Rangers: Barracks & Stables

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September

Kaylin smiled broadly when Unalmis said that having the actual fun was the best part. "I agree," she nodded with loads of approval. "The stories simply allow for the fun to resonate much longer than the actual moment. In the retelling - and if you were there, the partial re-living." She sighed whistfully. "If only I could have been there when Hattie ran Lieutenant Brian into a muddy pit," she mused.

A few yards away, Arnyn almost choked on a sip of the coffee she had poured herself after finishing her water. But managed to recompose herself quickly, and effectively behaved as if the swallowing down of the coffee had not happened at all. She slanted her head when Unalmis asked if the spread was the set-up for a drinking game. "Drinking games were not intended," she denied casually. Yet she did pick up the syrup to add some to her coffee. And smoothly moved next to Unalmis to do the same with his cup. "Though this one should be a safe enough bet?" she inquired, dark eyes smiling at the young man as she waited at the very last moment, syrup ready to be added to his brew, but still able to be removed if he should choose not to join in on the trial.

Having finished the cheesecake, Kaylin realized all of these cakes, and the cheesecake in particular, did invite to a certain food-related activity. She tried to hide the memories, but couldn't help but chuckle as she glanced at Thûllir. Arnyn adding maple syrup to her coffee and then hovering the syrup over Unalmis' cup to do the same, distracted her, however. Kaylin narrowed her eyes at the intrigue. "What last time?" she was eager to know.

Arnyn looked over while she considered whether or not to indulge the Hyandaner. After a moment, her lip stwitched up into a half smile. "Sorry, Maethyr," she said. "Not every story needs to be added to your arsenal."

"Pshh," Kaylin replied, going back to the cheesecake for another slice. "Careful with what you deny me, Lieutenant. I might have to create a good, new story of my own, then."

Arnyn considered this as well, and shifted her feet slightly, as if she was preparing for something. "We all do what we must. And so. Do what you have to do."

With a flourish, Kaylin used the small fork to put a small piece of cheesecake into her mouth, hiding a wildly amused smile. "Hmm," she said, as if thinking it over. "We'll see."

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr
Barracks - North wing/Little Mess
September

Thûllir couldn’t help his grin at Kaylin’s comments to him about the exercise from destroying the wall being better than a punching bag. He could see that it was definitely more satisfying - attested to by the grins following use of the sledgehammers - but rather louder and not as clean as the bag. Yet it served well for the dual purpose Arnyn intended. “Aye.” He was enjoying watching.
The young Trastion was quite involved in taking down a section of the wall, and had a good swing and recovery that spoke to time with an axe or long sledge after a similar fashion. Unalmis seemed to take a little longer getting started, but also soon got into the swing of it. Duinion was next with a hammer in hand, and Thûllir watched him for a moment before Trastion finished and offered up the tool he was using to whomever wished to swing it next. After a glance around, Thûllir stepped over to take the maul with a nod and murmur of thanks as he hefted it.

He didn’t start swinging right away, instead looking at the remaining portions of wall that still stood amid the destruction from the fire and from their tools, and deciding where more precision hits would be helpful. It was while he was surveying the wall that the voice of Lieutenant Brian pierced the room, and he rested the weight of the hammer on his shoulder while LT Arnyn conducted her *discussion* with the barracks master in the remains of the hallway. Thûllir didn’t miss the widening of Kaylin’s eyes when she looked to him after a pointed comment, and he smirked slightly in acknowledgement when he heard the grudging “Thanks” offered by Lieutenant Brian. He could appreciate the way that Arnyn had gotten neatly around any possible objections the man could have. Thûllir had never held the same dread or animosity towards the barracks master as many did, as he had also never been under the man’s authority, but he had heard enough stories to understand some of the reactions of others. Clapping though…he figured that bordered on insolence but kept his commentary to himself beyond a long glance at the one doing so.
The subsequent go-ahead from Arnyn to continue wall-smashing had Thûllir nodding and stepping over to the location he had chosen as he hefted the maul once again. It felt good to wind up and let go with his swing that had the weight singing through the air to crack against the wall and send a portion of it tumbling down. The flex and stretch of muscles was very like his usual activity of splitting wood for the fire, with only the target being different. It was calming in a way to turn his focus to cleaning up the broken edges and knocking down the remaining pieces so that the way would be clear to replace the room partition. It didn’t take long, and he soon surrendered the maul to whomever wished to tackle the next wall. The beginning of demolition always took more brute force, while the cleanup often called for a lighter touch.

His clothes, which were already pale, had lightened a few shades from dust and gained a few sooty stains from flying debris, and he dusted off his arms and clothes to emit puffs of dust when Arnyn mentioned moving on for refreshments. A hand run through his hair to disturb the dust lay like a dusting of snow sent most of it to rest elsewhere. He was content to let the one turn be sufficient as they wrapped up their activity, and the mention of water and other refreshments sounded quite good.

Little Mess

Thûllir had waited for the others to precede him this time, watching how they walked together or alone, and was content to follow quietly with a nod and a smile to Arnyn. Once they reached the Little Mess, he was quietly delighted to see the spread that had been prepared. Others may have stayed cleaner, but he felt rather dirty from the work they had been doing, so first went to a wash sink by the entry and cleaned his hands while Arnyn was demonstrating the tastiness of the chocolate pastries and inviting them to dig in. He then followed Kaylin’s lead of going for a tall glass of water first and drinking it down quickly to rinse the dust from his mouth and throat and rehydrate a bit before turning to the spread of treats. A quick glance over the options had him aiming for the fresh hot coffee that had just arrived. Once he was fortified with a large mug of the black brew, Thûllir strolled over to the treats and selected a couple berry tarts. The chocolate pastries also looked good, but he figured he would start light.
Sipping at the hot coffee and alternating with small bites of tart, Thûllir watched and listened with quiet amusement that showed in his eyes. Drinking games, plenty of teasing, and gossip. When it came down to it, Rangers were just like everyone else but with a few specialty skills. A minute but somewhat resigned shake of his head met Kaylin’s look as she chuckled after her long and speculative look at the cakes and tarts when games were mentioned. He had a feeling she was itching to start something, but she refrained in favor of a second slice of the cheesecake.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks Masters Office
(Some point during Lieutenant Brian’s absence)

The knock almost violently pulled her from a dwindling pile of paperwork. Arnyn looked at the large stack of 'finished' papers, and the smaller stack that remained to be tackled. It honestly would not take her as long as it already had, if Brian hadn't been such a stickler about having written accounts of absolutely everything. However - since she was only filling in, she was collegial enough to try and keep track of everything the way Brian liked, rather than the way she would do it.

Sometimes, Arnyn did wish she was a bit less responsible. And a bit more selfish. Alas.

"Yes?" she called out questioningly, hoping that this wasn't about some childish dispute between rangers in the now more crowded rooms. "Come in?"

[Ercassie]

@Arnyn

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Barracks Masters Office. With Lieutenant Dealedwen
(During Lieutenant Brian’s stay at the Houses of Healing)

The authorisation to ‘come in’ seemed rather more unsure that he might have expected. But it was hard to know what to expect at all from the owner of that voice. Two facts though were inescapable. First, that the office was accessible, and second, that it was manned by the female Lieutenant. So far, so good.

Unalmis made it around the door, and into the interior of the Barracks Master’s Office; a place he’d wondered often about, and could not help but to take a moment, turning where he stood to spy a greater understanding of the environment. Remembering himself and why he’d come, the Ranger raised his fist to his chest and lowered his chin for a short time. Belatedly, but still.

“Lieutenant.” Somewhere behind the formal greeting, a dull thud betrayed a kick aimed backwards at the door, which slunk closed behind him. Unalmis approached the Officer’s desk though remained on the right side of it, as was expected. If he was lucky then his sudden proximity and attention upon the woman would keep her from remembering to tell him not to kick her door.

But really it was not ‘her’ door. It was not 'aimed' at her.



“Trastion spoke true,” he admitted, paving the way towards an explanation. “At least I have reason to hope so ? He said, that you had said .. I could make a request for retrieving …,” a cough escaped Nal before he muttered, rather more quietly, .. “confiscated items ?” The end of the sentence had certainly fallen askew from the confidence which it began with. So the young man tried to explain.

“Lieutenant Brian did say, initially, that I should come and ‘make my case’ for any item which I required from him to be returned. But it seems that he spends less time in here, writing up complaints than I had imagined.” A shrug cast off all apparent care, despite the fact that he clearly had still come today, despite the constant disappointments and when others less obstinate about it would have simply replaced the items in question by this point. Suggesting that some things which had been taken could not be replaced ? “He never answered when I knocked,” The young man straightened up. “More than once ..”


There was no way that she could know .. hopefully .. that some of his previous ‘knocks’ had lasted near three minutes of ‘musical’ amusement each, before he had grown bored or thought up some other idea he could be about, to more satisfaction. And he did not voice his suspicion either, that the regular Barracks Master had in fact at least sometimes been in the office when he'd knocked, and simply refused to let this fact be known, on principle. He could only suspect or suppose on that notion though, because the likelihood of the usual Barracks Master being able to ignore such provocation .. was no likelihood at all.

[Arnyn]

@Ercassie

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks Masters Office - with Ranger Unalmis
(Some point during Lieutenant Brian’s absence)

Looking up from the paperwork, she watched Unalmis entering - and kicking the door shut with a practiced move that, while not the most respectful to the door itself, came across as strangely measured and controlled. To his simple greeting, came a simple reply. "Unalmis."

The Lieutenant watched him attentively as he spoke, even though she already suspected his reasons for being here. "Make a request? Make your case?" she repeated with slight inflection. Resisting an eye roll, she rose from her chair. She was not as much a stickler for written requests and making Rangers jump through hoops as the Barracks Master was. There was paperwork enough, without her adding to it profusely and unnecessarily.

"I told Trastion you could come retrieve your belongings, yes." She moved to one of several large storage closets along one of the office's walls, and opened the double doors wide before turning around toward Unalmis again, her back toward the closet. She pointed her thumb behind her. "I believe this one is almost fully occuppied with your... things. The Barracks Master seems to be a bit of a hoarder. Hence, I decided I best help him. Organise the office before his return. If anything, I am making a request of you to take it all back."

She stepped back, gesturing in invitation for Unalmis to come and take a look. Unalmis would find most of his things there, or indeed all of them. But what he would not find, were sheets with paw prints or dirty clothes. Arnyn sighed lightly. "I found the sheets and clothes were started to smell a bit. How Lieutenant Brian did not mind it, is beyond me." All of the clothes and bed linnens among Unalmis' belongings had been washed and neatly folded onto the shelves. "So I'm afraid not everything is in the same condition as you left it," she explained apologetically.

[Ercassie]

@Arnyn

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Barracks Masters Office. With Lieutenant Dealedwen
(During Lieutenant Brian’s stay at the Houses of Healing)

When the Lieutenant rose from her (or Brian’s) chair, Unalmis readied himself for he knew not what. But as Arnyn made her way toward one of the office closets and opened it, agreeing that there would be no impediment to his errand, the young man could not help but extend his neck, as far as might be possible without losing balance and falling over behind her back. The curiosity of quite what the Barracks Master might store in this, his most private lair, was instinctive. And as though she sensed his interest, the present custodian turned back to face him.

Her gesture and allowance still caused Nal to glance almost suspiciously over the woman’s shoulder, because whatever was stored inside that cabinet appeared so neat and orderly that he doubted it could in any way belong to him. Maybe it was some other unfortunate Ranger’s belongings ? But then, this officer was not the sort he would have assumed would make a mistake.

A moment and a second scrutinising glance managed to convince the young man that it was in fact truth. Although he was rather distracted by Arnyn’s ‘explanation’ of the situation. A smile escaped him by the time that she had finished, and all efforts to discard it were impossible. A cough, a brief glance aside, and still he felt as though meeting the woman’s calm expression might just see him burst with the amusement which was being stifled, smothered, suffocated. All too evidently.


Opening his mouth, he then immediately closed it again and but nodded once, in some further amazement as ‘excuses’ were made for the improved state of all the linens and clothing. It was extremely tempting to express that maybe the smell had been why Brian had never been found in his office, all the times when Unalmis had come to ask before now. Still, the fact that it hadn’t all been tossed unto some bonfire was quite amazing.

“I’m afraid not everything is in the condition as you left it, ..” the warning was handed with a lack of all need for concern. Still it incited a sudden panic in the young man, and he found the steps between him and the closet, so that both hands could seek amongst and around the folded laundry .. seeking for some quite important thing which he had hoped was here.


The moment that his hands closed around the familiar shape, the Ranger’s entire stance relaxed and his breathing which had paused, resumed. Grasping a wooden box, which was neither overly large or heavy, Unalmis drew it out from the shelf and almost cradled it in his hold. Before he turned back around to face his superior, fingers had worked in a short series of flicks and twists around the shape of it, pushing in small pieces and pulling on others, to work the secret mechanism of the puzzle box and see it opened. It had been a simple thought of his father’s to provide the young man with such wooden ‘trinkets’, which had no need for a key per se .. because obviously Unalmis would have lost a key. The working out of how to open the box was always therapeutic, and once he’d managed it, he would demonstrate how at their weekly dinner on Tuesdays. At which point he would be presented with a new box, to occupy him for the next following week.

This particular example of that pastime though was the first, the largest and most precious, and the only one which the Ranger had not handed back to his parent. He had seen Lieutenant Brian pick it up on many a room inspection, and shake it, trying to work the mechanism of the thing and often even demanding that Unalmis open it .. but the young man had always made such a song and dance about not being ‘able’ to .. or having ‘lost the key .. oh silly me’ .. that it was no wonder the Barracks Master had taken it into his custody when provided that chance. It did not look as though the grand dictator had managed to figure it out, even with more time and less audience to try. For the contents were, Nal was thrilled, thankful, and most glad to find, both present and unharmed. He counted them just to be sure, and then closed the box again securely, and turned back to face and thank the kindness of the Second-in-Command.


“Happy to do as you ask, Lieutenant,” he jammed the box under one arm and ducked a respectful nod toward Arnyn. “I will take it all off your hands, as you say, and vow to ensure that it does not find it’s way to jam up Lieutenant Brian’s quarters again.” He nodded to emphasise his point with the promise.

And then ventured an attempt at gathering the laundry itself, which was not unsubstantial in amount. Before long he would have a pile higher than his eyes could see over, to carry back upstairs. But that did not seem to daunt him in the slightest. Until he dropped the box amidst the attempt, and had to stop to try and pick it back up off the floor, whilst not losing all else his hands had filled with in the meantime. When this was managed, the pile of linens and laundry, not quite so neatly folded any more was nonetheless piled high again, with the box stowed carefully somewhere amidst them, like a pea in many many mattresses. Success ! Hurrah !


Unalmis readied to leave the Lieutenant to her other, doubtless far more important, work, for sure. And that was when he realised. He’d kicked the door closed behind him, on entering. And now he’d have to not only open it with both hands already full, but find it first of all. The walking pile of belongings seemed to sag along with the one who bore it, as he considered how to solve this latest puzzle, taking a moment to think it over before he, doubtless, got into a further muddle.

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Little Mess. September

Unalmis was pouring himself a coffee when Kaylin referenced the anarchic incident of the dog and the Barracks Master. But the mention did resurrect the memory, rather proving the woman’s point, about prolonging the enjoyment of a time. Still he did wonder who had told her .. Trastion or perhaps Eryn .. ? Without asking aloud, he decided on the latter being far more likely. For while the Hyandaner had become almost attached at the hip to her ‘bro’ recently, it had been Eryn who had been set on visiting and cheering her new friend up, back at the time that the miracle itself had happened.

Arnyn’s response that no drinking games were ‘intended’, made him pause however. And her wording did start the cogs of thought, particularly when the officer came close enough to offer up the syrup for his coffee. A short moment of thought held him before he surrendered his cup to her invitation. “Safe ? If this doesn’t make all my teeth fall out ..” he queried, recalling horror stories which his grandmother had employed, in her own wise way to limit sugar intake years ago .. It even smelt sweet ..

The conversation seemed to be ascending in some unclear levels of challenge, far from that demonstrated between Arnyn and Brian, but no less thrilling. Though no gauntlet was officially thrown down, the lack of vocal input from anyone else besides the two Hyandaner made clear the two protagonists of this play. Unalmis meanwhile made good his time in stocking up a small supply of various, selected berries, without ever bothering for a bowl to hinder him. A hand would serve, and did. For who knew that he might need a tart interlude of fruit to counter the syrup, or when the scene might implode into an all-out war where squishy ammunition was an advantage.


“Seems only fair I suppose, after you tried my drink of choice before,” he shrugged toward Trastion and readied to test his resolve. The aroma laid on it’s assault before the taste ever touched him, but he supped from the sweetened brew with an expression as though he was accepting poison. Alarming then that he seemed quite set on swallowing all that was left in his cup without taking reprieve. Either to have it over with, or to ensure he did not leave himself open and undefended, should the all but promised anarchy descend.

