Ranger Commons II

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Captain's Office - talking with Trastion @Rillewen

After a little bit of light-hearted exchange of words, Pele saw that Trastion turned the conversation towards a more serious and personal one. She listened attentively to what he said, her blue eyes serious, and tried to read beyond the words and from what his body language revealed. Once he had finished, she kept silence for a few moments, considering what he had revealed and how she should react to him.

"So you are taking this up both for you and your brother, to fulfil your dream?" Pele sought to clarify, her voice gaining a slight gentle quality. "We could work with that, and the little that you can give."

She left the windowsill and returned to the desk. "Tell me, Trastion, do you have any skills whatsoever with some sort of weapon? Do you know how to handle wounds? Any experience in tracking, woodcraft and such?" she now tended to the professional questions she needed to identify his skills.

~~~~~~~~~
Barracks, North Wing, Room 2
@Arnyn

Pele watched with a smile, as her friend got right to gathering the remaining things off the bed and into the box. "Maybe it does take more space, but it is definitely a quick solution to fix my sudden laziness," she observed, and then collected an armful of books and other random items from the desk to deposit them in the box in disorderly heap. At least the box was big enough to hold everything from spilling over and onto the floor.

"Well," she then said quietly in return to Arnyn's question about her strength, stepped back towards the middle of the room and pulled up the sleeve to demonstrate a flexed bicep. "See? I finally fit into my clothes properly again and have a bit of toned muscle again," Pele chuckled softly while she hoped to provide visual proof that she had not been idling away after their last mission and had been doing her best to recover what had been lost.

"While everything else has been healed, mostly, I don't think I can grow back a finger," she said with a shrug. "At least it is not on the right hand... But still. Yarn has come in handy to train grip and agility, but might still have to figure out how else to deal with that loss and make sure it doesn't steal my performance." Pele looked around the room to see whether there were some things that had not been stowed away yet, as she added a comment on a different aspect of her healing process: "I have finally been able to sleep more or less well without needing sleeping aids. Satisfied? Will I do for a Ranger?" She looked back at Arnyn with a bit of a mischievous glint in her eye.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2

At Pele's 'demonstration', a smile tilted her lips and she looked on with some amusement. The amusement only grew when Pele seemed to divulge into a report of sorts and then asked Arnyn whether she was satisfied.

"Pele," Arnyn said with a laugh, "Are you poking fun at me?" Then she raised an eyebrow. "But since you asked... You do seem in better condition than before, I will agree to that! Yet it would take more than outward appearances to convince me. I would rather believe your word than the look of your biceps," she added with another laugh. "Although what would truly ease my concerns is to see for myself at the grounds, I suppose. Any training sessions planned I could walk in on, perhaps?" Her dark brown eyes returned Pele's mischievous glint. Two could play that game!

"Growing back a finger would be quite a feat, indeed," Arnyn continued after joining Pele in filling the box until it could be filled no more. "Do we need another?" she asked. "Or shall we start moving things?"

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Trastion Leithor
Prospective new recruit
Captain's office

"So you are taking this up both for you and your brother, to fulfil your dream?"

Trastion thought on that, and smiled faintly. "I guess you might say that... in a way, yes." He answered softly, nodding. He liked to imagine that Aearon was with him in spirit, at least, wherever he went. So in that regard, he was sort of there too, Trastion considered. It was a nice thought, at least, and for a moment he tried to imagine what his brother might say, if he really were there right now. The thought of it made him grin slightly, but he struggled to fight it so as to at least appear somewhat serious.

As for the Captain, she had seemed to move on to another topic, with more serious type questions. A little flicker of excitement stirred in him as Trastion took her next questions to mean that he was being accepted. His smile grew bigger despite all efforts to smother it. "Weapons..." He paused to think on that, mostly on the best way to answer that question. "Umm, a little, yes ma'am." He answered slowly. "I've done a..bit of training, with a couple different sort of weapons. At least, my brother and I uh, we used to sort of spar against each other." He replied, choosing his words somewhat carefully. "We used wooden swords a lot, growing up. It was a lot of fun, more like a game really, I guess. I uh," He frowned thoughtfully. "I've used a spear some, and an ax... and some different tools, though...those things were not exactly used as weapons. Except in my imagination." He smiled slightly, and tried to explain, "I've done a lot of work with lumber... felling trees, splitting logs, that sort of thing. That was before I got a job at the quarry... more recently I worked with various tools used for cutting stone out of the side of a cliff..."

He gave some consideration to the other things she'd asked about. "As for wounds... well, I can handle most simple scrapes and cuts, considering how many I've ended up with myself, growing up." He gave a light laugh at that. "but I wouldn't really say I've got any sort of healing training." he shrugged, a little unsure exactly where he picked up that much learning. Probably from all the scraped knees and stuff from when he was a kid. "I've done some hunting.. I'm not sure exactly what level of woodcraft skills I'd have compared to..you know, rangers. But I've had to live off of my hunting abilities, and succeeded well enough, I suppose." he actually wasn't sure how to really assess his own skills in these matters but tried to give her a fair idea of his abilities. "I'm quite good at rock climbing?" he offered as an afterthought, smiling in the hoped that might somehow earn some sort of 'extra points' or something. "And I've always enjoyed camping and swimming and just.. being outdoors. I can ride a horse well enough." He added.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Captain's Office
@Rillewen

Pele listened to the descriptions of Trastion's previous experience, such as it was, an easy smile resting on her lips. He did not have much to boast of: wooden swords, some insignificant use of other things, mostly tools. It was not surprising, considering his youth; and yet he seemed able enough to master skills. And also it appeared that he had not been relying on his family for support and had somehow managed to secure his own survival and well-being in one way or another. She did not see any obvious reasons why she should not give him a chance to find his place within Rangers.

"Hmm, not any existing superb warrior skills. Yet," she summarised her thoughts out loud. "But those can be mastered if you are diligent enough."

She searched Trastion's face intently, as she continued: "I am more interested to know other things now. Loyalty. Responsibility. Discipline. Can you swear that you will do everything in your power for the protection of Gondor and its people? Will you follow any orders given to you and diligently perform all duties assigned to you?"

~~~~~~
Barracks - North Wing - Room 2
@Arnyn

"Me? Poking fun?" Pele's features were mastered by mock surprise, and then she joined Arnyn in a burst of laugh. "Well... I figure a bit of it would not hurt, right?"

She was silent for a few moments as she evaluated the items still remaining on the desk. There were only a few, and she did not want to look for another box or a bag, or some other means of transport for it. "Might just come after these later. It's just a handful, maybe an armful, rather," she decided.

"I've been busy with flexibility and strength workouts, but a good sparring session or two would be nice, if you wouldn't mind," she returned to the other topic, now more seriously then the first time. "I might be slightly overrating my own battle readiness, so wouldn't mind a second opinion. And I definitely trust you and your assessment. Also... at least physical healing is the easiest part of the whole, so comes about faster."

As she spoke, Pele took one of the sacks with the collected belongings and muttered: "Might as well get these over there. I don't think sacks and boxes will want to move on their own. A wheelbarrow would have come in handy though."

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Trastion Leithor
Prospective new recruit
Captain's office

Hearing the captain's comment about his current skills, Trastion bit his lip lightly. In all honesty, he was almost dying to tell her about his years of training with various weapons, from the time he was old enough to be able to hold a practice weapon until about two years ago when he had to leave his old life behind. He wanted to tell about how he and his brother had spent hours every day, training and sparring together... and he would have liked to have mentioned the time orcs tried to invade their family's land and burn the forest, and his actions in helping fight them. But he couldn't tell about any of that without telling her more than he wanted to tell about his family and where he came from. He couldn't do that, and let out a slow breath as he reminded himself that that was all in the past and best forgotten.

Pushing that jumble of thoughts down in his mind, he straightened his shoulders slightly as the captain uttered her question. "Yes, ma'am, I swear that I will do everything in my power for the protection of Gondor and its people. And I swear to follow all orders, and perform all duties assigned to me, with diligence." He felt a little thrill of excitement, as it seemed like he was getting accepted, despite the poor first impression he'd surely given. He would have someplace he belonged, again. That gave him a sense of relief, that he wouldn't be roaming aimlessly anymore, with no place to really call home. A slightly anxious feeling fluttered in his stomach after a little pause, and he couldn't help asking, "Does this mean I'm accepted?"

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2

Nodding at Pele's assessment that they could return for the last unpacked items later, Arnyn lifted the box they had last filled.

