The Old Guesthouse

Seven Stars and Seven Stones and One White Tree.
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The Old Guesthouse

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Located in the Lampwright’s Street in the First Circle of the White City stands a large building of grey weathered stone. The main part of the house is set back from the street and two wings extend from the main house toward the wide paved street. Many windows give eyes to a porch with pillars, and a flight of steps leading down from the porch to a green lawn in front of the house.

You have come to the Old Guesthouse, an inn frequented by the city folk as well as visitors to Minas Tirith. These lodgings offer a place to stay to anyone needing a room, and a homely environment for enjoying a meal or sharing time in company of friends and clanking pints to drink to a long, good life!

The barkeeper Edgor is a widowed man with long, graying and thinning hair, and a salty face, which speaks for years spent at the seas. The knowing smile he greets guests with reveals that he has wits for greater challenges than polishing glasses behind the bar. Edgor is keen to observe his customers and gather information, so be careful what you trust to this good listener, as he’s known to be a well of information for an agreed price.

Tables reserved for dining are stationed near the bar. There’s room for larger groups as well as for those who wish to dine alone and the atmosphere is both rustic and merry. Behind the corner in another tall chamber stand smaller tables and singular chairs for spending a longer evening, sit down at a game of dice or smoke a pipe and discuss secrets of pipe weeds, or engage in any other creative entertainment!


Hints and Tips

- Edgor is an NPC in everyone’s free use.

- Posts over 300 characters are encouraged.

- Behave! (you know... plaza rules/policies and overall kindness to each other)
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This time Pele did not care much about what first - or two hundredth - impression she left on people in the establishment, when she stepped through the door. What was foremost in her mind was to find something warm and filling to sate her hunger. However, she put in some effort to brush off the dirt and make herself more or less presentable. Still, her uniform was a far cry from clean, and some mud had settled some strands of hair that had escaped her bun making these stick out every which way.

"Anything at all ready for consumption, Edgor?" she called out at the innkeep as soon as she had reached the counter and caught his attention. "And sorry for any muddy puddles I might leave around your pretty clean place..."

"I might just have to ask you to stay out on the doorstep," he noted, taking in the sight before him, though a lopsided grin meant he was not overly serious. "S'pose you want some tea, and perhaps I could get you a plateful of meat and taters to go with it."

The offer of food met an affirmative grunt from Pele, as she stood around and wondered which seat she should occupy to avoid being immediately noticed by any other newcomers - she did not intend to chase customers away with her dishevelled looks.
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Draugûrdaer was exhausted after days and days of travelling. How many days had it been? He’d lost count, that that he could actually count mind you. He knew he was headed toward the fabled White City of the South. When he started from the Valley of Rivendell, he wasn’t exactly sure what he was walking toward or why, but there was a calling deep within his canine soul that told him he must go. And Draugûrdaer was not the kind of wolfhound that would deny call of his soul. Perhaps there was something in the city that needed his attention or some problem that he needed to solve there. But in a city of so many humans and canines, what was so special about him? It was a puzzle, that was for sure. Normally Draugûrdaer didn’t like puzzles, unless they were the kind that dispensed savory meat treats upon solving, but he could feel something different in this puzzle. Would there be a reward? Who could say? In cities there was always the Dog Star’s weight in bacon bits, venison strips, fatty beef trimmings, and turkey legs to keep any hound satisfied.

Entering the city was easy enough. With his noble bearing, Draugûrdaer had been able to pass as a farmer’s hound and none of the guards questioned it. The farmer himself gave him a greasy bite of chicken before he went on his way. Stealing down an alley he began to let his nose guide him. Now that he was in the city, he needed to find out why he was in the city. Sadly, the spitz-wolfhound mix had no idea where to start looking for something like that. Dogs were not exactly philosophical by nature. They followed their nose, their instinct, or their stomach.

There were so many smells to investigate here. Some of them sweet and fruity, others were more visceral and dangerous. In a city this size, one ought to be on guard, but the myriad smells were so distracting! And it did not help that Draugûrdaer was truly getting hungry. A few scraps of chicken were not going to satisfy a dog nearly the size of a small pony. He took a drink from a trough meant for horses (a few of them gave him meaningful and disdainful looks before he moved off) and began to search for a place that might accommodate his curiosity and his hunger. Inns and taverns were a good place to look, they often had backdoors that were not too difficult to manage that lead into the kitchens.

He walked for what felt like hours, following this scent or that down alleys, over garden walls, under fences, and once through an old man’s open front door. Finally he managed to make it to the Second Circle (not that he knew this was the Second Circle, being a dog) where most of the good inns, pubs, and taverns were lined. He dodged a few rocks thrown at him from stalls in the Marketplace (though he did mark who had thrown the rocks so he could come back later for a form of retribution) and finally made it to the Wayfarer’s Inn. Naturally, being an illiterate wolfhound, Draugûrdaer didn’t know this but he found it satisfying all the same.

However, instead of running around back to see if he could sneak in and steal away into the kitchens, he decided he was going to march right in through the front door. Why not? There were no signs saying his kind were not allowed and would not be served. Perhaps inside was a clue to his purpose in the city. Either way, the smell was too good to let pass.
Strange Fruit got holes in the flesh but it ain't gonn' spoil cause it never was fresh

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It only took a short while for Edgor to put together a meal for Pele, though to her it seemed like a rather long time. When he reappeared, she slid the coins towards him on the counter and scooped up the order, turning to go and find a seat while indicating at the same time that she was not about to stay at the counter and entertain the talkative innkeep.

As she set off across the floor, balancing the plate and the mug of tea, she found a big dog entering the establishment. "Hey, Edgor, is this the new guard you have hired or something?" she asked, as she stepped past the four-legged customer and settled at the table near the window. From there she'd be able to watch the street and observe the goings on, as she satisfied her hunger.

Stretching out the legs, she simply sat back for a few moments, looking out the window and then turning her attention to the food. Popping a potato in her mouth, she looked to see what the big pooch would be up to, and whether Edgor would spare a treat for him.
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Narradir Korsey and Addhor Raxëlilta


That is without a doubt, the most stupid of ideas you’ve ever had.

Leave it to Narradir to offer his opinion, without it ever being asked for. The giant of a man was used to having himself intrude upon most circumstances, since he did take up such an almighty size of room. Even here, sat at a table of the inn, the forester looked as though he were sat at a child-size school desk. His elbows covered most of the table, his sleeves drenched in the puddles there that his jovial gesturing had stolen from his ale, and his knees rose high on either side of the bench he had commandeered, like a pair of mountains.

Not true,” his oldest friend gave his words with less volume, though rather more mirth. A subtle smile betrayed an inexperienced bluff, as Addhor leant back, taking mock offence at the other man’s outburst.

One finger raised as if to argue, the broader man slowly relented into more sedate agreement, though he shook his head with amusement all of his own to do so. “But you can’t honestly be fixing on going alone ?

The other said nothing, but sank his silence into a drink.

Come on !Narradir leant both palms hard so that the table creaked, and bore across the space to showcase quite how keen he was. “Let me come. It will be just like old times ! A bit of an adventure ..

Your wife is an adventure I would not care to explain to, should you ride off when she has a want of you at home,” the slighter man scoffed, having raised his drink and now lowered it, for fear of spilling. “I am answerable to no one” he mentioned airily, until the line of his mouth straightened and he sobered himself with the sentiment.

You’ll damn well answer to me !Narradir rocked back on his seat, caught his balance and then leant in as though he were whispering some secret. That all and sundry could hear quite easily. “Especially since I know exactly who we both know in Rohan ..

An index finger rose on his friend’s hand, and conducted the louder man to stifle his excitement. For he had no wish for all the entire establishment to know his business. “Last seen in Rohan,” he did a far better impression of a hush word, “and near ten years ago at that. That’s nary to do with it besides. This is business, which is why you have to keep here and mind the business. We can’t both go.” And having made his point in common sense, Addhor believed, for just a moment, that he was done.

But it had been much joy which saw the two friends of old reunited since the war, long since the trying times before which had rendered them separate. So he could not fault the other man for company, and ought to have known better, all the years they had known one another.


I still don’t see why I can’t go, and you stay here,” The forester pouted, as though he were a petulant infant. “There’s no point going just to try and prove a point. Just because things didn’t work out with the ..” a sharp look from his friend saw the suggestion end there, the forester drawing a resolute line across his lips, remorsefully. “When was the last time that you even stood next to a horse, let alone ride one that far a way ?” He tried a new line of protest. But would not be heard.

Was a day I’d never even seen a horse before,Addhor shrugged, “and somehow still I managed well enough back then. If I did that day, with no experience behind me, I certainly can now that I have.

Was a time you could keep up with me at sup,Narradir downed the last of his drink, cast the back of his other hand across his mouth, and smacked his lips, contentedly. “Things change” he laid down his challenge.

Brown eyes evaded four empty tankards which his friend had laid waste to, even as that friend watched on expectantly, tipping his nose toward untouched drink, as though he were coaxing a baby to eat up. Addhor kept him waiting, considering the cool refreshment in his grasp as though it were an unexploded bomb. It wasn’t excessive, he told himself. One, once a week. That was the agreement. And it was Unalmis who’d told him he couldn’t go the rest of his life scared of a drink. That was as much giving it power over him as was the other .. He wasn’t much for taking advice from his son, but on this occasion, there was a ring of some appeal to it.

Narradir raised both hands, clapping them down loudly as he all but chanted encouragement with his own widening grey eyes. He was either the worst possible influence or most proud supporter of his friend, and maybe both. The want to otherwise seize up the ale himself and be done with the thing, the forester instead broke out into an uproar of song.

Drink with me to days gone by
Sing with me the songs we knew.
Here’s to pretty girls who went to our heads
Here’s to witty girls who went to our beds.
Here’s to them and here’s to you.

Drink with me to days gone by
To the life that used to be
At the shrine of friendship never say die
Let the wine of friendship never run dry
Here’s to you and here’s to me !
” ***


A resounding drumroll concluded the impromptu performance, but the artist frowned to note his audience wince and, even more bewildering, ducking down rather ineffectively in his seat as Pele spoke up to Edgor across the room.

What it is ?Narradir ducked down too, although with an overly exaggerated drop and a lot of noise. A hand was raised across his friend’s lips, in warning or in plea. But curiosity got the better of the burlier man, who sat up and craned his neck to see. “It’s only Pele” the forester laughed, moments later, and was granted an almighty shove off his chair for his trouble. Which made more noise than the huge man could even have managed on his own.

Rubbing his behind, Narradir rose to his formidable height, inched the tankard closer to his hesitant friend and then turned and bowed before the Healer/Ranger. Tipping a hand to his brow, he waved his farewells to Edgor and forsook his friend, coming close to tripping over an over-sized dog as he dared a glance back and a knowing wink that rose a groan and pursed annoyance from the table he had left behind.

For his part Addhor lifted his tankard in one hand, pensively, to measure the remnants. Drinking alone was a very bad idea. Particularly when Master Healers were at hand with their far healthier lifestyles. On the other hand, it was a waste of hard earned coin to walk out on all the elixir that was left. Quietly the carpenter’s brow wrinkled into far more contemplation which was normal and, as Edgor passed idly by and swept up his friend’s several emptied tankards, it was a tellingly natural instinct for Addhor to cup the ale in both hands wrapped close around the base of the thing. He held on a good while before letting go, loosing a long breath, and then returning to his thoughts. He would get to it. Maybe. Maybe he even shouldn’t. But there again .. he frowned.

How about something to eat, so you can wash that on down with ?Edgor appeared out of nowhere to drop a hand on the carpenter’s shoulder.

Sounds like a plan,Addhor admitted gratefully, and visibly relaxed in his seat as the all-knowing innkeeper made off to make up another plate.

**(‘Drink with me’ lyrics from the Musical ‘Les Miserables’)
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.

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Naela

A dainty foot nudged the heavy wooden door open, barely managing to slip in before a gust of wind caught it and slammed it back shut. Flustered Naela shifted the stack of books in her arms and fought to lower the hood on her cloak as she mumbled an apology as she stepped further inside. Barely managing to sidestep the huge dog, fumbling to catch one of the books that threatened to slip from her grasp, she dropped the stack onto a nearby table with an exasperated sigh.

She was usually far more gracious, yet it seemed like today she was going to be all left feet. "Hot cider, as usual?" Edgor called from behind the bar counter, receiving a grateful nod as it meant she would not have to make her way up to get it. With how today was going she would likely spill it before even getting a sip. Her mouth already watering at the rare treat, she dropped onto the creaking chair and tried to make the pile of medical books a little neater, not even realising that her mentor and employer was sat right behind her by the window, or that her first "patient" was just on the other side of the room.