“The other thing,,” he managed to pick up the unanswered conversation, casually snacking on a blueberry at drink’s end, which proved to be a mistake .. and evoked a short cough before he could continue, “about stories ? Is that the best way to fully comprehend, to properly imagine the experience, is to commit to a re-enactment.”

It wasn’t quite an enticement toward anarchy, any more than anybody else had ventured anyway. And with half their number named as too ‘proper’ or ‘innocent’, it remained to be seen who would live up to reputation, and who would be spurred unto protesting it.

[Rillewen]

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor

While there was a special place in his heart for cakes with berries, especially blueberries, baked into the batter, the cheesecake was delicious. The addition of his favorite berries pressed into the soft creamy substance, well that made it all the better. Duinion was rather absorbed in the enjoyment of the treat, but especially the berry part. When Kaylin declared that he had not, in fact, shared any stories with her concerning Unalmis, Duinion smiled slightly and gave a small nod of agreement. So, she hadn't went along with the teasing, but he didn't mind that. Better to be truthful, he supposed, although it might have been a bit fun to keep Unalmis wondering.

A moment later, he couldn't help a soft snort of amusement when Kaylin listed him among those who were 'too proper' to know any drinking games. Having a just taken a bite of cake a moment before, he didn't bother speaking up to correct her, but merely shook his head slightly in amusement at her assumption. Just because he chose not to drink, that didn't mean that he had no knowledge of such things from when he was Unalmis' age and younger. But then, she didn't know who he had hung out with, long ago when he was a recruit, and before. And he wasn't sure if he wanted to mention what he did know about such things. He was only glad Narradir wasn't here to tell tales about those days...

Not really in a mood to chat, he half-listened to the words tossed back and forth between the others in the room, enough to have his concerns satisfied. Unalmis only wondered whether there were games in store for this particular gathering, and so Duinion relaxed inwardly. His young friend had not, apparently, decided to follow in his father's footsteps. Good.

He was mildly curious to witness the lieutenant adding some maple syrup to Unalmis' coffee. He had always seen Unalmis drink his coffee black, and wondered what that was about. As it didn't seem to involve him, though, he didn't inquire about it. It seemed to be some inside thing between the two of them. His guess was proved accurate when Arnyn refused to tell Kaylin what it was about. Though somewhat curious, Duinion accepted that it was probably none of his business, either. He did wonder whether there was anything else in store, or if this meal was the conclusion of their 'business', but he didn't really want to speak up and ask out loud, so he kept quiet.

---

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Little Mess - September

Trastion glanced, somewhat questioningly, at Kaylin when he heard her declare that he was 'too innocent' to know any drinking games. Well, he didn't, but he wasn't sure what she meant by that. His mother would definitely not agree that he was 'innocent', and would declare him a downright terror when it came to breaking things and making messes in the house.. mostly due to playing with his brother, or fighting with his stepbrother. But that was in the past. And Kaylin didn't know about all that. Nor did it have anything to do with drinking, which is what she was referring to. He merely gave a small shrug, unable to think of anything suitable to say in reply, though the glance from Nal made him wonder why the other was looking skeptical. Possibly because he knew what sort of chaos Trastion was capable of? Or what sort of messes, more likely.

He grinned when the Hattie/Brian incident came up. "I gotta say, that was amazing." He agreed. "I think Hattie definitely made up for her first impression, with the second." He added, before realizing that most people probably weren't aware that his first impression from Hattie was when she snatched his pouch and had him chasing her around the grounds. Clearing his throat lightly, and hoping no one asked him to elaborate on that, he took another bite of his maple-covered apple pie.
 
Watching Arnyn pour syrup into her coffee, and then Nal's coffee, Trastion's curiosity was piqued. What was that about? He sipped his lightly sweetened water, intrigued as Unalmis mentioned that it was only fair, seeing as Trastion had tried Nal's favorite drink before. He grinned. "Sorry, but that's not really the same." He disagreed, shaking his head. "Coffee is so bitter," (He left out gross, but was thinking it,) "I don't know how you can drink it." He managed not to make a face, but it was difficult. "But, if I was going to drink the stuff, I would definitely have to add a lot more syrup in than that, just to get it drinkable. And maybe cream, I hear that helps with the bitterness?" He glanced around questioningly to anyone who might know the answer to that. He wasn't really sure about that part, but had heard something of the sort. "Anyway, just saying." he shrugged, looking a bit amused.

Listening to the exchange between Arnyn and Kaylin, he wondered what sort of chaos Kaylin had in mind, and tilted his head curiously. Arnyn had basically just gave her permission to do whatever she wanted, right? 'Do what you have to do' sounded to him like 'go ahead', anyway. "What sort of 'story' were you thinking of creating, Kaylin?" He wondered, rather curious about what sort of fun ideas she might have in mind.

[Arnyn]

@Ercassie

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks Masters Office - with Ranger Unalmis
(Some point during Lieutenant Brian’s absence)

Unalmis was obviously amused. Arnyn pretended not to notice. She had plenty of practice to make that look convincing - but she allowed herself a slight twitch at the corner of her lips, just for a second or two.

It was also obvious that the box he searched for and retrieved, was the item he wanted returned to him the most. Or rather, what was inside of it.

Upon the ranger's promise that it would not clutter the barracks master's office again in the future, Arnyn nodded. Good. It would be even more difficult to return the items a second time. Especially since Brian would be making his grand return soon enough.

While Arnyn was the helpful sort, there was a strange kind of curiosity and amusement that made her hold back as Unalmis gathered the giant load of of clean laundry. She stepped forward when the box fell, ready to lend a hand, but Unalmis managed on his own before she could crouch down to offer her assistance. Now partway to the door already, and slightly at a loss of how to complete the initiated movement, the Lieutenant continued on to the door. To open it.

"Will you be needing an escort, Ranger Unalmis?" she questioned, her tone neutral, although she did not quite hide her smile this time. There was no need, of course - Unalmis' vision was entirely impaired by the pile of his own belongings. Arnyn moved back into the office and put a light, guiding hand on Unalmis' shoulder, not really waiting for a reply. Once they had left the office, it did not take long at all for one of the other Rangers to pass them by. "Ahhh, Vorondir," Arnyn hailed the man, who stopped in his tracks. "Lend Unalmis a hand, would you? He could use either help carrying his load - or he could use some guidance back to his room." She lifted her hand from Unalmis' shoulder. "Whichever you prefer."

"See you around, gentlemen." With those words, she gave them leave to depart from her presence. But before they could, really, the Lieutenant returned to the office. There were just a few requests left. Just a few more papers to file. Then she could leave this place. Perhaps take Narsulë out for a ride...

[Ercassie]

@Arnyn

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Barracks Masters Office. With Lieutenant Dealedwen
(During Lieutenant Brian’s stay at the Houses of Healing

It would have been considerably easier to drag his expected pile of dirty laundry back up the stairs by one well-placed grasp at a gathered corner, sweeping the floor along the route for good measure. But now that the mass of it was all cleaned and neat, that option was quite off the table. Which just went to show, that clean and ordered didn’t always lead to the most effective outcome. Still, the Lieutenant had an answer, of course, for all predicaments and Unalmis was quite in her debt already so there was no room for refusal. The click of the office door opening, elicited a muffled “Thank you, Lieutenant,” from somewhere unseen behind the mighty mound in hand. Both hands. And so an exit was accomplished, and some further unexpected assistance.

Nal had spent more than one sleepless night in his career, walking the halls and staircases of the Barracks in the dark: the risk of running into Lieutenant Brian had only heightened the excitement of the game ! So he could have made an argument for finding his way back upstairs without the gift of sight to guide him. It had largely been the shut door which had served as an impediment and he of course had brought that wholly upon himself. But Isys had advised the younger Ranger against the night-walking, at least during the ‘Amber era’, and so it had been a while since he last tried it without all senses to serve. Also, since the Ehtyar had not approved, it was highly likely that the Lieutenant would not either. Thus Nal saw no point in confessing to it now, much less propose it as an excuse to potential mayhem, and did not venture further than simply a second expression of gratitude for Arnyn having given him her time.


He did not see Vorondir coming either, but he heard the footsteps and was engaged in a dual anarchy of trying to guess who it was by the sound, while he allowed for Arnyn to lead him blindly without tripping over. There was then no time to grant the Second in Command a third note of his appreciation before he heard her steps walking back toward the office.

“It’s not far,” Nal assured the newly assigned aide, allowing for the other Ranger to either be free of the obligation, or assured that it would not take long. Room 1 was, after all, the very first one that a person came to on the first storey of the Men’s wing. And truly, the deed was all over very swiftly so that Unalmis was left quite amazed that it had been managed so easily. The bed was soon after freshly made, all other laundered goods stowed in the chest at the bed’s foot. Almost to spite the usual Barracks Master at what else could be so easily accomplished, when there was no fun to be found in doing the opposite.


The un-openable box was returned, once it's keeper was alone, unto it’s pride of place, beneath Unalmis’s bed: exactly beneath where he laid his head. There were no bottles of water now allowed to linger thereabouts, and veil it from view. But the mystery of where those had been stored instead was something for Lieutenant Brian to contend with, upon his return. The rigid disciplinarian would of course suspect some deviation from the rules, even if none had been managed, so the doing so on any level was really meant for the Officer's own satisfaction.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September

Arnyn eyed Kaylin carefully, somewhat surprised by the Hyandaner's sudden display of... could she call it 'self-control'? Distracted by Unalmis' acceptance of her suggestion, despite his words, she added some syrup to his cup and tried the combination along with him. Very sweet. But not nearly as bad as the other combination they had tried. Or at least, that was Arnyn's judgment. Noting that Unalmis drank the whole thing, she smiled quietly, and proceeded to do the same.

Unalmis' comment about a re-enactment, made Kaylin stifle a chuckle, once again drawing forth instant caution on Arnyn's part. She knew the signs that pointed to danger. After all - she'd displayed them all herself in the past.

Trastion's question, in the end, decided it for the redhead. Instead of putting the next bite of cheesecake in her mouth and readying another, Kaylin indeed did still grant herself the second bite of her second piece, but then shrugged and quite suddenly hurled the rest of the piece toward Unalmis.

Arnyn, who'd been ready, moved a step forward and raised her shoulder while looking away from the incoming projectile - thus looking toward Unalmis as the piece of creamy cake splattered against her shoulder and part of her back. "I was the one who issued the challenge, Maethyr," she grumbled.
Then she made eye contact with Unalmis, and her tone made it clear that she would suffer no back talk after taking this first hit for him. "You are on my team," she stated gruffly, before turning around without further pause and swiping up a whole cake to hurl back at Kaylin.

The Hyandaner had frozen with surprised delight when Arnyn had moved to intercept the cake meant for Unalmis. And thus moved just a little too late at the Lieutenant's response. The cake hit her, therefore, partially in the face and partially on the neck and upper chest. Instead of cursing, however, she let out a shocked yelp followed by genuine laughter, and a quick scramble for.... well. More food.

"Lil bro!" she called out to Trastion. "Time to cream your mentor!"

Arnyn shot Trastion a glance. "Careful now..."

[Rillewen]

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Little Mess (making a big mess) - September 2nd

What just happened? Trastion stared in some surprise as Kaylin, rather than giving some answer to what he'd asked, actually flung a bite of her food at Nal. And, as usual, he was rather impressed when Arnyn exhibited her fast reflexes, and 'saved' his roommate from the projectile. If it had been a real thing, then she would have just saved Nal's life. Of course, this was nothing quite so dire as that, but it was still impressive.

But then, before he had fully processed what was going on, a whole cake went flying at Kaylin... thrown by Arnyn! He'd heard a couple of Kaylin's stories about food fights and all that, but he hadn't expected to actually witness one. The next thing he knew, Kaylin was calling for him to help her.. against Arnyn? Was that even fair? He hesitated as the lieutenant warned him to be careful, glancing from one to the other for a second. It was difficult to take sides, considering he liked them both, but.. it was just a bit of fun, right? An amused grin slowly manifested on his face at the sight of Kaylin right now. A part of him wanted to tell her she had it coming, but instead, he decided to play along.

"Noooo, Sis has been hit! This means war!" He declared dramatically, and grabbed something to fling back at Arnyn, as if to get revenge on Kaylin's behalf.

---

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Little Mess - September 2nd

It all unfolded so quickly, Duinion was left staring, somewhat stunned, as food started to fly. It was.. a little unbelievable to witness such a thing, but he knew his eyes weren't deceiving him. He shook his head slightly in slight amazement, and let out a little sigh. Perhaps, of disappointment, perhaps something else. It seemed that at least some of the others found this sort of thing to be fun, but.. he just couldn't see it that way. Not when he'd suffered real hunger throughout much of his childhood. Seeing good food thrown around.. it just didn't sit well with him.

"And she wonders why Sergeant Pete rarely bakes this sort of thing..." He muttered, half to himself, but if anyone was near him, they might hear the comment. Being only about half done with his own slice of cheesecake, he pulled his plate a little closer to him, almost protectively, and slowly moved himself even more to the outer edges of the group, until he was stopped by the wall. After having watched the proceedings for a moment, he shook his head again and slipped out of the room, hoping (and half assuming) that he wouldn't really be missed that much.

With a little sigh to himself, Duinion settled into one of the comfortable armchairs near a fireplace in the common room. He could finish his cheesecake more peacefully there, he figured, and let them have their 'fun' without him around to be a spoil sport.

---

@Arnyn
(Open to anyone wishing to witness the entertainment/spectacle
otherwise it’ll all be NPCs)

September 7th
Evening, after supper

A crash of shattering glass echoed abruptly down the halls, as well as down the staircase. Trastion fell against the stone wall at the top of the steps with a laugh. “Ooops,” He might have sounded as if he were trying to keep quiet, except for the fact that he was definitely not using his ‘indoor voice’. On the floor nearby, just at the top of the steps but before the door to the first dorm room, a bottle had smashed on the floor, and bits of glass lay in a small puddle of some sort of alcoholic drink that had once been contained within it. Nothing too expensive, but the smell was.. strong. In fact, the smell even seemed to have found its way onto him, or at least on his shirt. His hair was also quite messy... more than usual. “Don’ wurry, I’ll clean it!” He assured someone who was passing him in the hallway, giving him a strange look.

Staggering a few steps down the hall, toward the broom closet at the far end, he turned to point back at the mess, saying, “Don’ annnnnnyone touch it! I gottit, I’m jus gettin’ a broom!” His path took him wobbling and weaving an unsteady course down the hallway, like he might be extremely dizzy, until at last he reached where the supplies were kept. Crashing into the door, he fumbled with it for an overly long moment before seeming to realize that it opened outward, not inward. At which point, he stumbled backward a few steps as he finally got it open, before falling to the floor on his rear, and started laughing loudly.

A couple of curious heads poked out of doors down the hallway as this was going on. Trastion held onto the door and pulled himself upright with a little difficulty, then swayed as the door moved on its hinges, nearly throwing him off again. “Whoaaaaa, hold still.. youuu.” He scolded it, and snickered at how ridiculous it was to be talking to a door. When the door started to swing the other way next, Trastion clung on for a moment before lunging for the doorframe, and used it to support himself. “Don’ mess wi’ the mess, annnyone! I’mmmm gettin’ it!” he called out to whomever might be within hearing range.

A moment later, there was another crash as he actually fell into the supply closet, sprawled among the brooms and mops and dusters and other things, and he started laughing again. “Th’floor keeps throwin’ me down...” He complained to no one in particular, despite being, apparently, greatly amused by it all.

When he finally managed to climb back to his feet, he had claimed a mop (rather than a broom) as a prize. “Gotcha!” He declared in triumph, holding it up in one hand as if it were a great achievement. Then, as he headed back toward the broken glass on the floor, (weaving and staggering the whole way) he started singing a silly song about cleaning which he’d heard a long time ago. Only, there were parts missing and his singing was rather off-key. And he could have been blending more than one song together, but he couldn’t be sure about that. Despite all of that, he seemed to have no problem raising his voice in a completely carefree manner.

“Clean it up, clean it up,
You can make it fun to doooo!
Something.. lalala.. something..
Clean it up! Clean up some moooore!
Clean it uuuuuuuup!
Something, something..something…
Clean up is fuuuun when we clean and sing this sooong.
So come onnnn and clean together and sing alooong.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, laaaaa!
So, come on and clean together and siiiing aloooooong!”

