Houses of Healing II

[Lantaelen]

@ercassie

Lord Abrazimir of House Dimaethor
Visiting a Prisoner, Houses of Healing, Minas Tirith, Gondor
Shortly after Midsummer, Fourth Age

Abrazimir nodded his greetings to Sorrela Korsey, giving her a quick inspection with his eyes. She was rather young to be guarding a prisoner such as…Arkadhur, of all people. City Guard, huh? So not the Rangers. Last he saw this prisoner however, he was under the watchful care of Abrazimir’s kinswoman, Lady Isys. He wondered if Sorrela was in Isys’ employ as well. ”Thank you, ma’am.” He said in parting as Sorrela moved to go wait outside, without having to be prompted or asked. That took out a measure of potential awkwardness, giving their differing authorities and who they answered to. He must not be the first from Belfalas, then. Means he will have to speak with Isys later and let her know what transpired here.

”A surprise. Not of any particular.” Abrazimir reiterated to Arkadhur. Not a pleasant one by a long shot. Certainly, never that when dealing with his kind. He watched the man cough and gasp for air, his voice sounding ached and strained, but Abrazimir made no move to offer him water or any other sort of relief. He was no trained healer. Only a killer. But it seemed it had little effect on the man’s capacities, as he spoke rather clearly in the next few heartbeats, bringing up a topic they briefly touched upon back at Midsummer. Perhaps Abrazimir would ask again how Arkadhur found the hospitality of his new adopted homeland.

”Looking over these chains…I think it’s rather familiar with what occurs back in your abandoned homeland. Easily, it might have been me in chains, and you looking down on me. What would you do, I wonder?” He answered, moving to stand by the bedside, peering down at the prone, bedridden Corsair. The question was rhetorical. ”Well, you shouldn’t be too pressed or bothered. We’re not like our southern kin here.” He surmised rather drily. ”But otherwise, I’d say you’re flourishing better than you would be in an Umbarin dungeon. Chains must be heavy. I hear weighted blankets is good for the sleep. Lots of time for that here, I reckon. Lots of time to heal…and reflect, on one’s choices.”

Okay, now he was just being cruel, and that was most uncharacteristic of Abrazimir. He had a deep seated dislike of Umbarins for their Corsair activities, which affected his homeland and the people therein. Especially the innocents. Two of whom he could name, who’s family he was personally close with. ”Why did you ask for me, Arkadhur?” Abrazimir asked pointedly. ”Why not my kinswoman, your warden?”

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn

Apprentice Erynneth and Recruit Trastion
Room 8 - last week of July

"I'll just stop in for a moment, then," Trastion decided, after hearing that it might not be good to overwhelm him with too many people. He was just anxious to see his friend, after the last sight he'd had of him. "And don't worry," he added toward the healer, with a little smile. "I don't go pub crawling." He grinned, then considered her words about the 'blood look'. "Ah..yes, good point," He conceded. "We wouldn't want to frighten any frail old ladies." He tested out how his arm would feel if he stretched it out, trying out a few different angles to see if anything gave him problems. "Will I have to come here for the rebandaging?" He asked, looking up at the healer, and the apprentice healer. "I don't really have bandages, so I guess I'd have to." He realized, thoughtful.

"Well, I'm sure we could give you a roll of bandages to take with you, so then you'd just have to find someone who knows how to change a bandage, and then you wouldn't have to keep coming here unless it starts to look like it needs attention or something." Eryn pointed out with a shrug. "Just... make sure that person knows how to do bandages properly."

"Well, if healing is a required ranger skill, I'll probably be surrounded by people that can do something so simple as wrap a bandage." Trastion shrugged as he stood up from the chair Eryn had had him sit in. Using his uninjured arm, he placed it back where it belonged.

"It's not as simple as it looks," Eryn protested, folding her arms. "Anyway, I haven't seen you around to do any training here, yet." She commented, curious about this. "So, maybe soon, you'll learn how tricky it can be." She refrained from poking her tongue out at him. Barely.

At that, Trastion paused, and glanced at Arnyn inquisitively. "Perhap, soon?" He wondered when that would become necessary. "I don't know, that's up to my trainer, isn't it?" He smiled at Arnyn, and laughed at her comment. He put his hands up, "No, I swear, it's not on purpose." He assured her, though he knew she was only teasing. "Please, tell me I can at least practice archery?" He asked, glancing at the healers.

"I would think that'd be fine," Eryn felt confident enough to confirm, given her familiarity with archery, and the location of his injury. "And you could do some light exercises and things, you know."

Trastion nodded, relieved he could do that at least. He blinked as Linaiwe asked about when to expect him to return, then laughed. "Well, no offence ma'am," He grinned. "But hopefully, never. At least, not for treatment. Training, fine. Visiting, sure. But... uh, yeah.." He cleared his throat, deciding it wasn't necessary to say how unpleasant it was to have to come for healing. "Thank you, though. For.. all of it."

---

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn @Karis Ziranphel

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Houses of Healing - with Kaylin & Thullir
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Having frequented the bakery ever since Mourgan first brought him there, Trastion had found that Mourgan's mother was very different from his own, and he had been surprised at how very likeable the woman was. Despite being a mother. He smiled when she greeted him, saying it was lovely to see him again. "You too, ma'am." he replied politely, and sincerely. Seeing Thûllir move past them and go into the room, Trastion decided to also ditch such formalities as asking permission to go in. As he stepped toward the door, he heard Nell telling Kaylin to 'keep these men in line'. He threw a grin over his shoulder as he paused at the door. "Now you're just setting her an impossible task, Ms. Nell," He joked, then went through just in time to hear Mourgan asking about him.

"Indeed, it is!" He replied cheerfully. "And Nal.. Unalmis.. said to tell you we're all missing you," he made sure to mention, lest he forget. "He had something to do but I forgot what he said. But we're roommates now. All of us. And Romeran! They've rearranged all the dorms and everything and we're now in Nal's room. And I dunno who's in our room now, except it's not our room anymore..." He paused to check if that made sense, then gave a small nod to himself. "But don't worry," He added quickly. "I got all your stuff and brought it over to the new room, and it's all safe in a chest, waiting on you to get out of here so you can properly move in." He explained. Then, he couldn't help a teasing comment, "You know, you didn't have to do all this just to get a room to yourself." He rocked slightly on his heels, glancing around the room and remembering how boring it had been during his stay here. Maybe next time he came, he'd bring some of the books that he'd stowed in Mourgan's trunk.

"Oh!" He suddenly remembered one of the main reasons for coming. "We made something for you. Nal and me. Uh, Nal and I," he corrected himself. Without further ado, he handed the card to Mourgan with a smile. "How are you, by the way?" He paused to take a breath again.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedŷr
Houses of Healing - Urimë 15
With Kaylin, Trastion, and Mourgan

Thûllir was relieved to see the attempt at a grin on Mourgan’s face, and matched it with a broad grin as he stepped forward to shake his hand. He would have spoken, but Trastion blew through the door talking, and Thûllir gave a rueful shrug, clasped Mourgan’s forearm briefly, and then let go to step back out of the way and listen to the verbal whirlwind. It was impressive how many words the kid could get out in one breath. Was it nerves? Caffeine? Delight that he was still alive somehow?

Thûllir schooled his features to not show his incredulity, and gave an internal shake of his head. It was plain that Trastion meant well and was happy to see his former roommate again. Thûllir had just never gone through such a stage of over the top exuberance himself, so found it challenging to relate. Kaylin’s tale that she had relayed about her quest for a flask with Trastion took on a new light, and he was starkly amazed they had made it back as well they did.

Giving a slight shake of his head, he returned his gaze to Mourgan, and let his somewhat practiced eye run over what he could see. The bandages were still present, but now clean and neatly wrapped, and he was alert and sitting instead of laying down. Definite measurable progress, and frankly better than Thûllir had expected after two days, considering the wounds he had seen. It would be a long road for Mourgan, but he appeared to have some strength and movement, even if it was difficult to use it without pain. He dipped his chin silently. It was good.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Room 8
@Rillewen
@Pele Alarion

Listening intently to Linaiwe, Arnyn met the healer's gaze directly. "In this, you are the commander, lady healer," she then smiled with an emphatic nod. "And since not only Trastion heard your words, but I as his mentor have heard them as well..." she raised an amused eyebrow at Trastion. "There will be no 'misunderstandings'." She laughed briefly.

"Any of your roommates could help you with replacing a bandage, by the way. Eryn is right, it shouldn't be too tight or too loose - but a Ranger knows how to do that much, at least. It's a requirement." When Trastion seemed eager to start that part of his training, Arnyn slanted her head thoughtfully. "Well, if you should rest your arm a bit, perhaps we can see whether we can start your healer training a bit early. To replace any strenuous weapons training, such as sword and axe. I was thinking about assessing your horsemanship first, however. We'll talk about it later."

"Come then! Let us leave the healers to their neverending work, and not go barge into Mourgan's room. Thank you both for taking such good care of him, Linaiwe and Erynneth." Arnyn made for the door, and opened it, nodding at Trastion.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel @Isolde Alarion

Kaylin
Visiting Mourgan with Trastion & Thullir
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

She nodded when Nelladel said she was tired but relieved. "I can only imagine," Kaylin said quietly, still wearing a soft smile. "Don't worry, we'll try and distract him a bit," she reassured the baker. When the woman squeezed her hand gently and advised her to keep the men in line, Kaylin chuckled quietly. Trastion's reply didn't phase her. She gave Nell an amused and confident look. "He doesn't know me all that well yet." Impossible task? As if.

After watching Nell taking her leave for a moment, Kaylin drew in a deep breath. Only then did she enter the room, following Trastion and just catching Trastion saying Mourgan shouldn't have gone through all this just to get a room to himself. She grinned. "Well, you're not the only one who likes to get in trouble, Trastion," she said cheerily, before approaching Mourgan and leaning against the foot of his bed, her arms crossed in front of her as she sized him up. She wasn't about to ask him how he was doing. The multitude of bandages, what she'd heard so far from people, and the obvious frustration Mourgan must be feeling - that really told her all she needed to know.

"Hey, Mourgan. You look great. I bet they've really been pampering you, treating you like porcelain," she said, starting off serious but soon surrendering to the grin wanting to break through. "How's the food? I've always heard it's kind of bland..."

[Pele Alarion]

Healer Linaiwe with Eryn, Trastion and Arnyn
Treatment room 8
Last week of July
@Arnyn , @Rillewen

"I'm sure you'll find a plenty of aid with rebandaging in a building full of Rangers," Linaiwe agreed with Arnyn's words and would have made sure something was done to fix it if it was not so. Listening in to the talk of training, she then added: "I'd say - don't do any physical training today at least while the wound is still very fresh. The rest, you know."

"I don't mind seeing you around here on other business, Trastion," the elderly healer then said. "You seem to bring a spark of joy with you. However... not to dash your hopes... but in your line of business, injuries might be inescapable. But hopefully no new ones tomorrow for you."

"But go on," she waved at the door where Arnyn stood already. "Just don't make a whole lot of noise if Mourgan is not awake yet." Then she turned towards Eryn to see if there were questions or something to discuss.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn

Apprentice Erynneth and Recruit Trastion
Room 8 - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

Trastion smiled. "Right. No misunderstandings." He agreed with Arnyn, nodding at Linaiwe. Something the lieutenant had said, however, caught his attention just then, and distracted him. "Wait. Roommates?" He questioned with emphasis on the plurality of the word, giving Arnyn a slightly puzzled look. "I only have one." He reminded her. "And since he's injured far worse than I am, I don't think he'll be feeling up to helping me with my bandage. I figured I could find someone else that can help, though."

