Ranger Commons II

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

The idea to have a drinking establishment did speak somehow to Eiliandreth. If she owned it, she would be her own boss, off course. She didn’t mind the hustle and bustle of people around, the chatter and so on. Her last job was rather boring, she had learned necessary skills. But now she was looking for something more actively. She shrugged and listened to Kaja, the clerk. The woman gave very useful information and she was eager to know it. But some of it didn’t really speak to Eiliandreth. Just obeying orders… what was the fun and interaction in that? Eiliandreth mulled a while over what Kaja shared about importance of lives.

“I don’t entirely agree,” she figured. “Depends on who the customer is. Just a simple citizen, maybe it doesn’t matter much, but a paying customer who returns is steady income. But if your customer is an important delegate from another nation? It could mean peace or war I think.” A delegate would speak with the king off course, but likely have a room somewhere in town to lodge. In her housing job she had dealt with customers of rich and poor backgrounds. Their problems were all the same, but who went first and who went later, had even played a role there. Her boss had argued that some customers were powerful enough with the networks of people they had, to break someone if they wished. Eiliandreth had asked about it. She hadn’t agreed, but life was not fair.

Training would not much of a problem. She wasn’t strong or so, but neither she was a full grown woman yet. “I would like to have defence training for myself, so I can at least unwanted people from me,” she said more convinced what she wanted. It was a good informative conversation with the clerk. Would the captain be so willing to speak like Kaja? “I can work around orders. I got them in my last job too,” she shrugged. “As long I can ask why to understand, it’s okay.” Eiliandreth had a mind of her own, but also knew she was innocent to lots of things, and needed badly some necessary skills for moving on to other plans. “Meaning something for the city would be nice. I don’t want leave the capital for a distant errand.”

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks, Common Room

The day had been busy, and Pele had tried to split up the time to do her early morning training, do the necessary business at the headquarters, and make sure Houses of Healing were still standing, and all patients were well looked after. She had barely had any time for short breaks, let alone a proper midday meal. So it was that she was happy to get a hearty dinner at the mess, though she arrived late and had to go hunting for it in the kitchen after everyone else had already eaten and clean-up had been finished. At least Sergeant Pete was willing to keep her fed or let her raid the kitchen whatever time of day she happened to get rid of all her duties.

Having eaten her fill, Pele fixed herself a cup of tea and added a couple teaspoons of honey to make it taste less… unappealing. That and a book on herbs to supplement basis for her experiments were her chosen subjects of entertainment for the evening, as she arrived with both at the common room and found it unoccupied.

Instead of the usual armchair, she chose the couch by the window instead to get as much of the fading natural light as possible. Slipping out of her boots, she made herself comfortable, lying down on her belly with the book before her. For a good long while she flipped through the pages looking for information, while she sipped the tea. Yet, the more she read, and the less light entered through the window, she felt too lazy to get up and look for more light. Placing down the almost empty cup of tea, and the book opened on the page she intended to explore next, Pele rested her head on her arms and decided to close her eyes just for a moment before getting up and finding a candle or a lamp.

A moment’s rest became an hour’s sleep, and an hour’s nap turned into a deep sleep of many hours. Having stood for a long time outside the door to the common room since Pele had intended to read only for a bit, the guard eventually checked in on her fearing that something might have happened. His shift would soon be over, and he would have to bring the word of Pele’s whereabouts after 8 hours, yet he did not wish to wake her and assumed that she would be on the training grounds as she had mentioned before. The guard cast a look around the room and did not see any blankets, so he used his cloak to cover her should she remain here for a few more hours. He would ask the next guard to fetch the cloak for him after.

Undisturbed by external noises or else by frightening nightmares, Pele slept on the couch through the night. When the first rays of sunlight found their way in and tickled her eyelids, she turned her back to the bright and warm greeting the morning gave her, and let her left arm hang down from the couch almost knocking over the cup, while she used her other arm as a pillow. “A few more moments,” she thought to herself, still half-asleep.

[Ercassie]

Unalmis Raxëlilta, Ranger
Barracks – Room 1, South Wing

Unalmis stood deliberately out of the way and in front of the window, as Lieutenant Brian conducted his inspection. The room, it had to be said was full of surprises. For the first, because it was largely empty. And that was far from what the officer had been expecting. Indeed it was far from the case mere minutes before. But suspicions were, against all odds, repeatedly dismissed.

To his credit, Brian was taking no chances, first sniffing before taste-testing every one of the twenty seven bottles that he'd found beneath Nal's bed. The fact that there was naught but water in any one of these was no less confounding. But he was glad to see that the rumours of alcohol had apparently left the premises when Nal's roommate, Beren, had. The younger Ranger had never really had much inclination toward such vices, being of a disposition that needed no help in reducing inhibitions. He'd seen enough from his childhood besides to never let alcohol take any determined hold upon him.

"Twenty seven bottles of water", Brian marvelled however.

"Is it not allowed ?" Nal asked, in apparent innocence. And earned himself only a look in response. He'd suffered looks before and did not seem appropriately affected.

The raucous barking of a dog somewhere outside gave the impression of laughter, but the lieutenant remained straight faced as he persisted in hunting out infractions. Victory was his, though his expression did not imply so, when attention was brought to the holes in the wall.

"Do restrict your practice to the training grounds, Ranger," he suggested pointedly. "Thats what they're there for. And damages like this will incur costs that will be taken from your wage. Understood ?"

Unalmis nodded though had not in truth heard every word of the rebuke. That noisy dog outside was getting louder by the minute. But, thankfully, sampling so much bottled water, on top of a threatened headache, had encouraged Brian to conclude his investigation. Probably every thing the young Ranger owned must simply be at the laundry, given rumours he had heard. And that was Ms Irma's problem.

So the Lieutenant declared his intention to leave, maybe to look into the unsupervised dog who seemed to be causing such a ruckus in the vicinity of the barracks. When Unalmis outright volunteered to take on this errand himself, surprise once more settled about the crinkles of the older man's brow. But how could he complain at such enthusiasm ? With a curt nod after a lengthy stare, Brian went on his way to disperse with so much drinking water. And Nal waited until he heard footsteps all the way down the corridor before he cast an urgent glance out through the window.

What awaited him was a cacophony of excitement from the dog, Hattie, as she recognised the young man. The pup wasn't quite sure what game they were playing but she'd dutifully been gathering up the items her two legged friend flung in desperation out of his window. And, as though she sensed his want to conceal the mess from inspection, she'd made sure to bury as many of the items as she could about the grounds.

Driven to investigate the dog's doings, just as he had sworn to, Unalmis made his way outside and could not fault the playful pooch for her part in the matter. If he could not now recall even half of what he'd thought he previously owned, then such things must surely not be all that important to recover. Whereas he had managed to find the dog at least. As to where she'd been and what she had been up to, some of the part-buried items he unearthed from the Hq grounds, he did not even recognise as being his at all ..

Hattie proudly watched Unalmis 'admire' her efforts and retrieve the items he had thrown for her, hopefully so that they could begin the game all over again soon.

[Pele Alarion]

Kaja the Clerk,
Headquarters, conversing with Eiliandreth

The clerk shook her head slightly as she sipped some more of the tea, and thought for a moment of their subject of conversation.

"Well, Eiliandreth," she then said. "While most customers might be nice, a Ranger's life is mostly focused on life and death issues. So you would be expected to make a commitment for the defence of Gondor, an oath. And you would have to learn to obey orders without questioning them - often there can be no time to explain and things have to get done immediately. And you will most likely have to leave Minas Tirith. Just saying."

Kaja wondered how the girl would do within the Rangers, and she thought she had better state things clearly for her to be aware of - since they still had a bit of time anyway. She stood and glanced at the Captain's door to see that the previous person had not left yet, and they could still talk.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

The rangers weren’t such an attractive idea as she had thought at first. She listened to Kaja, what all was expected and she didn’t like to be a mindless asset to be put to use. “ I guess I don’t like it be around life and death issues. I can’t even kill a bug, so to kill someone then?” she asked at a somewhat miserable tone, but shrugged then. “Perhaps I can get defence training and leave it at that?” She nodded thankful to Kaja explaining so much that her numb ideas got more form now. Eiliandreth smiled again. “I like your idea of an own establishment and be socially with people. I love it here and don’t want to leave it. My family and friends are all here in Minas Tirith. Now and then I could mean something more defensible for the town, but not for a living.”

Talking with the clerk appeared to be good constructive conversation, about her hopes and dreams, and all what was possible. She knew that often others saw qualities in you, that youself didn’t see. She noticed that Kaja was looking but the particular door was closed. She had no idea about an oath, it seemed so final as marrying someone. And that something was a matter that Eiliandreth loved at seventeen lay off for a long while. Perhaps she could work for some time into an existing pub, before trying to be on herself? So she could gather up more customer experience. Most costumers would be nice indeed. She moved her hands over the skirt of her dress.

NB: This was a lovely orientation conversation with Kaja for Eiliandreth!

[Rillewen]

Private with @Ercassie

Trastion Leithor
New recruit - first day
Outside the Dorms


By the time he left the armory, Trastion had his arms full of gear. He could have put it on, but it seemed like a lot of trouble just to go across to the barracks and put it in his dorm. He'd tried on the armor to ensure that it fit, but he didn't know whether his roommate would be in the dorm when he got there, and he might need some help getting back out of the stuff. After thanking the smith, he set off toward the dorms. She'd said she wasn't entirely sure what he would need, but if he needed anything else he could just come back. That seemed reasonable enough to him, but he figured he had most of what he'd need, now.

A flash of motion caught his eye. He stopped, blinking, wondering what that was about. He backed up a few steps, watching another bundle of clothing fly out of a window. Strange... curiosity tugged at him to go and check it out, but he glanced down at the bundle of gear in his arms, and decided he'd come back and see what all that was about. Finding the correct dorm again, he had a little trouble getting the key out, but eventually he dropped his bundle onto the bed, then took a glance toward the window. A streak of black went past, and soon after, he could hear barking. The dog!