Halfway down the hall, while starting the song over, he began swaying and dancing with the mop as if it was a girl, his steps still very unsteady and it looked like he had very little idea how to actually waltz or anything of the sort. He stumbled into the wall a few times, but this didn’t seem to deter him from continuing to ‘dance’, making his way gradually back toward the mess on the floor. At the top of the steps. A rather precarious place for someone of his apparent condition to be trying to accomplish any task. There were definitely at least a few people snickering from doorways by now…

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Brian
Barracks - Sometime in September, after supper

The sound of shattering glass made him frown and look up from his book. He'd finished the day's tasks, and had dared reach for some leisurely reading material. Perhaps that had been too naive. Brian sighed. Did he really have to leave his office at this hour to go yell at some ranger to clean up a mess?

The voice that dimly reached him through the thick door, made a suspicious frown settle on the barracks master's face. Oh no. Not him again. Was it... Leithor? The Lieutenant froze, listening for more, if more would come. The continued noise, and more loud yelling, made him close his eyes and cover his face with a hand. It was. It was him.

How could it be that none of this madness seemed to have taken place during Arnyn's vigilance while he was at the Houses of Healing? It was difficult to believe. Brian rather suspected that this kind of thing had in fact transpired, but that the woman had simply buried it. So she would come off looking good to the Captain. Grumbling mentally, Brian rose from his chair and moved to the door, and then onto the source of the disturbance.

He was not sure what he had expected. He was not sure what he should have expected. But it sure as hell hadn't been... this.

The barracks master was just in time for Trastion's rendition of whatever song he was trying to sing, or whatever songs he was mashing up into a single off-key disaster. The vein on Brian's forehead was visibly throbbing as he watched on with incredulity. This could not be really happening. Rangers and soldiers alike had surprised him with all sorts of mayhem through the years. And while this was not, by far, the worst mess he had encountered... it may very well be the most ridiculous display he had ever laid eyes on. Brian blinked, and for a moment wondered whether this was not simply one of his nightmares.

But as more and more faces turned back and forth between his own face and between Leithor's... unseemliness... it dawned upon the barracks master that this was, in fact, not his imagination having a run with him. It was happening. One of the most abysmal displays of conduct he had ever laid eyes upon. For this was not a ranger letting off steam in some ill-advised manner. This was not a ranger looking to share in comradery in some or other dumb way. This was pure debauchery. In the old ranger corps... Leithor would have been dishonourably discharged without a second thought.

Lieutenant Brian positioned himself in front of the broken bottle and the puddle of alcohol on the floor. Feet spread out, arms crossed. Between the mess and Leithor. At some point, the drunken lout would end up in front of him, Brian supposed.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn
(Open to anyone wishing to witness the entertainment/spectacle)

September 7th
Evening, after supper

"Hey, the lieutenant's coming!" Someone whispered a hasty warning, as the door to the barrack's master's office opened.

Though the warning was meant well, it seemed to fall on either deaf, or uncaring ears. If he heard the warning at all, Trastion made no attempt to pull himself together. In fact, if anything, his singing got even louder. Almost as if he was trying to draw more attention to himself.. but that would be ridiculous, of course. Why would anyone purposely want to get in trouble... and with Lt Brian, of all people...

As he neared his mess, the obstacle of Lt. Brian became quite impossible to miss. Yet this did not seem to give the young man any sort of thoughts about trying to hide his presnt condition. In fact, he seemed not to heed any of the fairly clear warnings that he was on very, very thin ice. Looking up from the mop, he broke off in the middle of his song, spotted the lieutenant, and called out, quite loudly, "Heeeeeeeey, Briaaaaaannnn!" As if he were greeting an old friend, then practically collapsed against the lieutenant, an arm around his shoulders as if they were buddies, thus supporting himself by holding onto the man.

Grinning, he added, "Heeeey, wha's fryin', Brian?" He asked cheerfully. The question immediately had him dissolving into laughter at the way it rhymed, doubling slightly in his amusement. "Lieuten't Fryin..." He snickered, swaying as he continued to use the man as a support. "How'shyer back, anyway?" He wondered, taking a glance at the back of Brian's shoulders, before straightening again. He suddenly seemed to recall his mess then. "Oh, hey, don' wurry 'bout the mess, 'm gonna clean it up," He held up the mop - stringy part up - as proof of his intentions.

As he raised the cleaning tool up to display, the mop head swung wildly in the air precariously close to both their heads, but mostly toward Brian's. If the lieutenant wasn't quick, he would very likely get a face-full of mop, still slightly damp from the last time it was used. Trastion, meanwhile, seemed quite oblivious to what he was doing with tool. For a moment, he seemed perplexed with figuring how he could manage to mop up the mess while still holding onto Brian.

Then as the damp, stringy part swung over Brian's head once more, Trastion managed to find his own balance, sort of.. and poked at the mess on the floor with the handle of the mop, the other part swinging freely behind him, just under his arm. His stance was unsteady, and his attempt at mopping merely pushed some of the larger broken glass pieces closer together, and soon he was leaning heavily on the slanted pole and seemed to be trying not to fall over. "Heyyyy, dis mops'not workin so good," He observed after a couple of seconds. "Mus' be broken," He informed the lieutenant, somehow managing to straighten up before shoving it at him. "Ya miiiight wanna get that fixed," He suggested helpfully, before he staggered again and stumbled toward the lieutenant. He would either grab onto Brian again to steady himself, or fall past him to the floor...

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Brian
Barracks - Sometime in September, after supper

That Leithor wasn't even so much as phased by his presence, made Lieutenant Brian even more ill-tempered. Did he not even slightly scare them anymore? This was new, and had him keeping his silence for a while longer, even as his expression and body language visibly became stormier.

The officer, still silent, stiffened when Trastion bumped against him and used him to balance himself out, even going so far as to wrap an arm around his shoulders. Amicably.

While there might have been part of Brian that would have appreciated some camaraderie shown to him (at last - he rarely got any appreciation for all the good work he did, but thankfully the man was intrinsically motivated and not externally), that part was entirely eclipsed by the situation. And the smell.

By the Valar. Leithor absolutely reeked of alcohol. Brian scrunched up his nose as the stench invaded his nostrils. Judging by that, and this display... The barracks master almost couldn't believe it. Was Trastion really this stupid?

As Brian was working through the unbelievable scene that was unfolding before his eyes and against his body (... inconceivable...), Leithor's next words made his eyes widen and his temper flare. "Wha's fryin', Brian?" the young ranger asked. And then laughed in his face. "Lieuten't Fryin!" The barracks master's forehead vein seemed to double in size.

Some of the rangers peeking out at the scene saw the red creeping up his neck and the way his arm muscles and shoulder blades seemed to visually expand in preparation for what was to befall Trastion Leithor... and wisely decided to retreat back into their rooms, no matter how curious they were about the actual outcome. Only the more audacious types lingered, though they still made sure to get out of the metaphorical line of fire.

Lieutenant Fryin'. So that was his nickname, now? They were making fun of him for the way he had tried to control the fire? The way he had attempted to save the barracks? With one wing still closed, he supposed the rangers had decided he had done a poor job of it. His prolonged stay at the houses of healing probably had not helped. But it had taken the healers hours to separate his feet and ankles from his boots. They had needed to cut the leather away. Brian pressed his eyes shut, banishing the memory of the seering pain.

Lieutenant Fryin'.

And right when he was about to open his eyes and let his ire rain down on the drunk ranger, the stringy, damp cleaning tool mopped his face. Involuntarily, he had to sneeze. And pluck out some threads from his mouth, for he had just opened it of course, to tell Leithor off. When the boy then informed him that the mop was broken, Brian almost exploded.

"Fixed?" he repeated quietly. And then the dam broke. "FIXED?" He roared, moving his arm forcefully to get Leithor off him - which sent him falling to the floor in a messy bundle of limbs and mop. "I SHOULD GET YOU FIXED, LEITHOR! Save the world from your offspring!"

Several more doors closed. The deep roar of the barracks master was always impressive, but this time he seemed almost bearish. His usual control was gone. There was no telling what might come next. No one wanted any part of it.

"GET UP!" Brian continued, his face almost purple with held back rage, for there was much more beneath the surface than what he was letting out. Even if any onlookers thought he'd let go of his control, the contrary was true. If he had truly let go, then Trastion would have ended up as broken as the nearby shards on the floor.

"Someone will clean this up," he barked towards the closed doors. Plenty were listening, he knew. "Or I swear to Mandos, you will all wish you could safely hide in his Halls!"

Without pause, he yanked Trastion's ear. The ranger would have to be fast to respond, lest the Lieutenant pull it off as he started dragging him away. He wasn't offering Leithor any support or help, other than what little balance he may provide as he pulled Trastion along by the ear. "I am done with you," the barracks master declared with a growl, his voice filled with pent up anger. "In all my years, I have never-" He fell silent for a moment. There was not immediately a punishment he could think of that he found fitting. They all... fell short. They all fell terribly short. Peeling potatoes? No. Scrubbing the washing rooms? Perhaps as part of the punishment. Stable duty? None of it was enough. NONE. Of. It. Was. ENOUGH.

"Out," he growled, continuing to drag Trastion along. The pinching grip he had on the ear was nothing short of impressive, and the two made fast progress toward the exit of the barracks.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

September 7th
Evening, after supper

As he tumbled rather ungracefully to the floor, Trastion somehow still managed to avoid landing in the puddle of alcohol, or on any broken glass, or down the stairs. Then again, the mess really wasn't all that large, since the bottle had been mostly empty already, and the shattering glass hadn't spread too far. Almost as if it had been done carefully, if that were even possible...

Trastion lay sprawled on the floor where he had fallen while the lieutenant let loose his fury, his face down and out of sight for that brief span of time. Whatever expression might be there was anyone's guess. He stayed quiet now.

When Brian grabbed his ear(and a bit of his hair along with it) he let out a yelp and got to his feet surprisingly swift for someone in his apparent condition. All the way down the stairs and toward the exit, it was all he could do just to keep up and not fall down, lest his ear be yanked completely off by the enraged lieutenant.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Visiting the Barracks Master in his office, a few days before leaving for vacation

Pele had not been the one to clear Lieutenant Brian for return to his duties, yet healer Linaiwe had provided a thorough report on his health condition and any instructions she saw fit to bestow on him to get him to complete recovery. Yet, making sure he adhered to these instructions was not really the purpose why Pele came to see him; though if she saw that his condition had not improved since he was released only a couple days ago, she might consider saying something along those lines.

She had taken her time to freshen herself up after a brisk morning workout and change from her dusty and sweaty training attire into a clean uniform - being very well aware of Brian's loyalty to everything neat and tidy she would use this knowledge to cultivate their relationship. While it could not be described as a relationship of cordiality and close friendship, there still seemed to be a strong two-way exchange of professional attitude and respect. Even though Pele was not sure Lieutenant Brian would perform well on the field, which he might, he had the barracks firmly in his grip and maintain order regardless of all the mischief younger Rangers managed to throw at him. Considering this all, Pele wondered for a while if she should bring him something delicious as a welcome back gift, had decided against it, and yet almost at the last moment on her way up from the training grounds had grabbed a few fresh cinnamon rolls from Nell's bakery. And so she appeared at the door of the barracks master all clean and tidy, and with a plateful of cinnamon rolls.

Having knocked on the door, Pele wondered if Brian was even within or perhaps on one of his errands, but the voice from within after a moment of silence told her that he was there. Pele managed to open the door with one hand while keeping the plate steady with the other.

"Lieutenant Brian, welcome back!" she greeted as soon as she stepped inside.

The Lieutenant left whatever notes he was taking and stood to offer a crisp salute. "Captain!" was his short reply, and from his studious gaze it appeared that he was trying to figure out what new demands would be set before him.

Pele first set down the plate with buns, then returned the salute, and remained standing - she did not intend to stay here long. Amusement lit her eyes as she followed Brian's look towards the plate and then seemed to detect some confusion as he looked back at her.

"Since I did not clear you from the Houses of Healing myself, I decided to come and see that you are indeed well, and brought you a little welcome back gift," she explained with a small smile. "Perhaps a morsel or two of something delicious would assist you in handling the barracks. After all, it does still require a lot of reconstruction in addition to other day-to-day routines."

"Yes, indeed, I was looking over the possible plans," the Lieutenant said, and his usually stern features seemed to soften momentarily as he gestured towards the treats that filled his office with the scent of freshly baked goods. "Treat yourself, Captain," he offered, and moved his papers a safe distance away from a possibility of falling crumbs. She did accept the offer, though remained standing as she savoured the bun and tried to guess at the spices Nell had added. She was glad that Brian himself also picked one of the buns, and so they stood each on their own side of the desk and enjoyed the delicacy in silence for a few moments.

"Are there any important reports for me?" Pele broke the silence which began to feel somewhat awkward and returned to business.

"I did not find that many," Brian replied hesitantly, unwilling to complain against the way Lieutenant Dealedwen had managed the barracks in his absence. While he had not expected a huge pile of reports on his desk, he had not been able to avoid the feeling of disappointment. It could have been that the barracks were suddenly in perfect order - and that only while he was gone. "Though I have already drawn up one for today's morning. Nothing too significant though, Captain, just a disorderly room."

"All right, good," Pele's eyes conveyed some amusement, though she tried to keep the rest of her face serious. "I must inform you that I will be away on vacation, for at least a fortnight, likely more, including the travel, but I am sure you will be able to handle any burning matters with Lieutenant Dealedwen in my absence." She could see Brian's face almost visibly lengthen in further disappointment, so she hastened to add: "I have full trust in your abilities, and in hers. That I will find things running smoothly on my return."

Lieutenant Brian nodded in agreement. "No doubt, Captain," he assured her.

"Now, I have seen that you are indeed in good enough health and back to your duties, so I will no longer delay you and let you work. And... Please, do not forget to take a break and have a snack once in a while. Healer's orders. Or Captain's, if you will," Pele said, deciding that she could head off now that she had both simply visited him and provided the necessary information.

"Understood, Captain," Lieutenant responded in all seriousness, and after an exchange of salutes, Pele left and closed the door quietly behind her.

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Officers' Quarters, towards the end of August

A rather silly thought had occurred to Pele: knowing well that Arnyn liked to be very early, she did her best to try and beat her friend to it. Even though in haste, she made sure her appearance was neat at least until they started on their training which would likely make all the effort useless. Dressed in her standard black trousers, leather boots, grey long-sleeved shirt and a sturdy leather jerkin she looked ready for a few hours outdoors. Looking at the display of weapons, she picked the usual combination of dagger and sword, just in case. Next came the pack with her healing supplies and some other useful bits and ends, and an empty water flask. She'd fill it with fresh water in the little mess, and grab some edibles.

Considering herself ready, Pele headed for the door hoping to get into the hallway first.

"Lieutenant Dealedwen!" she called as she stepped out, before she could see if Arnyn was already there. "Ready?"

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel @Isolde Alarion @Romeran @Ercassie

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September 2nd

"You rat!" Arnyn laughed when Trastion chose to move against her rather than Kaylin. Luckily, at least Unalmis seemed to take her side in the fight, since he grinned at her and flung the contents of one hand - berries - straight at Thûllir. And doubtlessly Thûllir would have chosen his wife's side, anyway, right?

Meanwhile, Kaylin was having the time of her life as she hurled two pieces of the cheesecake toward Mourgan and then hid behind the table. "Get her, Trastion! HA!" she called out enthusiastically. "Who'd have thunk it!" Not her.

The shouting made sure the Lieutenant did not hear Duinion's comment, but she did notice him removing himself from the little mess altogether. Mentally, she sighed, although part of her was strangely amused with the situation. She couldn't really do much right for that man, could she? Arnyn moved back, half grinning, half raising her hands as Kaylin and Trastion moved for her. "I'd surrender if it was in my nature," she half-laughed, half-warned. Then she reached for a bowl of berries. "Alas..."

(Unalmis' actions are approved by Ercassie)

---

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks - Officers' Quarters, end of August

Arnyn frowned when she heard Pele's voice from the hallway, calling out her rank and last name, and asking if she was ready yet. "Well, well," Arnyn mumbled, and she shook her head with a smile as she grabbed a dark geen summer cloak and swung it around her shoulders, completing a training outfit of browns and greens.

"You beat me," she grinned as she left her own room soon therafter. She hadn't taken her sword from her room, but spotting Pele's, she halted, still holding the door open with one hand. "Should I bring my sword? I thought we were thinking hand-to-hand?"

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

Captain Pele Alarion
Officers' Quarters, towards the end of August

"It is no easy feat, Arnyn," Pele laughed, when her friend emerged from her room. "You are always so timely at your arrivals that it is hard to match you!"

Adjusting the position of the pack over her shoulder, the Captain looked at Arnyn and shrugged lightly. "Yes, hand-to-hand, but I have this silly thought that perhaps I would still have any remaining drop of strength left to do a little sword practice after. But more likely than not, it would not be the case, no?" Any training the two of them undertook together was strenuous and done with all seriousness and strength.