He smiled a bit when Linaiwe said that he brought a spark of joy with him. "Really?" he asked, a bit amazed to hear something of the sort. "Um, thanks." He answered, slightly unsure what else to say to that. "Yes, hopefully no new injures tomorrow, or for a good long while." he agreed. "And yes, as I said.. it's up to the lieutenant when I will begin training here." he added with a glance toward Arnyn, seeing as she was the one in charge of his overall training. "So, who knows when I'll be back." he shrugged.


"Don't forget to keep drinking plenty of water, and try to rest your voice a little, alright?" Eryn reminded him. His voice still sounded a little rougher than normal, from the smoke. And she figured it might be another day before he sounded normal again, but then she wasn't entirely sure. She smiled slightly in reply to Arnyn's words of thanks to the healers, and nodded slightly to her.


"Yeah, I know." He refrained from rolling his eyes, but then closed his mouth to show he was actually taking that advice. While it did feel mostly alright by now, he didn't really want to keep sounding hoarse. And then he suddenly wondered whether the men's wing would be safe to spend the night in. He wanted to ask, but then figured that Arnyn probably had not yet had a chance to evaluate the damage. Perhaps he could offer to assist in that task.

"Yes, off to see how Mourgan is doing." He nodded when Arnyn said to come on. "And not barge in noisily." he grinned. "Resting my voice and all that." He added in a more hushed tone, and waved to the healer and apprentice healer, before going out into the hall with Arnyn. "Horsemanship, then?" He mentioned, returning to the topic as they left the treatment room. "I've always loved riding." He smiled, thinking of Rhovan. "I often miss my horse.. but I know he's in good hands."

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Room 8
@Rillewen
@Pele Alarion

Linaiwe's comment about Trastion bringing a spark of joy was something Arnyn recognized. She gave the healer a smile of agreement, and the amusement in her eyes showed plainly when Trastion seemed at a loss of how to respond.

Trastion's sudden focus on the plural of roommates, made Arnyn breathe out a short laugh. "Well, I did not really mean much by it. Most have more than one roommate," she shrugged. "What with the fire and all... you might find yourself with more people in a room soon enough. Depending on the damage. Brian might have to merge rooms together if a portion of the affected wing can no longer be used." It all seemed very logical to her, as if it hardly needed any thought. She didn't reply to his half question about when he could start his healing training.

"Yes, horsemanship," she nodded on their way out, heading back toward the room where Pele had taken a look at Cali's leg and her neck. "You had to leave your horse," she stated with a sad kind of realization. Of course. "I'm sorry," she said quietly as they walked down the hall. On her time away from home, in the North, she'd taken her stallion with her. It would have been very painful for her to have to leave Nársulë behind. "I imagine you've had plenty of practice with horses, then?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Recruit Trastion joined by Nurse Maeth
Hallway - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

The thought of changing rooms was a bit intriguing, and he wondered whether it would come to that. And if so, who would he end up with? Trastion was busy thinking about that as he and Arnyn left the treatment room. Until she asked him more about the horse thing. "Yes," he nodded with a little sadness. "But, I gave him to my sister." He spoke that bit quieter than normal, in case anyone was around that might overhear. Just in case. "She'll take good care of him, and make sure he gets plenty of exercise."

He grinned slightly at the question about practice. "Yeah. I always enjoyed that. Riding.. all the speed and wind.. I liked my horse, too. He and I always got along very well." He smiled slightly, missing Rhovan. "We'd been through a lot, together." He added softly, remembering many of the adventures they'd been through, including riding together to fight enemies and defend his land. That also made him sad, thinking of his brother's horse that had died along with Aearon. He often forgot about the other life lost in that tragic event. He remained silent as he saw the nurse, Cali's mother, approaching from down the hall.

"Oh, good, there you are." Maeth smiled as she approached, having just dropped off a set of clothes for Cali to change into, leaving an extra for when Arnyn would join her. "I'm glad to see you seem to be doing better, young man." She added to Trastion, recalling how bad his coughing had been before.

"Yes ma'am," he smiled faintly. "Much better. Thank you."

"Good." She smiled, then turned to Arnyn. "I took Cali to the washroom already," She told her, "but I was just returning to check if you had returned yet. It isn't far, just right down this way." Keeping her pace matched with theirs, she led the way toward the washroom where she had taken Cali.

[Isolde Alarion]

Mourgan
Recovery Room
Urime 15
W/ Thullir, Kaylin, Trastion

He was about to speak with Thullir but before he could get a word out his jaw stopped and clamped shut as Trastion came into the room and in what seemed one breath told him about new room assignments? He moved his things and just when he thought the verbal barrage was done he remembered something else and handed him a card which he took while trying to still follow all of his words. He glanced over to Thullir to see if it was only him and the pain meds that seemed to have trouble following all this rapid information but he was relieved to see he wasn’t alone. Thullir seemed to also be amazed at how fast the young man could spill out information.

Trastion seemed to pause to breathe so he thought he better answer while he could. “I would not recommend this just to get your own room and I’m a little tired but as good as can be expected I suppose.” He ended with a slight grin before looking at Kaylin and chuckled slightly. “I wouldn’t say porcelain, the bandage changes are difficult and the food, what I have eaten? Ya, it’s been kinda tasteless but I hear it gets better.” He face turned thoughtful. “I hope it gets better anyways.” A slow grin crossed his features.

He then remembered the card and as best he could open it with one hand he started to read it. A smile crossed his lips as he read the card then turned it this way and that to read the different comments from others. Normally he wasn’t really a touchy freely kinda guy but this? He sniffed lightly. “Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it.” He looked from one to the other.

“So,” He tried to move past the part where he became the weepy, blubbery mess that was near the surface. “I assume the threat was taken care of?” He was curious about it all but really was too tired to sit through what he assumed would be a long telling of the events. The whole story would have to wait.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedŷr
Houses of Healing - Urimë 15
With Kaylin, Trastion, and Mourgan

It was good that Mourgan was able to make light of the situation and the food while still being honest about how challenging it was to be injured. Thûllir was glad to see the smile on the man’s face in response to the teasing he received. Crossing an arm over his chest, he lifted one hand to tug lightly at his beard as the card was opened for perusal.

Thûllir nodded solemnly at Mourgan’s subsequent question, noting the gleam in his eyes as he looked at the card and recognizing both the curiosity and the need to deflect emotion. “Aye.” Thûllir spoke quietly but with direct firmness from where he stood near the door. “Relic is dead.”

He figured it was always best to start with the most important point before sharing any accompanying story. Trastion was likely to do that anyway, but he wanted to get a word in of reassurance first. “I wasn’t there to see it myself, but I helped deal with the body afterwards. Lieutenant Arnyn and…Cali defeated her together, and both Kaylin and Trastion witnessed it.” Short and to the point.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn @Karis Ziranphel

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Houses of Healing - visiting Mourgan, with Kaylin & Thullir
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

"Well, you're not the only one who likes to get in trouble, Trastion,"

Hearing Kaylin's words upon entering, he laughed a little. "Hey, it's hardly ever intentional, I'll have you to know." He protested, but with amusement. "And most of the time I'm actually trying really hard not to get in trouble, it just.. happens anyway." He shrugged, then grinned a little. "But, well, I never claimed to have sole rights to getting in trouble, you know." He shrugged.

Turning back to Mourgan, Trastion waited with a little smile while Mourgan looked over the card. It was evident that he liked the card, and Trastion hoped he enjoyed all the signatures on it and everything, as well. While waiting for his roommate to finish reading all of the writing on the card, Trastion's attention was temporarily taken over by a vase of flowers one of the nurses had placed in the room to brighten it up. A daisy in the assortment was hanging at an odd angle from the rest of the flowers, and despite his efforts, he couldn't get it to stand up straight.

Abandoning his efforts to get the flower to cooperate, (after he accidentally knocked some petals off of it) Trastion turned back toward Mourgan, nodding in confirmation at the comment about how he hoped the food got better. He clasped his hands behind his back, hiding the petals from view and hoping no one noticed. "Oh, yeah, the regular food is alright. Pretty good, actually. What I had when I was here was, anyway. They're probably giving you the bland stuff so you won't want to stay any longer than you must," He joked. "But yes, it was absolutely as boring as watching a tree grow," He added, recalling his own stay in the houses of healing, just a few weeks ago. "More so, actually..." He'd seen sprouts shoot up over the course of a few weeks, he recalled, remembering how exciting it was to see evidence of growth in young saplings.

As far as his stay in the houses of healing, however, Trastion had slept through a lot of it, partly out of boring but also partly because he was supposed to get plenty of rest while recovering from the concussion, and it had made him drowsy to sit in a dark room without anything to do. But he remembered how nice it had been to receive a visitor now and then. Especially after Arnyn brought him something to do. That made him wonder if Mourgan could do much. With his injuries, would he be able to sit up? Could he read? Maybe Trastion could bring him a book or two? There had been a few among Mourgan's belongings that he'd brought over to the other room, he recalled.

Before his thoughts ran away with trying to come up with some idea of things Mourgan might be able to do to keep the boredom away, the topic of the threat came up. Trastion blinked, a bit surprised no one had told him by now about how that had turned out. It'd been two days already! Of course, he realized a second later, Mourgan might have been told what happened, and the stuff they were giving him to ease the pain might have made him forget or something. Regardless, hearing Thullir mention that he and Kaylin had witnessed the event, Trastion couldn't help but brighten a little. "Oh, yeah, you should've seen it! Me and Kaylin were just telling everyone else all about the epic battle! Cali helped quite a bit, you should've seen her." He grinned, well aware that Mourgan had a particular interest in the young smith lady.

[Isolde Alarion]

Ranger Mourgan Alarion

Visiting with Trastion, Kaylin and Thullir

Urime 15 (2 days after the fire)

@Rillewen @Arnyn

When Thullir answered his question he looked at him as he listened. His head slowly nodded as he explained she was dead and that Arnyn and Cali helped with Trastion and Kaylin witnessing it. He appreciated his facts only explanation. He got the answer he was hoping for but didn’t expect to hear Cali had helped kill her. His eyes lowered briefly in thought. Last he could recall he was yelling for her to run. Meanwhile he slightly noticed Trastion fiddling with some flowers in a vase before looking back at Thullir before Trastion once more spoke up.

His exuberance in the telling caused his brows to raise in interest as he heard the words epic battle. When he mentioned Cali helping quite abit he blinked as he realized she hadn’t run. He seen the grin and half smiled as he shook his head. “I’m sure it was something to be seen.” There was a-bit of pride in his voice for the Smithy.





Nell with Pele & Mourgan
Recovery Room
@Pele Alarion

Nells relief came with a small exhaling of a breath she didn’t mean to hold onto. “I’ve felt no fever thankfully.” She lightly informed her.

She could see the exhaustion in Peles eyes and could see it in the way she sat on the bed to face her. When she was told the threat was gone and that things should only improve from her she gave her a thankful smile

She reached over and lightly squeezed her hand. Her green eyes sought her blue. “Yes, I believe all effected by this will improve now.” She might not know all the details of Peles painful relationship with Relic but now that the woman was gone there could be healing for the damage she brought to each in their own way.

“Thank you for saving my son Pele.” Her green eyes pooled with unshed tears, tears of such appreciation she couldn’t express it properly or enough. All she could do was once more squeeze her hand as the other came to gently pat over the top of Peles hand.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel @Isolde Alarion

Kaylin
Visiting Mourgan with Trastion & Thullir
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

"No kidding," Kaylin said, raising her eyebrows, when Mourgan commented it must have been something to be seen. "The smithy holding onto a giant wolf, Arnyn plunged that dagger into its throat." Her eyes positively gleamed with excitement, although she kept her energy contained since she noticed Mourgan looking weary. She shot a glance at Thûllir and Trastion, realizing all of a sudden that Mourgan would not understand where the 'wolf' had come from. "Well, I mean, Cali hanging onto Relic. And Arnyn stabbing Relic in the throat. And such."