Instead she pulled out her well-used notebook and grabbed a couple of the books from the stack, only lifting her head long enough to give Edgor a grateful smile as he placed the steaming cider in front of her along with a bowl of stew and plate of warm rolls, the butter already having melted into them. Ignoring the loud growl from her belly, she dove into the books, making several notes which were scribbled in her small and neat handwriting.

But as dedicated as she was to her studies, there was only so much one could do to fend off the delicious smells of stew, freshly baked rolls and warm cider and finally she pushed the books aside and delved into the glorious food. Picking out a chuck of the beef, she tossed it to the large dog, only briefly wondering when Edgor had gotten it, before dipping a roll in the thick gravy, savouring the rich taste with a pleased sigh.

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@Ercassie
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Ademar Androllius
Posing as Aderic Androllius, Lieutenant of the Tower Watch


The week so far was proving quite boring. It was only just beginning, of course, so Ademar was trying not to feel too discouraged. But it was incredibly dull work, watching all the people coming in and out through the South Gate, all day long. Complaining about traffic jam, and wondering why the guard insisted on searching every wagon and carriage, etc. He’d requested the post, of course, and it was what he wanted.. to be able to catch the elusive thief if she should happen to dare come to this fayre. But would she? He had no idea, and only posted himself here on the off chance that she might risk it. She might think that there were enough crowds to hide in. She might slip up and make a mistake, and if she did, he’d be there, ready to snatch her. But so far, the first few days had been uneventful and there had been no sign of her.

He’d spotted a few young people about the right size as her, and had gotten a few strange looks from their families as he insisted on having a good look at their faces. Let them wonder. He was a guard, or so the uniform would have them believe, and he had a right to search anyone who seemed suspicious. He had a perfectly legitimate excuse, after all; there was a wanted criminal on the loose who somewhat resembled them, and which posed a threat to the kingdom. He made that last part up, of course, but they didn’t have to know that.

This day had been just beginning, and Ademar was on his way to report for duty at his post when he was approached by one of the performers for the fayre, with a complaint. Ademar wasn’t interested in whatever problems these folk may have had, but when he heard the man mention theft, his interest became piqued and he listened more attentively. It seemed some of the performer’s gear had been going missing. Ademar asked a few more questions. Not just any gear.. gear that could help disguise a person.

Feeling excited, he quickly assured the man that he would look into it right away, and did exactly that. Perhaps it was her? The thief which had caused so much trouble for him could be here after all! But, perhaps, instead of coming through the gate, where he had been looking.. she may have been here all the while! It was with some disappointment, therefore, that he discovered the true culprit for the missing disguises. An old associate which he hadn't seen in a while. Mar almost laughed when he realized it was him, not the girl, who had been hiding out here, stealing things from the actors, disguising himself and all of that. It must have alarmed the man when he was discovered by a guard. Until Ademar smirked and asked a simple, but revealing question. “How is Halsad these days?”



That had led to where he was now. Entering the Guesthouse Inn, Mar took a brief glance around, noting those who were giving patronage to the inn this evening, and promptly turned his steps toward the guest rooms in search of the one where he was to meet Ark. He was curious what the man was up to these days, in Minas Tirith, and had agreed to meet with him once he was off duty (he couldn’t afford to miss a moment at the gate, just in case, after all). At the same time, though, Mar didn’t particularly want to draw too much attention to himself. He wasn’t sure who all knew Ric, and preferred not to get into any awkward situations, such as with the one man he’d seen in there. He happened to know he was the father of one of the boys Mar used to bother at school, years ago, and while he had no idea if the man would recognize him, or even know a thing about the matter.. it was best not to take chances. And then there was the ranger sergeant, she might know Ric, though he wasn’t sure, and while he was sure he could pull of the impersonation flawlessly, it was best if no one spoke to “Ric”, lest the real Ric later learn of it and begin to figure out Mar's actions.

The false guard stopped at the door to the agreed-upon room, knocking once, followed by a pause, then two more knocks. As he waited, he let his thoughts stray to that barkeeper. They were often the ones to watch out for, as they typically noticed anyone coming in or out. He might be able to be of some help in Mar's search, but for the moment, he was thinking more about whether he’d been seen by the barkeep. He also wasn’t sure if it mattered. As long as he didn’t engage in too many conversations with anyone, then his cover ought to remain intact. Ric didn’t generally go out of his way to strike up conversations with people, after all, and so it wouldn’t be the least bit unusual for him to walk right past someone and go on about his own business. He was safe in this regard, then, and smiled to himself as he thought about how ridiculously predictable his brother was. It made it beyond easy to impersonate him, and then…whatever things Mar did here, if there was any trouble to come of it, Ric would be the one to take the blame, not Mar. It was a perfect scheme.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Only for a few moments did Pele look outside to observe the street and passers-by; focusing on nothing and letting her mind roam was not easy with all that off-key (at least it seemed so to her) singing and overall loud behaviour. Fork in hand, almost like a weapon at ready, she levelled a stare at Narradir, and a small grin spread on her lips when she noted the level of discomfort the whole scene caused to Addhor.

Yet, she suppressed laughter that threatened to escape her, and slowly and with relish finished off her meal, as she than found herself looking at Naela's back. The young woman was indeed a very diligent and hard-working student, and Pele figured that with people like this they would not run out of good healers.

Done with the meal, Pele picked up her mug of tea and came to stand next to Naela's table. "Just make sure you don't stain any of those books with food," she commented, her blue eyes glinting with humour. "I am not sure I'd be able to convince the librarian that it was by accident rather than a premediated damage of material values." And yet, she was sure that Naela would not need any reminders to be careful with the books. "What is it that you are exploring these days?" she asked, while trying to come to a conclusion from looking at the stacked books.
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Naela

Completely absorbed in the text of the thick book in front of her on the table, Naela had raised a spoonful of stew to her mouth, but had yet to actually eat it. Leaving it hanging in front of her mouth, her face had the look of both horror and fascination, so engrossed by what she was she was reading that she did not immediately realise that someone was speaking to her.

Finally it clicked that the question had been for her and with a bemused expression she looked up and behind her to see that Pele was standing there awaiting an answer.

"Miss.. Uh, Pele! Hi! Oh, I would never stain the books!"

As if just realising she still had the spoon hovering in front of her face, she quickly returned it to the bowl, heaving an inward sigh of relief when she saw she had not spilled any of it on any of the books. Appetite completely gone at the thought of almost ruining the ancient books, she swallowed hard forcing her to push out her answer in a strained voice.

"I promise I will be more careful." Looking bashful, she fidgetted on the chair for a few long moments until she recalled there had been another question.

"Oh um.. well I was reading about childbirths, because uh.. Miss Liriel and her babes.." She had never really known of any twins, never even given it any thought that there could be as many as two in the stomach at the same time. She had visited the new mother as much as she could while she was at the Houses of Healing, doting on the little boys as much as everyone else had seemed to, as well as marvelled over just how much the two looked alike.

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Arkadhur, meeting with Ademar
A Guest room, @Rillewen

A cunning locale in the First Circle meant that Edgor was well placed to observe countless comings and goings. It was also an exceedingly smart way to attract customers, by being among the first drinking hall and lodgings that a weary traveller would come across, upon their arrival in the White City. The rumours that the landlord had his price for any information made it likely as a haunt for Rangers and the Tower Guard to frequent as well. For this reason, and the fact that he had small funds to afford the customs, Arkadhur had made a point of evading the Guesthouse.

Until today. Today it would have the honour of staging his greatest performance. Well, his latest performance at the least. There were a few notable examples he was especially proud of in his past.


Today a veritable portion of his time had been spent on how to attend the agreed meeting point, without walking into his own execution, head in hands. That said of course, to refuse was a most risky undertaking also. Ademar was privy to far too much detail to leave be, and believe that Arkadhur would be left be in return. On the one hand, the furtive Umbarian had been most fortunate that it was his old acquaintance, and not the brother Mar was clearly masquerading as, who had come across him. Else he might already be stewing in a cell for the embarrassing offence of petty theft. On the other hand, he had sworn never to trust an accomplice again, having been so recently sold out. He had not been looking for a partner, and he wasn’t utterly convinced he wanted one. But as ever, life managed to surprise him.

As though he might distance himself from the danger, Arkadhur had veiled his true self in disguise. His personal breed of armour was enigma but now his vast hoard of supplies at the White Tree Theatre were lost to him. The various guest rooms of the inn would assuredly prove beneficial before he left the establishment, drawers and trunks full of fare .. But to make arrival at the place at all, there was but one skin he yet retained and could safely step into.

The wisp of a near threadbare beard from his chin matched the dark shroud of his false hair, which strangled it’s thinning tail down his back. The tattered long coat leant him something of a flair, a theatrical aura, as did the unsettling green tinge in his eyes. The lie of the look caused him no small agony and a consequent squint, but he was well used to discomfort for the sake of the greater prize. The gloves though he enjoyed the wearing of. As though he did not wish to make true contact with the scene he spun around him. Edgor would easily recall such a one as he appeared, Arkadhur bitterly acknowledged. But he was meeting with what appeared a well-known Guard of the Tower, which should afford them some modicum of privacy. Not all well intentioned citizens were keen to be observed marching up to the office of the City’s law. Some preferred their anonymity. He had small doubt that he was the first ‘informant’ to make use of the GuestHouse. He might be the very last that the landlord betrayed though, if Edgor proved so foolish at that.

The assiduous actor made certain to arrive first, for he liked to scrutinise his surroundings and get as good a feel as he could for what was at hand. Still, when the expected knock sounded, there was only one way to see how this played out. Remaining cloaked behind the door, the undercover Umbarian pulled it softly ajar, and awaited his old friend’s commitment to stepping inside, before he closed it. And their dance in the subtlety of shadows would commence.
Last edited by Ercassie on Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:32 am, 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.

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@Ercassie
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Ademar Androllius in a guest room with Arkadhur
Posing as Aderic Androllius, Lieutenant of the Tower Watch


Stepping into the room, Mar didn’t have much need to fear for his safety. Not that he trusted Ark so much, but he figured the man would have to be really stupid to attack him, because they could help each other, and Arkadhur ought to know that. Not to mention that the other man wasn’t likely to want to be on the run for killing or assaulting a city guard. Besides, Mar hadn’t given Ark any impression that he was being threatened in any way. He could offer his aid.. and he could also, of course, turn a blind eye to the petty thefts he’d caught him in, and intended to do just that. He honestly didn’t care if the actor’s gear went missing. So long as it wasn’t her doing it. He’d be delighted if he could have found her, but it was an interesting development nonetheless. He was interested in finding out what Ark was doing here, for one, and also hoped to get him interested in helping Mar in his own search.

Closing the door after himself, he smiled toward his “accomplice”. “I didn’t expect to see you here, in the White City.” He commented. He walked over to check that the window didn’t have any eavesdroppers hanging about, before turning back to Ark. “Up to the usual things, or are you having trouble with that these days?” He had first officially met Ark in Dol Amroth, at a party, where he overheard some things that no one was supposed to overhear. Any law-abiding, well-meaning citizen would have, of course, rushed straight to the guards, or the Swan Knights, and reported what they’d overheard. Mar was none of those things. He, like anyone with an interest in their own personal gain, had instead used the situation to his own advantage.

“I’m curious what you’re doing here… ‘Lord Hollin Menilzir… the 2nd’.” He smirked slightly. “Your domain is in Dol Amroth, isn’t it? Or have you moved on to this region now? What are you calling yourself these days?” He wondered, partly so that he would know what name to call him so not to give away whatever the man might be up to, but also simply to satisfy his own curiosity. No doubt, Ark would have some curiosity as to Mar’s purpose here, and he didn’t mind telling him that, but he wanted to find out his answers first.
Last edited by Rillewen on Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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@Winddancer , @Ercassie

It required quite a bit of effort for Pele to hide the amusement at Naela's reactions. It seemed that she tended to disappear in the books and lose all touch with her surroundings, and the healer could quite relate to that - though truth be told it happened seldom while she browsed medical books.

"Ah, quite a worthy reason for much book-digging," she said, when the young woman explained what she was reading about. "And a good cause too. There might be quite a few births to tend to in the future, and who knows - perhaps even with more children than one at the time to come into the world." While she knew quite well of Liriel, Pele had been happy enough that there were quite a few healers and nurses tending to the young mother, so she had not joined in being satisfied that the medical attention and all sorts of other needs were well provided for.