"I am not sure I can recommend you to take your sword, for I might end up carrying mine only as an extra weight to wear me out and not using it. You won't go easy on me, will you?" Pele's blue eyes searched Arnyn's browns with a glint of amusement. "I'll still need to refill my water and grab a handful of nuts for light breakfast. Think we should run down or take a leisurely walk instead?"

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks - Officers' Quarters, end of August

"Ahh, you flatter me!" Arnyn smiled cheerfully at the compliment. "If you want, I can have Lieutenant Brian commit it to record?" She couldn't resist the half grin at the question, which was meant only in jest - of course.

The Lieutenant looked pensive as she assessed Pele's expression. "Well. There is something to be said for a hyandaner to have her sword with her as much as possible," she admitted. Arnyn more often took her sword out with her than not, after all. "I was ready to make an exception this morning. But a good Lieutenant follows her Captain's lead." After a quick duck inside of her room, Arnyn emerged once more. With her hand-and-a-half sword, this time. "A good run will both wake and warm us up. The choice is obvious," Arnyn smiled at Pele. "But water and some breakfast first before we try and kick each other's butts, yes?"

They first headed to the little mess, where both officers drank their fill and filled their water skins. Arnyn didn't eat much. Soon, they had left the barracks and went on their way.

[Rillewen]

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Little Mess (making a big mess) - September 2nd

Trastion gave an innocent shrug at Arnyn's comment, as if he were a traitor. It was all in fun, so it wasn't as if he had truly turned against her. "Gotta keep the teams even," He anwered with a smirk. She had chosen Nal for her team, after all. Kaylin had picked Trastion. It was only fair.

With a grin, he swiftly lunged for the table of food, only his timing was bad and he ended up taking part of the barrage of berries from Nal that was aimed at Thullir. One hit his forehead, one struck his cheek, and two or three more hit his shoulder as he swiftly turned to try and raise his shoulder up as if to defend his face, though a bit too late. He grabbed a slice of pie in one hand and a piece of cake in the other. Turning, he flung both swiftly back at his roommate...

Unfortunately, his hasty aim was off, and both missiles went toward Arnyn instead. Eyes widening slightly as he saw this, he couldn't help a little snicker slipping out as he hastily ducked down behind a chair, but immediately peeked out with a laugh, unable to resist witnessing the results of his aim.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel @Isolde Alarion @Romeran @Ercassie

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September 2nd

Kaylin was getting doused by fast handfuls of soft berries - the kind that splash open when you throw them hard enough. The Hyandaner was really lucky, in fact, that her hair was already red... Arnyn's hand and arm seemed to move faster than humanly possible to launch the squishy projectiles at the other woman.

This, however, occupied her to such an extent that she completely missed the piece of pie as well as the piece of cake that came flying at her. The cake hit her at her collarbone, but it was the pie that claimed the better prize. It splashed apart against Arnyn's cheek, making her flinch and close her eyes to protect her vision. Arnyn froze to wipe off the cake from her face, somewhat amazed at how someone had managed this... and then found Trastion peeking from behind a chair, laughing.

She could hardly believe it, and stomped over to the chair to grab him by the collar and pull him up to his feet. "You!" she said loudly. "Are no longer my recruit!"

The comment hung in the air in a sudden silence. Most of them, if not all of them, had heard it. Kaylin, for example, halted her movements and looked on with a bit of confusion. The Lieutenant should have known she might get hit herself, right? Why was she dishing it out if she couldn't take it?

Arnyn was giving Trastion a grim look. "You're now my trainee." Wiping of another big chunk of pie and brushing at the cake crumbs, Arnyn let go of the young man.

Off to the right, Kaylin was audibly chuckling. Ahh. So that's what that was.

With a raised eyebrow at Trastion's expression, Arnyn nodded. "In case that wasn't clear enough... I'm promoting you." She clapped her hands, giving the mess an assessing look. "Right. Now your first task as a ranger trainee. You're in charge of cleaning up the mess." Flipping her food-stained braid back over her shoulder, onto her back, Arnyn laughed briefly. "You can enlist the help of your fellow food-fighters, of course. And, naturally, that includes me." The Lieutenant slanted her head, brown eyes gleaming. "Your orders, Trainee Leithor?"

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Recruit Trainee Trastion Leithor
Little Mess (making a big mess) - September 2nd

As he peeked out, Trastion watched Arnyn wiping the pie from her face.. if he had been aiming for her face, that would have been a great shot. Unfortunately, he'd been aiming for someone else entirely. Still, it was pretty amusing, seeing her with the creamy stuff all over her face. And he also knew Arnyn had a sense of humor, and she had basically suggested this whole thing. So, she surely wouldn't mind.

Except, then she started toward him, as if angry. When she grabbed him by the collar and dragged him up, Trastion wasn't quite sure what to expect. The words that left her mouth.. left him stunned. No longer her recruit!? He stared, jaw dropping slightly. What? She couldn't mean that, right? It was just a little fun. In the brief silence that followed, he stared at her in confusion that she would get so upset about this... was she really that offended that he'd taken Kaylin's side, and not hers?

As Trastion was still speechlessly trying to sort out what just happened and how to fix it, the lieutenant spoke again, declaring that he was now her trainee. He blinked, and heard Kaylin start snickering. Trainee. With a faint, relieved little laugh, he grinned as she then made it perfectly clear what she meant. He was now a trainee, instead of a recruit. A moment later, the grin dropped from his face when he heard that he was now responsible for cleaning up! What?! He looked at Arnyn, then at the mess that they'd made, trying not to feel dismayed by it.

He didn't have long to despair about it, however, as she quickly assured him that they would help. "Thanks," He smiled, amused as he watched her flip her braid back. A bit of cream went flicking off somewhere. "Uhh." He paused, glancing around. Cleaning was definitely not his strong suit. "I'm thinking we'll need some mops? And.. rags, and.." He frowned, a bit puzzled as he tried to think whether brooms would work. No, that'd probably just smear the cream and stuff over the floor, he decided. "Um. Soap?" he wondered, glancing uncertainly at Arnyn.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Karis Ziranphel @Isolde Alarion @Romeran @Ercassie

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September 2nd

Cleaning up the mess at the mess did not end up taking all that long. Since everyone cooperated (except for Duinion - but then again, he hadn't made the mess) they all had their own jobs and the mess looked mostly as it had when they had first walked in. With the notable difference of the amount of food available, of course. The combination of actual eating and throwing food around... well, it made it looked as if they'd been ravenous.

Arnyn drank a glass of water before looking around and nodding to herself. "Right. Good job, everyone." She flashed a quick grin at Trastion and offered the others a faint smile. "You're all dismissed, then. Feel free to stay and eat or drink more... I'm leaning toward a good clean-up, myself," she admitted, gesturing at her food-speckled self. "Which is exactly what I'll be doing. Until next time." With an all too casual wave, she left the other rangers. Leaving them, no doubt, in lesser or greater states of disbelief.

As for Kaylin, she had never thought today would turn out as it had - one might say the disbelief was definitely greater in her case. Despite all the stories she'd heard. Stories, after all, had a way of being embellished. But now? She was not so sure whether many of these Arnyn stories were too far off the mark. She grinned at the blonde Lieutenant's back as she left, and afterward the red-headed Hyandaner chuckled quietly. She kept her thoughts to herself, however. "Well... Cleaning up doesn't sound too bad," she said with a shrug of one shoulder, giving Thûllir a sidelong glance. "Wanna help me wash my hair?" she then grinned at him.

[Rillewen]

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Little Mess - September

It was a relief how quickly the cleanup was finished. Trastion was a bit surprised, once it was over, to hear that they were dismissed. After all the mops and cleaning tools were put away, he headed for the washroom, realizing he was not only coated in berry juices, but dust and ashes from the wall demolition. The time had gotten away from them while they were knocking out walls and flinging food, and while it was a bit early for bed, he decided he ought to follow Arnyn's example. He bid everyone good night before heading off to the dorms to go clean up.

---

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Common room

It was quieter out in the common room, but he could dimly hear the sound of others having fun. Duinion gazed quietly at the fire, content to stay where he was and let them have their idea of fun. He just didn't want to be around to have to see all the food being wasted. Looking toward the window, he wondered how often his little friend Daevion had ever gotten to enjoy sweets. But it was a little late now for small children to be up much longer, and he figured by the time he got out of here that it would be too late to try and see him. So, he'd have to wait until morning before he could visit with the orphan boy.

After a little while, it sounded as if the others were emerging from the little mess. From the sound of things, he suspected that the get-together was come to an end, but he also wasn't sure he should assume that was the case. So, he remained where he was, until a messy, berry-stained hand dropped down on his shoulder. Duinion looked up and smiled slightly to see Unalmis there, bearing the news that the lieutenant had said they could go now.

The young ranger's inquiry surprised him though, when he asked whether Duinion was alright. Smiling faintly at the thoughtfulness behind the question, Duinion nodded. "I'm fine," He assured him. "Just.. didn't want to ruin anyone else's fun. I just.." He shook his head. "I couldn't find any enjoyment in seeing all that food.. thrown around." He shrugged slightly and let his gaze stray away to the floor.

"Well, Arnyn said that Pete doesn't do this spread all the time, and Kaylin said he should.. so, we just kinda gave him a reason to not have to do it all the time. Because clearly idiots can't help themselves. So, this way, he does it once, and doesn't have to go to all that hard work again and all the time now."

The reply was so.. so very Unalmis.. and also so much like something Domanol might pop off with, that Duinion couldn't help a laugh, after rolling his eyes. And that, suddenly, made him want to go and see Dom again. "Hopefully, the sergeant will be spared all that work, in the future." Duinion agreed. "But, seriously, I just hate to see something being wasted, when there's sure to be someone, somewhere, who desperately wants that very thing. Food, or clothing, or blankets... whatever it is." He shook his head slightly. "I'm not judging you and the others, don't get me wrong. I do hope you all enjoyed yourselves. I just couldn't sit there and watch it. And, well, I didn't want anyone to feel like I was a killjoy for not joining in."

He was relieved when Unalmis expressed his understanding of his feelings about the matter, and said that it made sense. Of course, Duinion recalled a moment later, Unalmis had once had experience with hunger, himself. So, he could understand a little better than most, right? The next bit that Unalmis said, however, came as a surprise. That he was impressed for Duinion sticking to his principals, despite the lieutenant seeming to expect everyone to join in.

After a few more words between them, Duinion noticed a small, purplish puddle forming near his shoe, just below where Unalmis' hand hung. "You'd better get cleaned up before you get caught dripping juice all over the floor." He pointed out. "The barrack's master will be looking for any excuse to bust someone, after that confrontation with Lieutenant Dealedwen earlier." He mentioned teasingly. Then he watched, amused, as the young man suddenly became aware of the mess he was making, and hastened off to take care of the mess on both the floor and himself.

After watching him go, Duinion stood and stretched, then thought for a moment. It was surely too late to go visiting his young friend, but he could visit his oldest friend. And having just talked to the nephew of that friend, he felt very much inclined to spend some time with Domanol. Since Unalmis had said they were free to go, he took his leave and set off down the levels toward Addhor's shop, where Domanol had been living since the two finally reunited.


(Unalmis interaction was approved by Ercassie)

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr
Barracks - Little Mess
September

The small tarts disappeared rather quickly despite Thûllir taking smaller bites, as opposed to eating each of them all in one bite. He snagged a chocolate pastry and another handful of the delicious berry tarts, as now that he had started eating he realized that he was quite hungry after the earlier exercise. The pastry was excellent, and he savored the flakey crunch followed by the dark notes of still-warm chocolate in the center. Thûllir had just taken a large swallow of coffee when Trastion dared Kaylin to create a new story. Well, the lad might not have meant it as a dare, but Thûllir recognized the warning signs and hastily finished off his pastry even as the first piece of soft cheesecake went flying.

He was impressed that Arnyn stepped into the line of fire for Unalmis, even though there wasn’t much hope of keeping the slinging between the two ladies in his experience. Taking another swallow of coffee in an effort to drink it down quickly without burning himself, Thûllir almost choked when the Lieutenant threw not just a slice, but an entire cake, back at Kaylin. Clearing his throat to remove any last vestiges of coffee from his airway must have drawn attention to him, as he looked up to see Unalmis bring his arm back and throw his entire handful of berries in his direction. There was no way he could avoid all of the scattered shot of berries, but in a split second he decided to have a little fun and bent his knees to catch a few in his mouth. His move made some miss overhead,and some hit Trastion as he ran in front, but several betties still pelted his light-colored linen shirt to leave a quickly spreading stain of purple red. Thankfully his coffee had only sloshed out a few drops with his abrupt movement.
Thûllir chewed the berries with a rather mischievous smile as he looked back at Nal. His wrist suddenly cocked back and then whipped forward to send one of the berry tarts flying back at Nal. Stepping to the side, Thûllir kept his gaze on Unalmis but noted the movement of the other individuals in his peripheral vision. It was very entertaining to see that Trastion’s attempt at retaliation flew rather off-course to messily strike the Lieutenant instead. Oh boy. Perhaps the lad would learn the error of throwing two-handed without aiming? Perhaps not. The flying pastries had caught Arnyn’s attention at least, and Thûllir’s eyebrows rose slightly as she stomped over to grab the young man by his collar and yell about the promotion in a way certain to initially confuse. He gave a single nod. It was time.

As that signaled the cessation of pastry hostilities, Thûllir ate the remaining tart in his hand and washed it down with what little coffee remained in his mug before crouching to pick partially mashed berries off the floor so they wouldn’t just be smeared by a mop, and then scraping partial chunks of pie onto a plate.

The cleaning up didn’t take all that long, especially once the water and rags were located and distributed. All though it had been a good morning he was happy to hear they were dismissed after cleaning the room, as there wasn’t much they could do without first cleaning up their persons. At Kaylin’s grin and invitation, Thûllir slipped an arm around her waist and surveyed her rather decorated state with an amused tilt to his lips and gleam in his eyes at how much of the desserts she was wearing. “Of course. I would be happy to assist.“ The amusement was thick in his voice. “Besides, I need to soak this shirt soon or give up and dye the whole thing red.” He threw a glance to those still in the room. “See you all later.” It was time to head home.

[Ercassie]

Ehtyar Ilisys Azrubêl and Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Some very overdue/promised character development – One-off post/prologue for upcoming TG posts)
The Idea of it - Mess Hall. March ? (Flashback - Before ‘that’ Midsummer)

“That is how you break your night’s fast ?”

There was something in the Ehtyar’s tone which suggested surprise, perhaps disapproval, rather than simply observation. Unalmis raised brown eyes to meet her grey, and managed somehow not to shrug, nor point out that she was not his grandmother, nor mother for that matter, so quite why it should matter to her how he took his morning meal, he could not have guessed. He had certainly not counted Isys as one who would criticise or else concern herself at all with what he did, when it was not hurting anybody. But he was almost wearied of defying authority of late. The day was young and he was not as especially alert as he should like yet.

“Coffee works,” the young man found himself defending his choice all the same. And the lady sat down without further ‘invitation’, as though the act of watching her consume a ‘proper’ breakfast would somehow convert him to trial the same. “I’ll take an apple or something from the Little Mess on my way out,” the Ranger put in, with some belated hope that might dislodge her complaint.

“I heard about the room inspections,” Isys ventured before taking up a bite of egg. He waited without clear interest for her to swallow before continuing. Towards her point. Hopefully she had a point. “The entire wing,” she … commiserated ? “For an entire month ?”

Unalmis quietly contemplated of his coffee before lowering the cup in both hands. “Always do the many pay for the mistakes of the few,” he lamented the unfairness of Lieutenant Brian’s decree. “They should not have to,” he put in, swiftly afterwards as well. Though whether this was an admission of guilt, for getting the entirety of male lodgers punished, or a rather more subtle protest about the Barracks Master’s judgement, was impossible to tell. Perhaps it was in truth a little of both.


“You found a new home for the dog ?” the Belfalasian wondered, between politely taking in her breakfast. And observing the young man, who nodded. Despite this apparent resolution of the problem though, there was a distinct lack of cheer and joy about the subject. It was more than having been caught out, or punished, for the misdemeanour. Not that there was any worry in Nal’s mind, about the new home which Hattie had taken up. It was unclear whether the hound or Eryn had seemed more happy over the dairy farm’s newest resident. “How long has Beren been gone now ?” Isys asked outright, although in a more gentle tone.

The young man surrendered into a shrug. “Does he owe you money or something ?” he supposed, with a new sip from his hot drink. There had been more than one woman making enquiries of him as to Beren Camlost since winter, and it was rarely the adventurer’s coin they were after.

