself relaxing a little. Others in the room had showed a kindness too, an encouraging nod or a smile. While he may fear the action he may face, it seemed he didn't need to be concerned that he would be looked down upon despite his youth and inexperience.

He snapped back to attention as Shivased spoke to him, his face betraying his feelings as he couldn't help but grin a little as she agreed to take him on. "Thank you Marshal," he responded with a slight bow. "I am honoured to be able to serve Rohan, I will work hard and do the best I can. I will report for training first thing!" He wasn't sure if that was the correct response but it seemed like the right thing to say. If training was to begin in the morning he would need to get a good night's sleep. He turned and quickly hurried towards the doors, he would need to get a good night's rest before training began. He was sure his dear sister would let him stay at with her for the night now she was settled in the city as well.

Rowena nodded as Amadhrill, like Gwai before her, seemed eager to start her task. But before she could respond to the woman, Allacan seemed to be mixing her name with Amadhrill's, which only served to lighten her ill-temperament. 'I do believe, Allacan, old friend, we are two separate people. At least the last time I checked we were. You're not a Marshal or Bealdorhaelend too, are you?' she joked with Amadhrill. She laughed again though when she heard Amadhrill say that the Westmark didn't seem to have changed a lick. 'Not in the slightest, so probably the wisest choice there. As for you, Allacan, help Amadhrill pick a horse from the stables, pick one for yourself, and go with her. I do believe that a lot of help may be necessary. They tend to behave when I'm around lately, but I'm not there. Nor is my assistant Esme. I think most of them will remember you.' She chuckled giving them an impish grin. 'Also, years ago, we jailed a man in the Deep who in Rohan goes by the name Cuthbert. In Gondor, he is known as Rhainyn Volorwyn. Unfortunately since he's a noble there, and committed crimes in both nation-states, we can't hang him as normally we would. Your assigned task, after your physical of course, will to be get as much information as you can from him. I believe this will make good use of your skills that you accumulated over the years with the cavalry. If I remember correctly you were in charge of the snoops at one point too. Correct?'
She then turned to Thalionwen. 'Haelend from Eastmark? Oh good, seems like my load is lightening drastically? Here I thought it would be like pulling teeth to get haelends to come back to work!' She chuckled. 'Hmm, a task for you?' She tapped her fingers on her lips. 'The Eastmarkers technically need physicals, but I don't want to give you the same task as Amadhrill. So, your task, is to find the prisoner in Aldburg who has a variety of injuries, deemed insane, thus we've had trouble charging him of any crimes and having them stick. I want you to treat him.' She went to Shivased's desk, and grabbed the corresponding report and handed it to her. 'Please journal your treatments, explaining why you have chosen such, and if he responds to the treatments. Please note, I have determined he does have some allergies, as noted on the report. If he responds to treatments, please indicate if he is viable for questioning/charging with crimes.'
To Dicun, she smirked, 'And, unfortunately, Thalionwen is slightly incorrect. I do bite. Sometimes.' she teased.


@Amadhrill I'm posting as my NPC Audley in the Courtyard for you
@Allacan Beorhtlig I will be posting as Cuthbert in the Courtyard for you as well
@Thalionwen Make up your own story about Mr. Crazy I'm curious to see what you come up with

Remember at least two posts before we'll 'grade' your tasks

Taethowen's feet were as leaden as her stomach as she hesitated on the steps that led up into the Cavalry hall. She never regretted her time in service to the Riddermark, but she regretted how it ended. Especially since there was so little of that time that she could remember, and there was a gnawing guilt inside her that whispered words like dishonorable, shame on your family, and even in her darkest moments, traitor. She knew that traitor was an unfounded fear, but it still haunted her nightmares. To succumb to illness was not a choice of betrayal that any person could make.

"Come on, feet," Taeth whispered. "If we do this, the hardest part of coming home is done. No matter the outcome."

With a sigh, she forced one foot forward, and found that it was easier for the second to follow than she expected. She blinked as she passed through the doorway as her eyes adjusted from bright daylight to shadowed, torch-lit hall.