She looked at the open pages over Naela's shoulder and smiled. "You'd do well to eat before the food gets cold," she added in a serious tone. "I'm sure it is delicious, and readings books requires much energy. Hmm?" It seemed to Pele that her presence had somewhat unsettled Naela and pulled her out of her reading, so she decided to go and pester Addhor for a while. "I'll leave you to it, but if you need anything just holler, I'll be around..."

Taking a sip of tea, she then headed over to where one of the two men now remained, and unceremoniously sat down in the chair Narradir had just vacated. "What's all this singing and drinking, and what not is about?" she wanted to know. "And why are there rumours that you are about to travel? Feeling that good, are you?" While she sounded as if she were about to deliver a thorough scolding, the grin on her face and the glint in her eyes spoke of the opposite.
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Addhor Raxëlilta, with Pele Alarion

The meal was a pleasure both in taste to savour, and a capable distraction from the worst of indecision. The purpose of ale to wash down the food proved that Edgor was no fool. Addhor could not fault either the logic or the comfortable consequence, and certainly did not begrudge the clever publican his now extended due. But even as the refreshment drew to it’s happy conclusion, the man startled to hear Pele bid him ‘eat before the food gets cold.’ Sure as he already had ! A subtle glance alerted the carpenter that the Master healer’s advice was not directed at him. At least not at the first. In time though Pele had left her acolyte and took up the seat opposite him, seeming keen to deliver a second course of opinion.

I can not tell who is more committed,” he remarked, placing the cutlery down without a clatter. “Young Naela over there with her study,” he showcased that even former Rangers have some sense of awareness - albeit belatedly when they were out of practice, “or you,” brown eyes met Pele’s blue, “with all your counselling of students. Surely the city is blessed to have such souls safeguarding her citizens.

The compliment was served up as quiet acceptance of the woman come to be company. Sipping at her tea, she seemed in want of answers for this latest consultation. Though there was no medical urgency now. Her aid and that of her apprentice had put paid to that.

The answer to your first question would be my oldest friend,Addhor stretched both arms over his head and relaxed some, as he added “who has since fled before his audience rebelled over the riot. And because he also is the answer to your second question. His work done, he leaves me to answer for us both”. And to pay for both of us as well, he realised silently, belatedly, and fell back to a more guarded composure.

I am not dead Pele,” was the best of answers he knew to provide in the moments after. “So I feel I must live,” A pause allowed him to lean back, against the strong wood seat. “The truth is I miss it,” an admission escaped him. For there was no drink or food or else to obstruct the interrogation. “Sleeping out under the stars, setting off against the great unknown .. you know better than most that pull I speak of.” The notion of tugging her own take on the matter, as if it were her asked to give up reasons, he doubted they would be much different. “It never leaves, does it ? Once a Ranger, … always .. And, for all else, this is your fault," A slow smile challenged her grin. "You were the one who spoke of my putting thought to further development in the trade," One hand cupped his chin as he watched now, amused, to see the tables turned. "Your advice was the catapault to fling me into further study, for my plan truly is a trip for business matters. No matter what else Narradir may believe. But you have been out Rohan way before, have you not ? Do you have any more worthy advice to share with a would-be traveller on that front ?
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.

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Arkadhur, meeting with Ademar
A Guest room, @Rillewen


The door closed with a damning finality as might any sound of gong or unveiling of light. The show was thus begun and there was a certain air of expectation from the get go, with an undercurrent of suspicion. That much was a testament to the accomplishments of both the ‘artists’ who could not ignore almost any possible outcome from their encounter. Ademar took the lead of course, demonstrating an enviable confidence. But Arkadhur was no novice himself, and hung back in a rather perfunctory attitude. His preference lay in contorting what others provided themselves, to his own eventual advantage. In that shape of things the two men were as alike as the one looked to his oblivious sibling.

The ‘Tower Guard’ was smiling, so deceitfully cordial that he clearly considered himself in control of the situation. And it was all that the Umbarian could do to return the mask of friendship. It would be naïve to assume that Ademar did not already know the answers that he asked for, it would be far more probable that he just wished to see if Arkadhur dared lie to him. Had the Gondorian really just wandered by chance into the other man’s dealings ? For a second time ? Or had he been sent, bait primed to sucker the unwary into trusting him, all the more to enjoy the thrill of pretense ?

That would be because I had no call to make you aware of my arrival,” he quipped, rather more honestly than he was known for. “Neither did I expect to find you ..” an index finger waved toward the uniform of his cohort, pointedly, “this far from Belfalas yourself.


It was not entirely a question returned in reply, though the implication was laid flat that there ought be justification made. That two old ‘friends’ had come upon another so quite unexpectedly, and so far from where they had last encountered one another, .. it was rather like old comrades reuniting on the far side of a vast war. Except that they had both served on the side which lost that war, and their relationship had ever been more enemy of our mutual enemy. Rather than of outright friends. Many unlikely alliances had been brokered between folks of variant backgrounds and motives, all come together under one compelling influence. But with the Dark Lord defeated, his myriad of supporters had swiftly begun to fall back to what made them different, in the absence of what had brought them together.

Guards of the Tower ask a lot of questions,Arkadhur lowered his seat onto the neat-made bed, where a lantern was located to illuminate that corner where the window did not reach. He did not give it light. Sitting with legs splayed, the Umbarian set an elbow upon each knee, and gyrated his head slowly upon a scrawny neck.

Am I to suppose that folk call you ‘sir’ here ?” he threw out as though the thought had just occurred to him. “Since they think you are your brother ?” the smile crept around one corner of thin lips, and the master of disguise considered the rare advocate of having an identical alias.

I have heard it said that Lord Hollin Menilzir, the second ..” it was hard to suffocate the smirk he’d earned in doing away with ‘the first’, but somehow the actor maintained a hold on his ruse, “was visited by a want to expand his travels further still from where he hailed. To progress rather than to .. fester and stagnate in the same old haunts, as it were. Indeed, if he were made a fair offer, to be liberated of the land and holdings that are anchored still in the coastal city, that he could better invest his efforts abroad more effectively, and whomever might provide that sale swiftly would find the price and the increased power holding to be most agreeable.

The proposition was as bold as Arkadhur would attempt, thus far into their proceedings. “I have also heard it said by actors of the White Tree Theatre that I resemble a man they knew as ‘Lowendir’.” The Umbarian crossed his legs, and propped both palms flat back against the bed spread aside him, as he tilted false green eyes forward, his chin subsiding into an unseen space where a throat ought be. Shadows supposed the anatomy but also raised doubt on the matter. “Though it is not always wise to listen to gossip," the Umbarian added, with amusement. "I would not count an actor as worthy testament at all. They do lie, for a living, do they not ?
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Ademar Androllius in a guest room with Arkadhur
Posing as Aderic Androllius, Lieutenant of the Tower Watch


"Yes, guards are taught to ask questions," Ademar replied, shrugging as he leaned against the wall, comfortably to the side of the window, but where he could see out of the window easily enough. "It doesn't matter much what they call me," He added with a smirk. "What matters is that they believe I'm him. And that's easy enough, in this city. No one here even knows or believes that Ric has a brother; I've been impersonating him since we were children." He smiled, thinking of all the times in childhood he had made use of the fact he had an identical twin. "Right now he's on leave, til the end of the week, and I don't know where he is, nor do I much care. Anyway, you needn't worry about running into him, at least while the fayre is in town."

He glanced out the window, listening as his associate spoke about the idea of selling the estate. That drew his interest, and he tilted his head thoughtfully as he considered this hinted proposition. "Yes, I can certainly see why Lord Hollin might prefer to venture abroad and see new lands." He answered. With one elbow resting in the other hand, he thoughtfully rubbed his chin with the other hand. "Perhaps he'll receive an offer on that property, then..very soon. I may just know someone who would be quite interested." He mentioned, trying to recall just what it was that the Menilzir estate did for profit, and whether it would be advantageous to obtain it.

Having responded to that proposition, he decided it was time he made one of his own. "Enough about that though, we can discuss all that later." He took a last glance out the window before strolling over to claim a chair that was positioned near the bed, so he might sit opposite the other man. "I believe there are a few other things we might discuss, while we have this chance. Suppose we stop beating around the bush?" He smiled as he sat back in the chair. "I'm here for a purpose, though you must have guessed that already. I'm after someone. A thief who dared to steal from me... I've been searching for some time, but she's rather...elusive. My hope is that this fayre might draw her here, and in that way, I might have a chance at capturing her. I'm posted, by request, at the South Gate. But there are other gates, and I can't watch all of them. So, seeing as you and I have the same interests at heart.. suppose you could help me?"

With that proposition made, Mar then pulled out a roll of parchment bearing a sketch of the thief in question, and passed it to the Umbarian so he could take a look at the wanted poster. "She's short, about so high.. red hair. If you do come across her, don't underestimate her. She's a skilled and dangerous warrior, though she looks like hardly more than a child." He sighed softly and gestured toward the poster. "As you can see if you look at that.. there's a hefty reward offered to anyone who successfully captures her alive. But I doubt your..usual methods will work with this one," He added with a wry smile. "She's a slippery one, but I'm going to catch her sooner or later. As long as you're here in town, keep an eye open for her?"
Last edited by Rillewen on Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Pele with Addhor @Ercassie

A light shrug of shoulders was her response to the compliments as if she made light of it, though passing glint in her eyes gave away that it did matter more to her than she let show. No matter how much she considered working wholeheartedly in every area a normal thing, and so often rather put herself down when she thought she had not done her best, a simple compliment went a long way to warm her heart and show her that effort was not meaningless.

"Some friend he is," Pele chuckled softly meaning Narradir's antics. "Making such noise, setting you up for some trouble, and beating a hasty retreat to save his own hide."

She listened to Addhor's take on life and death, and found herself on the receiving end of his cleverly crafted appeal to her Ranger personality.

"Well... you are most definitely not dead, nor have you been for a good long while judging by your productiveness," Pele admitted, as she emptied what was left of the cooling tea and set the cup on the table. She knew full well exactly what he was referring to, as she had not been the most obedient patient herself when such a need had presented itself, and so she did not mean to read any lectures to Addhor.

Her good hand inadvertently covered the affected one, as she commented on his business: "Suppose you could find some good materials and contacts out there in Rohan, and I do not intend to hinder you, though... if you return in a condition requiring me to come at you with a saw to remove more of your limbs..." Eyebrow raised, she let the threat hang in the air for a while, then laughed and added: "I might have to visit you at some point and see if I might indeed make use of your skilled services."

Pele's glance roamed towards the window for a few moments while she thought of any useful advice. "The road takes a while, Addhor, so make sure to grab a companion or two - for safety and entertainment," she finally said, looking back at him. Yet, she assumed that he would not undertake the trip by himself either way. "Riddermarket in Edoras might have something to offer for your business if you go that far; I'm sure they have woodworkers or some such." Again, nothing of special significance. Pele's gaze then settled on her empty cup as she tried to hide the desire for adventure that simmered under her calm exterior - regardless of the fact that it had not even been that long since she had properly settled back in her usual city life.
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Arkadhur, attending a secret meeting with Ademar
An upstairs Guest room, @Rillewen


Things were said beyond the words that were spoken. Things that those trained to communicate in such a code could clearly comprehend. And then, apparently satisfied by proving he could hold his own in Arkadhur’s world, Ademar bulldozed unashamedly through the smoke and mirrors, bringing them without a doubt to sit instead in Ademar’s world. The conversation quickly became all about what Ademar wanted, and how Arkadhur could, and should want to, assist him. Until the stripped bare carcass of where both the two men stood, was laid out between them. The one clearly felt that he had humoured the other long enough.

The Umbarian did not shift from where he had frozen, half infuriated, half alarmed. This abruptly direct approach of negotiating was not where he excelled or enjoyed. Having committed so utterly to the countless identities he created, to get by, Arkadhur did not much care to sit now and feel unmasked. And worse, annoyingly under the other man’s thumb.


They both knew that Ademar had association to Pharak Halsad, just as much as they both knew that Arkadhur had worked for Pharak’s son, Keket. The fact that the Umbarian had come this far, admitted he had all but fled his base in Dol Amroth so they would not be able to locate him … and here Ademar had happened across him, again.

Pharak, the infamous Burned Man, the Blood Priest, would have said that the might of the Dark Lord was working and controlling all things and, despite the fact that all knew Sauron had been cast down in the recent war, it was hard to deny the unlikely coincidence of their encounter otherwise. This was the second time that Ademar had happened across Arkadhur and wheedled his way in to taking full advantage of a seeming chance event. Would the Temple's agent report back that he had found Arkadhur’s new haunt ? Not, apparently, if Arkadhur would do Ademar a favour.