It was not often that the Ehtyar was surprised, nor that she could not desguise the ‘shortcoming’ when it occurred. But Unalmis had a way of startling her into a want to smile. It was impossible to tell whether he was being serious or not. The Noblewoman renewed her interest in her meal then, without explaining her ask about the young man’s absent room mate. Of course it was the absence, rather than the absent man himself, which had inspired the lady’s thought. The one left behind was more so on her mind than he who had already departed.


She’d resumed her acquaintance with Warder’s young cousin only last summer, when they came across each other in the mission to Poros. The first time she had seen him in more than five years, she’d found the youth’s antics to be surprisingly astute, despite the unconventional means that were inspired. But there was more to it than the remnants of a past comradery, or even the familial association with his kin. Five or so years before she’d sent this same young man to the Healers of Minas Tirith, scarcely daring to imagine if they could do anything for the damage which had been so evident. To see the young man now, she would not have believed he was the same person. If Unalmis had discovered the secret to outright recovery from that sort of circumstance, she was more than willing to investigate, and employ the same tactics. And if he had not, well then, for her own sake, as much as their conjoined past, she was keen to help him toward that endgoal. Perhaps that was another journey they required to take together.

After Poros she had been focused on her own recovery from injuries obtained in the battle. But she had kept an ear out during her convalescence, and learned of the young Ranger’s eager refreshment of skills at the Houses of Healing, his part in assisting his father’s physical therapies, his volunteering to take up duties with the new Barracks Armourer .. all of that enthusiasm which did not match up with what else she had been hearing. The dog being kept illegally in a communal residence, the careless flinging of knives into the walls of his quarters, the reckless walking of halls and corridors in the dead of night .. admittedly that might have had something to do with hunting down the dog when it wandered off .. but still. There was a potential here, and it was going along unguided. All of the efforts that were being directed toward antagonising the Barracks Master could do with a little otherways steering. Since even before Beren had departed the city, Unalmis had been signing in at the Training Grounds and then checking out again, some many hours later, after an unsupervised amount of time spent in the wooded region, all alone. If he was drinking coffee in the morning and staying up all night then where and when was he gathering the rest that would allow him to train effectively, and how was he training at all, aside from the vandalism of his room ?


“I must ask a favour of you, Unalmis,” Isys stayed her knife and fork as she caught the young man’s curiosity. “This new Rangers Corps is a thing foreign to me; the people, the very particular skillsets. I believe that mine come of a place apart from the majority that I now count as peers. If you are not engaged in training with Camlost any more, perhaps you would consent to train with me ? We might call it a cultural exchange, of sorts ?” she sought to sell the concept as a mutually exclusive endeavour, and realised all the more as she was doing so, that it would likely prove so.

“You were seeking to become a Ranger of Ithilien, before the war, do I have that right ?” the lady recollected. “Herblore, tracking, these are things which did not feature so heavily in my own military training. But horse riding, and swimming, these are specialties I can advise on improving, in return. If you are amenable to the notion ?”

“You want me to take you out .. camping ?” Unalmis raised and then lowered his cup of coffee without ever supping from it. The prospect that the lady - albeit that he knew she was unlike other ‘ladies’ – was proposing here, was intriguing enough that the young man forgot all but the possibilities presenting.


“I am certain there are elements which crossover even the two distinct backgounds,” Isys returned attention to her plate, now that she had already caught her audience’s attention. “Navigating by the stars is a skill as keenly learned by sailors as by scouts, for example,” she assumed and he agreed. “Whereas the agility of moving through woodland as opposed to maintaining a more equestrian balance is perhaps less alike,” the Ehtyar continued. "A river is akin and yet apart from the sea."

“Cliff diving and horse racing ?” the young man almost spilled his drink in the anticipation.

“Horse riding,” he was corrected and also consoled. “Yes. Your cousin taught you the basics, I believe. So we can build upon that. In return for some insight in climbing, and camouflage ?” The former Swan Knight supposed her own opportunities. “I should very much appreciate if you ..”


“When did you want to start ?” the young man almost bit her hand off, in lieu of his abstaining from a more hearty breakfast.

“Be ready on the morrow,” Isys rose calmly, and prepared to take her leave. "I shall come and find you on the training grounds, We may manage to work up an appetite then for a good healthy luncheon," she suggested. And it was a wonder that Unalmis did not rise up from his seat to follow her there and then. Somehow he retained his position, surprised now in his own turn. But brown eyes trailed after the Ehtyar, unsure where the experiment might lead either of them, but keen to find out.

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Barracks Roof Top
After Dark Roots, but before the Midwinter Masquerade

The Lieutenant awaited the sunrise from atop the roof of the barracks. Even though she had moved back to her own house in the Fourth Circle, she found herself back here at least once a week. The mission to the mountainous country to the north of Linhir had effectively distracted her. Once they had returned, however, the concerns that awaited her in Minas Tirith had all too easily crept back into her chest and mind.

Umbar was one, of course. With its many players.

Pele was another, for Arnyn was not yet convinced that her friend and Captain had really managed to bury her trauma. Pele had taken great strides, there was no denying that. But Arnyn still had the feeling that Pele could not quite let go. Did her friend really believe Arnyn when she told her she was not broken? That there was nothing left to fix? That all Pele needed to do was let go?
Arnyn shook her head. She did not know. She could not look into her friend's mind or heart to be sure. But there were small things that led Arnyn to believe that Pele wasn't quite there yet. Close, perhaps. Maybe... maybe the only thing that could, would be to successfully finish their pending mission to Umbar. To end a certain someone.

Arnyn put her elbows on her knees and looked to the east, catching the first sliver of the sun. Could it really be that for Pele to heal fully, she needed to end Keket Halsad? The Captain had taken the road of light and healing with Relic. That had been a huge step, to Arnyn's mind. It had proven, unequivocally, that Pele was still Pele. Perhaps now she needed closure in a way only her own hand, her own weapons, could grant her.

And then there was Trastion. Anurion. Her trainee and apprentice. A young man, with boundless potential - his family forever damaged by his stepfather. His own life threatened by the actions of the very same man. They needed proof to put Torthon Talven behind bars. To remove him from Belfalasian society, where he was now roaming freely, seeking to further his complete takeover of the Taurhebor estate. Seeking to locate and murder Trastion, so he might never pose a threat to him or his own son. Arnyn frowned deeply. Keeping Trastion safe, teaching him - was one thing. Seeking justice and retribution for him, for his brother, possibly even for his father... was quite another. Yet it needed to be done.

It all needed to be done.

She'd grown rather fond of Trastion. He had become family. Even though she considered every ranger as family, or wanted to consider them as such at the very least... she'd grown closer to Trastion than she had thought she might. She knew herself well enough to realize that if anyone made a move against him now, she would lash out. Would she maintain a cool head, then?

At least her concerns over Pele and Umbar were related, as it were. To hopefully be resolved at once, when they would actually return from the task. Impossible as it was. Her concerns over Trastion were an altogether different matter.

The light of the sun more fully lit up her face as more of the celestial body became apparent above the horizon. Arnyn took a deep breath, staring at the beauty of this simple, daily occurence. There was so much beauty in the world. It was a good thing to be reminded of that, too. Enjoying the added warmth of the sun on her skin and black leathers, Arnyn tilted her face toward the sky just a little more. She closed her eyes, imagining all of her concerns melting like snow in the sun. It only lasted for a moment. But by Manwë. Was that fleeting moment worth it.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta,
Room 1, South Wing of the Ranger Barracks. Sixth Circle
After his room mates went to bed, night of September 3rd.

Brown eyes stared, unblinking through the darkness, at the door they could not see. Unalmis knew that it was there. He could recall exactly how many steps it took to reach it, and where he ought to place his feet to avoid any telltale creaks in the floor. He knew which angle to hold his arm at, to locate the handle, how wide to gape that vacuum so that he could slip out without letting any light in from beyond, and he knew just how long it took him on an average to manage all of that. He knew because he had room mates now, and so many that it had taken an only child some time to get used to it. Company at night, in his recollection, meant a sleepover. And that meant whispers urged and stories shared. Beren had never denied an audience. Duinion had been glad of the distraction. But tonight .. the steady breathing about him told only of the others’ slumber. As though the mesmerising choir was peer pressure, meant to lull him into a cradle of similar submission. Tomorrow night, he had no doubt, that sleep would steal his every sense, same as them. But therein lay the concern that was keeping him awake, alert, tonight. This might be his last chance in .. he knew not quite how long.

The last three days had been a wild ride of emotions. From the astoundment of finding an estranged family member at their weekly dinner, to the exhilaration of the Lieutenant’s surprising group activity, and then today .. from terror to adrenaline to relief to … Unalmis did not even know for sure what he was feeling any more. Everything at once ? Too much certainly to distinguish any one sense in particular. Eryn had been found, they said. She was safe, they’d told him. But what had happened ? Why had she even been missing in the first place ? Noone could, or would, tell him any more than Kaylin had taken Eryn up to the Houses of Healing for a check up. And now Kaylin had left the city, on vacation. And Eryn had not been at the Houses of Healing when Unalmis went to find her there.


He had then been detained of course from heading back down to head for her home, since there was the little matter of his having run out on his Armoury duties that morning. Family emergency did not make any difference as soon as Lieutenant Brian learnt just who he had run off to locate. The fact that his friend had been found only furthered the authoritarian’s opinion, that it was all some sort of an alibi. And so the Barracks Master had made clear that the young Ranger needed to ‘convince him’ that he could be responsible. That, although the Lieutenant/acting Captain had not ordered such a thing – personally - it would surely be in the Ranger’s best interests not to have to wait to be ‘ordered’ to make the time up. Extra shifts at the Armoury were not even going to stand as a consequence. Forget that Cali had just spent at least half the day nagging at Unalmis for not telling her, about his Uncle .. he had a good suspicion that there were certain other Rangers who would be far more eager to spend their assigned duty, assisting the lady smith. Unalmis then had ended up committed to Stable duty instead. In fact he was extremely lucky not to have been sent there to begin that very night !

He didn’t mind the work, quite enjoyed being around the horses, and did not have qualms really about the smell. Walking Hattie often led to any sort of ‘scent-filled’ adventure, which was all in the means of experimenting for camouflage and losing a pursuit. But .. when might he now get a chance to head down to the Dairy Farm ? He couldn’t even send a message. It had taken everything in his father’s arsenal to keep his Uncle from heading out there already, so that was a dead end. Cali had to be too tired, after a day walking on her only recently recovered leg. Iole would not dare venture that far, alone, and would not dream of lying to her new Guard friend. Trev had left already to take Toby safely to Lond Col . Cadil .. he’d already gotten into enough trouble already. And his room mates .. were far too busy dreaming to talk him out of it. The only thing that might stop him leaving was if the Barracks Master was working late in his office at the foot of the staircase.

And honestly, the challenge of that obstacle was more of a temptation than discouragement.


He was doing this. Tonight. He’d not rest else, so he’d be no use to anyone on the next day otherwise. This was clearly the only responsible thing to do. He simply did not have the time to convince certain stubborn and unreasonable Barracks Masters of that fact.

By the time the young man had dressed and readied, passing undetected out of the building was child’s play. He wasn’t sure which Guard would be at the Sixth Gate at this hour. But honestly that only further wakened his mind to consider the options. Somewhere beyond sight but not earshot, a lone dog barked. And a smile came over the young man’s face as though it truly were his own dog, watching staunchly over Eryn, and bidding him come see them … He just needed to see for himself that she was home, that they were safe. Then he could sleep.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Erynneth Raedor
6th level, night of Sept 3rd (technically, the 4th now)
(while temporarily staying in one of the ranger houses)
Occurring simultaneously with this RP

It was the absence of Hattie beside her that first awakened Eryn. She sat up with a little jolt, eyes wide in the darkness around her. Where was she? The dog had been snuggled up asleep in her arms when she drifted off. Eryn blinked several times, holding her breath, listening. After all she'd been through today, it took her a moment to recall just where she was, and why the surroundings felt so.. unfamiliar. Right, she and the rest of the family were staying overnight in the house Arnyn had given them permission to use.

She took a few deep breaths, calming herself from the brief fright of thinking she was back in that pitch black hole. "Hattie?" She whispered, trying not to wake the little kids sleeping in the next room. Had the dog gone out to 'water' the bushes outside? Or, perhaps.. Eryn recalled how close they were to the barracks, and felt a little surge of horror at the thought of the dog going off to find Nal in the barracks.. What if the poor dog came across that mean Lieutenant again? He would not be too favorable toward finding the same dog in his garden. Much less wandering the barracks at night. What time was it, even? It felt like it was far past midnight, yet a quick glance outside the window showed nothing that helped her establish even a ballpark of the hour.

The utter silence filling the room proved that Hattie was absolutely nowhere in it. Eryn had to go and find her. She hastily dressed, threw on a spare cloak; her favorite, forest green one had not been recovered, sadly, but she had another to use. After a brief hesitation, she decided to grab her bow and quiver, just in case. She had sorely wished she'd had it, yesterday, so she was loathe to leave it behind now. Feet bare despite the chill in the autumn night, Eryn tiptoed through the house, wincing slightly at every little creak and croak of the floorboards. This was not the house she was used to. But neither Aggie, Cailon, nor her dad seemed to awaken. In fact... that struck her as very odd. Eryn frowned at the door, glancing back inward. Where was he?

She highly doubted that he would be sleeping inside, of course.. he didn't even do that out at the farm. And she also doubted he would be sleeping.. at all. Not at this time. He rarely did sleep at night, preferring to stay awake until the first signs of dawn came. And tonight, of all times, she couldn't imagine him just.. going to sleep. Not up in the sixth level. Not here at this town house. Not after all that had happened during the prior day. Not after what Eryn had told him about the threats that man made about harming her dad while he was asleep.

As she knew he wouldn't be inside, Eryn took her search outside, instead. She frowned. It had taken her some time to fall asleep after all that happened, yet he had been here when she'd fallen asleep. He'd said he would see her in the morning. Fighting panic, Eryn told herself there were far too many levels for that man to have gotten up here, found out where they were, and that surely, he wouldn't dare try anything here with all the rangers around. And even if most were asleep right now... Duinion wouldn't be. Right? Where was he? And where was Hattie?

Eryn took a slow breath, trying to think rationally. First.. she realized, she needed to check whether Hattie was getting into some sort of mischief. Her dad.. he could take care of himself. Right? Right. He definitely could. "Hattie?" Eryn whispered, hugging her cloak snug around herself, glancing around in the darkness of the yard. A familiar bark drew her attention in one particular direction, and she nearly groaned as she realized that yes.. the sound was coming from the direction of the barracks. Hattie must have caught some familiar whiff in the air, remembering from when Nal used to keep her hidden in his dorm, and had gone to find him.

Eryn set off in that direction, only to freeze in place as she caught sight of a dark silhouette moving along the street in her direction. There was only a faint light from the stars above, and a moon obscured by clouds. Not knowing who this might be, Eryn hastily glanced around before ducking back behind a row of bushes framing the walkway up to the house where her family was. She was glad she had grabbed her bow before sneaking out, but at the same time, she knew she couldn't exactly put it to use without really good cause. For all she knew, there were equal chances that it was a guard on patrol, or a burglar sneaking around. Eryn bit her lip, waiting tensely to see who this might be, approaching their temporary house in stealth.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta,
Outside of the Ranger Barracks. Sixth Circle.
Approaching Min Thalad Cirbann, on the night of September 3rd/4th

All thoughts about how best to best the Gate Guard were forgotten, in the moment that Unalmis found himself properly outside. He took a moment not far enough from the front door, to bask in the simple liberation, inhaling the cool air as though it blessed his madcap endeavour. Then he sprang across the grounds with long and eager strides to be about his adventure. The silver moon already crept through swathes of cloud above, while sparks of indistinct dust raced across the cobbled streets colliding with his boots. There was a distant clap of unruly window shutters which the barest breeze was toying with, somewhere. And the quite unmistakable bark of a dog.

Any notion that it was some other, unknown, quite insignificant dog .. was entirely abandoned when a familiar hound bounded around a corner, and seemed set on running plain through the young man. Nal dropped down to one knee, the other stooping, so that he could properly be reunited with Hattie. She too had been counted as missing, after all.


Recalling his goal, he prepared to take Hattie with him, and she made clear a rather deviant opinion. Heading back in the opposite direction to the one Nal had begun, the terrier seemed careless for the lightless hour or anything else for that matter. And every time that her friend came close to catching up with her, the dog darted away some small feet, caught up in a game of her own choosing.

“Hattie, stay. Stay ..” the order was half muffled to avoid a disturbance, and even less commanding for all that it was quickly wracked in some amusement. At the animal’s insistence to turn about where she stood, in a small four-footed twirl. Facing the young man anew at the conclusion of many such feats, she threw out her tongue in a playful pant. And when he tilted his head to consider the next move, she mirrored the action. Then, before he could even finish the smile she was inciting, the dog veered off suddenly, and hurtled toward a figure lurking in the nearby hedgerow.


