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Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
A day after the fire

Pele had been about the office since breakfast, outwardly looking all neat and tidy, but a rather lost and tired look in her eyes as she was still mulling over the events of the previous day and trying to make sense of it all. A few crumpled up notes were scattered on her desk, and one had fallen to the floor - a testimony to her attempts of writing up a simple notice to summon Rangers. This was far from any sort of a lengthy written account, and yet Pele had not been happy with several of her attempts at writing.

"For crying out loud, Alarion," she scolded herself under her breath. "This is just a simple task!"

Having written yet another note to tell the Rangers to gather the following day, she decided it was simple and good enough, so she headed out into the main hall and pinned it to the board:


Note up, Pele then turned her attention to finding a messenger she could send to summon any folk who did not reside at the barracks and did not check in every day.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

She was ridiculously eary, because she'd been avoiding eating at the mess. Too many questions or requests to tell the tale, from too many Rangers, had come her way when she'd tried to eat there at noon right after the fire and the... 'Relic affair'. Or 'wolf business'. The others were co curious, so eager to hear the story from her directly... but Arnyn was not eager to tell it. For her heart was heavy.

The Lieutenant had not exactly locked herself up in her room, but she had stayed clear of places with loads of people. She'd taken care of what had to be done, yes. But she had not been spending any time at the mess or the common room. She hadn't gone on strolls around the city. She had even avoided the training grounds.
Instead... she had accompanied the Captain to the family of the fallen guard... and Minluzir's... and Danthor's... And in addition to their losses, in spite of all their meetings and plans... in spite of their eventual victory... Pele was not yet feeling any better.

Arnyn could not expect such a thing, of course. The lives lost. The many injuries. The damage to the barracks. It was a heavy burden for her to bear as well. If only they had done better. Somehow. Perhaps most if not all of this could have been avoided... Pele and Arnyn had done more than merely shared words together. There might have been tears shared, as well. But that was not for anyone else to know.

Sitting on a low windowsill in the main hall of headquarters, one of her boots resting on the sill as well, Arnyn sighed as she looked out of the window. She needed to turn this around. Maybe once this debrief was over... she could find a way to help Pele really turn over the page. Or perhaps... perhaps the debrief itself might assure that the first steps are taken.

Little was visible of her altercation with Relic now. A piece of bandage was visible where the base of her neck met her shoulder, just peaking above the collar of her clean, black uniform. It was a lot of bandage for a series of small puncture wound, having to wrap it underneath the opposite armpit to keep the bandage in place. Despite the wound being a wolf's bite, the teeth had not gone deep before the creature had retreated - and the beast had not closed its jaws. Arnyn still felt like she had gotten a free pass. Thoughtfully, her right hand toyed with the teardrop-shaped sapphire on her necklace.
Mourgan had not been so lucky. Mourgan, who was still at the Houses of Healing.

Thus, even before breakfast had properly begun, she waited for the others. For her Captain. For the Rangers.

@Cubanopele @Rillewen @Ercassie @Karis Ziranphel @Romeran

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Romeran entered the ranger headquarters with a heavy heart. His broad shoulders hunched slightly and his normally vibrant blue eyes were dull and tired. His dark black hair was matted and unkempt, indicating that he had been neglecting his personal grooming in the aftermath of the funeral.

Despite his disheveled appearance, it was clear that Romeran was still a physically imposing figure. He stood well over two rangar tall and his muscular build made it clear that he was no stranger to hard physical labor, the last few weeks having likely been filled with it. Despite this, his movements were slow and measured, as though every step was an effort.

After looking around the room for a moment, Romeran caught sight of Lieutenant Arnyn sitting on the windowsill. As he approached Lieutenant Arnyn, Romeran cleared his throat, steeling himself for the difficult conversation he knew was to come. "Lieutenant Arnyn," he began, his voice rough and hesitant, pausing to quickly salute in respect. "I wanted to apologize for my absence. As you may know, my uncle passed away and I had to return home to help out on the farm and attend the funeral. I know that my absence must have put a strain on the team and I want to assure you that I will work doubly hard to make up for it. I left a note on the ranger board, but I am unsure if it was found or was even sufficient excuse" Romeran looked down at the floor, eyes downcast as his voice trailed off.

He paused for a moment, looking up at Arnyn with a mix of apprehension and contrition. "I'm also aware that a lot has happened while I was away, and I'm afraid I'm a bit out of the loop. I don't want to be a liability to the team, and I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to help."

Romeran fell silent, his eyes fixed on Arnyn, waiting for her response. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a hint of vulnerability in his expression that suggested he was genuinely contrite and eager to make amends.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Someone had entered headquarters. It wasn't hard for Arnyn to tell. The place was basically empty. It was hard to enter without making any kind of sound. She could tell the person was approaching her, but she only looked away from the window when they cleared their throat. As her head turned and her dark brown eyes recognized Romeran, she noted she could sympathy with the look in his eyes. She remembered Pele telling her about the notice he had left for them. His uncle.

He addressed her respectfully, with the proper rank and salute. She listened to his words, taking them in with the slightest of frowns. He was apologizing for his absence and for having to return home to help out his family and attend his uncle's funeral. He clearly felt badly about leaving the city and the unit for the time he had. He worried about how they had taken it, that much was clear. Arnyn's frown deepened for a moment, before returning to its previous state.

"Romeran. You are expecting a scolding..." she half asked, half stated, "for being there for your family when they needed you?"

She paused, to let that sink in for a moment, before continuing.

"It is true that the Captain and I would have preferred you telling one of us in person and actually asking for the necessary leave rather than simply taking it.." the Lieutenant admitted with a slow nod. "And I can tell you that we would have granted the leave to you. Personally I would have granted it to you even if we had just been about to set out on a mission." She rose from the windowsill to put her right hand on his left shoulder. "It would be too much of a risk to put you in a possible fight when your heart was heavy with grief and you wanted to spend time with your family," she explained quietly. "On a mission, you need focus. And we do prefer our rangers to live," she added, even more quietly for just the briefest of moments.

"The next time you want to take a leave of absence, you will ask Pele or myself in person," she ordered, looking into his eyes to see if he understood. She gauged his expression and considered the sound of his voice. "I can see your apology is sincere. We will speak of it no more." She nodded at him while maintaining eye contact, then removed her hand from his shoulder.

"As for being out of the loop... you arrived well in time for a debrief about some recent events. Have you eaten yet?" It was early, after all, and breakfast would have only just begun at the mess. "If not, you still have time to grab something at the mess before everyone will get here. If you have already broken your fast or aren't hungry, you're also welcome to stay. We can talk if you wish, and I can fill you in on some of the things you have missed while you were away from the City. Or we can not talk, and we can find out which of us can stare out of the window the longest."

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Pele had been going through these last days and doing what was necessary to her best abilities, willing herself to get out of bed in the mornings, to eat, to hydrate, and engage in the most necessary interactions with people where she could not avoid those. For her, the taste of victory seemed laced with poison, as she struggled not to let Relic's accusing words settle in her mind and squeeze the life out of her while she grieved the losses. There was a fine line between analysing the events to see what could have been done differently, and stepping over that line where she would be dragged into pits of despair by guilt. Luckily Arnyn's presence and support had kept her away from giving in, even through the difficult task of bringing the news of sorrow to the families of the fallen Ranger and the guard. Pele was deeply grateful for it, though every so often she could not help but wonder if she was not overburdening her friend who also took the losses heavily.

The night before the planned debrief Pele had barely had any sleep, her mind still relentlessly mulling over all the details, sifting through it all to determine what would be necessary to share. She was not wholly sure she would be able to keep it all business-like and without involving intense emotion. Towards the morning weariness had kicked in, and she had slept a little, only to get up soon after. When she made ready, the reflection in her mirror looked back at her listlessly. After a few moments of staring at herself, Pele decided that it would not do, so she took a deep breath, and made herself straighten up, square her shoulders, and lift her chin. "That's better," she decided, and headed out the door to grab a handful of nuts from the little mess before heading straight for the headquarters.

She was not the first to arrive, Pele found, not that she had particularly tried to do so. "Arnyn... Romeran?" she greeted the two people already present by their names. A gleam of a smile touched her blue eyes, though it did not reach her lips. She finished off the couple remaining hazelnuts she still had, and simply stood near the two other Rangers without saying much else.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

"Captain," Arnyn greeted Pele gently after her friend bid her and Romeran hello. "Romeran has returned to the city and was just reporting in," she explained, saving Romeran the need to do so. "I've accepted his return to active duty," she added, to reassure the large trainee as well as tell Pele there was no need for any additional questioning or possibly even scolding as to the fashion of his departure. Although she would have guessed Pele's inclination to do so would have been rather low, at present.

The Lieutenant's gaze returned to Romeran. "The Captain is likely going over her debrief," she then in turn explained Pele's silence to the trainee. "I think you will understand once you hear it." Arnyn smiled faintly.

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Romeran was relieved when he saw Lieutenant Arnyn's face soften and her hand went to his shoulder after he apologized for his unapproved absence. He knew he had messed up and was grateful that she seemed to have forgiven him. However, he couldn't shake off the guilt that had been weighing him down ever since he had left without seeking the necessary approval.

"I am sorry, Lieutenant. I should have asked for permission before leaving. I promise it won't happen again," he said, looking her in the eyes. "Thank you for understanding." He stiffened and stood up straight as if prepared to take orders.

When Lieutenant Arnyn asked if he had eaten, Romeran nodded. "Yes, I have had breakfast already. I arrived in the city this morning and came straight to headquarters. What has happened? Are the other rangers okay?" he asked anxiously.

As he waited for her reply, Captain Pele entered the room. Romeran immediately saluted, but the captain's presence made him feel even more ashamed of his behavior. He was relieved when Lieutenant Arnyn stepped in to explain that he had been approved to return to duty.

Romeran let out a small sigh of relief and waited eagerly to hear about the debriefing. He wondered which of the other rangers would arrive soon and whether any of them would be missing. As he looked at the stoic faces of the Lieutenant and Captain, he tried to read any hint of what had happened but couldn't tell.

Despite his anxiety, he was glad to be back with his fellow rangers. He had missed the camaraderie and sense of purpose that came with being a part of their team. He vowed to never take his responsibilities for granted again and to always follow the proper protocols.

@Cubanopele @Arnyn @Romeran
There had been a tremendous amount to think about since the meeting with Arnyn, and Duinion was still trying to figure out what to do with most of it. He had debated coming in shortly after the meeting but had decided to wait until he had to come anyway. But since then, it seemed that a lot of things had happened. He'd heard several things lately. Eryn had come home full of tales about the fire and something about an oversized wolf, but seeing as that was secondhand information, he wasn't sure whether to believe that. Still, having heard news that they were being summoned, he was a bit interested in hearing about these things for certain. Being a little early due to riding along with Eryn on her way to the houses of healing, Duinion hoped that would give him a bit of time before everyone else arrived.

He was down to just one crutch now, limping as he entered the headquarters. It was annoying to have to use a crutch, but he was happy to be allowed to put some weight on the injured foot by now. He hoped to have more progress after his next checkup, which would be soon. But for now he was trying to stick to the healer's instructions as best as he could. After entering, he wasn't surprised to see the captain and lieutenant, but one he did not expect to see was Romeran. He smiled in relief to see the trainee, after a lengthy absence. "Captain, Lieutenant," Duinion nodded in greeting to the ladies. "And Romeran, glad to see you." He added. "I was beginning to worry we wouldn't see you again."

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Arnyn had been relieved at Pele's entrance, timed just right when Romeran asked if the other rangers were okay. She was not sure how to respond to that. She also didn't feel like explained the same thing every time someone new came in. Hmm. This was the downside of being early, she supposed. Maybe she should be smarter next time, and arrive just in time.

She gave Rome a faint smile and slight shake of the head. "It won't be long before the debrief begins," she just answered quietly. "But there are other things I can tell you, so you can start off with at least the same information as any other ranger who wasn't there for any of it." She had gotten quite fluent in sharing that much, at least, given the amount of times she had told small groups of Rangers in just a few days time. Duinion's entrance delayed her, as Arnyn noted the one crutch instead of two. She nodded at the Tírdinen when he greeted her.

Once the two men had greeted each other, Arnyn proceeded to inform Romeran that during his absence all Rangers had been briefed that two known adversaries from Umbar were at large in the city, and that the Captain had reason to believe that at least one of them, the most dangerous of the two, was hiding out in the Sixth circle. She told Rome that the Umbarian, a woman named Relic, was known to perform sorcery and could shift into different people in such a way that there was no way to discern her from the real person by outward appearances alone. She was also a known slaver, cruel and versed in the use of at least one poison: deadly nightshade. And that she had it out for the Captain and Master Healer.
The Lieutenant slanted her head and minutely raised an eyebrow as her dark eyes took in Rome's reaction to what she had said so far, before flickin gover to Pele, Duinion and then back to the trainee. She continued, then, going on about how Pele had suspicions one of the new recruits, Amber, was this Relic in disguise. And that they knew of at least one instance where this Amber had impersonated one of the other recruits - Trastion. And how the latter had ended up with a concussion after his altercation with the woman, but luckily nothing more.

It would be a lot to take in for the man, of course. It had been a lot for many of the rangers who'd heard it. And even though it was presented here rather succinctly, Arnyn took care as she told it to leave pauses and room for response, and Pele and Duinion might add to her information where they would. By the time they were done, breakfast would likely be drawing to an end, and the others would soon arrive.

"Duinion," she then addressed the Tírdinen. "Once the briefing has concluded, I would like discuss another matter with you, as well."

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Romeran was glad to hear Duinion's words of welcome. It was reassuring to know that his absence had not gone unnoticed. He grinned at the Tírdinen and replied, "I'm sorry to have worried you, sir. I had some family matters to attend to, but I'm glad to be back." Romeran then walked a bit closer, noticing the crutch still under Duinion's arm. "How's your injury doing?" he asked with a hint of concern. He knew what caused the injury, and he hoped that Duinion was on the road to recovery, at least he appeared to be putting some weight on it now.

He looked around at the others in the room and saw that there seemed to be an air of seriousness about them. Romeran's face showed a mix of concern and surprise as Arnyn explained the situation to him. He couldn't believe that there was someone out there who was capable of impersonating one of their own. It made him feel uneasy and uncertain, especially since he was still new to the ranger force. He wondered if there was anything he could do to help find this Relic person, but he didn't want to overstep his bounds.

As Arnyn continued speaking, Romeran's thoughts raced. He had always known that being a ranger was a dangerous job, but he never imagined that there could be someone out there who was capable of such deception. He looked at Pele, Duinion, and Arnyn, wondering how they had managed to deal with such a dangerous adversary. He felt a sense of gratitude and respect towards them for being so capable and dedicated to protecting Gondor.

Romeran decided to ask a few more questions, hoping to gain a better understanding of the situation. "How did you come to the conclusion that Amber is actually Relic in disguise? How long has Relic been impersonating Amber? Was it from the start or is she some how controlling Amber? What does Amber even look like? Is there any way to detect when Relic is using her sorcery to shift into someone else?" Romeran paused, realizing he had just let out a series of rapid fire questions. "Sorry..." he said, looking down at his feet.

Romeran's mind was still on what Arnyn had told him earlier, about the sorcerer in their midst. He wondered how he was supposed to tell if someone was really who they said they were. He didn't want to accuse anyone of being an imposter, but he also didn't want to let someone dangerous slip through the cracks. As he stood there, lost in thought, he hoped that the meeting would begin soon so that he could learn more.

@Cubanopele @Arnyn @Romeran
Duinion nodded in understanding to Romeran's comment about having family matters. "Well, I am glad to see you've returned." He replied. He had actually worried that the troll encounter had frightened him away, and hadn't heard anything to explain where he went. "My injury is.. getting better." He shrugged, then went quiet as the lieutenant began catching Romeran up on what things had been going on in his absence. Duinion moved over to one of the other windows and rested his side against the wall, leaning the crutch beside him on the wall. As Arnyn went through the details about Relic, Duinion had little to add except questions, and he refrained from asking any of those. It didn't seem like the time for it, and he assumed that most of the questions he had would be answered by the end of this meeting.

He smiled faintly to himself, however, as Rome couldn't help asking several questions of his own. Understandable questions, given what he had just been told. Some of them, Duinion had asked himself, when he was informed about this sorceress. That was roughly a week ago, give or take, he'd sort of lost track with all that had happened in that time. He decided to interject something now, for Rome's sake, "Most of us only just learned about this whole matter around a week ago." He mentioned, thinking that might make Rome feel a bit less behind the times. "I'm sure we all have many questions to ask, and I suspect that's the purpose for this meeting.. to answer those?" He glanced at Arnyn, then nodded slightly as she addressed him and informed him she'd like to speak to him after. That worked out well, since he had something he'd like to ask her about as well, which didn't pertain to the Relic matter.

---

@Cubanopele @Arnyn


Trastion's new temporary roommate was quite different from Mourgan. The two had briefly met during Trastion's first day in the rangers, but since then had somehow kept missing each other and not had much chance to talk in the many weeks since. Until the night after the fire when they ended up sharing a room. After seeing the sign posted about the new temporary room assignments, Trastion had gathered up Mourgan's stuff for him and brought it over along with his own stuff, to make room for those who would be taking over their room, but he and Unalmis had had this room all to themselves due to Mourgan still being in the houses of healing. And Romeran... while Trastion had met him during a ride around the Pelennor that time, he had not really seen him around since and hadn't even been sure the guy was still a ranger until he saw his name on the list. But he hadn't joined them in the dorm yet. Which left Trastion and Unalmis to their own devices, which ultimately meant mostly talking throughout the night.

So it was that neither Trastion or Unalmis had gotten very much sleep the last couple of nights, talking with each other and discussing all sorts of things, and doing that whole 'ranger bonding thing' that the lieutenant was so keen on. The morning seemed to arrive before they knew it, and after getting a bit of help from Nal in changing the bandage on his arm, the two set off for the mess hall to get an early start on breakfast. And they were still busy chatting all through their quick meal before setting off toward the headquarters for the meeting. On the way over from the mess hall, Trastion spotted Ranger Isys.. and while, he would have once been very eager to see the former knight who was his idol in his teenage years, he only became anxious now, fearing she would recognize him.