The feeling of having robbed freedom from his former employer started to crumble, as the Umbarian felt the familiar noose tightening around his liberties. He could do what Ademar wanted, or he could take his chances. It was risky to believe he could escape properly. After all, they’d already found him once. And a lifetime raised in Umbar, being taught that Sauron knows all, sees all, and can accomplish all for his own sake .. was a hard yoke to throw off.

Damn it.


The pieces were fed to him, carefully. Ric wasn’t going to be around for as long as the fayre was in town. Mar was looking for someone he thought the fayre might have brought to town. Mar was, in Ric’s place, standing guard over the gate which would provide the easiest flight out of the city. He couldn’t watch the other gates though, and clearly Arkadhur could now not go through the sea gate without confronting the secret twin. He could not present Ric as proof that Mar was a liar either, because Ric was not here this week.

This same coincidental week. And who could he go to at any rate, when Ademar had proof that Arkadhur had already robbed members of the White Tree Theatre ? The bribe of an easy property hawk had been dangled, but clearly it was not going to be enough to get him out of this. He was going to have to help Ademar find this elusive thief.


He took the wanted poster. If nothing else, Ademar had just confessed his own weakness, the one thing he really wanted. That sounded like a blackmail tool if ever Arkadhur heard one. And blackmail was exactly his own matter of expertise. He was not done yet .. not if he had any say in it. Sauron himself would applaud his ambition and downright duplicitous nature.


Casting eyes over ‘their’ quarry in more detail, the Umbarian silently absorbed what the ‘Guard’ was saying. A girl, short as a child, with red hair ? Certainly it sounded like she would have difficulty blending in. Arkadhur only had one set of eyes himself, and could hardly be expected to, whilst trying to evade attention for his own sake, outwit a thief who someone with all the resources Ademar could grasp, had failed to locate. But Arkadhur was used to having far more than his own two eyes at his disposal. It sounded like he might need to call in a favour of his own. And that was where his artful tendency of blackmail would doubtless provide all the assistance that he required .. It was simply a matter of picking up the right tools for the job ..


I shall take that reward, and all monies agreeable for the Menilzir holdings in Dol Amroth,” he decided, aloud. That should be enough to see him far from here, far enough that even Sauron’s servants may not find him again. Folding the wanted poster, Arkadhur stowed it about his person, as though it never existed and should not be easily retrieved.

In return you shall get your thief, and a new home to celebrate in. My usual talents have never yet failed me. But do not think you shall not also have to play your part." The master of desguise paused there, because dramatic flair had been hammered into him most heartedly at his recent hiding place. Also, he stood up, for proper emphasis. "For this to work, a ‘tower guard’ shall have to see me into the White City gaol after all. So that we may together see someone else brought out. She is essential to our mutual success in this endeavour. Tell me. Are you yet familiar with the name … Shamara ?
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost
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Ademar Androllius in a guest room with Arkadhur
Posing as Aderic Androllius, Lieutenant of the Tower Watch


“I shall take that reward, and all monies agreeable for the Menilzir holdings in Dol Amroth,”

Ademar considered these words briefly before replying. "If you manage to catch this thief and bring her to me... still able to talk.. then the reward money's yours, absolutely." He agreed. He'd been upping the amount for the reward a little bit with every month that went by, in the hope that someone might finally manage a task that seemed impossible. He was still furious, with himself more than anything, for ever having let her slip through his fingers in the first place. If only he'd been more careful... he'd been trying to correct his mistake ever since, only the girl had proven very difficult to capture a second time. The Umbarian's confidence, however, in his 'usual talents' made Mar wonder whether the man would blow any chance he got to catch her. He had a feeling that, once she saw Arkadhur's face and knew he was trying to catch her, the man would likely never get another chance again. "Don't make the mistake of thinking she'll fall for your charm or whatever it is you usually do." he warned. "She knows I'm after her, and she's very careful to avoid being caught. Even with the entire country on the lookout for her," He added with a sigh. "Still.. she's bound to make a mistake eventually, I suppose." He muttered.

"As for Menilzir," He shrugged, not wanting to seem too eager for it. "I prefer to celebrate in my own castle, but it would be nice to have an additional income." Though, of course, it might be a lot of effort, running a second estate, he considered. Perhaps he could find someone else to run things in his absence, for he certainly didn't intent to spend as much time there as at his current home. A steward or something like that. That's what the kings did, right?

His gaze followed "Lowendir" as the other left his seat, proposing a different scheme, one which they two would work together. Mar tilted his head thoughtfully at the other man's question. "Shamara..." He repeated thoughtfully. "I may have heard the name before, though I couldn't really say where." He wondered about this. "She is essential, you say? Why?" He folded his arms, propping his foot up on the nightstand nearby. The false guard had no trouble in making himself quite comfortable there. "Lieutenant Androllius has access to the gaol, of course," He added with a slight nod. "He's got access to a great many places which I do not... that's why I wanted him to be higher ranking than he was. It was the highest rank I could buy for him." He added with a soft sigh of mild disappointment. He would've loved to have made Ric a captain or something like that, but he settled for what he could get.

"Anyway, I know all his codes and passwords and everything. A thing like this shouldn't be any trouble at all, though I imagine it may bring a good deal of trouble for my dear brother, upon his return from his week-long leave of absence..." He added with an amused smirk. "What sort of time frame are you thinking? When should we do this?" He wondered. Too soon, and the whole thing could easily backfire on Mar, if people put the pieces together too soon, or tied Ric to this prisoner's escape before Ric had resumed his rightful place in the city again. Mar certainly didn't want that, but if they did it close enough to the end of the week, it should be fine... he could be gone and Ric could take whatever fall there was to be taken in Mar's place. Just like always.
Last edited by Rillewen on Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Addhor Raxëlilta, with @Pele Alarion

We become accustomed to our oldest of friends,” the Man shrugged back, with a reflective pause then after, as the sentiment settled in deep. After all, Narradir was in fact the only now surviving friend he had who’d known him since a child. It would be easy to grow grief at that acknowledgement, at so many who had been struck down, so often so young. So . “He knows too much,” the man diverted, with a faint smile.

Addhor raised slightly though, readying defensively, as Pele referred to ‘productiveness’. But he relaxed just as swiftly. He knew he could trust her not to speak of the .. silliness, that had brought him to her mercy in the Houses of Healing. Not here. His work on the other hand was a subject he found far more intriguing to discuss, especially when it led to new areas of the subject he had still to discover better.

Rohan is to woodwork what Gondor is to stone. So I am hopeful it will prove a most illuminating visit. Your opinion on any improvements that come of it all would of course be very welcome,” he assented to her intention to visit, with a respectful nod that left any other motive on the matter unspoken. “If you find you have the time, and given your professional interest. Your patients after all deserve the best that we can offer them.

Her threat about the saw did not fall on deaf ears though he raised an eyebrow of his own in response. “If this works out, I’ll be off on horseback and you may just have to run after me waving that saw of yours !” Laughter did not quite accompany the notion, and the image was, despite the humour, one he’d rather not dwell upon.

Duinion has already agreed to accompany me on the adventure,” This mention was not so much meant as reassurance, though he felt sure it might prove to be one. “This is the only way I can spend time with him these days, for you know as well as I that he will not set foot in the city for any time longer than he must, and I can not begrudge him that freedom. This opportunity suits us both.

Former Ranger, keen eyes did not miss how the Current officer cast yearning gaze of her own outside of the window. For all the comfort of the inn, still the appeal was difficult to deny. “I hope our Master Healer has people looking out for her, while she looks out for everybody else,Addhor mentioned, seeking perhaps for some reassurance now of his own. “And your family, I trust, that is, I hope all is well umm there.

The dive to drown the final dregs of his drink were thwarted, already emptied. Somehow just as his mouth felt inexplicably dry, and the window suddenly stole his attention as well, rather than face his friend’s all too knowing expression.
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.

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Arkadhur, secret meeting with Ademar
A Guest room, @Rillewen

No sooner had Arkadhur appeared complicit, Ademar began to redefine the very precise details of the arrangement. Which was not unexpected. And, as it turned out, a fine way to interrogate the other man without his ever trying to.

Not only was he now expected to hand the girl over before he caught even a glimpse of any reward, but she must still be able to speak at the time ..

So, the Umbarian realised. It isn’t who she is. It’s what she knows. He nodded, understanding, more with every moment. The cogs of his convoluted mind were already engaged with details such as where Mar would be, and when. Just in case he required to be elsewhere. Perhaps where the corrupt ‘Guard’ might store his potential reward monies ..

Well I wasn’t about to disguise myself as you,” he scoffed mere moments later, at the deviant’s clear ignorance of quite what he was capable of achieving. “There are enough people running around town with that face already. And as you say, she knows that YOU are after her,” he reminded the deviant Gondorian, enunciating on the ‘you’. “That was your mistake. People do not tend to know I’m looking for them until I have found them,” he could not help but smirk. Even then, they did not often recognise who he was, or why he had decided to make their lives difficult. He did not need them to. All they needed to know was what would happen if they did not do what he said.


He shook his head visibly though when the other man admitted he ‘could not think where’ he’d heard the name Shamara before. This shortfall to detail was likely just the reason why Ademar had failed to accomplish his own ambitions without employing ‘the entire country’ to help him out. Initially Arkadhur had thought this boast likely just a gross exaggeration, unless the false official had trusted far more people with his secrets than it was wise to. Then he found the truth in the bold statement. Mar was talking about the wanted poster. How many people though in their day to day honestly glanced at such things, save to deface them, he wondered ? It was likely only those already evading the Guard who would glance overlong at a wanted poster, checking for their own face ! And if this mystery girl was as successful at remaining at large as he was being asked to believe, then she no doubt had discovered some art of disguise which would render any artist’s impression two steps behind her. He certainly had managed as much himself, or he might still be rotting back in the Iron House of Umbar where Keket had found him !

Instead, he had called Mar’s bluff, and asked for the boasting Gondorian to aid an Umbarian refugee break another Umbarian out of a Gondorian dungeon. “She is essential, because I say she is essential,” he interrupted Ademar’s merry rendition of everything he had ever done. This of course was part and parcel of the most intelligent masterminds. They were that clever to avoid ever getting caught, that far too few people for their liking were ever truly aware of all they’d accomplished. Anyone who’d scorned a criminal for ‘declaring his evil plan’ ought realise this fact.

Get me into the dungeons, in a disguise I’ll conjure, on the night before your last day watching the South Gate,” he decided the deadline that would work best. “We’ll walk out with Shamara, who is due a meeting with her legal defence, under the Returned King’s laws of justice and that ..” he waved one hand upon it’s wrist disdainful of the very notion. “When she fails to return, the city will be rife all the next day with all guards that can be spared to hunt for the missing prisoner, where sightings of our 'essential' friend shall lead them, within the city walls. I'm sure your commendable access will allow you to confirm what I tell you, that she has a certain significant history with several Rangers, to say the least. I have no doubt their minds shall be drawn unto her, and away from anything else as well.

The false face watched the fake lieutenant, imagining what Mar might be considering, in consequence to the plan. There was some peril to the chance of Ric getting demoted of course. But certainly a man so practiced in doing dastardly deeds under his twin’s guise would have a means of resolving that. Maybe he would even get to ‘injure’ ‘Ric’ .. a potential head injury perchance .. which would only leave Shamara in more trouble at days end. The Rangers were not the only ones who were working on a personal grudge against the incarcerated slaver ! If a thing was worth doing, it was worth tying up all the loose ends … Arkadhur was risking his own liberty by walking into a dungeon complex again. And certainly Ademar would be wise to that ….

We should be able to not only leave you free to disappear, should any complications arise, but … well, it shall be the last day of the fayre in the Pelennor. Every vendor and visitor that you can conceive of, will all be clamouring to all depart from the city that same day. If this girl is in the city, and knows to be careful, that last day will be the best chance she’ll imagine to dare escaping unnoticed in the largest of crowds.


A knock there at the door to the guestroom caused the Umbarian to pause, in the self-conceited unveiling of his own innovation. Arkadhur raised one finger to his lips, even as the words “Maid service !” preceded a slow shake at the door handle, from the corridor beyond.

"You'd better be as good at acting on your feet as you proclaim," Arkadhur thought, with a sharp glance to the corrupt 'Tower Guard', as well as his own reflection, that stared almost accusingly back at him from it's disguised reflection in the wall mirror.
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.