Efforts to call her back were a waste of time. And so the young man followed suit, at first with speed, though less so the closer that he got to seeing what the hound had found. And when he recognised the barefoot young woman, clutching a bow - but of course = Nal stopped completely where he stood. In the dim lit street, quite out of place, let alone the unlikely hour, the Ranger recognised exactly who he had come out to find. But here ? Like this ? Had Eryn and Hattie both emerged from an extreme bout of good fortune, or was this some mad dream ?


“It’s a little late to be walking your dog, miss,” he remarked, crossing arms before him in a mock show of caring anything for the rules, or good sense. “See, this is how you end up going missing,” he joked, and lost his smile slightly as the weight of the day started to seep in. Hattie ran between the two, until Nal had closed in enough that she no longer had to. Then the dog glanced up at her two favourite people, first one and then the other. Throwing both arms around Eryn, the young man ignored Hattie’s protests, at being left out, and then awkwardly released his good friend as soon as he realised what all the feeling of the day had brought him to. “Just checking you are real,” he shrugged easily, backing off with a careless swing of one arm. “You are ..” he checked behind her suddenly, glanced behind him and cast a wary look around the street before he leaned back in and raised one eyebrow with a suspicious air. “You are .. real .. aren’t you ?”

An excited bark from Hattie declared that this was .. real. Against all odds. As the best sorts of reunions, inevitably are.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Erynneth Raedor
6th level, night of Sept 3rd (technically, the 4th now)
(while temporarily staying in one of the ranger houses)

As the figure drew a little nearer, Eryn thought she could hear him speaking softly. Was that.. was he calling to Hattie? Almost as soon as she came to that conclusion, she also realized that she knew that voice. Nal! She breathed out a little sigh of relief, glad that it was a friendly face, and not someone who might cause trouble in any way. Before she could straighten up from her hiding place, Hattie had come rushing toward her, leading Nal right to her.

Eryn smiled as she reached to rub around Hattie's ears when she arrived. "You had me worried," She informed the dog with a mock scolding sort of tone, but her smile proved she was not really upset. She raised up to her full height about the time Nal was informing her that it was rather late to be walking her dog. She smiled, but it faded just as quick as his, upon the next words he uttered. "Yeah.. you're right." She admitted with a sudden realization of how very right he was. Because, not that she truly blamed Hattie for any of what happened, but.. well. The fact is, if Hattie had not went running off to investigate that burned ruin of a house, then.. Eryn wouldn't have been there. But on the same token, if Hattie hadn't been around to bite the man's arm... Eryn allowed a small smile of satisfaction at the recollection of that moment.

Eryn helped with closing the gap toward her friend, and happily flung her arms around to hug him tight. She couldn't currently express how extremely glad she was to see him, and especially how glad she was that he seemed alright.

When he released her, she privately thought it a bit too soon, but she didn't protest. She stepped back and smiled in amusement. Her smile grew just a bit as Hattie put in her two cents. "Yeah, we're both very real." She assured Nal, after briefly considering a more teasing response. "I.. I came out to find Hattie." She offered in explanation. "I thought maybe she'd gotten into the barracks and was going to bother that lieutenant guy.. I didn't want you getting in trouble." She looked down at Hattie. "I've got so much to tell you, Nal." She bit her lip, trying to think how to even begin.

Then, remembering the other reason she had come out here, she looked up at him again, worried now. "You haven't seen my father around, have you? He was here when I went to sleep.. that was around midnight or so, I guess. But he's not, now." She frowned. "I'm pretty sure he would've already noticed me leaving the house by now, if he was anywhere nearby."

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta with Eryn and Hattie now
Outside Min Thalad Cirbann, in the early hours of September 4th

The lack of incensed barking had already told him that Hattie was not alarmed by the half-concealed figure. He had still hastened, initially, after the dog in case she excitedly leapt though, even in recognition. Not everybody was a fan of being bowled over. This time though it was the young man who fell back a pace or two, with exaggerated relief, when Eryn assured him that this was real. The rest of what she said though, what there was of it, .. he was not quite sure what to think of. And Unalmis was about to ask but he got tripped up first, in pulling a face, somewhere around where she mentioned the Barracks Master. But, even after that, all the pieces of the puzzle did not make a picture whole.

Her father had been .. here ? Here ? When she had … gone to sleep .. HERE ?? What, in the hedge ? Brown eyes narrowed, as he surveyed the neighbouring little village of married housing. Maybe she was house-sitting for Kaylin, the theories commenced, as the young man turned about distractedly, realising that he’d never been here before. A House-sitting might certainly have led to Hattie escaping for the barracks nearby, and/or Dui deciding to wander outside when no one else was awake to halt him .. But unless the Lieutenant had proposed such a visit .. something was not lining up. “Don’t tell me you have only now escaped from the Houses of Healing ?” he astounded, betraying that he had heard that Eryn had been there, and oblivious – apparently - to Hattie washing his hand now, all devoutly with her tongue.


“One of these days you’re going to take me along on one of your adventures, instead of just telling me all about it, after the fact,” he decided, almost wistful, before casting his face skyward. A moment of two was allowed to try and locate the Sickle up high, before Nal returned to his previous confusion. “If you went to sleep at home, he might have walked all the way up here by now,” the young Ranger figured slowly, hopping up onto the stone wall opposite the hedgerow, as though it had been built to serve for a seat. A nock of his head debated what would bring the Tirdinen inside the city walls though …

“Were you aiming on shooting him ?” Nal leaned back, stretching each arm back behind him as he flashed brown eyes toward her bow. “You really have got a lot to tell me. Beginning with how you got through six gates with that,” he threw out his chin to gesture toward the girl’s weapon, “not getting confiscated ?” The question sounded rather more like awe than disbelief.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Erynneth Raedor
Outside Min Thalad Cirbann, in the early hours of September 4th

"Shush, Hattie," Eryn whispered, worried about her barking waking up the folks sleeping in the houses all around them. She was distracted from trying to keep the dog from making too much noise though, when Nal's puzzled and surprised tone brought her back to the matter at hand. And suddenly, she either realized or recalled that he did not know all the details about this, and also.. that Duinion had instructed her not to tell him anything about.. well, the most important parts, really. She frowned, shaking her head as she trailed along after him.

Leaning against the wall not far from where he had sat upon it, Eryn hesitated as her friend seemed almost wistful that he had not joined her adventure. "Sorry," She said with a soft smile "You were busy, doing.. whatever it was they summoned you all for." Another little shrug, and then she added, "You wouldn't have enjoyed it, anyway." She bit her lip then, trying to decide how much she could actually tell him, while contemplating the mystery of her dad. Then Nal's other comment drew her gaze down to the bow she carried. She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "No, of course not. I just.. figured it'd be safer to keep it with me." She explained with a little shrug.

As for how she didn't get it confiscated, she realized that was another thing she had to tell him about. "Kaylin was carrying it when we came up to the sixth." She explained. "We stopped at the houses of healing for just long enough for them to tell me I'm free to go, and then.. well, Lieutenant Dealedwen let Aggie and the rest of us use one of these houses for the night." She tried to clear up that mystery, at least. "Because.. of things that happened.. which Dad said I can't tell you." She frowned, her shoulders sinking in dismay at that. "And I don't know where he's gone.." Sighing, she sank against the stone wall and tried to think.

And that was when Nal's prior comment sank in. “If you went to sleep at home, he might have walked all the way up here by now,” She blinked, reversing it mentally. "Of course.. he must have gone down to the farm." She realized with a sudden worry gnawing in her stomach. She turned to Nal. "He waited for everyone to fall asleep and then he went back there... I'll bet that's where he is!" Despite her exclamation, she kept her voice toa whisper. "Nal.." She stopped herself from expressing the worry that troubled her. "Do you think we could get out there? I can't tell you anything until he says it's alright, but... I can't wait 'til morning." She frowned. "And besides, Hattie was involved, so.. you have a right to know at least some of what happened.. right? I just.. don't want to break my promise to Dad.. but if we find him, and he says it's alright..." She trailed off with a little smile, hoping Nal would gather the rest of her meaning without her needing to verbalize it.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta with Eryn and Hattie now
Min Thalad Cirbann, in the early hours of September 4th

His relief from seeing Eryn unhurt and someplace safe .. still suddenly seemed too premature for any celebration. For his friend still wanted to have a bow with her to feel ‘safer’. On the Sixth .. The same girl who went out a wandering on her own beyond the Rammas .. The Ranger was more used to Eryn toting her weapons all about to simply show off what she’d learnt since she last saw him, so this was clearly something else. And apparently whatever had happened with her disappearing act was now over, .. over enough that the family had all gone to bed .. but for some reason that same family had still not yet returned to their actual beds .. their home. They had been granted lodging by an officer of the Rangers .. all the way up on the Sixth Circle. Safer .. the word stuck with him. Unalmis kicked his feet back so that the heels beat soundlessly against the wall, his fingers arched around the edge of the ledge which he was lounging on, thoughtfully.


“Eryn, if this is all something to do with the Lieutenant helping your father to stay inside overnight, I don’t know .. incorporating the married houses and family for support this time, maybe because the Barracks are packed to the rafters ... ” he stopped then realising that she didn’t even know what they’d been summoned for at the barracks, and he swallowed the small frown which that inspired. “It’s fine,” he assured his friend. “Really. You don’t need to tell me, especially if it’s something that he doesn’t exactly want the world to know about. I get it.” The Tirdinen was a very private man, and Unalmis respected that.

It stood to reason that Duinion’s daughter was keen to defend her father’s honour and pride. If this was all to do with something that concerned them and had nothing to do with him, then he was fairly satisfied to let them keep their secrets. He only cared that his friends were safe. One was here in front of him, and the other was at his own home ! Officially Unalmis could go back to bed satisfied that all was well, .. except that he doubted Eryn was going to do that herself now.


“Officially, it is already morning,” he mused, rather more in observation than to argue the point that she made. He’d sworn to Brian that he’d report to the Stables .. nigh on dawn … And then his friend threw mention of Hattie into the conversation, to which he considered the shaggy terrier, distractedly. Whatever the hound had been included in, she could not say, any more than Eryn was willing to. But what was that thing about training ? That asking isn’t the only way to get answers. There were always clues. Tracks. Tells ..If he fell asleep in the stables later there were plenty of places to avoid being seen .. it was .. hmm. Yeh, time was going to be an issue ..

Thinking painted the young man in silence for a moment and then Nal hopped off the wall and wiped his dog-slobbered hand against one leg of his trousers. Hattie had huddled down between the pair and sat on one of Eryn’s feet to overhear her part of the plan. Despite the day she’d had, the dog looked no more keen to retire to bed than either of the two legged folks.


“Alright, I have an idea how you can get out onto the Pelennor at this hour, and bring your father back before he gets in trouble,” the admission emerged slowly. And then, like an avalanche, began to gather speed, as well as specifics. “But first, you have to go back .. into whichever house it is that you’ve just snuck out of. Leave a note to tell Aggie you’re with me. Say we’re walking the dog or something, because you didn’t want for Hattie to wake the little kids up. The very last thing we need is to get back here only to find the whole house, or Circle even, up in arms about you vanishing again.” He allowed her the time that it ought to require for convincing,

“I’ll wait for you here and keep Hattie quiet until you’re done. Then ..” Unalmis took brown eyes to find her hazel ..as though he might convey all that was required to convince her thus, rather than reveal all and sundry now when Eryn needed to focus on just the first act. “You trust me, right ?” he threw out casually.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Erynneth Raedor
Outside Min Thalad Cirbann, in the early hours of September 4th

Eryn frowned, hearing Nal's own speculation about why they were here, in this house, up on the sixth level. Considering the events during the summer, she could see where he might arrive at such a conclusion, but that was most definitely not it. "No," She assured him quietly. "It's not.." Her frown deepened, and she found her grip tightening on her bow, remembering her anger from before. Anger at that creep, for the things he'd said about Nal. For the threats he'd made against her family. And, perhaps a bit of anger at the fact she couldn't even tell Nal any of it right now. Not until her father had given her the clear to do so.

She wondered what was going through her friend's mind as he commented that it was officially morning already. Rather than asking, Eryn waited while he seemed to be debating about something. It was a bit chilly with the sun not yet up, and she was glad for her cloak. At last, Nal sprang into action, or at least.. off the wall. And then issued a challenge.

Though slightly amused at Nal's belief that her father might get into trouble, Eryn didn't correct him. Instead, she listened as he issued his.. well, very sensible challenge. It definitely made sense to her, although she would've rather not had to go back inside. But she realized he was right. If Aggie or Cailon, or one of the kids, woke up and found her gone, that might stir up everyone into a greater panic, thinking she'd been kidnapped yet again. "Of course, I trust you." She assured him solemnly. She trusted him completely, and she was glad to have run into him. Giving a small nod in response to his plan, she gave in. "Alright." She certainly didn't want to panic anyone all over again. "I'll be back," With her promise came a reassuring smile, and after passing him her bow, she set off.

The house, in fact, was the one whose bushes she had ducked into, earlier. It only took her a moment to gain entry, by the same door she had exited. Her path took her into the living room, where she remembered there was a desk off to one side, with paper and quills and all that. Easing the chair out quietly, she was glad to see a bit of moonlight coming in through the window. Fortunately, the desk was situated in front of the window, so that the light shined on its surface. The note took her but a moment to write, and then she took a moment to think about where to put it.

In the time it took for the ink to dry, Eryn had reached a decision. She remembered Della finding a basic sewing kit in one of the drawers, so she grabbed the pincushion out of that, and then crept back through the house, cautious of those annoying creaking spots. After pinning the note to her pillow so that it would be nearly impossible to miss it, she nodded in satisfaction to herself. Then she retraced her steps and let herself back out.

"There," She said, keeping her voice down as she hurried back to Nal. "Now, if anyone comes looking for me while I'm gone, they should see it. I said I'd gone to take Hattie for a walk and that I didn't know how long it'd take, because she's all excited being in the city again." She shrugged. It seemed reasonable, as well as true enough. "Now, let's go find my dad," She was beginning to feel an increasing amount of worry for him.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta with Eryn and Hattie now
Min Thalad Cirbann, in the early hours of September 4th

It seemed for a moment as though Eryn would correct his assumption. It really was incredible how often guessing wrong, aloud, inspired someone else to tell you instead what was actually right ... But Eryn remembered herself in time enough to halt the instinct before she gave up what she wanted to keep secret. And frowned a little as though she was displeased at what he'd just attempted. Because for what other reason could it be ?

The prospect of the young woman sneaking back into the house and then seeking to sneak out a second time .. all without getting caught, was accepted with a not unexpected confidence. And no argument either ! So Unalmis accepted his friend's vow to succeed, and her bow as well - clever girl ! She couldn't have easily explained away the weapon if she were caught with it in hand, inside, not at this hour ! For if there was a need to be armed when heading out, then it was clearly safer to stay in.

He wished her luck, not that she'd likely need it. In honesty he had yet to propose anything she would not try, almost on principle. Which reminded him so very much of someone else, Nal smiled unconsciously.

The young man leaned back against the wall then, raised his sights past the bush that his friend had ducked into, to subtly identify which house her family were holed up in ... and then had to urgently grasp at Hattie who seized upon the opportunity to try to run after their red-haired friend.

It did not take that friend too long to return again, which was good because the dog was acting unusually anxious when she lost sight of Eryn. Even for such a short period of time. Unalmis amused them both as he could, by fake throwing a stick meanwhile. The dog watching the trajectory of where it would have travelled, only to turn back and find it still in the young man's hand. After it seemed that she could not have possibly still fallen for the same ruse yet again .. Hattie leapt with both front paws to seize the small tease from him. Dropping down to keep her from properly launching up, Unalmis was glad to find she seemed well. A quick check over with wary hands gave up no indication of what she might have been through, with Eryn. Still he could not be disappointed over such a relief of no alarming clues.

Handing back the bow to a returned Eryn, Unalmis revealed that under his own cloak, the Ranger was wearing the pauldron leather armour which Cali had designed, to his specification. There was a particular knife he did not intend to lose to any Gate inspections, so .. safely sheathed away in a clandestine fashion, where it camouflaged in with the other subtle support for his shoulder.

"I probably don't need to stop in for anything more, at the Barracks," he put to her. Just in case she was more liable to give up any hint of what she thought Duinion might be up to. After all, if she believed that she might require a bow ....

"We do need to make at least one more stop though," he warned her. And then added, "Stables," even as they began walking. They would have to pass that direction regardless so it wouldn't slow them down. In fact, the hope was that it might hasten their speed. "I'm meant to work with the horses this errr .. morning. And noone can really complain about a person taking the initiative to start early .." The young man offered Eryn a conspiratorial grin. "I think i know which of them would most love a run. So you'd be doing me a favour by helping out, really. The rules dont say you can't come by the stables. Just the Barracks .." the confidence with which he shared this mention sounded very much as though he'd checked on that detail, before this day. "And I'm fairly sure noone could object to a Ranger escorting a young woman back unto her father's care. Particularly at this time of night." he supposed aloud. As though for the benefit of any Barracks Master who was readying to leap out and protest.

