Minas Tirith, Pelennor, The Northern Fiefdoms (Free RP)

Seven Stars and Seven Stones and One White Tree.
New Soul
Points: 1 191 
Posts: 1049
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:39 am

The City of Minas Tirith

Image

"For the fashion of Minas Tirith was such that it was built on seven levels, each delved into the hill, and about each was set a wall, and in each was a gate. But the gates were not set in a line: the Great Gate in the City wall was at the east point of the circuit, but the next faced half south, and the third half north, and so to and fro upwards; so the paved way that climbed toward the citadel turned this way and that and then that across the face of the hill."
—J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
FIRST CIRCLE
The Great Gate, Minas Tirith Chamber of Commerce, The Bathhouse
The Old Guesthouse - Pub & lodging for travellers. (Main Thread)
Key Lodge (porters and doorwardens), The House of Silver Light (Lampwrights)
The House of Diamond (Jewelry, knickknacks, perhaps thieves)
Aerden's Smithy, The Little Lock Shop
The Orrery House: Timekeeping, sundials, navigational equipment and early clockwork mechanism devices are available here, most of which are crafted by the Locksmith's Fellowships.

SECOND CIRCLE
The Minas Tirith Market Place
The Sundial Court: A pleasant park with a vast sundial in it, surrounded by lawns and benches.
The Wayfarer's Inn & The Tavern of the Seven Stars
The Roundhouse: A lodge used by members of the Bakers and Chandlers' Fellowships.
The Hostelers' Fellowship Guildhall
The Hall of Wax: Many tiered workshops and Guildhall of the Chandlers' Fellowship.
The Great Bakery: Halls filled with stalls of the Bakers' Fellowship and acts as its Guildhall in the chamber above.
Woodwrights' House: Woodwrights' Fellowship Guildhall.
The Library (Main Thread)

THIRD CIRCLE
The Rogues Fellowship, The Ringmakers, The Potters' and Tilers Fellowship Guildhall
The Goose & the Fountain: A master weapon-smith. Only the finest blades produced here.
The Bubbling Suds (laundry), Sammath's Wigs (and facial hair! Disguises and sprucings alike)
The Mortar Hall & the House of Memorials: Homes to the Masons and their workshops.

FOURTH CIRCLE
The College of the Spoken Word: Run by the Sages' Fellowship, this college is a place of education and often members explore the Rynd Permaith and Rynd Permaith Iaur. Harpers, Bards, call them what you will, but this is their home away from home.
The Quill and Inkpot: Although they sell writing implements, ink and stationery, this is a lodge house for the scribes of the Scribes' Fellowship and serves as their Guildhall.
The Lower Fountain Court: A piazza where there is a fountain and cloth merchants sell rare materials like silk, while botanists sell flowers. A serene place of contemplation for the citizenry.
The Cobbler’s
Guildhall of the Glassblowers' Fellowship


FIFTH CIRCLE
The Hall of Books, The Garment House, The Leatherwrights' House, The Hall of the Clothwrights
The White Tree Theatre & The Minas Tirith Playhouse: In the 5th Circle of Minas Tirith is the White Tree Theatre. It is a large stone building near the Minas Tirith Playhouse. Gondorians and visitors from other Kingdoms come to see wonderful productions that have been rehearsed by the Minas Tirith Theatrical Repertory Company. The prestigious Grand Gala opening nights are times of high celebration and the nobility flock to such events even in these dark days.

SIXTH CIRCLE
The Houses of Healing, Armoror’s Fellowship, House of Lace
The Parade Ground: A limited space for martial training of the Gondorian army. The ground is also used for important ceremonies and marriages among the nobility.
Fen Hollen, Rath Dinen & the Hallows: The Closed Door of Fen Hollen in the western side of the Sixth Circle leads through to Rath Dinen, the Silent Street, which takes you to the Hallows of Minas Tirith. It is opened only for funerals. The House of Kings lies within the Hallows.
The Garrison of the Gondorian Army: Lower and Upper Barracks: The lower barracks contains stores, supplies, mess halls and some dorms. The Upper Barracks contains the Headquarters' of the Gondorian Army and the ranking officers’ chambers. There is a war-room here but often the war-room in the Tower of Ecthelion is used in its stead.

SEVENTH CIRCLE
The Citadel & The Court of the Fountain: Within the seventh wall lay the Citadel with the high Tower of Ecthelion. In a court before the Tower grows the symbol of Gondor; the White Tree.



PELENNOR

Image

The Pelennor Fields are the lowland surrounding Minas Tirith in the foothills of Mount Mindolluin. Here lush farmlands provide ample agriculturally fertile ground for the farmers, many hunters and other hard-working folk who practice a variety of trades around the city. Days on the Pelennor may be as idyllic as nights may be perilous, and the causeways see much traffic, though less now than perhaps in peace time . Surrounded by the great wall of the Rammas Echor with it's Causeway Forts, the Pelennor is relatively safe and protected, but Darkness spawns in the terrible east and brings evil-spirited creatures to haunt the nights…


The Men Aran Causeway
This road passes north-south across the Pelennor fields. Travelers can access Minas Tirith at the Great Gate along this route. At the northern and southernmost ends of the Men Aran Causeway lie Causeway forts. At these forts built within the Rammas Echor are precursory checks conducted by the guards on duty.

The Armal Pelennor Causeway
This road runs in a northeasterly direction from Minas Tirith across the Pelennor fields. It passes through a Causeway fort on its path to Osgiliath. Traders and travellers used the route on a daily basis in bygone eras but these days the road to Osgiliath is frequented in the main by soldiers, moving to and from key locations in the defence of Gondor against the Shadow from the East.

The Pelennor Festival and Fair Grounds
Outside the Great Gate is an area in the Pelennor where various types of festivals, competitions, exercises and activities are held. This area provides a venue for large group and large scale events that enrich the social lives of residents and friends alike.

The Pelennor Farmsteads
The Pelennor Farmsteads lie upon the low hills and vales of the Pelennor fields. The streams which flow through the vales provide irrigation for agriculture. The typical farmstead is a large affair, built around the four sides of a square courtyard. The buildings are part timber, part stone, usually whitewashed and with a red or brown tiled roof. Many are surrounded by orchards and gardens where labor intensive crops are grown. There may also be a number of outbuildings.

The Northern Fields
The Northern Fields are often used as training grounds by the Gondorian Army. Captain Faramir's Rangers can also be seen taking advantage of this wonderful training area from time to time.

The Causeway Forts & the Rammas Echor
Soldiers of Gondor guard the Pelennor Fields from the Enemy and other miscreants. They conduct routine searches of wains and wagons, carts and caravans as they approach the City beyond. Levies on taxable goods are not paid here, that happens at the Great Gate, but these examinations are more for the purpose of ascertaining any hidden threat or villainous purpose on behalf of the visitor. It is quite possible that members of the Gondorian Army may be on duty or performing drills here.


Northern Fiefdoms of Gondor

Image

Harlond
The port and docks of the Minas Tirith, 3-4 miles south of the city.

Anorien
Anorien is located north of the White Mountains, bordered on the east by the Anduin, on the west bordering Rohan. The Great West Road runs through Anorien, connecting Minas Tirith with Rohan. On the border between Anorien and Rohan is Firien Wood. The seven Beacon-hills are stretched out across Anorien. Also there is the Druadan forest in which the Druedain dwell. On the western edge of the forest there is a stone quarry from which the stones are taken to Minas Tirith through the Stonewain Valley.

Lossarnach
Lossarnach is a well populated region in the valleys south-east of the White Mountains. The river Erui flows from the mountains through Lossarnach towards the Anduin. The woods and fields of Lossarnach are filled with flowers in spring, and there are great orchards in the lower valleys. From this fief the herbs are brought to the market of Minas Tirith and are used in the Houses of Healing.

Lamedon
The fiefdom of Lamedon is north of Belfalas at the foot of the White Mountains. The town of Ethring is located at the crossings of the river Ringlo, and the town of Calembel at the fords of the river Ciril.

Thread Guidelines
Posts over 300 characters (3-4 lines)
Indicate the location at the top of your post
No OOC

Thank you, Naith & others who contributed to these threads over the years!
Last edited by Burnt Toast on Sat May 23, 2020 10:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
they/he/mischief

Master Torturer
Points: 2 588 
Posts: 3018
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 11:22 am
Thea - Sixth Circle - Garrison Laundry room

"Oi! I said back to work!"
The cuff to the back of her head was more humiliating than painful, her thick curly fiery locks providing ample buffing for the sudden blow. Growling under her breath, Thea stifled the desire to punch the old woman. Thea was not a violent person, but even the meekest being could be pushed to the extreme from that hideous old hag. Sending Ms Irma an angry glare, Thea pushed her hands back into the soapy water and grabbed another pair of trousers, using her freshly fired anger to all but rub the trousers threadbare.

The anger did not last long, it never did with the young woman. She was far too bubbly a person to cling on to negative thoughts for long, or at least so it had been until the last couple of years. Two long years since her father's death, since the exodus of so many people that had led to fewer jobs overall. The few good jobs still available were already taken, which was why she was now here, in the Garrison laundry room. Actually the job was not all that bad, if it were not for how the hot soapy water always left her hands red and raw. But that was nothing compared to Ms Irma. Thea was positive that the old hag was stealing some of her pay, but she had no way of proving it. Yet. She would find the proof and rectify it if it was the last thing she did.

With an experienced move, Thea tossed the wet trousers into the large pail of clean water and grabbed another pair to scrub against the washboard. The steam of the hot room made her clothes and hair cling to her thin body, emphasising just how much weight she had lost in the last couple of years. Yet though she was thinner, she had managed to retain her upper strength, which came in handy as she later helped Lily carry the full basket of wet clothes out to the clothes lines.

"So, did you see the big bag of coins?" Lily whispered conspiratorily while looking over her shoulder to make sure Ms Irma was not close by. The old hag had a nasty habit of sneaking up on you without you hearing it. "I did.. but I did not manage to look in her book before I had to run back out. I am sure she keeps track of what the Army pays her and what she pays us, it has to be in there, Lily!" Thea quickly lowered her voice when she saw the worried look on her friends face, her eyes darting around to see if the hag was near. With a sigh of relief at not having been caught, Thea grabbed another sheet and pinned one end to the line. "I need to get back in there, Lily.. today!"

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

It was a nice day out. Spring was getting warmer and warmer, especially on days where no clouds were blocking the sun. Sure enough, she'd left her cloak at home and had no more need for the thicker weaves in her closet. Kaylin lifted her hand to shield her eyes. Her parents had boarded their ship, and the redhead waved them goodbye from the docks. The visit had been short but sweet, after a long time apart. Bracken and Thûllir had gotten along alright - her father really had lightened up after Thûllir and she were married - but there had been those little moments where he couldn't help himself, either. A little smile on her face, Kaylin sighed as she gave her last wave to the couple behind the ship's railing. Her mother had run interference a few times, although it probably hadn't been necessary. Kaylin was pretty sure Thûllir saw it for what it was: her father was just having a hard time letting go. That might never change, but it was coming from a good place.

She'd come to see her parents off alone. Thûllir had the day off too, but she had told him they could spend the rest of it together. It had given her some more private time with them, and had given them the chance to speak freely. Kaylin was still basking in the warmth of the goodbye as she passed a lively sailor's haunt on her way back from the docks.

"Ey, young lady!" one of the men sitting outside in front of the pub's window called out to her. She was the only woman she saw around, so Kaylin slowed automatically while she looked over at the spot the voice was coming from. The sailor was sitting on a rickety wooden stool, in front of an empty beer barrel. A set of dice lay on the top of the barrel, and the sailor had coins in his eyes. Clearly, he thought he could make some money off her. "Want to risk a game, lass? Maybe two? I swear I won't bite." He grinned his teeth bare, of which he missed one and several of which looked worse for wear.

Kaylin grinned. The man thought her an easy target. Ohh, how mistaken he was! She narrowed her eyes in thought. Maybe she could make some quick coin and buy Thûllir something on the way home, as a thank you for agreeing so easily to her request to say goodbye to her parents by herself. She clapped her hands together once as she approached the sailor and the barrel.
"You play for money, I assume," she said, trying to hide her glee, but probably failing completely.

"Aye. 'T is the only way I know how," the sailor said, his eyes getting hungry. Probably at the propect of where his next drink was coming from, Kaylin figured. She tapped her fingers against her chin. "Are you a sore loser?" she asked him.
He frowned, confused. "The lass assumes she will win?" he demanded.
Kaylin shrugged. "I just don't like playing when it ends in tears or anger. I play for fun."
The sailor grinned again. "So do I, lass. So do I."
"Well," the redhead nodded, "then we're in agreement. You got another one of them stools somewhere?"
He kept a careful eye on her as he pushed one over to her from where she'd missed it behind the barrel. "All yours."
Last edited by Arnyn on Thu May 28, 2020 9:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Chieftain of The Mark
Points: 1 204 
Posts: 656
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 10:53 am
NPC: Lone Rider: without the Rammas, South of the City:

As dusk found its way over the wide swathe of the Pelennor, a lone Rider set up camp. The walls which ringed the fields and farmsteads, the Rammas Echor, seemed to blush in the fading sunlight and from somewhere in the City, fair Minas Tirith under Mindolluin, a clear bell chimed nagmaal.

The camp, such as it was – a bedroll, meagre fire and picket for his mount – he placed in a niche close by a section of tumbled stone. He sat legs crossed upon the turf, hands at work on the makings of a smoke, and mused on the section of ruined wall. Orc-work, he guessed it – scars left from the great battle before the Fall of the Enemy and Return of the King.

It did not surprise him that no effort had been spent on repairing the breach; the City no longer required stout defences against marauding armies. But that did not mean danger, hidden and sudden, would not befall a solitary traveller. Even this close to the heart of Gondor's power the Rider felt uneasy.

He had ridden long and hard from the Shire, through lands still emptied by long years under Shadow. No sign or word had he found of his quarry, the trial had long grown cold. Cold Man's Heath, Wheathill, Ellerdine and other nameless burghs down the Greenway and across the plains below the Adorn River yielded no tidings. The numerous ports and fishing villes along the coast of the Southern Fiefs had been visited; none showed any rumour of the man he sought.

Now here he was, at the end of things, mayhap, the fair City before him inviting, but just out of reach of his exhausted stead.

Tomorrow, then? Aye so, tomorrow, he would enter Minas Tirith and resume the search.
Last edited by Aodh Hammerhelm on Fri May 29, 2020 4:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
- he hath not forgotten Image the face of his fathers -

High Warden of Tower
Points: 3 504 
Posts: 2316
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:58 pm
Cadil
Harlond


Having spent some time at the pub and having emptied a few mugs of ale, Cadil eventually drifted out of the establishment unto the street. He looked as if the mischief and misbehaviour had eventually gotten the better of him, as he had left the army some time ago without ever finishing his training. At any rate he looked a bit of a mess with his shirt half open, hair still sticking out every which way, and a bit of a bruise under his left eye.

He was about to leave, when his eyes settled on a familiar red-haired figure. The sight caused Cadil to stop in his tracks, as he blinked a couple of times, and then approached Kaylin.

"Kaylin?" he probed to make sure it was really her. "Whatever are you doing coming all this way for a bit of game?"

He narrowed his eyes at the sailor, evaluating him. He would by all means defend his former comrade against any such unsavoury characters. He knew quite well that Kaylin was more than capable of defending herself, yet... he wanted to feel a bit manly. At the same time he wondered whether he could join the game. The few coins he still had jingled in his pocket, as he counted them with his fingers.
Image

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

She had just rolled the dice and the sailor's eyes had just almost popped out of their sockets at the sight of her high roll, when a voice that sounded rather familiar distracted her. Kaylin grinned at the sailor first, though, making sure he had seen that she knew how high her roll was - she wasn't about to get duped!

Turning her head to find the face behind the voice, Kaylin's eyes widened. "Cadil! Tulkas' balls, you're still around! And alive!" she added with a laugh. When he'd left the army, his training unfinished, it seemed like he'd fallen off the edge of the earth.
"I just dropped off my folks on their ship back home, to Linhir," she answered his question. "But what are you doing here?" She had to grin at the way he was sizing up the sailor. "Not that I'm not glad to see you; you look mighty impressive with that color under your eye!"

The sailor cleared his throat for her attention. "You have this round, lass."
"Again," Kaylin smiled, unperturbed.
"Three out of five?" he asked.
The redhead shrugged. "I've got the time, as long as you've got the money." Her eyes twinkled.
The sailor scowled.

"Want to join in after, Cadil?"
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Loremaster of Gondor
Points: 353 
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 4:31 am
Image
Second Circle - Sundial Court

Turin made his way down to the second circle. He was very early for his meeting. He'd told Red to meet him there. They were going to be finishing a discussion he'd started when they met up for the first time in years. He couldn't help pacing back and forth while he waited for his friend to show. Every now and then, he'd sit on one of the benches, but the anxiety, or nervousness, or whatever it was that had him on edge, caused him to stand and pace again.

He thought back to a little before his final mission during the war, Nessa had wished him luck. He hugged his little girl and left. They'd discussed the possibility of moving to Pelargir when he was finished with the military. He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a Ranger. He'd done many wonderful things. But that last mission he took part of broke him. He resigned being Captain of the Hyandaner and made his way north. He couldn't face his loved ones in the state he was in. He sent some letters to let them know he was alive, but who knows if they were received. He then spent the next few years in the brown lands as a farmer until he was summoned back to the white city.

Seeing Red, and other old ERC colleagues brought a happiness back to his heart. But he just had to talk to his friend. He had to get it off his chest. He paced some more, then looked at one of the sundials, the requesting meeting time was nigh.
Last edited by Turin Ringhûn on Wed Jun 03, 2020 6:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy- Stonewall Jackson
Hubris guarantees disaster.- T C

High Warden of Tower
Points: 3 504 
Posts: 2316
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:58 pm
Cadil - Harlond

"Eh, I haven't gone too far," Cadil chuckled back at Kaylin and ran his hand through his unruly hair. "Just can't find my place really, so messing around here and there." He would probably find it hard to explain why it was so when his family had all but set the course before his feet, and yet he had chosen not to tread it, roaming off, always looking for fun and easy life.

He squatted down to observe the game instead of towering above both players, and his grin widened at Kaylin's roll. "I might join in, but I don't have much money, nor do I have any hopes of winning against you." He knew of Kaylin's reputation very well, though apparently the sailor did not. The young man felt like teasing him for it, but perhaps it was best to keep his mouth shut, for the time being.

"Are you still with the army?" he asked Kaylin. "If so, you might just as well collect from us enough money to get some new equipment. Or at least a delicious meal in the best pub of Minas Tirith."
Image

Craftsman of Gondor
Points: 106 
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 7:27 am
Image
Red Daghul
Second Circle - Sundial Court

Meeting Turin
The sun beat down on the raven haired ranger as he moved through the white city its glory shining in the sun. Of course, it was something that many marveled at since the days it was built he was sure, but it still was a sight to see every time. The breeze swept through the simple dark red shirt that Red wore which was a refreshing feeling due to the heat the sun brought. There was little reason for armor and weapons today so the ranger had left them in his room, something he had begun doing a lot more of. In old days he would never have left his sword at home, but it was nice to be away from it every now and then. Plus his knives were never to far from reach.

Entering into the park the raven haired man scanned across the grass area and benches till his sharp grey eyes caught sight of man pacing back and forth seemingly enough in his own world busy with a weight upon his shoulders. Red knew this man well, and knew what his face was saying Turin was nervous, or at least restless. Walking slowly up to his brother he stopped just a few feet away.

"Hul Hyandaner" he said for old time sake lightly pressing his hand to chest out of friendly respect "You seem uneasy brother" his hand motioned to a bench they could sit on. Time seemed to do the other ranger well, he looked more at peace after their last mission together, but you could see the hurt of his heart still if you knew where to look. That day had broken so many, though the air about him this day was different. Of course he had mentioned Nessa when they met a few days ago.