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Ademar Androllius in a guest room with Arkadhur
Posing as Aderic Androllius, Lieutenant of the Tower Watch


Listening to Arkadhur's plan concerning the woman he wanted to spring from the gaol, Ademar nodded thoughtfully. He would rather know more information about what made her so essential, but he didn't insist on a more detailed answer just yet, but rather, mentally went over each part of this proposed plan. Nothing he heard sounded like it would be any trouble, and he was pleased to note that Ark was also on the same page concerning Mar not getting caught at this thing. "The night before my last day. That sounds reasonable," He agreed, nodding, and then smiled slowly as the explanation finally arrived concerning why this woman was important to their scheme. A distraction, to draw the guard's attention. Which, in turn, may draw out the thief he was so desperate to capture, he thought with hope.

"I needn't waste my time looking into any records," He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. There was no reason why Ark should, or would, lie about something of that sort..not that he really trusted the man in all things, but this was not worth spending the time it would take to investigate. "Hm, a distraction..." He tried to imagine what the girl would do, if she were in the city at all. To his frustration, he didn't know her well enough to guess her actions. "Well, we can only hope that if she's nearby, she'll jump at the opportunity when all the guards are scrambling around trying to find their missing prisoner, and flee the city." He smiled at the thought.. perhaps she would run right into Mar's waiting trap, but he hardly dared hope for such good luck.

A sudden knock at the door drew his gaze sharply in that direction. Was Ark expecting any company? He had only a moment to wait before the cause of the knocking was determined. Maid service. He considered calling out and saying to return later, but then, he figured their business here was actually concluded. "Just a moment, please." He called in a polite tone quite unlike his normal one. Standing, he turned to his accomplice with a sly smirk, feeling fairly pleased with the turnout of this meeting. They each ought to come out of it better off, if all went as planned. "I shall see you at the appointed time, then... if you aren't afraid to go into the dungeon, that is." He figured Ark was the one in the most danger in this scheme, if anyone discovered who he was. Mar, meanwhile, had a perfect cover; he could always pretend to be arresting Ark and taking him to gaol.

"Oh, and one last thing about the girl." he thought of this belatedly, but thought worth mentioning, stepping a little nearer, speaking in a low voice so that the maid at the door wouldn't hear. "If you help with my problem, and somehow manage to bring her to me.. there may be more than a monetary reward for you." He smiled. "Perhaps, I can smooth things out between you and him.. if you'd like?" There was no need to say who he meant, Ark would surely know. Mar was quite aware of how things were going for the Umbarian at the moment, and felt fairly confident that he could talk to the right people to help him in the matter, if he had enough reason.

Leaving that hanging in the air, the false guard strode to the door and paused for a moment before opening it with a pleasant smile, his manner changing from 'Ademar' to 'Aderic' the moment he opened it. "Good afternoon, ma'am, come in, please. You are doing an excellent job, I'm sure." His tone seemed notably more courteous and placid than his usual voice as he held the door for her. "Well, sir, thank you very much for your time," He added back toward Arkadhur. "If you think of anything else that may be helpful, please don't hesitate to come get in touch again." One could never be sure whether someone was familiar with Ric, or if they might recognize that he was a guard. "I'll be on my way now, good evening to you, and to you ma'am," He nodded a farewell to his accomplice, then a polite nod to the maid before slipping out of the room, leaving the maid to her work, and Ark to..whatever Ark would do once he was gone. That was none of his concern; Mar had other things to do now.
Last edited by Rillewen on Wed Jan 26, 2022 7:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Sanim’s hands were trembling. Not of the cold, no, she had fur laid across her shoulders that she almost wished was not there. The city, bustling with people in the first circle, was warmer than the road, and now she could feel thin beads of sweat on her chest. Sanim quivered with joy, relief, satisfaction, to be back in Minas Tirith after so many long years.

Walking into the Old Guest House was familiar, yet foreign. And she felt foreign herself. Time spent away had changed Sanim also. No longer the naïve child, she was a woman now. After completing her studies, she had moved to what she had thought was a loving home. “A prison, more like,” she thought dourly before the barman, Edgar, met her eyes.

“Good day!” Sanim said so brightly, even surprising herself after the moment of gloom in her mind.
“Good day to you to!” Edgar replied cheerily in return, “Welcome to the Old Guesthouse, new faces are always welcome. A drink, a dinner, a place to stay… or all three for that matter?” The large rucksack, and bundle under her arms were conspicuous of a traveler to say the least. Sanim blushed.

“Yes, yes. Well now, I would be most grateful for a room – for a fortnight if you have one? Although I won’t be alone.” Sanim hesitated for a second as she leaned forward to lay the bundle under her arm onto the tall barstool, before reaching seemingly into her hair to… tickle the fur on her shoulder. A small bell chimed as the furs ears flicked, and two wide eyes lazily opened. “My Kit is with me, he barely sheds, not at this time of year, and mostly sleeps.” Her fingers played under the cat’s chin, its eyes closing as its mouth opened wide showing little white pointed teeth (a few broken) and a yawning velvet tongue.
Edgar chuckled, “Don’t fret, dear, we’ve accommodated larger and livelier beasts in the past. Take room seven – though mind that room ten has two dogs in residence who would make morsel of your pet there. Pay for the first week, and here is the key.”

Sanim dug coins from a worn leather purse and paid for the room, as well as the half cob, cheese, portion of cooked chicken, and ale she ordered. With smiles they exchanged, leaving Sanim with an old, slightly bent key.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll take my supper down here before retiring.” She said, first taking her pack and bundle to a small booth by a window and heaving them under the table, and then returning for the food and drink. She set them down as Kit leapt onto the bench, both stretching and arching their backs before settling into position. Sanim sat heavily and tore the bread apart before slicing slivers of the chicken and cheese away from the rest to offer the cat. They ate, drank, and rested; restoring their strength as they watched the comings and goings in the pub. Fewer people around than she recalled, but a wonderful place to be back to.

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Pele with Addhor @Ercassie

"I figure we could discuss a more defined project for cooperation when you return?" Pele suggested, thinking both of her own needs and that Addhor's skills might benefit quite a few patients, and perhaps she could even see if he could make some specific tools for the Houses of Healing. But she supposed that any specific business would have to wait for more private circumstances and not be discussed out in the open.

Assurances that Addhor would not be walking all the way to Rohan and back, caused a small smile to linger on Pele's face, and she could trust the company he had chosen for the trip to watch over him. "Indeed! I am sure Duinion is very happy to be out and about; and him travelling with you is all the assurance I need to know that you'll be just fine," she said, not mentioning the saw any longer.

However, when Addhor mentioned her own safety and that of her family, Pele found herself playing with the empty tea cup, investigating all the small scratches on it with her fingertips.

"Well... there are people... and family is doing fine for the time being," she said, though a note of uncertainty could be heard in her voice. While she felt that she was settling back into the city and her usual routines, Pele was only too aware that she could never be fully confident and comfortable. She knew too well that the Umbarians could decide to hunt her down at any time, and she could not be sure that they would not choose the most unexpected moment to strike at her, or perhaps at her friends and family. It seemed to be a situation of kill or be killed; and trouble would follow Pele everywhere as long as she was alive - or as long as the enemies were not eliminated.

"Must make the best of what we've got either way, hmm," she eventually shrugged, looking over at Edgor and wondering whether she should have the cup refilled, or just leave.
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Arkadhur, secret meeting with Ademar
A Guest room, @Rillewen

A most effective distraction,Arkadhur agreed, pushing his tongue into his cheek idly, as his unexpected ally busily envisaged obtaining his prize. But as Ademar readied himself to conclude their negotiations, Arkadhur watched the Gondorian from the intrigue of hooded lids. It had not taken much. The nefarious Twin did not even seem sure that his target was actually in the city, but still he was prepared to go to such trouble, risking his participation in a gaol break that might just crack his only mask, all in a hope of flushing out his prize. All just in case she was come here. What am I missing, the master of disguises wondered. Mar had asked to be on duty during the week of the fayre … There must be something of the fayre then that he knew might draw his quarry here, and now .. maybe she would try to meet somebody at that fayre, maybe to sell something …

Arkadhur was growing far more intrigued in the other man’s affairs than he had ever expected to. And it was making his head hurt with how much he knew not. Distraction indeed ! It began though to occur to him that, for all of his boast and swagger, clearly Ademar was possibly in as much of a quandary as he was himself. And for all that, perhaps he need not fret so for the reach of a duplicitous Gondorian, who could not even obtain one small girl …


Quite all that he had accomplished, while still a young boy, flashed through the Umbarian’s mind, and he blinked away the hasty dismissal. It would be unwise to underestimate anybody. And certainly such a scorpion as ‘the Smirk man’ over there. Arkadhur considered his options in a musing silence, even as he was served the rather expected jibe about the dungeons. There was no delusion there, that getting in would be substantially easier than getting back out. What research he had done into the matter had revealed only one previous jailbreak out of Minas Tirith. Some sort of ghost queen, if the stories were true, in the days when the city was still licking it’s wounds after the war. And that had landed in a mass amount of corpses and fierce vows from the Tower Guard that it never should occur again ! Without help, there was no way that Arkadhur could ever hope to pull off such a bold move right under the noses of the Tower Guard. It was dangerous even with such an assist. For not least of all was the chance that Ademar might still betray him, to bolster his own favour with their mutual employer. For another, this might in fact be the other brother, feigning some act of his own to trap an Enemy who had no place else to hide ..

There were too many details which the other man was clearly too obsessed with the endgoal to bother with, and that of all things was what troubled Arkadhur the most. The Umbarian was all about the details. And even if he could trust that Mar would do his part, the Gondorian had suggested such dismissive attention to so many potentially significant matters. Had he even considered what this amazingly astounding little girl who knew that Mar was after her, would do when she saw that Guard’s face at the gate ?! She’d have to rely on some other convenient means, perhaps, of being snuck past the gate rather than risk confronting him. That might just bear some further thinking about for a start ..


Maybe Ademar could smooth things out with the House of Halsad, if this all went the right way ? The surprising suggestion was .. enough to drag the man out of his own derisive debates. Well Mar could not be any use to him at all, if this great debacle went pear shaped. And he still wasn’t sure whether he trusted the man, or if it was safe to not …

Why thank you sir, to you, and once again,” the maid smiled, and bobbed a curtsey before inching in around the silk-tongued Tower Guard.

Abruptly dismissed from any further time he might have of his ‘friend’, Arkadhur bowed his head out of deference before the unofficial ‘official’. “Yes. I will be in touch,” he promised, and watched that other leave before he allowed a release of breath.

You really are doing an excellent job,” the Umbarian told the maid then, even as he sank back down onto the bed she wanted to make neat. Ademar may not have concerns that exceeded his one focused obsession, but his ‘friend’ liked to keep his options far more open.

Sir,” she protested, with an undermining giggle. “We all do what we can do. Sir.

Lowendir” the liar corrected her, running one hand down his wispy false beard as he rose. The young woman was almost his match in height, which surprised but did not deter him. “And what is your name ?

Why, I am Roselly” the maid turned her long face to a side, and glanced him up and down in return. “Roselly Korsey” she curtsied again, and giggled.

Good to know,” was the response. Arkadhur made past her, and then halted, as she made to catch him. For a moment they two stood far closer than their never knowing one another might state wise. “I wonder,” the Man caught her brown eyes as they fluttered, and raised her gaze back to meet his own. “Do you think you could help me with something, Roselly ?

People call me Rose, really,” she nodded.

Unfurling the wanted poster, the Umbarian raised it, slowly, so she might properly observe it. “Lots of people come in here, and lots of people share their words in secret. Don’t they Rose ..?

She supposed so, but stepped back now, rather disappointed that he did not seem to be flirting with her after all. She did not fancy the look of him in the slightest, she’d already decided, having had the opportunity now to consider the whole of his appearance. Still, she did not dislike to be complimented, and flirting was always a kindness .. A shrug was all he got, for changing the anticipated subject toward one with less intrigue. To her.

You’d tell me if you saw this .. person .. wouldn’t you ?” he pressed.

Well I don't know,” another shrug. She was as dismissive as Ademar, this girl, not interested in things which might turn out to be important. He would have to make sure she remembered ..

And you are Roselly, you said ?” he made to clarify, and she raised a hand.

Rose” they said together. Her, ever so slightly less enthused now.

I’ll make sure to remember that,Arkadhur assured her. “You’ll remember me, won’t you, Rose ?