Trastion hurried back outside, retracing his steps to find where he'd seen all the clothes flying out of the window. By the time he got there, someone else was there, someone he didn't know, who was apparently either burying the things or unburying them. Judging by the holes and all the dirt around, it looked like maybe the dog had done the burying. But it was still there, and that seemed like a good sign! Trastion slowed his steps, fearing he might scare the dog away, but called out to the stranger. "Hello there," He smiled, raising a hand up in a wave. "Is that your dog?"

[Pele Alarion]

Kaja the Clerk,
Headquarters, conversing with Eiliandreth

"Well..." Kaja began and then paused to consider her words, as she smiled at Eiliandreth. "Perhaps you should then invest yourself in something where you could succeed. All kinds of activities are needed for the city to flourish."

She pushed now empty tea cup aside so that she wouldn't topple it accidentally. "I doubt any of the Rangers will be interested in teaching you defence techniques unless you make a solid commitment to follow the lifestyle of a defender of Gondor, including killing when necessary, or getting killed. It would be more useful if you sought out a private tutor instead to teach you some techniques," she spoke her mind. "I'm sure there are people who would be willing, though it might cost you some money."

~~~~
@Arnyn , @Karis Ziranphel , @Romeran ; @Rillewen ; @Ercassie ; @Isolde Alarion
Headquarters

Nothing of great significance had happened at the headquarters for a few months, but when summer arrived, so did a short note on the notice board, written in large enough letters for people to see easily and requesting the Rangers to be present in three days after the appearance of the note:

"Attention, Rangers!

Expecting all of you to present yourselves here at the headquarters on Nárië 20, after breakfast.

Cpt. Alarion"

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr & Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters

Thûllir happened to approach the door at the same time as Ziran, and held the door open for her to precede him inside as was his habit. Most Rangers were gathering now to make it in good time for the meeting that Captain Alarion had called via a note a few days prior, although some were already in the headquarters complex and didn’t have far to go at all.
Ziran touched her cousin’s arm in silent thanks and gave a slight smile before stepping through the door and making her way through to the meeting place. Her short dark hair was still slicked back from showering after her run this morning, although a few tendrils curled with a mind of their own from the hike up through the city. For his part, Thûllir had just been happy to have had the time to breakfast well and comfortably at home with Kaylin before walking to the headquarters. It was a luxury he never took for granted after long trips away in the wilderness. He preferred his exercise in the cool of the evening during the summer when he had the option. With a shake of his head, he followed Ziran indoors with curiosity as to why the Captain had called a meeting. Could be anything. He took up a position near one of the windows as was his wont while they waited for everyone to gather.

[Romeran]

Recruit Romeran
Headquarters

The note certainly had not been very descriptive. Romeran had spent the next three days after reading the captain’s note on message board trying to figure out what it might mean. Perhaps it was a particularly important day? He had wondered. An anniversary of something? He did not know much of the history of the rangers and did not feel like chasing down a wild goose trying to find all that might have happened on Nárië 20. Try as he might, however, to give up completely on what the call to meet was about, he had been unable to stop himself from thinking about it. Romeran made sure not to let it stop him from going about his usual training routines but he found the back of his mind devising increasingly ridiculous explanations.

When the day itself arrived Romeran had intentionally tried not to leave too early as not to seem over eager. He knew that the had a habit of doing that and he wanted to make a point of not being first. His curiosity got the best of him and eventually he left his quarters and made the short walk over to the headquarters. He had eaten earlier in the morning and even got in an early session at the archery range. Romeran was eager to show his improvements to Duinion.

Luckily it did not seem that Romeran would be the first to arrive. Upon entering the room Romeran immediately spied Thûllir and Ziran. Romeran saluted them both politely, perhaps overly so. “Good morning” he said to each of them in turn, in a more relaxed tone. After a few moments pause Romeran finally gave in and asked “I don’t suppose either of you know why we are being called?”

[Rillewen]

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Headquarters



His hair was still damp from a recent bath, but at least he was no longer sweaty after some early morning exercises. Trastion had chosen his new uniform to wear, hoping that was the right choice, since he had a talent for making the wrong choices about things like this. But wearing a ranger uniform to a ranger meeting seemed like a logical choice. He'd combed his hair so it was nice and neat, but it wasn't likely to stay that way for long. He'd had a light breakfast early, so he was already starting to feel a little bit hungry by the time he made his way out of the barracks, and wondered if he should've grabbed another light snack before coming, but it was too late now, he was already there.

Coming into the room, he smiled at the people who were in there. "Good morning." He looked around, curious what this meeting would be about. He'd heard Romeran ask the same question, just before he stepped in, so he didn't bother repeating the question. "How are you, Romeran?" He hadn't met very many people yet, but he remembered Romeran from the ride around the Rammas. The other two who were there he hadn't met before, but that wasn't surprising. "Hello, I'm Trastion," He added, smiling at the two older rangers he didn't know.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
&

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr

Headquarters, early summer

Kaylin and Arnyn arrived at the same time. Both were wearing the black uniform with the white tree and they each carried their longsword. Arnyn had hers on her back in her custom back scabbard, Kaylin had hers at her hip. Arnyn's long blonde hair was loose. Kaylin's red hair was braided back against her head on one side, but the long fall of her red hair tumbled down her back and forward over her other shoulder.

They hadn't interacted much, if at all, really, since the new ranger force was formed. Arnyn liked what she had seen of Kaylin so far, however. As for Kaylin, she had picked up plenty of stories about the other Hyandaner through her friends and contacts - unsollicited, because the redhead was sociable but not a gossip - and while she had learned Arnyn would sadly never become a drinking buddy, Kaylin had laughed heartily at some of the stories and had decided Arnyn was alright. Probably just a more reserved and serious person in general. And since Kaylin happened to be married to a similar character, who was she to comment on that? Besides, Thûllir had gotten a good impression of her on their mission to the Poros - he'd told Kaylin as much.

"Hyandaner Kaylin," Arnyn greeted the redhead with a nod and a smile as they encountered each other a few yards outside of headquarters.
"Hyandaner Arnyn," Kaylin responded in kind, almost jesting and waving her hand as if she were impersonating a noble who liked their flourishes.
Arnyn's smile grew into a grin, but she didn't comment any further.
"Any idea why Pele called us in?" Kaylin inquired casually.
Arnyn shrugged a shoulder. "I can think of a reason or two, but the only way to be sure is to wait and see."
"Keeping it close to the chest, huh?"
Arnyn opened the door to HQ and gestured for Kaylin to enter first. "Neither of us will have to wait long, I imagine."

Kaylin entered first and took in the room, to see a number of other Rangers already present and waiting. Thûllir was among them, as she had known, since he had left the house a bit earlier than she had. Karis was already there as well, and Rome. And another, whom Kaylin didn't know. He was young, though. She'd missed his introduction, but she'd never been one to wait and see. "Heya, everyone," she said, forgoing any salutes. The meeting, or whatever this was, hadn't yet begun, after all. She shot Thûllir a quick, private smile.

Meanwhile, Arnyn followed her inside and came to stand next to her. She smiled at those gathered, and her gaze rested a bit longer on Trastion, the recruit she was training. "Good thinking on the uniform, Trastion," she told him quietly, remembering he hadn't chosen the best outfit for their earlier training session and had seemed quite embarrassed about it.

"Ah!" Kaylin immediately picked in, unabashed by her light eavesdropping. "Hello, Trastion. I'm Kaylin. Another newbie like Rome, here? Is Arnyn training you?" She whistled under her breath. "Good luck with that, hmm." Kaylin grinned boldly at the blonde Hyandaner next to her.
Arnyn maintained her smile and the rest of her composure. "Trastion is relying on other strengths than luck," she said goodnaturedly.

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

“What kind of activities are needed for the city to flourish?” asked Eiliandreth immediately after the clerk said that to her. She could invest in herself, be functional. The earlier idea of having an establishment was a good one, but what more could it be? Were that bakers too? Or having a clothing shop? But it seemed to her that there were enough of them both in town to supply all inhabitants with both bread, and cloth fabrics and materials. She felt disappointed in the stiffness of the rangers. She loved changes and for that flexibility was needed. She shook her head. “No, I have no desires to kill someone or get killed.” And she was rather firm with that. “I can’t have that on my conscious.” Where that answer just came from, Eiliandreth didn’t know. It was perhaps just insight? It was an idea to search for a tutor if the Rangers weren’t that flexible concerning training. Was it of use to talk with the captain then? Strangely Kaja had given very valuable information and likely prevented so from making a big mistake. “Perhaps there is someone who likes to give instructions of defence?” she pondered thoughtful. The city was big, but who could she trust and was willing?

[Rillewen]

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Headquarters, for the meeting


Glancing over to the door, Trastion observed the two ladies entering, one he did not know. He was glad to see another familiar face come in behind her, though, and smiled at Arnyn. "Good morning, Hyandanar." He greeted his trainer. His gaze landed on the sword handle visible over her shoulder, and a little bit of doubt crept into his mind. She commented favorably on his choice in wearing the uniform, but now he wondered about the sword. The other lady had one, too. "Thank you," He replied quietly. "I did consider the muddy outfit, but thought this might be a better choice." He added jokingly. Then, with more seriousness, "Should I have brought my sword, though?" He wondered, matching the quiet tone Arnyn had used.

The red haired lady seemed quite outgoing, he noticed, as she cheerfully greeted him. Trastion grinned back at her. "Yes ma'am, a little newer than Romeran, I think." He confirmed with a brief glance at the other 'newbie', and back to Kaylin. "Pleased to meet you Kaylin," He laughed slightly, "You make it sound like she's a terror of some kind to those she trains," He grinned. "Should I be afraid?" Having already been through some training with the blonde Hyandanar, he didn't think there was much to be afraid of, but it might not hurt to hear what others had to say about her. And joking around was always fun with someone who also liked to joke.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Arriving at HQ

Knowing they were to meet in the HQ he didn't opt for the regular morning breakfast. Just something quick and that was an apple. Walking down the hall his gait was casual as he took a large bite of the fruit. He wore his armor and sword at his side not knowing what they were being summoned for he thought it best to be prepared. Ahead of him he seen a couple people but waited to say hello, besides, he had a mouthful of apple to chew and that would have been just rude.

His helm he carried under his right arm, no sense wearing it just yet and the thing was hotter then his mothers bake ovens when you were out in the sun. Nearing the door he finished off his apple and waited a moment to swallow it before entering. With a gulp it was gone and he reached for the handle.

Stepping inside it seemed he might have been the last one to report, even the recruits beat him there but then he didn't really mind. He could remember being new and exuberant, eager to prove himself. That wasn't the case now, the first bite of a blade washed away any fantasies he held.

Seeing the crowd gathered he tipped his head to them. Firstly to the Hyandaners Arnyn and Kaylin then to Ranger Thullir over by the window and then he turned his brown gaze to the recruits Romeran and Trastion. "I suspect no one knows why we're here." It was more of a statement then a question and knowing the Captain it could be for anything.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr & Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters

Thûllir raised an eyebrow and smiled wryly at the salute from Romeran upon his arrival, but returned it goodnaturedly before replying. “Good morning Romeran.” At the following question, he shook his head. He hadn’t any more notion about the reason than any other, but when higher-ups said to show up he did so unless he had some other prior duties. He acknowledged the other arrivals with a nod of greeting, and returned Kaylin’s smile.

Ziran stood at ease with her hands clasped loosely behind her, and turned slightly when others began to enter. “Morning.” Not wanting to be impolite, she returned the sign of respect, but then commented quietly. “Thank you Romeran, but you only need to salute officers, and while we both may have long experience, neither of us qualifies as such right now.”

When another entered the room and gave a greeting, she nodded with a smile. She had seen the young man around, but had not been formally introduced. Kaylin and Arnyn followed shortly after, so she waited a few moments before interjecting her reply. “Good to meet you Trastion. I am Karis Ziranphel, and the silent one over there is my cousin Thûllir.” She indicated with a tip of her head before adding her own comment to Trastion’s joking question to Kaylin. “You needn’t be afraid of any here, but neither should you ever take any for granted. If you are willing to learn, you will do well with Arnyn as a guide.” It was a simple answer of course, and perhaps more reassuring than called for. One only needed to be truly afraid if they were an enemy, but accomplishment could easily be intimidating.

[Rillewen]

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Ranger HQ

It was a relief that Duinion hadn't had to walk all the way through the city, up to the sixth level. That was thanks to his daughter, who had been coming up this way for other reasons already, and offered(more like insisted) to give him a ride on the milk cart, to spare his still-healing foot. He only hoped he didn't have any dog hair or slobber on him, considering the four-legged passenger that Eryn decided to bring along. Hattie jumped over the side of the cart the second she spotted a familiar face, and ran over to make her best attempt at getting mud and slobber all over the young man. With a slight grin toward Unalmis, Duinion paused for a moment to wait, but it seemed the boy and his dog wanted a longer reunion. "You'd better hurry up, or you'll miss the meeting." He called with a grin.