There was a long story of old, and Red had known that he had gone to join her after he left the ERC. As far as the raven haired ranger knew they had, unfortunately based off of what had been said that wasn't the case. For the last few years Turin must have been searching alone, a pit formed in Red's heart... that should never have been the case. "Tell me what has happened?"
~Red Daghul~
Hyandaner for life!

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

Messing about here and there? Cadil had messed about for quite a while, she mused, throwing the dice again. The sailor in front of her was starting to look more and more depressed. Kaylin wanted to pat him on the shoulder, but he was sitting too far away, with the barrel in between them.

The poor man rolled snake eyes, and Kaylin did far better even as Cadil said something about not wanting to risk playing against her. She was just about to answer Cadil's army question when the sailor jumped to his feet, almost causing his rickety stool to fall over.

"What do you mean there would be no hopes of winning against her?!" he demanded, looking beween Cadil and Kaylin with eyes looking for blame. "She cheats, then, is that it? That's why I'm losing, isn't it?" He took a step around the barrel, and his hand went for the knife at his belt. "You're stealing from me, is that it?"

Kaylin's lips twisted into an uncomfortable expression. "Look, man, you're the one who asked me to play, and -"
The sailor interrupted her; the idea of being scammed was just too much for him, but he much preferred being scammed and fighting his way out of it than losing his coin fair and square and having no more money for drinks that night. "Thief!" he hissed at her, and pulled his knife at her.

Kaylin almost sighed, but she was getting worked up herself. She could only keep her cool when being called names for so long.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Loremaster of Gondor
Points: 353 
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 4:31 am
Turin Ringhûn
Second Circle - Sundial Court
Meeting with Red


The pacing continued until he heard a voice call out. “Hûl Hyandaner!”

Turin looked up. Only a few people would use that line. He grinned at the site of his friend approaching. “Hûl Hyandaner indeed brother.” Turin said giving Red a hug. He motioned for the two of them to take a seat at a nearby table.

“So tell me, what has happened?” Red asked.

Turin nodded. He needed to set the foundation of what the heck was going on, and why searching was even done to begin with. Turin took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You were there at mine and Nessa’s wedding. And well, you’ve known her pretty much the same amount of time as I have. So you know about her family back in Pelargir, and their importance. I still don't understand why they even let a poor simple soldier like me even marry into that family. So that is one reason I’m such a failure.” Turin could see in Red’s eyes he didn’t believe he was a failure. “I am one though. I didn’t really tell her about my family because they’re all dead. Well, there is my adopted brother, but he’s a crazy psychotic dwarf, and who in Ûdun knows where he is. He could be dead, he could be alive, I have no idea. But I digress. Her family is full of important people. I'm no match for them." He sighed.

“Anyway, before that last mission I went on before I resigned. We'd discussed the possibility of moving to Pelargir when I was done with the military. Ellin was four at the time. As nice as Minas Tirith is, being closer to family can be helpful. Not to mention, it'd a little more stable than me going off every so often. Not that my time in the Rangers was a bad thing, we both know we were doing good things for everyone.” He shook his head.

“That last mission was bad. Lhun died saving me. Very reminiscent of Dhalion dying to save us years prior. I couldn’t take it anymore. I finished the mission and resigned on the spot. I took some time to heal my wounds and went north. I had to take care of a few things first. But then, I went to find them. My wife and daughter. Months I searched, I couldn’t find my wife and daughter. I miss them so much.”

He wiped the tears from his eyes. “Oh Eru, I’m such a mess.” Turin pulled a tissue from a pocket and blew his nose. “After failing for, I think it was about three months, I regret to say I gave up. I returned home to the brown lands and became a farmer. I’m a horrible person.”
Last edited by Turin Ringhûn on Wed Jun 03, 2020 6:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy- Stonewall Jackson
Hubris guarantees disaster.- T C

New Soul
Points: 1 672 
Posts: 1138
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 7:12 pm
Nessa – Harlond (OOC: content edits and fixing typos, many typos >_< )

Astarea, one of the de Argosy family river ships, reached the docks of Harlond mid-morning. The port was brimming with activity; sailors’ loaded and unloaded cargo to and from vessels, they greeted or cursed each other. People where milling around looking for work or passage on a ship. Merchants hovered protectively over their cargo, giving instructions how to load and unload it, arranging transport of their goods to the nearby warehouses and settling matters with the port authority officials who were overseeing the activity at the port.

Astarea’s owner, Nessa de Argosy observed the hustle and bustle of the port from the ship’s bow, her keen gaze flicking from the docks to the ship’s deck, more to reassure herself that everything was in order than from the real need to check on the ship and crew. Astarea’s captain was an experienced man who worked many years for her late father, and neither she nor anyone else could find any flaws with the crew he picked. However, she knew the importance of appearance so she stood on the ship’s bow, wearing a simple dark blue dress with an embodied leather belt. Hew wavy chocolate hair was braided into a simple plait, keeping her hair in place while a light breeze blew.

Hearing footsteps behind her she turned and saw her eldest cousin Roderic approaching her. His short walnut brown hair was mussed by the breeze, but his taupe coloured tunic, black trousers and boots were immaculate as always. She gave him a warm smile and relaxed as he stood next to her. For a while the two cousins stood next to each other, listening to the chattering of the sailors behind them and looking at the port and the White City in the distance.

- Do you truly believe he will return? – Roderic turned towards her breaking the silence, and heard Nessa’s sharp inhale. Her cousin was not usually so direct, and as she turned toward him she could see the tension on his face. He was deeply worried although he tried not to show it, but Nessa knew him. He was not only her eldest cousin, he was like a brother to her and a business partner. They were both heirs of their respective fathers, they carried that responsibility and duty to make their family prosper like a mantle on their shoulders. Seeing the concern for her and her daughter shining through in his green eyes touched her more than she could put into words.

- If the King’s messenger finds him alive and well… - She bit the inside of her cheek to stop her thoughts from spiralling to worst case scenarios. – Yes, Turin will return. I know you did not meet him, but he is a good man, an honourable man. The War did something to him, it broke something inside him… - She closed her eyes trying to control her emotions. Roderic saw and took her hand, grounding her. – The War broke all of us. We were bowed, bent and broken, all of us by this bloody War and the grief and the pain…
- I know. You need not tell me of the horrors of war. – His voice changed colour and his jaw clenched as he remembered. – So much death and pain. I can never forget when we came back, father, Bran and I… When we told you uncle Leo died…

They stood silent for a while, Roderic still holding her hand, Nessa not letting go.

- I was bowed, bend and broken so many times after that. – She continued quietly once she regained some sense of calm. – I am not ashamed to admit this anymore. You know as well as I that there were so many days when I felt I was failing my daughter, my husband, the whole family... Without our family’s support, and yours especially Roderic, I would not have been able to become whom I needed to be in order to walk the path I choose for myself.
Her cousin bowed his head and smiled warmly. – I merely gave you a push. – She laughed and shook her head and he was happy to see her joyful.
- You did more than that Roderic, and you know it.
- And you have repaid me many times over dear cousin. I will never forget what you did for Laila, how you fought for her, for us when we needed it most! – He let go of her hands as he gestured passionately. – You saw the possibility of us, how happy we could be; and we are happy cousin, so happy!
- And I would gladly do it again. – She said vehemently. – I still cannot forget the expression on your father-in-law’s face when the marriage negotiations started.
They shared a laugh over a now fond memory and the mood lightened.
- We will find Turin. Whatever it takes we will find him. Together. Even if we have to bribe, manipulate and backstab to do it. – He said the last with a smile and Nessa let out a very unladylike snort.
- I would prefer if my husband is returned to me willingly and in one peace. – She said trying to keep a serious expression on her face. – I would like us to have more children one day you know.
- Thank you for scarring me for life with that unnecessarily tidbit dearest cousin. – He said feigning horror, but a laugh escaped him. – And speaking of your offspring shall we go find Ellin? It’s almost time to disembark.
Last edited by Nessa Saelind on Wed Jun 03, 2020 8:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
She/her.
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant
Image

High Warden of Tower
Points: 3 504 
Posts: 2316
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:58 pm
Cadil
Harlond

Cadil
was about to get in a mood for a game or two, but it seemed that it would not be his luck. The sailor suddenly sprang up, accusing Kaylin of cheating, and the sudden move startled the young man enough for him to almost fall over, yet he barely managed to shift his weight forward at the last moment. He stood up to full height to counter the menacing posture of the sailor.

"What? You accuse her of cheating when both of you have been using the same dice?" he all but growled. He might be a lazy spoiled brat, but he did have a rather keen sense of justice and would stand up for it. As far as standing went, he was no longer a boy by any means and could compete with any man in terms of stature and broad shoulders; however, his laziness of last years meant that he did not have much muscle to show for it, unless his growing beer belly could be considered a muscle. In the few brawls that he had managed to get himself into, he had not done much damage to the opponent, and then again neither had he been badly damaged, as the disagreements had been settled rather sooner than later.

"A freakin' loser is what you are," he stated to the sailor, narrowing his eyes at him. "And out of luck. And if you lack guts to face up to that, it makes you a double loser."

Cadil's hands formed into the fists and he tensed preparing for action should the sailor not do as bid. "Put that knife away, else..." his voice trailed away, as he tried to think of what would be a suitable threat. He was not about to throw himself at an armed man, though he itched to teach him a lesson or two.
Image

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

While she wasn't feeling threatened by the sailor with his knife, she still wasn't excited about this particular kind of trouble finding her. And when Cadil rose to confront the sailor, Kaylin did start to worry. Sailors were no soldiers, but they were often good brawl fighters, and by the looks of Cadil he hadn't exactly been putting in any training...

"Now, now," she said, rising from her own stool, and raising her hands a little. "Mister dice man, and Cadil - there's no need for anyone to get upset."
The sailor growled at Cadil, moving in a way that told Kaylin he was about to make a move, meanwhile ignoring her completely. Apparently he did not think she was much of a threat. Kaylin scowled, taking offense at that, and grabbed Cadil by the back collar of his shirt. Surprisingly quick, the sailor made a stab at Cadil's torso, at the same time Kaylin was pulling the young man backwards.

"Hey! He's got nothing to do with this!" she shouted angrily at the sailor, pulling Cadil back even more as the man stepped forward, looking to attack again. "For crying out loud..." Kaylin mumbled as she dropped down and kicked at one of the sailor's ankles. He was quick on his feet, though, and jumped back as Kaylin straightened. "Two against one isn't fair!" he shouted. "I'll go get some friends! You just wait!"

Kaylin sighed as the man rushed into the pub. She glanced at Cadil, not wanting to get involved in a street fight today. "What do you say we get out of here?"
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

High Warden of Tower
Points: 3 504 
Posts: 2316
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:58 pm
Cadil
Harlond


Cadil was considering kicking at the man's arm to disarm him, but while he was still in the thinking process, the sailor attacked him first. His reactions were slow, and he would surely have been stabbed, if Kaylin had not intervened. He had not expected that, so he did not manage to resist her and ended up being dragged backwards against his will. It happened just in time too, as the sailor's knife made a slit in the front of his shirt and nicked his chest with its tip.

"What the..." the young man grumbled, once he recovered from being pulled out of the fight and Kaylin's kick making the man move backwards. That was an effective way to separate the two men if there ever was one, and she definitely had enough strength for it.

When the sailor stormed into the pub, Cadil called after him: "Right, run away as a true coward that you are!"

Looking back at Kaylin when she suggested them leaving, he inspected his shirt which now required fixing and showed a bit of red and considered that this would require some retribution. However, the fight might end up being nasty and dirty; the man had attacked him with a knife while he was unarmed, and probably would get quite a few of his buddies to outnumber them. Besides, he wasn't sure he wanted Kaylin to be stuck in this situation.

"Well... Fine," he agreed somewhat begrudgingly to her suggestion.
Image

Esquire of The Mark
Points: 612 
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 1:46 am
Image
NPC post
- Messenger -
Harlond

*He was an older man, most likely a veteran if some of the scars were an indication, with clear grey eyes and unbowed posture, but a slight limp as he walked around, looking for someone answering the description he'd gotten from the Rangers Headquarters, after which he'd followed the likely directions.
If anyone asked him how exactly it worked, he would not have been able to exactly explain, even though he'd had this job for years now. Mail arrived by a messenger, then was given to him, and he found those it was addressed to. Sometimes letters. Sometimes packages. He clearly recalled one memorable package that, he was sure of it, had contained fish that was clearly rotting by the time it had reached the city. He was not sure who had sent it, but he'd delivered it to an innkeeper who had not bothered to hide his disappointment. Why one would mail FISH when there was a harbor right here baffled him but well, to each his own. That was none of his business. His business was to deliver the mail he was given and distribute it. Still he liked his job. Some people received mail a lot.

While he would NEVER read the mail he was given, he had learned to recognize the softening eyes that came with a frequent correspondence between lovers temporarily parted, or the exasperation over deliveries delayed or letters from mothers in law on caring for a new husband properly. Some people loved a chat, other people just took the mail politely and let him go on his way.

Today was no different than any other. He kept his eyes open well enough, Harlond they'd say and that was unfortunately less precise than The Old Guesthouse, or the barracks. Still the description was fairly precise even though he'd never seen the woman in question before. Luck was on his side though, he heard a woman yelling, then a man shout about a coward running away. His attention drawn he looked to see a woman (Kaylin) pulling at a man (Cadil) and someone else rushing away and in the pub. Normally not his business, a dockside brawl was not THAT unusual but the woman... she seemed to be an exact match for the description he'd been given. Couldn't hurt to try!

Kaylin?! *He called out the name in a clear voice seeing if indeed she'd react and if so he'd approach with a friendly bow of his head* Messenger service! Got a letter for you! *pulling the missive out of his pouch he held it out.*
Image
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

When Cadil agreed, Kaylin gave him a faint smile. Throwing an arm around his shoulders, she started guiding him away from the pub. "Usually I'm up for a fight or a good time, but I'm just not feeling it today," she explained. And Thûllir might never agree to her seeing her parents off by herself again, if she came home with blood on her shirt - even if the blood wasn't hers...

Walking away and steering Cadil along with her, the sound of her name one street further gave her pause. "Hmm?" she reacted automatically, slowing down to look for the source. When her eyes locked on an older man, who was approaching with a slight limp to his step, she quickly took his measure. His next words explained soon enough why he was hailing her - wait, what? He had a letter?

Blinking with some surprise, she waiting for him to come over and she accepted the letter with a confused smile. "Oh, hello, sir... Thank you. How weird to have a letter delivered at the harbor!" She laughed at the end of that sentence, her tone was open and friendly, genuinely curious as to what this could be about. A letter that reached her HERE, of all places, instead of at home, like letters were wont to do--

"You lost your honor. We know."

Her eyes flicked over the two short sentences several times as a frown slowly mastered her features. Was this really meant for her? Looking at the outside of the note, sure enough, she found her name - and it wasn't like it was that commonplace in Minas Tirith. Lost her honor? It wasn't like she'd just beaten up that sailor, she'd even taken the high road and walked away! Her mind raced back. There was nothing she could think of duty-wise; sure, she liked some mischief, but what did that have to do with honor? Her throat went dry at a memory that came to mind from what seemed like quite a while ago already. This couldn't refer to that... could it?

Clearing her throat, her blue-grey eyes flicked up to the messenger. Instead of their earlier curious sparkle, they now showed the older man a very level look. "Who gave you this? And how did they know I would be here?"
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Chieftain of The Mark
Points: 1 204 
Posts: 656
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 10:53 am
NPC: Lone Rider: without the Rammas, South of the City:

Morning bells across the fields woke the Rider. He'd slept well under a thin blanket alongside the embers of the campfire and felt refreshed. His back of course ached a little, hard ground and hard riding did not sit well with an aged body, but a few rigorous stretches and the tidying of his camp saw him erect in the saddle once more.

Straight to the City or a trawl of the quays and warehouses at Harlond? Minas Tirith held the promise of food and comfort aplenty, the docklands a chance, mayhap, of news of his quarry. He sensed rain on the way - but not before midday. The harbour first then, with the promise of a warm room and meal later.

The Rider clucked his tongue gently and the large mare bore him swiftly along the road towards Harlond.

Esquire of The Mark
Points: 612 
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 1:46 am
Image
NPC post
- Messenger -
Harlond


You were not at home. *It was the simple explanation for the fact that he was here. He tried to deliver each of the letters on the day he got them if it was possible, or forward them back to the messenger on the next morning if he had found the person not to be in the White City. And thus when he'd made inquiries he'd found the most likely place for your whereabouts. The one but last one for the day. Mail did not come to the city every day, at least not through him. But when it did it came in a package. Most of the letters were easy, frequently regulars. Some were a challenge and in a way he liked those best. It made him feel more as if he well earned the coin.

He saw your eyes flicker down the ink, a hint of curiosity within. He'd never before delivered to you and he awaited perhaps the bright smile of a woman in love, or the simple emptiness of a missive of business or sharpen perhaps if it was military information. And yet what he did not expect was the shortness of the pause in which you read. Or the look she-who-was-Kaylin aimed at him. Her companion (Cadil) standing by in silence.*

It came by messenger in this morning's packet, as always. *He answered without delay.* There was no address so I asked around. That's what I do. *It was the thing that made the job challenging, kept it interesting. *

I inquired at the headquarters.. then went from there. Wasn't exactly sure I would find you here but it was the best lead.. especially since I need to deliver another one close by. I figured might as well try.


*His hand patted the bag over his shoulder that now looked mostly empty. He knew exactly what the next one would be, and it would most likely land him a cup of tea and a cozy chat which meant he kept it to the end if he could.*
Image
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

Her level gaze was fixed on he messenger's expression and the slightest tells he might exhibit as he spoke. If he was in on it, he was good. If he wasn't, he deserved no spitfire from her.

But was she willing to take the chance? If he was involved... "Headquarters wouldn't know I was here," she spoke slowly. She'd had a few days off, and they had no reason to keep tabs on her. She took a step forward. "Who are you? Who's your employer?"
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

High Warden of Tower
Points: 3 504 
Posts: 2316
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:58 pm
Cadil
Harlond


Ever so reluctantly Cadil had let Kaylin lead him away from the place of conflict and possible future bloodshed, though they had not gone very far when some other sort of trouble seemed to catch up with them, or at any rate with Kaylin.

At first it seemed like the man had brought some innocent message, perhaps from some friend or other, but as he studied the companion's face, he concluded that the note did not contain good news or some everyday stuff - she seemed just a tad apprehensive.

Cadil folded his arms and slightly tilted his head, as he observed the interactions. He might have become awfully lazy and given himself up to useless lifestyle, yet he still had kept the sense of detecting mischief and possible trouble, and he had a wish to get involved into anything and everything that promised some excitement and adventure. Perhaps he might also lend a hand in some way, not just meddle in someone else's affairs and cause trouble? Curious, he waited to see if the man who had brought the message would provide any answers that would satisfy Kaylin.
Image

Esquire of The Mark
Points: 612 
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 1:46 am
Image
NPC post
- Messenger -
Harlond


Look... I just deliver the mail.. *he said it slowly as if trying to figure out what was going on.* That's my job. It arrives. I bring it out. It comes in a package and this was one of them. If I can't find the recipient I ask around. Heard you were a ranger so went to see if anyone would know at headquarters. Someone there told me to try the harbor. Guy about this high.. *he made a gesture with his hand indicating a height not too much different of his own.* It's not as if I informed on you to your commander or something.