Pleasantly surprised at her friend's suggestion for a sparring session, and perhaps more than one, Arnyn regarded Pele thoughtfully. "I would not mind at all," she genuinely replied. "In fact, it would be my pleasure. And you can rest assured that, on the off chance you are less prepared for battle than you had thought or wanted to be, that I can keep it to myself." She smiled, happy that Pele felt comfortable to bring up the possibility of sparring with her to assess her current state. She tucked away the comment about physical healing being easier, for a later time. "Maybe we should agree on a date and time now," she suggested. Better to make a proper plan, rather than to agree to do it 'sometime' and simply let time pass them by. "What do you think about three days from now?" Her next two days were largely spoken for, but after that... "Or if you have another suggestion? Your calender is likely busier than mine, Captain." She grinned at that. It was good, but funny still, to call Pele that.

Opening the door again first, she then moved back into the room a bit to also pick up one of the sacks against the wall. Repositioning the box she was holding a bit until she found the distribution of weight that felt most comfortable, she glanced back at Pele before stepping out of the room. "Room three, right?" she checked, even though she already knew the answer.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen
Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office

Pele regarded Trastion solemnly, listening to his words as he repeated the oath, watching his expression to determine whether he meant it seriously, and then she prolonged the pause slightly, a smile forming slowly on her lips.

"Yes, Trastion, as of this moment you will be known as a Ranger Recruit," she finally informed him. "And as such you should take yourself over to the armoury and get equipped with a proper uniform and equipment. Also, I suppose you would need a room, right? And after you are settled we'll see about possibilities for training."