After waving to Eryn, he glanced to see if Unalmis was coming, then headed inside, pausing briefly before entering. There were already a few gathered people, a few more than he had hoped would have already assembled. A few more than he liked to be all in the same room, even fellow rangers. But he took a deep breath and reminded himself it wasn't really that many people. "Good morning, all." With a polite nod to those who were already there, he glanced around for the windows. One of them was already occupied by another, but thankfully, there was more than one. With a slight limp in his gait, he moved to stand by one of the others, preferring to stay there. Having no idea what this meeting would be about, he had dressed in a clean, unstained set of clothes, but still the same typical green and brown and grey tones he favored. His two daggers hung in their sheaths at each hip. From there, he took a moment to survey the occupants of the room a little more closely, trying to identify them, but there were still a few he had not met. As far as he could tell, based on those who had been at the last meeting, there were only a couple of people yet to arrive, as well as one or two new faces.


(Mention of Hattie was plotted out with @Ercassie beforehand)

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters; Meeting

Pele had been inhabiting her office for about an hour before the meeting, sorting some things, going through papers, and finding the time to water the plant on the windowsill. Through the half-open door she heard the Rangers begin to arrive and conversations starting. She stepped closer to the door to listen in for a bit, a grin playing on her lips. Then she came out into the main hall and immediately cast a glance at the people present to see that most had arrived, though a few faces were still missing.

"Good morning, Rangers!" she said, coming closer so that she would not have to yell across the hall. "Ready to set out for a a week of survival training just the way you are?" she asked, trying her best to hide amusement and look all business-like and serious.

However, Pele did not look all that ready to set out on any such training, dressed in her black uniform adorned with the White Tree, and not in brown and green more fitted for survival in the forest. Besides, she looked to be armed only with a dagger at her belt. She paused to observe the reactions to her announcement, wondering how many would be prepared to leave right away. She was aware though that those who knew her well would see right through her serious façade.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen
&

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr

Headquarters, early summer

"An infinitely better choice," Arnyn confirmed when Trastion mentioned mud vs a clean uniform. Kaylin almost seemed disappointed that he hadn't shown up covered in dirt, though, and she was clearly curious to the story behind such a comment, although she didn't ask right away. Instead, Arnyn answered the recruit's question. "Not at all necessary. I think Kaylin and I just have a certain preference?" Arnyn glanced at Kaylin to verify.

The redhead nodded. "You don't need to come armed when summoned to HQ, not when there is hardly any info in the summons. But it sort of..." As Kaylin's voice trailed away as she searched for the right words, Arnyn ventured to finish the sentence. "...feels right for a Hyandaner to add a sword to the uniform at times?"
Kaylin grinned. "Aye."

The two Hyandaner greeted Mourgan at the same time. Arnyn gave the man a nod and a smile. She needn't say his name, because Kaylin was exuberant enough for two. "Heya, Mourgan! Good to see you here. No one knows, or is willing to share," Kaylin replied to his question, giving Arnyn a sideways look. Arnyn ignored it.

Arnyn wasn't inclined to offer a reply to Trastion's question to Kaylin, either, rather content to watch their interactions play out without her interference. When Karis offered a response, it surprised the blonde Hyandaner that she would interject, but she appreciated the words spoken. Arnyn nodded to Karis in thanks for the vote of confidence.

Kaylin , meanwhile, feigned shock at Trastion's question. "Wait - you're saying she's your trainer and you haven't heard the stories?"

When Pele emerged from her office and asked them whether they were ready for survival training, Arnyn's lip quirked up in silent amusement as she offered a low-key fist-to-heart salute.

Kaylin chuckled out loud. "Are you, Captain?" she retorted, before realizing they were in an official setting and clearing her throat, suddenly self-conscious of the bad example she might be setting for the newer members. She gave Pele the Ranger fist-to-chest salute. "I mean, good morning, Captain. Not as is, but it would not take long to prepare if those are your orders."

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta and Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl
Arrival at HQ – Nárië 20

There was little motivation in lingering within his assigned room. It may have become easier to find things since he had managed to inadvertently lose many of his things. But it was quiet. Empty. Unalmis missed Hattie. He missed Beren. He even missed the bookworm, Elugail. Lying awake all night led now to thinking which led to further lying awake at night, and since Lieutenant Brian’s most recent warning, he could not (or, at least, should not) engage his time productively with target practice to pass away the dead time. He'd tried throwing socks into a waste paper bin but it proved not nearly so satisfying as throwing the knives, by any means. Ilisys had assured him that physical weariness from their refresher training would invite at least some hours of rest. But it was an established trait now that he tended to arise before the sun regardless.

So idly patrolling the corridors had become a morning routine, and in order to make this less dull, he had taken to attempting it with his eyes closed. Seeing if he could find his way by landmarks of scent and touch had seemed at the outset as a worthy skillset. He usually found though that the exercise with closed eyes left him yawning, and had actually stopped and nodded off where he sat on a small set of steps more than once. This morning was one of those occasions and so, recalling the date, he had to hurry back to his room and prepare for the proclaimed meeting in HQ.

Thanks to a recent spate of training, the young man was faced with only his most official uniform ready and clean enough to wear. He was fortunate not to muddy up even these clothes but moments later when crossing from the barracks to the HQ. For a familiar cart rumbled up and Hattie bounded out and nearly bowled him over before he could wave greeting to Eryn and Duinion. Unalmis could not express how pleased he was that the dog seemed happy now living with Eryn at the farm. Though the dog had initially been Beren’s bring-home, the man was abroad. And his daughter already had a dog at their farm. Hattie had made it clear she didn't like to share her toys, and Nal’s dad could not have managed such a boisterous dog in his small business abode. It was a miracle that the Ranger had kept her more or less under wraps in the barracks until he could figure out a solution. But Eryn had seemed extremely keen to help out and now he got to visit them both regularly and romp around the Pelennor until they were all three happily worn out.

Duinion seemed keen to get inside, for once, and pointedly reminded the young man about the announced meeting. But Unalmis was amused by the very idea of Eryn having Hattie with her for training at the Houses of Healing ! From what he recalled of his own refresher training, the healers were not keen on any sort of disorder running around in their domain. Fortunately his friend was on the Sixth Circle for a dairy delivery and did not intend to inflict an exciteable hound on the medics.

He was forced to run though, at least a short burst to make up some time and follow Duinion into the Headquarters. There was an amount of chatter going on amongst the crowd but it didn't sound like things had gotten official yet. So Nal had time to stop and glance with some bemusement at Isys who was stood just outside the doorway to the main gathering. As though she didn't know whether to enter, or she was searching intently for some thing in there.

For the fleetest moment he had thought that she was a newcomer, having never seen her dressed in the standard black and white as well. The Belfalasian usyally tended toward at least half plate armour and nearly always some semblance of blue or silver as fitting her military background. But today the single silver arm brace was the only thing unique about her apparel. Her dark hair was down and unadorned, and she looked quite different to normal. Perhaps life away from the pomp of Dol Amroth was beginning to affect her, or perhaps she had also simply run out of clean garb from all their training as well. He was tempted to remark that her new look had something to do with Duinion, whom she had made a point of accosting at the conclusion of their last meeting. Of course everyone had assured him since that Isys only interest in the Tirdinen had been a more clandestine and non—romantic matter. But since all parties still denied his romantic suggestions so decidedly, it was far too much fun to surrender to the rather more mundane truth.

“The meeting is in there ?” He posed the prompt to the focused woman, as a query for his own reassurance. And may have mentioned that Duinion was over by a window, but was not given the opportunity.

“You ought not be late,” Isys told him. He assumed she was talking to him anyway, for she did not for a moment avert her gaze.

“I am never late,” Unalmis let her know. “I may be last, but then, think how happy that makes everybody else that they were not the last to arrive ?” He earned no reaction from the Ehtyar and so put in more defensively. “And I am not always last. In fact ..”

In fact she was not listening. Perhaps because of his distracting her, the taller woman walked away from him and into the thick of the room. Almost as though to test his theory. So he followed suit, just after Pele had emerged from her office. It seemed that things truly were about to begin but Isys had eyes everywhere but toward the new Captain. A notion was raised of survival training, which might then, maybe must be what this was all about.

Unalmis was not overly worried if that were the case. He had found that when survival was in question, it cared not if you had to hand all that you would need. What mattered rather more was what you could manage with whatever should be available to you. And he had gone on long ventures with next to nothing but his trusty water bottle and a knife, to test his own resourcefulness. Cadil had not been at all impressed by this tendency. And if Ilisys had an opinion on the matter, or the meeting at hand, it was known to noone but herself.

[Rillewen]

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Headquarters, for the meeting


Trastion nodded in understanding as they both explained. "Right, makes sense. So you're Hyandanar too?" He asked Kaylin, guessing as much from what was said. "Hey Mourgan," He greeted his roommate, then got distracted as another ranger spoke up to answer his earlier question. He smiled at Karis. "Thank you, I hope to learn a great deal." He glanced back to Kaylin with curiosity. "What stories?" He might have asked more, but right about that time the captain made an appearance.

Trastion straightened straightened up a bit and glanced to see how everyone else reacted to her entry, trying to get an idea how he ought to do. Though amused by ranger Kaylin's first reaction, he assumed by her immediate correction that she decided that wasn't appropriate. He copied the salute that she did, thinking back on what Arnyn had said about that salute in the training grounds.

His eyes widened slightly at the mention of a week of survival training. What would he need to bring for that? He glanced questioningly to Arnyn, then some of the others, and wondering if they were really going anywhere, but he really didn't know much about the captain yet. Just in case, he started thinking of what he'd bring if he was going to go traveling. Fortunately, despite having been there a little while, he had only unpacked a few things from his pack so it was mostly ready to grab up out of the trunk in his dorm.

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Ranger HQ

Glancing around, Duinion tried to get familiar with the faces of those he didn't know, even if he didn't yet have names to put to them. He leaned his side casually against the wall beside the window, with one foot crossed over the other, taking his weight off of it. He was just starting to wonder if Unalmis was going to get inside in time, when he finally entered, with only seconds to spare. Just like Domanol used to do all the time, yet Addhor would never have done, back in the days when he was still a ranger. Duinion hid a smile, reminded strongly of his closest friend in that moment. He turned his attention to Pele as the captain entered. He made a silent salute, then tilted his head thoughtfully at her question. A week of survival training? He considered that thoughtfully with a glance around the room.

He wasn't the most familiar with her, but something about her demeanor made him suspect she wasn't actually serious about this trip. Erynneth would be expecting him to return with her later, so if they really were going out for a week, he would want to let her know not to expect him. "I'll need to make a stop first." He answered the captain with a slight smile. "Otherwise, I'm ready any time."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr & Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters

Ziran straightened to attention and turned to face Captain Pele at her entrance to the room. A smile played on her lips at the question posed to them all, and she simply nodded. She didn’t think Pele meant it, knowing her sense of humor, but if asked to do so she was always ready. She had survived before with much less and in worse clothing than what she had. It was interesting to hear the varied responses, but she didn’t feel the need to verbalize anything.

Thûllir had watched quietly as each individual entered singly or in pairs, as he found it interaction and posture very revealing as to personalities. His own carriage had been both erect and relaxed with a stillness born of long habit. and he merely inclined his head in respect at the entrance of the Captain. He was amused at her question, but even more so by Kaylin’s outburst, and a gleam of laughter appeared in his eyes despite his straight face as he listened to further responses. Adventure might be amusing, but he thought it more likely they had been called together for another reason, although it wasn’t a dire one if Pele’s expression was anything to go by.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters

Pele returned the salutes given with one of her own, and then evaluated the reactions that told her that most could read beyond her serious appearance, though at the same time she saw that they would be ready to set out on whatever task that would be assign them. She was itching to provide a witty response to Kaylin, but instead just extended the silence for a few more moments. After all she had not called the Rangers here just to joke around.

"I have no doubt that such an exercise might have its benefits, and perhaps time will come for it, but today I have another reason for having asked you all to arrive," she said, now rather more serious. "We have happily worked together for a while, and there are not that many of us, yet it is not an easy task to make sure that each of you can function to your best abilities, lack nothing, have opportunities to improve and do your best. There are overall objectives, strategic planning, administrative matters to settle, and some of you know those things very well too."

The Captain paused for a while, considering how best to proceed from this point, and decided that there was no need to beat around the bush too much. "In other words, I need some assistance with those tasks," she said, as her gaze sought out Arnyn. "Well... for that reason. Arnyn, come on here," Pele called, and when the Hyandaner had come closer added more quietly with a merry glint in her eye: "You know there are mountains of paperwork in the office waiting for you, right?"