She gave Mourgan an inquisitive smile. "I'm sure Trastion could tell you the whole tale whenever you're up for it. Although that might not be today?" she checked emphatically, before the recruit fell into a retelling of the tale. She was getting the idea that Trastion was diving headlong into everything, and hoped her obvious hint would be enough to temper his rushing until Mourgan could indicate what he was and was not up for.

"Hey, you can make the best of your stay here." She shrugged with a grin. "Catch up on your reading," she suggested with amusement. "Learn a foreign language." Her face settled into softer lines then. "It's good to see you're holding up, friend." The humorous quality to her voice, however, soon returned. "Once you're doing a bit better, we should see if you can still drink me under the table, aye?" While she considered her own tolerance impressive, she'd never been able to beat Mourgan before. Not for lack of trying, mind you. "Maybe now I stand a chance?"

[Isolde Alarion]

Mourgan

Visiting with Trastion, Thullir & Kaylin

Urime 15 (two days after the fire)

He looked at Kaylin as she described the event. A wolf? Cali and Arnyn fought a wolf.. and Relic? They both stabbed Relic? He was sure Trastion would fill him all and Kaylin seemed to mirror that thought as she vocalized it. He gave her a small thankful nod for the hint to Trastion. He knew he wouldn’t be up to the full telling, not just yet anyways.

When she suggested using his time here wisely by reading or learning a new language he half grinned and shook his head at her in amusement but when she complimented how he was doing he answered. “Thank you, I’ve heard I have more than one person to thank for that.” He cast a glance and a small thankful nod to Thullir who he heard helped carry him to the HoH.

His attention quickly came back to Kaylin as she was curious of he could still drink her under the table. A look of amusement quickly slipped across his face and a deep chuckle escaped him. “I’ll take that as a challenge and don’t think something like this is going to slow me down, injured drinking arm or not I’ll make you work for that victory.” He motioned to his wrapped shoulder as he spoke about his injured drinking arm. He looked back to her with a smile but it unexpectedly turned into a yawn.

“Sorry.” He apologized for it.”I think the pain medicine is starting. I drank it right before the bandage change.” He looked at Traistion. “I look forward to hearing the whole story.” He encouraged his story telling nature. “I’m afraid I would just fall asleep on you now and miss the best parts.” He offered him an amused smile then yawned again.

[Pele Alarion]

Pele with Nell & Mourgan
Recovery Room
@Isolde Alarion

"It is the least I could have done..." Pele said quietly, wading between the guilt over not having been able to prevent the deaths of three other people and the relief that she had been able to save Mourgan. Only moments later he would have been beyond aid if the stab wounds wound have kept bleeding and the poison would not have been countered.

Lifting her head and emerging from her brief wandering in thoughts, she looked at Nell and decided it was best not to tell how close she thought Mourgan had been to death.

"He is safe here," she assured Nell. "The wounds will be checked daily to make sure they heal as soon as possible. He's made of tough material, though he might have to hold back on any displays of his strength for a while." And any effects of the poison should wear off soon, Pele added mentally. Then she shifted on the edge of the bed to reach over and pull Nell in for a heartfelt embrace.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel @Isolde Alarion

Kaylin
Visiting Mourgan with Trastion & Thullir
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

When Mourgan said he had more than one person to thank for his well-being and glanced at Thûllir with a thankful nod, Kaylin smiled disarmingly. She took that chance to go to Thûllir and slip her arm behind his back and hug herself to his side. She, for one, was also very grateful he had arrived when and where he had. In the perfect position to help Pele with Mourgan. She looked up at her husband with that same smile, until Mourgan's deep chuckle drew her attention away. Laughing at him taking her suggestion as a challenge, Kaylin's blue-grey eyes gleamed. "I would not dream of you taking it easy on me," she replied in a similar tone to Mourgan's.

The yawn was their cue, she figured. At the mention of pain medicine and falling asleep if they were to tell the story now, Kaylin's eyes flicked over to Trastion. "Well," she said, quickly claiming the role of speaker before Trastion could get any ideas, "I think it is time for us to get going. Tras, didn't you mention something about training soon? You might want to get ready for that, and all." Her eyes then settled on Thûllir, and grew a bit softer. "And so should we."

"You don't mind us leaving you alone, right?" she smiled gently at Mourgan.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion @Arnyn @Karis Ziranphel

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Houses of Healing - visiting Mourgan, with Kaylin & Thullir
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

At Mourgan's comment, saying he was sure it was something to be seen, Trastion grinned a little wider. "It definitely was! I only wish I had seen the whole battle." He was rather disappointed to have missed it, although a part of him reminded him that he'd had other important things to do, and that was why he'd missed so much of it. A little laugh came then, when Kaylin suggested he could tell Mourgan the whole story sometime. "Or, maybe you could ask Cali next time you see her. Although she might not tell it as epically as we did," he shrugged, with a slight grin toward Kaylin as he recalled their co-efforts to tell the tale. "Orrrrrr! You could wait and hear it after we've turned it into an Ode!" He added with excitement, recalling that he and Nal had talked about making that happen.

Before he could get much more excited about that, however, Mourgan had begun yawning, evidently quite tired. Hearing that he'd taken pain medication shortly before they came, Trastion nodded in understanding, although he would have liked to stay and visit for a little bit. At the same time, watching Mourgan yawn and appear sleepy was starting to remind him of how very tired he was.. or should be, if not for that coffee he'd downed. About that time, Kaylin reminded him he had some training to do. He blinked in surprise. "Wait, is it already that late?" He asked, a bit astonished as he glanced toward the window in a fruitless attempt to guess the time. "I probably better stop by the dorm to grab my stuff then," he acknowledged, trying to think of what all he might need.

"Anyway, hope you recover soon, Mourgan." He added with a smile as he focused back on his friend. "If you like, I could bring one of your books over, maybe tomorrow?" He offered, although he was unsure whether he'd even be up for reading. It would still be nice to have it, he figured. Something to do. He recalled how dull it could be, sitting around with nothing to do and all. At least Mourgan had his mother to sit with him though. "Or anything else you want. So long as the healers allow it." He had to add that, as it occurred to him Mourgan might ask for his flask, and he didn't think the healers would think that was a good idea.

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedŷr
Houses of Healing - Urimë 15
With Kaylin, Trastion, and Mourgan

Thûllir listened to all the exuberant storytelling with a slight smile on his lips, noting the back and forth as they almost talked over one another in a semi-confusing rendition of the tale. Then again, it had been an unusual and confusing encounter to start with by all accounts. He noticed Mourgan’s heightened interest and pride in Cali with an echo of recognition. So that’s the way of it is it? He silently wished the man well in that adventure.

At the glance and nod from Mourgan, Thûllir tilted his head to the side in subtle acknowledgement. It had taken several of them to get the man secure and patched up, but he appreciated the quiet thanks. It appeared Kaylin had also noticed the gesture, as she came over with a beaming smile to slip her arm around him, and he lifted his to accommodate her and returned the hug with a quiet smile. It amused him to hear her already setting up plans for a drinking competition with Mourgan. The two long-standing comrades in arms both had a penchant for drinking that he never cared to match, but they tolerated it well. Her calm steering of the conversation towards letting the man rest and each of them heading off to training was timely, as the fatigue was evident on Mourgan’s face. Healing took a lot of energy. “Aye,” Thûllir agreed with Kaylin’s comment, interjecting briefly after Trastion spoke about getting his stuff ready. “We should be off to get ready for our training as well before the day gets too warm. Rest well, Mourgan.”

[Ercassie]

Addhor Raxëlilta
Arriving at Reception, to Speak with the Master Healer
Nearly a week-ish after the Fire/Death of Relic - @Pele Alarion

It was never nothing to take the way all up to the Houses of Healing, and typically this was as much about avoiding healers with their lectures as it was about the ascent. But this day was fairly pleasant, weather wise, and the stroll was not made in any sort of haste. Perhaps most importantly, the errand which saw him head for that destination was nothing to do with medical appointments. At least not in the traditional sense.

Addhor was not unencumbered on his trek, but neither had he weighed himself down with all that he might have brought along. This being an initial stage of the enterprise, it was impossible to know yet quite what or how much would be relevant or useful. The sample he had readied ought to be enough, without being too much.

He had promised Pele discretion, and indeed, had told nobody of the hinted conversations that the two had shared upon this subject. Any who learned what he had been working on, would assume it was of natural curiosity, given the man’s vocation. But if it helped only one person, it was an avenue worth exploring after all. And there was only one place to start.

She’d probably been wondering what took him so long to get around to it, but the man was not a one for rushing into anything. Great care and consideration, research and rehearsal had been undertaken. Then there had been that to-do up at the Sixth less than a week ago. He knew his son had not been harmed of course, nor any friends .. but still. It seemed like a good time to head up and see if any help, or hope even, could be provided to a friend, after what had likely been a very trying week. Distraction at the least could sometimes prove a boon.

Entering the Houses of Healing, the man made his arrival and intention plain to the Receptionist. Now it only remained to be seen if the Master Healer was up for this, right now. She might have a lot to deal with, of course, particularly now. Still, he’d taken his walk up here now. It would not hurt to wait and find out at least, if his efforts could prove of any use.

[Isolde Alarion]

Mourgan

Recovery room

Urime 15 two days after the fire

Visiting with Trastion, Kaylin and Thullir

He smiled to see the pride Kaylin showed in Thullir and rightly so, he had helped save his life. Her reply to the challenge caused him to chuckle. Besides, what fun would it be if they both didn’t give it their all.
When asked if he would mind being left alone he lightly shook his head. “I’ll be alright.” He gave his best reassuring smile.

He looked over at Trastion then and the smile widened. “An ode? I would definitely look forward to that.” He couldn’t wait for the telling by ode or just Trastion filling him in. Then his friend was reminded of the time and he offered to bring him a book or anything else the helpers might allow. He knew what he meant, his flask. “Unfortunately my mother is more stern than the nurses when it comes to some request.” He gave him a knowing grin which again turned into a yawn.

They were excusing themselves. “Thank you Thullir.” He nodded his head “ I will.” He then looked to Trastion again. “I’m sure I will. Thank you.” To Kaylin he gave a sincere smile. “Thank you all for coming to see me, I really appreciate it.” He couldn’t have found better friends.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel @Isolde Alarion

Kaylin
Visiting Mourgan with Trastion & Thullir
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

"I tried to come and see you earlier, but was vehemently denied," Kaylin shrugged, her tone casual and in strong contrast with her words. "Maybe they thought I would be too tiring for you. Very bizarre, given my calm and collected nature." An obvious jest, as Mourgan would recognize and probably appreciate - given his own nature. She flashed him a grin.

"Well, alright then." She leaned into Thûllir to start him off toward the door of the room. "I might come around again, since you're so appreciative. Also, Nelladel doesn't need to know about everything your visitors bring you." She raised the hand she hadn't wrapped around Thûllir's back and side. "You know - she's out tending to her affairs, someone brings something in and takes it back out with them before she ever gets back... No one but you and your visitor are the wiser." Clearing her throat, she gestured at Trastion to follow them out. "Anyway. Something we can talk about later. Also, do you still keep such a tightly tucked bunk?"