She sat down at the desk to make a few notes in one of the lists, and then looked at another. "Hmm. Let's see if I can what rooms are available at the barracks," she said thoughtfully, wondering whether she should set him up with someone he could befriend and who could help him get adjusted to daily routines and such.

~~~~~~~~~
@Arnyn
Barracks, North Wing, Room 2

"I am more than confident that you would not go and make a public announcement of any of my underachievements," Pele laughed, and then added more quietly: "I trust that you would neither flatter me nor judge too harshly, and couldn't ask for a better partner in training. All that considering that you are one of the closest friends I have." She shrugged as if she had not said anything of importance and took a hold of another sack.

Having carried both sacks into the hallway, she let them down deciding that the floor was smooth enough to drag them instead of having to carry them.

"Yup, room three it is," she confirmed, proceeding to drag the sacks behind herself and making quite a bit of noise. "Uhh. Perhaps this is a no go," she concluded and lifted the collections of her belongings up to avoid the annoying sound.

"Three days? The Captain thinks it might work," Pele chuckled softly, glancing at Arnyn. "I usually try to reserve morning for personal training because often the days end up being too busy and chaotic to fit any of it in. Except late nights, though healers say that those should be used for sleep instead because a body needs rest."

Getting to the new room, she pushed the door open with her shoulder, having unlocked the door after inspecting the room once more and leaving it open with a purpose to relocate sooner rather than later.

[Isolde Alarion]

Amber dealing with Clerk
Potential Recruit
Headquarters
@Pele Alarion

She listened to the woman prattle on, directions...that's all she needed. No idle chatter but it seemed she would have to endure the woman to get what she wanted. Her amber eyes followed the direction she pointed. Was it really that hard to point? She looked back to the woman with her tea in hand. She forced the corners of her lips upward. "Thank you." Now there were words that were hard to swallow but she supposed necessary to keep up her image. On her heel she turned and left the tea toter standing there.

Toward the office door she walked and as she neared a particular voice became recognizable to her. At her side her right hand flexed then balled into a fist as she neared. Her amber eyes momentarily flashed crystaline, something she had to quickly hide behind amber again less they would betray her. It took effort to relax her hand and still the images in her mind. Images of violence and torment. Oh, you could take the girl out of Umbar but you couldn't take Umbar out of the girl, not in this instance anyways so she had to tuck those images away for another time.

A chair sat opposite the door and she assumed it was there to wait your turn. Shifting her pack down from her shoulder she took the seat and let it come to rest on the cold floor. The voice continued and through the narrow opening of the doorway she caught a glimpse of her. Her hand gripped the chair to keep her from acting on her first impulse. All in good time she had to tell herself. She was in this for the long term, yes, instant gradification was glorious but this time she wanted to savor every bite as it were.

Her grip relaxed and she assumed a more relaxed visage. Seated with hands folded in her lap she did her best to seem a simple girl wishing to throw away...ermm..I mean, dedicate her life to serving Gondor. She lightly cleared her throat to announce her prescence.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Captain's office

A grin took over his face at the answer. He was officially a recruit now! "Thank you, Captain!" A surge of excitement left it impossible for Trastion to keep any pretense of being calm. "Barracks, yes," He nodded, reminding himself there was more to be figured out. "That'd be great," Much better than finding an apartment or something in the city, he thought. Plus, he'd then be closer to the rangers and all the stuff here. And he'd have to get fitted out for some gear, which made sense.

"If it's alright, ma'am, I'd like to get into a room and clean up a little bit before going to the armory," He added with a little smile. "I'd imagine the armorer would probably appreciate that, too..." He shrugged slightly, hoping there must be someplace around here to wash up, beyond just his hands and face. If nothing else, he could change into something not muddy. After a moment's pause, he added, "What should I call you, by the way? Captain? Ma'am?" He frowned slightly, wondering which the lady preferred.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2

Arnyn smiled, touched. "Is that still so?" she asked, the smile softening. Pele generally seemed to know everyone, and given how friendly and considerate Pele was, Arnyn had not assumed to still be one of Pele's closest friends.

The rattling sound of the sacks dragging on the floor made Arnyn quietly wonder was was in there. Armour? Weapons? Cooking pots? Pele wouldn't need the latter given she lived in the barracks, unless she liked to make those honey cakes she moved so much herself in Pete's kitchens. Yet it was really none of her business, so she just hid a grin when Pele lifted the sacks in resignation.
On their way over to the Captain's new room, they agreed to meet at the training grounds three days hence, at first light.

Unlocked? Her mind asked her almost reflexively when Pele pushed open the door with her shoulder. Sometimes, Arnyn wondered whether her time in the North had made her paranoid. These were the barracks, after all. Why would there be anything amiss here? The building was full of rangers.

"Well," the Hyandaner said looking around and putting the box she was carrying onto Pele's new desk. "Home, sweet home?" She moved back to the door right away, but then stopped in her own invisible tracks. "Did you want to unpacked the boxes and sacks as we move them, or first moved everything over here and then start unpacking?"

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office
@Rillewen

"All right. Barracks it is then, I'll assign you to Room 3 of the South Wing; Ranger Mourgan is in that room, so you'll have to introduce yourself if you see him," she said, looking into one of the lists before her. "You can then go into the wash... bath... room on the first floor and get yourself cleaned up, if you prefer. As for the key to the room - get it from Lieutenant Brian. This note will serve as authorisation for you to be within the barracks." Pele wrote the necessary request in a neat handwriting, signed it and handed it to Trastion.

Sounds from behind the slightly open door caught Pele's attention for a moment, and she wondered whether someone else was waiting there. Yet, she did not pay that much attention to it, and turned back to Trastion, chuckling softly at his question.

"Call me Captain, as that is my official rank," she responded, deciding to let Trastion learn later that there are situations when he can call her by her name. "Anything else you would like to know?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2 -> Officer Quarters, Room 3
@Arnyn

"And why would it not be so, Nyn?" Pele returned to the matter of friendship for a bit. "I'd guess that distance and time does not always necessarily change things, even though we have both been away for quite some time, for various reasons." Her blue eyes reflected warmth and quiet joy, as she set her sacks down in one corner.

"It might take a while to make this room into a proper home," she said thoughtfully, standing in the middle and glancing around. "Things need sorting into proper places, and all that. And then again I seem to have a few homes, some more frequented, some less. Heh, one would have been easier."

Pele scratched her head a little, as she looked at the beginnings of the moved things. "I'd rather we move everything first because I don't like taking up two rooms at once. Besides... who knows how long it will take to unpack and put everything in the right places. Might take a month." She laughed, and then shrugged. "Supposing no one would dare spring a room inspection on me!"

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Captain's office

"Room 3, South Wing," He repeated, nodding to himself. He'd better make sure he didn't get lost and end up in the wrong place.. again. He swiftly 'jotted down' the directions in his memory, as she spoke about a wash room. First floor. He wondered how many floors were in this place. From the outside, it was hard to tell exactly, so he figured he was in for a good deal of exploring before he would know his way around well enough not to get lost.

"Thank you, M-Captain." He smiled as he caught himself almost calling her ma'am again, and took the note she handed him. "Lieutenant Brian, right," He would have to locate this Lieutenant, and hopefully it wouldn't be too difficult. Her final question made him pause for a moment, fighting against a joking reply that automatically came to mind, and shook his head. "Nothing I can think of right now, Captain. Find Lieutenant Brian, get the room key.. find my dorm, get cleaned up, then go to the armory and get fitted for a uniform and such... I think I've got it." He grinned, thrilled to have been accepted.

With all of those instructions in mind, the young man set out to locate the barracks and hoped this Lt. Brian would be nearby. There was a young woman(Amber) in the room just outside the captain's office, he smiled pleasantly to her and nodded politely as he went past, then paused and glanced back, debating about asking her if she'd seen the dog, but then thought maybe that might not be a good idea. Instead, shaking his head slightly, he hurried toward the barracks. He had a general idea where they were, after his frantic chase with the dog earlier, so he headed that way and hoped this was the south wing. He'd continue his search for the thieving canine later, after he'd gotten cleaned up and done all the stuff he was supposed to do.

Finding the Lt. was easier than he expected... in fact, Lt. Brian found him, and promptly demanded to know who he was and why he was tracking mud all down the previously clean halls. Trastion swiftly offered the note, along with an apology, and explained he was searching for the wash room to rid himself of the mud. Some time later, having washed up and changed into a fresh set of clothing, he was again wandering down the hall with the key in hand, looking for room 3, and hoped his new roommate would be friendly. It was a strange thought, that he'd have a roommate. It made him pause in front of the door once he'd found it, and hesitate. Should he knock? Or just use the key and go in? No, that seemed rude, and he didn't know this Ranger Mourgan. Ranger, the captain had called him, so he wasn't a recruit, and therefore he would be a superior. After a moment of indecision, Trastion knocked, wondering if the ranger was even there, and also wondered what to expect whenever he did meet him.

@Isolde Alarion

[Isolde Alarion]

Mourgan Alarion
Room 3 South Wing
Meeting new roomie
@Rillewen

He was concentrating too hard on darning his tunic. No matter how many times he seemed to try to thread the needle the thread simple refused to go through that little loop. He would never admit it but perhaps he should have listened and watched his mother more closely. She made it look easy and seemed to fix things without a hitch.
One more time he told himself and took the needle in one hand and the thread he held in the other, staring them down with determination. So concentrated he was that the unexpected knock at the door caused him to jump slightly thus making him curse as he poked his finger with the needle. He sucked briefly at his sore finger as he rose from his bunk, leaving the tunic behind him before he give into the urge to just rip it apart with frustration. Removing his finger he used the same hand to open the door. He expected someone coming to let him know his guard duty had been changed but that wasn't what he found.

His brown eyes looked down to see what looked to him as a fresh recruit. "Can I help you?" Maybe he was lost or something.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
South Wing Barracks - Room 3

The person who came to the door was quite a bit younger than Trastion had expected. In fact, he looked not much older than himself. Blinking in surprise, he paused for about half a second before offering a smile, attempting to appear friendly. He'd been worried his new roommate would be some old, seasoned ranger who didn't want to share a room with a 'youngster' or something like that. But being close in age, maybe they could be friends.