The trainee Healer/wannabe Ranger/milkmaid beside him could already ride and well, Nal was already aware. Hattie too had managed very well at keeping pace with the horses that the two, and their respective fathers, had rode out to Rohan back in the Spring. "Gate guards can't argue if they can't slow us down," he assured Eryn with a reckless shrug. "And if the gates are closed, I'm thinking that the incredible hound here," Hattie threw out her tongue as though she knew he was referring to her, "will be a fantastic distraction to help us out. Don't worry. We'll get out to your father in no time. And back before ever any of the others wake," he assumed. They could surely stow away all sign of a suspicious bow, between the two of them, easily enough. They could manage almost anything between them. Relentless was a weapon both of the pair excelled at wielding, one that ought never be underestimated.

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Erynneth Raedor
Outside Min Thalad Cirbann, in the early hours of September 4th

"Stables?" Eryn was curious what his plan was, but when he mentioned that he was on stable duty, and that he was going to 'start early', she smiled at his cleverness. "Right, good thinking." She nodded. "I'll help if you need me to," Trying to hide a yawn, Eryn smiled as she walked along with him to the stables. "I wouldn't mind checking on Buttercup, anyway, as long as we're going in here." She paused, thinking about that. "She must be awfully tired, though." She added as an afterthought. "She's been through a lot today. I'd better let her rest." Just because Eryn was finding it difficult to sleep tonight, didn't mean her horse was, too. She would probably be glad to sleep through the night.

"Do you think the guards would search us?" She frowned, wondering if she ought to worry about having the bow. Nal's knife was well hidden, and her own knife was hidden well enough, but the bow.. that and the arrows were rather difficult to conceal. Of course, she thought belatedly, Nal had legitimate reasons for carrying weapons. As a ranger, he could simply claim he was going out to do some ranger thing. Maybe he could carry the bow until they got out to the Pelennor. Escorting her to her father, as he suggested, seemed like a reasonable excuse. She probably should be sleeping. She'd only slept for maybe an hour, possibly two. And she had been too uncomfortable to sleep much at all, last night. But right now, she could only think about her father, and if he was safe.

After they got into the stable, she stopped at the stall Duinion had borrowed for Buttercup to make sure she still had plenty of hay and water left for the night. It was right next to the one that she and Kaylin had put Smoke into, so that was convenient. She propped one elbow on the top of the stall door, and rested her chin in her hand, watching for a moment to make sure the horse was sleeping comfortably, while Nal was selecting another horse to use.

When her elbow slipped out from under her chin, thus startling her out of a drowsy state, Eryn shook her head and looked around. Right.. Nal was picking out a horse, so she ought to do the same. Buttercup had had way too much going on during the day, and she was clearly tired. Smoke had also had a bit of a day, but not as much. She went to the next stall and stroked the older horse's muzzle lightly, making sure he was alert before she led him out of his stall. "It'll be alright, we're just going home for a bit," She told him softly.

Swinging herself up onto his back took just a tiny bit more effort, due to her tiredness, but she was well-practiced in the art. Soon, she was sitting atop the grey horse's back while she waited for Nal to finish putting a saddle on the brown one he had chosen. In the meanwhile, she struggled to keep her eyes open. Once she got started riding, she'd be fine, she told herself, but waiting? That was when it became difficult to keep her head from dropping onto her chest.

[Ercassie]

NOTE - The contents of this post were plotted in advance, with @Rillewen

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta with Eryn and Hattie
Ranger Stables, in the early hours of September 4th

Since his friend did not stall him with any suggestion that, yes, in fact: he might benefit from pausing to retrieve a more substantial arsenal from the Barracks, the young man was even more confused why she'd felt she would need to take her bow. Unless Eryn, being Eryn, had simply decided that she could get in some Archery practice while they were down at the farm. It wouldn't have surprised him, in fact, if that had been her entire goal, regardless of where her father happened to be. By the time she had offered to 'help' at the stables, Unalmis realised she was not thinking clearly at all. She loved horses, of course, but he was fairly certain that she had multitudes of things already filling up her schedule ..


'She must be awfully tired though,' Eryn surprised him with the news that her horse was already at the Ranger Stables .... and 'She's been through a lot today. I'd better let her rest' ... The Ranger afforded his friend a sidelong glance and agreed with the sentiment, amused. "Thats probably a sound idea," he muttered to Hattie. An lolled tongue was the dog's only response, when she glanced back at him. Then all continued together on their way.

The matter of a gate guard actually stopping them occurred to his co-conspirator, just before they arrived at the stables and Nal shrugged, without too much concern. "Depends entirely on which Guard is at the post," he confided. Thorley had fussed, once, when the young man had been caught carrying a kitchen knife up his sleeve, after dusk. But the same guard didn't tend to blink an eyelid if Nal was carrying a sword. It could honestly come down to a case of what seemed suspicious for that time and place. So should they risk getting delayed or worse, halted, for the sake of the citizen's bow ? There was no cause to shoot game inside the city after all and she was not a Ranger. But they'd be taking it out into the Pelennor, not brining it inside ..


Once they were at the Stables, Eryn fulfilled her intention and checked in on Buttercup. Smoke was in a stall as well, which the young man noted but did not remark upon. He would be lucky to receive a response at any rate. By the time, he'd located his usual, favourite, horse .. his friend was lounging over a stall door, somewhat sleepily. And by the time the Ranger had saddled Baran, it occurred to him that he was going to have to undo all that he had just achieved.

Eryn was sat up, high on Smoke, but neither one of the pair seemed quite ready to take a little early morning jaunt. In fact, it occurred to Unalmis that he could even leave his friend here, fetch her father and be back before she might even notice ! Of course, that did run the risk of leaving her, here, alone, when his own goal had been to ascertain she was safe and well after today's 'scavenger hunt'. If he went down to the farm without her, his friend would maybe rouse some, in time and attempt to follow on anyway. And then they'd be separated. Since she appeared about as tired as the horse, there were not great odds of that turning out well. Whereas trying to take her back to the Married housing village .. she'd maybe sneak out again after he left and, once more, she'd be on her own. In a city after dark. Granted, it was a city he'd lived in his entire life, but after dark, in certain neighbourhoods .. not a wise risk. His dear friend certainly wasn't alert enough to be left alone right now.


Stifling a sigh, the young man removed the saddle he'd just worked on for Baran, since their was no way they'd both fit on it. He couldn't manage the horse's reins from sitting behind her, if a saddle separated them; and if he hoped to keep the drowsy young miss sat up behind him, she was liable to let go of him, fall off .. no. Not happening. There was only one option remaining then.

Calming Hattie to stay quiet, Unalmis eased his sleepy friend back down off Smoke. With a patience bourne largely of curiosity, he found that he could help her up onto Baran. It took little time to put away all that he'd gotten ready, stall Smoke back where the horse - at least - could rest, and then lead all three of his little company outside, shutting the stable doors behind them. Allowing Eryn to drape as she needed at the horse's strong neck in front of her, the young man found his way up to sit behind her. Thankfully she had done much in the ways of teaching him to ride bareback, during their vacation out to Rohan. And Baran had doubled with the pair before, on that self same trek. Nal thus leaned his friend back up against him, gently, brushed her long hair away with his fingers from tickling his nose, and looped one arm loosely around her waist. Just in case. His other hand caught up the reins. Nardy had brought his worse-for-wear, young cousin home from the ill-fated peddler incident in a similar fashion, a few years ago, so the cousin himself was convinced it would work out.

Of course, they were not going to get to the Farm with anything like the sort of speed he had initially hoped for now. But short of carrying Eryn back to the Barracks village, or leaving her abed in the hay, there weren't many alternatives. The alibi of his taking a tired young girl home to her parent had just grown substantially more believable !


With a click of his teeth to call Hattie away from the door, Unalmis started them off on the slowest, but most steady descent of the Circles which he and the horse could manage. His ambition had been to see for himself that Eryn was safely sleeping in her own bed after whatever had happened with her today ... and well .. this might have been a roundabout way to manage that goal, but still it would do. At the farm, he had no doubt they'd find Duinion. Because there was absolutely no way even Eryn could have snuck out of a house he was in - twice ! - without his stopping her. Not the Tirdinen !! And if he wasn't with his family ... he must be at the farm. The older Ranger would have to realise that sneaking out there had led to his own daughter seeking to achieve the very same. How could Duinion be cross with them for merely following his example ? And whatever the man thought was worth sneaking out for in the middle of the night, one look at his exhausted daughter ought to convince him to give it up.

The biggest clue that Eryn had not stirred from her compliant state thus far, was the fact that she did not protest when Unalmis left her bow and arrows hung up in the Stable. At least not yet. Any argument that she did in fact require the tools .. would just have to meet the fact that she could likely not aim the weapon well anyway .. with her eyes closed and all ! But for now, Unalmis simply enjoyed the peace of the hour. Baran shifted easily beneath them, and Hattie followed, quietly, as though the terrier herself was also tired ... As well she might be. It was after all, an hour anybody with sense ought to be abed.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Officer Quarters, Room 3 - the next day after the Masquerade

Pele had not returned to the barracks right after the Masquerade ball, and instead she had shared a room with her sister in the home of one of her sister's friends. At least it had given her the opportunity not to run into any Rangers while dressed in her costume, and she could spend all the time she liked in washroom (as long as she was not embarrassed to take it up in someone else's home, that is). There had not been much sleep though, since her sister kept talking off her excitement for most of the night. So it was that Pele had slept next to nothing when she wandered back to her barracks room in a state of considerable exhaustion.

Finally safe behind her door, she looked at herself in the mirror. While she had done her best to look acceptable, tiredness was visible in her face, as well as a darker tint of her lips and hair. All the thorough washing she had done had not managed to completely erase the dark disguise of the previous night. Pele laughed softly at her own image and then proceeded to change into uniform, though not beyond the standard set of uniform trousers and grey long-sleeved shirt. She did not have duties right away, so a comfortable woolen sweater went over it, reaching nearly down to her knees and looking alike to a warm short dress.

She then stood indecisively in the middle of the room again for a while, debating whether she should have a short nap or go down to the little mess and common room to fetch a cup of stronger coffee to wake up for the day. Giving the bed a longing look, she then turned and left the room to see what could be found downstairs.

[Arnyn]

Hyandaner Captain Arnyn Dealedwen
with Hyandaner Sergeant Dhalion De Mein
Years ago, Hyandaner Common Room

On the other side of the window, the world was dark and cold. "Your idea is a good one," he told her.

"My idea has turned into a logistical nightmare," she half-groaned, repositioning herself on the common room's sofa, the papers on her lap shifting with her.

From his position in the armchair closest to the fire, Dhalion gave her a half-smile. "Come on, Captain. Don't falter on me now."

Arnyn gave him a narrow-eyed look before returning her attention to the task at hand. "Alright, alright. So we have everyone's activity logs. We have summaries on all the missions the division has been on for the past month, and I just finished condensing the Tower Guard reports relevant to our people. But I still need to make the pair-ups for the month to come. For Tower Guard duties. And I still need to copy it over about fifty times and distribute it to everyone," she mumbled.

"We can make the pair-ups now," Dhalion offered. "But you should outsource the copying. Doesn't the command have budgets for this?" he asked her, hiding his amusement.

"I... don't know."

"You could delegate figuring it out."

Frowning, Arnyn looked over at Dhalion. She had just recently been promoted to Captain of the sword division, and felt like she still had a million things to do in order to get the division running smoothly and cohesively. They were already a solid unit, but there was always room for improvement. This monthly newsletter was just one of the ways she had in mind of trying to accomplish just that. "Offering, Sergeant?"

Grey eyes returned her look steadily and gave a single nod. "I'll make the necessary inquiries and report back to you." Dhalion rose from the armchair and sat down next to her. "As for the pair-ups, with your approval, I'd like to put Pele and Missy together."

Arnyn smiled as she looked for the right papers - the ones with the Tower Guard rosters. "Sounds like a good idea. They haven't been paired up in a while. And I'd like to put Turin and Red together - I think they'd make an excellent team..."

*

Once they'd filled out everything, Arnyn leaned her head back onto the sofa and closed her eyes. It was well past midnight and her day had started early. Dhalion looked over at her. A companiable silence fell between them, leaving only the popping and crackling of the fire, until the Sergeant spoke quietly. "So. I heard you came down hard on Fervil and Tamrin on the mission, last week, when they were playing that knife game."

Arnyn grunted just as quietly. She opened her eyes, and lifted her head to return the Sergeant's gaze. He was smiling - just a little. Arnyn watched his expression for a moment, unafraid of the silence between his question and her answer. "They were damaging property that did not belong to them." She mirrored the same smile back at him. "I heard you dumped a bucket of cold water on Vorondil at that pub on the First."

Dhalion nodded, still smiling. Another silence fell, before he offered: "He was drunk."

Eye contact was finally broken when Arnyn snickered. Dhalion allowed himself a quick grin. "When does Umbardacil come back?"

"Supposedly, next week," she said.

Dhalion nodded. "I'm sure you'll be happy with the return of your Lieutenant."

"Yes," she agreed. "But thank you. For your assistance."

The Dol Amrothian lifted his hand, inviting her to clasp it. "At your disposal, Captain."

She wasn't sure whether she'd ever seen Dhalion smile this long. Therefore, her own smile was genuine when she clasped the offered hand. "In that case, tomorrow we should plan the invasion of the Pelecconner wing," she suggested.

"Gladly. Ren needs to be reminded we can outclass him."

"Good night, Dhalion," she told him.

"Good night, Arnyn."

She released his hand, which he kept out, waiting for her to hand the papers to him. After doing so, Arnyn rose from the sofa, briefly touched her hand to her heart the way she always bid one of the Hyandaner goodbye, and left the warmth of the common room behind her.

[Arnyn]

xmas present for @Ercassie

Lieutenant Brian
Barracks, December 22nd

Brian had thought they were playing a game with him. He had figured the wide-eyed Hyandaner who had shown up at his office was part of some plan to draw him to the men's bathing room, where he'd get trapped or pranked in some other way. Because, really. Who in their right mind would believe a man who claimed that one of the baths had turned orange, along with half a pile of towels?

After a moment's deliberation, however, and a stern assessment of the Hyandaner's facial expression, Lieutenant Brian had heaved a sigh. Who was he kidding? How could he possibly not investigate such a bizarre claim? For however ludicrous it was, Brian did have to hand it to whoever had decided to test him today: he had not heard this one before. And after being barracks master for nearly two decades now, that was saying something.

While he had been prepared for a practical joke, he had not quite expected... whatever it was he had stumbled on to. The Hyandaner had not been lying, even if he was part of one of the two divisions who had caused most of Brian's greying hair. The water in one of the baths was, in fact, tinged orange. All of it. Brian's nose scrunched. There was no discernable odor, but... he had been fighting a cold. His nose was stuffy.

"Does it smell?" The Barracks Master snapped at the Ranger who had summoned him here.

"No, not that I can tell from here, Lieutenant," the man replied hesitantly.

"Then step closer," the order came gruffly. "We need to be certain that this -" Brian gestured at the contents of the bath. "Is not mostly or entirely a collection of half the unit's morning urine." If this young man thought he would have an easy time at pranking him - he, who had seen burly Pelecconer dressed in straw skirts and coconut bras; he, who had seen pink-clad rangers: he, who had witnessed the near destruction of two wings because of the division wars; he, who had seen nearly every possible infraction on the barracks code of conduct... then the Hyandaner had another thing coming.

Brian still did not buy for so much as a second that the Hyandaner had nothing to do with this. The aging officer had already spotted a few others snickering by the doors, and the Hyandaner next to him had turned a bit green. Backing up a step rather than stepping closer, as he had been ordered.
Losing his patience, the Lieutenant grabbed the Ranger by the collar and pulled him closer to the offending bath water. "And?" he demanded.

"I.. can't smell anything, Lieutenant..."

Brian narrowed his eyes when a brief laugh came from the trio of rangers by the doors. He sidestepped behind the Hyandaner, and more quickly than anyone could even consider what he might do next, he had maneuvered and consequently shoved the Hyandaner forward. Thus proving that the barracks master's growing gut did not mean he had lost his speed, nor indeed his strength. For the Hyandaner made a most efficient tumble into the questionable wetness, even as the Barracks Master wisely retreated from the ensuing orange-tinted splash.

The bathroom was cloaked in absolute silence for a moment. Until the spell was broken by the re-emergence of the Hyandaner, snorting orange water from his nose. "Mordor's pits, man!" the latter swore angrily.