He hastened his steps and entered the headquarters building, but when he glanced back, he saw that Nal had paused to speak with her. Trastion let the door close and went on inside, trying not to feel nervous about what the former knight would want to discuss with Nal. Trying not to let that drag him down, Trastion nonetheless remembered to try to drop the joking around, teasing sort of attitude he'd enjoyed around Nal, and instead try to be a bit more solemn now. A jovial manner would surely not quite fit this meeting, he figured. Though he couldn't quite hide the smudges of ink on his hands and chin, and anywhere else he'd accidentally gotten it on him.

Still, he was pleasantly surprised to see both the captain and the lieutenant already present. As well as his missing Temporary roommate! And another ranger he had yet to meet, who had a crutch leaned beside him on the wall. He saluted the two officers briefly. "Good morning Captain, Lieutenant," He smiled, and nodded a greeting to the other two as he approached, but his attention was mainly on the officers. He couldn't help noticing the small bit of bandage peeking out from Arnyn's neckline, and hesitated before deciding not to ask her how she was doing. He guessed she probably would rather people didn't notice at all. "I'm glad you're already here.." He told her quietly, but with a small smile. "Or, both of you, actually." He added with a glance toward Pele. "I was hoping to ask something,"

He paused only briefly before continuing at a somewhat rapid pace. "Unlamis and I were talking about Mourgan and all and how we hope he'll be back with us soon, and we had an idea of something that might cheer him up, so we made this." He brought forth a thick piece of paper folded neatly in half, with fancy, but neatly-done writing wishing a speedy recovery to the injured ranger. It had taken Trastion an absurdly long time to get the writing to look just right and select the right words to put down. Maybe partially because those hours had been spent during the middle of the night with poor lighting and lack of sleep, but whatever. Nal's doodles had dressed it up to look even more cheery, though they'd had to redo the whole thing a few times after various accidents. Several hours.. and a few ink spills, and discarded drafts.. later, the pair were satisfied with the final result. The assurance that Trastion knew how to get the ink spills out had only then been rendered useless, as Nal informed him that he did not keep any alcohol around his dorm. And that had led to a ridiculous amount of amusement between them. That was something Trastion had neglected to take into consideration... considering the other roommate he was used to.

"I know it won't actually make him heal any quicker, but we thought it'd be nice if all the rangers, or, well those who want to, would sign it. Just sort of.. a nice thing for him to get, while he's there recovering," He explained before pausing for breath. "So, I was thinking, maybe you two would like to start off with signing it. Aside from us, I mean, we already did." He shrugged, and offered the card to let the officers take a look at it. "Anyway, I was thinking about taking it to him when I go visit him later, so I hoped to get a lot of people to sign it.. But I don't know all that many of us yet." He shrugged slightly.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

It was with not simply an innate but meanwhile a practiced patience that Arnyn calmly answered Romeran's questions. "The Captain had encountered this Relic before, and she had her suspicions from the start. After a while suspicion became certainty. So it was Relic from the start." Arnyn gave it some thought. "Maybe.. or perhaps even likely... there was an Amber, at some point. If so, I'm afraid the girl was long dead before Relic brought her appearance here."

She smiled faintly at his apology. "No need to apologize, Romeran. I can assure you most of the others reacted in exactly the same way." Her eyes flicked to Pele briefly, then back to the trainee. The Lieutenant had answered many questions, to spare the Captain the... confrontation. "But I will have to apologize in turn not to answer the rest of your questions. You will know why when the briefing has completed."

Looking at Duinion, Arnyn slanted her head somewhat. "The purpose of today's meeting is to share information," she said. It wasn't a direct answer, but it was an indirect one. To be fair, she had grown slightly tired of answering the endless onsalught of questions from the entire ranger force on the matter (which, if Isys were to notice, would probably bring the Ehtyar no small amount of satisfaction). Part of Arnyn was hoping that Pele would take on at least half of the questions today. Yet Arnyn also knew herself well enough - tired of the questions or not, if she saw Pele having a difficult time, she would jump right in to help. And... Pele had not been present for part of the information they were going to share. Mentally, the Lieutenant sighed. She'd already resigned herself to her fate.

Trastion's entrance brought a different kind of smile to her face. The recruit was making good progress in his skills, she found, and her worries that he might not have the right mindset for being a Ranger had disappeared. She was, instead, rather proud of him. As well as to call herself his instructor and mentor. Arnyn returned his quick salute in kind. When he said he wanted to ask something, she almost laughed out loud. Of course. Another question!

Restraining herself to a half grin, though, she nodded to indicate he could go right ahead. The words surprised her, and her face lit up substantially at the idea and the first look she got at the card. The front lettering and doodling was cheery and positive. With a look at Pele to see if it was alright she would take the card in hand first, she then held out her hand to take the card for a closer look.

She opened it, not expecting to see anything within yet - and surprised to see an additional something written there. And she laughed. Contrary to the mood that had been claiming her, and contrary to the atmosphere surrounding the debrief - she laughed. The Lieutenant's dark brown eyes sparkled with humor as she closed the card again and passed it along to Pele.

"Oh, I'll sign it alright." It was a wonderful sentiment. And, knowing Mourgan, he'd find it equally amusing. "I think it's a marvellous idea. If the Captain agrees, we can ask everyone willing to sign it after the debrief."

Bed had not provided rest, and breakfast had been pushed around a plate to the resounding lectures in his head of what his grandmother would have to say about him wasting food. Coffee had sufficed, so that Unalmis was able to arrive at the Headquarters awake and alert. Not especially enthusiastic, since these sorts of gatherings tended to be born of dire news, and his particular brand of nonchalance, he had been told, had a way of winding up those who were better informed of the bigger picture.

When Nal had returned to the city from his venture off with Trevedir, he was not expecting to have been missed at the Barracks. He’d had some days owed to him, and the Lieutenant herself had all but encouraged him to ensure that his friend was welcomed back home properly. So he could not be in trouble .. It turned out that he had managed to miss the entire trouble which had happened.


The state of the burned out Barracks wing was a fairly good indication of what had happened, although not why, or thanks to whom. And there was more to it than even that. Crowds in the messhall had gathered to gaze upon a certain portion of the floor, and even when taking a meal, faces seemed to gravitate back in that direction. As though they expected to see the scene which had played out there occur over and again. The story certainly was told, over and again, and never the exact same version .. which was confusing but also unexpected. So he had enjoyed the unexpected company of Trastion over the last twenty four hours, for more than one reason.

Having failed to immediately find Cali at the armoury, he was pointed towards the Houses of Healing, where all those injured had been aimed. So he made in that direction with all haste to check on/ask the person most likely to tell him what had really happened. The healers, and particularly his friend’s mother, had soonafter encouraged him to go be useful someplace else, since his presence was not helping any of the patients there to relax, and they were already somewhat crowded by people all about. But fortune had seen Trastion dismissed from his treatment at the same enough time, that the pair were able to walk back to the Barracks together. When they had later learnt that their sleeping arrangements had been combined, to allow for the second floor to meld in with the first, the two young men had persevered some many more hours through the night and following early morning to better know one another. And, of course, to better understand what had happened.


His coffee that morning had gone cold as conversation continued to dominate their time and attention, but he had drunk it regardless. The breakfast had also gone cold – sorry Grams – but even Sergeant Pete had not possessed the heart to complain. Now woke, but probably still not properly keen to face what they might hear, Nal entered the HQ, still in his new friend’s company, until he observed how Ilisys was hesitating before entering herself. Assuring Trastion that he would catch him up, Nal went over to the Ehtyar, reading what little he could of her to mean she was troubled but deciding it was likely due to that strained .. or somewhat awkward atmosphere which seemed to shape about her and the Lieutenant when they were in each other's proximity for any amount of time.


Ilisys had been informed that her room in the North Wing was currently un-inhabitable. The news had come by means of a rather desperate messenger to her house on the Fifth Circle, seeking to ensure she was in fact alive and unharmed, given the recent fire in the dormitories. She had arrived back from Harlond late, or rather very early that morning. The news of trouble at the Barracks was not the first which had disappointed her that week. But the messenger was able to take back the news that she was now accounted for, and that was as much as he had been sent to accomplish.

The summons thenafter about a meeting was unsurprising, and the second messenger in as many days found the Ehtyar already preparing to make her way to the Sixth. The Belfalasian had no cause to imagine her own unhappy news would have been brought to the Command’s attention, given all else that had happened to demand their attention. Which meant that she was faced with the prospect of whether to pass on further bad news, or leave them to learn later she had known and decided to not inform them. Neither was an encouraging start to the day. In fact her short journey to the HQ had been filled by thoughts of whether she even thought Pele and Arnyn would need to know what she had just found out. She had been wrong in her conclusions on a similar subject before now. Someone else however, .. definitely would never forgive her if she did not share. And their relationship had been skating on thin ice for a while now.


The sight of Unalmis and Trastion overtaking her in their own entrance had caused the woman to stare after them, for more than one reason. And as though her silence was palpable, Nal had turned and made it his business to help her pass into the building. And likely to discern why she might be finding it such a hurdle at all. They entered the room together shortly afterwards, neither one seeming to be properly emboldened by the other’s support, and broke apart quite swiftly, as though what news they had shared, was as unwelcome to hear as it had been to utter.

Romeran .. Nal more or less recognised, from their shortlived camping excursion when Pele had taken a spill. Arnyn he knew now slightly better from at least one other instance after that experience. No, two other instances. The one alarming, the other astounding. He was rather surprised to see her and the Captain both appearing so .. well, as they stood, actually. Considering all that he had been told, it was something of an anticlimax for them to appear just .. overwhelmingly tired. It could scarcely be counted a disappointment of course, as they looked both relatively together. Though the meeting had not yet begun .. Duinion had evolved now to merely one crutch, and Unalmis awarded him a grin to observe it, as he drew close to the seemingly apprehensive group.

Isys having followed the young man in her own, more sedate approach, hovered thenafter at the fence of their ensemble, and glanced about the hall with as much distraction as though she had never seen the room before. Or did not wish to rest about the face of any other there for overlong. When she finished with turning in place, slowly, she allowed for her long dark hair to have fallen across at least half of her face. Not one of a tendency to hide away, she knew though that she had less cause than they, and less than any save one here now knew about, to bear the dark circles under her eyes. Catching the eye of Unalmis, she belatedly nodded respectfully toward the Captain and Lieutenant, as he had just before her. And then sought out another sweeping scan of the room, rather than what was held within it.

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

While initially very distracted and absent-minded, Pele soon made herself be present and aware as she acknowledged Rome's return to duties and listened to Arnyn explain the essence of the recent events to him. His questions were probably akin to those of other Rangers, most of those had been handled by Arnyn, so the Captain gave her a grateful look. However, she could not hide from questions forever, even though she supposed most would be answered by information they would share.

"All valid questions," she then said, after having returned the greetings and salutes to other Rangers who had begun to arrive. "And I hope those and any others will be answered today, as much as possible." She would wait a little longer though, so that people who were still eating breakfast or on clean-up could arrive.

She looked Duinion over with that look of a professional healer in her eye, and then turned her attention to Trastion when he came up with the card which for some reason made Arnyn laugh, Pele tilted her head slightly in curiosity. "Let me see!" she took the card and inspected it inside and out, a quiet smile mastering her features. "I would surely sign it as well, and encourage others to do it. After the serious part. A cheerful heart does bring healing to both body and soul, so do not underestimate its power,Trastion!"

@Cubanopele @Arnyn
Duinion gave a brief nod of acknowledgement as Arnyn corrected him. It was about sharing information, not so much answering questions. He could only guess that meant there would not be all that many questions allowed, if any. He briefly noticed Pele looking at him, and wondered whether she disapproved of his only using one crutch. He said nothing, but smiled vaguely in the master healer's direction before turning toward the door as it opened to admit someone else. A young man entered that he did not know, but he had seen him before at the last meeting.

Duinion surmised that this must be Trastion, whom he was to be taking out for some training in the woods soon. He watched with some curiosity as the recruit spoke to Arnyn and Pele about a card for Mourgan. He smiled faintly at the thought behind that, but since that discussion had nothing to do with him, Duinion turned his attention toward the entry as others came in. Unalmis was next, and the grin he sent Duinion's way brought a smile in return to Duinion's face. Shortly after him came Isys, but she seemed preoccupied, he thought, and was beginning to wonder if that was an ever-present state of being for her, or what.

Still, seeing a few folks beginning to trickle in, Duinion supposed that meant that breakfast must be wrapping up, which meant soon many others would be coming in. For now, he let his gaze wander out of the window, while letting his thoughts wander off someplace else entirely. After everything he had heard, Duinion was rather curious to learn a few things this week, and yet was reluctant to ask anything, for the moment.

---

@Ercassie @Romeran


Watching first Arnyn, then Pele, look at the inside the card that he and Unalmis had made, Trastion grinned, pleased to see they found it as funny as himself and Nal had thought it would be. "That'd be great," He answered to the officer's suggestion of having everyone sign it after this meeting. After the serious stuff. He nodded and was glad that both of them seemed so sure that Mourgan would enjoy it, but yet Trastion could not take full credit. "It was really Unalmis' idea," he informed them with a grin toward the other conspirator, as the latter entered. "We both thought up the stuff to write on it, though. I did the writing, and he did the drawings." He added, proud of the results of their joined efforts, though he did not mention the fact it had taken up the greater part of the night.

"Well, I'll leave it with you two, then." Trastion decided, figuring that way the officers could sign it when they were ready to do so, and then have it handy for when it was time for others to do so. With that little business out of the way, he nodded to the commanding officers before stepping back to join those closer to his age, rubbing his tired eyes as he moved to greet one who had been absent quite a while. "Hi, Romeran." He greeted the other ranger in training. "I haven't seen you in a very long time. You're going to be in the same room as Unalmis and me for a while, did you see? I noticed your name on the list for who all was in the dorm, but I didn't think you were still around." For the moment it didn't quite occur to Trastion that Rome might not have heard much of anything that was going on.


(links added now, sorry for the delay lol)

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Romeran looked back over to Duinion with a mild grimace. He had sincerely hoped the ranger would have made a full recover by now and wondered if his own decision making had been partly to blame for his extended recover. "I'm glad to see you're healing well," he said, his voice heavy with remorse. He felt responsible for Duinion's injury and couldn't shake the guilt that came with it. He wanted to make amends but didn't know how. Duinion's smile, however, seemed to suggest that he harbored no ill will towards Romeran. This came as no surprise to Romeran who knew that Duinion was a stoic and honest ranger who would be far more likely to blame himself than Romeran. Nevertheless, Romeran couldn't quite kick the guilt. Perhaps if he had reacted sooner or better or had insisted that they went straight to the Houses of Healing.... Romeran shook his head to stop his mind from wandering.

Trastion was next on Romeran's list of greetings. Romeran recognized the young ranger, although probably similar in age to himself Romeran had always looked much older, from one or two meetings earlier. "Hey Trastion," Romeran said, smiling warmly. "It's good to see you again. I saw our names on the list for roommates, so I guess we'll be sharing a room." He was glad to be with someone he knew, even if only briefly, and he hoped that the new arrangement would provide an opportunity to get to know the other Rangers better. "Oh, and by the way, I'd love to sign that card for Mourgan," Romeran added, gesturing towards the card that Trastion had handed over to the officers. Romeran didn't really know Mourgan at all but in his position Romeran would have been happy to have any of the rangers sign a letter, even if he didn't know them well.

Lieutenant Arnyn had answered Romeran's questions satisfactorily, and he knew better than to ask too many questions in the presence of a commanding officer. Romeran nodded politely as he listened. The whole thing seemed so.... absurd to Romeran. Sorcery and body-snatching were certainly not something Romeran had ever been familiar with at least outside of fairy stories he had heard growing up (much to the chagrin of his uncle who hated anything fictional). Romeran waited patiently for Captain Pele to give further instructions. He noticed that the Captain seemed somewhat distracted, and he wondered if everything was okay, but decided it was best not to say anything.

Romeran turned to Nal, who he had met briefly before. "Hey Unalmis ," he said, greeting her with a nod, "it's Unalmis right?" he asked in confirmation, second guessing himself, they had been introduced during a brief 'camping' excursion with other rangers but that had been quite some time ago. "It looks like I am yours and Trastion's new roommate," he said, with a grin. "We should take this opportunity to get to know each other better." Romeran was excited about the prospect of getting to know his fellow Rangers better, and he hoped that the new arrangement would provide ample opportunities for that.

As he looked around the room, Romeran noticed that something seemed different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the atmosphere was different somehow. Then he remembered that he had overheard some discussion of a fire that had destroyed part of the barracks. At least he had heard of it briefly when he had been assigned a new room -- luckily he had taken all of his limited belongings with him. He hadn't been in the barracks at the time of the fire and didn't know much about it. He wondered if anyone had been hurt or if any valuable equipment had been lost.

Despite his curiosity, Romeran didn't ask anyone about the fire. He didn't want to seem nosy or uninformed. He decided that he would wait until he had a chance to talk to someone in private. For now, he was content to wait for Captain Pele's instructions and to get to know his new roommates.

@Romeran @Ercassie


"For a while anyway!" Trastion replied to Romeran cheerfully, about sharing a room. He grinned bigger upon hearing that he would sign the card. "Great, I'm sure Mourgan will be thrilled to see lots of people signed it." He rocked back and forth on his feet while he talked. "He'll be joining us in the room too, after he gets cleared to leave the houses of healing, he got injured recently but you'll probably hear about that soon. Mourgan's a good guy. I've been his roommate for a while now and we've become friends, and I'm going to visit him later." He explained, all in one breath. He took a slow breath to try to slow down, and wondered what exactly was in that coffee Unalmis had got him to drink back at the mess hall. It had been cold, which of course the other ranger didn't warn him about beforehand, and tasted bitter, but that part he thought was normal for coffee.

Hearing Rome mention the thought of this being a good opportunity to get to know him and Unalmis, Trastion laughed. "Careful," He warned with amusement, "you might not get any sleep tonight." He found that way more amusing than it actually should be, but managed to not to let himself grow too silly, keeping in mind that this was supposed to be a serious meeting and it would probably start soon. Or at least maybe he should try to act serious while others were coming in. And despite feeling exhausted before breakfast, he was feeling rather energetic and wanted to do something active, outside preferably. And then an idea struck. "Oh! Maybe later, we could go to the training grounds together? If neither of you have stuff to do, anyway." He suggested, addressing the idea to both Rome and Unalmis, thinking that might be another good way to get familiar with each other and be doing something productive.