"Hi," He greeted the other cheerfully. "Um, sorry if I've bothered you. I'm Trastion...uh, recruit, Trastion, that is." It would take a little getting used to, but he was pleased to be able to use the title. "Captain Alarion assigned me to this room," He added in explanation. "Are you Ranger Mourgan?" He inquired, hoping he hadn't been mistaken about that, and also hoping he wouldn't be upset about having to share a room.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Room 3 South Wing
@Rillewen

He stood listening to the new recruit, not sure what to make of him at first. Hearing the Captain had assigned him to this room he half grinned. When asked if he were Ranger Mourgan he nodded. "I am. " He stepped back from the doorway and held the door open for him. "Come on in. "He motioned for him to come in. "You can have that bunk over there." He somewhat pointed to the one on the left then noticed he had some stuff on it. "Uh..sorry. " He wasn't expecting a roomie. He moved from the doorway to clear the bunk, tossing a few bits of armor and books aside to clear it then moved to step out of his way. "You can have that trunk over there. Nothing in it. " He motioned to it.
Since they were going to be room mates he thought he should introduce himself. He offered his hand. "Mourgan, Ranger Mourgan Alarion. Nice to meet you."

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Room 3, South Wing

Mourgan grinned, that was good. Trastion felt slightly more relaxed, seeing that, and felt it more likely that he would be friendly. And being invited to come on in was definitely better than being told to go away. Lifting his pack again, he stepped in and waited while Mourgan cleared off the bed. "Thanks," He looked around, then took a look in the trunk before setting his pack inside, as is. There, he was 'moved in'. He'd unpack later, he figured. It felt weird, having a new place to live, and it didn't feel like home just yet, but hopefully, with time...

"Alarion?" He caught the last name that Mourgan gave, and turned to face him again. "Let me guess, you're related to the captain?" He took the offered hand with a smile, shaking his roommate's hand with a firm grip, before going to take a seat on the empty bed. His bed, now. "It's nice to meet you, too.. what should I call you?" He wondered, unsure whether he'd be expected to call him 'ranger Mourgan' all the time. Seeing the armor and things that Mourgan had moved from the bed, he stood again. "Oh, that reminds me, I still have to go to the armory to get some gear, can you tell me where it is?"

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Captain's Office

Pele made sure that Trastion had no more questions, and watched with a smile as he left eagerly to get himself sorted. She smiled and shook her head as she made some final notes in the papers. It looked like Rangers now would have quite a bunch of newer members to take care of and train up to be able to fulfil their duties. Pele thought that it was good that there were some new people, but at the same time the same new people would require resources in terms of people, time, and effort. Not that it was a bad thing.

She sat and looked out the window thoughtfully for a few moments, and then remembered that there was perhaps someone else waiting to see her. Standing, she stretched a little and stepped over to the door, opening it more and looking out into the main hall to see whether anyone was still there waiting.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: Officer Quarters, Room 3

"I wouldn't put it past Brian, really," Arnyn said. She could see the Lieutenant inspecting Pele's room, although he would probably be sweating profusely while doing so. An instance where his utter respect for authority collides with his dedication to his duties as a barracks master. A grin snuck onto Arnyn's face. That might be a funny situation, come to think of it.

"You might want to add a plant or two," she agreed. "Would make it a bit more homey. And a bit more you." She smiled. "You so love the green." She had put down the box earlier, and now stashed the sack she was still holding to one of the walls, to put it out of the way. "If we are moving everything here first, we best not dawdle." Pele's mention of a wheelbarrow came back to mind. "I'm sure there would be some sort of wheelbarrow around," she mused out loud. "But I'm also pretty sure that Lieutenant Brian wouldn't want us carting dirty wheels all around his barracks. He would likely even be opposed to clean ones." Arnyn raised an eyebrow. "You DO outrank him, of course..." with that, she left the room, on her way to pick up more boxes or sacks.

In room 2 of the women's wing, the Hyandaner picked up one of the next boxes. Then she figured she might as well take another sack, like she'd done before. Bending down and tilting a bit to one side made a note fall out of the box. With a little sigh, Arnyn put the box down on Pele's (former) bed and picked it up. It was a note. It was very short, and without even wanting to, she'd read the contents before she knew it.

Alarion
Ranger Barracks
White City

Do they know all your secrets? The thing that keeps you up at night?
I do. I am.
R.

Arnyn froze. When Pele entered the room - with a slight delay, probably after arranging the sacks the way she wanted them in her new room - Arnyn turned to her friend and raised the note slightly. Her voice was rather quiet. "Pelepele... They are harassing you? Here? When did you get this?"

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks: Officer Quarters, Room 3

Imagining the barracks master coming to see her room made Pele chuckle softly. He might have something to pick at while the stuff was still stacked everywhere in sacks, but otherwise Pele herself rather preferred everything to be in near perfect order. It would take time to settle though, a few days, perhaps a week.

"Yes, definitely some plants," she agreed with Arnyn's suggestion. There had not been any in her former room; she had kept personal things to a minimum for one reason or another which might not have been the best since this was where she spent a lot of time. Still smiling, Pele lingered behind, looking around at the room some more and daydreaming. Perhaps a smaller plant on the desk, another on the shelf; and then she'd have to stop herself from getting more and turning her room into a forest. Eventually she turned around on her heel and headed back to the other room to get more things.

Stepping into her old room she found Arnyn standing there, the smile gone. Pele's gaze fell on the note when her friend spoke her quiet questions.

"I wanted to burn that note but hadn't for some reason," she said first with a sigh and a roll of eyes. "I'm sure they'd find me even if I hid on some distant mountain peak. Relic is very persistent in pursuing me everywhere. Nasty woman... I suppose it will be like this until either she or I end up dead."

She had somehow forgotten to deal with the note, though she had been thinking on how to make sure that it remained only an annoying note and not a promise of a pending encounter. "It was delivered not that long after our return from that mission... Apparently some guy brought it."

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: back in the North Wing

Pele's eye roll didn't fool her. This was serious business. Her words lent further proof to that: persistent in the pursuit; thinking things would not change until one of them died...

Arnyn frowned. If Pele thought the only solution to this was either her own death or this Relic's... She shook her head. "You got this months ago... And 'some guy' delivered it? To whom? And what did this guy look like? Can we trace it back to him and then somehow trace him back to this Relic?" The wheels in her head were spinning, but mostly she was incredulous that it seemed like Pele hadn't investigated this further herself. And if she had, she was being very cavalier about it.

Did this woman damage Pele so that she was afraid to go after her? It was clear that Relic was coming after Pele, and Arnyn felt like someone should return the favor.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2

Pele looked at the note for a moment, and then directed her gaze out the window as she wondered whether she should try and explain to Arnyn what impact those few written words had had on her. That reading it had caused her to relive deeply all the horrors and left her feeling powerless for a long time. If she would have to give account, she wouldn't even be able to say whether she lived in constant state of decapacitating fear and alert for a week, a few weeks, or a month. Somehow she had managed to survive without letting it show too much, and perhaps it was a wonder that it had not affected any of her duties to the point of making costly mistakes.

"It has been a long time. Too long," she eventually admitted, sitting down on the edge of her bed and letting the tightness in her shoulders release a bit. "I got a description of the guy from the person who took the note, but he was nowhere to be found. Sometime later I came across the news that he was found killed in the forest."

A sigh escaped Pele, as she continued: "I suspect Relic is somewhere about, perhaps even in the city, but I have no hard evidence. It is tough to go about my day while constantly on alert, not knowing whether I'd run into my nemesis as I round the next corner." Hearing her thoughts expressed in words spoken out loud, Pele suddenly realised that what she said must portray her as a powerless victim unable to handle the situation, while she practically had the skills and resources to fight, and find additional support if necessary.

"Well, go figure..." she muttered in reaction to her inner musings, and then looked at Arnyn, as she continued thinking out loud: "I don't really want to drag others into it and subject them to danger. There's that too. But then again, danger seems to follow me everywhere anyway. Unless something is done with it."

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: back in the North Wing

It wasn't all that surprising that the messenger had been found killed, Arnyn supposed. She was relieved that Pele had indeed investigated it enough to find out about the man. It was, however, a pity he had been killed - perhaps the messenger had been innocent, or at least not as terrible as this slaver woman from Umbar. In addition, now he could be of no use to them. Arnyn frowned when Pele continued. If Relic was in the city...

"Did you tell anyone?" Based on Pele's last few sentences, Arnyn assumed that her friend hadn't. "A close friend, a family member?" Keeping something like this all to herself couldn't be good: not emotionally and not practically. Pele needed help to process and help to keep her safe, if this Relic was around. "I feel like... if it were me in your position, I would want someone to talk to. Need someone to talk to. Bounce ideas of, share what I'm going through, seek advice..." Arnyn gestured with some powerlessness, and sat down on the stripped bed. "Don't you feel the need to get events like these off your chest? To have someone to confide in? I think... if I were you and kept it all in, I would feel very alone. That's not what I want for you."

With worry, she tried to see what was behind Pele's blue eyes. "This isn't about putting others in danger, Pele. It is about helping to keep you safe. And Rangers like us sort of agree to danger anyway. But we also agree to watch out for each other." She paused, and rose from the bed again, to put a hand on Pele's shoulder. Arnyn's voice was very quiet when she continued. "Will you not let us do that, Captain?"

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2

"I... have told my family enough to make them aware that I have enemies who might want to target them too, just to make sure they are careful. And I have not told anyone that I suspect Relic might be around," Pele said hesitantly. While she had shared some of her past with some people, she had not really told much about the current situation and her suspicions.

When Arnyn spoke her mind on how she would feel if she was in Pele's place, it stirred deep longings in her heart, and in reaction to the gentle touch of hand on her shoulder she looked up at Arnyn and responded just as quietly: "I will, I surely will."