You’re Lowendir” she managed to recollect, and barely veil the process of swallowing her unease. He smiled, slowly, and approving.

That’s right. Good girl,” the compliment was no longer invited. But it made a brief attendance all the same. “A truly… excellent … job,Arkadhur removed himself of the scene, and the need to entertain himself around people for a while. He had a lot to do and little time to achieve it. Still, what was it the girl had said .. ‘we all do what we can do.’

He knew what he could do.


Roselly watched the strange man leave, the fingers of one hand clutching at the unbuttoned collar of her throat. The bed and it’s required neatness forgotten. As ‘Lowendir’ rounded the corner and properly disappeared, the young woman released a breath she hadn’t been aware that she’d been holding.

Good girl,” she snorted, brandishing her duster at the window now that it was entirely safe to do so. Which was when it came into her mind. Girl .. Hmm She had maybe seen someone who looked something like that, with a flash of red hair... Sneaking into the great library ? Oh she could not recall now quite when. But she would not be telling that strange man anything about it, that she was assured of. She maybe should not have told him her name, but then .. how could she have known where their conversation would head off ? And what could that little detail matter, really, in the grand scheme of things ?

(This particular piece of RP shall be continued in the Dungeon thread and also in the Northern Fiefdoms thread :wink: )
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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.

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Addhor Raxëlilta, with @Pele Alarion


Her tone did see him teeter about a suggestion, that the Masterhealer ought never take up poker. Pele was clearly not a practiced bluff, if her shrug and clear uncertainty were any clear contrast to her own ‘reassurance'. “I figure we could, at that,Addhor agreed though, to her suggestion of some collaborative project in the future. Perhaps they might have the chance at such a more clandestine moment, to discuss what she likely would not wish to say here or now. He could appreciate that. Though he was certainly not opposed to being of assistance and was actually half of mind to invite the woman to accompany along on their venture to Rohan. There was a yearning for the liberty which he read and recognised both in her face. But knowing how busy she was, with two extremely demanding roles within the city, it was unlikely the invite would do anything but disappoint her, given the short notice. And there was Duinion’s opinion to consider. Addhor doubted the other Man would object to her company amongst them at all, but it seemed only fair to give him the opportunity regardless and there was no time now, not this time. Maybe the next time.

I owe Duinion a good deal,” the former Ranger admitted quietly, more than he spoke, to any who could read between the lines. But Pele was intent about her tea cup, and Addhor deduced that the subject of their conversation might be something she sought to elude here, rather than the china be so alluring. “That is good news,” he added, sincerely, when she alluded to her family. But the ‘for now’ was a little disconcerting. He did not wish to pry, but neither did he wish to concern over the matter only when it was too late to do a thing about it. She certainly did not seem very convinced of herself though. “At least you must have company around you much of the time, in all of your commitments.

It was a question though posed as a reminder. Dark eyes watched the woman’s dedicated attention flit from the empty cup, to the publican, who was dealing with a new customer. Perhaps she was only thirsty. Perhaps though, not. “I wonder, would you do me a kindness Pele?” he trialled casual. “Perhaps check in with Narradir once or twice for me, while I am out of town ?” a shrug of his own allowed the man a charade of innocence. “He might well burn the store down to get out of doing paperwork, if left for too long unattended.

Making the best of what he had available to reassure his friend, without outright letting on that she clearly might require aid, Addhor quit the dallying with his own emptied drink. He certainly wouldn’t be ordering another, not before such sage and watchful company. The new customer, a young woman, had settled nearby with what looked to be a cat. Addhor glanced back toward the door, to check if there was still a massive dog there, almost as a cover to oversee his rise from seat.

I had best settle up, for there are still many arrangements still to be made,” he ducked a head politely, before turning to pay his way with Edgor, and then pausing a moment more, belatedly. “Are you heading out yourself, or loitering to bask in the joy of a devout acolyte ?” a smile and a nod indicated Naela nearby also. He was probably not the only one who would not be best left drinking alone.
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.

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Draugûrdaer waited, perhaps too long. Nearly half a dozen (or a dozen, he wasn’t sure because counting wasn’t really his thing) people had come in and out of the inn whilst he stared at the chunk of beef and decided if it was alright to eat. He debated with himself for far, far too long. There were two thoughts that ran through the wolfhound/spitz mix: one, he was very hungry, and this was food; two, what if this food was bad and that was why the woman had tossed it to him? Naturally, being a dog, the second thought didn’t carry as much weight as it might have if he were a walking, talking human. He gobbled it up, his large jaws clamping down on the stringy, delicious morsel. He devoured it in a single bite and thought himself very impressive looking. However, he was so distracted by the meat, the debate, and the final act of devourment, that he lost track of the woman that gave it to him. There were several sayings the wolfhounds of the wild had about food and the people that gave it. “If someone gives you good food, they might have more” and “Never lose track of a good source of treats”. He was not doing well on either one of those counts.

Where had she gone? He thought she would be sitting where she had been, but he couldn’t remember where she’d been sitting and, more importantly, didn’t know if he was allowed into such an establishment. In the country inns and taverns along the long road from Eriador to Gondor the policy varied widely. Some of the innkeepers loved him and tried to get him to stay there to help keep the place safe, others threw burning embers at him to chase him off. Humans were odd and peculiar about animals. Draugûrdaer had met so many, but he still didn’t understand the first thing about them. The mission the Great Hound Keeper had given him in his dreams had been specific about the who but had been frustratingly vague about the how and that’s where he was stuck. Finding the girl would be a small matter, he’d followed all the signs to this city and now it was just a matter of finding her. Getting her to trust him was another matter entirely.

None of that mattered at the moment though. He was hungry. Eating that tiny morsel of beef had only done one thing for him— it made him realize just how hungry he was. His stomach growled. He could eat a whole deer if it were laid out in front of him. He sniffed the air in the vain hope that there might be, in fact, a whole deer laid out for him somewhere. His hopes were dashed and, in the meantime, he was getting hungrier and hungrier. If he didn’t eat soon there was no telling what could happen. In the wilds, he would just find a squirrel or something to hold him over, or a rabbit or pheasant. None of those animals were nearby.

He was going to have to do it. He was going to have to come into the inn and see what would happen. Maybe one of the patrons or employees would have mercy on a poor, giant hound with icy blue eyes and a tail that could clear a table in a single swing. He crossed the threshold. It was not nearly as momentous as he had assumed it would be. The smells of food were that much stronger as he entered, and he could smell something else, that strange drink humans and elves had that made them act funny. He couldn’t remember what it was called. He’d never tried it before. Perhaps today he would see what it was about that water that made everyone sing and dance or fall asleep.

He woofed loudly and thumped his tail against an empty table. It was time to get noticed.
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"No, there are people around, much of the time," Pele hastened to admit, both to assure Addhor and herself that things were not as bad as they looked sometimes. There were times when she could let down her hair and relax, but such times were rather few, and she often found herself being on high alert most other times. Constantly aware of people, of immediate surroundings, watching out for anything even slightly suspicious.

A small smile touched her lips when Addhor asked her to check in on Narradir. "Well, I can see he doesn't do anything overly damaging," she agreed, and then added: "Though I don't make promises that he won't do anything silly when I'm not looking."

Playing with empty cup, she eventually lifted it to indicate to Edgor that she wanted a refill. "I think I will have another cup of tea, check on Naela perhaps, and.." her words were interrupted by barking of the big dog who was apparently claiming attention. Unfortunately, Pele had already finished eating and had nothing to offer to the hungry big pup, and she wondered what Edgor would make of such a guest.

"Perhaps I won't sit here too long though otherwise," she said as an afterthought. There was no hurry, and no duties demanded Pele's immediate attention, so she thought that she might as well linger for a bit.
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@Romeran
@Karis Ziranphel

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As it turns out, the guys had been more on the quiet side as the trio had made their way down the city's circles. Thûllir had responded rather briefly to Romeran's inquiry, which Kaylin couldn't blame him for. He was leaving on patrol soon, after all, and she knew outings like these were rarely his first choice.

So, naturally, Kaylin had filled most of the silence by blabbing about whatever it was she saw or could think about. The more residential neighbourhoods of the fifth, fourth and third circles had been more of a challenge than the second and the first, where there was a lot of stuff to show and cover; and she kept saying they would return to this and that at a later date, she mentioned she would take Romeran on a tour of the Marketplace so he would know where to find the best pastries and where to get new clothes when he needed them, and pointed out the Wayfarer's Inn to him, half considering to turn their visit to the Old Guesthouse into a pub crawl, but thinking better of it when she caught the look on Thûllir's face. Well. She would have plenty of time to kill when he was out and about on his patrol.

Instead of holding the door for the lads or having them go in ahead of her, Kaylin was almost whistling merrily when she all but threw open the door to Edgor's domain. "Edgorrrr!" she exclaimed enthusiastically, and even though the barkeep seemed to have mixed feelings about her entrance ('what was she going to get up to this time?')n he seemed to settle on some variation of amused resignation. "Maethyr," he greeted her with a nod, and there was just a hint of relief to be spotted on his face when he saw Thûllir entering the establishment also. The ranger mostly had a mitigating effect on the redhead. Mostly being the operative term.

"Two of your strongest liquor," she immediately ordered. She shrugged at Romeran. "Part of your experience. Non negotiable." Throwing a look over her shoulder at Thûllir, she raised an eyebrow. "And you, hervenn? Tea?"
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

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Addhor Raxëlilta, with @Pele Alarion

He noted the woman’s subtle smile and knew in his heart that clearly he was not quite so shrewd as he might have hoped. In presence of a Ranger of course, he ought to have expected she would read between the lines. Still it did not hurt to let a friend be aware that her friends were watching out for her. And given this particular friend, Addhor guessed Pele would only dismiss any outright offers of assistance anyway. Better to provide her with the means to help herself, and let her make that decision still for herself, if it came to it. So after a quiet hesitation, the carpenter ducked his head in gratitude, as the woman agreed to stop by and see Narradir once in a while. Reassuring his mind on two fronts.

We can not expect miracles,” he shook his head though slowly and goodnaturedly, when she promised to make no promises she could not keep. Very Pele. “Next time, you must come on the adventure with us,Addhor recalled though, and duly offered. The brown eyes were sincere without proving too insistent. “I can not promise much better behaviour than what Narradir might manage himself," he admitted. "Singing and telling long tales deep into the night .. we old men do enjoy to get out of doors and into the wild where there are no table manners. But no, I must really go, before I worry you in honesty,” he laughed. "Be well Pele. And happy, if your work allows it." There he made his way to Edgor with a final nod farewell to Pele and her plans for future refreshment.


It seemed as though she would certainly not be short of company either. Besides the two other women already sat at their tables, the rowdy dog for one was becoming rather more excitable, and a small throng of folks had come upon the scene as well. The arrival of Kaylin and her party had rather exploded into the pub, that Addhor almost startled from his quietly settling up with the Landlord. It was the perfect distraction though to overshadow his then understated departure, and that was exactly as he might have wished. There really was a lot he ought to be getting on with. So, satisfied by the turn of events thus far, he dodged the new invasion with a polite duck of the chin in acknowledgement, and left in the contentment of a few more things ticked off his ‘to do’ list.
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.

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@Arnyn
@Karis Ziranphel

The trip through the circles had been a blur and Romeran had found himself mostly at a loss for things to say being distracted by listening and absorbing all of the incoming information. At the mention of the best places to find pastries Romeran indicated his particular interest. Although Romeran had taken a particular interest in cooking baking pastries was far beyond his skill but certainly not beyond his appetite. Romeran listened eagerly and tried to make a comment here and there when he could but mostly found he lacked much to say with the incoming information.

It was a relief that they had arrived at the Guesthouse as Romeran hoped that the he would have only one place to pay attention to. That he was also growing hungry and thirsty made their arrival even more timely.

“This place looks nice” he remarked looking around as they walked in before Kaylin came bursting in behind them. It had surprised Romeran even though he knew that she was behind him but he tried to hide it. At least he knew the barkeep’s name now without having to ask. He smiled and nodded at the man politely.

Before he could decide what he would have Kaylin had ordered two of their strongest liquor. At first he had simply assumed that it was for her and Thûllir, but she had quickly corrected him. Romeran gulped but smiled. “So it’s going to be like that?” He asked merrily. It sounded like it would be a fun evening after all.

“Did you two meet in the rangers?” He asked when they had taken seats but before their drinks had come. Afterwards he wondered if perhaps it had been too personal of a question and he blushed slightly, although it was hard to tell behind the thick beard. He almost back peddled but decided that it was already too late.