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters
Urimë 15

She'd been waiting for this meeting. While Kaylin had witnessed Relic's demise first hand, it still was not the same as a comprehensive understanding of the course of events that had led up to it. And she was curious by nature. Very. Curious.

Thûllir had found her at the barracks while she had been roping a few others into helping her take care of things at the mess. She'd been glad to see her Ranger was unharmed - as surely he had been glad to see the same of her. Neither of them had gotten involved in the fight with the sorceress, and Kaylin hadn't been affected by the fire too much. She had been running in and out a lot - getting the soil from Brian's pelouse. Yeah. That was horror waiting to happen, once the barracks master got out of the houses of healing and noticed that particular ravage.

Honestly... while making the arrangements for Minluzir and Danthor alongside Thûllir, Kaylin had pushed whatever sentiments she might have about her two fellow rangers down - way down. It had been necessary, so she could maintain composure throughout executing Arnyn's orders. So she could actually get stuff done.
The truth of it was, she hadn't allowed those feelings to resurface at all. Not after they had completed their tasks. Not when they'd gotten home. Not when she'd risen from bed the day before. Not before, during or after her patrol out on the Pelennor. Not during dinner at home with Thûllir.

Instead, Kaylin had distracted herself from facing the fact that someone she had been charged to watch, had managed to kill not only two rangers but also one of Pele's guards (as she had later heard through the grapevine).
Instead, she focused on Relic being dead. Doorknob dead. Daisies dead. The threat to Pele was gone. Eliminated. No half measures had been taken. As far as Relic's fate was concerned, Kaylin had gotten her ideal outcome. It was pleasing. It was... satisfying. Surely, someone would have told Mourgan by now.

She'd heard he'd already gotten a lot of visitors. When she'd swung by the houses of healing yesterday, the guy at the reception had said Mourgan got a lot of visitors and had made it evident that another visit from yet another person would cut too much into the time he needed to rest... so Kaylin had left without disturbing her comrade in arms. Even though she would have liked to see him, there would be other days. Today, perhaps.

So, all in all, it was in good spirits that she entered headquarters, almost dragging Thûllir in behind her as her steps had quickened the closer they'd gotten. She'd rushed him through breakfast, really not wanting to be late. (Not that Thûllir ever would be, if he could help it. But that was besides the point entirely.)

A good number of rangers had gathered already. Kaylin gave out a collection of smiles and waves to everyone. Despite her good mood (on the surface - and as far as she herself realized), she wasn't blind to the more loaded atmosphere she'd just walked into. It seemed that Trastion might be the only one who matched her spirits at present. So it was a grin that greeted the recruit, instead of a smile. "Gotten into any more trouble?" she asked him quietly, still grinning.

@Arnyn @Ercassie @Romeran


No sooner had he suggested to the other guys about maybe going to the training grounds later, than Trastion became aware of others having entered, and whirled to see who had entered. "SIS!" He cheered the moment he spotted Kaylin, before swiftly clapping a hand over his mouth with an 'oops' expression, realizing that he'd practically shouted that, and glanced around apologetically as if there was some unstated rule that he had to be quiet here. Turning back to Kaylin though, Trastion returned the grin and waved enthusiastically back to the Hyandaner. "I think I just did," he laughed quietly in reply to her question, although he didn't think he was actually in trouble. "But yeah, I'm breathing, so, you should figure that means probably yes, always... not that I've done anything really troublesome but you know, it's just kind of a natural state for me you know, and I seem to always find it even when I'm trying my best to avoid it and yeah.." He paused to take a breath. "And you?" he added with a grin.

Continuing to rock on his feet the entire time, Trastion found it really hard to just stand in one spot and do nothing. His hands had begun drumming rapidly against the sides of his legs as he stood there, almost without him consciously thinking about it. He definitely did not expect to have any energy, let alone feel like it was going to start bursting out of him if he didn't move and do something. Meanwhile his thoughts were racing a mile a second, it felt like. How much longer until the meeting would start? Who else was coming in? How many rangers were there anyway? How hard had it been for the folks in charge to figure out room assignments? How long before they'd get out of here? Did he have time to run back to the dorm and.. wait what did he want to get from the dorm? He blinked as he got distracted by that thought and then dismissed it with a shake of his head, as suddenly something else popped into his head, going back to what he'd been saying just before Kaylin entered, and he turned swiftly back toward Unalmis and Romeran, eyes widening. "OH! Wait, I just remembered!" Trastion managed to keep his volume down to just an excited, loud whisper which was easily audible to most of those in the room unless they were far away. "I'm already going to be doing some training later with a Ranger Duinion, but I don't know him yet. Can I meet him? Is he here?"

"Yes, he's here," Duinion spoke up from nearby before Unalmis could reply, with a somewhat amused smile lurking on his face. He smiled at the recruit, wondering if he was normally this excited and energetic. "I take it you must be Recruit Leithor then." He remarked, having already arrived at that suspicion before Trastion mentioned being supposed to train with him, but that had certainly confirmed it. Having already selected a relatively comfortable spot leaning against the wall by the window, Duinion wasn't about to move away from it, but waved to the recruit from there. "Pleased to meet you. I'm sure we'll have more opportunities to talk later, at the training grounds."

"Aha!" Trastion paused in his hand-drumming and eagerly hastened over to the ranger by the window to offer a handshake. "Yes that's me! Just Trastion though, pleased to meet you! I can't wait to do the training stuff! But what happened to your leg? Did you get hurt in the fire? Will we be able to go to the woods or do we have to do whatever training here in town? What'll we be doing anyway? I hope we get to do training stuff in the woods!"

Finding himself under a sudden barrage of questions, Duinion could hardly keep from laughing, and tried his best to pacify the eager recruit by telling him in a quiet, calm sort of manner, that they could talk about all of that later, but for now they should try not to get too caught up in any lengthy conversations, as the meeting would probably be starting before too long, so he should probably try to calm down a little, and just be patient. It seemed that Trastion was very impatient and eager to be off doing something active, and Duinion could relate to that himself, but still found it rather amusing.

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Pele stood, the card still in hand, and observed the Rangers as more kept gathering. And even though she had just smiled herself, the seemingly increasing merriment that she saw rubbed her the wrong way. She felt irritation levels rising, anger at the fact that others could have fun when there was so much damage done, so much loss suffered. Somehow... it felt like salt rubbed into an open wound, and Pele felt an urge to yell. Instead, she cleared her throat and walked over to the clerk's desk depositing the card on it. It seemed like a good place for it, since there were already the necessary writing utensils for signing it later.

Later. For now she had needed to suppress all the conflicting emotions and make sure she could address the Rangers in a reasonable manner.

"Right!" she then said to grab their attention. "Take a look around and see if you have a buddy missing who should be here and isn't yet. Fetch them right away. Else, if everyone is here, we should be starting."

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

"I'll be glad to sign his card. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Mourgan yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I hope he recovers quickly, and it'll be nice to have a new roommate, even if it's only for a short time." Romeran's smile faded a bit when Trastion mentioned the possibility of not sleeping, but he quickly recovered, "I haven't been sleeping much recently either. My uncle passed away, and I just attended his funeral not that long ago..." Romeran's voice trailed off somewhat as he spoke and he looked down at his feet, it was a strange sight seeing someone so usually happy acting so despondent.

He brightened up when Trastion suggested that they train together sometime, "That would be great, I'd love that! I already have a great deal to work on and could use some distractions anyway" Romeran tried to focus his mind on the possibilities of joint training sessions with Trastion and Unalmis, he was sure that there was a great deal he could learn and even more practice he could do.

As Kaylin and Thûllir arrived, Romeran greeted them warmly with the best smile and nod he could muster. He had to force himself not to salute both of them. "Kaylin, Thûllir" he said perhaps too quiet for them to notice especially over the eager voice of Trastion. In fact, Romeran couldn't help but notice Trastion's high energy, he cocked his head slightly as he tried to recall if the recruit had always been like that, they had only met perhaps once or twice in the past but Romeran didn't remember quite this level of energy.

Eventually when Trastion mentioned working with Duinion, Romeran smiled "So, you're going to be trained by Duinion?" he asked, "I learned under him too, and I still do. He's a great mentor, and you'll learn a lot from him." It wasn't long before Duinion himself spoke up, Romeran had seen him enter and the pangs of guilt swept over him again as he looked towards the older ranger, still using a crutch to remove the weight from his leg. It would appear that Duinion had been assigned the task of training the new recruits. Romeran wondered whether Duinion enjoyed it or if this was being forced upon him. Either way he had done a great job and Romeran admired Duinion greatly. While the Lieutenant and Captain were the commanding officers, Romeran had spent considerably more time with Duinion than any other ranger and he had earned a great deal of respect in Romeran's eyes.

Romeran then suggested, "If Duinion is up for it, maybe we could train together sometime with him. What do you think?" Romeran looked between Trastion an Duinion. Romeran had appreciated the one-on-one time with Duinion in their training and he had no intention of getting in the way of that, but since Trastion had already mentioned some group training possibilities, they were both still new recruits and trainees, and they were both being mentored by Duinion already perhaps it made sense.

Eventually, when Captain Pele spoke up, Romeran's smile disappeared once again, and he looked around to see if he knew anyone missing. When he realized he didn't actually have any close ranger friends anyway, he turned back to the captain with a solemn expression, ready to listen and follow her lead.

“Do I know your friend ?” Isys had caught Unalmis with the ask as, their exchange completed, the young man turned to lead their way into the HQ.

A slight frown wrinkled his brow as Nal considered the random conclusion .. to what had just been disclosed. “I think I would have to ask you, to find out,” he shrugged, somewhat distractedly. Her continued anticipation yet hung on something more in the ways of an answer. “Trastion” he said, with a shrug. “His name is Trastion”. It was not a secret after all.

The Ehtyar’s thoughtful response was wordless as they separated. Though in looking after where the young recruit had gone, she noted the awaiting officers and fell away from that line of thinking. For now at least.


“Captain. Lieutenant,” she approached the two women as though the notion had only now occurred to her to do so, rather than it being the eventual success of talking herself into it. There was an ever growing number of people in the room although the distraction .. there did seem to be some manner of distraction brewing .. allowed for less attention as she did so, rather than draw more to the fact.

“I am glad to see you both are well, .. here.” Somehow the weight of the sentence’s conclusion suggested that ‘here’ meant more than simply an attempt to improve on 'well' .. or even more than their being present, here, in the room. If any of the wild rumours that the Belfalasian had walked through to get here were true, the pair before her were both perhaps fortunate to be still of this world. And although it should not have been a surprise, Isys felt something stir at the notion that things might have turned out differently. Particularly since she had been distracted throughout much of the past year, she felt .. not good, she knew, .. about that. Sharp grey eyes caught the hint of bandage about Arnyn’s collar, and held only a moment there before glancing away again, without questioning the matter. The only gesture she could offer to them both in one. With a slight duck of her chin, the Ehtyar withdrew into the advancing tide of bodies. She could wait for what they would impart to the room. The absence of the King's Guard who had spent the last however many months flanking the Captain was rather telling of course.



“Yes. And .. Romeran ?” Nal returned an almost confident guess to the other young man, recognising him in kind. “It will be ..” He was cut off from responding further to the news of their now being room mates, as the third of their number piped up on that subject, and several other subjects all in the space of several seconds. Unalmis watched from a place halfway between mirth and amazement as Trastion then turned and practically whooped in greeting to Kaylin. He got as far as silently pointing out Duinion to the Tirdinen’s new trainee, moments after Dui had already introduced himself.

“I think he might sleep well tonight anyway,” Nal remarked to Rome with a slow shake of his head and a stifled smile. “I am sorry to hear about your Uncle.” He remembered their one previous conversation, where the large recruit had mentioned his uncle’s farm in Lossarnach, and afforded Rome a more sobering glance. He was sorry to not have gotten to know either of the two newer Rangers better by now, but there had been so much going on outside of the corporation, let alone within. It seemed like they could all do with some cheering up. Trastion was of course, already on course to deliver that. “Duinion is a great trainer,” Nal agreed, with a due grin flung in that Ranger’s direction, before observing that Ilisys was glancing in the Tirdinen's direction as well. He raised one eyebrow, knowingly (or so he believed) as the Ehtyar glanced approvingly at the man's attending with only one crutch today. Meeting Nal's almost smug look, she turned away swiftly.

"Hyandaner," she greeted Kaylin, almost abruptly and possibly surprising them both. Though all were saved from having to follow through with whatever she might have afterwards, when Pele began calling for folks to recall why they were gathered at all.

“Err Trastion ? Hey ! Trast,” Nal fell in beside his breakfast buddy and pressed a small flask he always had on him into the other's hand, meaningfully. “I think you might need to drink some water ..” he suggested, beginning to feel a little guilty, or at least that he would if his friend got into trouble because of him. Again.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15

The arrival of more rangers had begun. One after the other. Unalmis, for example. Arnyn returned his nod, with a faint smile. The grin he gave Duinion was good to witness.

Isys. That nod was returned by the Lieutenant in a more thoughtful fashion. While Isys was behaving in a way that, by now, seemed typical for her - not making much eye contact, looking at the surroundings more than the people - there was something... something Arnyn couldn't put her finger on. Something was... off. Had she known the fallen rangers, perhaps? Or the citadel guard? Or was there another reason still? Or was Arnyn perhaps giving the Ehtyar too much scrutiny, given their previous interactions? Surprise came when Ilisys approached them... To greet them both by pronouncing their ranks... Even adding she was glad to see them well... here. Arnyn blinked at the Ehtyar, nodding a second time. "Thanks," she said - in a way that made it seem doubtful whether she was stating or asking the word. Truthfully, she was uncertain of how to respond to the Belfalasian's comment.

Be that as it may, now that the others were beginning to talk more among themselves, Arnyn allowed herself to take more of a back seat. And to observe. Romeran was giving Duinion guilty looks, while looking curious and restrained at the same time when he glanced at Pele. The trainee had more questions. Hopefully, he would have them answered soon enough.

She also noticed that Trastion looked... well, there was some contradiction there. She recognized the tired look around his eyes. Arnyn was no stranger to that herself - although she was honestly strangely well rested today. For the last two nights, since the fight with Relic, Arnyn had slept like a log. Yesterday's waking hours had been taxing emotionally, but the night had been rejuvenating. No, the Lieutenant did not look tired around the eyes today. But - Trastion did. Despite his... very alert attitude. He was strangely enthusiastic and cheerful, given the general atmosphere of the room.

Catching Trastion's suggestion to go down to the training grounds with Unalmis and Romeran, Arnyn's brown eyes flicked to Duinion. Trastion had a prior engagement with the Tirdinen at the grounds - although it was only scheduled for the afternoon. Yet the way Trastion's eyes were looking... Arnyn wondered if it would be wise for the recruit to go train with the other young men in the morning and then continue his training with Duinion in the afternoon.

She was distracted from her assessment of the recruit, however, by Kaylin and Thûllir's arrival. The Hyandaner almost seemed to be pulling Thûllir along with her, moving just a tad too fast. Eager to be here? She looked to be in a good mood.

So the two people who were all to aware that they had lost Danthor and Minluzir, the two who had seen the killed rangers in pools of their own blood, were in the best mood of everyone who had gathered so far?

Arnyn frowned slightly as she leaned back onto the windowsill, to which she had returned after handing the card for Mourgan to Pele. Were they forgetting about their deaths? Or was Arnyn letting it get to her overly much? The Lieutenant greeted the Kaylin and Thûllir with an equally thoughtful nod as she had greeted Isys earlier.

Trastion, however, was less thoughtful. The loudly exclaimed 'SIS!' was a surprise, although Arnyn suspected it had something to do with the two rangers' little outing about a week and a half before. Shaking her head with a light grin at Trastion's greeting and Kaylin's easy-going response at the appellation, the Lieutenant focused back on Trastion's behaviour, trying to figure out what it was that seemed off about him.
While she did wonder about his exceptional good mood given the circumstances, perhaps she should cut him some slack. He hadn't known the men who died. He'd seen something supernatural and baically unbelievable unfolding right before his eyes. He was young, he was in probably the best place since he'd left home. He was bringing light into the room. Arnyn's faint grin grew a little. But what was it that didn't seem right? It was that combination of looking so tired and being so... all over the place?
Yes. That's what it was. Sure, Trastion was young. But he seemed extra talkative now, overly active... jittery, even. When he started drumming his hands to the sides of his legs, Arnyn raised an eyebrow. Definitely not his normal behaviour. This could not be excused by youth or simple nerves. Something else was at play here.

Slanting her head as she watched, half amused, half curious, how Trastion approached Duinion, Arnyn looked over to Pele. She wondered if seeing all this would bring some light into the Captain's heart, as it brought some light into the Lieutenant's. But upon seeing the storm in Pele's blue eyes, Arnyn's gaze lingered on the Captain longer than she'd first meant to. No light, then. Not yet.

Arnyn sighed mentally as she looked back to the rangers. Business it was...

The news about Romeran's uncle had been delivered around the same time that Trastion had been delivering his enthusiastic greeting to Kaylin, and so unfortunately, he did not hear the quietly muttered news of sadness. As he had went over to greet Duinion, Trastion was aware that he was acting rather more exuberant than was normal for him but couldn't seem to stop himself from talking so fast, and felt like he needed to run around the block a few times before he could settle down. It was a drastic difference from just a short while ago when he and Nal were at breakfast and he felt like he might fall off his seat in exhaustion, or nod off into his breakfast.. and he wasn't sure if he should be worried or not.

"I'm afraid that's not likely, Romeran," Duinion replied to the trainee's idea about training together with him, taking the opportunity while Trastion got distracted by something off in the distance through the window. "This is only a 'one afternoon every other week' thing for Trastion and myself, although if you both would like to do some extra training with me during your free time, perhaps we can work something out." He explained. "Though of course, you two might prefer working together on your own," He suggested, figuring the younger guys might enjoy spending time together to practice things without him. He silently disagreed with Romeran, and then Unalmis, declaring him to be a good trainer, and felt inclined to disagree, but yet, felt awkward protesting it. So he just kept quiet in that regard and instead found his gaze wandering to observe the others entering.