~~~~~
Kaja the Clerk,
Headquarters, conversing with Eiliandreth

"What activities would make the city flourish, you ask?" Kaja tilted her head thoughtfully, as she regarded Eiliandreth. "It could be just about anything. A job, profession, craft, art... each adds something unique. You never said what you like to do, Eiliandreth, just what you have done. Perhaps you should explore some options and see what you like?" The girl was still young and there was no need for her to focus on one single thing until she was sure it was hers, so the clerk was about to add something along those lines, yet did not.

After a while, Kaja added: "I do not think that any of the Rangers desire to kill or get killed themselves. That might be a necessity in this line of work, though. As for instructors, I am not sure I can give you any names right away, but perhaps you can ask around in the marketplace or one of the inns to see if there are any retired soldiers who would like to teach you."

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

She drank the last of her tea and placed the cup back on the table. She nodded at the first advice Kaja was giving her. But didn’t she share what she liked? Eiliandreth blushed that she had forgotten to do that and felt a bit embarrassed. Why hadn’t she thought of that? “What I discovered about my last job was talking with people, helping them in some kind of manner. You mentioned to have an inn. I hadn’t thought of that at all, but I like that idea. I have a personal interest in herbs and have collected a few books of them to memorise what they are and how to work medically. I always like the green that shot up between the stones in the streets,” she said a bit dreaming away, recalling memories from her much younger days. “And I like dogs, cats, horses, birds.”

Oh didn’t the rangers neither like to kill or be killed? But why did they do it then? A necessity in the line of work? Eiliandreth felt rather abhorred to hear this, but nodded. Was it wise to ask around on the market for an instructor? Eiliandreth felt unsure to do that, just approach someone and ask. She bit on her lips. “I don’t know.” Could she trust strange retired soldiers? How vulnerable was she as a girl of seventeen years old? But she couldn’t expect the clerk to know it all. “I’ll try,” she promised on second thought. Kaja had given her much food for thoughts and to figure out what Eiliandreth exactly wanted with her future. And perhaps it would not be an inn as she had jumped on the idea, but still entirely else?

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Headquarters

Mourgan looked at his roommate Trastion then back to Arnyn and Kaylins greeting brought his gaze to meet hers. Hearing her answer he nod his head slightly. “It could be anything knowing the Captain.”

Just then she appeared and he offered her a salute before turning his attention fully on her and what explanation she might offer for this meeting. A week of survival training?! As they were?! He silently cussed to himself, just when he thought he might have her figured out she would change tactics on him. He looked down to his helm. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d have to use it as a water bucket.

As others spoke up he threw his two coppers in. “I’d also like to take a few and go change.” It then dawned on him something was up and his brow quirked with puzzlement. What was she up to now? Her further explanation really had him puzzled now. Suppose he would just have to wait for further clarification.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen

Headquarters, Nárië 20

She stepped forward when Pele called her name, neither hurried nor hesitant. Arnyn remembered how these things used to make her nervous or selfconscious, and while she could feel the weight of the moment, she was not anxious. No words came in response to Pele's call to come forward, but the more quietly spoken words about paperwork brought a smile to the Hyandaner's face.

"Paperwork never daunted me, Captain," she replied, amused. She had no specific love for it, and it could get tedious. But filing it was crucial for records, and as an officer going through it could alert you to successes and mistakes but also important details, such as discrepancies or warning signs. Paperwork was an unfortunate but necessary part of the job, and it increased the higher your position became. Pele surely must be drowning, going through it all by herself. There were things you wouldn't delegate to non-officers. And if there truly was a mountain of it waiting for her, then she would draw a strange sense of achievement from levelling it with the desk.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Nárië 20

Pele had done her best to keep everything sorted at the Headquarters, but there were only that many hours in any given day, besides there she had to keep herself fit, train others, and attend to matters at the Houses of Healing, so she could not help but end up with a backlog of things to be sorted. She did not consider it a thing to be discussed right here and now though, and turned to the heart of the matter for which she had called the Rangers together.

“For a more effective management of everything related to our organisation,” she began very formally, and then after a brief pause switched to exact opposite: “and to help me in handling you lot of troublemakers…”

“I am promoting Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen to the rank of Lieutenant,” she declared returning to a serious tone of voice, and producing a badge to pin on Arnyn’s shoulder.

For a brief moment she let her smiling blue eyes meet with her friend's dark ones, then turned to the gathered group again. “As of this moment she is my Second-in-Command, and I expect you to regard her as such, treat her with due respect and obey her orders.”