*Was that the reason for the anger? Had you skipped out on duty and playing hide and seek so to speak? Had he inadvertently gotten you in trouble? He'd had many reactions over the years to letters brought, anger, sadness, even despair. But it never had been aimed at him. Oh of course, the messenger bore the brunt of the emotions but it usually wasn't as if people blamed him for whatever he brought. Not personally. This woman however looked at him as if he was trying to smuggle rats in the store room or something*

My name is Adleg, and you can ask around. Been doing this for years. My boss is Tegircen, though good luck finding him, he's barely ever here, always travels around to deliver packages.
*he shrugged, looking from the woman (kaylin) to the man (Cadil) who had his arms folded as he observed what was going on. Was he in trouble? His eyes went back from the man to Kaylin and then carefully took a step forward and slightly to the side, hoping for a peek of what was in that letter that had prompted this reaction.*
Image
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

She wasn't sure whether she bought it. Hynneth had been able to pull a convincing front as well, after all.

"No, you didn't inform on me," she allowed. "I am within my rights to be here."

When she saw the signs of curiosity - that slight stretch of his neck, the eye flick to the letter in her hand, Kaylin made an impulsive decision. She casually held out the piece of paper to him. He could read it if he liked. Kaylin had never been one to worry about what other people thought of her. Lies were nothing more than than fiction, too. It would be much worse if it were true.

She swallowed. And it wasn't true.

Plus... maybe she'd be able to get a better idea of his credibility after seeing his reaction.
Last edited by Arnyn on Thu Jun 04, 2020 6:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Esquire of The Mark
Points: 612 
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 1:46 am
Image
NPC post
- Messenger -
Harlond



*His face was expressive and seemingly easy to read, some of the unease disappeared as Kaylin said he hadn't accidentally ratted on her. She held out the letter with a seeming indifference. He wasn't someone who snooped! He'd never opened any of the letters or packages he had been asked to deliver. Not even the one he was quite sure was rotting fish. But it definitely wasn't the first time he'd been invited to read one. He frequently read the letters from her daughter for a widow whose eye sight was failing and he'd been trapped in listening to long, rapturous exclamations from a young lass over the letters sent by her ranger suitor and how wonderful he was! So if she felt quite happy to share what is in that letter he had no hesitation in reading it. That is.. until he saw the words. Reading took but an instant and his eyes flickered back up to her face.

For a moment, Cadil was forgotten. Surprise shone on his features as well as something that could only be termed distaste or suspicion. His eyes went down to the letter once more, seeking a signature and not finding one. It was a heady accusation. If one had lost their honor.. as a ranger.. it would mean what? Treason? Abandoning a comrade in combat? Who would accuse another of such lightly? And who would do so without a name. As if you would know immediately what was referred to. Yet he could see the slow swallow as well. And you didn't dismiss it as a prank.
He did not know exactly how to react. Not his business, obviously. But in holding it out you somewhat invited a comment. I mean he could hardly turn around and simply leave you there, going on for his letter and his tea. And if it WAS true.. well would he be an accessory to whatever you did if he didn't report you?*

It's a .. great insult to see written down. If it's false.

*He finally managed, hands fidgeting with the strap of his bag. At the moment he would much rather have been dealing with the rotten fish, and that was not something he would ever have considered thinking.
Image
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

For a moment, she thought Adleg would refuse. But then it seemed like professionalism gave way to curiosity, aided by her willingness to show him. It looked real, Kaylin thought to herself. Just like the suspicious look he cast at her once he'd read the single sentence on that wretched letter.

Suspicion. And discomfort. Kaylin sighed. Yeah. She believed the man, for now.

"It is false," she mumbled, though loud enough for both men to hear. After giving the letter another look, she rolled it up and shook her head, thinking out loud and talking to herself more than to Adleg or Cadil. "This is unbelievable. Haven't heard so much as a peep from them for such a long time... and now for some reason they decide I'm back on their to-do list." The rolled up pieve of parchment crumpled as she clenched her fist. There was no other option. It had to be them. She could feel it in her bones.

Did this mean they would start following her again? The assassin Darudian was dead, there was no question of that - since Kaylin was the one who threw him out of her own bedroom window. And Hynneth was behind bars -as far as Kaylin knew, because she didn't bother checking in to see how the woman was faring anymore. New people, then? Why? It wasn't like Kaylin had made it her mission to destroy the organization - there had been no more leads to follow, no more strings to grasp at. Thinking, and getting worked up, the corners of Kaylin's mouth almost turned up. How dumb. How utterly stupid. In reaching out like this, they could mess up. They could give her a new clue - several, even.

All she'd have to do was keep her cool, and wait for them to make a mistake. A half-grin mastered her face. Kaylin knew herself well: keeping her cool and exercising patience would be challenge enough.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Chieftain of The Mark
Points: 1 204 
Posts: 656
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 10:53 am
NPC: Lone Rider: Upon Anduin, NE of the White City:

The boatman sat quietly in the bow, deftly adjusting the tiller of the craft as they moved northward. He had not spoken since the Rider had placed two silvers into a calloused palm at Harlond. The Lone Rider sat comfortably upon a stack of cargo, but his mount, spooked as the creaking wherry swung hard into a bend of the Great River, nickered and stamped a foreleg on the bleached timbers of the deck.

“Easy, feller," the Rider called softly. "Not long now till we make landfall – not long before you run once more in the pastures of Rohan.”

The Rider stood now - relishing the briny tang brought from the sea beyond Pelargir as he moved to the bow of the craft - and cast a bright eye over the remnants of Osgiliath. Soon the ruined city lay beyond his sight and the fortress isle of Cair Andros too.

His intuition to visit Harlond had paid off, and in a way he had least expected! The man he and his hobbit-freond sought had not been seen in the portage, but another, a man he called thain, had passed through it not twenty days before. This had surprised him, but not enough to scramble his wits. If his din was headed north, so too would the man he’d been tasked to find.

The Rider had calculated the distance he needed to cover, weighed it up against his footsore mount and chosen, with a wry grin of irony, to follow the path of his captain. It was a fine way to travel, he deemed - the cheeks of his withered hind not battered by leather, his creaking back not jarred by the rise and fall of rugged byways.

Aye, a fine way indeed: one which allowed a pipe on the move and the time to think before arriving.
Last edited by Aodh Hammerhelm on Fri Jun 05, 2020 8:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.

New Soul
Points: 1 672 
Posts: 1138
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 7:12 pm
Nessa – Harlond

In the end they did not have to go looking for her daughter; Ellin ran towards them in her saffron coloured dress, her braid swinging behind her. The girl was vibrating with excitement, watching everything with curious eyes, absorbing every detail she saw. Behind her Hannah, a thin 15-year-old with russet hair and warm golden brown eyes, followed in a more sedate pace. Unlike her daughter, Hannah choose a more practical garb – a fern green tunic, long dark brown skirt and dark brown boots. Nessa smiled warmly at them as she put her arm around her daughter’s shoulders pulling her little girl next to her. She noticed excitement and nervousness play across Hannah’s face, for this was the teen’s first trip outside her hometown. Likewise, she noticed that her young companion (for she refused to refer to Hannah as a maidservant, the girl was more to her than that) was trying very hard to hide those feelings and appear calm.

She looked at Roderic and with a slight nod of her head he confirmed that he saw the same thing she did, and with a gentle excuse about needing to check on their luggage extracted himself from their company. They watched him go, and Nessa remembered herself at approximately the same age Hannah is now. It was well over a decade ago when she came from Pelargir to Minas Tirith for the first time with the threat of an upcoming war that would define and mark them all, although none knew this at the time, hanging over their heads like a shroud. She remembered the thrill she felt when she first saw the White City from the docks of Harlond, and many claimed that this was the best way to see the city for the first time.

The memory of her first look at the White City brought others to her mind. Fair Gilwen with her long unbound black hair fluttering in the breeze, her cerulean eyes filled with mischief and her infectious laughter. She remembered being jealous of Gilwen’s beauty, her confidence, and how everyone’s eyes were drawn to her. Everyone’s but Turin’s who looked at her like she was his whole world and all the words in all languages she knew fled her then and she knew not how to tell what she felt… She closed her eyes and shook her head then, trying to get back to the present. Gilwen was gone, died in the bombardment of Minas Tirith, and she was here on her ship, alive trying to find her husband, take care of those she loved and live, live the life she chose the life she wanted.

- M’lady? – Hannah’s hesitant call snapped Nessa from her thoughts. When she was nervous Hannah had a tendency to call her m’lady like Nessa was a member of the aristocracy. Wealthy she and her family were, nobles they weren’t.
- I am no milady, Hannah. – She gently corrected the girl, offering her a warm smile to reassure her that she was not angry or upset. – I was just remembering when I first came to Minas Tirith… It’s all right to be excited, nervous and scared about leaving your family to move away to Minas Tirith. But you are not alone here my dear, know that. Whatever you need I’ll be here for you.
- Thank you ma’am. – The girl replied, the grief in her voice palpable.

Nessa smiled and her contemplating weather it would be appropriate to hug the girl, when a tug from her daughter interrupted those musings.

- Mom? – Her daughter hesitantly spoke looking at her. Nessa gave the 7-year-old her full attention, wondering why the girls were so hesitant around her today. She did not think she appeared so out sorts that her child and the girl who barely out of her childhood thought she was so fragile. – Is father going to be waiting for us in Minas Tirith? At our house? – Ellin finally asked and Nessa let out a sigh. Perhaps she was not as strong as she thought after all. Not about this…

For the second time today she had to think of what to say about her husband’s return. The possibility of that return, to be precise. Truth be told she did not know where her husband Turin was at the moment, nor if the King’s messenger reached him. She hoped that he was alive and well, that he received the King’s missive and that he was coming back somehow. That he found the strength to heal and to come back to them. She did not want to give her daughter false hope, nonetheless the girl had a right to know.

- I don’t know love. – She answered with the simplest answer she could give fully aware that Hannah was also watching and listening and to this conversation. It also happened to be the truth.
- But the man that came to granduncle’s house! The one who thought father was there! – Ellin started to speak excitedly, gesticulating with her hands in the process. – Rihannon said that you sent the man to look for father up North! He will find him, right mama?

Nessa closed her eyes for a moment and struggled to maintain her composure. Her husband’s absence was a painful subject; more painful than she ever let anyone know. Her cousin Rihannon shouldn’t have said this to Ellin, but Rihannon had met Turin when she was around 10 years old and she was charmed by him, even going so far to keep their courtship a secret from her parents and uncle Leo, not that it mattered in the end… Rihannon was fond of Turin, saw him as a brave and gallant soldier; and now that Nessa thought of it perhaps that was the reason why her youngest cousin was paying so much attention to the cadre of naval officers in Pelargir. For now she could do nothing about this, she needed to focus on her daughter now. She felt Hannah moving, giving the mother and daughter space, the illusion of privacy on a ship’s deck for which she was grateful beyond words. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes.

- Ellin. – She kneeled to be closer to her daughter’s height, signalling that what she was about to say was important. She looked at her daughter, whose colouring favoured Turin, although she also saw traces of herself and her parents there. – Ellin, darling… The man who came to see me was carrying a letter from the King for your father. It is a sign of great honour, do you understand? – Her daughter nodded and she continued. – Your father is a good and honourable man who loves you very much… If the King’s messenger finds him where I said he might be… - “And if he’s alive and well” she thought but did not dare voice it out loud. – He will come back to Minas Tirith and he will find us as soon as he can.
- You promise?
- I give you my word of honour. – She said to her daughter, and when the girl nodded she pulled her into a hug. As her daughter’s small hands encircled her, she closed her eyes and held her tightly, inhaling the familiar sent of her child. As the world moved around them, she hoped and prayed that she did not promise her daughter something she could not fulfil.
She/her.
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant
Image

Esquire of The Mark
Points: 612 
Posts: 339
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 1:46 am
Image
NPC post
Adleg- Messenger -
Harlond


Well..


*He clearly did not know exactly what to say to that. In all the years he'd been delivering letters, this was a new one. Oh it wasn't the first insult he'd accidentally delivered, not even the first anonymous one. But usually those accusations were of a more personal nature: infidelity, gossiping, or one time not doing the laundry right. And usually the reaction was anger or laughter or sometimes a weary shake of the head. This reaction was.. different and he did not exactly know what to do with it.*
"Haven't heard from 'them'.. 'to do list', he could barely understand half of the muttered words but clearly Kaylin had an idea who had sent it and why. It did not seem to be anything he should get involved him. He thought with longing about his cup of tea and the much more simple and enjoyable delivery that would be waiting.
After a moment's pause, looking between both of them he scraped his throat and repeated.*

Well... that is to say.. I am going to wish you well with... it.. *he made a vague gesture to the letter and Kaylin and Cadil and took a careful step back.* I have one more delivery for today, so.. you take careful of yourself, yes?

*He took another step and then carefully turned around to resume his rounds. Last delivery would be easier. And well known. And nothing to do with traitors who lost their honor. He had no idea if it was true or not but anyone who had that accusation just slung at them would be a the very least somewhat suspicious. The City was large enough that there was no reason for them to see each other again and if they did well.. he'd politely not his head and smile. From a distance. Though at least this time he'd have an interesting story to tell with his tea.*
Image
Kill-Stealing Skirt Wench
When others ride out to win renown, let me chosen to tend the house.

High Warden of Tower
Points: 3 504 
Posts: 2316
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:58 pm
Cadil
Harlond


A frown formed on Cadil's face and deepened, as he observed the interactions between Kaylin and the messenger. No matter how hard he tried, he could not figure out why Kaylin seemed to be suspicious of the poor guy. And then, when she gave the note for him to read, the young man was overcome with curiosity himself and stepped closer to peer over the messenger's shoulder.

Two short sentences. A serious accusation. And he did not believe it one bit.

"What the freaking heck..." he found himself muttering.

The messenger made to get away, and Cadil figured that the situation was not very pleasant to be in, so he could not blame the man.

At any rate, Cadil was itching to satisfy his curiosity and ask questions of Kaylin, but obviously not in the presence of other people, and perhaps not at all - else there might be rather bad consequences. It seemed that the note had unsettled the red-haired woman, and he had grown a bit out of letting his mouth and curiosity run unchecked.

"What nonsense is this even?" he wondered out loud.
Image

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

Adleg was looking for an exit. Kaylin didn't blame him. He obviously thought she was bad news after reading her letter. Where there's fire, there's smoke, etc. Most people would think she'd at least done something wrong if they knew she'd gotten a letter that like. Except for perhaps those who knew her well enough.

"Yeah," she just reacted to the messenger, not bothering to make him see things another way. Strangers would think what they wanted to think, regardless of any efforts on her part, she knew. It mattered little to her. Kaylin was a firm believer of judging people by their own actions and not what was said of them - and she applied that to herself, too. Words were just words, after all. "Will do." If the letter had said anything else, she would have thanked him, but she wasn't feeling too thankful at the moment, so she forsook that socially expected part of the goodbye.

At Cadil's question, which didn't seem to be directed at her exactly, Kaylin looked at him and sighed. There were many emotions running through her right now. Shock, at the words. Annoyance and frustration, at the idea the Black Hand apparently didn't have enough criminal business to take care of and rather was looking to harrass her again - because they, what, were bored? Strangely, also excitement, at the opportunity this presented her. But the strangest one of all was the weariness that suddenly took over at hearing Cadil's question. All of a sudden it only felt so recent that she'd dealt with being followed for months, the altercation at the masquerade, the attempt on her life in Thûllir's absence, juggling the fear of being watched with a pregnancy, losing the child, the army getting disbanded, becoming a ranger of all things...

Had she really been looking forward to some stability in her life at this point?
Kaylin had trouble admitting it to herself, but she couldn't deny it at least seemed like she had. Why else would she feel like this?

"It's a really wrong story," she muttered, void of her usual spirit. She wanted to slap herself, ask herself what had come over her that she felt so listless... but all she did was shrug at Cadil. "If we're gonna get into all that, we might really need a drink. But I told Thûllir I'd be coming straight home after seeing off my folks, so." Usually, she'd not make a big deal of it and take Cadil out to catch up in a heartbeat - Thûllir was a grown man, after all. But now, feeling uncharacteristically lethargic, she wasn't so inclined to her usual behavior.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Captain of Tower
Points: 946 
Posts: 409
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 3:52 am
Thûllir Bregedyr
After they had said their goodbyes and Kaylin left for the harbor in Harlond with her parents, Thûllir had spent the morning gardening, finding pleasure in restoring some order to their own little refuge. He liked finding the balance between the ordered formal gardens that many in the city had, and the chaotic growth that he could find in the wilderness. In a nod to the training he had received, there were many medicinal plants mixed in with the flowers and trailing vines that otherwise rioted amongst the stonework. They brought color to the otherwise often drab surroundings in this city of stone.

The tasks of weeding and trimming had been engrossing, but they were soon done, as well as all the household tasks he had set for himself that day, and he had cleaned himself up again. After a glance at the angle of the sun in the sky, Thûllir decided he might as well see if he could intercept Kaylin on the road from Harlond, or in Harlond itself if she had found some diversion. It would be more interesting than anything he could find to occupy his time alone, and he could use a proper run to stretch out stiff muscles from working in the garden.

Thus, he soon had jogged down the path to the Great Gate and then fell into an easy run that quickly ate up the distance to the port town. The moccasin boots he habitually wore were of dark brown leather, and light enough to prove no hindrance. Dark grey trews and an open-collared shirt of deep wine-red, and a single belted pouch and knife were all he bore on his run. It was freeing to not be traveling under pack and weapons as he often worked and practiced.

He dropped to a walk once he reached Harlond, and took the most common route to the wharf that he had walked with Kaylin in the past, although he doubted she was still seeing off her parents at this hour. Sure enough, he saw her blaze of red hair a couple streets before the riverside, and noted that she was in conversation with a companion. Thûllir swiped the now dampened red-brown curls out of his face and took a breath before whistling a short series of low notes to catch her attention as he got close to where she stood and saw her shrug her shoulders at her friend...Cadil was it? It had been some time since he had seen the young man.
Ziranphel of the Green Hills ~ Thûllir Bregedŷr of Ithilien

New Soul
Points: 1 672 
Posts: 1138
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 7:12 pm
Nessa – Harlond to Minas Tirith
(OOC: in which possible tax reforms are mentioned and schooling for youngsters is arranged :smiley9: delightful :D )

It took over an hour for the de Argosy’s to leave the port of Harlond and get on the road to Minas Tirith. The dismemberment of 4 passengers from a vessel was easy enough, but large wooden chests needed to be transferred from the ship to the wagon, in addition a messenger needed to be found to inform the household about their approximate time their arrival at the city. Bread, cheese and some fruit were also procured at the port and waterskins filled with fresh water. After all the preparations were made, they climbed into the wagon and were on their way.

The weather was glorious and they were in no rush. Roderic sat at the front of the wagon holding the reins with Nessa beside him so they could talk. Ellin and Hannah were behind them, sprawled between the heavy wooden chests. The girls ate their share of the food and chatted, occasionally one of them would interrupt Nessa or Roderic with a question about the White City which lead to requests for stories of their time there. Both adults were more than happy to answer those questions and share memories from their time in Minas Tirith, although they were careful not to mention anything related to the War or the siege of Minas Tirith unless a direct question about it was asked. However, the girls were content to listen about what everyday life before the War in Gondor’s capital looked like, and between the storytelling and sharing of good, simple food and water time and the few miles from the port to the city passed quickly.

As they neared Minas Tirith’s Great Gate Nessa noticed that some of the scaffolding was still around it, and looking up her keen eyes noticed scaffolding scattered at every level of the city. Minas Tirith was undergoing an extensive period of postwar rebuilding and restoration. She glanced at Roderic and knew that he was also calculating the cost of material, transportation, food, rent and wages… She heard him let out a hiss of frustration and turned towards him.

- It appears that a tax reform is upon us. – She stated drily and herd her cousin’s snort of wry amusement.
- So it would seem. I believe we should pay our respects to your uncle Marcellus, his knowledge in these matters would be invaluable.