She eyed Mourgan's response for a moment, then grinned and offered a wave before stepping outside with her husband. "Brief but sweet," she summarized after they stepped into the hallway. Kaylin looked content. The visit had reassured her. Mourgan had a rough time of it, that much was undeniable. But seeing him had convinced her he would be alright, if given the time to heal properly.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Hallway
The day of the fire
@Rillewen
@Pele Alarion
@Isolde Alarion

"At least it is good to know your horse will be well taken care of, since he is with your sister," she agreed quietly. Nurse Dringolben's arrival was, perhaps, timely. It kept the mood from dropping entirely. Though it could not quite save it altogether.

The Lieutenant returned the Nurse's smile. "Thank you," Arnyn said as she followed the woman. Before entering, she turned to Trastion, one hand on her hip. "Now. Time to change out of the blood look. As for you, no new trouble while we are in there," she admonished. "I mean it." Then she flashed him a grin and disappeared inside.

Once Cali and Arnyn had cleaned themselves up and changed into the clothes provided by the houses of healing, they came back out. After making sure Cali and her mother got the chance to agree on where and when they would go home, Arnyn joined Cali and Trastion on the way to Mourgan's room.

"He might be sleeping," Arnyn reminded the others. "And even if he is not, it should be a very brief visit." Mourgan had just escaped death. He needed to gather his strength, now. In a few days, visitors would be more welcome.

[Pele Alarion]

Entering reception
Nearly a week-ish after the Fire/Death of Relic
@Ercassie

While there was a plenty of matters to handle, the young aide sent to look for her found Pele in the furthest reaches of the garden, roaming the paths and occasionally stopping to listen and watch a bird. However, she could be easily found and was not hiding on purpose; she was only following Linaiwe's instructions. The elderly healer had taken it upon herself to make sure Pele took enough breaks and rest while she was within her reach at the Houses regardless of the constant objections from the slightly offended Master Healer that she was not a patient and did not have to obey any orders. Yet, she was tired enough to not have the strength to persist against Linaiwe's patience and constant nagging.

While she did not actually mind the walk as such, Pele released the aid to go and do other tasks as she turned to head back towards reception. Even though curious, Pele did not hurry, and stopped to pick a small twig of chamomile, breathing in the scent of the small blossoms. Eventually she reached the door to the reception, and located Addhor with her gaze from the threshold. Then she approached him, a small smile on her lips.

"So, you are not afraid that some of the healers might decide that you are a good target to practice their skills, since you have come up here, Addhor?" she asked with a quiet note of teasing in her voice. "Want to come with me into the garden? There's no need to be stuck indoors after all."

---

With Nell and Mourgan
The day of the fire
@Rillewen , @Isolde Alarion , @Arnyn

"Will you be staying here over night or heading home?" Pele asked of Nell, pulling back to observe her. She supposed it would likely be the first, in which case she'd have to make sure Nell would be provided with as many comforts as possible.

Meanwhile it seamed to Pele that she heard distant voices from the hallway, at any rate one of those sounded like Arnyn's.

"I suspect visitors are on their way here," she commented.

[Isolde Alarion]

Nelladel Alarion w/ Mourgan

Recovery room

Day of fire

@Pele Alarion

She gave Pele a thankful smile at her words of it being the least she could do but she noted the look on her face as she seemed lost in thought for a moment but if faded almost as fast as it came over her. She could tell she was exhausted and listened as she reassured her he would be safe with them although he would have to hold back on displays of strength for awhile. She smiled at that and agreed with her statement. “We Alarions are made of stern stuff.” She half smiled before joining Pele in an embrace. Her smile turned to a moment of quiet thankfulness as she held Pele. She owed her everything.

She was pulled back and slowly nodded her head as she answered her. “I’ll be staying. I can’t bring myself to leave just yet.” Just then she along with Pele heard voices nearing. “I believe so.” A small grin peeked out.
She recognized Arnyns voice.

She glanced at Mourgan. He was still sleeping and at least now she felt better about the sheen of sweat on him but she felt his friends perhaps needed to see him for themselves to be reassured. She understood and felt thankful he had such friends and fellow Rangers.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn @Pele Alarion @Isolde Alarion

|
Cali with Recruit Trastion
Hallway - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

Trastion nodded slightly in reply to Arnyn's comment. It was about all there was time for before the nurse had joined them. But he often consoled himself about the horse, by reminding himself how much Dulinneth would love and care for Rhovan in his stead. He grinned as Arnyn said no new trouble, and gave a salute in reply. "I'll do my best, lieutenant." The salute was mostly made in a playful manner, but he meant it no less.

After Arnyn had gone to clean up, he waited in the hall as patiently as he could, but his mind was racing with all of the stuff that had happened, which he hadn't had a chance to really think about yet. So much had happened since he got up.. the fire, then the wolf and everything, now this.. and he suddenly realized he hadn't even had breakfast yet. Something to remedy as soon as possible, he decided. He already planned on making the visit to Mourgan short, so that was as added incentive to not linger. He was glad when the ladies rejoined him, so they could go and see how Mourgan was doing.

After assuring her mom that she would be fine without her help, Cali finally convinced her to go on about her duties, since there were sure to be plenty of patients who'd need a nurse's attention, especially with all the fire and smoke patients having come in this morning. "I see my mother didn't fuss too hard over your wounds," Cali commented half jokingly, as she and Arnyn came out of the washroom and saw Trastion leaned against the wall waiting.

He laughed slightly. "Not too hard, no." While she had changed into clean clothes and lost the "blood look", she was still limping, so he wordlessly offered his arm, and inwardly found amusement at the thought that he felt like a gentlemen escorting a lady at a party, like something he might have done in his past.

"Thank you," She muttered, glad her mother had gone off by now so she wouldn't see Cali having to lean on him for support as the group set off down the hall to find Mourgan's room. Arnyn's words brought a small nod from her. Remembering her stay here nearly a year ago, when she'd had a badly broken arm, she'd been extremely drowsy from all the stuff they gave her to help with the pain, so she could easily imagine Mourgan being in a similar condition now. She wondered if his mother would mind some company for a while.

"This room?" Trastion asked, glancing at the other two to check, then when it was confirmed he reached out and knocked lightly on the door. Then he winced slightly, having turned his arm to do the knocking and found that his injured arm did not like that angle just yet. "That'll take some getting used to," He muttered, with a glance at his bandage. "It's fine though," He added with a glance at Arnyn, to assure her of that.

[Pele Alarion]

Master Healer Pele Alarion
With Nell and Mourgan
The day of the fire
@Arnyn , @Rillewen , @Isolde Alarion

"I'll make sure to tell others to keep an eye on you and make sure you are fed and watered," Pele told Nell, a small smile touching her lips. "And have blankets and pillows at hand. I am not sure if I will be here at all tomorrow. So many things to sort out..."

The knock on the door made it clear that the visitors had arrived, and instead of a verbal response Pele got up and walked over to the door to open it herself.

"Aha. A delegation has arrived, I see," she commented, then stepped aside to let everyone in. "Mourgan is asleep though and needs all the rest he can get, but at least you can see that he is indeed alive. A strong guy not easily cut down, he is."

[Ercassie]

Addhor Raxëlilta – Reception
with Master Healer @Pele Alarion
Nearly a week-ish after the Fire/Death of Relic

When Pele found him, brown eyes pleased to see that she wore a believable smile on her face, an idle twig in one hand. Her house of medicine in fact seemed quite at peace, despite the recent blaze; as did it’s custodian. Pele had quite literally taken time to smell the .. well, the chamomile. That was reassuring.

Addhor straightened though as she approached; as much out of custom as anything else. The former Ranger then more idly urged his satchel over one shoulder so that it lapped gently behind his back. His fingers he knitted together before him, in greeting of an old friend.

“I had faith that you would beat all others of that mind, to find me first,” he met her teasing with his own, ducking his dark head in respect, and also to restrain his amusement a little. “And so you have, it seems. Master Healer.”

The invitation to escape nonetheless from any threat of eager interns, was seized upon with a nod. “The very best sorts of business matters are conducted outside,” Addhor agreed then. And although one direction was entirely more redolent than the other, of their scented destination, still he waited for Pele to lead the way, all the same.

[Pele Alarion]

Pele with Addhor
Garden, about a week after Fire/Relic's Death
@Ercassie

"Most are still busy so I didn't even have to hurry to get here first," Pele shrugged lightly. Quite a few people still remained for recovery after all that mess in the barracks, and staff had their hands full, but at least they did not necessarily need her to supervise them in person knowing their duties well.

"You know..." she said again, quite by habit taking to the path leading towards the wall from where they would be able to oversee the levels below and enjoy the view of the Pelennor and the distant shine of the River, all that in addition to the freshness of the gardens. "I might be a Master Healer but some of the staff are so breathing down my neck when I work too hard that I prefer to escape occasionally. No doubt it is exactly what they want to achieve."

A brief silence and walking along the path, Pele then looked sideways at Addhor, and queried: "How is your leg treating you though?"

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Mourgan's recovery room
The day of the fire
@Rillewen
@Pele Alarion
@Isolde Alarion

A light frown came in response to Trastion's wince after knocking on Mourgan's door. He would really need to take it easy for a bit. If that movement still hurt in a week's time, she did not think she would approve of archery for him just yet... well. Time would tell.

Pele was the one to open the door - not really much of a surprise. Arnyn's expression was gentle as she made eye contact with the Master Healer. "We will not be long," she assured her friend even as her gaze flicked to the shape of Mourgan in the bed. Breathing. Living. Recovering. The shape of Nelladel drew her attention then, and had Arnyn stepping past Trastion to place a light hand on the woman's forearm. "Nell," she spoke quietly, though she had little more to add that would not sound superfluous. "You do not need anyone to tell you that he is brave," the Lieutenant whispered. "For that has been a fact for a long time. His actions today were merely his latest feat." She spent another brief moment taking in Mourgan's condition, and then seemed to nod to herself.

"We must not wake him," she continued quietly, now addressing Trastion more than anyone else. "And should be on our way." There was probably still hell of some sort or another breaking loose at the barracks. Hungry men and women at arms were never good. For all Lieutenant Brian's prowess at running the place, he might be in need of some assistance. Arnyn glanced at Pele. "Talk soon, Captain." With a questioning look at Cali, Arnyn all but dragged Trastion out of there.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn @Pele Alarion @Isolde Alarion

|
Cali with Recruit Trastion
Mourgan's recovery room - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

Stepping into the room together, Trastion half-supported Cali as she limped in. He was relieved to see that, despite being asleep, Mourgan looked much better than the last glimpse he'd had of him. He breathed out a silent sigh of relief at the sight, and smiled faintly. While Trastion had no doubt that the healers knew what they were doing, it was a relief to see his friend for himself, and it helped increase his confidence in Mourgan's ability to recover from this. "I'm glad he's going to be alright," He muttered softly, trying not to speak so loudly that he might wake him. He was trying to think of something suitably comforting to say to Ms. Nell, but nothing came to mind. Whatever Arnyn said was probably sufficient, however. He hoped.

The moment she'd stepped in, Cali's gaze had been drawn to Mourgan. She lost track of everything else going on in the room, as a multitude of thoughts and emotions raced through her mind and heart. Memories, of coming to the houses of healing at other times. Her own stay here, only a few months ago. Once, to visit Nal when he was injured, although she barely remembered that. Another time, before then, to say goodbye to her brother, Berthion, suffering from wounds so terrible they all knew he wouldn't last long. Then there were those who hadn't even made it to the houses of healing. Dawion. Her father. And Ryndir... whose injuries had been so similar to those Mourgan now bore, it troubled her. Would he be alright? She couldn't help feeling less convinced than Trastion, although she barely even heard his words despite standing right next to him.