Noticing Isys glancing his way, Duinion offered a friendly smile and nod, thinking back about what she had said during their conversation following the meeting with Arnyn. And so, he was mildly surprised, but pleasantly so, to notice Isys greeting Kaylin. Good, maybe she had given some thought toward what he had said about trying to patch things up with her. Maybe there was hope for their becoming friends sometime in the future.

Meanwhile Trastion turned back to Nal as he heard him trying to get his attention. He blinked at the flask presented to him and took a moment to process what he'd said. "No, no, that's yours," He turned it down, shaking his head. "But I am really thirsty...Oh, I bet I have time to grab something..." He realized, since Pele had literally just announced that if they saw anyone missing they should go grab them. He barely refrained from asking if that meant he could go grab Mourgan from the houses of healing, as a joke. Instead, he turned back to Nal. "Be right back!" He declared before setting off back toward the mess hall. He nearly ran into some other rangers as they were entering the HQ but the collision was avoided and he threw an apology over one shoulder as he left. He didn't have any buddies to grab, but a glass of water would be very nice. Plus it would help wash away the bitter taste that lingered in his mouth after the coffee. It was at least implied, if not outright stated, that it would enable him to get through this meeting without dozing off, so while he would normally turn down coffee of any sort.. he'd endured it in the hope it would live up to expectations. Now he was wondering if perhaps he'd had a bit more than he should have...

Watching Trastion race off through the door, Duinion blinked and glanced over at Unalmis questioningly. "Interesting guy," He remarked in slight amusement. "Is he always like this?"



After getting outside, somehow without crashing into anyone, Trastion ran back to the mess hall. Anyone (NPCs) he passed along the way, or still lingering in the mess hall got a reminder that the meeting was starting soon as he passed them. The staff were beginning to clean up after breakfast already but he found an empty(clean) glass and filled it with water, and drank it all down, having not realized how thirsty he was until Nal mentioned having some water. After coming up for air once the glass was empty, he refilled it and then set off back toward the HQ building, glass in hand, so he'd have something to sip on during the meeting. A bit got spilled as he was crossing over to the HQ building but he still had most of a glass by the time he slipped back in next to Nal and grinned. "See, plenty of time." He declared in satisfaction, noticing he'd gotten back before anything started.

Unalmis had half expected Trastion to turn down his offer of a drink of water. After all, that very same morning, he had offered the recruit some of his remaining – stone cold - coffee ... At the time, he had completely expected for his new friend to simply spit it back at him, or across the table, or maybe pull a series of amusing expressions, much like Iole had done that one time. He had not expected that Trastion would gulp down the entire remaining cold brew. Admittedly there had come some amusing expressions of distaste shortly after that. But no spitting any of it back … Presumably the recruit had decided that if it was alright for the young Ranger to drink it cold, then it was fine to gulp it .. cold .. as well. After that, well it had been so long since he had grown accustomed to the drink himself, that Nal did not realise at first the peril to come.

By the time his temporary room mate was practically running laps around the HQ, the young Ranger had belatedly recognised what must have happened but by then it was far too late, as well as hilariously amusing. “Water Tras … just water !” he hissed, helpfully, and as stealthily as he could manage whilst at the same time trying to keep a straight face. But then Trastion ran off, declaring he was .. thirsty. “Oh, seven stars ..” Nal groaned behind his teeth in the aftermath, watching the near collision by the entrance.


“Yeh err, no,” was the reply that crawled out, awkwardly to respond to Duinion’s bemused remark shortly after. “So, it wasn’t my fault,” he began, almost automatically, meeting the eye of his father’s friend. “But it isn’t his either,” he added, quickly. “I .. don’t think he’s ever drunk coffee before .. ?” With a shrug, Nal waited with hope and also some small pit of fear over what Trastion’s return might herald. When the recruit strolled in, a glass of water in hand, Nal relaxed. The water would dilute the potency of the stimulant and work against any headaches and dehydration that would otherwise follow. This much he knew.

“Are you sleeping over in the barracks tonight ?” he asked, with a sidelong glance and half smile toward the Tirdinen. Because clearly everyone would be sleeping tonight, or no one.

Cúner Karis Ziranphel
Headquarters Meeting - Urimë 15

Ziran slipped into the hall quietly and surveyed the gathering of Rangers soberly, the flick of her eyes and a tilt of her head acknowledging each. It appeared that she was one of the last to arrive from their unit. There was a mix of emotions and attitudes on display, from quiet anger and irritation to almost festive expressions, and she hoped the latter were more a venting of stress such as after combat.

She had been away to Osgiliath for a few days, returning to report in late last night and was directed to read the notice upon reporting this morning. Sober faces and the lingering scent of smoke and char had partially clued her in as to events, along with quiet words from the night watchman. There had been fire and there had been deaths. That much alone had left her troubled on her return home, and sleep had not been swift in arriving. The dawning of the day brought light and a good breakfast, but it had taken the walk up to the headquarters for the fog to lift fully from her mind. The bell for the hour had not rung, so she was not yet late, but close enough.

Her attention shifted to Captain Pele with a twinge of concern over the look on her face, and she proffered a silent salute. What had transpired?

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters
Urimë 15

Trastion yelling "SIS!" at her had further improved her mood - and her grin. She nodded at his assertion that he'd probably just gotten into trouble, her eyes flicking over to Pele and seeing that, yes, the Captain didn't look alll too pleased with Trastion's bubbliness. Yet, Kaylin didn't lose her grin. If anything, Pele needed to lighten up a little. Yes, they had suffered losses, but what battle didn't lead to a few losses in the end? With Relic gone, Pele should also be very relieved, right? Perhaps the Captain needed a push to see the good part.
Looking back to Trastion, Kaylin raised her eyebrows. Words were coming from his mouth like water from a spring waterfall. Lots of it. Quickly. Only not as loudly.

"I managed not to, somehow," she declared. Though one might hope she would sound proud of it, in reality she sounded more regretful than anything else. Kaylin smiled back at Rome's greeting and then was forced to blink at Trastion as he seemed to almost bounce around headquarters, from one ranger to the next, speaking, speaking, asking, asking...
What was that about?

She looked to Arnyn, trying to see if the blonde had any insights. Kaylin had usually found she did, and especially since she was Trastion's mentor... But Kaylin found the Lieutenant giving Trastion an equally gauging look. This confirmed Kaylin's suspicions something was afoot with the young man. But she let that go, for now. He seemed to be alright. It would probably explain itself later.

'Hyandaner.' Isys' greeting came so unexpectedly, it momentarily left Kaylin - usually so talkative and at ease in social situations - at a loss for words. She was still trying to figure out the puzzle of thoughts and emotions the Ehtyar's greeting brought to the surface, when her fitting the pieces together was interrupted by Pele telling them to see who was missing. Was Kaylin even still upset with Isys, now the threat had been removed? She wasn't one to hold a grudge...

After a lingering look at Isys, Kaylin's gaze swept around HQ. Ziran, she thought. But her cousin-by-marriage could be anywhere between her new place on Fifth and headquarters. She wasn't about to go looking for her. Besides, the Cúner would never be late.

Trastion then rushed out of headquarters. He saw someone who was missing? she wondered. She caught Duinion asking whether Trastion was always like that, as well as Nal's reply. Kaylin would have laughed if Pele wasn't looking so stormy. Coffee? Trastion was being all over the place because of COFFEE? Her chuckle was so quiet, it would only reach Thûllir's ears. She looked up at him with a sparkle in her eyes. "Kids, hmm?" she whispered, just when Trastion bounded back next to Nal, holding a glass of water.

Karis' arrival drew both of their gazes then, ans Kaylin smiled as she returned the nodded greeting. Kaylin then followed Karis' look toward Pele. Would the Captain speak soon?

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Pele remained quite wordless, only returning salutes and nods, while she mentally organised and again reorganised a list of things she should say. Yet she could not help but observe Trastion’s unceasing overt bubbliness, which made him seem as if he was about to run up the walls in his excitement. When he eventually darted out, Pele gave Arnyn a puzzled look. Has he feasted on henbane or something – a question burned on her tongue, but after a lengthy eye contact with her friend she decided to simply keep her peace and not comment on it when he ventured back in soon after.

When Pele observed that there were no other newcomers, and the set timing had already come and even slightly gone, so to say, she cleared her throat and began: “Rangers!” She paused slightly to make sure she had everyone’s attention. “You had been warned of a highly stealthy and skilled enemy among us, and it is very likely that even those who had not been involved in the recent events have heard various stories told.” While she had been too busy to listen to what rumours were going around, she assumed there must be some, more or less vividly told.

“This enemy, this Umbarian slaver, a sorceress… she has been defeated, and there is no longer the need to be on constant high alert. However, the victory has been very costly,” Pele said, attempting to keep her speech even and not simply rush through it. “The fire started by the same Umbarian has damaged the barracks, and those dealing with it have suffered various injuries. Several others were wounded when attempting to tackle the enemy, and three lost their lives – one of my guards, Minluzir, Danthor… Let us not forget our fallen comrades, but remember them always…”

The Captain paused to allow for a moment of silence, as she once again counted all the losses. All of this because of her… No, but she should not go down that trail. Rather perhaps – on her behalf? Though either way the cost was so great, and the thought of it caused her throat to tighten, and she felt tears stinging her eyes and threatening to appear. She cast down her eyes, doing her best to keep herself in check and considering the next words to be said.

Duinion raised an eyebrow in slight surprise to hear Unalmis declare, as if instinctively, that it wasn't his fault. He fought a smile at that, suspecting automatically that maybe it was at least partially his fault, although he merely nodded as the young ranger went on to say it wasn't Trastion's fault either, and that he had never drank coffee before. Duinion blinked, and if they had been out somewhere else he would have laughed. Instead he managed to keep it down to a faint smile, recalling a time back in his own young recruit days(younger than Trastion) when a certain group of rangers(including Unalmis' father) had given him some coffee, which had never been something he'd had access to in the orphanage. That had been far more amusing to the likes of Narradir than to Duinion, although looking back he could understand completely. "I see," was all he replied, though with amusement evident in his tone.

"As far as I know," He answered a bit carefully, "I am to be staying overnight, though I'm not sure whether those plans may have changed." His smile faded at that and he found it far easier to return to a more solemn mood as he awaited the meeting to start. Fortunately, he noticed Trastion returned quickly, and a few other folks came in. And then, Pele began to talk, getting their attention with just a few words. Duinion turned his gaze toward her, listening with a small frown. He had heard of the fire, of course, as well as the injuries that had resulted from both that, and from a battle, but the details were a bit sketchy and uncertain. This was the first he had heard about deaths, however, and frowned to hear it. The names of the slain were not familiar to him, but it was saddening, just the same. It could have easily been any of them.

---

@Ercassie @Romeran


Next to Unalmis, Trastion's triumph at successfully returning in 'plenty of time' was short lived. A couple more people came in, and soon it seemed like everyone must be there. The captain started talking! Trastion quickly straightened his shoulders slightly, in a visible attempt at giving his full attention to her. He held his glass of water clasped tightly in both hands, making an extreme effort to keep still and not fidget. It was difficult, but he didn't want to seem impatient, and worried he had already gotten into enough trouble with the captain and lieutenant. Still, he couldn't help a little motion however, swishing the water in slow circles within the glass.

Focusing on what the captain was saying, Trastion blinked hard and dragged his memory back to the day of the fire. It felt already like it was a distant dream or something, like it happened years ago. It was a bit jarring to recall that yes, those things did actually happen and it wasn't actually all that long ago. He frowned and stared down at the water in his glass, mind racing through so many things he couldn't seem to pick one thought to stick with for a moment. His gaze drifted briefly toward the bandage on his own arm before his thoughts stayed again toward Mourgan and rested there at last.

While the captain paused for a silence, Trastion was gazing downward with a small frown despite some minor fidgeting, and thinking about how relieved he was that Mourgan had not joined those three, and how really lucky they all were that it hadn't been more than three. And then he recalled Arnyn saying something about how he was lucky not to have been killed that day of the midsummer when he got the concussion. That felt like ages ago, now.. and a lot had happened since then that had made the incident fade a little from memory, but it had been the same dangerous enemy that did all of this, too. Then he started wondering if this was the same spot where he'd been attacked, but couldn't remember exactly.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15

The very brief exchange between Isys and Kaylin did not escape her attention. As far as Arnyn was aware, the two had not interacted since the meeting back in Nárië. Where, Arnyn was pretty sure, Kaylin had been two breaths away from getting into a fistfight with Isys. Yet it seemed like the Hyandaner's anger had subsided, or she had better control over it, at the very least. Perhaps Kaylin had seen some reason. Arnyn had been direct to Kaylin about needing to sort out the trouble with Pele after that meeting - Arnyn knew Pele and Kaylin were friends, after all. Yet the matter between Kaylin and Isys was different. The raven-haired and red-haired rangers were not all that close, Arnyn had gathered. And Kaylin's ire had been great indeed. No, the Lieutenant had not been direct with her advice concerning their particular relationship. Nevertheless - she had dropped some more subtle hints to Kaylin in the past weeks. Trying to get the Hyandaner to look at things from a different point of view, rather than just her own. Whether this had done any good, though, Arnyn did not know.

Unalmis' words to Duinion, audible from her own position, drew her attention very effectively. Coffee? Was this really the explanation for Trastion's behaviour? Raising an eyebrow as she watched the young man darting back into Headquarters after having left, working hard to keep the water inside his glass, a rather amused Arnyn crossed her arms. As someone who basically lived off the brew, the thought of coffee having so much effect on someone was... entertaining. She could have two cups right before bed and simply go to sleep, no problem. Meanwhile, here she had Trastion, almost walking on the ceiling rather than the floor.

After a nod at Karis, Arnyn focussed once more on Pele. Now there was a woman with a task before her which was much more difficult to face than most in the room realized. The Lieutenant uncrossed her arms once Pele spoke up, rising from her seated position on the windowsill as they were called to attention, a careful look on her friend and Captain. She was ready to assist should the need arise. But she was also hoping that Pele would find the strength Arnyn knew her friend had to do this. It would allow her to take yet another step forward in her healing process.

And the thought of taking such a step, the thought of Pele moving forward, brought a whisp of a smile to Arnyn's lips and a certain warmth to her overall expression as she watched her friend and Captain dive right into the heart of the matter.

When Pele mentioned they would have likely heard various stories, Arnyn refrained from rolling her eyes - despite wanting to. Doubtlessly, this was very true. Thankfully, Pele returned to the subject of Relic, and her defeat, without going into any detail of the defeat itself. From this enemy's defeat, Pele moved onto the cost of the victory. This caused a slight frown to settle on the Lieutenant's brow as she listened. And disagreed.
The fire was not a result of their victory. The deaths were not a requirement to defeat her. Relic had gone on a rampage. And by defeating her, they had kept her from doing any more damage. Their losses were not the cost of victory. If anything, they had been the price they had paid for not claiming this victory any sooner.

Yet such thoughts of disagreement did not hinder her from noting the ever so slight change in Pele's voice as she spoke the names of those who had not survived, nor the way the Captain looked down. Others might assume it was a sign of respect for the three lives lost. In part, Arnyn was sure it was. But there was more to it. And when emotion threatened to conquer you, it was never good to have this many eyes so strained on your person.

Arnyn took a few steps forward, calling the attention away from Pele without making it seem deliberate.

"Alden. A Guard of the Citadel. A Guard of King Elessar. Ever faithful to his duty. A worthy protector. He will be mourned by his mother, his father, his brothers, his colleagues and his friends." Arnyn kept herself from glancing at Pele, even though she wanted to. She did not want to draw any attention back to the Captain just yet.

Her dark eyes assessed the room as she drew in a slow breath. She'd prepared for this possibility. And - sadly - she had done this before.

"Danthor. An Ehtyar of the King's Rangers. He was a good man. Kind. Proud of his country. Proud of his family. He was forced to part too soon from his wife, his daughter and his son."

Despite the sadness in her eyes and the low tone in which she spoke, the Lieutenant's voice stayed steady, and full.

"Minluzir. A Hyandaner of the King's Rangers. Despite losing his parents young, his presence always brightened the day of those lucky enough to serve alongside him. He had no family other than the people in this very room. But he loved his family no less."

"This day, we pay homage to these individuals. This slaver took their future from them. But she did not erase their past. And their lives were full. Their lives were meaningful. That, the enemy can never take away - not from them, and not from us."

She paused, but did not step back just yet. "In my opinion..." Another pause. Yet it was brief. And she did not hesistate again when she resumed. "The fire, the injuries, the lives lost - I would not name them as the cost of victory. These terrible things did not happen because we defeated this enemy. Nor were they a necessity to defeat her. They happened because the enemy was cruel of mind and cold of heart."

Arnyn slowly stepped toward Pele. "Nonetheless - however way this all came to pass - it is a reality." Now standing next to the Captain, Arnyn tilted her chin up slightly as she addressed the Rangers.

"But the fallen will be remembered. The injured will heal. The North Wing will be rebuilt. And the threat, which might have cost us so much more if left alone, has been removed." Without looking at Pele next to her, Arnyn's hand subtly touched the part of the Captain's wrist that would be least visible to the crowd in front of them. To offer what support she could. And to indicate she was done speaking, unless Pele needed her to do otherwise.

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Romeran nodded in agreement as Unalmis confirmed his name and expressed sympathy for his uncle's death "Thank you, Unalmis," he says quietly. "It means a lot to me." He turned to Duinion and said, "I understand, but perhaps we could have some spontaneous training sessions during our free time. I look forward to practicing with Trastion regardless."

As Romeran watched Trastion seemingly bounce off the walls, he couldn't help but chuckle. When Unalmis explained that Trastion had drank too much coffee, and Romeran nodded in understanding, saying, "That explains it." And despite Unalmis's attempt at claiming that it was not his fault, Romeran still wondered how much coffee exactly Trastion had injested. Romeran was familiar with coffee and in fact indulged himself on occasion, early mornings and the coffee associated with that were a staple of farm life.