Pele looked at the Rangers and thought that in fact there were quite a few of them who did not know Arnyn that well, but considering that their group was not large, she assumed that they would soon enough. Looking back to the new Lieutenant, she raised an eyebrow in a silent question of whether she had something to add.

~~~~~
Kaja the Clerk
Headquarters, conversing with Eiliandnreth

Kaja listened intently when Eiliandreth shared the things she liked, and thoughtfully tapped a finger against the chin.

“That is quite a lot of things that you like, and it might come up to quite a few options to try,” she played with ideas to suggest. “An inn to deal with customers, perhaps an apothecary if you would rather deal with herbs. Or growing animals. Or healing them.”

She could not help but wonder if more options would provide more freedom for Eiliandreth to experiment and see what she would want to do, or if it would confuse her more.

“I’m sure you will find a way to make yourself useful, and more likely than not someone to help you along in the process,” she said decisively as if it was a certain statement.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Arnyn Dealedwen

Headquarters, Nárië 20

The contrast between the serious phrase and the jest that came afterwards, brough an amused twinkle to Arnyn's dark brown eyes, yet her gaze turned serious when Pele continued and announced her decision. Pele had asked her previously, on the grounds - and Arnyn was glad for it, because she could now escape the moment of shock and keep her bearing and wits about her.

Pele pinned the badge on Arnyn's shoulder, and the latter smiled at her friend and Captain when their eyes met. How the times could change, and yet...
Arnyn mentally took a deep breath when Pele turned back to the gathered Rangers, spoke additional words and then cocked an eyebrow while glancing at her.

Arnyn momentarily raised an eyebrow at Pele in return. "Thank you, Captain." She then smoothed over her expression and slowly raised her fist to her heart before addressing the Rangers. "In my opinion, soldiers or rangers do not serve their officers. Officers serve their rangers. I am honored that our Captain feels I would be able to assist her in this endeavour. And I will do all I can to serve you well."

Despite her past, despite her experience, she felt vulnerable, standing in front of comrades in arms and hoping they would accept her in this role. The faces who had known her as an officer before were mostly missing from the group. And Arnyn knew how sceptical people could be toward those whom they did not know well. Yet she hid these insecurities well, a result of spending years in the game, and appeared calm and poised.

[Rillewen]

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Headquarters, for the meeting


Being new around here, Trastion had no idea whether the Captain was serious or not, but when she revealed that there was actually a different reason for calling them all here, he gave a slight nod to himself, slightly relieved, but at the same time, slightly disappointed. It might have been interesting, yet, also he would have been at a disadvantage. But then, that's what training is for, right? He considered that before turning his whole attention to the captain, listening to what she was saying.

And then, to his further surprise, realized she was giving a promotion to Arnyn. Second in command! Trastion grinned, very pleased for his trainer. While he didn't know her very well, and others even less, he was sure she must deserve it, and from what little he did know of her, she definitely did. Applauding eagerly as soon as it seemed they were both done with their 'speeches', he continued to grin in happiness for Arnyn. "Congratulations!" He called enthusiastically, before briefly wondering if maybe he had been supposed to keep quiet, but it was too late now.

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Ranger HQ

Ah, a promotion, Duinion thought. That made a lot more sense. He smiled slightly as he watched and listened. It seemed like not that long ago they were called together for Pele's promotion to Captain, and now Arnyn was to be the second in command. He didn't know her that well, but he had seen her devotion to Pele in the camping outing, like when Pele stumbled and fell. And she had indeed taken initiative at times. It wasn't terribly surprising, then, for her to be chosen. From what he had observed, she was a trusted friend of the Captain, and he thought she seemed capable, so he had no objections.

A very enthusiastic recruit he hadn't met before was eager to applaud the new Lieutenant, causing Duinion's smile to grow slightly, appreciating the enthusiasm. With a bit more solemnity in his expression, Duinion brought his fist to his heart in a salute to the newly appointed lieutenant. "Hûl, Lieutenant," He said with a smile, showing his support of Arnyn despite not knowing her well. She had his respect as a fellow ranger, if nothing else.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr & Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters, Nárië 20

Their curiosity was not long in being answered when Arnyn was called forward. Thûllir’s lips quirked at Captain Pele’s naming the group troublemakers, but he gave a short nod of approval when she continued on to name Arnyn as her new SinC and their Lieutenant. He had heard stories from Ziran’s early days about serving under her command, and formed his own positive opinion of her character and competence as a warrior during their excursion south and the months since. He joined in offering the customary salute with a crisp motion and emphatic “Hûl!”

Ziran had watched with interest, and the hint of a smile turned into a grin when she saw the clasp Pele had produced. It was good that their captain was addressing the need for assistance and sharing the burden of leadership, and she was delighted that Arnyn had been chosen to fill that position. As one of the few who had known the woman in her varied positions of leadership, Ziran trusted her implicitly. Others were faster with their words of recognition, but she added hers with a clear voice only a beat behind as her fist thumped over her heart. “Arnyn Hûl.”

[Aikári Salmarinian]

Eiliandreth Megilian

She listened to the last the clerk said to her. She had a lot to survey now when it came to her future. Kaja had been a good person to talk with. “Thanks for your thoughts and advices. They will help me with discovering what my purpose in life is,” she said thankful. “Yes, I have quite a lot interests and never thought really about them, than exercising them. The rangers aren’t a choice for me, as I see now.” She would have to try a few more professions to know better. But it took still three years before she was twenty years of age. And perhaps she would find someone who taught her self-defence. But life threatening commitments weren’t for her. Not now. “I will not keep you longer from your work. Thanks again. I’ll find my way out.” She smiled at least to woman and left the office, closing the door behind her. In the hall was now some gathering going on, she listened for five minutes to. A promotion? She would never reach such ranks in a hundred years. If she lived that long? She shrugged, making her way of the whole complex back into town, a head full with new ideas and a smile on her face.

(last post)

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta and Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl
Attending an Announcement at HQ – 20 Nárië

It was no longer a surprise for a promotion to be announced at the HQ, since that had become the feature of most meetings there, since the King’s ascension. Though such occasions were of a celebratory nature, there was also often a real need behind the decision. This was not a popularity contest, it was a recognition of responsibility and commitment. The notion of the Captain having struggled on for this long alone, was countered by the relief she would no longer have to do so. So it was a case of enjoying good news, that resolved a situation most had been quite unaware of.

Unalmis was still weighing up his opinion of their new lieutenant, with only a very unofficial excursion to really base his observations of the Hyandaner. She seemed, from the distance and from that one brief experience, to be decisive and professional and she clearly was devoutly loyal to the Captain. Which, given the state of previous circumstances, was very reassuring. But all in all he was content in that their leader herself felt the bladeswoman would be beneficial in her new role. It was reputedly not the first time that Arnyn had stood a supervisor at a superior level, nor the first time she had served in a coalition with Pele, and the masterful but concise speech suggested she would (and no doubt had) certainly excel at it. Given that the young Ranger’s only requirement was not in fact to have an opinion but rather, to respect her authority, the young Ranger had no doubt he would come to learn more of her as she exercised her heightened rank.

“Lieutenant Hûl”

Ilisys raised her voice to join in the general consensus, and in close tandem to Unalmis’s contribution. She additionally tilted her head to gauge a longer observation of the new Second-in-Command. Recognition would naturally be useful. The Belfalasian had sadly not really encountered Arnyn in action or in anything really else before that she might recall. They had been assigned to separate units of the one mission they had both undertook and her most striking recollection of the lieutenant had been a look of some disapproval on the day that Beren knocked her over on some slippery ice. Not a particularly fine first impression to make upon a now officer.

The deviance between Pele and Arnyn’s personalities was not lost on the Ehtyar however, even in so short a briefing as the two women had presented thus far. That in itself was an interesting dynamic, which would no doubt allow for the Captain and her new Lieutenant to cover all bases and likely bring out the best in one another. Together they appeared a strong and formidable unit. And personally, she was not displeased to cheer a duo of women at the head of their institution. There was no cause to fear for the future of the Rangers, and only much cause to expect great things from such a partnership.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Nárië 20

With a certain amount of satisfaction Pele observed the reactions of the Rangers to Arnyn's promotion - she judged that everything should work out well, unless something absolutely unexpected happened. When silence lasted for more than a few breaths after all the congratulations, she decided that she might just as well call an end to the meeting.

"Right. The official part is over, though feel free to mingle a bit unless you have duties to attend to," she said, and then turned to go back to her office. Then she stopped and appeared to consider something, before she spoke it out loud: "Arnyn, Kaylin, Karis, Isys," she looked at each in turn. "I want you in my office when you are ready." She did not state that it was an immediate or urgent matter, allowing them the time to exchange a few words in a relaxed setting should they choose to do so.

With no further delay Pele then continued on and disappeared in the office, leaving the door open behind her.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, Nárië 20


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
&

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr

Kaylin had crossed her arms earlier, shaking her head with narrowed eyes and some disbelief. But now she was grinning, impressed by her fellow Hyandaner's ability to not so much as even hint at what might be happening - while surely she had known all too well. Kaylin saluted the new Lieutenant in turn, grinning still. "Hûl!"

Trastion's eager 'congratulations' brought a smile to Arnyn's face. She was glad for his enthusiasm - because that meant he likely appreciated having her as his trainer. Arnyn nodded in thanks at the young man, the smile still on her face. Duinion and Thûllir were next to salute and voice their encouragement, closely followed by Karis - which meant a lot to Arnyn -, Unalmis and Ilisys. Arnyn's doubts about how the news would be received were thus assuaged by these responses, and she had to put in some effort not to grin back at Kaylin's expression.

When Pele declared the meeting had served its purpose, Arnyn mentally relaxed slightly. Yet the Captain speaking her name made her expression more serious. Turning to Pele to see what else she would say, the commander however said very little.