Trastion glanced at the lieutenant and nodded slightly when she mentioned they ought not wake him. He knew that. And had no intentions of doing so. It was a slight disappointment though when she made it obvious it was time to go. Practically dragging him along, in fact. Cali quietly pulled away from him, however. Trastion glanced back at her, wondering if she didn't intend to go with them, but she said nothing in explanation. Deciding it wasn't really for him to decide what the smith did or not, he offered a reassuring smile toward Ms. Nell before following Arnyn out of the room. He'd planned on making the visit short, but not quite that short. Maybe he could come back tomorrow or the next day, though.

As Arnyn and Trastion made their leave, Cali remained standing there, quite still as she tried to find some sort of reassurance that this new friend she had made was not going to follow the same fate as so many others in her life had done. Her eyes had blurred slightly, so she blinked to get rid of the tears trying to gather there, and took a slightly shaky breath. His stab wounds were not in the same places as Ryn's had been, Cali reminded herself mentally, and tried to let that reassure her somewhat. Still, she couldn't help feeling as if she might have been able to prevent this, if only she'd been a little closer, and had reacted faster. She bit her lip, then pulled her gaze away from him at last, to find the other two left in the room, specifically focusing her on Pele, the healer. "He.. will be alright, won't he?" She asked softly, and anxious for some reassurance about that.

[Pele Alarion]

Master Healer Pele Alarion
With Nell, Mourgan, Arnyn, Trastion and Cali
The day of the fire
@Arnyn , @Rillewen , @Isolde Alarion

Pele moved back towards Mourgan's bed to make room for the visitors to enter and see for themselves that things were quite in hand at the moment. At least here.

A smile touched her lips as she listened to the exchange of words, and somehow she found comfort in the fact that not all was lost in the madness that had ensued. Most of them had made it out in one piece. Pele forced herself to take the mind off the losses and count the blessings - at least in the presence of her friends.

"Yes, Arnyn, later for sure," she responded to her friend who was again headed for the door after making sure Mourgan was as well as he could be and words of comfort to Nell, and hid well the slight amusement at how Trastion was all but pulled out of the room.

She was about to make another check on Mourgan herself but found that Cali was lingering in the room, looking rather distraught. Pele took a few steps towards her and touched her arm to communicate empathy. "He will be all right, no doubt. He is a strong man, and the injuries have been taken care of and no longer endanger him. So... now he just needs time to recover and heal," she assured the smith, and then added gently, "I am sure he'll appreciate your support in the healing process though."

[Ercassie]

Addhor Raxëlilta – Gardens
with Master Healer @Pele Alarion
Nearly a week-ish after the Fire/Death of Relic

Pele’s claim that her fellow healers were still mostly busy, explained at least why the reception and corridors were abandoned. Diligent healers were surely about their business behind every closed door, and theirs was an art which did not invite an audience.

“If they are concerned for the wellbeing of others, you have taught them well,” Addhor acknowledged the woman’s comments about her staff. Their amble was of a relaxed pace and their conversation likewise. It was no impatience to follow the Healer on her scenic trek to find their destination. If she were not directing them upon this fair route for the deliberate sake of further reflection and refreshment of the soul, then she laboured in one of the most blessed of places that stood in the city walls. He did not recall much, any really, of his own necessary stay within the established institution, years before. But he almost wondered now for how many this environment made a difference for all those who were able to indulge in it.

“This is an escape that I would not need to be driven to,” he basked in the fresh air, quietly as they came upon the cusp of the gardens. And if the man seemed slightly breathless, it was not due to exertion. The Healer though was on form, drawing on their history of his last visit to her halls. The man was well rehearsed in meeting diversion in conversation of course.

“You know though, that I did not come here for my own sake this time,” he admitted, carefully and rather to the point before polite smalltalk stole from the point of the visit.

[Pele Alarion]

Pele with Addhor
Gardens, about a week after Fire/Relic's Death
@Ercassie

"You might sneak in here occasionally and say you have orders to find some rest here now and then if anyone asks..." Pele suggested when she heard something in Addhor's voice that sound like appreciation for the gardens.

"And," she continued relentlessly while choosing a way to one of the wooden benches hidden among the trees, "While you have not come here for a medical check-up, I still want to know. But at least I see that you have come all the way here and do not look like you're in a lot of pain."

Taking the last few steps towards a bench more hurriedly, Pele sat down and with a vague wave of her hand towards Addhor's light burden asked: "So what ingenious ideas have you come up with?"

[Isolde Alarion]

Nelladel

W/ Pele, Arnyn, Cal & Trastion

Recovery Room

Day of the fire

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn @Rillewen

“Thank you.” Nell appreciated everything Pele and the busy staff were doing to make her stay as comfortable as possible. She knew they had others to see to so when Pele said she might not be around tomorrow she nodded and gave her a thankful smile. “ I understand, you’ll have your hands full it seems.”

A light knock on the door and she stood as Pele went to open the door. She offered a gentle welcoming smile at those entering. She first saw Trastion with his arm bandaged up but then her green eyes welcomed Arnyn and returned the hand placed on her forearm with a light pat of her own hand. Her kind words for Mourgan caused her to glance back at him for a moment.
She then turned back to Trastion and the young woman he was supporting. She must be Cali, she thought to herself. Trastion voiced his relief and Nell offered him a reassuring nod. “ He’ll recover.” It was all she could offer him before Arnyn lead him out of the room but she did appreciate his reassuring smile. She liked the young man and had come to enjoy his visits when he and Mourgan would come to the bakery.
She turned her gaze to Cali, she seemed the most effected by seeing Mourgan. She stood quietly and let the woman take what time she needed before asking Pele to reassure her he would be alright. She also found comfort in Peles words as she then stepped towards her and offered yet another comforting touch on her arm.
“Come whenever you feel and stay however long you need.” She offered a small nod. “You don’t need my permission and I know he’d appreciate the company.”

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Cali
Mourgan's recovery room - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

Cali managed a small nod in answer to Pele's words, glad to hear some reassurance on the fact that Mourgan would recover well. "I'm glad," She answered the healer, quietly. She couldn't help remembering back in the Mess Hall, when it was all happening, how fearful she had been that he would die before any healers could get to him. But they had, thankfully. She breathed in deeply and nodded again, trying to convince her brain to believe this good news, before turning with a tiny smile toward his mother. It must be hardest on her, of course, seeing her son like this. She remembered her parents' devastation, when Berthion had been dying in a room just like this, but tried her best to push that thought out of her head for now.

"Thank you, Mrs. Alarion," She said softly, slightly surprised by the lady's kind words. She hesitated as she thought about what she'd said about coming by, or staying. Glancing toward Mourgan, Cali considered that before turning back to his mother. "If it wouldn't be any problem, would you mind if I stay for a little while, now?" She wondered, unsure whether she had meant 'after he was awake' or not. "I'll keep quiet," She assured them both, still keeping her voice soft so not to wake the patient. "It's just, I have to wait for my mother to finish her shift anyway, and I was just thinking how boring it would be to sit around waiting alone..."

Actually, it wasn't just herself she was thinking of, in that regard. It had occurred to her that Mrs. Alarion would also be sitting there waiting for a long while, probably worrying about her son. So, if she didn't mind Cali's company, they could wait together, perhaps, and therefore, perhaps keep each other a bit distracted from their worrying. "Though, if you'd rather not have the company, I certainly won't be offended," She added, in case she would rather be alone, and hoped she hadn't put her on the spot too much. "I'd completely understand."

[Rillewen]

Garthain with Cali (@Rillewen)
Treatment Room

Garthain sat tall in his chair, scribbling down notes of everything important she said. Her brother’s name, their relationship as twins, Ryn’s murder (possibly unreported and unsolved? But out of the jurisdiction of the Tower Guard) and missing daggers, which she described in great detail. He wondered if the daggers could be somewhere back in the Tower Guard, buried in piles of evidence and unclaimed found items. Perhaps he could locate them. No one else would want to take the time to do so.

He flipped to a blank page in his book and tilted it toward Cali in her bed. “Are you able to sketch the daggers in as much detail as you described them?” One look was all he needed to understand the answer was most definitely no. She explained that she was unable, due to her injuries, to sketch anything at this moment. He would have to do his best to draw them based on her descriptions. Garthain cleared his throat. “My apologies, Miss Dringolben. That was terribly thoughtless of me…Please, go on.”

As if she wore armor around her wounded heart, shielding her from the grief of her brother’s loss and the injuries she bore, she continued to tell her story. When she mentioned the War, he visibly tensed, clenching one fist and looking down at his notes rather than at her, though he listened to every word and intonation, detecting the buried sorrow so many carried with them in the intervening years. At the mention of the fayre, more recently, he gazed at her once more and jotted down the key details.

How unfortunate that her visit back to the city should take such a dark turn, and at the fayre, too. His instincts pushed him to apologize again, but what good would that do? No, he could only record every detail and piece of information, every name, every place, every possible person who might prove to help find a lead on solving this case. That was the only way to truly make a difference for the woman before him.

Still, his brow furrowed when she mentioned her unconscious friend and the strange man in the tent. His stomach sank, fearful for the other woman’s fate having seen Cali’s injuries and state, and he wanted for a moment– tell her to stop– he didn’t want to hear anymore. He didn’t want to know the ending. But it was his job and here she was– she had lived it, and she was suffering through reliving it once more.

Garthain set down his pen and looked her in the eyes, holding her gaze. He wanted to reach out and take her hand, to offer some comfort, but he kept his hands firmly in his lap behind the wall. “Miss Dringolben, you are doing a very good thing in telling me all of this. The smallest things can sometimes make a huge difference. I want you to know that. You might be making a difference today in telling me this.”

“I have a few questions I would like to ask and then you may continue. Please take your time.” He took a sip of water, again as a way to reassure Cali as well as refresh himself. “Let’s start with your friends you met that day. What are their names?” Not only would the details help, but asking for the group at once instead of singling out her unconscious friend seemed somehow kinder. “Can you describe what the tent looked like both inside and out? What time of day was it?” He paused for a moment and lowered his voice. “And describe the man as well, please...as much as you can. Anything helps. Was he tall or short? Dark or light haired? Did he have any distinguishing features, like a tattoo or scar?”

(Quoting the last post since it's been a while...
private with @Lail)
(I didn't forget about this. Just waiting for more of the original story to progress, lol)

Cali Dringolben
(Last Fall, shortly after the events of the Carpe Diem RP)
One of the patient rooms

The guard's questions made her take a moment to think. Cali frowned slightly, then reached to pick up her glass of water, and took a small sip. With her right arm in the splint, there was no way she could sketch the daggers, as much as she would have liked to do so. Too bad. She took a deep breath. "I only found one friend, at that time." She answered. "The one who had fainted. Iole, though I'm sure she's given her report to another guard." She explained, anxious to prevent any guards from further troubling her distraught friend.

"As for the tent..." A frown settled further onto her face. "I.. I don't know. It might have been blue? With.. white stripes, or something like that*. I don't really recall. But I remember.." She closed her eyes briefly, trying to summon up the mental image of the scene. "Lots of clothes hanging. Like.. costumes? And props and things, like you might see used in a play." She answered slowly, thinking hard. "Come to think of it, I think it must have been close to a stage area. It seems like.. like I could hear a play happening, not too far away. That would explain why there weren't any actors around, if they were all busy putting on a performance at the time, wouldn't it?" She glanced at him questioningly before considering the next question.