When Romeran learned that Duinion was staying at the barracks, he was both glad and excited. "That's great news," he said. Romeran had more questions, like why he was staying in the barracks when his daughter seemed to live nearby but also why Duinion seemed so... uncomfortable with the idea? but before he could ask any more questions, Captain Pele began to speak. Since they would all apparently be staying at the barracks that evening he supposed he would have sufficient opportunity to ask as many questions as he wanted later, ideally not in front of the Captain and Lieutenant where he feared he may embarrass himself.

Romeran turned to listen to the captain with rapt attention and a grave face. He was immediately relieved to learn that Relic had already been captured and dealt with, as it answered many of his previous questions about what they should be doing. However, he was saddened to hear about the deaths of the two rangers and one tower guard. Romeran had heard about the fire, as he knew his room had been reassigned, but the explanation that Relic had caused the fire now helped fill in the gaps. Romeran certainly had missed quite a lot since he returned home. He wondered over how much time this whole thing had occurred but again felt it best not to interrupt. He would surely get his questions answered later from a less... intimidating... source, perhaps Trastion knew? Romeran took a mental note to ask Trastion if he knew the full story later, they were going to be temporarily rooming together at least. Romeran would need to get to Trastion before the coffee wore off and he crashed though. The timing would be close.

The captain seemed sad and almost guilty? Romeran wondered if there was more to the story, but he did not interrupt. He listened solemnly as the Lieutenant gave her speech. When she got to Danthor, who left behind a son and daughter and wife, Romeran felt his eyes well up. A few tears ran down his cheeks wetting the beard at the corner of his mouth and the taste of salt touched his lips. He did not bawl nor make a sound, but tears continued to fall.

He didn't know either of the rangers who died, and usually he would not have been moved to tears, but the recent death of his uncle (and the still fairly recent death of his mother) made it such that the news that this ranger left behind a wife and children hit Romeran particularly hard. He wiped the tears from his eyes, but they didn't seem to stop coming. He looked down at his feet to avoid eye contact with the other rangers. The weight and reality of being a ranger seemed to overwhelm Romeran at that moment and it felt as if some sort of real physical force was pressing down on him, pushing him to the ground. He wanted to crawl up in a ball and cover his face with his hood but he knew that would only bring attention to him. Romeran attempted to stand up straight, wiping his eyes again and looked around cautiously hoping no one had noticed. Romeran thought back to his father that he had never known, he had been a ranger too and he had died, or so Romeran had been told. Romeran wondered if a ranger Lieutenant had ever made such as speech about his father and the wife and child he had left behind. The tears came again.

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters
Urimë 15

She knew, of course, that Relic had been 'defeated'. Defeated? Kaylin frowned at the wording. Really. That could mean anything. It was probably a good thing she'd seen the witch die. No need to get worked up over the possibility they'd encarcerated her or some other sort of half measure that was bound to go wrong sooner or later. Her grey-blue eyes flicked to Isys. Would the Ehtyar wonder at the specifics? She had not seen it happen, after all. And she had not been in favor of ending Relic's life.

There was some news, though. Confirmation. Relic had apparently started the fire. She'd wondered at that, thinking it likely, but now she knew for sure.

Pushing down her sadness at the loss of their fellow rangers became more difficult when Pele spoke of them. Kaylin focused on other things to stay detached from such emotions. Observing the way Pele and Arnyn were bearing themselves proved an excellent distraction.

While the Captain was keeping it together rather well, it was obvious she was taking the losses hard. And whether it had been discussed previously or not, Kaylin couldn't say, but Arnyn seemed to step forward right when it seemed like Pele could use a breather. Therefore, if it had not been discussed... Arnyn was paying as close attention to Pele as Kaylin was.

The Lieutenant spoke briefly of the fallen, sharing a snippet of each of their lives. Kaylin shifted her weight from one foot to the other but otherwise held back any response. She intensified her observation of the Lieutenant, in order to manage herself. Arnyn didn't seem as perturbed as Pele did. She spoke solemnly, and there was a sadness to her face, but her tone was steady and she did not falter. Whether Arnyn could cope with the sadness better, or whather she was burying it like Kaylin was doing... or whether the Lieutenant simply felt less sad... That could be up for debate. If Kaylin had to pick, however, she would choose the first option. If Arnyn were burying it, her expression would be different, Kaylin thought. And Kaylin had seen the Lieutenant's response to the bodies of Danthor and Minluzir, before leaving for the Houses of Healing. The sadness had been unmistakable. Given what she had to say of the three men who had fallen, Kaylin wondered if she known the rangers personally. Danthor, perhaps. Minluzir, obviously. Kaylin shifted her weight back.

Kaylin watched as the Lieutenant continued. How did she know what to say? the redhead mused. It seemed to come so naturally. Either Arnyn had prepared well or... she had prior experience with it. Her words went from mourning the fallen, to honoring them. And then she denied that their lives were the cost of victory. Kaylin slanted her head as she listened and as the Lieutentant moved to position herself right next to the Captain. The Hyandaner found herself in agreement with the Lieutenant. This wasn't on them. It was on the witch.

Arnyn then drew their attention to what would come next, it seemed. And to the silver lining. The results. The threat was gone. They could relax. Kaylin sighed lightly, noticable only to Thûllir, since they were standing so close together their arms were touching. She turned her head to look at him for a moment. Then her attention returned to the two commanding officers.

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Pele knew she should continue and not let the silence last too long, yet she felt that if she spoke now she’d end up in tears. Before the silence could become awkward, Arnyn came to her aid and continued to speak of each of the fallen comrades with much respect. Pele felt immensely grateful for this kind of support at the right time. She might not have known the men as well as some other people, yet the loss was still heavy, especially for their families. So, as she listened, a few tears managed to escape from her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Yet she maintained her position with her head still bowed and did not do anything to hide this expression of sorrow.

At the Arnyn’s take of losses, Pele wanted to object first, and yet, as she thought over the words, she came to a conclusion that yes – Relic was cruel and her evilness was a way of life, and she would pour it out on anyone regardless of whether they had done anything to her or not. She realised that perhaps it was the way healer Linaiwe had once told her: that she was looking at the situation with a victim’s mentality, coupled with constant blaming of herself for everything Relic did. Yet, it was not something she could deal with properly this very moment, so in a quiet acceptance of the fact, she let out a slow long breath instead of a sigh.

With much relief the Captain held tight to the following words of hope: it was not right to remain in suffering and in grief without a way out. She had done it long enough, and she wanted out of it now that the threat was gone, and she did not want her Rangers to remain stuck in grief. She lifted her chin again, unashamed of any visible traces of tears on her face. Her eyes looked from one face of the Ranger to another noting the most obvious expressions: frowns, seriousness, some restlessness, keen observation, and Romeran’s weeping. She was not sure whether the man knew those who had been killed, or if this had somehow brought his own grief to the surface.

The gentle touch to her wrist brought Pele out of her wonderings reminding that there were still things to say and do. Adjusting her stature minutely to square her shoulders, she smiled faintly as she cast a sideways glance at Arnyn who stood close enough to her that their shoulders almost touched.

“Yes. We will remember, heal, and rebuild. We will live,” she then said, once again looking at the gathered Rangers, her eyes resting on each face she looked at for a moment or two. “We will support the each other, find joy, and prepare to face off any other threat that might want to threaten us or those we protect.”

Pele paused just a moment, and then continued, a note of gratitude and pride in her voice: “I want to express my thanks to each one who contributed in any way so that the threat could be eliminated for good. To everyone who assisted Lieutenant Brian in quenching the fire. Recruit Trastion,” her blue eyes sought out the excitable young man. “I have heard of your initiative and leadership skills in these efforts.”

“And Mourgan, who is still recovering from his injuries, not as much from dealing with the fire as from stopping the enemy in her tracks,” she spoke on, and then looked at Arnyn. “And our Lieutenant, Arnyn, who with the aid from our smith managed to put an end to Relic’s raging.”

“The job has been well done,” she said, though a part of her mind still reminded her that there were great losses. After another short pause, Pele then continued: “Now, the practical things. You have seen that lodging arrangements are now in place at the barracks; it might take a while to repair the north wing. Now that the living conditions are pretty cramped, bear with each other, and be kind to each other. Otherwise… any questions?” Pele’s posture relaxed slightly, as she waited to see any reactions.

The words spoken about the fallen were brief, and yet Duinion found it saddening, and his thoughts flashed through..everyone he had lost. There had been so many. His heart felt heavy, and he kept his gaze down in sorrow. And a little guilt, thinking of the last young ranger who had died before he should have. Duinion closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out in a heavy, yet mostly silent, sigh. And then thought of how nearly Rome had come to being killed by that troll. And himself, but that mattered less. If he had let another young ranger die.. one who was only in danger because of him.. He shook his head slightly, trying to bury those feelings further down.

Glancing briefly toward the trainee, he was somewhat surprised to see tears rolling down his cheeks. He frowned slightly to himself in concern for him. He sort of wanted to reach out and rest a hand on his shoulder, to comfort the young man, but Duinion would have to take a few steps to cross the floor to get close enough to him to do so. And that might draw more attention to him, given the crutch and everything. So, instead, he remained where he was, and turned his gaze downward again, figuring Romeran might rather no one saw him in such an emotional state anyway.

Looking up again as Pele spoke up again, Duinion listened to her words of hope and comfort, and then her thanks toward those who had aided in the recent disaster. Duinion had not been there, but he had heard plenty about the fire after the fact. Still, there were plenty of things he was curious about. Yet, when the Captain concluded by asking if there were any questions, he couldn't seem to find one to ask. Or, rather, he didn't want to speak up and ask anything, in this room full of people, much less be first to speak up.

---

Feeling a bit of water slosh over the edge of his glass, he abruptly stopped swirling the water inside, and blinked hard as he realized he'd become a little zoned out for a moment. He glanced up as he heard Arnyn's voice, and realized she was talking about the two rangers who had died, and a guard. The words about how their lives were taken, and that their pasts would not be erased, how they would be remembered... it suddenly hit him a little close. Reminding him of how his brother's life was cut short as well. He took a quiet sip of his water and swallowed, trying to swallow down a lump that had risen up in his throat. He looked down and attempting to push away the memory of his brother's funeral before it got him all emotional.

And, noticing a little splash of water on the floor by his foot, Trastion quickly moved his foot over it to cover it from view, and hoped no one had noticed it. He wasn't entirely sure what he had expected from this meeting, but the enthusiasm from earlier had vanished when it seemed to become a memorial, and he wanted to get outside somewhere and do something, anything, else. The fact that he didn't know those who were being remembered made it difficult to feel entirely comfortable, like he was a bit out of place. Like he had blundered into a funeral for strangers, and had no place being there. And yet, they had been rangers, a 'family' he was trying to become part of, and from what he knew, they had died while trying to assist Mourgan in bringing more salt upstairs. Trastion felt a little sorry that he had not known them, although it was still uncomfortable hearing about them and those they had left behind.

He shifted back and forth on his feet, anxious for things to get going and do things and move away from topics of sorrow and destruction. And at last, the captain continued talking. He was surprised, then, to hear his own name suddenly mentioned. His head jerked up, eyes widening slightly and opened his mouth in an automatic reaction to protest that he did not do anything wrong, or at least apologize for spilling the water or fidgeting or whatever else she was going to scold him for, when he realized... he was actually being commended? He blinked. Oh, right. For helping in the fire. He relaxed slightly and gave a small bow of his head as she moved on toward talking about Mourgan and the others who had been involved in the thing a couple of days ago. And at last, she opened the floor for questions. He looked all around, wondering if anyone else was going to ask anything, while shifting his weight back and forth a little, and suddenly caught something one of the officers had said.

His hand shot into the air suddenly. "Wait, so she definitely was the one who started the fire at the barracks?" He called out before he could think better of it. It had been a suspicion already but would be nice to have it confirmed for certain. "Was there some reason she did it, or was she just trying to cause a diversion or something?" He frowned. "What exactly was she trying to accomplish, or does anyone know?" Or did it even matter, he wondered, but didn't ask that part.

Ilisys had anticipated that this gathering would encompass some outlining of what would happen now, in light of the recent fire and due logistical consequences. And yes, there had come some small mention of that, in the end. She had privately leant some thought of course, in the very short time since she first had heard of the damage, to considering what might have caused such a calamity in the first place. And it had not taken long to recall that ‘Amber’ had been assigned to the Barracks. So the arsonist’s identity had never really been a question. Still as Pele concluded the first act of her oration, informed them that the Umbarian sorceress had been .. defeated .. the Belfalasian tilted her head slightly. She had not expected .. that.

The Ehtyar ought to have at least anticipated that there would have been deaths though. As soon as there was confirmation of a confrontation with Relic. It was never going to end well, after all. For all the time and energy which had been channelled into accomplishing this goal, it did not sound especially like the outcome of a carefully executed plan. The fact that one of the fallen was named as one of the King’s Guards who’d been assigned to protect Pele … that let the Belfalasian draw a more terrible though clarifying conclusion. That some strike might have, mostly likely, been made against Pele herself by her enemy, the very likes of which they had all been hoping, with rather extensive attention awarded, to keep from ever occurring.

Further still, the Ehtyar remembered that the Captain was roomed outside of the North Wing, as indeed must have been the two male Rangers (else face the Barracks Master’s ire); which meant that the devastated barracks were likely not the scene of the rather fatal other act, as it were. Two scenes of carnage then. From a single source .. ? Based on her understanding that Umbar often favoured a diarchy, Isys seriously hoped that there was not about to come news of Shamara’s escape .. again. Already she had felt Kaylin’s eyes briefly upon her and, in the name of not allowing Relic’s legacy now to cause yet further disharmony by prolonging a ‘feud’, decided not to react.

She sent a sincere pang of empathy toward her Captain instead, as Pele stalled her story for a moment of respectful silence. Beyond the obvious grief, there was a pall of responsibility which many knew by now that their leader had taken unto herself. And these deaths, inevitable as they may have been, would have hit the Captain hard. So Isys barely glanced up when Arnyn stepped in, seamlessly picking up almost the same stream of speech as though the pair of officers were two opposing arms of the same entity. It was always rather amazing for the Belfalasian to witness of the two women; so extremely different, and yet somehow still in synch. Their easy amalgamation was perhaps the greatest affront each of them could offer to the foe which had united them today in a common grief.


The last thing that Isys would attempt, during either of the officer’s announcements, was to follow their faces, analyse their feelings, estimate their pain. For the last thing that either of the women, stood up in front of an assembly to convey such a speech as each had, could possibly want, after all, would be attention awarded to anything but the news itself. Keeping then her grey eyes to herself, Isys decided not to focus on either of the speakers, but rather only on the words they spoke. If she seemed aggrieved or low in mood, then it was likely to be expected, and any deeper level of distress would be hard to discern amidst the obvious receipt of such fell news. If she gave any thing up at all, it was a slight startle when the last of the names was announced. For a second, she had thought it was .. some other very similar name. Perhaps she was hearing things. It would have been impossible after all. Unwilling to make today about her own personal concerns, the Belfalasian kept her head bowed, and tried to console herself with Arnyn’s ever so slightly more decisive assurance. That the threat had been ‘removed’. The assigned Guard protection around Pele had clearly been similarly ‘removed’. Isys had gazed about from the get go for what was not present here, rather than what was. No Guards. No threat. And yet not a keen want to celebrate rang out from any corner of the hall.

There remained a sense however, that what they’d heard thus far was simply the first act of the entire performance. There had been a lot of sweeping suggestions. Remember, heal, rebuild .. But if the Command were honestly attempting to improve on their tendency to gloss over the facts, which they had openly admitted had been a mistake before now, then what had thus far been given over ought not be all that there was. It would make little difference in the end, of course. Except to those people who needed to know every little detail of every thing around them. Isys had decided long before today that she was not one of those people. She had learned .. too much. More than she wanted. And it was impossible to go back now to oblivion.

Raising her metaphorical armour, there came no tears. She was all cried out, and exhausted. And crying, so her mother said, was a contagion. Once one started .. it would stir all to the same. No, she would not cry. She could not cry. She did not cry. Except in private. And this very public place was far from that. It did not sound as though there would be privacy in the barracks for some time yet.

What she could do then, occurred to the Ehtyar, only after Pele named a crew of others she might hope to ward off all attention to, and spare herself. Trastion. Mourgan. Arnyn. And the smith. That was clever, Captain, the Belfalasian almost shook her head to observe it done. “The smith is named Cali,” Isys recalled then suddenly, and without scarcely realising that she had spoke, even so soft, even at all, though she noted that Unalmis at least had heard her, and smiled with a small nod at the reference to his dear friend. Of course, she supposed, he would have known already. And so as it had been at the beginning, so too was it now, at the end. That some invariably knew more than others.

Trastion broke the spell by asking questions, albeit with a hand politely raised up. And so attention was indeed his, until he aimed it right back at the two officers. Isys did not envy them. She would wait, to give them words. This was not the moment. And the words would not be the news she had been intending. Something else, something rather more relevant and likely better received as well. It was the least that she could do, feeling as she did that she had failed to do anything of any worth thus far against their foe. But there being such a need for space, for everyone to help ... she would move out of the Barracks. For, unlike so many of the others, she had some other place where she could go. Yes, that she could do.

Cúner Karis Ziranphel & Ranger Thûllir Bregedŷr
Headquarters - Urimë 15

Ziran listened solemnly as Pele began by saying that Relic had been defeated, and looked forward to hearing the details of what that might mean, even as she sorrowed to hear confirmation of the three deaths at the woman’s hands, as well as her instigation of the fire that had damaged the barracks. What did she mean by defeated? She bowed her head in remembrance as her brow furrowed with the weight of these deaths adding to the hundreds more fallen that had served with her or under her command. It was right and proper to remember and honor them before going into further depth.

Thûllir was quiet, remembering back to his brief involvement in the struggle, which truly only involved seeing that the two Rangers had fallen beyond hope of saving, and that Mourgan needed aid to live. He had done his best to render that aid while having to leave the actual fight to Arnyn and the smith Cali, who had been in control of a live Relic in the guise of Arnyn when he and Pele left. He had returned to the scene and helped Kaylin deal with the bodies, honoring the fallen Rangers and disposing carefully, but with less honor, the body of the unfamiliar Relic. His desire was to know what had transpired before he got there, and after he had left. He too bowed his head in remembrance of the fallen when the Lieutenant named them. The reminder that some had families they left behind caught at his heart, and he leaned his shoulder into Kaylin’s with subtle pressure. This was his family, as it had been theirs, and he treasured it. He heard her quiet sigh at the mention that the threat was over, and returned her glance before looking back to the Captain. Surely there would be more information now?