She nodded her head in agreement and thought about her mother’s younger brother Marcellus Grisogono, the notary who worked as a secretary in the Citadel. He was on the taller side, although age and his work made him shrink into himself, had long, willowy limbs. His hair had gone grey some time before the war and his warm brown eyes lost some of their life and warmth after the death of his wife Aelia and son Arthur in the War. However, his mind was still sharp, his hands steady as was evident from their frequent correspondence. She was looking forward to seeing him and planned to visit him even before she and Roderic decided they would seek him out to speak about the upcoming economic changes. She wanted to reintroduce Ellin and ask Marcellus for advice how to gather more information from the new reformed army structure about her husband. Preoccupied by these thoughts she barely noticed that they passed the Great Gate and entered the city proper.

- Master Roderic, sir… - Hannah hesitatingly called to the man in front of her, bringing both of the adult’s attention to the present. – Begging your pardon sir, I was just wondering how far we have to ride to the mistress’ house? I know you told us about Minas Tirith on the road… But the city’s even bigger than I imagined sir!

Nessa saw Roderic smiling, his posture relaxing. They both recognised that the sheer size, complexity and beauty of the White City awed and intimidated Hannah, as it would any first time visitor. Especially one for whom this was the first great city they saw.

- It’s not very fare from the Great Gate to my cousin’s house. – Roderic answered the girl patiently. Her cousin was found of the russet haired girl, after all Hannah’s mother reached out to him first to inquire about a position for her daughter in the de Argosy household. Since her late husband was a sailor on one of Leo de Argosy’s ships Nessa felt that it was her duty to help Hannah and her mother, so she employed the girl as her maidservant. Nessa herself didn’t believe she needed a maidservant, so she never treated Hannah as one; the girl was more of a companion, child minder and general life saver when Nessa needed to devote more time to the family business than a maid. – The house is located near the Lower Fountain Court, on the 4th circle where silk and cloths of higher quality are sold. – Her cousin continued his explanation. – It’s easy enough to find and remember how it looks like. After all the house used to belong to one of Gondor’s noble families right?

- That’s right. – Nessa chimed in. – Actually my uncle Marcellus informed Mother about the house and she purchased it with Father’s blessing. It cost a pretty penny, being a rather large and fairly well maintained noble house; even back then when the population of the White City was in decline and property rates were going down. But Father would never deny something Mother really wanted. – She paused for a moment remembering when they first moved into the house, how the nobles and even some merchant families looked down on the upstart merchant family from Pelargir who had the money and audacity to buy that house. Bloody snobs and fools the lot of them. – Still you needn’t worry about getting lost Hannah, I’m sure our housekeeper Edyth and her niece Daisy, our cook, will be more than happy to help you get your bearings. If memory serves me there was a cartographer shop in the Minas Tirith marketplace, which is right here at the 2nd circle, so sometime tomorrow I will take you and Ellin there to get maps of the city for both of you.

- Thank you ma’am! – Hannah exclaimed happily and Ellin joined her. – That’s most gracious of you.
- Think nothing of it. – Nessa replied waving her hand. – I’m looking forward to going to the marketplace.
- The trade and the variety of gossip there is particularly good. – Roderic quipped prompting her to laugh merrily.

They rode on in this relaxed and merry mood, looking around at the houses, gardens, parks, shops and inns; noting the stages of renovation: some places were completely restored, at some places construction works were at the final stage and on others the construction was just getting started. Soon enough they reached their destination, the afore-mentioned house in the 4th circle. The household staff along with their agent and men who were there to help with their luggage were already waiting for them. Roderic got down from the wagon and went to help Hannah and Ellin before joining the agent and giving directions to the men who were unloading their luggage. Nessa got off the wagon herself and walked toward Edyth, her niece Daisy and a 10-year-old boy who she supposed was Daisy’s son.

- Well met Edyth. – She greeted their old housekeeper warmly and went to hug her. The elderly housekeeper was slightly surprised, but returned the hug with warmth and affection.
- It’s good to have you back here mistress. May I present my niece Daisy and her son Oswald. – They all greeted her, and in turn she introduced them to her daughter, cousin and Hannah. She was watching the boy and suddenly an idea started forming in her mind. She hesitated for a bit, uncertain about the ripples and consequences of this idea, but shrugged her shoulders and decided to forge on. Nothing ventured, nothing gained as her cousin Bran was fond of quoting.

- Oswald. – She called the boy and he quickly turned to her, giving her his full attention. – Can you read and write? Do basic sums?
- Ma’am. – Oswald fidgeted a bit, but locked his blue-grey eyes on her hazel ones. – Only the basics mistress, and I don’t read nor write well.
- Very well Oswald. When you finish your duties around the house you will join me and Ellin in the study and we’ll work on improving that shall we.

The boy was stunned, looking at her with his eyes wide in shock and surprise. His mother was also a bit stunned, however, Edyth smiled brightly making the years fall off her face. She decided that it was best she explain herself and let them get used to the unorthodox ways she would be running this household.

- Listen to me Oswald. You’re now a boy. – She saw him bristle and gave a knowing smile. – You’re a boy still, but you will not be one for long. I can already see that your shoulders will broaden and that you will be a strong man. Our Kingdom is changing, we are at peace, and you will have more choices than before to decide what do you want to do with your life. – She adjusted the tone and volume of her voice so Hannah could hear this clearly. – You do not need to stay in service if you do not wish to. You could become an apprentice to one of the craftsmen and craftswomen in the city, or you could join a merchant caravan and become a merchant’s apprentice there. You could even join the rangers if you’re so inclined. Whatever you choose in the end, knowing how to read and write and elementary mathematic will aid you and your family. – She noticed both Oswald and Hannah processing this information and was pleased that they were thinking about her words instead of rejecting the idea outright.
- Thank you mistress. I’ll work hard not to let you down.
- That’s good. – She said and smiled at the boy. Then she changed track and turned towards the housekeeper. – Have you all had lunch Edyth?
- No ma’am, we had a light meal, but we were waiting for you to arrive.
- Good, than set the table for 7 at the table, you will be joining us for lunch. – She said and before the housekeeper could protest she continued. – Edyth, we’ve just arrived, I’m assuming lunch is ready, there’s no need for anyone to wait on the family members that simply wish to eat a hot meal. Besides I will need to discuss household matters with everyone present and at the moment I have neither the will nor patience to observe correct and proper etiquette.

The housekeeper shook her head slightly, but nodded and turned to the house to fulfil her mistress’s unorthodox request. She was followed by her niece and grandnephew and soon the rest of the family followed.
She/her.
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant
Image

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

Her mood had been leaning toward going home and seeking the most stable thing she'd had since arriving in the city years ago - especially now he'd left Faramir's Rangers. She'd had the perfect excuse, which was true to boot, to take her leave and do just that - but at the sound of several low notes being whistled that idea was trampled before she could play it out.

Her eyes found him quickly enough, mixed feelings surging to the surface. Part of her would have preferred him to stay at home, or at least not to come here, so she could have easily taken her leave from the harbor to return home and find peace. But the other part was glad to see him; if anyone could ground her now, using the simplest of gestures or words, it would be Thûllir. He tended to know what she needed, despite their vast differences.

If the letter hadn't reached her just now, she would have given him a smile. One of her special smiles - the type only he ever got from her. This time, however, Thûllir was greeted by a faint frown. Realizing her expression only when he came within arm's reach, Kaylin switched the crumpled up piece of parchment to her other hand and reached out for his arm. Now that she wouldn't have the walk back home to cool down, think it over and determine how exactly she felt about all this, her only option was to just share what had happened with him.

"Hervenn," she greeted him, rather more quietly than she was wont to do. She held out the wrinkled and creased letter to him, without offering an additional explanation. Thûllir was a smart man. She was sure he'd arrive to similar conclusions as she had herself.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Chief Counsellor of Gondor
Points: 2 909 
Posts: 1281
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 8:37 am
Carpe Diem - Part 1

Image

Arkadhur Halsad
The White Tree Theatre, Fifth Circle

The grandiose building dwarfed all those foolish enough to gather in it’s prestigious vicinity. It could not help but to be noticed. The Man however had been drawn towards it’s sanctuary for just the opposite ambition, and managed to accomplish this yet. For where was better than to hide your true self than in the company of as many props and costumes anyone could wish for to function as alibis ? The players had scarcely noted his presence at all, the significance of it at least; for all that he had held breath to the point he had feared that he would pass out, the first time he woke and found himself surrounded. It had seemed the perfect hideaway and actually was, as it turned out. But not for being alone by himself. Here he was alone amidst the crowd of countless. An ocean of the astoundingly oblivious.

All the players seemed to assume he was someone ‘helping out’, and so many of their ilk were that engaged in the learning of lines, or perfecting their performance .. he merely brought them a glass of water when they asked for it, and rushed to assist the most harried during demanding costume changes. Noone ever stopped or thought to ask him who he was, or where he'd come from, why he was .. here …. And certainly nobody noticed that when they all departed at day’s end, he remained, nesting in the rafters of the attic like so many city doves. He was ready to help them when they trickled into their rehearsals the next morning, almost as though he had devolved unto a piece of the establishment itself. Part of the furniture.

Yes, he felt this might prove just the refuge he had hoped, undiscovered underfoot. Whoever would have believed it ? And whoever would have thought to seek him out here ? Certainly not his former employers. Certainly he hoped they had forgotten him entirely.
Last edited by Ercassie on Thu Sep 02, 2021 5:54 pm, edited 3 times in total.
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not touched by the frost.

Captain of Tower
Points: 946 
Posts: 409
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 3:52 am
Thûllir Bregedŷr - Harlond

Kaylin had heard him and immediately sought him out as he approached. She didn’t wave him off, but the faint frown on her face that didn’t dissipate had him concerned. His eyebrow lifted in question as he reached her and Cadil, giving the young man the flicker of a glance and a slight tilt of the head in acknowledgement before returning to Kaylin as she reached for his arm. The gesture could have been given in warm welcome, but he had the strange sense it was more a combination of warning and drawing comfort as she spoke quietly. “Hervenn.”

Thûllir paused to search her eyes before taking the note she held out without looking at it immediately. Something was definitely wrong. The moments when Kaylin was this serious were rare, and only a few times had he seen a similar look in her eye. “Hervess.” He murmured back, all traces of laughter fading from his face.

Finally, he smoothed out the note with his thumb and lifted it to read the brief message it held. Immediate anger flashed through him that anyone would dare write such to her, and his lips compressed into a thin line before he read it again. Comprehension began to dawn as to the only ones who he was aware of who sought after her in this fashion and bore a vendetta against her person, and a sick mixture of rage and concern warred for a couple seconds as he stared frozen at the words of accusation with clenched jaws. They had tried to take something from his wife before when he was unable to defend her. Her trust in her own decisions and actions, as well as her life. She had emerged stronger, but it had been a battle, and one in which he could only help her heal rather than fight. It took him a moment to be able to fold the note precisely and tuck it into his shirt pocket with some form of control instead of crumpling it in the same manner Kaylin had done.

Concern won out, and taking a deep breath and then releasing it slowly to let his anger dissipate, Thûllir looked back up at Kaylin with a fierce light in his eyes that reflected his pride in her strength. Words took a little longer coming, and he lifted his free hand to her cheek to brush it lightly before gripping her shoulder. “Another bump in the road it seems. But we will face it together this time, and they will see they have no hold over you.”
Ziranphel of the Green Hills ~ Thûllir Bregedŷr of Ithilien

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

He knew she meant business. It was easy to tell by the way his expression changed when he searched her eyes, and by the way he greeted her in return.

She focussed on his expression as he first searched her eyes, then read the note. The flash of anger wasn't lost on her, and strangely gave her a weird sense of satisfaction. She knew he disagreed, of course. In truth, he was the one who had been instrumental in easing her concerns over the matter. Still, it felt good to have the set of his eyes and his clenched jaws confirm once again that he vehemently disagreed with the assessment written on that damned piece of paper.

The way he folded the note just so and slid it into his shirt pocket told her he was trying hard to remain calm. With success. Her Ranger, always so composed. She admired that about him. It didn't seem like he had it easy this time around, however. When his eyes met hers again, they had an intense look, which was gratifying but also worrisome. They had dealt part of the past affairs with the Black Hand together, but the more serious events she had faced alone. Her feelings about Thûllir getting fully mixed up in whatever they had cooking up for her now, was both something she was grateful for and concerned about. His words reinforced both of those feelings. Two sides to a coin.

She let out a controlled sigh. Whatever she would say on the matter, she knew the answer he would give - or assumed that she did. He hadn't been able to be there for her with Darudian, with Hynneth - and Kaylin felt like part of him would never forgive himself for it. It was a good thing she had come out stronger on the other end - that helped. But he wouldn't willingly let her handle this by herself now that he was in the city. Now that he was here.
To be fair, Kaylin didn't think she wanted to handle this by herself. Part of her feared that they would find a way to make her doubt herself again. And that had been the worst feeling in the world for someone who was generally as sure of herself as she was.

New wounds on scar tissue had a way of turning out worse, didn't they?

The way he gripped her shoulder with his hand pulled her out of her thoughts. "Yes, another bump," she said with a slow nod. She swallowed when he said they would face it together, but it were his last words that really gave her heart. Unexpectedly, she smiled. One of her special smiles, albeit fleeting. She clasped her own hand around his extended upper arm, and nodded again, in a sure manner this time. "Aye."

After a moment, she let go of Thûllir and gestured to Cadil. "You remember one another, don't you? Cadil was here for the... delivery. Doesn't seem to buy the claim any more than you." She gave the two men a slight smile.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

Craftsman of Gondor
Points: 106 
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 7:27 am
Image
Red Daghul
Second Circle - Sundial Court

Meeting Turin
The sun gleamed down it's rays on the two rangers as they sat down, the slow breeze pushing through the small park as Turin began his story. Talking about how he and Nessa intended to move away from the white city once he finished his tenure as a ranger, which Red remembered the two of them discussing the fact that he was planning on doing so which really didn't surprise Red then or now. the white city was a wonderful place to live with wonder and excitement, but after the war it never quite felt like it was what one would call safe. To many memories that seemed seared into the mind for some.

The story moved on into the last missions that the two of them had went on. It seemed like the sky felt the pain that Turin did as a cloud moved between them and the sun dropping the warm rays from them, and the breeze turned cold. The Dunedain knew that the last mission they had been on pushed Turin to his limits, and he had watched him leave. That wasn't a good day in anyone's book. Losing someone, specifically when that someone puts their live down for yours can leave you with broken pieces of guilt, shame, and what ifs. This wasn't a special case, the man in front of him held all of this on his shoulders.

Red listened his face unchanged as he took in the information before he looked off in to the fields and took the mountains far away letting his thoughts settle. There wasn't something right, Turin was a decorated ranger he had all the tools he needed to be able to find Nessa and if he didn't he knew that he could have come to his brother. No this was worse, and a darker plight then simply not being able to find his family. The guilt that rested over the other ranger was as real as a sword swinging straight for your neck, and it meant to kill with the same fetal blow.

Looking at Turin straight in the eyes Red's grey eye alight as he didn't back down, the clouded sun bringing a crisp echo to his words "You know that isn't true" he sighed "I can see it all over you, I can feel it like a film of darkness covering your face" he let the words freeze in the air. The air became stale and rigid as he was sure calling his bluff wasn't what the other man had thought would happen. Yet then it happened. The cloud rolled away and the sun returned and Red placed a hand on his brothers shoulder and a reassuring smile returned to his face "You made a mistake, and one that many a man has done before" he took a breath "You need to fix this. you need to find Nessa".
~Red Daghul~
Hyandaner for life!

Loremaster of Gondor
Points: 353 
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 4:31 am
Image
Second Circle - Sundial Court
Meeting Red

Turin bowed his head. He was motionless for several seconds before shaking lightly side to side. “I should have known better than to try to pull one over on you. You’re right. I know very well where they are. If they’re not here in the city, I know where to go there in Pelargir. And if by some chance I were to miss them in Pelargir, I know who to go see in the family to find out where they could be.” He looked up and looked into his friend’s eyes.

“That mistake you say I made. That's the whole crux of the issue. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t lying when I said I’m a failure earlier. I really am. There was a saying I heard when I was a kid. Probably a drifter who came through and bought a few things at my parent’s farm. Anyway, it was, ‘pride comes before the fall.’ It never made sense to me. I mean, you’re supposed to have pride. Pride in what you accomplish, pride in your work, and pride in your family. And boy was I proud. I mean, look at what I accomplished. A poor nobody from the brown lands, married into a great merchant family. I had become the head of the Hyandaner. I’d become proficient in dual wielding my long swords. I’d faced death so many times and come back every time. I was proud.”

He bowed his head again. “That’s not accurate. I was beyond proud. I’d moved onto hubris. There was another saying, this one I heard when I was reconciling with Woven Outcast. 'Hubris guarantees failure'. And boy is it true. You see, I never should have come back from that final mission. You remember it. Sauron had defeated, and we were cleaning up some remaining enemies elsewhere. There were shades, spiders, and orcs everywhere. I don’t remember which enemy it was that Lhun saved me from, but they had me. I’ve played the scene in my head thousands of times. There was absolutely nothing I could have done. All my scrapes with death amounted to nothing. Dual wielding meant nothing. Heck, even my favorite move of rolling alongside an attack would have done nothing for me. I should have died right there. But somehow he got in between us and took the blow meant for me. He died, and I lived. What good am I? When I was a kid, my dad and brother died helping someone from Rohan, can't remember who off the top of my head. I thought they were heroes. Then I watched as my mom got sick and eventually died, I couldn’t do anything. I ran away, and was taken in by elves, then half the group was slain in an orc ambush. I join the ranks here, Dhalion dies. Some time later, Lhun dies, both protecting me. I’m cursed I swear. What am I supposed to do? If my abilities amount to nothing, what good is having them? Having pride in them sure didn’t do anything for me.”

“You’ve learned one of life’s greatest lessons.” Red said. There was concern on his face, but he said it with care.

“What do you mean? Those sayings?” Turin asked, only to receive a nod. He shook his head. "That may be the case, but it doesn't feel like it helps anything. It hurts too much.”

Red just eyed is friend. “What was it you told me when we first got started as Rangers years ago? It was something about your dad if I remember right.” Red asked.

Turin looked up and wiped his eyes. “I’ve said many things. I don’t know.” He furrowed his brow and thought. “Something about my dad? I don’t know. He was a trader? He died when I was seven eight years old, he pounded multiple languages into my head. What? That I never really go to know him? It seemed my brother was his favorite because he was bigger and stronger than I was, ignoring Huro was older than me? What?” He thought. Nothing made sense. What could he have said? “I don’t know.”

“A goal you had.” Red said leaning back a little bit, seeming a bit exacerbated.

Turin felt like he’d been struck by lightning. There was something he’d mentioned. It was actually just something he’d said in passing. Though he never really got to know his dad, he wanted to be someone his dad would be proud of.

“How could I have forgotten that?” He stood and took a few steps away. “I’ve been so stupid.” He turned to look back at his friend. “These last few years, I’ve really strayed from that. There is no way my dad would look at how I’ve been acting these last few years and be proud of me.” He sat back down and thought about his dad, seemingly for the first time in ages.

He hated the language sessions his dad had put him through, but as he grew, he had seen how much it’d helped him. Being able to speak, read, and write not only sindarin but even the high elven quenyan. He much preferred the quenyan way of placing the tehtyar, but whatever. As he sat there, an old memory of a conversation he overheard his parents had.
***
Turo, before marriage, was a trader who went around Rhovanion, or more specifically, Dale to Minas Tirith. He also made some journeys into Rohan and Mirkwood, but those were few and far between. He over the last year he'd worked on starting his trade route back up and brought a couple people back in, one's he'd had trained back during his heavy trading days, to take some goods up to Dale. Turo and Nienor were arguing over how much trust he had in their abilities. He'd said he was the boss, it was their job to trust him, he didn't need to trust them.

Nienor shook her head. "Just because you're was the boss, you don't have to trust them, they have to trust you? How much of a self-centered prick, prideful jerk can you have to be?" Turo was silent for several minutes. “You’d finally got it set back up again, and now it seems you’re terrified that'll be taken away from you if they do well. You're not the only trader to ever work that route.” Nienor said.