The Dragon Room was quite a bit busier than she'd expected, and as she slowly made her way to the dais--with a pang in her heart as she noticed the empty seat for the Third Marshal--she saw that there were so many familiar faces still about, though she could not put names to them all right away.

For a moment, she thought she spied Thalionwen off to one side, but she didn't dare to hesitate and check. She might lose her courage completely.

Despite her quavering heart, Taethowen approached the dais once the marshals (Shivased, Rowena) had finished their current task, and bowed.

"Westu hal," she began, and worried that her voice was not loud enough, and took a deeper breath before she continued. "I am Taethowen Anhyrne of the Eastfold. More than ten years ago, I served in the Cavalry. I began as a sperewigend in the Eastmark eored, worked my way up to become Ǣrest Pæthfindian, and after that was quickly promoted through the ranks to become the Third Marshal of the Riddermark.

"I fear, though, that my departure from the Cavalry may have been less than honorable, for I cannot remember much after my promotion to Marshal. I do not know which eored I commanded, nor am I certain that I officially resigned.

"For the last ten years, I have lived outside the Mark. When I departed, it was not expected to be a long journey. The foster son I'd taken in Gondor turned out to have distant kin who wished to raise him, and after I'd delivered him safely to their care, I began the journey back to Rohan. However, I fell ill along the way, and though I was not in danger for long, the fever I had was very high, and my recovery took far longer than any healer expected. I am sound of body now, but some of my memories are lost to me, or garbled.

"I know that I intended to send a letter of resignation, but am honestly uncertain if I ever did."

Still bowing, Taethowen paused in her speech for a moment, realizing that she was on the verge of rambling. She took a breath, and rose to her full--though not exactly tall--stature. When she finally looked at the marshal's faces, she was surprised to see that one of them was Shivased, who she'd spoken with in the Riddermarket on the day of her return to Edoras, and she hoped that opening her shop first would not make it seem like she was taking the Cavalry lightly. Rather, she would not have had the courage to stand in the Dragon Room again if she did not have something here worthy of protecting.

"Though it would be my honor to serve the Riddermark in the Cavalry once more, in whatever humble capacity you would have me, I submit myself to the Marshals today for whatever judgement you see fit to hand out."

OOC @Shivased and @Rowena Ellenweorc - WHEE for retconning, lol. Long story short, I know I did ACTUALLY resign, OOC-wise, from my marshal post, likely because I got married in January 2008 and we couldn't afford to pay for internet for a while. But hey, making a tragic character backstory is FUN.

Receiving her orders from Second Marshal Rowena, Thalionwen bowed before turning away. A prisoner being held on tenuous charges, who might or might not be struck with madness. That was just her sort of riddle. She'd thought herself past the old thrill of using her haelend's skills to help when others might turn away, but excitement sang through her at the prospect. She'd be off to Aldburg at once, and gladly. Slipping past the rest of the gathered crowd of returning souls, she left the Dragon Room, intent on doing everything she could as a haelend on behalf of this mysterious patient, and on living up to the Cavalry's trust in her.

It was good to hear that Alla had brought no horse into the Dragon Room with her, but Shivased was sad to hear that Beaducrym was no longer alive. She was about to offer her sympathy when the woman turned to greet others and then deal with her returning task. Giving her the time and listening as Rowena handed out tasks to several of those present. Alla's confusion of names made her laugh. It seemed little had changed in the time the former marshal had been away.

As Alla and Ama were sent away to get horses and complete their tasks she caught the look that promised an evening at the pub and called, Alla, ask the Stablemaster to show you the horses I have at the Cavalry stables. They were bred at my farm and are all of the best stock. You may take one of them if you want, and keep it if you like it. Curon and Storm are there, leave those two alone, though I doubt you want either of my troublemakers. She added the last part with a grin; it was well known around the Cavalry that Storm was a troublemaker, and she and the horse had gotten into quite the mischief with Alla and Beaducrym on occasion.