The words that came forth were good ones, shifting the focus to rebuilding and moving on…but did not answer the questions on his mind, leaving unanswered how the confrontation with Relic had begun and how it had ended. It sounded as if the captain was ready to dismiss them all, as questions were generally only asked for in conclusion. He willed himself to not react visibly, and instead shot a look to his cousin Karis. Ziran would perhaps be more diplomatic, and had the experience of command. He waited until she turned her head slightly and caught his gaze, willing her to understand his silent prompting.

Ziran narrowed her gaze back at him, but then gave a slight tilt in acknowledgement as the silence seemed to stretch. The young Trastion called out questions about the fire, but she dismissed them as unimportant. Both Arnyn and Pele had laid responsibility for it at Relic’s feet, and while the how did matter for future reference, it had already been confirmed. The why mattered less at the moment, and she thought it perfectly obvious as a diversion of resources and something that was natural to a causer of chaos. She tucked her chin briefly in thought as she assessed Pele’s expression. They needed to know more, even if Pele didn’t feel like sharing. She was loth to call her out for her reticence to share once again, but as Pele had invited questions, perhaps there was a way forward without seeming to give reprimand. Pele had the choice of telling them the whole tale now or letting the gossip of soldiers fill in with a mix of truth and supposition. Her gaze flicked between Arnyn and Pele before settling once more on her friend and Captain. She straightened.

“Captain.” Her voice was clear and carrying but not very loud. It demanded attention with its measured tone, and reminded both herself and her listeners that this was a question to an officer, not a casual question to a friend. “You have said that Relic has been defeated, and is no longer a threat, and that an end has been made to her raging. But how did this come about? Some here may know more, but I and several others were absent for these events. Is this woman dead or merely imprisoned? How did the fight and confrontation come about?” She paused briefly. “I commend those that gave of themselves to help end this threat to life and property, but please fill us in as to the details or call on others to share their part. All I knew before was that the recruit Amber was strongly suspected, and thought to be confirmed as Relic in disguise, and now this saga has suddenly been concluded. While there is hope that we will never again face such a threat, your Rangers deserve to know how this individual was confronted, her true identity confirmed, and how she was defeated.” It was more than she had intended to say, but it needed to be asked and stated. She fell silent and waited for whatever response might come. Would Pele answer the questions she had invited, or dismiss them without answering as she seemed inclined to do?

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15

She noted the sideway glance Pele threw her way, and acknowledged it with a very light nod to the side Pele was standing. Arnyn didn't look at the Captain though, thinking that might draw too much attention to their silent communication.

The Lieutenant smiled faintly when Pele commended Trastion for his efforts in fighting the fire. Yes, they had heard. "As it turns out, the barracks master does not only report infractions in his domain," Arnyn added to Pele's words, feeling that it was her place to say something here if she would, given she was Trastion's mentor. She was smiling at the young man's utter surprise at the praise.
When Pele continued, however, and mentioned Mourgan, her face fell into more serious lines again. Thank Manwë that he lived. He was a fighter, though - and it showed even in the way he was recovering from the wounds which had been so cruelly inflicted upon him.
The mention of her own name made Arnyn cast down her eyes, before looking sideways at Pele. What else was she supposed to have done? Or rather, tried to do? She had merely been lucky that her attempts had proven successful in stopping the sorceress. It might as well have proven much less wise, with more calamity as a result. Yet she did not protest that verbally, not in front of the others. And some of the attention was drawn away then by Isys, who put in Cali's name. Arnyn gave the Ehtyar a soft smile then, although she held little hope the Belfalasian would understand why.

The Captain's next words, and subsequent question, jarred Arnyn a little. Her dark eyes flicked to the friend beside her, seeking out Pele's eyes before she could stop herself. That had sounded as if Pele was going to wrap up the debrief already? Surely, that would not be the case?

After her initial reaction had subsided, Arnyn told herself that Pele must only be asking if there were any questions about the logistical situation at the barracks - and once they had covered that, the debrief would continue.
After all, Pele and Arnyn had briefly discussed this debrief beforehand, and while they had agreed neither of them was looking forward to it - especially not the questions that would inevitably follow - they had agreed it was important to share what had happened -- exempting Pele's personal history with Relic, if that made her too uncomfortable.
Arnyn had told Pele she would not press for her to share anything she was unwilling to disclose - meaning, details of her personal history with Relic. While she had pushed for her friend to share before, within the small group of people at the meeting on Náriïe 20th, this was not the same. There had been only a handful of people then. It had been a nudge. To do the same with the main hall of headquarters filled with rangers? That would be like pushing Pele off a mountain.

Trastion did seem to have questions. And concern wedged itself back into Arnyn's mind. He was not asking about the living situation at the barracks... even though his questions were barracks-related. Had everyone gotten the same impression that had settled on her own self in the first moments after Pele had asked for questions? Were all the rangers here now assuming they would not be told anything else?
Perhaps Arnyn was getting ahead of herself. Wait, she therefore told herself adamantly. And listen. Three questions were posed by the young man, and the last question might be dangerous territory. Arnyn lightly touched Pele's wrist again, in a wordless message that she was here, if Pele needed her. In whatever way that might turn out to be.

Then Karis spoke, addressing Pele by rank, and Arnyn smiled faintly as her gaze sought out another longtime friend. She asked some excellent questions: How was Relic defeated? Not everyone knew the same amount about how it came to pass. What exactly happened to Relic and where was she now? What had prompted the confrontation? Arnyn nodded s Karis paused, approving of the questions. Perhaps this was the nudge Pele needed, in this instance, to share what needed to be told. And Karis had done so in a way that was --

Arnyn's thoughts were cut off as Karis spoke again. She was a bit surprised at the Cúner's plea to share more details. After all, the questions she had just posed had already asked for such details? And Arnyn had never known Karis to be inclined to repeat herself. The Lieutenant's sensitivity lowered again when Karis explained what she had known before and how the conclusion to the problem seemed to sudden. Arnyn could definitely understand that. And she was sure that, between Pele and herself, they could satisfy the need for more information.

Then Karis' spoke her last sentence. 'Your Rangers deserve to know.' Once again followed by the request to share how Relic was engaged and exactly how she was defeated. Arnyn's dark eyes grew steely then, as the protective beast inside of her stirred and she focused on Karis. There was no question that the Rangers all deserved to know more. But Pele surely did not need a reminder of that. Pele knew her duty. And if, as it so happened, Pele were to be momentarily distracted - the reasons for which Karis knew well enough - then Arnyn would gently lead her back to the path her distractions had made her stray from.

Three times - in two breaths - Karis had asked for the same information. As if she had too little faith in Pele to believe the Captain would answer her questions the first time? Or the second time? And along with the third time she had now asked these questions without giving Pele the room to respond to the first or second time, Karis had added the sentiment that Pele would be in the wrong not to answer her questions.

Her own sense of respect for the hierarchy yelled at the Lieutenant to wait - wait for Pele, as Captain, to speak. Yet this was one part of her. That was the reasonable part. The other part, the emotional part, felt strong indignation at this last sentence in particular, and demanded a response to it. Karis had spoken bluntly - in public. She should not be surprised if she received a blunt reply in return. In the end, it was Arnyn's knowledge that Pele would choose to move forward rather than ruffle feathers, that forced the Lieutenant to keep her peace. Despite the way her shoulders and neck had tensed. Her gaze, which had turned cold and had rested on Karis for a while now, then pointedly moved away. She would limit herself to this rebuke. Reason had defeated emotion. Arnyn would wait for the Captain's response and follow her commander's lead.

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Pele could not deny that she had held a slight hope that the Rangers would be satisfied with the few crumbs of information she had offered; however, she also knew that it would not do to hold any back since the situation had been very serious. She had expected questions, thinking that those would help her determine what most already knew and what still needed to be covered except for the obvious. Trastion's questions were aimed straight at the causes of the situation, and Pele took a deep breath. Was she to hide the reasons from her Rangers forever? At least some of it should be shared to give them a broader understanding. Karis' questions, on the other hand, were rather requesting for a more detailed account of the recent events which she had touched on only broadly. Yet, Pele did not set about answering questions right away, as she both sorted the information to be provided into some kind of coherent order and attempted to keep a lid on emotions. She had taken the losses heavily, and a reminder of what the Rangers deserved seemed to further cause her to doubt that she had been dealing with things correctly, or that she was even able to provide the Rangers with what they needed in terms of leadership. Anchoring herself to whatever hope and strength she could find within herself and in support she felt in that barely felt touch on her wrist, Pele decided to take the plunge and provide as much information as she could.

"The identity question... Amber was indeed Relic," she began, raising her chin slightly to tear her look away from that one spot in the door she had been staring at while in thought. "It took time because I sought for ways to prove it. Me claiming that I could sense her no matter how she presented herself did not just seem like a solid evidence. While I've spent long enough time fighting against her to recognise her anywhere it was not something I could easily hand out as a tool for others to use against her. So..."

The Captain paused a moment to go through the list of events in her mind again, and then continued: "I decided that it was worth trying to see if she could be pushed to the point where she would reveal herself, put up a whole lot of acting with an aim to make her believe that I was weak and vulnerable." Pele was still unsure whether it had been the best way to go about it, and she did not want to admit openly how much Relic's presence had been wearing her down to the point where she felt it was necessary to do something, anything to get rid of her. "It happened that I was out in the yard, practicing sword drills... and putting up a show at yelling at my guard for wanting to assist me. Amber then approached and offered help. I yelled at her too because... I could not imagine Relic being willing to suffer humiliation, so assumed she would give in and reveal herself."

"I had hoped she would attack me, but... She remained Amber, and left... with a look back at me - with that crystalline eye of hers," Pele sighed, thinking back to how the events unfolded. "I rushed after her assuming she was about to do some evil. While I figured out where she had gone, she had already started the fire and I saw her disappear around the corner on the third floor. An ambush... she jumped out, killed my guard." Pele felt a knot forming in her throat, so she stopped a while to make sure she could go on without that many tears. She did not mention that it was clear that Relic had intended to get her, not her guard. "We ended up facing each other," she continued. "Arnyn then appeared from somewhere... and Relic backed off into one of the rooms and blocked the door."

"We ended up chasing her across the roof, and then she went down and disappeared again from our view. Only to reappear as Arnyn," Pele went on with telling of the events. "And since the real one was right with me, it could only be Relic. Before we could catch up with her again, she had already caused damage in the mess hall. "Danthor, Minluzir. In the process of trying to finish off Mourgan, no doubt. She did not! While I took Mourgan away to the Houses of Healing with the assistance of Thûllir and another Ranger, it appears that there was more trouble. Yes?" she looked at Arnyn and then back at the gathered Rangers. "Relic turned herself into a wolf to fight against Arnyn and Cali. And was killed."

"Trastion, I doubt any of us would really be able to understand Relic's reasons for doing all this," she then turned to the matter of 'why' which was just as important in her mind. "She was pure evil. All I know is that she was after me, and in the process was willing to do as much harm as she could, destroying everything and everyone in her way."

Pele stopped to see if Arnyn would want to add something to the part of the events in the mess hall, or if there would be more questions. There was still the matter of Shamara which the Captain felt should also be touched on, but she decided to wait and see if everything was clear this far. As she stood so waiting, Pele found to her surprise that somehow the more she spoke, the more pain seemed to lessen.

Unalmis had begun to puzzle ever before the actual announcing had begun. For Duinion both confirmed and cast doubt over his staying overnight in the dorms. Did that mean he would not be sharing room 1 tonight, given the rise of temporary residents currently assigned there ? Nal could not deny that he was glad of the sudden, albeit temporary crowding, despite this unwelcome possible side effect. Besides his obvious enjoyment of more company, this was exactly the sort of time that he felt they should all be around one another. But that included Duinion also. They should not let the enemy, especially in her defeat, see any one of them isolated and apart. They ought to be together, celebrating the victory, commiserating their loss, either way .. proving that her campaign had only brought them closer together. Stronger. It would have been smart to press them together now regardless of any structural damage in the North Wing. Although surely the Barracks Master had not been best thrilled about that outcome ! Someone had to have discussed the matter with Lieutenant Brian .. though he could suppose only one person brave enough to have done so. Maybe that dire news had been what kept their manager away from site while the man truly needed a chance to recover from the hurt and shock.

As Pele began to commence with their cause for having gathered, Unalmis settled in to hear the story he had already thought he was familiar with by now. But soon he had cause to puzzle a good deal more. Because what he was hearing was far from what he had been led to expect had happened. No dramatic tale was shared of how good had thwarted evil. No exciting battle detailed that would evoke images of the fallen heroes transcending into legend. Instead, .. a simple series of very basic statements, a sombre count of the dead. An address which sounded more as though the enemy had won, considering the greater emphasis which was placed on Gondorian losses. Nal had begun the morning by feeling rather sorry that Cali would have to miss attending this assembly. Now though, he was vastly relieved she had been spared it. His face fell, as all of the anticipation and excitement which rumours had fed for the last twentyfour hours .. now also fell, rather profoundly flat.


Living up to her rank of Second, Arnyn had stepped up to support the Captain’s announcement, elaborating some upon the comrades they had lost, and fanning that vaguely positive light which the Captain had ignited at the end of the proverbial tunnel. But even after Pele gave up a second turn at speaking to the room, there were mostly only hints .. suggestions. Trastion, helping to quench a mighty blaze, Mourgan ‘stopping the enemy in her tracks’ .. But Arnyn and an unnamed Cali .. ‘putting an end to Relic’s raging’ .. Where was the cheer raised in their honour ? Where were the songs that would immortalise those who had given all that they were, to protect all that they loved ? Perhaps it was still too soon. As Unalmis understood it though, they had not lost three of their number. They had amassed three new causes to stir them ever onward. Because Gondor did not sit down and sob when things got difficult. Gondor stood tall, so that the dead had not given their lives for no good reason. That was why they were still here, after all that evil had flung at them, on it's very doorstep, after all.

Offering a not so subtle thumbs up at his side, to find Trastion, as the Recruit was, amongst others, rightly commended, Nal was not entirely surprised to note the caffeine-fiend voicing questions aloud which others were likely all keeping to themselves. He was more surprised when the Cuner spoke up as well, mostly because it might be the most he’d ever heard her speak before in one take, or at all. But as Karis spoke up for those who had not witnessed the ‘event’ firsthand, he followed her enquiries all the way to the Captain. It was a question the young man could not profess to knowing the answer to himself actually; why what had happened had, in fact, happened as and when it had. For when the Lieutenant had caught he and Duinion up to speed on a good many matters, they had still been actively debating certain means to bring the drawn-out torment of waiting on this unpredictable foe, toward a welcome end. Yet for all that, Nal had not since heard of any plan to proceed with any particular suggestion, and the idea that Relic had suddenly elected to set a fire, at a time of day which would allow for many of the Rangers to be already awake and about and elsewhere and thus escape what might else have murdered them all in their beds overnight .. it seemed very unlike what he had been advised to expect of such a calculating and nefarious foe.


The particular reference to a ‘hope that we will never again face such a threat’ did seem to raise the point of whether anything had been learnt, in this case, which might go on to prove useful in the future. For given the unnatural circumstances surrounding Commander Amathen’s death last year, and now this ? Pele’s response did manage to somewhat illuminate the missing details which Nal had been struck by. But that did not mean they did not inspire new uncertainties. A sentence such as 'Relic turned herself into a wolf ...' was simply not a normal state of affairs. And certainly not one they had been trained to prepare for.

Raising his hand as he had witnessed Trastion do before him, for he was not so commanding of presence as the veteran Karis, Unalmis decided to add his own intrigue to the mix. Now that they were being instructed in information after all, it seemed like ignoring the opportunity might only leave the Command to conclude that there was little interest amongst the group as a whole in learning the truth. Which of course could likely not have been further from the truth.


“Given last year’s attack on a Ranger’s mind and will, and this recent perilous assault which has contorted an enemy’s physical body, is it fair to say that the Command will be considering some new means of training or study so that we will not be taken by surprise at what the enemy may conjure ?” he paused at the word, and not exactly by some accident, before concluding “whatever may come at us the next time …” With a shrug, the young Ranger met the eyes of Arnyn in particular, who had all but advised him to not assume he would not be taken seriously.

“I mean, is it worth our having instructive sessions specifically on how to fight dangerous animals, for example, as well as our more traditional enemies ? How many of us have faced wolves or even wargs that the enemy are actually known for employing on occasion ? The enemy we have always faced before was defeated, with the war. Those enemies who have been striving since then to be the successor in testing us, in fact seem to be exploring ever more creative means of testing our defenses which we have not come up against before. And it maybe makes sense to adapt accordingly, I would think. This is the first time I can recall too that they have managed to infiltrate actual Ranger premises. And we share the Sixth Circle with the healers, the seventh and the King himself is only one circle away, which might have been likewise compromised. Are greater measures of security going to be proposed with regard to ensuring that does not happen in the future ?”

Stopping short of breaking further into subjects such as corrupt city guards and pirates in Harlond, Unalmis raised his hand a second time, only after seconds of having lowered it. “Oh and will there be a book of memorial provided, or something of its like, for people to add their recollections of the fallen into, so that we and all who come after us can all read about and learn of the heroes of Gondor most recently passed into legend ? So that their names are .. as you said, never forgotten. Captain, Lieutenant,” He remembered the respectful appellations at the last, almost serving as more of a clear indication to whom he was directing this line of questioning; even as his hand fell low and the burst of confidence subsided. He might have further asked whether Lieutenant Brian was alright, because the state of rooming at the Barracks and the man’s absence from this meeting was a little unlikely, if the stern grump were all completely well after the fire, .. but somehow Nal could not quite make himself force out the words to enquire upon that. At least aloud.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15

When Pele started to speak, Arnyn's eyes were automatically drawn to the Captain, even though she was standing right beside her. Arnyn only turned her head to such a degree that she could give Pele a sidelong glance. As her friend continued, a faint smile formed on the Lieutenant's lips.

Pele was talking.
This was good.