“Yeah, well, you know, this isn't exactly making me feel a hell of a lot better.”

“If you want to feel better, there are some special herbs in the back. But if you want to get right, you need to face the truth. You're not worried about your people falling apart because you're not there. You're worried that they won't. That the great Turo Nuril doesn't matter.”

“Well, you’re right. There are a lot of traders and merchants out there. If I go, again, there's someone right there to take my place.”

“That's pretty much the human condition. But you need to remember, it's what you do before you go that's what counts. Remember, you trained those two from almost the very beginning of your trading days. When they have teams of their own, who do you think they’ll come to for advice? What you have to do is stop worrying about life passing you by, and start enjoying what you put into it.”

***
He must have fallen asleep at that point because he didn’t remember anymore of that conversation, but his dad had become a whole lot calmer after that day. It was about six months later when he left to help the folks from Rohan. His own dad had to learn this lesson about being prideful. But from different circumstances. His mom helped his dad see it. And now his best friend got him to calm down enough to see it too.

Taking pride in your accomplishments is fine. But you can’t let that run your life, but instead, enjoy life and take things in stride. If you fail, learn from it and move on. You can’t wallow in it.

“Thanks man.” Turin said. He had been silent for some time. “I just remembered something from when I was a kid. My dad had to have his pride shoved aside too. My mom helped him out. And here you helped me remember it. We really do work well together. Where I’m weak, you’re strong. Where you’re weak I’m strong. And where we’re both strong, enemies beware.” He chuckled. He then could see the question before his friend could say it.

“You’re right. I need to get over myself and get to making things right with Nessa and Ellin.”
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy- Stonewall Jackson
Hubris guarantees disaster.- T C

New Soul
Points: 1 672 
Posts: 1138
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 7:12 pm
Minas Tirith, 4th circle near the Lower Fountain Court, de Argosy family house

NPC Roderic de Argosy


After a rather late, but delicious lunch, a bath and a change of clothes Roderic de Argosy withdrew to work in his cousin’s extensively large study. The size of the room, indeed the size of all the rooms in the house reflected the house’s origins – it had once belonged to a large and noble Gondorian family. He felt rather out of place as the only occupant in such a large room that could have been used as an archive; after all it had the necessary shelf space and furniture one would associate with a library or an archive. Bookshelves occupied a whole side of the wall from top to bottom, but alas only a small amount of space on these shelves was filled.

Of course, this was to be expected since his cousin just moved back in. He knew that given time many of these empty shelves would be filled with books and scrolls on various topics: cooking, economy, history, medicine, herblore and anything else that was of interest to her. He looked at the space envisioning what his darling cousin would make of it given time: people sitting in armchairs around a small table, sunlight illuminating the study while they’re drinking tea, coffee or another hot beverage and discussing business matters with his cousin. The study lit with candles while guests gather here after dinner for a glass of something a bit stronger and interesting conversation. He imagined her uncle Marcellus sitting here on a lazy Sunday morning, spending time with his niece and grandniece telling them stories about the city and its people, discussing the King’s and Queen’s new reforms. He saw himself with his wife Laila along with Bran and Rihannon spending afternoons here talking with his cousin and her husband Turin, making plans, teasing each other… He even saw his cousin teaching Ellin, Hannah and Oswald or having a tutor teach the children to read and write, do sums, move on to history, literature, logic, law, economy, philosophy… He imagined a good life for his cousin here, her happiness and joy and wished fervently that it would come to pass.

A knock on the door interrupted Roderic’s musings and returning to the present moment he called to the person to enter. He was mildly surprised when he saw Oswald carrying a tray with a coffee pot, cups and saucers and a bowl with sugar cubes. He was immensely cheered by the sight, and although coffee was rather expensive in Gondor he preferred it over tea. He took it with cardamom and sugar, just like his father-in-law Rashid who introduced him to the drink many years ago.

- Here’s your drink master Roderic. – Oswald said while he carefully laid the tray with the china on the table. – Mistress already put the spice you like in the coffee, since mother doesn’t know how you take your drink sir. I hope that’s all right sir.
- It’s quite all right Oswald. And the spice you’re referring to is cardamom. – He replied as he poured the already flavoured coffee from the pot to one of the cups. – Will my cousin be joining me soon?
- I don’t rightly know sir. – The boy said apologetically. He looked at Roderic and it appeared to him that the boy wanted to ask him something, but did not know if he was allowed so Roderic encouraged him with a nod. – Sir? I’m sorry, but can I ask you a question sir?
- Go ahead Oswald. – He encouraged the boy with a smile.
- Did mistress really mean what she said this morning? – The boy asked almost breathlessly. – That she’ll teach me how to read and write?
- She said it, she meant it. – Roderic replied with a serious expression. – Although, de Argosy’s are not nobles and people do not places their hands in ours and swear an oath, as a family we take our obligations toward the people who work for us seriously. None more so than my cousin Nessa. – He paused and looked at Oswald who was listening intently. – She is aware of the privilege she grew up in; that she had more opportunity than most… And she knows that if she was not born into a rich and supportive merchant family she would not be able to do what she does now, for the world is not always kind to women. – He paused once again sensing the anger behind his words, anger directed to the world not at the boy. He breathed deeply and took a sip of coffee before he continued. – My late aunt Irene, Nessa’s mother, affectionately called my cousin Saelind, it means wise-heart in Sindarin. She knew that her daughter’s heart could discern things that the eye could not and that its wisdom would guide her. I believe that my cousin saw an opening of a new path in the road and decided to take a chance and provide you with an opportunity to learn, study and choose your own path.

He finished speaking and looked at the boy, and knew by the look on Oswald’s face that the boy had listened to him and heard him, and took his words to heart. Roderic was not a man of few words, but neither was he a poet or philosopher, so he rarely spoke with such seriousness and passion. But of the issues and people he cared about he spoke with passion, using words like a master craftsman would use his tools to shape silver or gold into a piece of art. He realised while looking at the boy and noting the effect his words had that in that moment, knowingly or not, Oswald had made his choice. He bound himself to the de Argosy family, to Nessa herself, like a knight who pledges his loyalty to his lady. He smiled softly wondering how his cousin will react when she finds out exactly what transpired in this room.

- I know that I am not my cousin… – He said breaking the thoughtful silence. – But if you have no more chores to do at the moment and of course if you’d like to we could begin your lessons now.
Oswald was stunned for a moment, looking at him like he asked him to turn metal into gold, but finally spoke the shock obvious in his voice. – Now sir?! You’d like to teach me now sir?!
- Yes, Oswald. As you can see I am not otherwise engaged so if you’re willing we can start now.
The boy eagerly nodded his head, half afraid that if he said no that the opportunity would vanish into thin air. Roderic smiled, opened the drawer of his desk to find more parchment and quills motioning to the boy to pull up a chair. When Oswald was settled he started the unplanned lesson.

***
Nessa

It was late in the afternoon when Nessa went in search of her cousin; although search was a misnomer, for she knew where he was. Knowing that the study lacked reading material she hoped that he found something entertaining to read, or work on as she was busy wrangling her child to take a bath and get her to change in another dress for Ellin was dead set on her saffron one, which was dusty from the road. When her time to bathe and wash her hair finally came she luxuriated in the feeling of clean hot water and soap that smelled of honey and lavender knowing that Hannah was minding her daughter.

Afterwards, when she had dried herself, dried and brushed her hair she picked the dress she wanted to wear and put it on. The vermilion coloured dress with slit sleeves was loose-fitted and more revealing than she was used too; it was also markedly different from the styles women wore in Minas Tirith. Or Gondor for that matter. The dress along with the gold coloured scarf she used as a sash was a present from Laila, her cousin’s wife. Truth be told Laila did say that her present was both for Nessa and Turin and yes, she could see what the other woman meant as she was looking at herself in the mirror, turning this way and that to see how the dress looked on her. Opting to leave her wavy hair loose and dabbing some perfume on the pulse points she decided that the dress was truly exquisite. If she could get used to it, feel comfortable wearing it the dress would be an excellent weapon and armour. She knew the effect clothing could have on both men and women, and she planned to use that knowledge to her advantage.

Of course, looking at her reflection in the mirror was not going to help her get used to the dress, or capture the flow and feel of it; for that she needed to move. So she walked out of her room and went down the stairs to the ground level towards the study to see her cousin. She quietly opened the door, not wanting to disturb Roderic in his work, but when she entered she saw him and Oswald siting at the desk, her cousin patiently explaining something to the boy who listened eagerly. A burst of happiness swelled in her watching her cousin teaching the boy as he would undoubtedly teach his son, and she was loath to interrupt. But her cousin must have heard the door opening, or sense her standing there and he lifted his head and saw her. His eyes widened slightly and he smiled mischievously.

- I wasn’t aware that we were entertaining guests so soon cousin. If you’d informed me sooner I would have chosen a more appropriate garb. – Roderic teased which prompted Oswald to lift his head from his work. The boy’s eyes widened, colour rushed to his face so he averted his eyes.
- Sorry to disappoint you cousin. – She smiled and walked towards them. – I’m afraid we won’t have a fancy dinner party tonight. Oswald, I do apologise for interrupting your lesson, I hope you don’t mind but I would like to talk to my cousin.

The boy mumbled something that sounded like he didn’t mind at all, shook his head and still avoiding her gaze and practically rushed out of the study. She saw Roderic raising an eyebrow at her and as the boy left gave a slight chuckle.
- You are a cruel mistress cousin to tease the boy so, especially since he’s half in love with you already – He said, laughter evident in his voice, waving his hand to stall her protests. – He is, trust me on this. You might think that the bards will never sing song of your beauty, which is a blatant lie I assure you, but my dear cousin you are resplendent and the dress you chose to wear just enhances it.
She blushed at her cousin’s compliment and took a seat opposite him, arranging her dress while she thought about how she would reply.
- You know I didn’t wear this dress to seduce anyone. – She spoke looking him in the eyes, still blushing. She saw him nod understandingly so she continued. – Laila gave me this dress as a present for both me and my husband. Clearly it has a certain effect on people. – She laughed softly. – But I need to be able to feel comfortable in clothes like this, need to feel secure enough in myself to wear it and withstand the gazes that it will certainly draw. – She paused, took a deep breath and with utmost conviction said. – I want to be able to wield this dress like my husband wields his sword.

Roderic nodded and both were quiet for a while, thinking about what was spoken and unspoken in this room. It was a comfortable sort of silence that often accompanied their conversations.
- Roderic? – Nessa started breaking the silence and her cousin focused his attention on her again. – Have you noticed that Rihannon has started paying too much attention to the young naval officers stationed at the military harbour?
- I have. – He confirmed grimly. – And so has Bran. Which is one of the reasons Bran is on the Serenissima instead of at home.
- I see. Do you want me to invite Rihannon here when you get back home?
- I have thought about it. – He said after a moment’s silence. – But I am not certain about this course; as far as we are aware of, she hasn’t shown special favour to any particular young officer. She is merely looking… There’s no harm in a girl her age looking. – He said giving her a knowing smile and she blushed again knowing what he was referring to. – But ultimately it is up to our parents, and Rihannon as well. She will have to make a choice and they will have to approve it; although they will not force her to marry someone against her will.

Nessa hummed in agreement knowing that regarding marriages the family’s politic was uniquely flexible and adaptable. If they could make lucrative marriage alliance they would and they did in Roderic’s case. However, they did not oppose marriages out of love, provided that the potential bride or groom was not, how her late father was fond of saying “a total clustefrak”.

They lapsed into another one of their comfortable silences that was unfortunately soon broken by the voices coming from the atrium. They recognised Oswald’s voice and they rose together to go over to one of the windows that overlooked the atrium. When she looked through the window she froze in shock and reached for Roderic’s hand to help steady her. She felt Roderic stiffening as well as he recognised the man from her descriptions. Her husband Turin was standing outside in the atrium talking to Oswald who adopted a defensive stance like he was going to singlehandedly protect the entire household…

“Darkling I listen; and, for many a time
I have been half in love with easeful Death”


The words of a poem along with a memory, unbidden, of her standing defiant in front of Lord Denethor’s men who came to make sure that the evacuation orders the late Steward issued during the War were obeyed and fulfilled. She remembered standing at the same spot Oswald was standing now, refusing to leave this household, telling those men to shove their orders where the sun doesn’t shine and vowing that she would use her husband’s dagger to slit her daughter’s throat and then her own if the city fell… The memory shook her to the core, dragging her out of a daze. She turned and moved swiftly towards the door, her dress swishing with her movements. Roderic did not follow, as she knew he would not, for he would go find her daughter and watch after her until she returned with whatever choice she made.

Opening the door of the house she stepped out and her eyes locked on Turin’s frame. She wanted to run to him, bury herself in his strong arms, shower him with kisses and have him wipe the tears that would surely fall down her face. She felt a hurricane of conflicting emotions rising in her: desire, love, longing, anger, frustration, rage… The emotions warred inside her fighting for dominance, stifling her until she could not breathe. Placing her right hand on her stomach she drew a breath and spoke.

- Well met husband. I am pleased that you did not make me an oath breaker.

She had no idea what she would say until she said it and saw that Turin’s eyes snapped to her, thousands of emotions flashing in them as he saw her for the first time in years. She kept looking at him unflinching, her spine ramrod straight, she would not break her before him, not before he gives her a bloody good explanation.

- Oswald. – She called the boy who was looking at her in shock, but she still did not move her gaze away from her husband. – Inform Roderic that my husband will be staying for dinner. He will tell you what you should do next.

The boy stammered and moved to do as she bid him. When she heard the door closing behind her, she took a few steps forward until she was inside her husbands reach. He still hadn’t moved or spoken to her so she took a deep breath to calm the vortex of emotions inside of her and quietly spoke.
- You are going to stay for dinner and you will see your daughter Ellin. But first you and I will talk in the library, my cousin will make sure we are not disturbed.

(OOC: If you have reached the end of this alive dear reader I thank the, because the author is certainly dead. :D )
She/her.
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant
Image

Loremaster of Gondor
Points: 353 
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 4:31 am
4th circle near the Lower Fountain Court, de Argosy family house
Family Reconciliation

Turin thanked Red and gave him a big hug. “I better get going” He gave a firm fist-to-chest salute. “I owe you a big one. So very big. After I get all this squared away with Nessa, maybe we can get together again like old times.”

With that, he turned away, patted his pocket, and nodded. He made is way to the home his in-laws had acquired for himself and Nessa after the wedding. It’d been some time since he went there as he was too scared. Now that Red had essentially knocked some sense into him again, he couldn’t avoid the place any more. Not that he could, as he was sure Red would question him repeatedly until he went there, if not take him there personally.

He passed through the gate to get to the third circle, giving the appropriate pass code, then did so again at the gate leading to the fourth circle. After a few further minutes, up ahead, he saw what he was looking for. His and Nessa’s house. There were several lights flickering through the windows so he knew people were there. He just stood there away from the front gate for some time, his heart racing. How was Nessa going to react? How was Ellin going to react? How were the the rest of the family going to react? How was he going to react?

Part of him wanted to run and hide. But he was not going to oblige. Part of him wanted to storm in and proudly announce he was home, but that would likely get him killed, if not, severely wounded.

Mustering up some courage, he walked through the front gate into the atrium. There was a young man there already, who seemed a bit confused about something He was pacing about mumbling to himself.

Turin furrowed his brow. He knew he was terrible with names, but seeing the lad, nothing even came to mind. “Um, sorry. Wow, yeah. Sorry.” He felt like a complete idiot. The lad looked at him confused and a bit concerned too.

“I’m here to see someone.” Turin finally managed to get out.

“I’m sorry, the lady and master are not expecting anyone today. They just said so. So um …”

Turin could tell the lad was starting to tense up. “Hey, don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything to anyone. It’s just that my -”

“Of course you’re not going to do anything. But, please leave.” By this point, the young man had taken up a defensive stance.

“Hey, there’s no need for that. But, I’m not going anywhere. Not until I speak to -” his voice cut off when the door opened again. Standing there was the very person he most desired to see, Nessa. She wore a vermilion colored dress with slit sleeves and a gold sash. Her hair was down and there was a hint of a perfume in the air too. She was exquisite. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but nothing came out. He was stunned.

“Well met husband. I am pleased that you did not make me an oath breaker.” she said.

The boy seemed stunned at the fact that Nessa addressed him as her husband and looked back and forth between the two of them. Turin did have to admit, he did look rather worn. He wasn’t in his usual Ranger garbs, but he was wearing a sword at his hip, not his personally forged one, but his dwarven made Mela Mecalne. It was special in its own way in that it had his and Nessa’s names engraved on either side of the blade. He’d got it made after they were married and he used it as his secondary blade. His dark blue shirt and cloak, and his unkempt hair and beard probably didn’t help with his appearance either. Probably least helpful of all would be the scars on his face - across his right eye and right side of his neck.

Nessa just stood there, not even moving. Here gaze seemed as though it was going right through him. All he wanted to do was drop to his knees and beg for forgiveness. He doubted anything he could say at this moment would be enough though.

Oswald.” She called again. The boy still seemed stunned at the events that were transpiring. “Inform Roderic that my husband will be staying for dinner. He will tell you what you should do next.”

Oswald, so that’s his name. It sounds maybe a bit familiar, but I don’t know. And there he goes. Boy does she look great. Oh Eru, help me. Mandos, I really hope I’m not coming to join you in a few minutes. But if I do, I’m glad I got to see Nessa again.” he thought.

It almost felt like a cold chill came through as Nessa came a few steps closer and in a voice just over a whisper, “You are going to stay for dinner and you will see your daughter Ellin. But first you and I will talk in the library, my cousin will make sure we are not disturbed.”

Turin nodded and followed his wife to the library. On the way, he got a glimpse of Roderic and a few others, names sadly escaped him though.

The door closed behind them after they entered. Turin turned to look at Nessa. As much as he could see care and longing in her eyes, he also saw a demanding of what the hell happened. Why was he gone for so long? Did he not care for them at all? Well, maybe not that last one.

He reached up and scratched the back of his head with his right hand. There was no way he would be allowed to hug her without some sort of worthy explanation.

He looked at her and other than saying I love you, the only thing that came out was, “Nyé ëa nannie.” He then remembered she didn’t really speak Quenyan. “I’m sorry. Actually, that’s roughly what that means. I’m sorry. I’ve been a horribly husband and father, and I am sorry very sorry. I almost died, not that that is an excuse, but it really made me regret some things in my life, not saying I regret meeting you, falling in love, getting married, or any of that. But I was really prideful, and almost getting killed really makes you take a look at yourself and I was in a really bad place, and I just couldn’t bring that negativity back home, cause who knows what I would have done and I just couldn’t have that. But I did write you. Many times in fact. I don’t know if they all got through. But I did save the letters that I got back from you.”

Turin could tell he was rambling at this point, but he didn’t care. He just had to get it all off his chest. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a small stack of folded letters. “I kept these ones with me wherever I went, as they were the most special to me.” He fanned them out. It was letters announcing Ellin’s fifth, sixth, and seventh birthdays, and their sixth, seventh, and eighth anniversaries. “All the other letters I got, I kept in a box back in the brown lands. There was no way I could get rid of them. I’ll need to go back there at some point to gather up stuff I left there, but there is no way I can ever leave you and Ellin again. As much as my pity party sucked the life out of me, being away from you two was worse. Red actually knocked sense back into me. He is such a good friend. I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry. I am so so so so sorry.” By now, he had collapsed onto his knees and tears flowed freely. “Melinlye (I love you). Melinlye sinen olya (I love you so much). Mecin … Mecin, apsenë mé. Forgive me. Please forgive me.”
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy- Stonewall Jackson
Hubris guarantees disaster.- T C

New Soul
Points: 1 672 
Posts: 1138
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 7:12 pm
De Argosy family house – Minas Tirith, 4th circle near the Lower Fountain Court

Nessa with Turin


Turin still hadn’t uttered a word, just nodded his head, but Nessa knew him and could read the emotions on his face and in his eyes, even when he was trying to hide something from her. He was stunned by her appearance, his eyes following the cut, shape and movement of her dress, appreciating and admiring what he saw. He still looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world and like he could not bring himself to believe that she was his. There was a dangerous kind of power here, when a man looked at a woman this way; the thought formed in her mind as she turned and signalled her husband to follow her.