Taeth arrived then and addressed them, providing her eored and former ranks. It was an impressive list. Westu Taethowen hal she greeted the woman, then listened sympathetically to her explanation of where she had gone. Shivased had heard of this marshal's disappearance but hadn't known her very well and didn't know exactly what had happened. Though I don't think we have met, your name is familiar to me.

She could see that Taeth was uncomfortable, so smiled reassuringly. You are more than welcome back in our ranks. Your resignation so long ago was assumed, as far as I can remember, and no ill-will was ever held against you. She glanced at Rowena conemplating briefly what task to hand out. Though they had been short-handed of late, she realized they were starting to run out of tasks for the riders to do. Then something came to her.

As with everyone returning, you will not have to re-train, but you will need to complete a task to show us that you are still capable of serving the King. she explained to Taeth. Yours is to go to the Cavalry Courtyard in Aldburg, home of the Eastmark, and help the Stablemaster. He has recently received a new herd of horses ready for service, and there has been some argument between a group of Dryhtgumas who require new mounts. They are fighting over the top horses in the group, and the Stablemaster is at his wit's end. He needs help assigning them to appropriate riders. She couldn't help but grin, knowing what a task she was handing out. It was one she didn't envy. I should be in Aldburg by the time you are done, so report to me when the task is complete.

OOC: @Taethowen (It's up to you how many horses/riders you want to pair up, but at least three please. Just NPC the Dryhts and whatnot. Have fun! )

Taethowen breathed a bit easier as First Marshal Shivased reassured her that there was no punishment that awaited her. She listened carefully as the First Marshal detailed the task for her re-entry in the Cavalry, to go to Aldburg and help with some unruly Dryhtgumas. Just as she was about to open her mouth to accept the task, but ask for a mount she could borrow, Second Marshal Rowena spoke up instead.

As Marshal Rowena spoke, Taethowen felt a little bubble of hope begin to take shape inside her heart. To find another who'd been through a similar experience and come out stronger and better for it was comforting.

Her throat pinched in a funny way, though, as Rowena continued. "I am standing before you today, able to say I've made it. I've become someone I can become proud of."

Taeth didn't have time to decipher why that statement made her feel the way it did--to be honest, she wasn't sure what she felt, just that there was something there inside her that was certainly not as it should be--because Rowena removed the sheathed sword at her side and held it out to her.

Eyes widening, Taeth stepped forward and took the sword. It had been many years since she held anything more than dagger, and she'd nearly forgotten the weight of a sword.

The Second Marshal finished outlining the task before her, and for a moment Taethowen thought that she might actually prefer the rowdy Dryhtgumas than one that made her feel this... vulnerable. But the desire--nay, need--to know in her own heart that she was worthy of being not just a full member of the Cavalry again, no matter her rank, but an honorable Rohir, was too great.

Taeth's fingers tightened around the sheathed blade, and she carefully clutched it to her chest as she answered Rowena. "I will do my best, Second Marshal," Taeth said. "I can read, but I think I will still seek out Esme's counsel. Sometimes it is too easy to get lost in my own thoughts when I am puzzling something out, and I often ask for help far later than I should. This is too important for me to waste time on it."

Taethowen bowed to both of the Marshals, then took her leave. She didn't stay to greet familiar faces in the hall, but quickly exited and found herself blinking into the full light of the midday sun. She stepped to the side of the entrance, so she would not block anyone's way, and unsheathed Rowena's sword far enough to read the inscription.

"In war we know willpower, in peace we know love," she murmured quietly, then slid the sword back into its sheath. She had an inkling of an idea about the first part of the motto, and while it would take some thought on her part, it was the second half that would truly be her challenge.

She'd known little peace in her life, if she'd ever truly known it at all.

With a sigh, Taeth looked around for the infirmary. Now it was time to find this Esme.

OOC @Rowena Ellenweorc - (I will try to post in the Courtyard thread sometime tomorrow, but it is a very busy day in RL, so it might be Saturday before I get to it.)