She was even lifting part of the veil, prompted by the questions... that she had fought against Relic long enough to recognize her, whatever outward identity Relic might have assumed... that she could not imagine Relic staying calm under humiliation, proving she knew her well enough to at least know that much... as well as admitting that she had decided to test Amber so the latter might reveal herself as Relic...

Arnyn had not been happy with Pele's decision to act on impulse. Why would Pele risk doing this, so shortly after all Rangers had been informed and they could have worked out a safer plan? Yesterday, she had told Pele she thought it a dangerous gamble. That she would have preferred for Pele to at least warn her and some of the others of what she had been attempting, so they would have been able to assist. As it was, Arnyn's own assist had been coincidental. If she hadn't been on that roof, who knew how things would have turned out for the Captain in that North Wing corridor? Then again - Arnyn had also admitted to Pele she herself was no stranger to a gamble here and there. Sometimes they worked out better than others.

With some willpower, she directed her dark eyes back to the rangers instead of keeping it fixed on Pele. Going through the crowd, she tried to see their reactions as Pele was telling everyone about Relic ambushing and killing Alden. When Pele said that Arnyn had appeared from 'somewhere', the LIeutenant gave no sign of her preference not to disclose where exactly she'd been - the roof - and what exactly she'd been doing - enjoying some alone time in the sun.

At Pele's question, directed toward her, Arnyn did not offer an immediate reply, given that Pele soon thereafter turned back to the Rangers and told them what had happened - in broad terms. She first listened attentively to the way Pele responded to Trastion's questions. When she was still weighing what she would really need to share versus what the Rangers were looking to hear versus what she was willing to disclose and how, she saw Unalmis raising his hand in the air.

Rather than despair at what he might throw at them, another one of Arnyn's slight smiles mastered her face. What she had heard from him during the small meeting with him, Duinion and Isys, to relay information concerning the threat posed by Relic, had left her with the feeling Unalmis had a habit of second guessing himself or belittling his own suggestions and opinions. While, in truth, the words he had spoken in that instance had impressed her. HIs question now once again made her appreciate the way his mind worked. He was looking ahead. He was preparing. By the time Unalmis met her eyes, the Lieutenant's faint smile had grown, fuelled by approval at his words. She gave him a small but clear nod.

As Unalmis continued to speak, she regarded him closely. She was still trying to figure out why Unalmis had trouble believing he had something worthwhile to say. But even without knowing the cause, she could still try and address it in a few ways.

"Ranger Unalmis has voiced some important considerations and questions. While this is not my prerogative to make any such decision," the Lieutenant said, nodding with respect to her Captain, "I would agree with the necessity of additional training for our unit. Given my own experience in the mess, I would advise that, in addition to Ranger Unalmis' suggestion concerning fighting dangerous animals, we also need to give enough attention to the aspect of mental preparation. For the unexpected. For the surreal. If I had not managed to stay calm when Relic was staring at me wearing my own face, or when she mentioned my mother's name and location - or when she shifted into that creature..." Arnyn shrugged lightly. "Then I would not be standing here today."

"The matter of increasing security in the Sixth Circle might be more difficult to tackle, given the need for people to be able to swiftly make their way to the Houses of Healing, and the wish to give veterans and the newly interested a chance to apply for our unit," she mused. "But certainly it is a matter that might be explored, with the approval and oversight of King Elessar?" She shot a questioning look at Pele once more.

The suggestion of a book as some form of memorial resonated more with her than Unalmis would be able to know. Arnyn had her own private version of that, stowed away in a small chest at her home in the Fourth Circle. A book of the fallen. She used to read it toooften. There was a reason she had very consciously chosen not to move it with her to her room at the officers' wing of the Barracks. Her hand reached up to touch her necklace. "We can talk about such a book later," she agreed quietly, figuring Pele could not possibly have any objections to that particular idea. And she would be seeing Unalmis soon enough - when they would meet with Trevadir for his report.

Unfortunately, having addressed Unalmis' questions now meant she was left to return to the events at the mess hall.

"When the Captain and I entered the mess hall..." Arnyn begun, only able to share what happened by going chronologically and starting at what had been the start of the 'scene', as it were. For her, anyway. "Ranger Mourgan was struggling to keep Relic - who looked like me - down on the floor of the mess. Cali, our smithy - she was holding one of Relic's hands down - was already there. She told me later she had been drawn into the barracks wishing to help contain the fire. Little did she expect her view of reality would be given a thorough shake."

"Mourgan was already wounded - stabbed, several times. By a dagger we obviously suspected would be poisoned." The Lieutenant drew in a breath, thinking through the events and leaving out the inner storm of emotions that had pulled at her to see the lost lives of Danthor and Minluzir, and in fear of Mourgan's. "The Captain saw to Mourgan, giving him beans against the poison, trying to stop his bleeding - while I took over control of Relic, aided by Cali who was keeping that dagger at bay - because Relic would not let go of it for the life of her."

"Once Pele, Thûllir and Vorondir left with Mourgan... it only took moments before the sorceress chanted something in a language I did not understand," Arnyn shared slowly, as the memories took her back. "She changed. From my appearance... into how Pele had described her true appearance before. And she moved fast. Too fast. She grew strong." Her eyes wandered. "Beyond the strength of any person I have ever fought or sparred with before. She simply flipped us over, taking control. Her bones started snapping. She shifted again. Into that red wolf." She shook her head. "For some reason, the creature stopped its own teeth right when it had begun... gnawing. It switched its attention to Cali."
Arnyn's gaze naturally moved to Unalmis, since she knew he was fast friends with the smithy. He would have heard Cali's retelling of events, no doubt?
"I tried what I could to keep the wolf back from Cali, using the throwing knives I still had on me, because I had Cali take my dagger before then. I sank those knives into the back of that thing and pulled." It hadn't been enough to protect Cali from all harm, but...

"A lot happened very fast then. I'm not sure I could even tell you exactly what anymore. But I can say that she died by weapons, in the end. I stabbed that wolf in the throat with her own poisoned blade. Cali stabbed it from the flank, and I pulled out the dagger from the wolf's throat. And then I was finally able to pull a sword away the wolf had been standing on. I drove it into the creature's chest. She changed back then, into her own appearance. And she died."

"By then, Kaylin and Trastion had also arrived, eager to help. But Trastion had gotten hurt while fighting the fire, Cali had gotten hurt on her leg during the fight, and I had to get my neck checked out, so we left for the houses of healing. So Kaylin was left with the ungrateful task of handling the scene at the mess." She gave the redhead a sympathetic look. "Sorry."

There was a lot of information coming forth now. Duinion listened intently, trying to picture the scene, trying to put it all together. First the captain's narrative, very concise. Judging by the unfolding of events, he couldn't help thinking that the entire thing could definitely have gone better. He thought back to the meeting between himself, Unalmis, Arnyn, and Isys, and some of the things they had discussed, ideas that had been suggested. And none of those had been used. He wondered, too, what Pele would have done had the sorceress attacked her instead of what she did do. Would the captain be standing here now? He frowned slightly to himself as he listened, half wondering how differently things might have gone if any of the other plans had been utilized which had come up among him, Unalmis, and Isys. And who knows how many other rangers might have suggested plans and ideas of their own? Still, regardless of how it had gone in actuality, he realized it also could have gone worse.

There was no changing what had happened already, of course. But Unalmis posed some excellent thoughts to consider for the future, and he especially liked the thought about better security for the folks in the houses of healing. Upon learning about the fire and the other events that had happened, Duinion had been relieved beyond words to know that his daughter had not gotten mixed up in all of that, but still... that possibility was there. And he recalled that the topic had come up before, that an enemy such as Relic might get into the houses of healing, posing as a patient in need of help, only to cause devastating chaos once inside.

He was still contemplating these things when Arnyn picked up where Pele left off. He had heard a version of the tale, at least the ending of it, from Eryn who heard it from Trastion, but now there were more pieces filled in, since the ranger recruit had only caught the very end of that fight. He was most intrigued with the fact that this wolf, Relic in disguise, had attempted to bite Arnyn, only to mysteriously switch to the smith instead. Why? He tilted his head, thinking about that with much curiosity. After the lieutenant had seemed to conclude, Duinion debated inwardly whether to speak up, or try to pose his questions later, in a more private setting. But, then he reminded himself that it might be beneficial to others to hear both the questions and answers. He cleared his throat. "This may not be a question that any can answer, but.. I can't help wondering, when she changed into a wolf... does anyone know whether she maintained the use of her own thinking capabilities, or did the change alter her mind as well? I ask because, in the event we should encounter any enemy of this sort ever again, it would be useful to know whether the creature is acting on the instincts of the beast they appear to be, or.. if they are themselves in mind, if not in body." He explained. "Because, such knowledge might change the way we would deal with such a creature."

---

At last, they were starting to tell some of the details about what actually happened! Trastion had hoped for a rather more captivating account of things, however. So the very brief, less than detailed tale was a bit disappointing. He glanced over toward Kaylin, recalling how much better her story-telling skills were, and how reluctant Arnyn had seemed. But it was a great story! Why would she not want it told? He glanced back to the lieutenant, mildly confused by this. He was eager to hear what had transpired to result in the fire, and the things which led to the whole mess down in the mess hall. He was mildly amused inwardly by that slight pun, before focusing his attention back to the captain and lieutenant. A few others spoke up, including Unalmis. And the first words out of his new roommate's mouth had Trastion blinking as he tried to wrap his tired mind around this. "Wait, what?" he muttered, confused, but not intending that to be audible enough for others to hear. An attack on a ranger's mind and will? What did he mean by that? Who did that happen to?

Before he could put any voice to these questions, the lieutenant spoke up in reply, agreeing that some extra special training would be a good idea, to prepare against such things. But how? How could they train for such things if they didn't even know what to expect? As Arnyn went on to talk about the events in the mess hall, he frowned at the part where she mentioned that Relic had known things about her mother, and things that hinted at threats. That part struck him most, for a couple of reasons. He recalled the brief run-in he'd had with 'Amber', and that she had been asking about Arnyn. If only he'd known to be more wary... but then, had he really told her anything that he shouldn't have? He couldn't remember exactly what he'd said. But he couldn't help wondering what he'd do in the same situation that Arnyn had been in. If he'd been confronted with an enemy who knew about his family... how would he react?

And then he thought about how he'd told Arnyn many things that were quite secretive. And he remembered how unsettling it had been when he saw the duplicate of Arnyn, and he thought about how easily she might have tricked him into telling stuff like that to her, when he thought it was Arnyn... and how confusing this whole matter was. Luckily, he'd seen the battle's conclusion for himself, and the fact that she'd changed into a wolf. So he had no question about which 'Arnyn' had died. And then, hearing Duinion mentioning about in case they ever ran into an enemy like this again, he thought of another very concerning thing, and his hand shot up again. "Ummm, does anyone know whether Relic was the only enemy with those shape shifting abilities?" He spoke up suddenly, frowning at the thought of another 'Relic' showing up and doing worse things. "I mean, do we still need to be worried about impersonators and have code words and signals and things like that, just in case?" He glanced around at those assembled.

He returned his gaze back at the captain and lieutenant, suddenly concerned about such possibilities. "As terrible as the damage was, it occurs to me that we're probably really lucky that this whole thing wasn't a whole lot worse... I mean, I know she impersonated me that one time, and as unsettling as that is... it fooled people. And, well, I had no idea something like that was even possible until the lieutenant warned me about the sorceress, after that point.. when she could have killed me.. so, that makes me think. What if she'd decided to impersonate like, the captain or lieutenant, and.. I dunno, lured me or some of the unsuspecting others off someplace alone, and maybe kill us one at a time or something horrible like that..." He trailed off, frowning at the thought of such possibilities.

Fortunately for them all, it seemed that Relic hadn't thought of all the clever ways she could have deceived them and put better use to her ability to change her form, especially during the period before they were all warned about this threat. Ever since learning of this shape-shifting sorceress, he had been pondering all of the various ways they ought to be wary of her. It seemed Relic hadn't thought of those same possibilities. "Or for that matter," He added, "with her posing as a recruit and living at the barracks, she could've just sneaked around one night and killed us all in our sleep..." He frowned, and then that thought led to another. "Oh, that reminds me, how is the barrack's master?" And with that he decided to shut up, finding it difficult to turn off the flow of thoughts that were starting to spill out before he could stop them.

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

Pele had prepared to mostly answer questions about the past, yet Nal’s questions were greatly steered towards future, and the Captain found herself lost for a moment. She did not feel that she had fully closed the door on the whole Relic matter; in fact, she had expected it to continue being a long-term issue and had not foreseen such an abrupt end. It had been a constant matter of survival for her, of constant attempts to make sure everyone else would stay safe.

So she was glad that Arnyn took on providing answers to future-geared questions provided by Unalmis. Pele looked at the Lieutenant, in time to make a brief eye contact, and blinked as she thought on the questions. She would definitely have to gear her mind more into thinking strategically of the future, put work into making necessary improvements. While Arnyn provided more details on what had taken place in the mess hall, Pele did her best to look forward.

“There might definitely be new aspects that should be covered by training,” she finally spoke, a smile lightly touching one corner of her lips as she appreciated Nal’s forward-looking thinking. She glanced sideways at Arnyn with a raised eyebrow. They would probably need to collect all the ideas provided by Rangers and set up a proper brainstorming session on this topic. At any rate, she could almost see that she herself would need some training in certain things… And it was difficult to imagine quite how they could achieve readiness in such things as being prepared against sorcery, for example.

“The security of the sixth circle is a very serious issue,” she agreed furthermore. “And possible solutions will be looked at.” Pele realised that her answers were general in nature and did not provide any answers at all, but she could not help it at the moment as these matters would require time and planning, and her getting herself out of the past that kept dragging her down and making her ineffective. “But a memorial book would certainly be a wonderful idea,” she stated.

Duinion’s asking returned Pele back to the present… or was it past now? And she frowned in thought for a few moments before she ventured to say: “I would think… she only used those other forms… bodies… even wolf’s, while maintaining her own self, her mind. As far as I can say the wolf’s actions were all intentional, with Relic’s intentions, not the beast’s.” Once again she looked at Arnyn questioningly. “Same content, different form.”

“And I dare say,” she continued to respond to Trastion’s questions, “that she was the only one with such capacities. At least of the current enemy. We have the other Umbarian, Shamara, locked up – and while she is still vile and awfully selfish, she does not have that sort of ability. And, since we have her, she’ll have to face the music either way. I would say that the threat is gone, mostly; however, we should not completely relax and forget all precautions.”

Trastion went on to describe that everything might have been much worse considering Relic’s evilness and shapeshifting, and Pele closed her eyes only for a heartbeat as she felt that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. It could have been worse. And it could have been less bad. She still felt that she had let the Rangers down by allowing this to happen: that Relic had gotten this close, that she had caused so much harm… and perhaps, if she had acted differently, had not pressed Relic so in the heat of the moment, leaned more on the help of others, it would have gone better. She opened her eyes again and looked at the Rangers wondering if she should apologise to them for failing to protect them… but then again it would be like repeating the same words Relic had hurled at her in the mess hall. Pele bit on her lip, as she tried to make sense of the whirlpool of emotions, and reached out to grab Trastion’s last question as a saving line.

“Ah. The Barracks Master is recovering,” she replied, happy to respond to something that did not require digging through the mess that she inwardly was. “Though I am sure he would appreciate if you folk didn’t destroy the remaining part of the barracks while he is gone. Perhaps some of you could pay him a visit; I’m sure he would enjoy it – even if he wouldn’t say it out loud.”

Ranger Trainee Romeran
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

When Romeran looked over to the captain and saw that even Pele had been moved to tears, it eased Romeran’s concerns about displaying emotion. He reached one of his large hands to his face and wiped the tears from his eyes one final time, drying his beard with the sleeve of his linen shirt, turning the already dark brown material slightly darker brown. Romeran couldn’t help but look over towards Duinion as well, as the ranger in the room he felt the most comfortable with, Romeran looked to him for guidance and how to respond. But he couldn’t help but look at the crutch that Duinion still had and feel guilty about it. There hadn’t been enough time before he left to really discuss what had happened with Duinion, and he still felt shame for not following orders.

Hearing of Trastion’s involvement came as a mild surprise to Romeran and he looked over to him curiously. Romeran wondered if he hadn't left if something he could have done would have helped too, but he doubted it, feeling like he probably would have just been in the way. Romeran did his best to smile at Trastion, and made a mental note to congratulate him afterwards, not wanting to speak up while others were talking. As the conversation turned to a more thorough description of what happened, Romeran was surprised to learn that so many were involved in stopping Relic. Romeran was impressed, as well, that the Captain and the Lieutenant appeared to rather seamlessly tell the story together and felt proud to have two senior officers who were in sync.

When the Ehtyar, who Romeran only barely recognized, mentioned that the name of the smith was Cali, Romeran furrowed his brow: that wasn’t the name of the smith who he had worked with when he first joined. Romeran wondered what that meant for the leather armor that had to be made for him as none of the armor on-hand had been sufficiently large. Romeran was beginning to wonder if he would get in trouble for not having all of his gear even now. Romeran nodded slightly at the questions posed by Trastion, as they seemed reasonable and Romeran looked to the officers to see if they replied, distracting Romeran from his thoughts about his armor and trying to figure out who Cali was.

The entire story left Romeran still rather confused as to what exactly had happened and why this unfortunate event had occurred in the first palace. Who was Relic? Why had she attacked? Luckily, Ziran, another ranger that Romeran only barely recognized, seemed to ask all of these questions that were on his mind at once. Romeran was relieved that a senior ranger asked them, for he feared that he himself was unlikely to muster up the courage to ask. He nodded his head vigorously as Ziran spoke, gaining an unexpected respect for a ranger he barely knew. Romeran looked back and forth between Arnyn and Pele, was there some hidden discourse going on here?

As if in immediate response to Romeran’s own questions, The captain continued with the tale. Unfortunately it created even more questions in Romeran’s mind. Why was Relic after the captain? Where could such a powerful sorceress who could seemingly change forms, including into other people, have come from? The whole thing sounded so… absurd that Romeran wondered if the captain was pulling his leg, if it wasn’t for the serious tone. Romeran had assumed that this Relic person had simply made up an identity called Amber but from the sounds of the story she had literally changed into Arnyn. Romeran blinked several times and his mouth was visibly open. Romeran couldn’t help but let out a sound of shock “what?” and then suddenly shut his mouth, having realized he had spoken aloud. The story got even more unbelievable when Romeran learned she also transformed into a wolf.