As she opened the door of her home (for the large mansion was hers by law, her late father and uncle Marcellus made sure of that) she saw Roderic and Edyth, the housekeeper, standing further away from them in the hallway. Each in their own way they were signalling that they do their utmost to give the couple the privacy they needed to talk undisturbed. They entered the large study and she purposefully walked towards the two reclining couches near the fireplace; knowing that the lighting was softer and warmer there. She heard the door close and she turned towards her husband and looked at him, allowing herself the time to see and memorise how he had changed. Her breath hitched as she took in the line of the scar across his right eye and another one on the right side of his neck. Her hands itched to touch his face, to place a kiss on the scar on his neck like doing that would take away the pain of them. She knew those scars told a story that she was not privy to; perhaps they were even part of the reason Turin did not come back to her after the War.

She noticed her husband sheepishly raise his right hand and scratch the back of his head. His hair was messy and he made it even messier now, and that was oddly endearing. Although, she still didn’t let him see that his roguishly handsome looks and his awkwardness tugged at her heartstrings more than she cared to admit. There was a dangerous kind of power in the way a woman saw and thought about a man.

- Nyé ëa nannie. – The first words her husband spoke to her were in Quenyan, the high elven language she did not know well, although she loved to hear him speak it. He immediately apologised and translated; however, before she could assure him that his choice of language was not a problem, as long as he was here and talking to her words rushed out from him like a flood. Turin kept apologising for his actions, speaking of danger, death, darkness and regrets that made no sense to her, for she didn’t know the context of the things he was talking about.

Her heartbeat quickened when he pulled out the letters she wrote to him and she felt tears gathering in her eyes, but blinked and didn’t allow them to fall. The letters he wrote to her, of which so few managed to reach her, she kept like precious treasure reading them until they were worn and words almost faded. So many times she had cried over those letters, but they were proof that he was alive. Turin kept talking, jumping from one direction to another, mentioning his home in the Brown Lands, then speaking about Red and how his friend slapped sense into him (for which she was glad and she was indebted to the man for that)… If he continued to speak like this, without giving her proper context she was going to slap him hard just to get him to focus. But even as the thought entered her mind she saw him collapse onto his knees, tears going town his face as he kept apologising, saying that he loved her and begged her to forgive him.

Nessa felt her heart break once more, she felt bowed and bent and broken again, but in her grief and sorrow she realised that the battle, nay the war she was now fighting was not with her husband, but with the darkness inside him and the darkness inside herself. Her anger at him for leaving her and Ellin when she needed him most evaporated, her fears and jealousy that sprang from them felt foolish now… If she wanted to save them both, save and restore their marriage she would have to set aside those feelings and act like a healer. She needed to help him see that he was safe with her, that he could trust her and talk to her; that she would not reject him, but try to understand him and help him. Words would not do in this case, action was needed.

She walked over to her husband and slowly and deliberately touched his face, lifting his head towards her and tracing the line of his scar with her fingers. She felt him tremble at her touch, fighting to control his body and his emotions. She was painfully aware how dangerous this touch is, how ruinous and destructive it could be if she lost control of herself. She allowed herself to indulge in one desire, aware she was playing with fire, but she let her fingers comb through his hair and felt him hiss with pleasure. She became painfully aware of the thrill that coursed through her veins, a kind of deliciously dangerous excitement caused by the power she had over the man she loved and who was on his knees before her now. Her heart was beating so fast and she was afraid that it would burst out of her chest. However, she persisted with breath held as she bid him to rise.

He got to his feet slowly still trembling, his eyes slightly red but swirling with emotions. He still didn’t dare to touch her, so Nessa feeling bold by the awareness how she affected him made another gamble, which was so unlike her, but she did it because it needed to be done. She stepped closer to him, standing on her tiptoes, her right hand simultaneously going to his neck and pulling him towards her. She closed her eyes and kissed him, felt his shock and immediately after his response to her kiss. His arms went around her waist, pulling her flush to him and then his fingers tangled in her hair; her own arms wrapped around his neck. Pouring all of her longing, all of her love she kissed him until she was out of breath. She moved away panting slightly and when she opened her eyes to look at him, to her delight and surprise. she saw that he was affected by this as she was. Turin looked blissfully dazed and she was certain he had a similar expression on her face.

She needed to calm her racing hearth, the thoughts and emotions that were swirling inside of her, making her giddy with delight. She wanted to stay like this forever, his arms around her waist and her hands around his neck… Reminding herself what was at stake here she took a deep breath to calm herself and looking at her husband, she moved her arms, letting the left one fall at her side and placed her right hand gently on his face, her fingers once again caressing his scars.

- You really should shave. – Nessa said teasingly trying to break the tension between them. – That scruff on your face prickles.

He looked stupefied for a moment and then burst out laughing letting her go. It was a rich, joyous laugh and she joined in, giggling at first and then laughing along with him. Laughter felt like a soothing and healing balm, it eased the tension and chased away traces of darkness. They stood there in comfortable silence for a time, enjoying each other’s presence.

- My love… – Nessa said quietly after a while, noticing that Turin was watching her, but his posture was relaxed, so she decided that this was right moment to start. She reached out and took his hand. – When you arrived here you spoke of danger, death and despair… Though, I neither know nor understand what you were referring to I sensed your struggle with the darkness inside you.

She squeezed his hand and tugged him over to the reclining couch nearest to the fireplace. He allowed her to lead him and sat down when she nudged him to while she took a seat next to him. Her knees were touching his and she was still holding his hand tightly. She was looking at him, beseeching him with her eyes to trust her, to open up to her, to talk…

- I will understand if you’re reluctant to talk of the pain and sorrow you endured. – She bit her lip, suddenly felling nervous and slightly unsure of herself and her actions. – It might be easier to talk of these things with Red, who knows war, battles and loss in the way that you do, and I cannot… – She paused again searching for the right words to make him feel safe with her. To trust her with this. – But I want to know, oh how I desperately want to know and understand! I want to help you, I want to help us! – She exclaimed urgently taking both of his hands in hers. – Please talk to me my love!
She/her.
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant
Image

Craftsman of Gondor
Points: 106 
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 7:27 am
Image
Red Daghul
Second Circle - Sundial Court

Meeting Turin
The two bid each other good bye, and promising to get together latter to speak of old times and catch each other up. With a swift fist-to-chest Turin turned and started on what Red figured would be one of the hardest walks of his life. Knowing his old friend it would be filled with thoughts of what was going to happen, and how he would be received. The words he would say, and what might happen if he didn't do it right. This was a walk he needed to do alone, well at least to his knowledge. Waiting till Turin was a good ways away the Dunedain moved swiftly to follow just out of sight.

A small smile reached Red's face he watched his friend heading straight for his wife, and a feeling of excitement gripped him. This was the moment that he had always wanted for his brother, a chance to start the healing that he needed and in the rangers mind he deserved. This was a "battle" that would hurt, but would leave him healed in ways he didn't even know he needed. Moving through the white city with a silent shadow felt like a old memory of times he had done many many times, and he felt for the first time in a while that things were where they were suppose to be.

Finally watching Turin enter his in-laws manner he gave a nod and a chuckle as he sent a prayer of good fortune to his brother, and decided to find a place to hide out for a bit just in case things went south. At least then he would be able to offer some support. If he didn't come back out for a while he would take that as a good sign and leave it be... or if Turin somehow found a way to back out he could point him back to his wife. Red was committed to this now. Finding a step to sit on out of the way, yet where he could see the door he waited.
~Red Daghul~
Hyandaner for life!

Loremaster of Gondor
Points: 353 
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 4:31 am
Image
De Argosy family house – Minas Tirith, 4th circle near the Lower Fountain Court
with Nessa

Turin hadn’t been sure of how his wife would react. All he knew was that he wanted forgiveness for how foolish he’d been. How terrible he’d been.

So when she came over and with soft delicate hands, and the hands of a healer, she lifted his face to look at her, then traced his scars, he dared hope. She then ran her fingers through his hair. Oh how he missed that. He stood when she bid. Was his begging enough? Was he forgiven? Or was he going to be sent away? He was scared. Yes. He was scared. But all of that disappeared when their lips met.

It was instant, and instinct. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. There was no letting her go again. Yes, obviously he would have to let her go, but he was never leaving her again. He was part of the new Rangers, and would be sent on missions, but unlike his past self, there was no running away. He would always come back home.

The kiss was deep and passionate. He could tell she had wanted to let him know he was okay, but there was more to it too. She then teased, “You should really shave. That scruff on your face prickles.” He couldn’t help but laugh. He had just returned from a mission with the new Rangers and immediately confessed to Red his problems. He hadn’t taken the time to make himself presentable.

He let her down and she led them to the couch by the fireplace. She said she needed context to the problems he regurgitated moments prior. Without it, she didn’t feel like she could help. She understood Red would be able to help him too, but she wanted to be there for him as well.

Turin nodded. “You’re right. I need to explain better. Where to begin? So, that last mission. It was around the same time as the ending of the war. We were tasked with cleaning up some enemy strongholds that had remained with Sauron’s demise. I’m not at liberty to say who we were fighting against in the end, but suffice it to say, it was not an easy battle. We fought men, giant spiders, shades, …” he went silent.

It was about a minute before he spoke again. “One person, who we’d thought was the leader of the problems going on. I suspect had helped with the downfall of Osgiliath to Mordor, but I digress, I’d been tasked with taking her alive. But the arrest went bad. She slew herself upon my blade. She favored that route to being taken in for questioning.” He looked at the fire and thought back to that mission. “Things had already been bad leading up to that point, but it went downhill from there. We found information pointing to the true culprits, the people she’d been working for, and moved on. That's when we were ambushed again, and with men and spiders. During the chaos, the shades came into the fray. I’m only alive today, because I was saved. Someone who came out of retirement was fighting alongside me saved me. A shade had targeted me, and no amount of training, skills I had, or faith in my abilities would have protected me. But somehow, he blocked the attack and was killed for it.” He turned back and looked into Nessa’s eyes.

“When I was a kid, after my parents passed, you know how I ran away and lived with a group of elves. I witnessed half the group die in one ambush. Then after I joined the military, an officer over me had died saving our division. And then this happened. I was a broken man. Death had come knocking again, and I somehow escaped. Any and all pride I had in my abilities, the luck I had in meeting and marrying you, it felt all for nought.” He looked down at his boots. The scuffs told the story of leagues traveled.

“The enemy was dealt with, and I resigned on the spot. I was not in a good place mentally, and only the Valar know what kind of husband and father I would have been had I returned in that state. I fear I would have been exactly the kind of man your family feared I could have been when we first started dating. Part of me felt I should not and could not put you through any of that. So I returned to the brown lands. I had to fix myself first.” He sighed.

“While I was there, I was visited by one of the remaining members of that group of elves. He let me know that from the original twenty or so elves, now only three remained. I won’t bother with the names, but it was quite the revelation. How could such a group be reduced that much? Turns out, while Gondor was facing Sauron in Mordor, Lorien and Rohan were having problems themselves. My old clan, as I like to say, had tried to defend Lorien from the waves of enemies coming from Dol Guldur. And that was how only so few remained.” He leaned back on the couch and turned towards Nessa.

“Anyway, when half the clan had been wiped out years ago, well, let me go back a little more. It had been only by a narrow margin I was even allowed to join the group to begin with. But it was while I was with them, I had even forged my sword Nuru, but I’m digressing again. Half of the clan didn’t want me to be there, and when half of the group was killed, I was blamed as a bad luck charm. Thus my turning to Minas Tirith. Then there I was learning only three remained of the group, four if count me. He was one of the ones who never wanted me to join, and blamed me for the deaths of his friends, brothers, and sisters. But there he was at my home, and being very civil. It was weird. We talked for days about the history of the group. In the end, he let me know, that I was no longer being blamed for the deaths. It was all Sauron’s doing. After all, it was orcs from that evil fortress in Mirkwood both times. My being there or not made no difference whatsoever.”

Turin took Nessa’s hand in his. “I told him how I’d found love and had a daughter. He was happy for me. He told me how the other two had become a couple as well, and the three of them were considering making a trip to the Havens and making the trip to the undying lands. They weren’t sure yet. ... ... ... ... ... ... It was here, I probably could have returned.” Turin went silent for a good minute.

This next part was going to be probably the worst of his confession. “I’d received the letter for Ellin’s fifth birthday, about a week later. I’d been forgiven by Woven Outcast, the group of elves, and I’d calmed down quite a bit since the end of the war. But I stayed. Days, became weeks. Weeks became months, which became years. The anniversary and birthday letters arrived, and I sent letters too. And yet, the longer I remained, the more guilt I felt. Until I felt even worse than when I left the battlefield.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Every once and awhile, some bandits came through, and it was nice letting out frustrations on them. The garden was doing nicely as well. The trick was getting the irrigation from the Anduin just right. I found myself constantly looking south, wondering, but I was getting more and more fearful about what a horrible situation I’d put you and Ellin in.

“I mean, how could I ask for forgiveness just like that? And so I’d write letters every week letting you know how the farming was going, and I was recovering from the war. My physical scars were pretty well healed. But my emotional and mental wounds, … I felt like … I don’t know. Looking back, the longer I stayed there, I think the longer I kept the wounds open. I should have returned then. I really should have. But because I remained, I worked myself into fearing I couldn’t be forgiven. I was a failure as a soldier, I was a failure as a father, and I was a failure as a husband. I couldn’t protect my men, and I had abandoned my family. There was no forgiving that. And so my mental wounds remained and so I remained, and I regret it.”

Turin bowed his head. “Then one day Cortan found me. He told me about the new Rangers. It seemed like it could be a fresh start for me. To make amends for my failure as a soldier. But in the back of my mind, there was still the my bigger failure. And then I saw Red, and Arnyn, and others from back in the day. It was great. We got through it, and I met with Red. I’d told him about the troubles I'd gone through since we saw each other last, and he saw right through me. Boy did he. He told me where I was wrong, and he reminded me of something I’d said in passing around when we’d started out. And that was what got me. As much as I hated what I was doing, avoiding what I should have done years ago, that goal I’d had said I had, … it meant I was … I hate to say it, even worse than what I’d thought I was."

He took a glance at her. "I can see your confusion. You know my dad died when I was young. I never really connected with him. He spent so much more time with my brother. He pounded language lessons into me, and some merchant / trader stuff on me, but that was about it. And then one day he changed. It was amazing. He was kind, and caring, and encouraging. I loved it. Then he and my brother went away and never came back. We received word they’d died while trying to help the folks they were working with in Emyn Muil. Though I never really got to know my dad, I made a comment around the time Red and I were fresh recruits, I wanted to be someone my dad would be proud of.”

Turin looked at Nessa. He looked deep into her eyes. “My actions these last few years are nothing but shameful. Yes, I was healing wounds, but I should have been doing that here, with you and Ellin. Yes, I reconciled with old friends, but I could have done that here, as he told me if he didn’t find me there, he would have come to the city. I will spend the rest of my life striving to be a good husband, a good father, and someone both of you are proud of.” He kissed her hand. “Please, forgive me. I don’t know what I would do without the two of you. I am so, so, so, so very sorry for everything I’ve put you through.”
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy- Stonewall Jackson
Hubris guarantees disaster.- T C

Horse Trainer of The Mark
Points: 324 
Posts: 162
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:33 pm
The Bathhouse
NPCs Jaren now of the Ellenweorc Clan, and Rhainnyn Volorwin