For a few moments she was silent again, attempting to navigate the mixed emotions and thoughts that had arisen in her so she could express something more or less coherent to her friend. "I do feel rather alone, and I long to share but... how can I say..." She sighed, and then went for another attempt at sharing: "I sort of live two lives: one outwardly as a tough and fearless Ranger leader, and another inner life where I'm still stuck in Umbar, tormented and afraid. I think Relic suspects this, or maybe even knows, and now she uses it against me when she knows that I am here and attempting to recover and feel more comfortable. Inwardly, I am still on the run and just trying to survive. Not sure I know exactly how to get out of it and turn the flight into fight. Like... make the confidence and courage more than an external cover."

Pele sought Arnyn's eyes to see whether her flood of words made any sense. While it did to her, she was not all that sure that she had managed to link it all together reasonably. "Want to lend a hand and cover me?" she asked, a small smile on her lips. "I might need a battle buddy to help my inner person get rid of shackles and join the one I display outwardly... in kicking some butt."

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: back in the North Wing

Arnyn nodded in understanding. She took a moment to look for the words to express what she wanted to say. The feeling of what she wanted to tell Pele was there, but she needed to find the right way to phrase it. But when Pele asked whether she would lend a hand a cover her, the Hyandaner needn't hesitate, and she replied to that question first of all. "You can count on me. I'm here for you, for whatever you need." She smiled at her friend, and carefully pulled her in for a hug.

When she pulled back, she gave her friend a sympathetic through serious look. "You know... us Rangers cannot watch out for you if we do not know what is going on. Please... keep me in the loop when something else happens? And perhaps I should not be the only one." She added the last sentence more slowly, unsure of how Pele would react to that. Meanwhile, she had found the words for the sentiment she'd wanted to convery earlier, however, so Arnyn continued before Pele could respond.

"You're right: it is difficult to be in a position where people look to you for guidance and strength." She hesitated. "I found that... sometimes showing vulnerability make people look up to you all the more. No one is expecting their commander to be this perfect person, Pele... and it helps to know that a leader can have a hard time as well. Everyone has their own fights, physical and otherwise. This is one of yours. You can fall down and you can get hurt, and it doesn't matter if the Rangers see you do that. What matters is that they see you rise again and continue your battle. That is infinitely more inspirational than some perfect Captain for whom everything seems to simply turn out well all the time."

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2

A touch of smile lingered on Pele's face, as she returned Arnyn's hug wholeheartedly, though she did not comment on what exactly she needed. Apparently, a hug was one of those things, but everything else was still a jumble of a little bit of everything which she would find difficult to express in words since she was not completely sure. But at least there was no need to continue along those lines right away.

"Ah, but you are not the only one," Pele admitted, shadow of the smile still on her face. "Isys and Kaylin know a little bit; but then again they know a different little bit than you have just now discovered. I suspect that they are keeping an eye on things, though I have not appointed them, nor have I asked if they have come across anything of interest." She sighed and shrugged lightly. "I figure I'd just have to gather folk and explain all details to all involved." It was true, if she wanted help and support, people could not provide it if they had no clue what was going on. "There's that then," she concluded, making a mental decision to deal with this instead of trying to keep track of who knew what little pieces of the whole story. Eventually. At some point.

With another deep sigh, Pele got up and glanced out the window briefly before she turned back to Arnyn and said: "Well, yes... Rising after a fall is quite... interesting, should I say. I may look like I am fine while inwardly I'm still sitting on the floor and trying to pick up shattered pieces in a desperate attempt to put myself back together." It often seemed to her that she was still someone with a mentality of an escaped slave dressed in Ranger uniform. She was not exactly sure how to reconcile her former self with who she was now, or how to make her painful experiences turn into something positive. "It's like... I'm not sure yet what I'll find after I have put myself back together: some broken clay pot to be thrown out, or a collection of broken pieces put together in a beautiful mosaic."

Pele frowned at the wording that had escaped her. Beautiful. There was nothing beautiful in it. Not yet - she convinced herself. "Well, never mind..." she said quietly after a while. Only she could make a decision on what the end result would be; it was clear. Though friends could surely add some extra glue to hold the pieces together, and some extra ornaments. A glint in her blue eyes, and a slightly impish smile - seemingly inappropriate to the serious conversation - gave away that she had decided on what it was going to be, soon after she had scoffed at her own words. The process might be long, and she was not yet sure what the end result should or would look like, but she had decided that she would not waste no more time sitting around helplessly, if she could help it.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: back in the North Wing

She gave her friend a smile, glad Pele saw reason in sharing with others. Isys and Kaylin knew a little bit already? That was positive. Arnyn didn't know them very well yet, and she wasn't sure either of them were reasonable in the traditional sense, but she preferred more people in the know. And since Isys and Kaylin were Rangers, Arnyn trusted them. She had faith in the judgment of their King, even after what happened with Macardil.

Arnyn nodded slowly at Pele's description. "Not 'never mind', my friend," she responded, a bit more energetically. "I am glad you are talking about it! You know... I have heard about this special kind of glue that supposedly makes things nearly unbreakable." Arnyn's dark eyes smiled at Pele, even though her lips curled up only ever so slightly. "It would make a broken pot even sturdier than before it was even broken. We can coat you in glue and this Relic will never even get so much as a chance of chipping off the tiniest piece again. What do you say?"

Glancing at the note in her hand, she held it up to Pele. "Now. What do we do about this? I am not in favor of you keeping it. There is no need to read it over again and over," she warned. "I suggest we either rip itinto shreds and throw it out - or if you wish to keep it for some reason, then I will safeguard it for you." That way, Pele wouldn't be tempted to look it over and risk her vulnerability tipping over into panic or despair.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks: North Wing, Room 2

"Well... Have to finish collecting the pieces first, but yes - that strong glue would be excellent. Though I'm sure that Umbarian will not give up very easily, especially if she is somewhere hereabouts," Pele said, trying to navigate her way between giving in to fear and holding on to the offered hope. "But little by little, as they say, right?" At least she had managed to bring her grief over loss of Maldir to some sort of conclusion and finally let him go, after many years. Less sorrow, less guilt, and less foothold for Relic's blackmail.

Pele had drifted off in thought for a bit, and seeing the note brought her back to present again. "I had meant to discard that note, but now I wonder if it could prove useful against Relic," she said, rubbing her chin, as she considered the options. "It doesn't convey much, so not really sure it would be of great value, but perhaps it is worth keeping for a bit. I definitely wouldn't mind if you kept it out of my sight - until I find that keeping it is absolutely of no use."

"Now that you've found out my secrets," Pele chuckled softly, though she felt glad that Arnyn had happened upon that note. "Perhaps we better get back to moving stuff. As far as I know there should be no more silly little notes or other such things." Turning to look at the belongings that still awaited their turn to be moved, she calculated that it would take them perhaps three or four more trips back and forth.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks: back in the North Wing

"Little by little," Arnyn agreed solemnly. That was the way. You couldn't rush these things, as Pele would well know by now, after all she had been through.

She frowned slightly when Pele said the note might still prove useful against Relic. Arnyn didn't really see how that could be, at least not right away. It did not say much, really, and the Umbarian hadn't even signed her name, just an initial. Perhaps... when comparing handwriting, it could be proven that this Relic had written it. But even so, the vague threat would probably not hold up in any sort of trial. Yet, she would respect Pele's wishes. "I will store it away for you at my home," she promised. "Let me know when you decide what you want to do with it for the long term." Or, she could always ask at some point. There was no rush. She had plenty of room for a single piece of paper.

A grin found its way to her face when Pele noted they should get back to work now Arnyn had uncovered her secrets. "Are you sure? No hidden stash of shrooms or special herbs left to find?" she laughed. Shaking her head, she grabbed more of Pele's things, ready to put some legwork in. "Let's adopt a more result oriented mindset, yes. Or it might take us weeks to move you from one room to another." That would be ludicrous.

Once they really put their minds to the task, it did not take Pele and Arnyn that long to move all of the boxes and sacks into the new room. After Pele had gone to sweep her old room one last time, to make sure nothing was left behind, Arnyn helped her unpack a few boxes. As dinner time approached, however, the Hyandaner excused herself. "Sorry, Captain - this is where I have to leave you. I made plans to eat with my brother back at the house. He is leaving for Ithilien again soon, and I would like to spend some more time with him before he does."

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Room 3 w/ Trastion
@Rillewen

Mourgan watched him stow his pack but he met his gaze when when he turned to face him. "My Aunt." He explained with a shrug as he shook his hand. He also returned to his own bed as Trastion sat on his. "Just call me Mourgan I suppose unless it's a formal thing." He wasn't much for formalities himself and if he was going to be his room mate he might as well just use his regular name.

He was about to grab up a piece of armor when he was asked if he could tell him where the armory was. "I'll do one better. I'll show you." He started to stand. "Come on, I have to go there anyways." He motioned for him to follow him. "Besides, can't have you get lost and end up in the woman's barracks. " A lopsided grin curved it's way through his scruffy left cheek as he held the door for him.

[Isolde Alarion]

Potential Recruit Amber
Waiting in the hall
@Pele Alarion

Patience was not her thing but she trying to keep it together for images sake, just as she was about to start tapping her foot a young man left the room. She watched him closely.New recruit she summarized, she could practically smell his excitement. She snorted faintly in disgust but then the door opened and she turned back to look.

Her eyes narrowed as they focused on the person before her. Her heart thundered in her chest and caused her blood to course through her veins as her fingers flexed. She lept from the chair as a scream ripped from her throat. "Alarion!!" She pounced on the woman and grabbed her by the throat, digging her nails into the soft white skin. Her other hand she took her hidden dagger and stabbed it into her chest. Forcing it deep into the heart of her. Down the two went with her atop the Alarion. Staring into her blue eyes hers once more returned to their crystalline form. "You can never escape me Alarion." She snarled into her dying blue eyes and she watched her turn as cold as the marble floor her blood was spilling onto.

With a blink of her amber eyes the dream evaporated and she offered the woman standing across from her a smile. "I believe I'm next."

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Room 3, South Wing