"Time of day?" She frowned, thinking. "It's hard to say exactly... maybe, around midday? Perhaps a little before. I'm not exactly sure about the time, but I remember it was a little before midday when my sister-in-law and I drove the wagon up to the fayre grounds..." She considered for a moment. "Then, we walked around a bit. I won a doll for my niece," She smiled faintly at that memory. "And, then I went off to look for my friends. I remember, at one point, stopping at this game booth because the guy was trying to claim he had a mithril sword, forged by elves, as his grand prize," She couldn't help rolling her eyes, at that. "Ridiculous, right?" She shook her head with a very weak smile of amusement. "It was made of cheap tin, and poorly made at that. I called him on it, and he wasn't too pleased about it," She remembered with a little smile. "It was shortly after that, when I spotted Iole," She added slowly, the hint of smile vanishing. "So, I don't know, maybe half an hour had passed. Maybe an hour. It's hard to say, but I remember the sun was high, because he claimed that the heat had caused her to faint."

Taking a deep breath, she laid her head back on the pillows, frowning thoughtfully. "I don't think I could ever forget his face, nor his voice." She declared quietly. And with the best level of detail she could summon from her memory, Cali gave up a description of the man who had called himself Lowendir. Descriptions of people were much harder than that of weapons, however, and it was difficult to be sure whether she'd given the guard a suitable description. She could only hope. "I knelt beside Iole, and tried to rouse her." She went on, frowning. "I remember, this man... Lowendir, if that's even his name... moved away a little. I thought he was just giving us room, but then a moment later... suddenly, I was struck from behind, and I lost consciousness, myself."


*I don't remember if there was a description of the tent, but either way, she could totally be remembering it wrong. just fyi lol

[Isolde Alarion]

Nell

Mourgans recovery room- Urime13th - (shortly after the fire in the barracks)

@Rillewen

@Pele Alarion

Listening to Calis request afterwards she offered her an understanding smile. “Of course you can stay, I insist.” She smiled, it would make the waiting more bearable to have another with her. She noticed the young woman’s bandaged leg and how standing on it seemed to be painful. She stepped back to show her the chair, she motioned towards it.

“Please take this chair, I’ll get another. Would you care for something to drink? Tea? Some cool water perhaps?” she stepped forward to offer her arm for support. She looked briefly at Pele. “Might we get another chair please?” She would have gotten it herself but really had no idea where to get one. “Thank you.” She offered Pele a thankful smile.

She then supported Cali and helped guide her to the chair, making sure she was comfortable once she was seated. “Good?” She asked as she stepped back and looked down at her. Perhaps she was mother henning her but it felt good to be able to help someone, there wasn’t much she could do for Mourgan at the time. Wipe his brow when needed but other than that time was all he needed.

She clasp her hands before. “Now, if we’re to spend some time together I insist you call me Nell. Mrs Alarion sounds so formal and honestly it makes me feel old.” Her green eyes sparkled with amusement. “ I gather you are Cali?” She might not have been introduced but she’d heard much about the Smithy from Mourgan. “The Smithy?” She asked.

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Cali
Mourgan's recovery room - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

Cali was relieved that she was welcome to stay, since she had already been thinking how boring it would be to sit in the waiting room. Plus, thinking about everything that she knew she'd begin to think about, once she was alone to think. She'd rather put that off a bit longer. "Thanks," She smiled gratefully as Mrs. Alarion so kindly insisted that she take the chair, and then helped her to it. She was glad to get her weight off of her leg, and hoped it wouldn't take too long to heal. She really hated not being able to do stuff like normal, and had already suffered a badly broken arm, not even a full year ago.

The offer of a drink surprised her slightly. It made her feel almost as if she had come to visit at her house, rather than in the houses of healing. And she hadn't really thought about such things, nor could she remember the last time she'd had anything to drink. For a second, she wasn't quite sure how to reply to that, but the other woman was already moving on to insisting she call her Nell, rather than Mrs. Alarion.

"Nell then," Cali smiled at her. "Yes, sorry, I am Cali." She confirmed, realizing that they had not actually ever been properly introduced. She'd spoken briefly with her, when Nell first arrived at the reception area, but Cali could easily understand that she might not even remember that encounter, due to her probably being in a rather distraught state of mind at the time. Things had calmed down a bit since then, and Mourgan was stable, so this was a better time to make each other's acquaintances. "I understand that," She added, to the part about it making her feel old. "Someone recently threatened to start calling me 'Miss Dringolben', but thankfully I got out of that." She remembered to keep her voice low, but smiled as she said it.

"Are you having anything to drink?" She added, returning to the offer of tea or water. "If you are, then I'll have something as well." She figured that would probably be a good way to ensure they were both getting enough to drink. She glanced toward Mourgan, partly to make sure she hadn't been talking too loudly as to wake him, then back to Nell. She thought for a quick moment about what else to talk about before something came to mind. "You know, I've been to your bakery before, but somehow I never met you," She mentioned.

[Pele Alarion]

Master Healer Pele Alarion
With Nell, Mourgan, and Cali
The day of the fire
@Isolde Alarion , @Rillewen

It did Pele's heart good to see that Nell and Cali seemed to find a common ground easily, all the more if they could keep each other company both to find comfort in each other and to be there should Mourgan awake at some point. It also had a practical aspect - Pele felt released to do other business knowing that things would be settled here.

"I'll bring a chair from the room next door," she then offered. She would then ask one of the apprentices or aides to bring one of the spares to the other room to keep the setting complete, and have them look into this room every so often to check on Mourgan's condition and see if Nell and Cali needed anything. So, without undue hesitation, she left and took from the other room a chair and a cushion for extra comfort.

"There," she said, returning soon after and depositing the chair next to Nell and handing her the cushion. "Someone will check on you, and if you need anything just tell them. I will get going - there are still so many things to do."

Pele offered a weary smile to the two women, cast one last glance at Mourgan, and then left, closing the door behind her quietly. She planned to make another round to see how other patients were doing, then take a moment in the gardens to see if she could regain some inner peace, and then head back to the barracks.

[Ercassie]

@Lantaelen

Arkadhur Halsad with Sir Abazimir Dimaethor
The Prisoner and the Swan Knight.
Recovery Room. Approx a week after Erulaitalë

The Knight was no longer dressed in the easy afternoon and enjoyment of an ale in hand. Arkadhur marked the difference from the last time he had met with Abrazimir, and yet was not alarmed by the contrast. For he had known the man more accustomed to this mood, than the other.

Irony saw the Swan Knight ask, what if it had been he, now in Arkadhur’s position ? Was it not, in fact, once so ? The Umbarian knew that he had no need to employ words, to remind the Gondorian of that fact. Of Umbar, which had a way of stamping it’s experience indelibly upon a soul. Of Umbar, where it had been Abrazimir who had been humbled, put to chains, insulted. The current patient had not been responsible for that, well, not directly. He had but urged the Lady toward the fate of her countrymen. She had made the decision to seek her kinsman’s aid in seeking to retrieve them. The inclimate weather had seen to the rest. Storms are the fate of chance and that which washes ashore is the property of those inhabiting that shore; so had it long been the way of his people.

“You forge your own chains,” he diagnosed, choosing which of the remarks made, to respond to. After a deliberate swallow, the Umbarian embellished on his opinion. “Restrained and restricted …. by your honour … your chivalry,” he was forced to take breaths more frequently to express himself, but he had asked for this conversation. And unlike the opportunity to ‘tell all’ to the City Law, he was feeling far more obliging in company of his chosen confidante. “Your profound sense of what is right and fair and justice.” Arkadhur mentioned then, presumably in answer or else to divert with flattery. “That is why .. you.”

He was saying .. more than it was comfortable to. And yet he had no time for healing, or for hemming through the niceties. He might lose his capacity to speak at any moment. He had to consider the value of every single word.

“People put .. their trust and faith in you,” he scoffed., coughed, and pounded his head back against the soft pillows behind them, as though that were any discomfort at all. “All brave and true and …. all they think a hero to be. She ... did. ”

It was infuriating to be unable to gesture as he wished, to properly make his performance. But though sweat stained his sheets, the Umbarian’s expression was of sheer disgust. The way they carried themselves, these Gondorian Nobles. Mentally he growled at the hypocrisy. As though that polished steel skin had never been caked in the blood of the man’s enemies. As though the man’s ornate blade had never robbed the life of those he rode down underfoot of his steed. Ever did Gondor dress up it’s disgraces in ostentatious trappings until all that clung to that pretentious banner believed, truly believed, in the lie. That there were really any difference between them and the ones they took against.

After all, did not both sides believe in their particular cause for battle ? And did battle not decide really, who was right ? But merely, .. who was left, when all was said and done.


“I would not insult you .. by asking such a gentle man to break his law,” he conceded, having summoned up the strength to resume, even while deliberately setting the words ‘gentle’ and ‘man’ apart. To twist their meaning. “You would never betray your nation .. or compromise … the morals which stand you up-right, .. propping up your chin with pride,” Somehow the compliment was spat out as though an insult. “I am expecting only that you would see justice .. performed ….”

He swallowed. He took his time to sink back into the bedding, and portray as pathetic a sight as might be possible .. so much so that their conversation might sound not so much like he was brokering an arrangement, but rather more emitting a dying man’s confession ..

“I did not .. see the nurse’s son .. to his end .. in Ithilien. You, you are my alibi,” brown eyes flashed with a sudden yearning to convey the fact. That fact, above all others. “Whether ..” Arkadhur took a moment, counted out in his head until it felt long enough to resume, “whether or not you possess the fortitude to .. to admit it aloud. That boy’s life ended .. while I was far from any reach of him. I was at sea”

Both hands drew against their bonds, and the one which was astutely bandaged saw a glance in hindsight to regret the motion.

“I was at sea .. with you,” the prisoner clarified. “Ask the day,” he added. “Try .. the numbers. You will be unable .. to deny the truth. That I did not, could not have done what they say of me.”


He watched the Belfalasian then, seeking to judge how his audience was taking this. Would he leave ? Would he care ? Abrazimir was clearly not happy to have been called here.

Still. Abrazimir had come. And so, it would not hurt to ask.

“Would you like to know who did ?” suddenly he demonstrated not a single falter in his speech.

[Isolde Alarion]

Nelladel

Mourgan Recovery Room, shortly after the fire in the barracks

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

She smiled abit more at hearing her guess at her being Cali confirmed and at being called Nell. She chuckled lightly at hearing Cali had gotten out of being called Miss Dringolben.

She then turned to Pele as she told her she would bring a chair from the other room. "Thank you." she said then turned back to Cali when asked if she were having anything to drink. "I think some hot tea would do me some good." Just then Pele returned with the chair. Nell nodded lightly in understanding as Pele excused herself. "Of course." she agreed then watched her head out.

She turned back to Cali and lightly took a seat as the young woman explained about being at the bakery yet never meeting her. She got comfortable as she explained. "You most likely dealt with my assistant and adopted son, Andarion. He runs the front of the store much of the time while I'm in the back baking or if I have to leave. " She cast a quick look at Mourgan before returning her green gaze to Cali. Not wanting to return her thoughts to the horrible events of the morning she continued. "He came to me when he was near fifteen I suppose, same age as Mourgan then, a friend basically dropped him in my lap. Said someone was looking for him and he needed somewhere safe for him to stay while my friend went to look for whoever was looking for him. That was what? Seven years ago?" Nell shook her head at realizing it'd been that long. "Well, anyways, he's been helping me in the bakery ever since. He's now married to my niece and they have two lovely babies." Nell realized how much she'd gone on about him. "Sorry, I'm sure you didn't expect a long story for an answer." An embarrassed smile spread across her lips. "How about that tea?"