Her comrade Amadhrill responded to her volunteering to be the first to undergo a physical with such professionalism and enthusiasm that for a minute Allacan wondered what she had let herself in for. Rowena affirmed the suggestion with a direct order, but having overcome her initial burst of giddiness and feeling duty call, Allacan took the time not to get herself muddled again. "Two hours it is, sir, and I'll come armed with carrots and apples; I'm sure with a little bribery we can persuade one of those horses to behave" she says respectfully to Amadhrill with a crisp salute; until she had been given a rank it seemed most appropriate to assume everyone was her senior for now, and it couldn't hurt to show respect in any event.

As Amadhrill left about her own tasks, she turned back to Rowena and listened carefully to the details of her own personal task. A rueful smile crept across her face "Ǣrest Paethfindian is certainly a rank I once held, among others. But perhaps more useful on this occasion will be my skills learned while incarcerated and tormented at the hands of Mordor's minions." At Rowena's reaction, she offers an open hand reassuringly. "Fear not, it may have taken me many years to put my demons of the past to rest, but I assure you they will not impede my work; I would not put the cavalry or Rohan at risk by returning here until I was absolutely certain I was in my right mind and able to face whatever might be thrown at me. I was more reflecting on the fact you have probably inadvertently chosen exactly the right person for the job; I will not let you down. Physical permitting, you will have a full report the very day I arrive back in Edoras, that should give you and Shivased a chance to ponder where you are going to place me" she says eyeing the roster and pondering aloud "I can't remember if I ever held the rank of Ǣthelwigend, or Feldmarshal for that matter, and if I did it was so brief I don't recall it. Other than that I think I've been everything but a Second Marshal; probably a good job that is already taken by someone much more capable than I" she finishes with a cheeky sideways glance at Rowena before excusing herself with a salute to head to her various duties.

Shivased's offering caught her ear, and she turned back to grin graciously at her close friend, wishing momentarily that they were already excused from their duties and drinking Marshal's Malt in the tavern; they had so much to catch up on. "Oh no, you can keep those two mischievous rascals to yourself, thank you very much! I'm going to try and find a well-behaved, respectable mount suitable to my own serious stature" she responds, her voice dripping heavily with sarcasm in evidence that she means absolutely nothing of the sort. With a little more warmth and eyes shining with gratitude, she continues in a softer tone "Thank you, freond min, I may well have need to take you up that offer, but first I hear my old friend and comrade Leal is running a stables hereabouts [Månsken ängar], so I'll start there if for no other reason than to have an opportunity to catch up with another old friend. If she cannot provide me a horse I assure you I will take yours into consideration." She salutes the First Marshal formally, before turning for the door.

As she heads towards the exit, her footsteps faltered at the sight of Taethowen passing her, face set in determination as though facing an impossible task. It was this expression that belayed Allacan from sweeping her old friend up in another warm reunion, and instead she respectfully steps aside without comment and hesitates at the door to hear her old comrade's words. Her heart clenches for a moment in empathy; Allacan could confess to experiencing amnesia herself and could sympathise with the disorientation, frustration and guilt. She desperately wished to speak with Taeth in that moment; offer some comradeship and respectful understanding, but duty called. In good faith that the Marshal's would handle the situation with skill and diplomacy, she mentally added another name to the list of people she needed to catch up with, and exited to the Dragon Room.

OOC Amadhrill (Thanks! I'll meet you in LITM shortly; we can do both the horse-choosing and the physical there? Unless we are in a cavalry-only thread I'm probably going to avoid posting in Eored colours, in case individual threads have their own colour schemes or people mistake it for kingdom-colours, but as soon as these Marshals decide on my rank I'll definitely be sticking it in my siggy )

OOC Rowena/Shivased (I'll use Cavalry Courtyard for my spy task for now, to save overlap of stories and weird time-line shenanigans. Allacan was previously Eastmark but if it helps you out to put her elsewhere she and I will be more than happy to serve wherever we are needed, in any rank.)