Kaylin approached Arnyn and raised an eyebrow at her once more. "Do you also have an idea or two what that might be about, hmm?" she asked, shamelessly.
Arnyn gave Kaylin a calm look. "Yes, I do. But I'm not one to assume."
Kaylin eyed Arnyn a moment longer before giving a slight shrug of acceptance. She looked over her shoulder at Thûllir, giving her Ranger a smile and a wave.

Arnyn's dark eyes fell on Mourgan, and she frowned slightly. Part of her wanted to ask the Ranger to wait, but she was unsure whether Pele would take her advice on this matter. Arnyn's frown deepened slightly and she touched Kaylin's arm before the latter had stepped beyond her reach. "Kaylin, would you... keep Mourgan busy for just a moment? I need to check on something with the Captain."
Kaylin gave her a strange look, but then nodded. "Sure."
"Be subtle," Arnyn said, before moving to join Pele in her office.

After walking through the open door, she spoke quietly. "Captain. If this is about what I think it is... would you consider calling in Mourgan as well? I know firsthand that Rangers can be as family - but in Mourgan's case... he will fight alongside you, he will have your back, and he is your blood." Arnyn hestitated. "If I were in his position, and I later found I was not included in the matter..." She cleared her throat, and gestured to indicate that it was - of course - Pele's call.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion
Headquarters
Headquarters, Nárië 20

His stood listening to the Captain and when Arnyn was called for and the promotion to Lieutenant was given he found himself smiling. He'd known Arnyn for many years and had gone into battle with her and trusted her with his life. He was pleased she would be his Lieutenant. Others gave their congratulations and he joined in.

"Lieutenant, Hul!! He raised his helm as his words mixed with the others. None to long he lowered his helm and listened as they were dismissed and others were called into the Captains office. He supposed he could get out of his armor now, he was reminded to go have it looked at since it pinched in the shoulder slightly. He turned to leave but found the door filled with others leaving so he had to wait his turn.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, Nárië 20

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr

"Hey, Mourgan!" Kaylin approached him with a grin. "You came ready for battle, huh?" she said, nodding at his armor. "It's been a while. How's your mother doing?" Kaylin enjoyed Nell's pastries on a regular basis, though she wasn't sure the woman would know her by name. While they shared basic pleasantries when Kaylin came in to buy her goods, for all she knew Nell was only being polite in her answers.

Since she'd noticed Mourgan had seemed rather pleased with Arnyn's promotion, Kaylin leaned in toward him. "You are familiar with our new Lieutenant, then, judging from your reaction earlier?"

Tasked to keep Mourgan busy or not, Kaylin was genuinely interested in the answers to all the questions she had posed.

[Rillewen]

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Headquarters, for the meeting


It didn't take long for Trastion to notice that everyone else responded differently than him, so after the initial burst of applause, he switched to a salute, instead. After that, not much more was left to the meeting. He was slightly surprised, having expected a lot more speeches and formality and stuff to drag the whole matter out unnecessarily. He liked it much better this way, though, and grinned as he heard they were dismissed. Except for a certain few.

Curious, he wondered what that was about. Before he had a chance to go and speak to Arnyn, she had hastened off to the captain's office. Who could know how long that might take, so he decided he'd wait until their next training session to repeat his congratulations. Though, he couldn't help wondering if this would alter any of her duties, and if she would still be the one training him. Glancing around the room while everyone was still gathered, he tried to go over all the new faces and names he had learned today, so he hopefully wouldn't forget who was who the next time he encountered that person.

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Ranger HQ

Almost as quickly as it had begun, the meeting was over. Duinion tilted his head in curiosity, hearing the captain request certain people. And, he noticed, it was all of the female rangers, and only them. That seemed curious, although it could simply be a coincidence. One name stood out slightly to him, having heard a little about Kaylin from Eryn, aside from that whole mission with the merchant. But he hadn't seen the dark haired lady here, or at least, he had not seen the woman who had accompanied the merchant Firdaus during that mission. Yet, Pele listed her name. Slightly puzzled, Duinion took a glance around, trying to figure out which of these gathered folks was Kaylin, who had also apparently befriended his daughter, though he wasn't sure exactly when she would have had a chance to meet Erynneth.

Arnyn, obviously, everyone knew who she was now, even if they didn't before today. And Duinion had met Ilisys after the last meeting, so he could rule her out, too. That only left two; the outgoing redhead, or the more quiet woman he had also yet to meet. A thoughtful look toward the latter gave him the answer he needed to reach a conclusion. The name Karis must belong to her, for her eyes didn't look the right color for 'Hirilfael's', nor did any other features match up properly with what he recalled of the ranger that was with him and Pele on that trip. That left the redhead, and he turned his gaze toward her. Yes, the eyes matched, even if the hair did not. If she were dressed all fancy in the same type of garb as 'Hirilfael', he could guess that she would fit perfectly with the look he recalled. So, with that mystery finally solved, he nodded slightly to himself in satisfaction. Now he could leave.

Unfortunately, he realized at that moment, Eryn wasn't likely to be returning for him for a while yet. He hadn't expected the meeting to be over so quickly, and now he was left wondering how far she might have gone, and whether he might catch up to her. Not likely, with her on the horse-drawn cart and him with his foot in such pain. He sighed softly under his breath, and figured he might as well figure out some way to pass the time until she returned.

The wall beside the window had thus far served a good support for his leaning frame, enabling Duinion to stand on his uninjured foot while holding the other just off the floor, in a casual stance, so not to make it obvious that it pained him. He was anxious to be outside again, though, despite the fact it would involve more pain to get there. After a few moment's hesitation, he headed quietly for the door, the limp a little more noticeable by this point despite his efforts to hide it. "Good to see you again, 'Lady Hirilfael'," He spoke quietly with a slightly teasing smile, as he passed Kaylin. She had become involved in a conversation with Mourgan by then, and Duinion was anxious to get outside, so he didn't linger for any reply, and continued through the door. From there, he wasn't sure what he'd do to pass the time, but at least he was out in the sunlight and fresh air.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office - Nárië 20

Back in her office, Pele set about collecting the papers scattered on the desk into a neat pile to make the room look neater as the means of making use of the time until others came in. Arnyn had followed almost right after, and her words made Pele turn and look at her, as she stopped in her clean-up operation.

"Yes... there is that," she responded after a moment in silence in the same quiet tones. "I have been reluctant in involving my family, though perhaps it is not the best decision."

Pele considered the matter for a while, as she placed a neat stack on the desk and evaluated its placement - far enough from the edge so as not to be scattered on the floor in the case of any accident. She had shared with her family only very general details about the past and near to nothing about current problems in an attempt to protect them from getting involved and becoming a target, yet it also made them incapable of aiding her in any way. That approach did not seem to provide sufficient results, besides... it was tiring to always mind what she was saying so as not to let slip some unshared details. Perhaps it was about time to change that.

"Maybe you are right, Arnyn," she finally admitted. "Might as well have him join."

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta and Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl
After an Announcement at HQ – 20 Nárië

Technically he did have duties that he ought to be attending to, but Ilisys was largely involved in that and she was currently required to remain. Unalmis therefore looked to catch the Ehtyar’s attention at least so he could indicate he was not merely fleeing while she was otherwise engaged. He found her though not yet removed toward the Captain’s office, but rather stood still, for all that her grey eyes were still probing the crowd, even as the bulk of it dispersed. Following the bearing of her intrigue, the young man found naught of anything that should draw such attention. There was only .. wait ..

“Hello again,” Nal met Trastion on the former’s way to find the door and might have stopped to further their brief acquaintance, if not that he noticed Duinion was escaping and at a somewhat less efficient speed to normal. It reminded him of something and he made after his family friend without further delay.

“Are you heading for the Houses of Healing ?” the younger man asked the Tirdinen, expectantly once they were both outside. “Eryn said,” he explained, at least a portion of the conversation which had nearly made him late to attend. “I’ll walk with you. After all, you’re setting such a good example to us young folk, awarding the proper attention to needs must, and all.” The point was not concealed, nor was it meant to be, although the Ranger did not outright insist. He hoped he would not have to. Belatedly, Nal glanced back and thought how he might have fared better to ask Trastion to help him in this favour. Two impressionable young minds would be better encouragement than merely the one. But who knew that he would not find the recruit again once he had fulfilled his promise.



Arnyn had almost immediately followed Pele into the Captain’s office and so, given the nature of their gathering thus far, Isys hung back a pace, in case Pele had want to share a more private introduction of the new Lieutenant to her vow of paperwork. But loitering at a Commander’s door was not a smart idea when there was no means to conceal it and when she was clearly expected to attend within.

A short tap against the wooden doorframe ought be enough to alert the two officers to the Ehtyar’s proximity. But, turning an ear to the sound it made, the lady then further rapped her knuckles in some unexplained investigation of more of the portal, as though she expected to dislodge some deviant termites from within. Eventually, she looked up, smiled, and entered the room. It was fair to say that the woman was allotting more regard though to the room’s layout than it’s inhabitants.

She presumed this meeting would be as to the matter of impromptu survival training, which had been hinted at earlier. And so bade her time until it, or more, was surely revealed, by examining Pele's expression, very suddenly and without further distraction.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, Nárië 20


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

She waited somewhat apprehensively as Pele thought it over. Arnyn hoped dearly that she would agree, yet if the Captain told her no, she would let the matter go.

While she understood not wanting to involve family from one point of view, in her mind they were no safer not knowing anything than they were if they were in the loop. Based on what Pele had told Arnyn, the other party would not hesitate to involve Pele's family if they thought it would hurt her somehow. In which case it was much better that they knew what was going on.

When Pele said that maybe Arnyn was right, and agreed to have Mourgan join them in her office, Arnyn mentally breathed a sigh of relief, which coincided with the sound of a knock on the doorpost. Arnyn nodded and even gave Pele a slight bow to indicate her appreciation on the Captain's decision. Meanwhile Isys was tapping the doorframe some more, and the Ehtyar came into the office as Arnyn quietly replied: "I will inform him."