"Mordor's pits, Lieutenant," Brian corrected him with a hiss. "And?"

The Hyandaner swore again. "Well, it's not piss!" he yelled, hauling himself out of the water. "Not that you knew--"

"I would be very careful with your words as well as your tone," Brian interrupted him grimly. "For I know full well your name and rank, and if I wish it so you will be scrubbing these floors and baths every night for months, Hyandaner Quentyn. And I can assure you that some of your compatriots are not at all as noble as you lot like to pretend that you are." Brian looked disgusted. "I have seen it before. Once they know you are here - every night, without fail - they will start leaving little presents for you." The barracks master narrowed his eyes at the young man. "Caution then, yes? You have already earned yourself a week as it is."

"A week?" The Hyandaner looked positively flummoxed. "But all I did was report this--"

"Two weeks," Brian corrected himself, dismissing the Hyandaner with a non-interested wave of his hand. "You may leave. Bring me the talkative trio over there. And no dripping on your way out," he warned the ranger, leaving the latter open-mouthed but bereft of words, for the ranger knew that any response other than "yes, sir, of course, sir" would add at least a week to his punishment. He moved for a clean towel, but Brian stopped him. "Not a clean one," the officer growled, pointing instead at the damp pile of orange-tinted towels on the nearby bench. "Damaging barracks property is forbidden. And who knows if we'll ever get that color out."

He rather enjoyed to leave someone else fuming, for once, rather than his charges succeeding in having steam coming out of his ears. It was too bad, really, that it hadn't been Raxelilta or Leithor!

[Rillewen]

(Solo post, inspired by the one preceeding it)

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Barracks, December 22nd

His hair was back to its normal color, or close enough that the average person ought not be able to tell. It might be just a tiny bit darker but he figured most people wouldn't notice it, especially if he wore his hat a lot. It was cold, after all. Mentally, Trastion thanked Kaylin for coming to his rescue on that. His attempts at washing the stuff out had not gone well, and in fact, he still had to tidy up the remainder of that mess. He would've already taken care of it, but he hadn't been able to empty the washtub by himself, and he'd also been unsure what to do about the towels, nor the splashes of orange-tinted water that had inadvertently gotten in the floor and surrounding walls. And it had been getting late. People were returning from the dance. He'd had to just stick a hat on his head and go to bed and hope no one made a big fuss about it. Then, he would have gotten back up to finish up during the night, but he'd fallen asleep. And then, in the morning, there had been too many people around, so he'd had to just hope no one connected him to the mess. His plan had been to finish cleaning it up as soon as everyone else had gone to bed, tonight.

But when he returned from Kaylin's house and went to the dorm, the hallways were buzzing with whispers about Lieutenant Brian, a hyandaner named Quentyn, and the tub of orange water. Trastion caught his breath as he heard the whispers, and it didn't take long before he managed to hear an account of the incident. How one of the hyandaner had reported the mess. How Brian had reacted. How the ranger had been assigned to scrub the washroom every night for two weeks. Trastion could almost not believe his ears, but then... this was Lieutenant Brian they were talking about. Inwardly, he frowned at the unfairness of it all. Outwardly, he listened with curious interest as anyone might do, and verbally agreed with the others that the barrack's master was incredibly unfair in dishing out this punishment. Meanwhile, he was trying to work out what to do... because he couldn't just let someone else clean up his mess.

---

Trastion waited until everyone had gone to bed.. then he went to the washroom. Hyandaner Quentyn was already working on his task. Trastion frowned as he stood in the doorway for a moment, watching and trying to think of how to address this.

The hyandaner looked up when he noticed someone in the doorway, and sighed. "I thought everyone was done in here for the night. What now?"

"Oh, sorry. I just.. heard someone in here, and I was curious." Trastion answered, tilting his head. "What's going on? What're you doing?"

Quentyn scowled. "That tyr..." He caught himself from saying anything he might regret. "I mean, I've been assigned to clean the washroom." He grumbled. "Even though all I did was report someone else's mess," He added under his breath, but it was loud enough for Trastion to hear it.

Trastion folded his arms and frowned, inwardly amused at the fact that he'd obviously been about to say 'tyrant'. "Huh. That doesn't sound fair." He moved closer in to look at the mess. "What is all that?" He asked, curious if anyone had guessed what it really was.

"I have no idea," The man huffed. "It was just.. here. The whole mess." He waved at the pile of towels and the tub and all. "And he pushed me into it," He grumbled. "And now I have to clean it up."

Trastion gave a thoughtful look over the mess. "Hmm." He didn't say anything else, and walked out of the washroom, halfway aware of the guy glancing after him as he left. Trastion returned a moment later with more cleaning supplies in hand, and noted the surprised and puzzled look on the guy's face as he kneeled down on the other side of the tub to begin scrubbing.

"What are you doing?" Quentyn wondered, watching him in bafflement.

"Helping." Trastion glanced up with a smile. "I mean, that's what we do, right? We help each other. We're a team... right? A family of sorts, even. That's what Lieutenant Arnyn says." He shrugged. "So, if someone's being punished for something they didn't even do, then everyone else ought to pitch in and help them. At least, that's how I see it." He kept his gaze downward on the stones as he said this, and shrugged. Maybe, if he asked them, he could talk some of his roommates into joining them to help out as well.

After a moment, he looked at Quentyn, who was still staring at him. "Speaking of... why did you report it to him, anyway? You had to know that whoever did make this mess was likely to get in trouble, right? So, what, you figured you'd tell Brian, and he'd go find out who did it and punish them?" He guessed. "Only instead.. you get the punishment." He paused. "Maybe next time you'll think twice about tattling on your fellow rangers?"

"I was only trying to be a responsible person." Quentyn protested, frowning. "It's not my fault the lieutenant is completely unreasonable. How was I to know that he would make me clean it?"

Trastion sat back and looked at him incredulously. "No offense, Hyandaner, but... really?" He asked. "How long have you been a ranger here? Longer than me, I know. And you mean to tell me you didn't even suspect that Lieutenant Brian would react like this?" He shook his head a little with amazement. "So... just curious, but, if you did find out who had made this mess, would you run back to Brian to tell him who it was?"

Quentyn frowned. "That's what any responsible person ought to do!"

Trastion scoffed and shook his head. "And then he'd probably punish that poor fellow, and maybe add more punishment to you... and then you'd be complaining about that..." He glanced at Quentyn. "Really, you should know by now that it's best to avoid him in any matter of this sort." He sighed and couldn't help thinking of Togg, who used to tattle on him and his brother all the time. And sometimes, he'd even make up stuff to 'tattle' on them about. "We're supposed to be a family. Brothers, right?" He muttered. "True brothers don't try to get each other into trouble. They help each other when they are in trouble." Trastion nodded to the scrub brush that he was using to help Quentyn. "That's why I'm here helping you. Even though I could just go to bed and let you do this by yourself. Because I believe in the family thing." He sat back and looked at the hyandaner. "Also, for the record... if I knew who had made this mess, I wouldn't even think about reporting it... I'd help them, same as I'm helping you. That's what families do for each other."

"I don't need you to give me a lecture, kid." Quentyn scowled and got back to scrubbing.

Trastion shrugged. "Hey. I'm just saying, you brought it on yourself, going to him to tattle."

"I wasn't tattling..."

"What do you call it then?" Trastion laughed, amused that he would deny it.

Quentyn opened his mouth to protest and ended up closing it in a frown. "I wasn't intending it that way." He muttered. "Anyway.. it's done now. And whoever left this mess is probably pleased with himself, thinking he's pulled off some prank on the lieutenant, and clearly doesn't care that someone else has to clean it up."

Trastion shrugged. "Maybe, but it doesn't pay to sulk about it."

"In a couple of nights, our fellow 'brothers' will probably start leaving 'presents' for me to clean up, just like the lieutenant said." Quentyn frowned.

Trastion glanced at him. "We'll see." He answered. The lieutenant thought so, huh? Trastion decided he would try and rally together as many of their ranger brothers as he could, to try and get them to help Quentyn clean. Prove the lieutenant wrong. Trastion hoped he wasn't wrong in thinking Nal, at least, would be happy to volunteer for that cause. He stood up. "Let's dump this water." He suggested, figuring it might be easier to clean around the tub if they moved the tub itself out of the way.

"Good idea. If we work together, it shouldn't be as difficult to carry." Quentyn smiled slightly and together, they lifted up the tub between them, trying to be careful not to spill any of the orangey water. It wasn't as heavy as it had been, before Quentyn had gotten pushed into it, but it was still a bit heavy for one person to try and lift by themselves. "Where should we dump it?"

Trastion paused, then had a great idea. "The Lieutenant's flower patch probably needs watering, wouldn't you say?" He asked with an innocent smile, figuring that would be some nice payback for what the lieutenant had done to Quentyn.

After a little pause, in which he looked like he might protest, Quentyn ended up grinning back. "Perfect." He agreed, and together they carried the tub outside to dump into the flowerbeds, before coming back to work on cleaning up the rest.

[Pele Alarion]

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks, Common Room
Some two or three nights after the Masquerade

It had been a long healing process, but Pele’s sleep was finally deep and refreshing most nights, with an occasional exception. This happened to be just such an exception, and she had woken up in the middle of night and found herself unable to fall back asleep. Deciding that staring at the ceiling would not do the trick, she got out of bed and put on her usual off-duty wear of leggings, shirt and sweater which was too large for her. She refused to give it up for something more fitting because it was very warm and comfortable. Woolen socks both kept her feet warm and served as slippers and made her footsteps near inaudible as she snuck out the door and headed for the little mess.

Then she redirected her route and decided to get a breath of fresh air first. Mindful of her socks she did not go outside and lingered in the doorway, keeping the door ajar with one foot as she leaned her back against the door post. Everything was dark and quiet outdoors, as it should be, most rangers who were not on some sort of nightly duty in their beds, though she did spy a light in two windows. As her gaze continued upwards, she could spot a glimpse of the moon mostly hiding behind clouds, and a sprinkling of stars. Eventually the cold began to reach her even through the warm clothes and with a slight shiver Pele left her self-appointed guard post to return indoors.

Sleep was yet nowhere to be found, so she finally made her way to the little mess and fetched herself a cup of tea and a couple of dry biscuits. With these in hand, she slowly walked to the common room, pleasantly uninhabited at this hour. Without hesitation she headed for her favourite sofa and set the snacks down on a small table having moved it closer to the sofa with her foot. It caused some noise, and she cast a look at the door just to make sure the brief disturbance of silence had not caused issues. One lit candle later on the small table, she herself stretched out comfortably on the sofa.

For a while Pele stared at the reflection of the candle-light dancing on the ceiling and then decided that she could have done this in her own room just as well without bothering to come down, so to change that she reached over carefully and picked up a small book someone had left on the table.

She opened the book right where the someone had left the bookmark and found that the book contained poems. Turning the book so that she could see better, she read the first verse:

“I wake up every day with your smile on my mind.
It’s a beautiful sight to behold, so soft and so kind.
My dreams are filled with the thought of me and you.
I awake and smile, for my dreams have come true.”*

She stared at the text for a few moments thoughtfully, then frowned and with a grumbled “Nonsense!” shut the book noisily and threw it into the further corner of the sofa. There had been a time when she had believed this and had briefly lived this, but now the words seemed awfully hollow and even painful.

Pele had gone through the motions at the masquerade, and yes, she even had some fun, but it could never be the same again and now that she thought back to it, hollow. Even if she had managed to dance with the King it could not help fill the emptiness. Nothing could replace that first dance in Minas Athon, that first look deep into that beloved face, so close; those eyes… And the fun in the autumn leaves… and even the times simply sitting together on this same sofa.

“Nonsense!” she said once again, suddenly feeling that all the loneliness of the world was about to crash down on her. Sitting up, she pulled up her knees and hid her face in the crook of her left arm as the fingers of her right hand found the pendant made of two intertwined silver rings.

“Do I even have any dreams any more?” she asked herself inwardly. The only dream had been smashed to pieces and irrecoverable. Everything that might be along those lines seemed more work-related than anything else. But could work be called a dream? Pele’s fingers tightened around the pendant, as she struggled to find the way out of this sudden wave of loneliness and despair brought on by an innocent poem.

Perhaps she should have stayed in bed and stared at the ceiling…

* Author: Luke O. Meyers

[Isolde Alarion]

Cat
Barracks, Common Room
Some two or three nights after the Masquerade
w/ @Pele Alarion

On silent pink toe beans the creature weaved its way through courtyard under the dappled light of the moon, that was until he noticed another creature stirring at such a late hour. He sat and watched it disappear into one of the buildings many rooms. His golden eyes blinked with curiosity.

Curiosity getting the better of him he stood and hurried with silent steps through the door which was open just enough for him to slip through. Once inside he stopped and watched a woman seated seeming to stare at the ceiling. He looked upwards, trying to see what drew such interest. Seeing nothing he blinked and looked back at her. She picked up something and stared at it but it seemed to bother her and he hunched down when she threw it, unsure if he should slip out or stay.

Stay he did. He watched her seem to fold herself up on the couch and hide her face. Did she fall asleep? He liked to hide his face under his tail when he curled up to sleep. Maybe she did the same? He then noticed the biscuits and his black nose twitched, his whiskers seeming to search the air. He liked biscuits.

With silent tippy taps he made his way to the small table where he sat, his tail lazily curled around him as he looked at the woman. His head slightly tilted as the fire reflected in his gold eyes and on the sleek black of his fur.

"Meww." He addressed her lightly as he looked up at her, blinking with curiosity.

[Pele Alarion]

@Isolde Alarion

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks, Common Room
Some two or three nights after the Masquerade

Pele was not sure how long she had sat in her misery, but then she was suddenly aware of a meow. There could not be a cat in the barracks, surely. Was she hearing things that were not there? Surely she was not that mad yet... The sound had seemed real.

She lifted her head and found herself looking at a cat that looked like a little bit of midnight darkness with two moon-lit eyes sitting right there on the table. She sat up straight, quietly setting her feet on the floor and blinked back at the cat unawares.

"How did you get in here?" she asked the creature as if it could reply. "Midnight," she gave the cat a name in line with the first impression it made and then reached out gently to run her hand over his soft fur. "Care for a little treat?" she then broke off a little corner of biscuit to offer it to the animal who had appeared so unexpectedly and helped her conquer the pit of despair that had been pulling her in just moments ago.

[Isolde Alarion]

Midnight
Barracks, Common Room
Some two or three nights after the Masquerade
@Pele Alarion


He watched her raise her head and blinked when she blinked, the only answer he could give to her question was another. “Mew.”

When she ran her hand gently over his back he stood and arched his back, throughly enjoying it till she went to break off a piece of the biscuit.

His eyes followed her hand intensely. So excited for the bit of biscuit he let out a long “Meeewww” as if he couldn’t contain himself but he was still a gentleman.
He lightly sniffed at the offering, his whiskers twitching, then he gently took it and bringing it back to settle on the table he started to crunch on it.

He made short work of it and sniffing the table for more he looked back at her. “Mew” he asked for more as he stood up and lightly pawed at the air.

[Pele Alarion]

@Isolde Alarion

Captain Pele Alarion
Barracks, Common Room
Some two or three nights after the Masquerade

"You do know that we could both get into trouble, yes?" she asked the cat and laughed quietly entertained by his way of asking for biscuits. While she could pull the rank on Lt Brian she imagined it would not really be worth it since they were on rather reasonable terms. She could very well imagine his reaction if he found out there was a cat in the barracks and that she fed it. However, if she managed to lure the cat back out again before the morning... At any rate she did not intend to keep him - his fur was silky and smooth, so she figured that he was well taken care of and not abandoned.

"Fine. Just a little bit more, you know..." Pele relented and broke one of the biscuits into smaller pieces to offer to the cat, and then ate the other one herself with a hearty drink of tea to wash it down. "Just a dry biscuit with no special taste but you seem to like it well enough, Midnight," she observed. "I ain't going for more though." In fact, it would probably be best if she tried to go back to sleep and get at least a couple hours of rest before the next day's duties were on her.

[Isolde Alarion]

@Pele Alarion
Barracks, Common Room
Some two or three nights after the Masquerade


His begging seemed to work and he watched with interest as she broke off some of the biscuit then into a few pieces. He didn’t hesitate when she offered it to him. He settled down once more to crunch on the pieces.


He made short work of them and as his pink tongue licked over his whiskers he looked at her with those golden eyes.
He could see she had no more biscuits but that didn’t mean he was done with her company.

He rose and quietly found her lap to which he promptly settled in and tucked his paws in, his eyes became two dark slits and a rather healthy purr started to come from him.

What more could a cat want? A warm lap and a full belly, now all that was lacking was a good scratch.

He looked up at her contently. “Meoww” As if to say “Scratches please”