The Dragon Hall loomed ahead of her as Gwai pulled Brightfyr to a stop. She dismounted, and looked at the prisoner Goldgar, who smelled so bad she was loathe to bring him indoors. Still, she had to deliver him to the Marshals. She tied Brightfyr to the hitching post, loosened the girth, and looked at the dog, deciding what to do with him. He probably didn’t know any commands, such as “stay”, and she already had used Brightfyr's lead rope from her saddle bag for the prisoner. She thought a moment, and decided to unclip one of Brightfyr's reins to use for a leash. She tied the dog to the bottom of the hitching post, in reach of the water trough, and gave him a pat on the head, assuring him she would return shortly. The Rohirrim had a love of animals, but bringing an untrained and smelly dog inside the Dragon Room would most likely be frowned upon. She would take the dog home after she dropped off the prisoner, and see he had a good meal and bath, as well as a new name.

Taeth and Allacan were both leaving as Gwai approached the guarded entrance to the Dragon Hall, and she nodded pleasantly at both, but did not stay for a conversation as they both looked engrossed in their tasks, and Gwai did not want to linger with the prisoner. She announced her purpose to the guards. “Gwai Feorsteorra, here with a prisoner to deliver to the Marshals,” she said briefly. They waved her through. She approached the room where the Marshals were still seated, now looking at reports.

She approached the Marshals' chairs, holding Goldgar’s upper arm as he looked as if he would bolt any moment. “Westu Shivased and Rowena hal!” she greeted the Marshals. She gestured to the disheveled Goldgar she had brought with her, who was glowering at the Marshals.

“This is Goldgar, the man we received multiple complaints regarding,” she explained, and proceeded with a brief summary of her investigation. “I tracked him down to an empty house on the outskirts of Edoras. He was,” she hesitated, searching for the right words, “Less than cooperative." Goldgar glared at Gwai but did not say anything, as she continued. “He was once a sperewigend in the cavalry, and was dishonorably discharged for theft. His hatred of all things related to not only the Mark, but to the cavalry specifically has done nothing but increase over the last several years. He was planning to set fire to both Meduseld and the Dragon Room,” she finished, pushing Goldgar forward. Gwai felt obliged to add to his list of crimes, “He has also been treating his dog quite poorly." She was unsure if that was officially a crime, but it did give a better notion of his character.

OOC-- (I combined all the posts into a Google Doc https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Ss ... sp=sharing for convenience sake.)

Returning to Edoras from Aldburg with a light heart, Thalionwen hurried up the steps to the Dragon Room. She felt a great contentment after the work she'd done in the stockade--she'd become a haelend out of a desire to help people, after all. And hope seemed to be dawning for the prisoner the Marshals had dispatched her to help.

Inside, she found a woman who called herself Gwai, holding onto a prisoner with an iron grip. She listened as Gwai detailed the prisoner's infractions, and his shocking plan to put a torch to Meduseld. Only once Gwai had finished speaking did Thalionwen step forward, too.

"Westu Marshals hal," she said with a bow. "I have also returned from the task you set me. Marshal Rowena, you set me out to look into the matter of an injured prisoner, thought to perhaps be struggling with madness. At the Aldburg stockade, I found no such thing. Rather, I met a former Cavalry soldier plagued with fits of unchecked aggression. I believe those outbursts stem from a severe injury to the head, suffered during the war, and I recommend a conditional release coupled with a course of treatment. The prisoner, Alwin of Sailes, must have a system of support, so I took the liberty of securing the help of a former haelend, Elswyth of Aldburg. She's willing to take Alwin into her home and to provide him with meaningful work while assisting him in identifying circumstances that may spark his rage. Together--and with additional help from the Cavalry's haelends--they will undertake the task of managing Alwin's anger. I believe it can be directed into constructive channels, and that in time, if met with understanding and assistance, he will no longer be any danger at all to those around him. But I recommend frequent contact between the Cavalry, Elswyth, and Alwin, to ensure that all is progressing well, and that there is no sudden increase in his aggressive tendencies.

"I await your judgment on this matter," Thali concluded, "for I know you to be both a fair and merciful leader."