On her way back to the main hall of headquarters, she nodded to Ilisys, but the woman seemed rather busy investigating the office's interior and Arnyn was unsure whether the Ehtyar had seen her acknowledgement.
Once she had returned to the main room, a quick scan of Arnyn's brown eyes allowed her to spot Kaylin and Mourgan by the door.

"Ranger Mourgan," Arnyn called out to him, only a few steps removed from the the entrance to the office, "the Captain would like to see you, as well." She turned sideways to indicate the door to Pele's office.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan
Headquarters
Headquarters, Nárië 20

Hearing his name Mourgan turned to see Kaylin, he returned her grin. When asked about being ready for battle he chuckled and looked down at his apparel. "It would seem so." He looked back up at her when she spoke and asked about his mother. "She is well, busy with her bakery orders as usual. She's asked about you and I've told you are well. I hope you don't mind my assumption?" He half grinned.

His grin turned into a look of interest as she leaned in and asked about his approval of the new Lieutenant. He nodded. "Oh yes, I've known her awhile and I would trust her with my life. I feel this is a good move for all." A bit of blush rose in his stubble cheeks. "Perhaps I was a bit overzealous in my approval but.." He shrugged his large shoulders. "blame it on being caught up in the moment." A deep chuckle rose from him.

He was about to ask her own opinion on the new Lieutenant when hearing his name being called turned his attention towards the Captains entrance. He was being summoned to see the Captain. He nodded to Arnyn before quickly turning back to Kaylin. " Seems I'm being summoned, It was pleasant speaking with you. If you'll excuse me?" He bowed his head and then turned on his heel.

As he neared the door he gave a respectful nod. "Lieutenant." He spoke as he turned slightly to pass her as well as enter the room. He wasn't sure what this was about but he knew better to ask, he would be told in due time. He came to a standstill towards the back of the room yet still within clear sight of the Captain. "Captain." He acknowledged her presence as he held his helm before him.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, Nárië 20

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr

Kaylin thought it was sweet that Nell had asked Mourgan about her. "No, I don't mind the assumption at all," she replied. And when Mourgan said he might have been too emphatic in his approval, Kaylin shook her head. "If you feel good about it, why not? I'm the last person to insist on etiquette, really..." And it sounded like he meant it when he said he would trust her with his life. That was good to hear. Karis had also mentioned something about trusting Arnyn, Kaylin remembered. It seemed common for those who knew her well, which was reassuring.
Duinion passed them by, and his comment made her chuckle. He walked right on by, so Kaylin couldn't say much in response - but when had that ever stopped her? "Hello to you too, Duinion!" she called after him, grinning. He had figured out what she really looked like then, because they hadn't spoken without her being in disguise. She was also slightly relieved because his demeanour indicated he was not cross with her. That must mean Eryn had been able to keep their little outing on the wraps, at least so far.

Utterly amused when Mourgan excused himself, Kaylin nodded. "Sure, Mourgan." Once he headed for Pele's office, she followed right behind him. After all, she'd been summoned herself. Passing Arnyn, who was still waiting right outside the office, Kaylin gave her a look - as if to ask: "looks like you got your way?". However, Kaylin was slowly learning that Arnyn was rather immune to such teasing and slight challenges. This time as well, the woman just gave her a neutral, friendly look, with a hint of innocence thrown in, and otherwise held her peace.

Kaylin joined Pele, Isys and Mourgan in the office. With a glance behind her, she saw Arnyn was lingering outside. She was probably waiting for Karis. Turning her grey-blue eyes to the Captain, Kaylin gave her a curious look. What on earth was this about? Her impatience was bubbling up, although she managed not to have it show in too obvious a manner.

[Isolde Alarion]

Amber
New Recruit
Captains Office
@Pele Alarion

She quickly found herself accepted into the ranks of the Rangers, step one of her plan accomplished. She nodded at the Captain as her instructions were given. She now had a room, three meals and access to the armory. Bonus!! She rose from her seat. "No questions..Sir." She reminded herself to use the appropriate rank and titles. With a quick salute she turned to leave the room passing the guard her amber eyes slid over him in appraisal. It was quick and efficient. A talent she had sharpened like a blade on a whetstone. Her business was appraising the value of human flesh and by her standards he ranked only a minor irritant when it came down to it. Arena bait for her hungry beast. Minor entertainment at most.

She turned the way she'd seen the other recruit walk. The cold stone floor echoes her steps and their gleaming reflections caused a slightly amused smirk to cross her lips as she saw her reflection. Nothing to see there but an ordinary figure but ordinary apparently worked. She followed some signs that pointed her to the armory.

Armory

Opening the door and seeing the beams of sunlight glinting off all those instruments of death nearly made her giddy. So much potential in one area. So much pain and anguish to inflict. She let the door close behind her as the first weapon she encountered was the battle ax. A row of them stood like obedient soldiers ready to do their handlers biding.
She couldn't stop herself and she lightly ran her thumb across the edge of the crescent shaped blade. Blood pooled on her finger, the cut as light as a lover kiss. She brought it to her lips and lightly licked the blood from her finger, savoring the feel of it's thickness on her lips and the coppery taste that lingered on her tongue. Her lashes fluttered closed briefly as she lost herself to the moment.

With the sound of others talking she came back to her senses and with a brief flick of her tongue to clear any evidence she lowered her arm and pressed forward to find what she would need..

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office - Nárië 20

Seeing that everyone was almost here, Pele chose to perch herself on the desk instead of sitting behind it and looking very proper and stern - she felt comfortable with these people, regardless of seriousness of the topic she wanted to discuss with them.

"You do look ready for just about anything, Mourgan," she commented with a smile, appreciating his apparent battle-readiness. Yet, she also felt somewhat guilty that regardless of the close family ties he was probably the least aware of her troubles considering all the Rangers present. This would be rectified soon enough.

"I would offer you all some tea or such, but don't have anything at hand," Pele added as she glanced at Kaylin and Isys, her smile turning into slightly teasing grin for a moment. "Not even crumbs of honey cake left to share."

[Rillewen]

Trastion Leithor
New recruit
Headquarters, following the meeting

His attention was drawn toward someone waving, and smiled. "Hi, Nal," He waved back, but didn't try to continue a conversation since the other young man seemed in a hurry to leave. Trastion noted which rangers he still hadn't met, and figured maybe he'd have a chance to at least learn their names at some later point. For now, he had some things to search for, and slipped out a moment later, heading to the area outside the barracks.

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Ranger HQ

Having stopped to lean against the wall outside the door, Duinion held his foot up off the ground and frowned down at it. The numbing stuff was starting to wear off, so a little pain was creeping back in. It was hard enough to walk on with it numb, as if it were asleep, but he wasn't sure how he'd manage when the pain returned full-force.

“Are you heading for the Houses of Healing?”

Glancing over at the young ranger who had followed him out, Duinion was about to form a reply in the negative, but the mention of his daughter stopped him. "Did she?" He answered, with a small frown. "I might have known." he sighed, a moment later. Eryn had suggested quite strongly that he might as well go have them check on the healing, as long as he was coming up to the sixth level anyway. With a soft scoff at Unalmis' attempt at 'guilting' him into submission, he shook his head and sighed, relenting. "I suppose I am, now." he answered, rolling his eyes. But he smiled, despite the small annoyance, as he left the wall so he might do as others seemed insistent on him doing. "Did anyone ever tell you that you're very much like your uncle?" He asked the young man, a moment later. And a few steps later, he rested an arm on Nal's shoulder, trying not to lean, but it was getting harder. He had a suspicion, also, that was part of Nal's reason for offering to walk with him, aside from ensuring that he really did go.

@Isolde Alarion

Calithilidis Dringolben - Armory
(with "Amber")

She had just sent the recruit off with his gear, and sighed as she made her way back to the forge. The maille shirt awaited her return. Just a few more more links and she would be done, but she still wanted to check it over once more before she considered it finished. Having seen the gap in it which had allowed a spear to pass through, and the missing rivets which had allowed it to happen, Cali couldn't help feeling paranoid about there being more rivets like those. She'd been carefully fixing all of those she came across, but she wouldn't allow it to be worn by anyone until she was certain it was up to par.

The smith was picking up the tongs, to move the rings back into the heat, when she heard the door again. What now? She laid the tool down and stepped out to see a young woman admiring one of the battle axes. Cali smiled. "Hello, can I help you?" She asked. Not knowing who was new or who was well-established among the rangers, Cali didn't yet form any opinions about why she was there. It was nice, however, to see another girl not far off from her own age, here among the rangers.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta with Duinion
Outside the HQ, after the general announcement – 20 Nárië

“I am glad of it,” Unalmis grinned, unreservedly, as he watched the Tirdinen straighten up, without the younger Ranger ever making it too obvious that he was watching … ready; just in case there should be a tumble. He’d had enough practice to convince himself by now that he could manage this rather subtly. “For you know, I am far more greatly afeared of upsetting your daughter, than upsetting yourself,” he teased, with an entirely serious expression that no one ought to trust. “Besides, if I do not have cause to loiter on the Sixth, then who knows where my day shall take me ? And then I’ll have Ilisys chasing for me, and don’t you doubt ! I’ll tell her my meandering and all her fine time wasted in search could all have been avoided if you’d only let me keep you company until she’s done with ...” he waved a hand back toward the Headquarters they had just left behind them, “whatever that is all about.”

The jest was little punctured by the Tirdinen’s eventual need to lean slightly more so upon his willing assistant. Unalmis may have slowed his pace without ever bringing attention to the fact, but he did not stop looking to make his friend laugh. He was not overly concerned or intrigued about what the Captain may have called others in to speak of. He knew and trusted Pele well enough that if it should matter to him, then she would make him aware of it when or if it ever mattered enough for her to do so. There were all sorts of things that doubtless the officers were involved about that went some way above his pay grade.

“Only you,” he answered belatedly to the other’s question, about his Uncle. “And only all the time,” he shook his head with half silent mirth. “I am only sorry that I can’t really remember him much at all,” he added, almost wistful. “My father never speaks of him any more.” It had not always been the case. Back when Nal’s grandmother had been alive, Addhor had, maybe not patiently, but more or less humoured his mother’s musings and expectations that her younger son would one day waltz back into their lives, just as abruptly as he had one day chosen to depart from them. “But well, there’s nothing to be done about it,” Unalmis shrugged and spoke almost as though to himself. “People leave,” he allowed but a moment for a sigh before remarking, "But I think I could catch you, if you try to flee from me today .."