A brown haired man with green eyes and tanned skin stepped into the bathhouse. Today was the anniversary of Eamon's death. Three years it had been already. He looked wistfully at a far wall, and sighed. Three years alone, three years he'd blamed Rowena for the man's death. But recently, his heart had been changed. Maybe she wasn't to blame after all. Maybe she was innocent of all the things his father accused her of. And frankly the thought made him feel guilty.
Before Eamon's death, he'd mostly hated the woman, because he couldn't fathom why she would just abandon her brother and refuse any help from him, simply because he moved to Gondor. But after traveling to Rohan, meeting various people in her life, he started to understand how it could feel like a betrayal. He had been in the wrong. For sure.
An attendant at the bathhouse welcomed him, and he gave her a soft smile of appreciation as she handed him a towel and directed him where to go. She in fact personally escorted him, which to him was an indicator of her interest in him. He however was not interested in her. He just thanked her as he entered the spa-like room. Steam filled the air, and he instantly was relaxed.
'You ended up showing your face after all,' another man said as he stepped into the hot water. This man spoke Rohirric to him, though with a very distinct Gondorian accent. But Rhainnyn knew exactly who this was. It was Rowena's son-in-law Jaren, who married her daughter Zara. His hair had definitely grown out over the years since they'd been friends. And it curled beautifully with the steamy atmosphere around him. Those luscious sand colored locks had always killed him.
'Of course I did. This IS my home city after all, Jaren.'
'Would you stop ogling me, Rhainnyn? You lost that right a long time ago.'
'Sorry. I can't help it. You know I'm obsessed with your hair.'
'You're not the only one…' Jaren sighed looking away. 'I gotta admit, I didn't think you'd show up.'
'Yeah… neither did I to be honest. Hell, I didn't even expect to get a letter from you.' Rhainnyn ran his hand through his own brown hair, and shook his head. 'Why after all this time are you contacting me anyway?'
'A little birdy told me you're ogling my cousin. I had to find out for myself your intentions. I mean it's not like you've been the most honest dude the past few years.'
'Yeah, I know. But he's part of the reason I'm going to leave my dad's business.'
'Part?!' Jaren raised an eyebrow.
'Yeah. Part. It's not like I have a shot in hell with him anyway. Plus he's still a kid.'
'So what's the other part or parts.'
Rhainnyn shrugged his shoulders. 'I'm not sure I even understand the rest, so not sure I could explain.'
Jaren spread his arms across the back of the sauna tub and tilted his head back. 'Start talking, and maybe we can figure it out together.'
'I'm not sure that is a good idea Jaren. What if your wife finds out about our meeting. Tells your mother-in-law.'
'My wife already knows this meeting is happening. Its part of why she agreed to take her mother to see Grandma Volorwin. She won't say anything unless I tell her to.'
'Why?'
'Because we're a new generation, Rhainnyn. The actions of our parents aren't ours to handle.'
Rhainnyn sighed. 'I dunno. I grew up thinking that I had to follow in my father's footsteps. I am not sure I can believe that his actions aren't mine to handle.'
'Well, then handle them. But your own way… Do you really want to be a criminal like him? Spending the rest of your days in a prison cell? Because that's the road you're headed down.'
'I know it is.' Rhainnyn looked away for a long time, staying silent.
'It's your choice, man. But frankly, the guy I grew up with wasn't a bad guy. I'd like to see that guy back. And if you turn your life around, I'm sure Ma Rowena will take you under her wing. She's like that.'
'But I don't know if that's what I want, Jaren.'
'Oh come on… Growing up you were always talking about wishing you had a mother that loved you.'
'How could she love someone like me though?'
'Do you mean how could she take in someone whose love interests are to the outside world questionable?' Jaren laughed. 'You do know her husband is bisexual and actually used to court her twin, right?'
'What?! No. My father failed to put that in his reports of information to me.'
'Yeah your father also didn't tell you he stole Rhys' wife either.'
Rhainnyn blinked. 'Come again?'
'Eadlynn. Rhys' first wife. She left Rhys for your dad…'
'When?'
'Not sure. It's not a well talked about thing. Sometime after he knocked her up with my twin cousins.'
'Are you sure?'
'Yeah, why?'
Rhainnyn shook his head. 'Nevermind.'
'No. Tell me. It sounds important.'
'I think she might have been stepping out on Rhys before that… As in, I don't think the girl twin is Rhys' daughter biologically.'
'Wait what?!'
'Think about it… The girl looks a hell of a lot more like me than she does your wife, for example. And how many generations have that trademark streak?'
'I lost count--' Jaren paused for a long time. 'Cousins don't have to look alike though… And it could be a fluke she doesn't have the streak.'
'And what's the likelihood of that? The only other Ellenweorc that doesn't have a streak is that one you say a birdy told you I'm ogling.' Rhainnyn sighed wistfully.
'Hmm, good point.'
'Plus, she doesn't much look like her twin does she?'
'Not really. Just the eyes pretty much. But that could be explained away by the fact she's a girl and her twin's a boy.'
'Yeah… logic still says no.'
Jaren sighed. 'So you think she was-- with BOTH of them? Is it even possible to have twins from two different men.'
'Ask your mother-in-law she'd know.'
'You do realize me asking Rowena that kind of question would raise suspicions right?'
Rhainnyn shrugged. 'Just ask her, and if she gets suspicious, just tell her the truth. That you saw me at the bathhouse.'
Jaren sighed. 'I can't do that. She is already suspicious of Gondorians, you know that. She'll see it as a betrayal.'
'And yet you say if I go good, she'll take me under her wing? You're not inspiring confidence here, Jaren.' Rhainnyn smirked.
Jaren couldn't help but laugh. He quickly grew serious again. 'Rain-- it's been three years,' he said changing the topic. 'As of today. How are you really?'
'Miserable. I miss him, J. I really miss him. It's like I'm missing part of me. It's stupid. He was madly in love with a girl, and yet my heart desperately loved him.'
'Did you ever confess?'
'Hell no!' Rhainnyn said sharply. 'I'd have lost him as a friend if I did that.'
Jaren raised his eyebrows. 'If you think that, then he probably wasn't worth the friendship. I mean look at us. You confessed to me, and the only reason distance was put between us was because of your loyalty to your father.'
Rhainnyn sighed. 'It's all in my head, I know. I tell myself that all the time.'
'You should listen to yourself once in a while then.'
Rhainnyn laughed. 'I missed having conversations like this with you.'
'Go good, and we can have more of them.'
'I'm trying! Wait…' He then shook his head and then dismissed the thought.
'What? And don't say nevermind or it was nothing.'
'Your mindreading talents are impressive. You can probably figure out what I was going to say without me telling you.'
'You had an idea on how to get on my mother-in-law's good side.'
'Spot on, mate.'
'I'm not your mate, but whatever.'
'You know I meant that as in "mate meaning friend" you dimwit.' Rhainnyn folded his arms and glared at his once-friend.
'Fine. I do. So what was the idea.'
'Your mother-in-law wants firm proof of my father's actions, hell of mine right?'
'Yeah…'
'What if I gave it to her?'
'Might work… What kind of proof do you have?'
'My dad's letters. He's confessed all sorts of things in them. Coded to some degree, but I am sure your mother-in-law could easily decipher it. But I'd send the code to her anyway.'
'Any of them say your dad was directly responsible for poisoning her or Kendrick or Raedan?'
'Yes to all three.'
'Well why the bloody hell wasn't that the first thing you told me?'
'Because your initial concern was for your cousin?'
'Oh, right.' Jaren blushed a little.
'Don't do that.'
'What?'
'Blush.' Rhainnyn said quietly. 'You're adorable when you do that.'
Jaren coughed, blushing harder. 'It's not like I can control it, idiot.'
'When are you heading back to Rohan?'
'Not sure yet. We're supposed to take over Eamon's estate. Rowena mentioned something about her leaving within the next couple of days though. She's a Marshal and Bealdorhaelend, so she can't be gone from Rohan too long. So get me those letters by tomorrow.'
'Okay -- I'll see if I can compile all of them together. There's a ton of them.'
'Then you better get going.'
'I will leave this bathhouse when I'm ready.'
Jaren shook his head. 'Well, I'm leaving now, unless you have any other business to discuss…'
'Can you stay just a little while longer?'
Jaren looked at Rhainnyn, he looked terrible, no, pitiful. He then nodded. 'All right.'
Rhainnyn smiled. 'I'm going to get your trust back. The whole family's. If anything for Eamon. But mostly because I miss having you as a friend.'
'Okay.' Truth was, Jaren was already starting to trust Rhainnyn again, though slowly.

In War We Know Willpower, In Peace We Know Love~

Child of Gondor
Points: 771 
Posts: 420
Joined: Wed May 20, 2020 3:35 am
2nd Circle
Above the Marketplace Bakery in Nells Apt.
Nelladel Alarion w/ Mourgan


Her hands smoothed over the soft blue material, there was a slight nervousness to her movements. "Does it make me look washed out? My face that is?" She half looked into the mirror and glanced over her shoulder at Mourgan who was seated at her small table having his third cup of tea and looking like he regretted coming to help her. "Mother, you could wear a potato bag and he wouldn't mind." He commented then popped a cookie into his mouth. "Well.." she looked herself over. "Maybe the green one." Mourgan rolled his eyes as she hurried into her room to change once more.

He took advantage of the unguarded cookies and managed to eat another two before she came back out of the room in a flurry of soft green material, adjusting her hair before she stopped before the mirror again. She put her hands to her hips, slightly turning side to side to see herself. "Oh..that's better." She smiled lightly but then her smile fell and she quickly took a section of material in hand. "Is that a stain?!" she sounded on the verge of panic. Mourgan left the table to have a look. "It's a stain! Now what will I wear? I suppose I'll just have to settle on the blue one and look all washed out." She threw her arms up in frustration while Mourgan looked closer at the material. He brushed at it while she went on in a panic. "Uhh..Mother.." he tried to get her attention. "Mother.."Nothing, she was still talking to herself. "Ma!" He had to raise his voice to get her attention to which she looked abit surprised at him. He motioned to the material. "It was just some dust..see..it's gone." She squinted and got close to the material to inspect it. There was nothing there now.

Mourgan returned to the table while she straightened up and smoothed the material. "Well..it ..could have been a stain." She tried to justify her actions while feeling silly and embarassed at the same time. She looked at her son and sigh. "I'm sorry..." she spoke while he poured them both some tea. "I'm...just.." He interjected. "Abit nervous seeing my Father again. I get it Mother, nothing to be apologizing for. "

Approaching the table she gave him a wain smile, thankful for his understanding and the courage to go through with this meeting. She sat and took her cup from him. "Do you still think I'm doing the right thing?" she asked as she added a dollop of honey to her tea. "Mother..we've been over this. I've talked to him about it and I truely believe he means well and wants to see you again. Even if all he does is try to make amends for being gone isn't that worth something?" She couldn't argue his point. "I suppose so." It was the least she could hope for. To expect anything more was something she only entertained in that part of her that she kept only to herself. Since receiving his letter it seemed the young girl that had been tucked away for most of her life was peeking out from the shadows. Small glimmers of something she wasn't sure she should or even could hope for floated to the surface of her mind to which she found herself stuffing it away in a mental closet and locking the door.

After receiving the letter she'd kept it in her apron pocket for most of the day. Debating on reading it or tossing it into the hot ovens of her bakery and never thinking of it again but she caved in and sat that night reading his words, over and over. Gently and reverantly brushing her fingers over his penned words. Memories kept company with her that night and she'd fallen asleep with his letter held tightly to her chest.

In the morning she'd asked Mourgan to deliver her acceptance and set up the time and place. When all was set is when the butterflies started..no...they were dragons. Why? It was simply a meeting to talk right? She justified it by telling herself it was perfectly reasonable, they did have a son together after all...but that didn't satify the dragons in her stomach. Even the tea wasn't helping so she lightly pushed back her cup.

Her hands once more fidgetted with her dark hair, making sure the braided bun didn't have any wayward hairs, while the back she'd left to fall down to the small of her back with it's length. This she lightly brushed over. "You're fine." Mourgan tried to reassure her as he stood and helped her to stand by offering his hand. The green dress highlighted the green of her eyes and he gave her a smile. "He's crazy if he doesn't find you as beautiful as I do." He kissed her cheek. "Now, you'd better leave before your late, don't forget your wrap." He took the silken wrap from the back of her chair and drapped it over her shoulders and she gathered it around her.

Nell looked up at her son and smiled as she adjusted the wrap. "When did you become so grown up?" He shrugged. "Awhile ago."She smiled and he followed her down the steps to the bakery where they said goodbye and he watched her from the door as she disappered into the market crowd.
Last edited by Isolde Alarion on Sun Jan 10, 2021 5:56 am, edited 2 times in total.
Isolde Alarion/Rohan~Nelladel Alarion/Gondor~Mourgan Alarion/Gondor ~ Dahak/ Umbar ~ Relic RIP

High Warden of Tower
Points: 3 504 
Posts: 2316
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 2:58 pm
Cadil
Harlond


"Ah, the story is that long," Cadil muttered under his nose and felt like some drink would probably do good to Kaylin who somehow seemed quite not herself after getting the note. He wouldn't mind some more either, though he already felt just a tad bit tipsy from those couple of beers he had before that altercation with the sailor. He considered the possibilities of how to convince her to visit some inn or other, as he did not quite like the state she was in now.

Before he could proceed with any attempts, Kaylin's husband appeared, apparently having come all the way here for the purpose of finding her.

"Sure. I am not as forgetful of people as I might be of responsibilities," Cadil said rather mischievously and nodded his greetings to Thullir, when asked if they remembered each other. He had not seen the man that often either, but then again he supposed Rangers who were serious about their business would not really go pub crawling like he was prone to doing lately.

Then he motioned to the slip of note. "This is an awful bit of lie," he affirmed once again. "Don't mind it, Kaylin." He could not in all honesty imagine how these words could be true. He was very well aware of her mischievous side; however, that could by no means be seen as anything that would make her lose her honour. However, from her reactions and those of Thullir he deducted that there had to be something more serious under it all, something he was not aware of.

"Are you two going back to the city?" Cadil then asked, wondering whether he had not become like a fifth wheel and perhaps should leave the couple alone.
Image

Éowyn
Éowyn
Points: 4 120 
Posts: 2196
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 3:34 pm
Kaylin - Harlond

Cadil's words strengthened her further. What a few words could do, right? She had seen that neither the man who knew her the very best agreed with the letter, nor someone who knew her well enough. "Thank you, Cadil," she said quietly, though loud enough for him to hear.

At his question, she shrugged. She wasn't at all sure anymore. A few moments ago, she had just wanted to go home, to Thûllir. But he was here now. Part of her still wanted to go back the house even now - to bury her head in a pillow and hopefully sleep off that ever so slightly gnawing feeling at the edge of her mind. Another part was utterly indecisive - something that rarely - if EVER - occurred.
It wasn't that she was torn, but rather than that she couldn't make up her mind about what to do next. Even though she didn't believe the words on the parchment, they'd still shaken her. She didn't want to admit as much, however, not even to herself, so Kaylin found herself in a blank mindspace. "Um," she mumbled, running a hand through the bottom length of her hair.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

New Soul
Points: 1 672 
Posts: 1138
Joined: Wed May 27, 2020 7:12 pm
De Argosy family house – Minas Tirith, 4th circle near the Lower Fountain Court

(In this chapter dear reader the author offers shenanigans, drama and most importantly the dilemma over a colour of a man's shirt. Enjoy.)

NPC Roderic de Argosy

Reflecting on the events that happened as the comfortable silence between the two cousins was interrupted by voices outside, one of them belonging to young Oswald and the other unknown to Roderic, he could not have foreseen how the events that played out that evening would affect all of their lives. The tall man with a scar over his right eye dressed in a dark blue shirt and cloak with a sword on his hip, standing opposite young Oswald, despite the messy hair and unkempt beard fit the description of his cousin’s husband Turin. And if he knew his cousin’s taste as much as he thought he did, the man outside would soon have an appointment with a razor. Although, Roderic thought in dark amusement, he did not know would his cousin use the razor to shave her husband on slit his throat.

He saw Nessa freeze in shock when she too recognised the man and he tensed as well; her hand reached out for his and he took it. Standing so he could observe both his cousin and the man who appeared to come to the de Argosy household alone, he noticed that she got lost in a memory that did not appear to be particularly pleasant. He frowned, but soon enough she shook herself from her daze, let go of his hand and swiftly moved towards the door her dress swishing angrily with her movements. Turning his head to the window again he focused his attention on the two people in the atrium.

Standing where he was offered him the perfect position to see Turin’s reaction as he noticed his cousin. Her husband stood agape with awe and Roderic almost felt sorry for the man; the dress Laila chose would stun most, if not all Gondorians, and despite wearing that dress for the first time Nessa wielded it as a master swordsman wielded his prized blade. He continued to observe, trying to ascertain what kind of man Turin was, having never met him personally, only hearing about him from his family members, and reading the intelligence reports his late uncle along with his parents gathered about the man. More recently Marcellus Grisogono, at great personal cost, had managed to come across information regarding the military reorganisation and had copied what he could about Turin and his fellow army members and sent it to Pelargir. It was all second or third hand intelligence, but Roderic was used to this in his line of work, and he learned a long time ago how to work with what he had. His sister’s opinion also weight heavily on his mind, Rihannon clearly thought the world of their cousin’s husband and she was his biggest supporter. Granted, his sister was young when she first met the man who was going to marry their cousin, and it seemed that the man left a favourable impression on his sister if she was more than willing to keep their courtship a secret. He smiled slightly remembering he would have given a ship filled with spices just to see his mother’s face when she became aware of her daughter’s and niece’s shenanigans.

Although Rihannon had a tendency to find good in everyone, and he was certain that at one point she harboured a small crush over Turin (and retrospective, this could explain a lot of things), this didn’t make her judgement of the man wrong. After all he was here, came alone by own free will (just as Nessa had hoped it would happen) and was apparently ready and willing to face his wife’s wrath if need be. It takes a certain kind of courage to do this and Roderic respected the man for it. He could not hear the words that were spoken in the atrium, but noticing that Oswald was heading for the house he reasoned that Nessa wanted to talk with her husband in private, and the study was an ideal place for that. As he was about to move from the window he thought he registered movement outside the main gate. A flash of dark red, not the vermilion of his cousin’s dress, but a more maroon colour. Was Turin being followed, and if so by whom? Perhaps it was one of Turin’s friends from the army, thought Roderic, but whether the man would be there to make sure his cousin’s husband remembered how to get to his wife’s house (an amusing thought in and of itself), or he was making sure that no harm come to Turin (another darkly amusing thought in and of itself) was something Roderic could not discern at the moment.

Nor did he have the time to dwell on it, instructions to the household staff needed to be given in order to make sure his cousin and her husband were not disturbed and he needed to get to Ellin before she unknowingly stumbled into this unexpectedly weird mess of a reunion. Before he could exit the study Oswald burst through the door looking bewildered and slightly panicked.
- Master Roderic, sir! – The boy exclaimed. – Mistress told me to find you and tell you that her husband is staying for dinner sir!
So much for not entertaining guests for dinner.” He thought with wry amusement looking around the study. – Oswald, please pick up the china from the table and take it to the kitchen. Quickly now lad.

The boy did as he was told and as quickly as he could with a tray with china in his hands he left the study and went toward the kitchen. Roderic followed, closing the door behind him, walking towards the main hallway where he saw the housekeeper, Edyth waiting for him. He was just about to offer an apology to the woman who most certainly did not expect that her employers would entertain unexpected guests, when he heard the front door opening and turned to see Nessa entering her husband right behind her. He caught his cousin’s gaze and signalled that he would make sure that they were not disturbed. Looking at her husband next he notices that the man was still looking at Nessa with adoration, like she was the light of his life. He allowed himself to relax slightly fervently hoping that everything will be alright.

- It would appear that master Turin has returned quite unexpectedly. – The housekeeper’s words interrupted him and he snorted with amusement at the woman’s comment. Yes, his arrival was an unexpected stroke of fortune, but they would have to whether that fortune would prove to be good or bad.
- So it would seem. – He said wryly and turned toward Edyth. – I must offer you my apologies Edyth, truly when Nessa spoke to you and the rest of the staff during lunch we did not anticipate this. We planned to have a light supper and get a good night’s rest for we had a long journey, but… – He shrugged spreading his hands in an what can one do gesture.
- It’s quite alright master Roderic. – The housekeeper said calmly, offering him a smile. – I have worked as a housekeeper for a long time, and if I cannot make arrangements for unexpected situations than I’m not much of a housekeeper am I? I’ll tell Daisy to prepare a light dinner, an assortment of cheeses, bread, cold meet, some fruit and pancakes with honey and sesame seeds would be sufficient?
- Yes, thank you. – He replied with a grateful smile. – Please, don’t rush with dinner. I have a feeling my cousin and her husband would need time to talk undisturbed, and would eat rather late. You, Daisy and Oswald should eat and then start making dinner for the rest of us. – He said and then let out a sigh. – I have to find Ellin and Hannah too, and inform them of the situation. Most likely we would join you in the kitchen a bit latter to eat.
- Of course master Roderic. Miss Ellin and Hannah are in the upstairs drawing room. – The housekeeper said and looked at him thoughtfully. – My apologies sir, but I must ask you this; do you think master Turin will be spending the night? I would need to get his clothes from the chest in the attic.

Roderic paused for a moment, for he had not thought about that question, and he was pretty certain that his cousin hadn’t thought of it either. He thought about the answer for a moment and then finally decided that it would be better if this household was prepared for anything. “After all,” thought Roderic wryly “Bran always said that I’d run a tight shipwreck. So let’s see what happens.
- I cannot predict with certainty what will happen. – He started carefully. – But go ahead and bring out his clothes and personal effects from the chest in the attic and put it in the master bedroom. – He chuckled seeing the housekeeper’s expression. – If he stays, he stays as Nessa’s husband, not as a guest. Make sure there are fresh towels and a razor ready; if there’s none among his belongings I have a spare; feel free to take that one.

Edyth nodded and with a nod of his own he went toward the flight of stairs that led to the upstairs. As he climbed he thought what he would say to the girls; there was a chance that they were engaged in whatever activity they were doing and had not heard the commotion. However, there was a chance that they did saw what happened and Hannah managed to hold Ellin off from running downstairs to great her father. Regardless of the situation he would have to thread carefully; he did not want to lie to Ellin, but neither did he want to give the girl false hope seeing as the he situation between her parents was delicate.

He reached the upstairs drawing room and gently opened the door and entered. Hannah and Ellin were sitting on the couch nearest to the window and worked on their embroidery. He noticed that both the girls changed clothes, Hannah choosing a pale sandy coloured tunic and a long skirt the colour of black coffee and Ellin, thankfully this time, chose a burnt sienna coloured dress. It was a rather muted colour choice for the girl who loved reds, oranges and yellows so he assumed that either her mother or Hannah influenced this choice. Either way the subdued colour choice was oddly appropriate for the moment.

- Ladies. – He greeted them with a mock bow and walked to the armchair opposite them, gesturing to Hannah to remain seated. He slumped down in the chair, crossed his fingers on his stomach and stretched his long legs; acting like the tired dotting uncle who just came in to check on them. He heard the girls giggling at his assumed posture and almost closed his eyes to complete the charade, but decided against it. He was observed them and neither girl seemed upset or tense.

- Does mistress need me? – Hannah asked lowering her embroidery.
- No, she is otherwise engaged at the moment. – He replied and then decided that there was no sense of prolonging the inevitable sat up properly and looked at Ellin. Lowering his voice he started talking. – Ellin, starling, can you put your needlework down? I’d like to talk to you for a moment.

Ellin put her embroidery down and passed it on to Hannah who made sure the needle was secured and started to get up. Again he gestured for her to sit down, both girls would learn this information from him, and if they were both here he had all the household members’ whereabouts accounted for. Hannah sat down, secured her own needle and placed both of their embroidery next to her.