"Your aunt, that's interesting." Trastion smiled, thinking about that for a moment. He had an aunt, though he didn't know her very well. "Did she inspire you to join the rangers?" It seemed logical, anyway, especially if he was close with her. "Mourgan then," He nodded, glad for a bit of informality. "Have you been a ranger for long?" He noticed the other was called a ranger, and not a recruit or anything like that, so obviously he'd completed all the training.

Hearing that Mourgan would show him to the armory, Trastion grinned back. "Thanks, I'd appreciate that. I already got a little lost.. I found the stables, but I'm not sure where anything else is. I definitely don't want to end up in the women's quarters, I might get attacked by flying powder puffs or lace, or something." He paused, tilting his head. "Or, I guess maybe women around this place wouldn't be much into all that floofy, frilly stuff," He decided, realizing he didn't know hardly anything about female rangers, and had actually not expected there to be any, yet he'd already met two, and one of them was in charge. "Are there many of them?" He wondered as he followed his roommate out, curious about this.

"Where I'm from it's not very.. common for women to go into a field like this," he explained, not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea about his inquiry. "I find it intriguing, and impressive. I've already met your aunt, and another lady ranger, and I couldn't help wondering if it's very common here, or if they're the only ones." He could only imagine what his mother would say about it, especially if Linn decided to do something like that. The thought made him want to snicker, but he held it in as he looked around and tried to pay attention to the way they were going so he could find it again later if needed.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Room 3 w/ Recruit Trastion
Headed to the Armory
@Rillewen

Mourgan held the door and watched his new room mate as he continued to speak. When asked if his Aunt inspired him he kinda shrugged. “I suppose some but it was Faramir who talked my mother into letting me join.” Once Trastion was out the door he shut it firmly. “Five years.” He answered his question about his time being a Ranger.

As they walked through the barracks he listened to Trastion opinion of woman Rangers. He smiled to himself. Should he warn the young recruit or let him find out the hard way? He pondered the question till a memory of being so involved in a book he took a wrong turn and walked right into the woman’s barracks and into a room finding himself unexpectantly caught up in a clothes line full of woman’s undergarments to the point of tripping out into the hall and being tied up like a holiday goose. Trastion reminded him of himself at that time but that was before.. things happened.
They stepped out of the barracks and took a short path towards a lower building. “There’s enough of them. Don’t underestimate the floof and lace. There are many I wouldn’t want to face on the battle field.”He shook his head.

With an easy pace they neared the Armory. “Here we are.” He motioned towards its doors. Once more he opened the door. “You’ll find the armor your looking for towards the back. I have to see the Smithy. “ He motioned towards the right. “Maybe I’ll see you in the dining hall?”

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Room 3, South Wing

Listening to Mourgan's reply, Trastion found it very impressive and was a tiny bit jealous, hearing that he apparently had met Captain Faramir that he'd heard so much about. And that he had family around here. "I'll remember not to underestimate them, then." He commented after the remarks about not wanting to face some of the lady rangers on a battle field. "There was a well-known swan knight that my brother and I used to admire, she was quite something to watch, back when she used to compete in jousting matches." He smiled, remembering. "I always thought it very impressive that a lady would even enter such competitions, let alone defeat most of the men." He commented, before wondering whether he should've mentioned that.

Arriving at the armory, Trastion looked around and nodded. "Thanks, Mourgan. I'll see you around." Waving, he figured that he'd end up having to talk to the Smith as well but could at least select some armor and weapons while Mourgan was speaking with them. Wandering off toward the back where Mourgan had pointed him, Trastion found the armor without too much difficulty and began to browse around.

(I sent you a message/question on discord)

[Pele Alarion]

@Isolde Alarion
Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters

Pele looked at the woman in the hall, while she rested her hand on the door handle casually. For some unexplainable reason she suddenly felt her inner warning system go off, the sense of urgent admonition sending her heart rate racing. She managed to suppress the shiver that ran down her spine and was glad that the long sleeves of her uniform hid the forming goosebumps. She licked her lips and cleared her throat to counter the dryness, as she wondered about the reaction coursing through her body. She was not aware of any imminent threat; and there seemed nothing wrong with the woman waiting in the hall. There was nothing in the other's body language that seemed threatening, and the voice appeared to be usual. Besides, she did not think she had ever seen the woman before.

The King had encouraged her to trust her instincts, not to minimise the feelings... She knew of only one reason that would send her whole system into uproar like this, and there seemed to be absolutely no grounds for it, yet perhaps she should listen to the King's advice in this case. Perhaps especially in this case, when she did not see anything wrong, and yet something in her had reacted strongly.

"Well, come on in then and tell me your business," Pele said calmly, using all the will she had to suppress the internal turmoil, and nodded towards her office. She waited for the woman to enter, then made eye contact with her assigned Citadel guard, and gave him a quiet nod. Leaving the door ajar, she turned to go back into the office and caught a slight movement with the corner of her eye as the guard positioned himself closer to the door.

"So..." she turned her attention back to the woman. "Are you looking to enlist or is there some other reason for your visit today?" After all there were people occasionally asking after other available positions not directly related to enlisting, bringing reports and messages, and such. She walked around her desk to lean against the windowsill yet again, her arms folded in a casual fashion. She deliberately took deeper, slower breaths and tried to relax as she waited for the woman to share her purpose, though inwardly she was still prepared to leap into action any moment.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Calithilidis Dringolben - New Smith of the Armory
Armory

Positioning the punch carefully, Cali gave a strong blow, driving a small hole through both ends of the flattened metal. With tongs, she held up the hot ring of metal and examined the hole, gave a nod, and then weaved it in between the links of the maille. Then, a few checks to ensure that it was woven in correctly, and none of the links had been missed, before inserting a tiny bit of wire, which was then flattened carefully with a few taps of her hammer. Now for another link.

The work was rather tedious, and she intended to take a break after another couple of links. Not only to break up the monotony, but also to give her arm a rest, since it was only a couple of weeks ago it was in a sling. The noise of her hammering, flattening the ends of the next ring, covered up the sound of the two young men entering the armory, so she didn't come out to greet them, busy working at fixing the maille shirt.

[Isolde Alarion]

Amber
Captain Alarion Office
W/ @Pele Alarion

With a simple nod of her head Amber rose from the chair, grabbing her pack up as she went. Walking past her she offered a small smile before taking a seat across from the woman’s desk. Lowering her pack beside her to rest it on the floor she was about to take up her usual resting pose. Legs crossed with hands resting on the arms of the chair, back straight but then remembered Amber was a simple peasant. She assumed a more slumping pose. Her booted feet rest at opposite angles and she leaned more on her right arm.

She cast a glance back to the Alarion but in doing so she caught the slight movement of the guard to a more guarded position. She doubted other potential recruits were welcomed in such a fashion so she turned back toward the desk and waited for the woman to speak as she seemed to try to portray a calm demeanor. Did she sense her ruse? Was she always so suspicious? She gave the woman a small bit of credit for listening to her instincts, she would be needing them.

“I’ve come to enlist and my names Amber. If I had a family name I don’t recall it. They normally don’t care if orphans have last names.” Well she wasn’t completely lying. Does selling your parents off to slavers count as being an orphan? Close enough she figured. She shrugged. “I’m not sure what else to tell you. Where do I sign up?”

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Common Baracks - Recruit office

Eiliandreth Megilian

She had just turned seventeen years old and was thus allowed to join those fabled rangers she had heard so much about. But her family was against it, swords and spears were no things for a girl to wield. Having nothing than dresses, she looked rather inconspicuous in the town, and called up no questions for those who saw her walking around. Maybe she would need a different style of clothing, but the recruitment officer could surely enlighten her about that all. Perhaps she was good to be a stablehand? Eiliandreth knew nothing of weapons nor what what kind of armour she ought to wear. Or with what company she belonged. She was completely new. She came walking from the second level, where her parents had a house they rented. Both had jobs in the local vicinity at that level, so level one was something else. She brought nothing with her, than just herself. And neither she couldn’t say what was really expected. But she reached the buildings and opened the entrance doors, which came into a large hall filled with tables, totally empty. She wandered around looking up and down, but there were no signs where exactly to go.

Eiliandreth shook her head. Was near her some office perhaps? Or was perhaps someone close to ask directions? But then she wandered into a real ranger in blinking armour. “Are you new here?” the older woman asked with a frown. “Eh yes, I seek the office for joining actually,” said Eiliandreth. The woman nodded and smiled: “Welcome then, the office is over there.” She pointed with an arm where the recruitment office had to be, right behind a pillar from Eiliandreth’s view. “Thanks!” she nodded gladly. And then hurried off. She almost danced on the way going there, around the tables to a corner where a door was. She gave a knock on it, before opening and entering. Behind a desk sat a female clerk writing something. Bit uncertain Eiliandreth looked around, to the racks with scrolls. Recruitment records perhaps? She knew she wouldn’t be allowed to see those. Even she was bit curious. “Eh hello? I am Eiliandreth, seventeen years old, and it is my dream to a part of the rangers. Is it possible to join and what is all required?” she said after introducing herself. From here she had to wait for an answer.

[Pele Alarion]

@Isolde Alarion
Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - the Captain's Office

There was not much information for Pele to make any conclusions, and she frowned for a moment as she studied the woman before her. An orphan then; it meant that she was not likely to get too much information on her family.

"This is not just a matter of signing up, Amber," she remarked, taking the short introduction to mean that the woman just wanted the whole thing to be finished quickly. "I will need more information than what you gave me to have some sort of basis for a decision to accept you or not. This is not a job for everyone, and I must see if you would be able to make do."

She looked at the half-open door thoughtfully, thinking of some of the answers she would need to find out. "So I know your name and that you are an orphan," she said, looking back at Amber. "How about your reasons for coming here? Why do you think the Rangers is a place for you; what is it that you can offer us? What skills do you possess that would make you well fit for the position?"