(OOC: Here are the links to the posts...
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=198&p=5833#p5833
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=198&p=6108#p6108
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=198&p=6586#p6586)

Aelflaed had watched a succession of people coming and going from the Dragon Room, no doubt all pledging their allegiance to the Cavalry and all the time making her feel more and more inadequate. She had a simple upbringing, had never expected to come to much, then a string of bad decisions after her father died led to the path of a wanderer. She wasn't sure she could do this. Of course, it was her dream to join the Cavalry and earn the honour and prestige through great tasks, to have the camaraderie and friendship of the rest of the Cavalry. Not to be alone anymore, to have purpose, to belong...but dreaming isn't the same as achieving, and she knew she didn't have much to offer. She took a deep breath and steeled herself. "All you have to do is ask, all you have to do is try. If it doesn't happen, at least you'll know and you can dream about something else" she said to herself, as she pushed open the great door and took her first steps towards the marshals. It felt like every step echoed, the buckle on her boots making a metallic ringing sound as she placed her foot down which felt like a bell. She had faced off raiding parties with less fear than she felt now; this was the fear of having your dreams crushed.

Finally she stood before the marshals, Shivased and Rowena Ellenweorc, looking up at them at their positions on the dais. She gave a nervous bow, uncertain of the protocol but feeling like respect was owed. "W..westu marshals hal" she stammered, then mentally gathered herself before continuing. "My name is Aelflaed Goldhawk, I come from a steading just south of the Entwash Vale, please forgive me I'm not used to being in a place like this. I wish to join the cavalry, if it pleases you. I don't have any training but I have spent a lot of time learning to survive with little, making the best of bad situations, and protecting those more vulnerable than myself, so I truly believe that with time and training, if you'll let me, I could be a credit to the Cavalry. I've made some bad decisions in the past but I want to leave that all behind, and start a new life here, if there is a place for me." her words felt like they came out in a rush, and then when her words were all used up it felt like the space around them was huge and she was desparate for one of the marshalls to fill it with an answer.

Aelflaed felt colour rise to her cheeks as Shivased addressed her - it was happening, it was really happening! She tried to keep from leaping up with excitement and did her best to pretend to be sensible and serious and worthy of this attention. She listened carefully as Shivased gave her the instructions for her first stage of training, repeating the details over in her head a few times to be sure she hadn't missed anything. Then she realised she must look a bit gormless stood there with her eyes un-focussed like that, and it was rude not to reply to the Marshal.

"Thank you, I will work as hard as I can, I will prove my worth and you won't regret taking me on, I promise. I will make all haste to the Training Field, for I cannot wait to begin this new journey" she said, practically bursting with relief and joy that she had this chance. She bowed again to the marshals on the dais, and then turned and left.

Outside, she ran to where her horse, White Cloud, was grazing, and buried her face in Cloud's mane. "I made it, Cloud, I have a chance at this!" she wiped tears of joy away, and mounted. "And now, we go to Aldburg."

Taking a deep breath, Elarith re-entered the Dragon Room as Gwai was leaving, nodding at the other woman as they crossed paths. She had brushed the worst of the Eastemnet mud from her boots and cloak, and held herself with as much confidence as she could muster on her walk to the dias.

Marshal Shivased was dealing with another recruit, a fresh one rather than a returning old hand by the looks of it. Good. They would need new blood as well as old to return the Cavalry to full strength. When it seemed that Shivased had finished instructing the newcomer (Aelflaed), Elarith saluted to catch her attention. "I am back from the Eastemnet. The journey was... not without incident," she said, trying to be diplomatic. "The prisoner is in the care of the hælends at present. I have dryhtgumas taking it in shifts to keep an eye on him. I should hate for him to wake and escape our custody after all the trouble he has put us to." She found herself fiddling with the edge of her cloak as she waited to see how the Marshals would react to her handling of the task.

(OOC @Shivased: I have 3 posts in LitM and 1 in the Cavalry Courtyard but don't know how to link them back here for you! Wasn't really sure what to do with Elarith after finishing up at the Courtyard so just RPed her back here

At Second Marshal Rowena's displeasure, Thalionwen squared her shoulders and set her jaw. She could be stubborn at the best of times, and was sure her actions in Aldburg had been just, even if a little unorthodox at times.