- Ellin your father arrived at the house a few moments ago. – He saw the excitement in the little girl’s eye and how she almost vibrated with excitement. Dear Eru how did that child had such a boundless amount of energy? In contrast Hannah was shocked by this information. It didn’t look like the girl was frightened, just stunned and confused. – He is speaking with your mother downstairs in the study.
- Can I go see him? – Ellin asked excitedly.
- Not now starling. – He said with a sigh noticing that the girl’s face had fallen. Hannah took the girl’s hand and squeezed it in support. – Your father and mother need to talk about some things, and it will take a while. But he is staying for dinner and you will see him then. – He saw her nodding her head, placated, and he felt more at ease. It always surprised him how Ellin adapted to situations quickly, she would make a good spy if she ever wanted to go down that route, and of course if her mother didn’t take his head of just for thinking about it.

- Master Roderic, sir? – He heard Hannah’s quiet voice. – Will master Turin be spending the night here? – The teen’s voice got higher by the end of the sentence and she was blushing. He raised an eyebrow and noticed that Ellin was looking at the both of them, not really understanding why this would be an issue. He understood Hannah’s awkwardness about this, her mistress was a married woman, but whose husband was absent, so her maid had no experience how to navigate this situation.
- If believe he will, yes. – He replied calmly, acting like all of this was ordinary. He did not want the girl to be even more awkward about this situation that she already was. – I am sure Nessa will tell you what you need to do, but for today you needn’t worry about this.
- Yes sir. – Hannah answered quietly and he could see she was a bit relieved by his answer.
- Good. Since I’m here now, and we have plenty of time until dinner, how about you show me how will you greet your father starling?
- With a hug? – Ellin replied like he was asking an absurd question. In all honesty the question was absurd, he doubted Turin would care about the level of formality his daughter would greet him, as long as she did greet them. However, it was a way to occupy the girls, and the more they had to do here the less they would wonder about what was going on in the library. So Roderic got out of the chair, making his expression appropriately serious and stood in front of the girls.

- Now, now starling. – He said to Ellin mock seriously. – We wouldn’t want your father to think your mother raised a little Wildling would we now? You are a daughter of the de Argosy family. – He teased her with a smile, although the girl carried Turin’s family name. – Show me what your mother, grantante, cousin Rihannon and Hannah taught you.

Ellin took this as a challenge and rose and with all the seriousness a 7-year-old could muster, and this one could muster a lot of it, performed a proper greeting. He smiled and asked her to do it again, and again, making slight corrections. He could see that the girl understood this as a game of sorts and soon Hannah joined in, allowing him to step away from the girls and walk over to the window. He put his hands behind his back and gazed through the window not looking for anything in particular, letting his mind wander.

Because his thoughts wandered it took a moment for him to register the maroon colour he saw earlier from the library window. He blinked, and focused his keen eyes on it and saw that the flash of maroon was actually the colour of a man’s shirt. From what he could see from this distance, the man (Red) was sitting on a step out of sight of the ground floor of the house (but visible from the 1st floor at this angle) and was watching the gate. His black hair fell to his shoulder and from what Roderic could see they were almost the same height. His mind immediately turned to the thought he had earlier, about Turin being followed. Now that he had more time to think and observe the man who was watching their house an instinct told him that the man (Red) was indeed there because of Turin, and he was probably there as a friend to make sure his cousin’s husband actually goes to his wife instead of… Somewhere that was not his wife’s house?

Roderic snorted and as he did so a harebrained plan worthy of some of Bran’s schemes formed in his mind. He wished his brother was here so he could partake in this, he had a feeling Bran would rather like this, but he was sailing on his vessel the Serenissima and not entirely for the reason he mentioned earlier to his cousin.
- Master Roderic? – He heard Hannah’s concerned voice and without turning from the window he motioned for her to come stand next to him. Both girls walked over to the window and from the corner of his eye he noticed that they were looking at him with concern.
- Hannah do you see the man down there, the one in the maroon coloured shirt? – He asked and the russet haired girl and she leaned slightly to get a better look.
- Yes sir. Although I think it’s more oxblood than maroon. – She said and he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. – The shirt, I mean. Sir.
He burst out laughing, this day was really taking some quite interesting twists and turns. – I’m sure the man will appreciate our precise definition of the dark red shade of his shirt. – He replied still laughing while the girls were still looking at him with concern. It was time to explain this harebrained Bran worthy scheme to them.
- I believe that the man watching our house is a friend of Ellin’s father. – He said watching their reactions; so far so good but he decided not to divulge his opinion on why the man was sitting across their house watching the front door. – As we already established that we did not raise Wildlings in this family… – Both girls giggled at that and he flashed a quick smile at them. – And it would be extremely rude not to invite the man in for dinner don’t you agree?

Both girls were nodding in excited agreement now and he knew no matter how harebrained his little idea was, that the girls saw it as some sort of game Bran might play with them, for his brother was the one who came up with such plans. In a way they were all representing Bran in this; seeing something, making a plan no matter how silly and running with it to see where it goes. It was amusing in a way and it took everyone’s mind from the couple who saw each other for the first time in years and were resolve their issues. He smiled and gathered the girls close to him, it was time to get this game afoot.

NPC Hannah

If someone had told her this morning, that before the sun set she would be an eager participant of master Roderic’s absurdly interesting plan, a plan that his brother Bran was more likely to come up with, because master Bran was more adventurous and prone to coming up with schemes like that… Suffice to say she would not have believed any of it. She was already nervous about being in the White City; and today has been more than exciting. And now this, she barely wrap her head around it; and here she was in the kitchen with master Roderic and miss Ellin with the housekeeper, cook and Oswald all watching master Roderic like he grew a second head or something when he came in the kitchen with her and Ellin in tow and calmly announced that they were going to have another unannounced guest for dinner. Like having her mistress’ estranged husband appear unexpectedly from thin air didn’t cause enough commotion in the household!

Perhaps the fact that they would have another unannounced guest would not be so strange had master Roderic not said, equally calmly (but with open amusement, he was clearly enjoying this!) that she was to go out and bring the man a goblet of spiced wine and extend the invitation. So here she was, her russet hair in a messy updo, opening the door of the house, stepping out to the atrium and walking toward the main gate carrying a goblet of spiced wine to the man (Red) in the dark red shirt upon whose shade name they could not agree. For a moment she entertained the thought that she would she have enough cheek to ask the man to clarify that dilemma, but quickly concluded that master Roderic would most likely be the one to ask that question as a curveball of sorts.

She thought she caught an expression of surprise on the handsome man’s (Red) face as she approached him with the goblet in hand, but she could not be certain because she was trying very, very, like extremely hard not to blush or stutter, or forget what she needed to say.
- Good evening sir. – She started and held out the goblet with spiced wine to him. – Master Roderic sends his regards and he would like to cordially invite you, in his own and his cousin Nessa’s name, to join the family for an unplanned dinner party.
There, it was done and she didn’t even stutter once, although she was blushing, but that couldn’t be helped. Unless mistress would be willing to lend Hannah her cosmetics, and somehow she didn’t see that happening in the near future.

Nessa with Turin

They sat silently on the couch for a while listening to the sound of the crackling fire. Nessa held her husband’s hand, patiently waiting for him to marshal his thoughts, trying to show him with small touches that he was safe here with her. That she would listen without interrupting anything he wanted or needed to say. She also knew he would probably not say everything, most likely because some information couldn’t be divulged, but he would also try to shield her from the horrors he had seen.

After a while her husband started speaking of his last mission that happened at the end of the War. It was a grim tale, at least the parts he was allowed to speak of, and she dreaded to think what things he was withholding from her. When Turin told her how a woman he was trying to apprehend chose suicide by throwing herself on his blade she let out a gasp and quickly covered her mouth with her other hand.
She was equally horrified and fascinated by the woman’s choice; her thoughts once more going back to the words she said to Lord Denethor’s men when they ordered that the women and children evacuate the city. She thought she was being calculatingly defiant back then, telling them that if the City would breached that she would slit her daughter’s and her own throat rather than leave her home. But could she had truly have done this? Could she truly take her own life, like the woman who Turin tried to arrest, rather than to face a fate worse than death? She thought she knew the answer, now she wasn’t so sure. Equally, she was glad that she never had to put her words to the test.

Turin continued to speak about the mission, but her thoughts were still on that unnamed woman and her actions. It seemed strange to her, and it would probably sound strange if she ever asked details about that woman, would he even tell her more about the woman, was he even allowed to tell her more about the woman? Nessa couldn’t help but be curious and wanted to know why she did this, if the woman had children and was that the reason why she did what she did? Why choose death, when you could have a chance of escaping? Or perhaps death was an escape for her? Her thoughts circled around the possibility that the woman had children, children who might want to seek revenge over the man who in people’s eyes killed their mother? Did they look for her husband, was that a part of the reason he did not come back to them? Was he protecting them by staying away?

But it seemed like that thought hadn’t occurred to Turin, or there were no children or relatives to worry about, because now he was speaking of someone else, another unnamed man who saved his life at the battlefield. Why was he withholding their names? Was he not allowed to, or was speaking the name of someone who died for him difficult? She forced her own curiosity down, she would not force him to give her names if he did not want to, no matter how important she felt that was. She wanted to honour this unnamed man who saved her husband’s life, even though she saw that her husband felt tremendous guilt about this.

He continued his story speaking how his guilt, despair and darkness from that last mission led him to resign on the spot and leave for the Brown Lands, because he thought he was a broken man. Did he not know how many times she too was bowed and bent and broken? How many times she had to pick up the shattered pieces of her life and glue herself back together for their daughter, for her family… She knew she was being irrationally angry, that their situations were not the same; she had family members around her, family members who loved her and would be there for her whenever she needed it… He did not have that comfort of cousins and aunts and uncles that she had, and she still felt a flicker of old anger and resentment at him for thinking that he was alone in the world…

Turin continued to speak about the Woven Outcast, a clan a rogue elves he was a part of, and then of his farm in the Brown Lands. She listened quietly, trying to withhold judgement and willed herself not to feel angry or resentful, because those feelings were not helping either of them resolve their problems. But it was so hard, so very, very hard when he mentioned the arrival of her letters, the letter he kept like precious treasure, and yet not made a move. Her free hand clenched into a fist, her fingernails breaking her skin. She willed herself to breathe, focusing on her breathing in order to remain calm, although she wanted to cry out asking Why?! Why?! Why?! Why did he need his King to summon him to come back, why was she not enough?

Nessa knew that her husband regretted his actions, that he knew he was wrong, his actions conformed that; he came here by his own free will and was here before her, ready to face her wrath, confessing all of this to her was proof enough of this. But she was only a woman, and a woman had a limit to how much she could brake… Again she tried to push those thoughts aside, think like a healer and rid herself of those emotions. There would be time enough for that, now she needed to use this bile and anger within her as a weapon to fight an even greater darkness around them. She felt him take her hand and he brought it to his lips, kissing it and she turned to look him in the eyes. It helped, this tenderness he showed with this touch. She took another deep breath and blinking the tears out of her eyes she looked at him and spoke quietly, controlling her voice.

- I cannot even begin to express how angry and frustrated and hurt I am now… I also know that those feelings will not help either of us, so I am trying so very hard not to allow them to consume me… – She paused taking another breath, making another pause so she could continue speaking calmly. – You speak of being a bad husband… But equally I was a bad wife. – She looked at him and saw that her words shocked him and she laughed bitterly. – A “good wife” would have found her husband, or sent someone to find him and drag him home, or would have followed him to the ends of the earth... – She let go of his hand stood up and walked to the fireplace. She turned to him and continued. – I did neither. When I received your letters I could see from them that you were hurting and that you were not ready to come back. I wanted you to come back out of your own free will, when you were ready, not because I sent my cousin Bran to find you and march you to me at sword point. – She saw that he did not think that could come to pass, but he did not know Bran. – And trust me Bran would have done it with pleasure! But this was not what I wanted done, because that would have been all wrong.

She started pacing the room nervously, knowing that it wasn’t helping her to calm down, but that nervous energy had to go somewhere. She knew he was observing her, following the movements of her dress, she must look like a caged lioness to him, but her appearance was the last thing on her mind right now. She sighed and turned to him feeling utterly exhausted from this day. She placed her fingers on her temples and massaged them in the hopes she would prevent a migraine.

- Oh Eru I am making a mess out of this! – She exclaimed suddenly lowering down her hands. – There are so many things I want to say to you, but in the state that I’m in they’ll all sound wrong and twisted… – She stopped as her eyes filled with tears; she had no more strength to fight them so she let them fall. – I… Could you just hold me for a moment? Please, I just need you to hold me…

Through the fresh wave of tears she saw him get up, walk to her and then she felt him wrap his hands around her, hugging her tightly. She buried her head into his chest and allowed herself to be held and cry freely.
She/her.
Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant
Image

Loremaster of Gondor
Points: 353 
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 4:31 am
De Argosy family house – Minas Tirith, 4th circle near the Lower Fountain Court

Nessa said the very words he had a feeling would come. “I cannot even begin to express how angry and frustrated and hurt I am now.” She did follow it with admitting it wouldn’t help them with working out the problems they had. Which he internally agreed with. He just wanted to say he understood her anger and that he deserved it. But then she said something he was not expecting. “You speak of being a bad husband. But equally I was a bad wife.” He didn’t believe it for a second. Apparently she saw that on his face and laughed.

“A ‘good wife’ would have found her husband, or sent someone to find him and drag him home, or would have followed him to the ends of the earth.” She continued. It made sense. She then brought up another cousin who would have been more than happy to hunt him down to bring him back, and at sword point even. As much as he wanted to say, he would love to see this guy try, he did have to admit, some of his skills had deteriorated a bit from non use. But still, he had been the captain of the swordsmen of Gondor. And that title didn’t come without a lot of hard work and dedication.

By this point, Nessa had begun pacing. Turin quickly checked on his sword and scabbard he’d placed on the floor next to the couch when he’d sat down earlier. He didn’t want it getting too hot being next to the fire. He felt a twinge of guilt for taking his eyes off his wife for that moment to do that, but Nessa seemed to be working herself up and calming herself down at the same time. Finally, she just asked for him to hold her. There was no denying her of this.

He immediately approached and wrapped his arms around her and held her close as she cried. He let his own tears flow as well.

She was so much stronger than when they’d parted. He remembered her when he left on that mission. She was soft ... gentle ... silk. She was still silk to him, and always would be, but she was stronger now. Now here she was, practically head of her family. Like her grandmother was years ago. Could he have done that? He doubted it. Then again, his mother was a farmer and he'd done that. His dad had been a simple trader. He took goods from one place and sold them at another. It was a simple enough thing to do.

He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her head, following the natural flow of her hair with his right hand. After a couple minutes of this, he held her face and had her look at him. He kissed her lips and then pulled back again. “Lie down on that couch there while I get you something to drink. Want anything to munch on while I’m at it?” She shrugged.

“Got it.” Turin said. Kissing her forehead once more. Nessa seemed amused at this, but he didn’t care. As much pain as he was in, she was in a lot of pain too. Why didn’t he see it before? He couldn’t just unload all of his pain and expect to be taken care of. He had to take care of her. That was something he knew he had to do.

He opened the door and stepped out. He turned and saw outside the door a tray of cups, and a couple pitchers. One with hot tea, the other cool water. Also on the tray was some nuts, cheese, and various other snacks. “Looks like someone had the same idea. Thank you whoever it was.” He thought.

Picking up the tray, he returned to the library and closed the door behind him. “Voilà my love. I have returned.” He placed the tray on a nearby table and filled one of the cups with the hot tea. He saw the saucers as well, and was very tempted to ignore them, but as much as he really couldn’t care less about all that etiquette and stuff that her family used, he did want to show he wasn’t a complete slob. While he was preparing this, Nessa sat up and watched. He placed the cup on the saucer and handed it over to her. She smiled and started to take a sip. He then grabbed one of the small plates and loaded an assortment of the snacks and went to hand it over as well. He then realized a good reason why he didn’t care about the saucers. She was holding the cup in one hand, and the saucer in the other. She now couldn’t take her plate of snacks. But apparently, his thoughtfulness drew a chuckle from her, so he chuckled too. She set the cup back on the saucer and took the plate and set it upon her lap.

He prepared a cup of water for himself, ignoring the saucer this time, and a plate of nuts and cheese. He the sat next to her and grinned. “Small snack before the main course. Curious as to what is being prepared, but I guess I’ll find out later.”

There was silence for a few minutes while they snacked. “So um. I mentioned earlier needing to get stuff from the house in the brown lands.” He wanted to tread lightly on that. He didn’t want to make things worse than they already were. “Don’t have to do that immediately by any means. It’s just that, there are some specific items that I’d really like to get back from there. That includes some presents I have for you and Ellin. I mean, I did miss birthdays for the both of you, and a few anniversaries. Not that I think that those things would make up for anything.” He bowed his head. “I feel like I’m doing nothing but apologizing.”

He finished his cup of water, then got up to refill it, and topped off Nessa’s drink as well, then returned to his seat next to her. “While I had done work on the irrigation channels for the farm, I also did some checking for some ... well, I don’t want to ruin the surprise. I think you two will like what I have for you. Just have to have them retrieved.” He munched on some cheese.

“So, I’ve told what all happened to me over the past three years.” He said. Though a flash of a memory of someone he did not mention did came through his mind. But this was not the time to talk about that person. That encounter could, and very likely should be left for another day. “How has the last few years for you been, other than the obvious lack of, well yeah. ... I can see you’ve grown quite strong in our time apart. You hold yourself very well. I imagine your cousin ... Roderic was it, is proud of the woman you’ve become. I know I am. I have doubts I could run all of this.” He said looking around. “I’m more of a ‘go there and kill that’ kind of guy.”

He hoped that last kind-of sort-of joke would help lighten the mood.
Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy- Stonewall Jackson
Hubris guarantees disaster.- T C

Chief Counsellor of Gondor
Points: 2 909 
Posts: 1281
Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 8:37 am
Unalmis Raxelilta
On the Queen’s quest – Post 1
at the Great Gate, First Circle/Entrance/Exit/The beginning


I am meant for training with the Rangers of Gondor. My dear old grandmother is coming up from Harlond with her gammy knee and needs me to meet her. There is an epidemic of mice in the city and I must round up all of the cats that can be found. There is a Uruk-Hai drowning an infant in the Anduin and I must save it ! There is a bandit whom I must pursue lest he gets away, having stole the Red Arrow of Gondor no less ..

The latest of a long line of attempts at least saw the gate guard raise an eyebrow.
Have you stolen the Red Arrow and now seek to flee with your ill-gotten prize ?” he asked of the young man, suddenly quite stern.

Nal blew dark hair out of his face. “If I did, I … swear … I would have stabbed myself with it long before now, rather than carry on this rigmarole a moment longer .. ooh …” Noting that the sentry had extended one arm, in a gesture for the youth to depart, he did just that. Finally. And swiftly. Before the old fool changed his mind !


Fortunately the sentry had satisfied his humour for the day. Little did most realise how difficult it was to make your own fun when you are stood guard in the hot sun and in full armour no less, .. ALL DAY !! What with checking trading papers from travelling merchants, and looking through wagons for smuggled goods ... They had given up the try at confiscating weapons from entering the city, as ‘somebody’ had dropped the box with all the tickets assigned, and there had been a hullaballoo when people came back to claim what they said was theirs on the way out.

Of course, it could be argued that if the guards were minding more their business instead of finding humour from a randomly selected passerby, then perhaps they would have took more care about their actual obligations. That said, the war was over. If the King could let his hair down (and wash it, after all that ragged rangering away to the north), then who should suppose his gate guards might do elseways ? And all of this was by and large besides the point of course, because the young man had made it to his destination. Which was a start. And providing he did not get further distracted, which was entirely possible, he might even find the end of his quest. Or at least what he had been tasked with finding along the way.
Last edited by Ercassie on Sun Jul 05, 2020 9:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not touched by the frost.

Locked