~~~~~
@Aikári Salmarinian
The clerk
Headquarters

Distracted from her work, the clerk looked up and set aside the list of items that would have to be procured to keep the Headquarters in good order, those little things that made everyday work here comfortable. For a few moments she inspected Eiliandreth in silence as if evaluating her request.

"Greetings, Eiliandreth" she eventually responded. "Dreaming of Rangers, hmm? I suppose joining is possible, and you would have to be reasonably fit, willing to learn, able to listen to orders. Mostly, good character traits. However, it is not my job to take on new recruits. You would have to go to the office further down the hall and see Captain Alarion for that; there's a citadel guard posted outside, so you won't miss it. Just make sure she is available at the moment. If not, there is a chair in the hall outside her office, and you can wait a bit."

"Or should I show you?" she then asked after a brief pause, thinking that the young woman looked a little bit lost in this place.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

Did the female clerk have a name? Eiliandreth filed the information away while she listened and understood she had been pointed wrongly. Was that a newbie joke of the more senior members? That much she had heard from the people she knew and whose sons and daughters served with the guard. It had happened to her then also. She didn’t where to go even after the directions. “Is it okay I stay here for a while and get you a refreshment?” she asked, if she was in a junior office member. She turned around and saw outside where the kitchens were. Five minutes later she came back with two cups of tea and a few teabags smells to choose from. Perhaps this was not the habit to serve tea, but Eiliandreth, who went with the normal blend, couldn’t say what the female clerk wanted. So she brought for her the normal flavour, a forest blend and a black tea blend. She gave the clerk the cup with hot water and three choices of blends. From there she could help herself.

Eiliandreth sat down on the chair opposite of the desk and sipped from her own tea. “I understand you,” she said. “I had from fifteen years on a small job as junior assistant with a state agent in housing. There was always something as pluming problems, leaking roofs, broken windows. I did help with the billing and laying contacts. But I want something else than sitting the whole days dealing with papers and sent out a mechanic for the job to do.” She had done it for two years. But she liked doing something with her hands than holding a pencil the whole time. “How is it working here for you as clerk?” she asked. Eiliandreth knew something of life at seventeen, but she was also green to a lots of aspects. “Will you show me the way to the right office?” she asked, as this had brought up the clerk for her. People seemed kind and nice around here, except that blinking ranger in the big hall.

[Pele Alarion]

@Aikári Salmarinian
The clerk, Kaja
Headquarters

"Get me a refreshment?" the clerk wondered. Usually it was her who would make tea occasionally, and not receive it, so she looked after Eiliandreth with a certain amount of confusion. Apparently, there was a first time for everything, she decided, as the young woman returned with the promised tea. It seemed that she had not had trouble finding the small kitchen they had here in this building.

"You can call me Kaja," the clerk said, accepting the cup and stirring in honey from the jar she kept hidden in her desk. "Would you like some?" she offered the jar to Eiliandreth.

She only chuckled when what Eiliandreth described sounded in part like her own job. "It is not that bad to work here though. I much prefer this to any other more practical types of work," she said. It was not too difficult, and the payment was good, though she had received some scoldings for careless mistakes in her early days. "Sure, I can show you the way, when it is due time."

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

“Kaja? Oh, that is a nice name I won’t forget,” smiled Eiliandreth. The clerk seemed nice and inviting and she felt coming to ease. “Oh honey, yes off course.” She held her own cup to Kaja so she could do some honey in Eiliandreith’s cup. Kaja talked some of her job around here, and liked preferring it above more practical. Eiliandreth had discovered she wanted some change of this type of work. “I was quite good, but not excellent as my employer wanted me to be. I have less patience with hours on writing, numbering, sorting and more,” she shook amused her head. After a few reprimands she had said goodbye, knowing in the back of her mind the former female employer would never be happy. It had been boring long hours over not being paid that well.

With getting the tea she had given a good display, even perhaps this was not asked in the field. “I know a little of this all, no fighting, no techniques,” she said. Perhaps she would end up with logistics? Hours long standing on guard she had no idea if that was her calling? She couldn’t say if she was in good physical condition after sitting days on end behind a desk. “I’ll find out what this is for me,” she said realistically. She had the leniency of her youth though. She stirred the honey in her tea with a spoon and smelled the nice flavour. “Smells good with the honey,” Eiliandreth commented. It was also good of taste when she took a sip. She had never tasted this flavour with the normal blend. “This is definite better than I got where I was employed.” She nodded and could ask perhaps some questions. “How does it work all around here? The command, the divisions, the duties?”

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Armory with Smithy Cali
@Rillewen

The new Smithy was deeply focused on her work as Mourgan approached. She was working so intently he supposed she hadn’t seen him so he stopped and crossed his arms, content to stand and watch her at work for a moment.
He was no Smithy but he knew good work when he saw it. After all, their lives depended greatly on their handiwork. He enjoyed watching the process of turning metal into armor but he also didn’t have all day to commit to it at the moment. Listening to the ring of the hammer he tried to time his voice to catch her attention.

“Excuse me!” He called to her. “Excuse me!” Maybe she would hear him…

Amber
Potential Recruit
Captains Office- Headquarters
@Pele Alarion

It seemed it wasn’t going to as easy as sign on the dotted line and your in. Amber listened to the Captains questions then took a moment before answering them, she had to get her story straight.

She straightened her back and laid her hands in her lap. “My reasons for coming here are pretty simple you could say. Unlike others I didn’t come for the glory or to prove something to someone. I came for the three meals a day. Hear me out, I know it sounds a poor reason.” She raised a hand in hopes of explaining. “It’s more then that, it’s the stability the Rangers can give me. Growing up in an orphanage nothing is stable. You learn young to fight for what you want or you’ll have nothing and that includes a meal. Friends get adopted or die, your clothes are just hand me downs. Nothing is ever your own. You belong to no one..” She scoffed. “You don’t even get a family name of your own.” She looked down at her hands. “I thought the Rangers could give me all that, a place where I belong and where I’m needed. Maybe even something of a family.”

She breathed in deeply and looked back at the Captain. “What can I offer you? Skills?” She took a moment to think. “I can fight but I can also use a bow, sword, throwing daggers if need be.” Her voice lowered a bit. “If your asking if I have a problem killing the enemy. No. I wouldn’t hesitate.”

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Calithilidis Dringolben - New Smith of the Armory
Armory

So many years had been spent conducting her work in secret that the sound of an unfamiliar voice caused Cali to startle and glance up with alarm, with a flutter of panic inside that she had been caught. A second later, she reminded herself that she no longer had to work secretly, and was in fact employed here, and so there was no "getting caught". It was going to take her some time to get used to that, she realized. The startled expression lasted only a second, and she replaced it with a slight smile. She only knew a few of the rangers, so far, mostly only Nal and the captain, at this point, though she’d spoken to some in passing.

"Yes?" She was sure she'd seen him before, perhaps when she'd come to apply for the position, although she'd seen so many of the rangers that day, she couldn't be sure. "Sorry, I didn't hear you come in. How can I help you?" Laying down her hammer, Cali moved the container of rings into a cooler part of the coals, where they would keep warm but not continue to heat. She rotated her wrist slowly, flexing and testing how it was feeling while she listened to whatever Mourgan's need might be.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
W/ Cali the Smithy
@Rillewen

He wasn’t sure but for the briefest of moments he thought he startled the Smithy but then shook it off thinking he must have been mistaken. He waved off her apology. “No harm, you seemed pretty focused on your work there.” He motioned to the rings.

He continued as she seemed to flex her wrist. “I’m in need of some work on my helm, it seems at last practice it took a hit and now it has a dent that’s rubbing onto the back of my head.” He reached up and rubbed lightly at the sore spot. “I have it back in my room. Thought to check with you before just throwing it on you.” He half grinned and chuckled lightly.

A moment later his chuckling subsided and he stood kinda feeling awkward. “I’m Mourgan Alarion. Nice to meet you. You are?”

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Calithilidis Dringolben - New Smith of the Armory
Armory

"A dented helmet?" She nodded thoughtfully. That would be rather annoying, and could potentially give him a bruise every time he wore it. Unless it was significantly more than a 'dent', it should be a fairly easy fix, too. "Sure, bring it in, and I should be able to get it fixed in just a few minutes." She answered with a small smile. Besides, it would be nice to take a break from the chainmail, even if only a short one. There had been hardly anyone in since she started here, and had mostly been going through the inventory, checking for anything in need of repairs, working on things as she found them.

Mourgan introduced himself a moment later, so Cali at least had a name to put with the face. "Nice to meet you," She answered, offering a handshake, despite being a woman. "I'm Cali Dringolben." She had no idea whether her family name would mean anything to him, but her father, and grandfather, and many generations before that, had built up a reputation as some of the finest smiths of Gondor. Since her father's death, following the deaths of her three brothers, most folks had probably assumed the Dringolben line had died, and the forge that had been passed through so many generations was now being rented out to a stranger. Cali would reclaim it one day, but for now she was content with this job, establishing herself as a capable smith while also helping to ensure the rangers had the best equipment, and in the best condition, possible.

"Your former smith retired, and I'll be taking care of the armory now." She added after a moment, in explanation in case Mourgan was wondering. "Anyway.. so just bring the helm in. I should be able to fix it up in no time, and it's no trouble. That's why I'm here." She said with a smile. It was nice to be able to work openly, rather than in secret.

[Pele Alarion]

@Isolde Alarion

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Captain's Office

Pele listened to Amber's words intently and found the explanations to be reasonably down-to-earth, and nothing seemed to support her inner suspicions and instincts which still screamed loudly of present danger. She just might be oversensitive and be wrong after all, but then again - it was best to investigate properly and then be found wrong rather than be careless. She would just have to decide whether it would be best to simply send the woman away - and possibly lose any track of her - or keep her close enough to investigate. If only she had someone to consult with at the moment...