The Houses of Healing were not far and there would be no fleeing for either of them this day, from what they were expected to manage before the morn was done. The meeting was, for them, over but there was much to be managed still elsewhere.

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta with Trastion
Some months earlier. With ‘Hattie’ the dog. Outside the Barracks

It was proving something of a fruitless pursuit. The more keenly he worked to retrieve his discarded belongings, the more keenly the dog took to misplacing them again but moments later. If anybody asked, he might even be able to convince them that it was some form of training, though whether for himself or the terrier, was less obvious. The bigger the Ranger's pile of recovered items grew, the smaller it soon became. Almost as though the silly dog believed that Nal was gathering it all up for her in one convenient hoard. The one relief was that she’d stopped barking for his attention now; since something or other now was most frequently within her jaws. So there was no way that Unalmis could miss the arrival of Trastion, calling out to him in greeting. Unfortunately Hattie also noted her ‘old friend’ from the stables, and prepared to run and see what fun an extra player would bring to her latest episode of frolics.

“Hattie, no !” the Ranger warned her, rising from the crouch where he’d been working on a half uncovered dirt pile. “I mean, oh .. no,” he threw out hurriedly, but too late, as the stranger made with his enquiry. “Or, well, yes,” he relented, as the patterdale stared hard at him, one ear folded back the wrong way on her silky dark head. “I mean, it is rather a long story,” was the admission. A sidelong glance toward the daft animal, as she flapped her head about to dislodge her ear back to how it should sit, he could not easily deny her nor disown her. The matter of who the dog belonged to was, currently anyway, not exactly a simple yes/no answer.

“Did the .. ermm lieutenant send you ?” Nal wondered, casting a more lingering curiosity now over the other young man. He might not have been so suspicious of Brian catching him out, if he had ever seen this stranger before now. Was this a fellow Ranger, or did he have some other reason for being about the grounds ?

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Trastion Leithor
New recruit - first day
Outside the Dorms (continued from before)


Trastion no longer had anything about him that the dog could likely snatch from him, so upon seeing her start to run toward him, he smiled as friendly as he could, but she was briefly halted in her tracks at a stern "No!" from the young man digging in the dirt nearby. The stranger seemed unsure, or at least a little reluctant to admit whether the dog was his or not, but at last gave a 'yes'. Sort of. Trastion considered that for a moment, before the Hattie decided to disobey and launch herself at him anyway. He put out a hand as he quickly lowered himself to a half-crouch so he could pet her and give her some attention. He knew from earlier that she was more of a puppy, seeking play, rather than a vicious dog intending to bite him. She no longer had his pouch, though, which concerned him very much.

He laughed lightly as he was bowled over, and sprawled on the ground getting covered in friendly licks. It took him a moment to manage to sit up again after being asked a question in return. "What lieutenant?" He wondered, puzzled, and shook his head. "No, no one's sent me," He assured the other young man, getting to his feet again, to Hattie's disappointment most likely. "I'm Trastion. I'm new here, just enlisted today." he ventured closer with a smile and offered a hand to shake, unconcerned about mud or dog slobber, since they were likely both covered in the latter, now. "Um, actually... I met your dog earlier today... on my way in to talk to the captain about enlisting." He explained, a little awkward about how to handle this. He cleared his throat, glancing down at her as she shook her head, trying to get her ear fixed, but it could almost seem as if she were denying the earlier incident. "She's very..playful." he mentioned, reaching out helpfully to fix her ear, if she didn't move away first.

Best to get right to it, he decided. "She um, took something from me. Just playing, I'm sure, but... it's rather important to me." he explained, glancing around in the hope he might spot the item. "A small leather pouch...kind of like a coin purse, but..the contents are far more valuable to me than any coins. If um..you should happen to come across it..." he glanced at Hattie and back to her owner. "I'd hate to lose it forever, you know?" He hesitated, before adding, "You know, you look like you could use some help here, actually... what'd she do, bury your stuff?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr & Cúner Ranger Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters, Nárië 20

Both Ziran and Thûllir hung back a bit and watched after Captain Pele dismissed the small company and called a small group of them to meet in her office. Thûllir enjoyed watching people, noticing who disappeared quickly and who chatted a bit before leaving. He waved back at Kaylin’s greeting with a smile, but was content to stay where he was by the window until she was ready to leave. There was nothing pressing at home.

Noticing Arnyn’s quick move to follow Pele after a word to Kaylin, who didn’t follow right away, Ziran waited to see what was going on without interfering. Arnyn’s reappearance and low call for Mourgan as well tweaked her curiosity, and she finally moved forward to follow the man and Kaylin through the door that Arnyn held open, giving her tall friend a look that blended assessment and approval before she nodded her thanks and stepped through as well. Isys had been speedier to answer the summons and was already present, and Pele’s casual perch on the corner of her desk lent her to feel the meeting was likely less formal in nature. Ziran moved to the side and waited to see what Pele would share with them.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, Nárië 20


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

She nodded with a faint smile as Mourgan passed her by on his way into the office. When Kaylin followed suit and gave her a bit of a challenging look, Arnyn calmly returned her gaze, pretending to miss what she was on about. It seemed like Kaylin was rather perceptive, despite being a bit louder than most Rangers, if that was the right word for it. It wasn't quite, but she couldn't think of a better way to label it at the moment.

Karis was next to enter, and while the look she gave Arnyn was not challenging at all, there were a few things going on. Her typical faint smile flashed across Arnyn's face as quickly scanned headquarters and noticed Thûllir lingering by one of the windows. She nodded at him, thinking he might have decided to wait for Kaylin a while. Then Arnyn entered the office as well, the last of those who had been summoned, softly closing the door behind her.

Mourgan stood to the back of the room, Karis to the side, while Isys and Kaylin had approached the Captain's desk. Arnyn found a spot for herself in the remaining space of the office, and gave Pele an expectant - and perhaps even encouraging - look.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters, Captain's Office, Nárië 20

Now that everyone was in one room, Pele realised that this was a rather interesting group of people, all combined -a fact she had not thought of when considering each individually. She smiled at the thought, and shifted slightly to rest more comfortably on her desk, while she considered how to present the matter she had called them together for.

"Right, I suppose most of you might be wondering what surprise I might be springing on you," she began a little hesitantly. "Consider this as a consultation, or a security council, of sorts, if you like."

"You are the people who have heard various bits and pieces of my... adventures... in Umbar," she resumed after a brief pause. "Some are aware of more details than others." Pele looked at Mourgan apologetically since she had not really told him that much. Her hand reached for her right shoulder as she spoke, staying there for a moment as if she could still feel the pain of bearing and removing the slave's mark.

For a few moments her eyes lingered on the tree outside in the yard as she looked out the window, before returning to the topic and looking at the people present. "The thing is, this Relic is not letting the matter drop and apparently has pursued me back here and is somewhere around, perhaps in the city. And there's the rumour that Shamara, her accomplice, has escaped from the dungeons, though I have not heard a proper report of it. So... I just might need more eyes than my own, and the King's assigned guard's, to watch out for them. And more than one mind to brainstorm for solutions," she said.

Pele realised that she had provided quite a load of information in these few words, and wondered how much sense it would make to each of the people she had called here, so she waited for any questions as she considered if she had missed anything of importance when providing the introductory information.

[Arnyn]

Headquarters, Nárië 20


Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr

Yes, she was surely wondering! Kaylin looked around the office. Who had Pele asked for? Arnyn, Karis, Isys and Kaylin herself. And apparently, as an afterthought, Mourgan - who was related to Pele. All were Rangers she knew better than most. When Pele compared the meeting to a security council of sorts, Kaylin's curiosity had become uncontainable.

But the questions that were about to bubble up and out of her throat were instantly smacked back down by Pele's next sentence. Umbar.

Kaylin's face darkened. This again? As the Captain explained further, Kaylin's eyes grew wider. Her left hand curled around the hilt of her blade, just to have something to grab onto and squeeze. Just to have some way to let out the frustration. This Relic person was here? The orchestrater, the one responsible for inflicting so much pain on Pele - she was here? In Minas Tirith? Anger started simmering in Kaylin's stomach. That witch had the audacity to come here and go after Pele still?

And then Pele continued and spoke of a rumor that Shamara might have escaped the dungeons. Kaylin's pupils constricted with nothing short of rage, and she automatically looked to the side, at Isys. This was why killing people was more effective than putting them into a cell, she brooded darkly. Even though she had seen the wisdom of the latter course of action in the end, she had to admit that it no longer seemed wise to her now. If she'd killed Shamara upon encountering her in the barracks, Relic at least wouldn't have an accomplice, a servant, running around in Minas Tirith.

Oh, Kaylin had questions. And she had ideas. But right now she was too busy trying to maintain her outward composure and not to destroy some innocent inanimate object in her close vicinity. The knuckles of her left hand had turned white, her posture stiff.


Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Her attention was as much on the Rangers in the room as it was on Pele's words. She had heard of Pele's plight in Umbar and she had been trying to help her friend to grow stronger after the scars the events had left on Pele. She was aware Pele had told the King who had then assigned her a guard, and that Pele had told bits and pieces to a few others - apparently those who were now in the room. Also, she knew who Relic was... but the name Shamara was foreign to her. While the name was clearly very familiar to Kaylin. And probably to Isys, judging from Kaylin's look at the Ehtyar.

She saw Kaylin go rigid and noted the hand on her sword hilt. Arnyn raised an eyebrow and glanced at Pele, to see if the latter was noticing the same.

Arnyn frowned slightly, for multiple reasons. In the silence that fell after the Captain had spoken her piece, Arnyn wanted to ask some questions, but she held herself back as of yet. It might be prudent to watch for other reactions first, and get a sense of what everyone knew. Pele and Arnyn had never really gotten into the details of who knew what. All Arnyn figured was that it was likely Mourgan actually knew the least.