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Thûllir Bregedýr

Thûllir had assented with to Kaylin’s suggestion that he join them for the walk down to the pub on the first circle, although when he returned wearing his warm dark-grey city coat with a similar charcoal knit cap and gloves tucked in the pocket, he heard her referring to him as a historian and gave her a questioning glance. The grin she gave at the gate out to the street clued him in to the teasing. It did help him answer Romeran’s question a few moments later with more grace and less confusion, as he shrugged. “She did say so. As Kaylin puts it, I have a habit of lecturing when sharing information.” He laughed quietly. “But I am no historian. Still, my father Brennyn is one who has been fascinated with the lore of this city, so I might be able to add a little to the tour as we go.” He did manage to add a few words, yet stayed quiet for the most part during the walk down through the levels. It wasn’t necessary to say much, because Kaylin had absorbed more in her years here than he ever had.

Upon arriving at the Old Guesthouse, Kaylin burst through the doors ahead of them with even more than her usual exuberance, and Thûllir couldn’t help the grin that crossed his face as he followed her and Romeran into the warmly lit room. Especially after the words that had just crossed Rome’s lips before her shout for the barkeep. Thûllir nodded greetings to Edgor with dual intent in response to the hint of relief he saw cross.the man’s face. “It is nice.” He murmured in an undertone, although it got a bit lost. The occasional chaos that happened there was not the norm, and the food and company almost always equally good. Thûllir shook his head at Kaylin’s question though. Perhaps tea later, although he wasn’t interested in burning his stomach lining before travel either. “A draught of your house red for me Edgor. Thank you.”

He unbuttoned the coat he wore and slung it on the back of the chair he claimed when they found a spot, revealing the dark blue of the shirt underneath, and then took his seat. Looking at Romeran at the young man’s question, he noted the hint of blushing embarrassment again and wondered at the source. Thûllir glanced over at Kaylin for a second as a quieter smile touched his lips. “No. We didn’t meet in the Rangers, although I was a Ranger when we met. We have very rarely served together.” He paused as he saw the wait staff looking for them and waved a hand to indicate their seats, before turning back to look at the young man. “How about you? Did you have a sweetheart at home?"
Ziranphel of the Green Hills ~ Thûllir Bregedŷr of Ithilien

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"Yes, it is going to be like that," she repeated Romeran's words back to him with an almost wise nod as they sat down. Rather pleased with Thûllir's order, she gave her husband a smile. Wine was an infinitely better order than tea. Stifling a chuckle at Romeran's question, she couldn't help the quiet laugh that escaped her at Thûllir's response. "No, we did not meet in the Rangers at all. I was an army recruit when we met, not a ranger. Rangering was never really my thing." Her eyes sparkled as she watched heir drinks approaching and then exchanged a look with Thûllir. Then she shrugged, looking back to Romeran. "But life takes you places." Debating whether or not to elaborate, Thûllir made the choice for her by asking Romeran a question of his own.

By then, Kaylin had her drink, and took a sip as she waited for Romeran's reply, wildly amused by Thûllir's inquiry. "A sweetheart on or around the farm? Or a hot date when you went out that one time to Pelargir, perhaps?" Kaylin smiled mysteriously. "Personally, I think you meet the best people at the bar."

She raised her liquor into the air, even though she'd already sampled it and you were supposed to toast before actually having a taste. "To good times, and new friends!" she said merrily. "And to bars - and sweethearts!"
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@Arnyn
@Karis Ziranphel

Drinking, of course, was a popular pass time in most areas and especially in farming lands where often the wheat, barley, and grapes were grown and where much of the drinks consumed elsewhere were made. Although Romeran's uncle's farm did not grow such crops, that did not mean that drinking was uncommon on the farm. Romeran had grown up with his uncle and grandfather drinking along with the older farm hands and the neighboring farmers. When he had been old enough, Romeran himself had been allowed to drink and while there had been many unfortunate times in the past where he had drunk to much he had learned to hold his liquor. And so he had smiled eagerly at trying a new drink.

The brief description that Kaylin and Thûllir had given for how they met had only made him more curious. But it seemed that he would not yet get a chance to ask any further questions as Thûllir had immediately countered with his own question. Romeran blushed somewhat at the question but looked down at his drink.

"Well, I guess I had one" he said, gulping. "the one that got away" he continued and sadly looked at his drink. Kaylin's suggestion of a hot date at Pelargir made him smile though and he grinned and looked up at her "Well I was only ten or eleven at the time, so no" he said laughing.

Romeran raised his drink to the toast, glad for the break and excuse to drink "to good times and new friends" he said, in agreement and took a gulp from his drink. It was certainly strong, and Romeran pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth as he swallowed. "a nice drink" he said looking to Kaylin to see what she thought.

"So if you didn't meet in the rangers, and Kaylin was in the army, how did you meet?" he asked in another attempt to change the subject and entertain his earlier curiosity.

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She had to laugh at Romeran's response. "The one that got away? Had you more properly caught others then, Rome?" She was teasing to see just how much the young man could blush. Did he have a blush in him for every one of his oversized muscles, she wondered? Perhaps she would find out.
"Ten or eleven is quite young, yes. Especially for hot dates." She grinned at Thûllir, unabashed. "We were decidedly older."

Raising an eyebrow at the way Romeran took a gulp from the liquor, Kaylin wondered just what he was used to. His reaction wasn't all that pronounced. "I agree," she responded to his assessment. "I've had it before. It packs quite a punch for most." Her included, actually - just not right away.

Rome's question made her laugh again. "So we are not done with that particular subject yet?" Her grey-blue eyes flicked over to Thûllir and she notice his minute shrug and nod. He was gonna let her take this one. Amused, she assessed Romeran as if thinking about how she might tell the story.
"Standing near a bar, of course. Didn't I say that is where you meet the best people?"

Then she raised her glass. "If you want to know more, you drink more," she decided. "Bottoms up!"
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"Next time. Perhaps," Pele allowed at Addhor's offer of adventure, with a small smile. She could not see why not, unless there were some serious reasons she could not - some very important duties that could not be delayed, perhaps.

She watched him leave finally, to make preparations for the journey, more likely, and her mind wandered off into possibilities of spending a few days out camping, even if it were with these 'old men' how Addhor had called himself and Narradir. Not that she was that much younger. Slightly only. Stories and songs by the campfire definitely were listed with rather good way of spending time in her books, though she could rather see herself on the listening end instead of storytelling or singing end.

The pub came pretty much to life with the arrival of the other three patrons in addition to the demanding barking of the dog, and seeing the familiar faces, Pele's smile broadened into a grin. Yet she remained exactly where she was, her feet now propped up on the empty chair opposite to her and crossed comfortably, the empty cup still in hand. Idly catching a few words from their conversation, she did not put in any effort to listen in and follow it and suppressed a yawn, still debating whether she should refill the empty cup or perhaps leave and do something useful.
Last edited by Pele Alarion on Sat Apr 02, 2022 4:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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The Goose

If there’s one thing that the goose hates, it was dogs.

In fact, it was most other forms of life - except, perhaps, on certain seasons, Lady-geese: but dogs were definitely included in that. Long was the enmity between bird and dog, born in the forests and woods and blossoming in the farmyard, brought to a furry, feathered fruition in the city.

The goose had been pattering around quite mildly, pecking amiably at the flowers that tendriled about the nearby houses as it followed its beak to the door of the tavern, where some pointed honking and the pity/intimidation of Edgor could normally obtain him some crumbs - on one memorable occasion, a quarter-tankard of dregs and half a pie - and in return, the goose refrained from excavating its bowels within the premises and made no note of the roasted pheasant on the menu. Pheasants were stupid, anyway.

But just as the goose flapped up to the lintel, propped invitingly open, and ignoring the various human traffic, it hears - a woof. The stink of dog.

Quite forgetting his manners, of which he possesses very little at any rate, the goose waddled belligerently through the door and HONKED.
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There were more than a dozen scents Draugûrdaer knew at first smell, scores and even hundreds maybe. He was a very well-travelled hound and thusly could be counted amongst the most worldly and wise hounds that wandered the world. He knew the scent of city folk that would ignore his very existence, despite being of a size suggested blindness on their part, he knew the scent of city folk that were more apt to give him (very) well deserved attention (and thus delicious bits of beef and lamb), but most of all he knew the scent of what might be his greatest enemy: a goose.

The husky/wolfhound mix had never met a goose he liked, unless you count that one that he stole from the huntsman a few weeks back now, but that was hardly his fault, they had left the avian delicacy just sitting there roasting over a campfire, dripping with delicious grease and frontier spices. Who could blame him? That was a very good goose. He licked his chops, the memory causing his salivatory glands to begin to work in overdrive.

Then came the HONK.

So, it was the be war between them. A disaster beyond imagination was about to occur.

Draugûrdaer let out a low, earth splitting growl as he turned to face the sound of the daemon-goose. He barked as loud as he could, letting everyone know, those that had seen him and those that had not, that a battle for the very soul of the city was about to take place and they had all better take cover, he could not be responsible for collateral damage, not now, not when the goose was just standing there, honking as if it were his Oromë given right.

His muscles tensed and he sprang!
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The sudden sound of a honk pulled her out of her mental plans, and Kaylin blinked as she looked for the source of the sound. When her eyes settled on a sizeable hound, she couldn't quite believe she had missed the animal's presence before. Had he just walked in after them? How in Mandos' name was a hound simply walking in? Or trotting, she supposed. But a frown settled on her brow as she figured the loud honk could not possibly have originated from that hound. Right? Her gaze found the goose next. What? There was a goose here, as well as a hound? Was the Guesthouse implementing some new farmyard policy, or was she imagining things?

She eyed Edgor's stiffest drink with some weariness for a second. No. She had only had a sip so far. Impossible. Still, she looked to Thûllir and Romeran for a check - not completely believing her own eyes. Loud barking, of a volume to rival the goose's earlier honk, drew her attention back to the animals. "Never a dull moment in the Guesthouse," she mumbled, her grey-blue eyes widening as she saw the hound jumping in the goose's direction! She tensed and instinctually rose from her seat, but realized she was too far away to do anything for the goose.
Would the poultry even survive such an attack?
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It seemed that her dream of having a few undisturbed relaxing moments was shattered in smithereens, by none other than a couple of noisy animals.

"Whoever left the gate of their farm open," Pele grumbled under breath, eyeing the increasingly tense situation between the hound and the newly arrived goose. If nothing was done, soon the establishment might be filled with blood and feathers, or - if goose turned out both quick and lucky - tufts of dog hair. Or both. And who knew what else, maybe damaged furniture or such.

Deciding that something had to be done, Pele left her place to charge towards the kitchen. "Edgor! What's this? You decided to invite the animals of all the nearest farms or something?" she called at the innkeep who did not appear to be too happy about the unfolding events.

Snatching the first thing that was within her reach when she stepped into the kitchen - a large piece of ham - Pele headed out into the common area and threw the ham at the hound hoping to distract him from the goose - that is if the projectile did not hit any of the patrons on its way. Pele had done her best to choose a clear path of flight for the ham, yet she could not predict the movements of anyone else in the pub...
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The Goose

His entrance had caused more alarum than even he could have hoped for. The Hound, vile stinking beast that it was, had been immediately alerted to the threat of a superior predator and began to drool disgustingly just before it pounced! The Goose just had time to recoil, its feathered white neck bristling as it struck out like a snake, beak wide and hissing even as it hop-skipped back a step. The Hound’s immensely powerful spring should have overcommitted the great heavy beast, but even as they both moved the Goose’s shiny black eyes snapped upwards … was that a HAM sailing overhead?

In slow motion, the wings unfold and the long yellow legs launch upwards. The Hound’s jaws tug a feather or two loose as the Goose’s long neck uncoils upward, snake-like. The echo of bark and honk hang in the air, like the ham, as that savage beak pincers up at a choice shred of meat…
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With every remark he made, Romeran managed to dig himself further into a hole. He decided to cut his losses and simply didn't respond to the question about catching others, simply smiling dumbly instead before changing the subject with his own question.

The strength of the drink came as a welcome feeling as the warm liquor washed down his throat and into his stomach. He could feel already the mild effects and felt that perhaps one or two of these would loosen him up nicely. Romeran admired the dark liquor in the glass as he rolled it around before taking another drink. "I find it's generally a more interesting subject to talk about others than myself" he said with a smile in response to not dropping the earlier question. Romeran was still young and save for a few instances in his youth had lead a generally quiet, albeit hard working, life. It was the relative dullness which had been one of the chief reasons for his departure for the city.