[Rillewen]

@Isolde Alarion

Cali
Mourgan's recovery room - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

"Yes, good idea," Cali agreed with a little smile. "Tea would be very nice." She probably ought to have some anyway, with her leg hurting as it was. "When I was here a few months ago," She mentioned, though it was a bit more than 'a few', it still felt like not very long ago. "they first had me drink this stuff that made me sleep a lot, but then later, they gave me this tea for pain relief that had ginger and cinnamon and other spices. It was so good, especially with a little sweetening and cream added... Mmm." She hummed softly as she remembered the yummy *cinnamon-y tea.

She was glad that the second chair arrived so quickly, since she'd felt a little bad taking Nell's chair. When she said she'd send someone to check on them, Cali nodded slightly. "Thanks," She added to what Nell had said, and watched the healer leave again. She understood there were a lot of things to do, especially for a head healer. She looked back toward Mourgan, partly to assure herself he was still doing alright, even though Pele had just looked at him herself.

Turning back to Nell, she listened curiously as she spoke of the shop assistant being her other son. Cali was a little surprised to hear that he was adopted, and listened with further intrigue to the tale about how Nell came to adopt him. "I'm glad he had someone like you to take care of him." She replied, thoughtful. "Did she ever find the person who was looking for him?" She wondered, curious about that. Regardless, she couldn't help thinking, 'nearly fifteen' would be fourteen, and that was only a year older than her nephew, Iuldir. If he was in some situation like that, Cali would certainly be grateful to anyone who gave him help. And she also couldn't help thinking about Trev. He'd been only fifteen when he got himself into his situation, and although he was finally back home, Cali wished that someone could have been aware of his need for help, back then, so he wouldn't have had to suffer for so long.

She smiled slightly as Nell went on to say that this other son of hers was now married. "That's nice, you must enjoy getting to play with the babies." She commented, and shook her head. "I don't mind hearing it," She assured her. "I don't think Mourgan's ever mentioned having an adopted brother. Are they close?" She wondered quietly, with a glance toward him before looking back at his mother. As Nell reminded her about the tea, Cali smiled and nodded. "Yes, if we're lucky, we could probably catch a passing nurse or something, and ask for some. Or, we could wait and see how long before someone comes to check on us," She added, remembering Pele had said she'd send someone.


*thinking of chai, or similar

[Lail]

Garthain with Cali (@Rillewen)
Treatment Room, Last Fall

At the description of the tent, Garthain paused writing, pencil hovering just above the page, his brow quirked. The tent. It sounded familiar. The player’s costume tent. He tightened his grip on the pencil, smoothed his expression, and focused intently on her words rather than allowing his own memory of the tent to filter in. He scribbled down her description of both tent and attacker.

He had just been to the tent the other day to drop off a forgotten drum from the Hall of Song before he enjoyed the fayre with his sister. He forced his thoughts to slow down, to stop jumping to conclusions. It could be a different player’s tent. Nothing could be proven yet. His gut told him otherwise. What if the attacker had been there, plotting or searching for a victims, even brushing shoulders with Garthain as they passed one another in the fayre crowd?

A violent crime committed in broad daylight by a brazen, violent man. Lowendir. A scoundrel. The unfamiliar name seared itself in his mind and he pieced together a picture in his head based on her description, which he sketched a rough, quick version of in his notebook. However, the man appeared as bland as any other and nothing distinct stood out about him. He feared they would need much more than this to find him.

Leaning back in his chair, he summarized her story, sticking to the facts as much as possible. The review gave her a break from talking and him from taking notes. “So. I want to be sure I got this right…You were visiting the city. You rode a wagon to the fayre with your sister-in-law and bought your niece a doll. You aptly corrected a man trying to pass a cheap tin sword off as mithril, and rightly so.” His lips tilted upward ever so slightly, imagining her chastising the man. “In the afternoon, you parted from your family and looked for your friends. Eventually, you found Iole in the tent. With this man who called himself Lowendir.”

Garthain paused, allowing the name of her attacker to settle in case it rattled her nerves. Latching on to Cali’s keen eye for knives and fake tin mithril, he asked, “Did he have any weapons?” Perhaps if Lowendir had a weapon memorable to this woman, it could help lead them to the man.

After she answered, he picked up his pencil once more and patiently asked additional questions to dig for more details. “Had you ever seen him before? Did Iole faint before or after your arrival? Did Iole have any obvious injuries before you were knocked out?”

After his litany of questions was satisfied, he stood slowly and strode toward the window. The sun pooled warm on his face and he squinted at the brightness that didn’t touch his troubled mind. Garthain carefully avoided Cali’s gaze entirely, allowing her a moment to rest if needed or to release a wince of pain or knead her muscles or whatever might comfort her without him looking. His intent was to give her a rest after the lengthy recitation and answers she had given before they continued.

“Would you care for some tea, Miss Dringolben? I could use some myself. They blend a rather nice assam. Or plenty of herbals, if that is to your taste.”

[Lantaelen]

@ercassie

Lord Abrazimir of House Dimaethor
Visiting a Prisoner, Houses of Healing, Minas Tirith, Gondor
Shortly after Midsummer, Fourth Age

Scarcely had the first words of critique about Abrazimir’s mental chains left the mouth of Arkadhur before the Swan Knight let out an exasperated sigh and rolled his eyes. Then again, he had provoked this discussion. What else could the prisoner do but reflect and contemplate? And clearly Arkadhur had been pondering much with such a diatribe about the nature of a Gondorian’s honour and chivalry. And how they restrained a man from…what, exactly? Glory? Ambition? Cruelty and ruthlessness? If that was so, Abrazimir was content to be chained. And that is why, it seemed, Arkadhur wished to speak to him.

Gloved fingers tapped on his helmet, held against his waist, trying to wait patiently but indeed feeling a sense of anxiety at what exactly this man had to say to Abrazimir. He gave a mock, sheepish grin as Arkadhur spoke of Abrazimir as a man who could be trusted, was dependable, and faithful, brave and true. A hero, even! Abrazimir wouldn’t go that far in acknowledgement about himself but it was a nice perception to have. That he did not doubt. Power was all about perception, was it not? Whether through fear or love or capability or consistency. To hear that Isys might even regard him as such was indeed rather flattering. But he knew such praises from the mouths of a Corsair were anything but. There was always a catch. Or a hidden meaning. And he did not let the words go to his head.

But a seed had been planted. And maybe those chains we put around himself for his own good and the good of his people…would it be so bad if they were loosened a little?

Still, he did not interrupt. This was the most he ever heard this weasel of a man speak and he was content to let a talker such as Arkadhur…talk. All flattery, no…attempt to insult. Which of course meant it was all an insult. Too gentle, too restrained, too focused on honour and bravery…which of course must be a weakness among this man’s kind. But now they came to the crux of the matter, of why this man requested Abrazimir of all people to hear him out. It was because…

Abrazimir’s eyebrows quirked up. His mouth and lips parted in brief reply, before he shut them up so as to not look like a river trout. He was…Arkadhur’s alibi. Somehow. When Abrazimir first went to Umbar, and lost his vessel and his entire crew, himself doomed to slavery and sacrifice, before narrowly escaping on a captured ship. Yes, there. Arkadhur must have been on that ship. One of the crew, at least. Abrazimir had been too focused on his own well-being and that of his kinswoman to take much notice but…there had been a crewmember, with a very similar appearance to Arkadhur. Maybe the man was telling the truth in this. And if it was indeed truth, he could indeed not have been the one to slay Ryndir Dringolben, the son of the old Nurse.

There were many factors at play here. Arkadhur’s alibi, the death of Ryndir…and what about the assault on Calithildis?

Arkadhur watched him. And Abrazimir watched him back. Unblinking. He inhaled through his nose sharply, but exhaled slowly. Would he like to know who did murder Ryndir? And who presented the slain brother’s knife to Arkadhur to be used to torture his own sister? Arkadhur had power right now. The power of information. Abrazimir however knew he couldn’t play this man’s game. So he let a soft smile once more creep over his lips and look aside, eyes quirking up and to the top right of their sockets as he went into thought.

”Was that really you out at sea with us? I thought there was a foul smell in the air, one we couldn’t shake when we left the Port of the Corsairs. Would never have thought we were taking a piece of it with us.” Abrazimir began by retorting. Now that’s how you insult, openly and pointedly. ”Yes, I can see you on that ship. And not in Ithilien where Ryndir was slain. After all, Ithilien is close to the front line, and I wouldn’t expect you…” Abrazimir gestured vaguely towards Arkadhur, ”to make yourself known there, as warrior or soldier.” In effect, calling the prone, chained up man a coward. But if Arkadhur took offence at that, Abrazimir would be happy to loosen those chains, and give him a sword, and they could settle it. Like men.

Never mind that would be entirely against orders and Abrazimir would probably be court-martialed, or worse.

”What if I choose not to believe?” Abrazimir then pondered in return. ”You criticize my people for their honour and their gentleness, but it’s those very things you must now rely upon to scour your own life. You know,” Abrazimir wagged his finger at Arkadhur, with a larger grin now on his lips, ”I find that immensely humorous and ironic.” Turning away from the bedside, Abrazimir took several steps towards the doorway, as if to depart and leave Arkadhur to his own luck and devices, but then paused and turned back, coming to the foot of the bed now.

”Even if your tale was true, I am not inclined to help you. Why should I? After all, you taking the blame for the slaying will bring a peace of mind to an old woman who deserves it. Because what does all the scheming and intrigue of a villainous city across the sea mean to her? You are still a criminal and justice will be served with your…punishment.” Abrazimir said, himself not sure if it would just be life imprisonment or outright execution. ”But truthfully, Arkadhur? That isn’t what weighs with me. What weighs with me is this.” He said, coming back to the bedside, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. He leaned down, hovering over the man’s face, peering right into his eyes. So very much like the eyes of his own people.

For a moment, emotion got the better of Abrazimir. ”You took that boy’s knife and you used it to torture and harm his sister. A weapon once employed in her defence, used to carve up her skin in a most cruel and heinous way.” He hissed, quietly and through gritted teeth, before straightening himself up again and sighing. Again, sharply through his nose, and then slowly out, as if resetting his thunderous heartbeat to something more relaxed and calmer. His fists were still clenched though. Anger and fury were but a leap away.

”Not only are you going to tell me Ryndir’s true murderer, you’re going to tell me how you got his knife and then how you’re going to offer up weregild for the sister as well. And then, and only then, if the answers are satisfactory, will I make this case on your behalf.” Abrazimir concluded, opening up his hands to intertwine his own fingers and rest them before him, helmet tucked under his shoulder and sword no longer in hand. That felt like justice to him, those two demands. One couldn’t go halfway on these things. It had to be all of it. Otherwise, he would leave the man to his fate. Maybe it was all indeed just a fairy tale. After all, the man had plenty of time resting here to conjure one or two of those up.

[Isolde Alarion]

Nelladel w Cali

Mourgans recovery room - Urime 13th Shortly after the Barracks fire

@Rillewen

Nell was about to see to getting their tea when an orderly popped her head in to check on them. Nell softly asked for tea for the two of them then returned to listening to Cali. For a moment her green eyes narrowed in slight concern hearing that the young woman had been her just a few months ago but once more her concern eased at hearing her describe the tea she'd been given. Although for pain it sounded like something she might like.

Cali then asked about finding the person that was looking for Andarion. Nell lightly shook her head. "Not to my knowledge, no. Thankfully no one has come looking either. I must admit at first I suspected anyone that looked to long at him but I suppose I was just being paranoid. Unfortunately I haven't heard from my friend either so I don't know if he found the person or what happened to him. I asked my brothers to check on him but they could find nothing." She shrugged lightly just before the orderly arrived at the door with a tray with two cups of tea a small pot and a small jar of honey on it. "Thank you." Nell offered her thanks to the woman who set the tea down and smiled back and hurried out the door.