"Those who seek glory are likely to become disappointed sooner or later when they meet with the day-to-day life," she said with a small shrug. "There is little glory in sweaty and dirty training sessions, daily chores, constant discipline if the only thing you expect is going into battles, proving yourself a hero, and returning to receive much praise. So yes, disappointment."

She paused for a few moments thoughtfully. "There's nothing wrong in wanting to earn your living and such. It is good that you can fight; would you be able to submit to a highly disciplined lifestyle, obey commands, give your own life if necessary - not just kill?" she asked to buy herself more time for decision-making and gain more insight into who this woman was.

~~~~~~~~~~
Kaja, the Clerk
Headquarters

"But..." the clerk sipped tea and looked thoughtfully at the woman across from her. "Why did you pick the Rangers if you know nothing of fighting and such? It seems that you can perfectly handle tea... could work in catering, open your own establishment, like a tavern? Or is that not really something you'd like?"

"And yes, the tea is quite good," she admitted with a nod of appreciation, and stirred it some more to dissolve honey properly, while she thought of how to answer the other questions.

"Rangers are a rather small, tightly knit specialised unit, so there are no divisions. This is not a large force like a regular army. Still lots of training and all sorts of daily stuff, and suppose some missions, but I am not very knowledgeable about those since I only handle administrative things here at the headquarters and do not access much inside information," she explained as much as she could.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

Eiliandreth rather froze up of amazement when Kaja asked a few questions she had yet to think about and then got an advice about something she could like. Have an establishment? Her own tavern? Kaja didn’t describe, but an image just sprang to her mind and she stood in it, overlooking eating, drinking and chatting people. It was strangely appealing. The clerk took also some moments tell about the way how the army was constructed together. But the army she called a guard and was not that grand. “I stand corrected then I join a guard and not an army,” she said finally with a blush admitted her error of thought. She knew indeed a very little. “Why joining? I like to train my physical skills in a good way, and mean something to the city when time asks. But further I don’t have a good motivation for entering I guess.” Eiliandreth sipped from her tea and she was glad the clerk found it agreeable. Would she have catering skills? She had never thought of that, or considered it. But perhaps it was an outside source that one set on a future path?

“It sounds quite attractive to have an inn, or a hotel, or so. A diner or tavern,” she said. She grinned and lightened up. “I can picture having such a place. But to have it… I think some fighting skills come in handy in catering, if you have… eh troublesome customers,” she thought of it. Eiliandra wouldn’t even now to meet nauseating people, or shake them off on her own power. “Thanks about the tea compliments and the idea you raised. Tavern is also new to me. How will it be to be in charge of something like that?” she said and then looked up. “That is one skill I can learn here, not? Commanding a small group of people? I think it won’t be much different than to have personnel in a tavern.” Eiliandreth was not without imagination. She sipped her tea.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Armory with new Smithy Cali

@Rillewen

He we glad she could fix his helm so quickly. After introducing himself she offered her hand as she gave her name. He ok it and shook it lightly. “Dringolben?” He spoke the name as if trying to remember something. It sounded familiar but he couldn’t place it, yet. He was sure it would come to him.

Hearing she was replacing the former Smithy he nodded in approval as she told him to bring in the helm. He returned her smile. “I’ll be sure to get it as soon as I can and it was nice to meet you Cali.” His smile widened briefly before he thought he should let her get back to work. “I’ll be seeing you later then.”

With that he gave her a slight bow of his head before turning on his heel to leave but after a few steps he briefly glanced back at the Smithy. Why? He wasn’t sure but quickly turned his attention to leaving the armory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amber w/Captain Alarion
Headquarters- Captains Office
@Pele Alarion

Amber sat quietly as the Captain spoke of the disappointment of seeking fame and glory when you were covered in sweat and dirt. When asked if she could or would submit herself to a life of commands and discipline she nodded. When asked if she would give her own life if need be and not just kill she nodded again.

“I don’t care for fame or glory. I can do these things you speak of should you accept me into your ranks. I only ask for a bed and a meal. I will leave the killing to your discretion.” She lightly nodded towards her before aiming her amber gaze on her. “So if I’ve answered your questions to your satisfaction and should you have need of another sword arm what do you say Captain? Shall I see myself out or be assigned a room?”

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Calithilidis Dringolben - New Smith of the Armory
Armory

"Yes, that's right," Cali answered when he repeated the name she’d given. She didn't elaborate on it further, but it did briefly occur to her to wonder if he could have known her brother. But she had no idea how long Mourgan had been a ranger, and Ryn could have already been gone by the time he joined. .. that had been a couple of years before the war, although she felt a bit as if time had somehow zoomed by without her realizing. How had it already been that many years since he died? She still felt the loss acutely, as if it had been recent.

Nodding as Mourgan said he'd bring the helmet, Cali smiled slightly, careful to keep herself from dwelling on thoughts of sorrow... as best as she could, anyway. "I'll be around all day, so it's no rush .. Unless you're needing it quickly. Nice to meet you, Mourgan." She figured she'd eventually met all the rangers, so she wanted to try and remember the names and faces of each one as she did so. Repeating the names given a few times ought to help with that, she'd always been told.

While talking with Mourgan she noticed another young man(Trastion) wandering around the armory, and decided she might ought to check if he needed help. As Mourgan was heading out, Cali abandoned the forge for a little while and approached him. "Hello, need some help?"

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Armory


He was busy studying a big, two-handed sword, debating if he wanted to learn to use that. Trastion glanced up when Cali spoke, and smiled. "Maybe? I'm here to get some basic gear and things. I just signed up, and I was sent here to get some gear and things. I'm Trastion."

Cali's gaze drifted to the big sword in his hands. "A recruit then?" She paused, then held out a hand for the sword. "I'm Cali, I run the armory here. May I?" With a little hesitation, he passed the sword to her, and she took a look at the blade near the hilt, finding the maker's mark. "Not this one." She shook her head. She hadn't checked it, yet. And besides... "I think you'd be better off with this," She told him, finding a hand-and-a-half longsword, instead, and handed that to him. "Until you come back with permission from a superior stating that you are capable of using a bigger one. Otherwise you're likely to end up cutting off your foot or something, and we wouldn't want that."

Taking the smaller, more reasonably sized weapon, Trastion held back a sigh. "I guess it is a bit big and heavy,"He admitted, though couldn't help being a touch disappointed, as the other was much more impressive-looking. "Um, I need armor too, and whatever else I'm supposed to get."

Cali nodded, taking the big sword along to the forge for later inspection. "I'm a little new, so I'm not entirely sure of everything you need but I'll do my best." She hadn't had any recruits come along during the time she had been here, yet, and began trying to swiftly remember everything her brother had received when he first enlisted.

Trastion nodded and followed along as Cali went about the armory, gathering armor and whatever else she could think of that he might be needing.

[Pele Alarion]

@Isolde Alarion
Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters - Captain's Office

Pele studied Amber for a few more moments, and still could not find anything to support her suspicions - the answers were short and to the point, there was nothing there that she could consider as not fitting the general picture of the person before her. Eventually she decided it would be better to keep her close and investigate as much as possible rather than let her go and lose all track of her should something prove wrong.

"Fine," she said and moved away from the windowsill to sit down at the desk, looking over the roster and the available rooms. "You can have Room 1. Meals are served three times a day in the mess hall, and snacks are available in between. Also, get yourself to the armoury and find yourself a uniform and some basic gear." Pele wrote down a few notes, and then looked up again.

"I'll let you know about skills assessment, training, and such, once you are settled," she added thoughtfully, considering the options. "Questions?"

~~~~~~~
@Aikári Salmarinian
Kaja, the Clerk
Headquarters

"Well, I'd guess that keeping track of a small tavern would be reasonably easy," Kaja said, and took another sip of her tea. "Depending on the size and the number of employees, suppose." It could be assumed that whatever interactions she as a clerk had with people were easier than trying to satisfy customers with all sorts of various expectations.

Then she shook her head. "Nay, neither army, nor guard. This is the Rangers of Gondor. City Guard is a whole different matter," she explained. "And I dare say that commanding a unit would be very much different from running a tavern. You'd need knowledge of military strategies, specifics of how the unit works, how the enemy works... The lives of comrades, and people you protect would depend on you. Much more serious than a customer upset over food which is not hot enough. Besides, you'd have to train hard and learn to obey orders first."