"Begging your pardon, Marshal," she said as politely as possible, struggling to keep frustration from her voice. "I'm not sure what you're referring to, but can only imagine you mean I was wrong to risk myself and possibly risk others in striving to find a new path for the prisoner you sent me to. But I disagree--orders or not, overstepping or not, the risk was worth it to find a way for him to spend his life free. Don't we owe that to him, when all his troubles stem from an injury he received in the Cavalry's service?"

Humble, Thali thought to herself. Be humble. But her face flushed all the same, and she could feel her hands balling into fists at her sides.

Amadhrill pushed the heavy doors open and entered the Dragon Room. Her clothes were stained by the ride from Helm's Deep but her face, neck, hands, and arms were freshly washed, a few drops of water still lingering here and there on her clothes. It was obvious that she came straight from her travel. There was a strange feel to the Dragon Room, that lingering electric feel that follows a dramatic incident. Her green eyes looked around the room, resting for a moment on a pair of dryhts with their heads close together, casting glances up towards the marshals' dais.

At the dais the Bealdorhælend Rowena seemed about to leave, while the first marshal Shivased had her attention to Elarith. Ama smiled as she recognized the red badge showing the insignia of a Dryhtguma of the Westmark handed to Elarith. Her smile widened showing a clear sense of pride for her fellow trainee, no longer a trainee but fully reinstated member of the cavalry. She saluted in the new Dryhtguma's direction.

The smile, however, were quickly replaced by a look of determination as her eyes found Rowena and she stepped lightly and quickly towards the Bealdorhælend. «Bealdorhælend! Marshal Rowena!» Coming closer, her confidence and sense of purpose seemed to diminish a little, but her voice was still strong and clear when she spoke. «I have just returned from Helm's Deep, but I can give you my report later if that is better for you...»

(OOC – so, I figured I would just make this post now, I've done a few posts in the Cavalry Courtyard and I am still RPing it out in the Life in the Mark-thread with Alla. If you want me to report back once I'm done with Alla, just let me know and I'll return with the «full» report after that. :smiley10: )

As Elarith waited for Shivased, she became aware that the other Marshal, Rowena, was having some sort of confrontation with another returnee. There was no shouting, just a tense quiet, balled fists and gritted teeth. She would have preferred the shouting to the awkwardness of it, ending with Thalionwen being dismissed from the hall and Rowena looking like she was about to stalk off. She wondered what on Arda had happened. There’d be talk in the pub later no doubt.

She looked back to Shivased, who was sipping something that smelt like... tea? Odd. Thankfully she didn’t ask too many questions about her journey to the Eastemnet and back, and seemed to already know how the prisoner was faring. Indeed, the Marshal seemed satisfied that she had done enough, for Elarith was handed the red insignia for a dryhtguma. She looked at the metal token shining in her palm. “Ah, it’s been a while since I wore this badge, but I am happy to bear it again,” she said quietly. “Thank you, Marshals,” she nodded, fixing the badge to her chest and returning the salute.

Turning to go, she noticed Ama approaching and gave her a toothy smile as she passed. It was good to be back in the Cavalry again.

Rowena halted in her tracks when she was approached by Amadhrill. Again, she said nothing, simply took the report from the woman's hands. She scanned it quickly. The woman's written words made her smirk when she read about Audley. She nodded her approval at the notes, and then again motioned for a wigend to approach. He again brought parchment, though this time Rowena kept a hold of her writing implement. She just scrawled a quick note to Shiva. 'Amadhrill is good to go, which Eored she pleases.' She then handed the note to Ama and then nodded toward Shivased. She gave the woman a salute indicating she was dismissed. With that the still raging Rowena officially left the Dragon Room.
Open reaching the open air outside, she took a deep breath. It was refreshing. She leaned on a banister, looking out on Edoras for a long while, still mute as one could be. After a few minutes, she nodded to the guards on duty and handed another one of them a note. Once satisfied the guard understood her order to get her from the infirmary if anything required her attention before she returned, she disappeared.


@Amadhrill -- as it wasn't technically part of your task or Alla's, keeping up with the RP in LitM and turning in the Westmark part is fine. ;)