Just as Romeran was about to attempt a lame joke about meeting people in bars, he was rescued from his own embarrassment by the arrival of a large goose at the door. Evidently the goose seemed to think that they would be able to acquire some food scraps, and perhaps that the goose was attempting it with such confidence was evidence enough that Edgor had succumbed to the goose's demands in the past. But it wasn't the arrival of a goose which had rescued Romeran from himself, but rather the subsequent arrival of the hound which leapt on the goose with a loud bark.

Romeran laughed at Kaylin's remark that there was never a dull moment and it seemed particularly well timed as a piece of ham was thrown towards the battling animals. Romeran was sure that with the addition of scraps of meat the fight between the goose and the hound would likely escalate and he took another sip of his drink eagerly. "The Goose and the Hound would be a good name for a pub" he said, thoughtfully, Romeran had always wondered about opening up a little pub to serve food and drink. "So how do you meet someone at a bar any way? Do you just go up to a stranger and start talking?" he asked, honestly, having never had such an experience himself. Most of the farmers who went to the pubs and inns nearby where he grew up knew each other and it was unusual for a stranger to be within their midst.

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"A good name indeed," Kaylin agreed as she watched the flying ham in fascination. How remarkable it was that some things seemed to happen in slow-motion, while conversation continued, wasn't it? The ham went aflyin', and the goose flapped upward for it. Peculiar. If anyone had called for a wager, she would have figured it to have been the hound who would have gone for the meat first. A grin found its way to her face as she sipped her own glass once more.

At Rome's question, the grin broadened for a moment, before settling into a special smile as the memories tugged at her. "Why, yes," she first said rather simply, remembering. Her blue-grey eyes found Thûllir's as she took another sip, and she shared a look with him, figuring the goose and the hound would well occupy Rome's attention in the meantime. With a sparkle in her gaze, she replied to Rome's question. "Or it least, it is as simple as that for me. I had just ordered a drink at the bar and remembered thinking it was as good a time as any to meet someone new..."
Kaylin glanced at Rome. "You greet someone and then try and start a conversation by saying something." Was she educating him in being sociable?
Her gaze returned to Thûllir, and she hid her lips behind her glass. "Something like... Good evening, and how it's your first time at a place or function like that, and perhaps a reference to a weapon the stranger you are talking to is carrying."

Pulling herself out of the splendid memory, she observed Romeran's glass. He was progressing well, although he had not downed it as per her earlier suggestion. A bit of a backbone was good, she thought. "You must have met plenty of new people since your arrival in the city," she remarked. "Or have they all been.. Ranger-related?"
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Her move did not have the expected results, and it was the goose that had decided to aim for the ham - did geese even eat meat? Apparently this one thought it to be a good choice of food.

Pele stood near the kitchen, unsure of whether she should be combative and chase the animals away (perhaps it would rather be Edgor's role to choose if he should let the two remain or not), throw more ham, get more tea for herself, or head out of the pub before it ended up too messy.

"Sorry for that," she eventually said to the innkeep, grinned at him sheepishly, and added: "I'll pay for that ham, and wouldn't mind to have a bit more on a slice of rye bread, if you please..."

She lingered, waiting for the ham sandwich, half wanting to take it and be gone, half wanting to join the cozy company having a comfortable conversation regardless of the loud squabble between the hound and the goose.
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@Mr. Underash @Silky Gooseness @Romeran @Arnyn

Thûllir Bregedýr

Thûllir had lifted his own glass in response to Kaylin’s toast, and took a sip of the dark and flavorful wine. It was simultaneously mellow and somewhat strong, and he decided that this was definitely a sipping wine. He listened to Romeran’s story with amusement, and just gave a slight shrug and fraction of a nod to Kaylin in response to his question about them meeting. She had a gift for storytelling, and although sometimes he joined her in sharing, he preferred to listen to her this evening.
Her initial answer was brief, and Rome didn’t have a chance to reply before a dog, that Thûllir had noticed but not paid much attention to, and a goose that had somehow just gotten in started a cacophony of noise across the pub. His first reaction was to try to ignore the incident, assuming that Edgor would send some sort of bouncer to deal with the issue or the dog’s owner would intervene, so he sipped his wine again and returned half of his attention to the table.

A slight smile hovered around his lips as she shared a few insights and memories of their meeting, and he raised an eyebrow in response to her look. Those were good memories indeed.

Her question to Romeran was interesting, but meanwhile the noise had gotten much louder due to Pele’s tossing a ham into the midst of the animal faceoff. Annoyed, Thûllir surveyed the situation again and abruptly put his wine down. It was time to break up the mess.

“I’ll be back” were his quiet words to Kaylin before he stood and grabbed up his coat. Striding across the bar, he tossed the coat over the goose to delay its reactions, and grabbed for the scruff of the shaggy dog. Being a larger and much fluffier target, gaining a handhold was not a problem, but he wasn’t sure if he could wrestle it out the door without getting bit despite being positioned behind the head, and before the goose might get him. That ham was looking a bit mangled, and he gave it a kick toward the door to serve as both incentive and distraction. "Someone want to get the door?"
Ziranphel of the Green Hills ~ Thûllir Bregedŷr of Ithilien

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She noticed a change in Thûllir's expression - although most people would have still described it neutral - and sat back, curious. The way he put down his wine glass confirmed her suspicions. He had decided the goose and the hound had caused enough ruckus. At his quietly spoken promise, Kaylin nodded calmly. "Very well," she replied, equally quiet. He almost yanked his coat from his chair and purposefully strode away. Taking her drink in hand, she watched with no small amount of amusement, quite content to be the observer in this particular instance. Watching her husband play animal bouncer definitely qualified as a good time.

She wondered how long the goose would stay under the coat. It was a lively goose, and she expected it to shed the piece of clothing sooner rather than later. As for the dog... he was a big one. Remembering how Thûllir had mentioned, once upon a time, that he might want a hound some day, she was intrigued to see how he would handle this. When he asked whether someone wanted to get the door, she almost merged into her chair. She would prefer someone else to get it. She had an excellent vantage point from right here.

"If you want to score some points, Rome..." she said, nodding at the door.
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Slowly Romeran was beginning to feel more comfortable even though it was an unusual experience for him being surrounded by so many strangers. He was glad that he had taken Captain Pele's recommendation to find Kaylin, even if it had seemed terrifying at first. It was plain that small talk and meeting new people came naturally to Kaylin, or at least it did now if there was a point where it didn't Romeran wasn't sure. He smiled in response.

"I'm not very good at small talk. I never spent much time meeting new people on the farm, mostly just the other farmers and people who I had known since I was a child. My uncle didn't like it when travelers wanted to stay and if for some reason he let them sleep in a barn he wouldn't let the children talk to them. It's just a guess but I think that's how my mother met my father and well" he paused, looking down shyly "I don't think my family was particularly happy with that" he finished without elaborating much further, the relationship between his father and mother's family had always been strained even before he had died and Romeran grew up knowing practically nothing about him.

"I've met, or well at least said 'hello' to a lot of people but I think I've only really had a conversations mostly with rangers." he said pondering "even when I was working on the Anduin cruise I only chatted with a few non-rangers, although I will say there were a lot of" he suddenly hushed his tone "fancy folk" he returned to his original volume "not really the type that I'm comfortable being around, being a farm hand and all plus I was working." he continued, rambling now.

Thankfully, Thûllir saved him from his continued rambling by getting up suddenly. It took Romeran a few moments to figure out exactly what was going on but when Thûllir threw his jacket over the goose and grabbed the dog by the scruff of the neck it became abundantly clear. Romeran tried to (but failed) to contain a smile as he watched. Soon after Thûllir asked if someone was going to help by holding the door and Romeran looked over and began to stand up before he looked back to Kaylin to see if that was the right thing. She agreed and even suggested that he might earn some points with the other ranger so Romeran shot up and hurried over to the door to hold it open for Thûllir, trying to put himself in the way of the goose and dog from barging back through the door inside.

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It seemed that the loud argument between the animals had made Thûllir upset, and he went about dealing with it decisively, yet with his usual calm and collectedness about him. She only hoped that neither of the animals would end up harming him and her healing skills would not be called for.

Unwilling to get involved any more than she already had - and all she had done was make the whole thing worse - Pele leaned against the counter, from the other side, and munched on the sandwich as she watched the scene unfold. Luckily Romeran was eager to help, with encouragements to do so from Kaylin.

"Excuse me," she heard Edgor say from behind her. "It seems to me that you are on the wrong side of the counter. If you insist on taking my place, at least do something useful, Pele." A damp cloth was lifted almost in front of her eyes, and Pele took it without thinking since her attention was elsewhere. For a few moments she stood there, a half-eaten sandwich in one hand, and a cloth in another. Her attention still on the whole animal situation, she began wiping the counter top absent-mindedly, at the same time finishing the last of her sandwich.
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Old guesthouse

Located at the first level this was easily to be found. The main street was quite broad, but there were also narrow alleyways between the houses, that hid other dwellings not laying straight at the main road. As a Swan Kight he was allowed to house in the army barracks, but he had chosen instead for a innl, where he had rented a room. The Lampwrightstreet was a narrow alleyway, but still had a sphere you could not escape the reality of life. Since the peace and opening borders, trade had improved and exotic things were available once more. What seemed quite cramp on the outside, inside it was rather spacious. He came down from upstairs, wore only the basic of the knights uniform, but still the swam emblem was displayed on the blue fabric of his garment. Perhaps it was not needed to wear sword and dagger, but he still did. On the road it hadn’t been different. Downstairs it was a room filled with Gondorian strangers, and talk into tongues he didn’t really understand. Silinde shook out his shoulderlength hair that curled up here and there at the ends. It was a bit outgrown and needed a cut, but he would do that back in Dol Amroth. He got his trusted barber there.

Something was going on but he couldn’t see what it was, except that some barking indicated it was a dog and another squeaking that it was some kind of bird in here. What were animals doing inside? He ignored it further. That was a problem for the local folk, not him. He wandered towards the bar and ordered a light brew for himself. He paid with the coin of Dol Amroth, which was almost the same. Gondor however had the silver tharni, the silver kaster and the copper kastar. He sat down at the bar and just enjoyed his beverage. The city was a strange place, with all seven levels. He had been here before, but quite long ago. More than a decade at least. The people were merry again and not gloomy anymore. The main thread on the other side of the river was gone. He sighed while he sipped from his brew.
Last edited by Aikári Salmarinian on Sun Jun 19, 2022 9:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Thûllir Bregedýr

It took a little bit of wrestling, but eventually Thûllir managed to get his arm under the forelegs of the great beast and lifting its great weight off the ground, propelled the dog towards the door that Romeran had whipped open. He earned a few bruises and grazed skin on his legs during its initial protest and attempt to still get at the gander, but thankfully it calmed somewhat once it was headed away from the bird in question, and calmed more once he shoved it out the door. “You stay out here and don’t think of coming back unless you can control yourself.” He spoke sternly as if the dog could understand, since it seemed semi-intelligent and well behaved until the gander had entered the pub.

Stepping back inside with a wary last look at the dog, Thûllir nodded his thanks to Romeran. “Good assist” He murmured as he passed by to face off with the goose. “Time to go Gander. You were causing a scene, and got a good dinner out of it.” His tone was conversational as he approached and looked for a good opening. It would be nice if the goose just decided to leave, but they were wily creatures with a nasty bite and wing buffet, so he wouldn’t take anything for granted.”

OOC: I have Pele's permission as thread runner for Thûllir to act as bouncer for the pub in this instance to further the story. Sorry for the delay. I wanted to give a chance for response. Receiving none, we will continue. The choice was clear the scene, close the pub, or wait indefinitely for response, and we chose the first option.
Ziranphel of the Green Hills ~ Thûllir Bregedŷr of Ithilien

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She smiled when Romeran hurried to hold open the door, and watched with a mix of approval and amusement as Thûllir got the dog out of the door and then promptly ordered the goose to leave. She raised an eyebrow, skeptical that the animal might listen to such words, stern as they were. She would be impressed if the goose were to simply listen and leave. Could geese even deduce that much? She was no animal expert, and thus had no idea.

Her eyes fell on Pele then, who was eating a sandwich with one hand and cleaning the bar with another. Kaylin arched an eyebrow.

"New side hustle, Capt'n?" she called out to her friend, her spontaneity no doubt aided by the strong beverage she'd now just about finished.
Arnyn ~ Honor & Valor
Kaylin ~ Joy & Strength

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