She reached for a cup of tea and offered it to Cali." Honey?" She asked and gave her first dibs on it before she continued. She smiled at the thought of the babies. "I love them like my own. She reached for her own tea. "As for your question? Are they close?" She wondered for a moment how to describe their relationship. "In their own way I suppose they are. When Andarion came to me he was very shut down. Trusted no one and he was still healing from being attacked by the person who hunted him. He would barely speak but I noticed Mourgan had a way of getting through all that and I would hear the two talking but if Andarion knew I was near he would stop. I'm afraid the wounds he carried within took longer to heal then then any of the physical ones he suffered." She sighed lightly before taking a sip of her tea. "If not for Mourgan I think Andarions life would have been very different and visa versa, he was there when Mourgan needed someone." She looked over at him and sipped her tea momentarily. Not wanting to linger on those dark times she half smiled as she looked back to Cali. "I swear he's determined to give me grey hair." She softly chuckled.

[Rillewen]

private with @Lail)

Cali Dringolben
(Last Fall, shortly after the events of the Carpe Diem RP)
One of the patient rooms

Listening as the guard went over the information, Cali frowned thoughtfully as she heard it read back. She wasn't entirely sure if it was accurate to say she 'bought' the doll for Rissy, since she'd played the game and won it, but then, she'd had to pay to play, so she supposed it wasn't worth pointing out. A faint smile touched her face when he said it was 'rightly so' that she'd called out the man about the sword. "He was running one of the games, the one with the spinning wheel, in case you want to arrest him. I'm fairly sure he had it rigged... Is that a crime though? Some sort of con, maybe?" She wondered, feeling sure it ought to be a crime if it wasn't.

But back on the matter of the bigger crime she was reporting. She focused her attention back on the rest of his summary. "It might have been noon, but if it was after, it wasn't long after." She offered as the only correction. "It was definitely still hot out, and the sun was high overhead." She shrugged. That was about all she remembered about the time, really. "Oh, and I had already parted from Ivornith and the kids before I came across the fake mithril guy." She wasn't sure if that was at all important. The guy had been annoyed, but she was fairly sure he had nothing to do with her and Iole being kidnapped.

The guard's further questions made her take a moment to think. Did he have any weapons, at the fayre? Slowly, Cali shook her head. "None that I could see... then. But, he could have had something hidden, I suppose. But no, he didn't have any visible weapons. Not at that time, anyway." She held back a sigh, and thought about the following questions. "I had never seen him before, no. I remember thinking how odd it was that Iole would be walking with a total stranger, but then I thought, well, I've been away for a few years. So maybe he wasn't a stranger to her."

She rested her head back on the pillows, frowning as she dug deeper into her memories, trying to be certain of all the details. "When I first glimpsed Iole, she was walking with this man. But there were too many people between me and her, and I lost sight of her for a moment. When I next saw her, in the tent, she was unconscious." She explained. "I didn't see any injuries on her, but..." She hesitated, trying to be sure of her own memories. "I'm not sure," She frowned, uncertain if she was confusing her memory of that moment with the memory of waking, later. "It's possible that I might have smelled something odd on her breath." She decided to mention it, anyway. "But then, I might also be confused with the odd taste that I woke up with, later." She shrugged her left shoulder slightly.

Watching the guard stroll over to the window, Cali glanced briefly down at her arm, taking a slow breath. It was hurting a bit beneath the bandages, and it was a bit difficult to not move her arm. Still, she didn't want to say anything about the pain and discomfort. Looking up again, she was mildly surprised when he asked if she'd like any tea, and she managed a small smile. Not knowing what an 'assam' was exactly, she hesitated. "Something with cinnamon would be nice." She declared. "My mother is probably lurking in the hall nearby, you should be able to ask her to bring something." She mentioned, knowing her mother would know exactly what to bring Cali. After a short moment, she added a quiet, "Thank you."

---

@Isolde Alarion

Cali
Mourgan's recovery room - Urimë 13th (shortly after the fire at the barracks)

"Oh," Cali couldn't help a small frown at the news that whoever was looking for Mourgan's brother, was still out there. And it troubled her a bit further to hear that whoever it was, they had hurt him. She couldn't help thinking of her own recent experience, worrying about that creep looking for her and Iole and Nal. And she thought how glad she was that Mourgan had been there that one day, to help her feel safer. She couldn't really imagine how much more stressed and anxious she might have been that day, without him there.

"Oh, thank you," She echoed Nell's words when the orderly brought the tea, and smiled. She had a suspicion she was going to be drinking a great deal of this particular tea in the coming days, with her leg injured and all. Thankfully, she actually quite enjoyed this flavor, since it featured cinnamon so much. "Yes, thank you," She answered Nell. She fixed up her cup of tea the way she liked it before passing the honey back to Nell, and raised her cup to her face. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the smell of cinnamon and other spices blended in this tea, and took a small, cautious sip.

While she enjoyed the tea, Cali listened to Nell speak about Andarion, and nodded slightly here and there. A small frown settled on her face when she heard the part about Andarion having emotional wounds, and she nodded slightly. Inwardly, she thought she knew a little bit about that herself, but she didn't say so out loud. "I'm glad they were able to help one another," She said finally, with a little smile. A soft laugh emerged then, when Nell mentioned that he was determined to give her grey hair. "My mother used to say that about my brothers," She said softly, with a tiny pang of sadness inside, but she tried not to let it show. "I guess now, I'm the one giving her grey hair." She tried to joke, with a little glance down at her leg. Where the wolf had bitten her was still hurting, though it was bandaged. Hopefully, it would stop hurting so much now that she was resting it.

[Pele Alarion]

@Isolde Alarion

Master Healer Pele Alarion
Amber's recovery room
Late August, a day or two after the visit to the King

Pele had felt that it was best to let Amber rest and not press her with too many questions right away, yet she made sure to learn of her wellbeing now and then, mostly from those keeping track of the patients on a daily basis. Now she thought that it was perhaps the time to see for herself how the young lady was doing and if she could find out more from her than what she had discovered in Hinst.

So Pele arrived at the door bringing a tray with fragrant peppermint tea and some freshly baked pancakes along with a few small saucers containing raspberry jam, butter, honey, sugar, and some cinnamon. Somehow she managed to balance the tray in her right hand while she reached out to knock with the left.

"Amber? May I?" Pele asked, and then carefully manoeuvred herself into the room. "I thought it was a good time to check on you. So... how are you doing? Have you taken walks in our garden?"

She placed the treats on the table, poured tea into the cups, and then sat in the chair, looking all relaxed even though her eyes were intent on Amber.

"I should probably not keep you here at the Houses for too long, no? Or should I?"

[Ercassie]

Addhor Raxëlilta – Business in the Gardens
with Master Healer - @Pele Alarion
Nearly a week-ish after the Fire/Death of Relic

“And I would gladly accept your kind offer, only if I should not disturb your own peace and solitude by being here,” Addhor allowed, with a keen eye about the Master Healer’s reaction. “For any company at all seems to provoke you toward care and concern for others, rather than to seek the slightest repose for yourself.”

His criticism offered as, nonetheless, considerate counsel, the man lowered onto the same bench that Pele had selected, surrounded by trees. “If only to set your mind at rest then,” he conceded, with a slight though amused shake of his head at the healer’s persistence, and sought to appease her nonetheless. “You should know that I am become far more acquainted with the very opposite of pain since last I ventured up this way,” he promised. Without clarifying. Because very possibly she knew or guessed the cause already, but also because it was far too delightful a subject to embark on without threat of joy derailing their entire matter at hand. With a small cough, and silent acknowledgement of the woman’s new attention to his satchel, the carpenter worked the bag around to sit in his lap.


“First then, an example of something almost ornamental – which from my experience is the Gondorian tendency, although also the most expensive,” the carpenter produced a polished wooden hand and offered it for the Master Healer’s scrutiny. The false part was light and elegant, as though it were meant to wear for grand display, and not much beyond that. A cushioned pouch was veiled at what would have been the wrist at it’s base, hiding the capacity for straps and fittings beneath a lacey ‘cuff’. “This is fancy, ornate even, but largely impractical,” the man admitted. “It might finish an outfit if you cared for fashion, or serve as almost so striking an adornment as some jewelled token or sigil. But often, and especially over time, the need, the want, is for something with a little more functionality.”

Without taking back the polished, pretty sample, Addhor allowed for Pele to explore it herself, while he readied the second, just beyond the curtain of the bag’s depths. “I have brought three options to show you today,” he let the Master Healer know, so that she would not fear to be overwhelmed any time soon by all of the options. “Forgive me but they are all hand and finger pieces, which are the smallest and thus easiest to courier up here and showcase for you.”

He waited patiently, unwilling to press like a salesman. This was not a pitch for any one specific product, after all. The fact that there were options, was the entire point. The woman's patients were important to her, as her opinion was to him, so it was important that she had the time to ask and understand as much as she required on the subject.

[Isolde Alarion]

Amber
Recovery room
Late August, a day or two after the visit to the King w/ Pele
@Pele Alarion

Her time in the Houses of Healing had been very pleasant despite the reason for her being there. They'd taken time to mend her body with care and most of the evident of her time at the slavers was now gone or nearly gone, of course there would be scars both physical and mental that she figured she would carry with her for the rest of her life. The brand on her right shoulder, double crescent, and on her forearms the evidence of being cut for blood draining purposes. She lightly ran a forefinger over one of the marks. They were healing but would always be with her.

Just then she heard a knock at her door. She wasn't expecting anyone but then she had no one to expect either but was glad none the less. "Come in." She answered and adjusted herself into a better seated position, absently covering her forearms with the sleeves of her gown meanwhile when she seen the tray being maneuvered through the doorway. It was the Master Healer with a tray of what looked like tea and pancakes with jam and other delicious looking toppings. Her eyes followed the tray to the table, and she watched as the tea was poured into the cups.

Although the healer, Pele as she'd come to know her, took a cup and sat in the chair she kept her eyes on the tea. Only after she'd taken hers did she reach for one and put a dab of honey and sugar into it. "Thank you." She told her before returning to leaning on the headboard and taking a light sip of the tea before she continued. "The gardens are very nice, I have, thank you." She sipped again. Thinking over her question.

Her first thought was where would she go? She didn't have any family left or at least none that she knew of. What would she do? What could she do? "I suppose I can't stay in this bed for the rest of my life." The corner of her lips turned slightly up with humor. "I doubt I would do well as a Ranger, I hear my presence is unsettling. " She understood why people had been leery around her. She took another sip as her eyes looked toward the window. "I don't know where I would go or do but I do know whatever its still better then, well. Before."

She seemed focused on the window for a moment, perhaps lost in a momentary memory, before turning back to Pele. "The pancakes smell delicious." A small glint of a tear filled her amber eyes, but she tried to cover it with a quick wipe from her free hand before reaching for the tray of pancakes, switching their place for the cup of tea. Instead of reaching for the fork and knife she took a pancake and folded it in half, dipped the corner in the jam and went straight to eating it, rather quickly. Just as the first bite went down another was there to take its place. So focused on eating she suddenly realized what she was doing and her hand with what was left of the pancake lowered as she slowed herself down to actually chew her food. When she'd swallowed the mouthful, she stared at the plate. Unable to look Pele in the face, embarrassed with herself.

"I'm sorry. "She half whispered it. "Somethings are harder to unlearn then others."