His head was spinning. This had not been the meeting he had expected to occur when he had returned from his uncle’s funeral. Not only had such an unfortunate event befallen them all but the tale of the culprit was far beyond Romeran’s beliefs or anything that he had experienced in his short life.

Unalmis’s questions on additional training for such… terrifying foes, seemed particularly pertinent at that time and Romeran found himself again nodding in violent agreement. He wasn’t prepared for this sort of foe, he wondered how anyone could prepare for such a thing. His confidence had been shaken, when Romeran signed up to become a Ranger he knew that there were dangers, he had heard the stories of the Great War and indeed seen some of it happen with his own young eyes. But orcs and wargs were one thing, sorcerers and shape shifters were quite another and seemed to Romeran to be foes from fairy tales.

That the Lieutenant agreed that some additional mental training may be required at least eased some of his concerns, although he wasn’t exactly sure what this sort of thing would mean. Romeran wondered what he would have done in the same situation, looking at his own face in another person. It’s the sort of thing that might have driven a person mad, he thought. As Lieutenant Arnyn continued the story, Romeran’s respect for Lieutenant Arnyn grew but it did little to make him any less intimidated by her, in fact quite the opposite. He wondered whether one look from Lieutenant Arnyn would reveal his own fears for how he might have responded.

Duinion’s question about retention of thoughts while transformed had never even occurred to Romeran, who was still struggling to internalize what had happened, and that it had really happened. If the story had not come from the rangers that he trusted so strongly he wouldn’t have believed it was true. Romeran felt glad to see, however, that the voices of Duinion and Unalmis seemed to be forward looking and considering how the rangers could proactively respond. In the face of such a shocking story, Romeran took solace in the pragmatic response by the senior rangers.

Trastion's slew of additional questions all furthered Romeran’s concerns about the matter. While he felt more informed about what had happened, he was beginning to wonder why it happened, and whether they were truly out of it.

With the tears now completely gone from his eyes, and his resolve strengthened by the response of the other rangers, Romeran decided to raise his hand. Timidly at first, but eventually holding it up straight so that he would be recognized. He did not feel confident enough in simply speaking up. When given a chance to speak he spoke clearly but slowly, trying his best to remove any emotion or fear from his voice.

“Related to Trastion’s questions about others with similar…. abilities”, Romeran was still in shock at the transformation powers of this Relic character and had a hard time putting an appropriate word on it, although glad to learn that it may be an isolated power. The captain’s words about the threat only ‘mostly’ being gone, drew some concern.

“Was Relic working alone?” he finished after an unintentionally long pause. “Are we sure that the threat has completely died with Relic? I can’t imagine that someone with such rare powers and ability is not without companions or worse in league with some more nefarious enemy?” he asked, his voice unintentionally growing more quiet.

“And why attack now? And so recklessly?” he added, becoming emboldened by Trastion’s questions and the more that he spoke “as Trastion mentioned it seems like she could have caused far greater chaos, was it ineptitude or was this only a small part of a bigger plan?” Romeran looked around the room at the face of the senior rangers, trying to gauge whether he had asked a question in foolishness or legitimacy.

Isys had clearly not been alone in assuming the Command were wrapping up their address rather prematurely. Despite this, she was not among those who pressed to prolong the gathering, or draw out all the details in order to have the matter properly dissected. Whether it was the innocent, struggling to understand why any living soul could willingly inflict such cruelty on others, or the more experienced, striving to pluck some silver lining from this most recent ordeal; all who voiced their enquiries were nonetheless provided with some response from their Command team. The Rangers as a whole had been invited here to listen. But still, they were also being heard.

It was very evident that both Pele and Arnyn were heeding to the more indisputable facts of what had happened of course, rather than any indication of their private feelings on the subject. It had no doubt been all very carefully planned out by word. Arnyn’s decision, for instance, to presume aloud that Cali must have found ‘her view of reality shaken’ when she faced what was described .. It was a calm indication for the sake of the audience that .. yes, what had happened was strange and also out of the ordinary. And no, you are not, none of you, strange to think it so. We know ... The uniting power of the sentiment went deep. And the Belfalasian glanced up at that point of the proceedings, as surely as she had purposely deployed her attention elsewhere, anywhere else but toward meeting the Lieutenant’s expression, when Pele had openly invited ‘any questions ?’


The Ehtyar’s own feelings were similarly kept unto herself, particularly as she mused again over young Trastion. ‘In quenching the fire’ they had said of him. Commending his ‘Initative and leadership skills ..’ The perplexing sensation that the lady ought to know him sifted through the information as though it were sand where some treasure was buried just a little deeper down below the surface. Because he certainly had a look about him that resembled somebody she’d met before, and that somebody had certainly been proficient in his initiative and leadership skills in quenching fires. But that was far away and in another world. As so perhaps she seemed, lost In thought.

It took the temperate interjection of Karis Ziranphel to draw the Belfalasian back to the main address, for it seemed there were in fact some real hope now of hearing a proper truth. They may believe that they were frank and honest here, in the White City, but the bare bones of a sentence told as little as a swathe of diverting enigmas. The truth was in the details, and after all the .. what had Arnyn called it before ? Ah yes, after all their ‘dancing around it’, the two officers began to reveal a far more comprehensive account of what had actually happened.
The ‘she turned into a wolf’ made a lot more sense when phrases like ‘chanting of strange words’ was added to the narrative. It was almost as though the Captain and the Lieutenant had been given .. was permission .. the right word ? To be more explicit about what had occurred.

Isys knew next to nothing about the Cuner of course, nor the woman’s relationship with the current Command team. But there was certainly a history there. And the woman whom she had concluded as a one who prefers to watch, to listen, in order to know .. had been given nay, not given .. prompted .. cause to speak. Because to not ask in this case was to not know enough. They had lured one without words towards participating, even if it was only an inspiration to correct them. Perhaps the speeches had been quite more cleverly constructed than the Ehtyar had even begun to already suspect. Could be that by maybe purposely saying so little, the Captain and her Lieutenant were actually seeing what would come from all the hall. They were rooting out the mysteries and deflating uncertainties that cropped up. The sorts of opinions that would have never been admitted maybe, if the proclamations from the outset had satisfied all. Interesting. Grey eyes blinked, twice, to consider the notion.

The fact that neither the Captain or the Lieutenant could provide much immediate solution to how they could prepare in future .. did not especially worry Unalmis. After all, that meant that there simply was not something blaringly obvious that they had neglected to realise in time either. Even now with the hindsight that was so raw that so many could not keep from troubling over, there was apparently not a whole deal more that they could have obviously done to prepare for the evil which had threatened. And that understanding was one more way to feel better about the fact of things turning out as well, if unexpectedly, as they had. In short, honestly, they had done what they could. And who could ever ask any more than that ? At the end of the day, a sharp blade or two had been enough to ultimately end the threat.

The fact of both the officers awarding him a thoughtful reply, saw the young man nod, gratefully, even though a smile might yet be some far way off. The subject of Cali and her part in the final skirmish was broached after all, in a greater detail than he had dared to press for, from the Smith herself. She could feign weariness or smack him, and invariably did, and play joke away that he was being gruesome, but he knew when to stop, for his friend. And having the scene laid out for him here, now, not by those who would embellish it for drama, nor those who would curtail it’s significance .. but by people who were prone to telling only what needed to be heard .. it helped. It was horrible of course, but still it helped.

Maybe it helped him to pale a little, when Arnyn mentioned how the sorceress had turned suddenly from ‘gnawing’ at the Lieutenant .. in order to turn her attention to Cali. Because that .. made sense.

It was not the nice sort of sense he’d have rather considered. But it was alike to where Pele had described the enemy striding off, rather than fall to the play of attacking the Captain who had called her bluff. Because a target can not only be reached directly. This Sorceress had measured the risk of taking on the Captain, with a guard at hand, and instead .. apparently ended up going for Mourgan … of all the people. Because she maybe had known …no ! Of course, she would have known ! She had spent months by all accounts NOT striking at Pele personally. She had been letting the Captain know that her fate would be to watch all that mattered to her .. fall first. Else why sit quietly amidst the Rangers and allow their captain the foreknowledge that she was going to do .. something .. So, then when facing Arnyn, someone she had failed to intimidate mentally with threats about her family … it stood to reason that such a nefarious foe would prove just how much she could hurt someone who thought they would not fear her. By striking not at them, but by striking at somebody else. Somebody close enough to the Lieutenant that Arnyn would wish to protect but be ultimately rendered incapable of saving. That was such a typical Umbarian tendency. It was a case of not going for the literal jugular, apparently. But the metaphorical. Cause the victim want to cut their own throat by the time it is all over. That is the hurt that lasts. Thank the Stars Cali was stronger than she looked.


He glanced up eagerly for distraction all the same, as Duinion voiced some notion that suggested the Tirdinen was already plotting out the specifics of potential future training. And Pele’s response made a lot of sense. For though there was no way they could possibly know .. it had to stand to reason that the sorceress retained her conscious thought, in any form. Else how could she have supposed to change back again afterwards ? The supposing of this was entirely hypothetical of course, which was annoying. But it was more agreeable than listening to Trastion’s return to musing on ‘how much worse things might have gotten’ .. The Recruit’s question about Lieutenant Brian saw the other young Ranger raise his eyes again though, to welcome the Captain’s confirmation. Though he could of course, never vocalise his relief on that score.

As Romeran gathered up enough intrigue to make enquiries as well, Unalmis raised his hand again, albeit with more subtlety this time, as though he even imagined the officers would forget he had took a turn at asking already. The worst they could do was ignore him though, and neither one of the two women had suggested they had any intention to do that thus far. It might have been slightly challenging of course, to see how far exactly the officers were willing to humour the hall of many questions. But now that Romeran had brought the matter back to the ever so briefly touched upon .. Shamara subject …, Nal waited for his turn to speak, and didn’t notice the reservations that Isys shivered through her bones at that particular loose end.


“So if this Shamara now has no reason to fear repercussions from the sorceress with terrifying abilities ...” he refrained from waving his hands to vocalise the word ‘abilities’ as though it might be conjectured that they were beyond all belief. The word itself, 'abilities', he followed his peers' example in using. It felt good to agree instinctuvely on even such a little thing. So he was happy to stumble over any other remaining hesitancy, to complete the question: “are you planning to ask her about what she might know about .. well, all that sort of thing ? I mean, because it might help us towards preparing for another time. Like knowing that there was a need for chanting to incur the changing of the sorceress’s form. That is a warning that we know - now - to watch out for, isn’t it ? Maybe there is more.”

Admittedly, the young man paused on reflection, Trastion had been apparently knocked out cold by ‘Amber’ before he could have ever heard any possible chanting that took place afterwards. But still, it was a start. It was something. They could work with something. “The selfish one might not know a lot, but chances are she will have seen or heard more than any of us about what the other Umbarian could do, if they were working together. Unless she is still selfish enough to keep quiet just to be unhelpful.”

It would not be the first time an Umbarian had looked out for themselves first, even betraying their aĺlies. But this time the ally was already defeated, dead by all accounts. Nal knew very little of this surviving Umbarian, save what Arnyn had disclosed in a more private debriefing when 'Amber' had still been at large. The Ranger's usual shrug this time took him back to silence. After all, in order to hear any answers at all, they’d have to give at least a break in asking questions.

Captain Pele Alarion
Headquarters
Urimë 15 (two days after the fire)

She had provided room for questions, and questions there were; in part, Pele regretted it when she had to dig through the painful memories, and yet it also helped her to work on leaving the past behind and focus on future. Besides, this also helped her gain an insight into how the Rangers' minds worked, at least for those who asked something.

"I am not sure if Relic worked with anyone else besides Shamara," Pele then set about answering Romeran's questions. "I think the competition among Umbarians is too great to form large alliances, but I might be wrong. And... Suppose I managed to pressure Relic just enough and in such a way that caused her to rush into attack in anger even if she would otherwise waited. Had she not been stopped..." The Captain paused and sighed - for all she knew the woman would not have stopped until every single Ranger was killed and the barracks brought down in ruins. She did not dare to voice this, and dressed it into more acceptable words: "The damage would have been much greater."

Pele shifted her weight from one foot to another, as she thought on response to the threat question. "Speaking of the threat," she then spoke. "I believe this particular one is ended for good. However, we can never be sure that other similar threats would not arise, so it is surely important to think on how we should adapt to the fact that attacks may not come as direct battles eye-to-eye, and it does not have to be sorcery necessarily, even such things as blackmailing, infiltration, sabotage - those can do great damage."

The Captain's hand made a small vague gesture when she turned her attention to Unalmis and his queries. "I doubt Shamara would be interested in causing any more havoc here even if she had such a chance, and at the same time I also doubt her willingness to provide information. It might be worthwhile to question her again and see if Relic's demise has any effect on her, but I wouldn't count on much..."

Pele looked at the Rangers expectantly to see if they would pose more questions even though she felt that she could not provide specific answers, at least not on anything related to future though she was already noting some points to be considered to improve Rangers' readiness capacities.

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Headquarters
Urimë 15

When Pele said that Arnyn had put an end to Relic, Kaylin almost huffed. Put an end to? Surely the Captain meant to say something more... fitting. Felled? Hmm, no. This wasn't a written history. This was an oral account. A story. Terminated? Kaylin slanted her head, thinking. No, not with the very bloody ending the Lieutenant had provided for the Umbarian. Gutted. Yes. Gutted would have been a good word to use.

Regardless...

The right corner of Kaylin's mouth lifted up. The threat had been removed. Kaylin's biggest ask had been granted. By the very same person in the command who had been so loathe to grant it to her during that first meeting on Nárië 20.

It was poetic. In a twisted sort of way.

Pele's immediate wrap up of the situation as she spoke of the living arrangements at the barracks, the need to 'bear with each other and be kind', followed by the Captain asking if there were any questions, first made Kaylin part her lips in surprise. The next moment, she was fighting a laugh - and managed to just barely dial it back to an amused grin. That would be hilarious. To call a meeting like this, and then leave them with the barest of official bones... Leaving the details to the different versions of the story that were already circulating and starting to run wild. Very quietly, Kaylin chuckled.

Trastion was the first to brave any questions, and Kaylin smiled more mutedly as her eyes were drawn to him as he spoke. Ziran drew her gaze next, and Kaylin found the way her cousin-in-law phrased her questions as... interesting. Of course, it was probably less interesting to Kaylin than it was to others. She had witnessed Relic's ending in person, after all. But... the redhead did not miss Arnyn's response - subtle as it was. Because she had been watching. Minutely. One did not take to the art of deception as well as Kaylin had if one was not a keen observer of human behaviour, and certain tells.

Despite Kaylin dismissing Ziran's questions as less interesting - oh, how quick she was to judge, was she not? - the Captain's answers did prove worthwhile. Pele deciding that it was worth seeing if Amber could be pushed to some sort of reveal... Who would have thought that Pele would prove so reckless, after months of waiting? After months of (what had seemed to Kaylin like) indecision?

And the beginning of the story was good, too. Pushing the suspected enemy. Chasing her. Relic starting the fire. Trying to ambush Pele. Killing her guard. Facing Pele. Then Arnyn appeared... out of nowhere, as far as Pele knew... Relic barring herself into a room. A chase across the roof. A re-appearance as the Lieutenant.

This story was gold.

It would be the perfect fireside story on a camping trip or the next campaign, the Hyandaner mused. Using the shadows and the darkness to make it more intriguing... Mandos' breath.

Her musings were partially interrupted by Unalmis' questions. Expectantly, Kaylin watched the two women who made up their command team. The Lieutenant agreed to some sort of training for future threats. Kaylin frowned slightly. What kind of training was Arnyn thinking about? The Lieutenant said that staying calm had made all the difference in her altercation with Relic. It made Kaylin uncomfortable to know, without a doubt, that calm was not exactly her strong suit.

But then Arnyn added her own part of the story. Kaylin listened intently, watching just as closely. It provided Kaylin with some more interesting details. Details she would most certainly use, if she ever retold the story. Which she knew she would. It was simply too good a story not to tell. Especially the part about using the throwing knives to keep the wolf back...

Arnyn's version of Relic's end, did draw a huff from Kaylin. It had left her before she could stop herself. When a few of the Rangers looked her way, Kaylin shrugged. "The Lieutenant's words don't really do the scene justice," she explained. Catching the look Arnyn threw her way, though, Kaylin was wise enough to shut her mouth after that comment.

Less wise, perhaps, was the redhead's inability to keep from pursing her lips and looking off to Trastion, to see if he at least - as a fellow observer - agreed with her.

At the Lieutenant's apology for leaving her to deal with the... mess.. at the mess... Kaylin shrugged again. Arnyn had been hurt. Pele had been saving Mourgan's life. It had been good sense to leave it to her, at the time.

Some of the questions that followed, then, almost made her want to laugh again. Did they know whether Relic was the only enemy with shape shifting abilities? Was Relic working alone? Was the threat gone completely?
How could Pele or Arnyn possibly know? They could do no more than assume. Unless they knew for certain the answers were bad. But it was clear this was not the case. They didn't know that for sure. And so, they really knew nothing for sure.

"Do you think the command has access to a working Palantir?" she asked before she would stop herself, also unable to keep the amusement from her tone and the grin from her face.

How Brian was doing, though, was a question that she was curious about. It was good to hear he was recovering, at least. Pele's suggestion in response to Trastion's question, though, made Kaylin blink. Surely, the barracks master would not want her by his bedside. Someone a bit less heart attack inducing, perhaps...

Unalmis' suggestion seemed like a wise one, at least. Kaylin nodded firmly in agreement, even though she had no will to take the task upon herself. They needed to revisit Shamara's questioning now. Though she did doubt whether the woman would say much - it was worth another go. They had to give it another try. Pele seemed unconvinced, but it appeared she would go along with the suggestion, at least.

"While I hope you find another willing and capable to do Shamara's questioning, Captain," Kaylin said, "I might be of some assistance in preparing the rangers how to deal with matters such as blackmail." She'd had personal experience in such regard, after all. As well as certain training.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15

Duinion's question was an intriguing one. Arnyn slanted her head. The wolf had seemed aware... but had it, really? The creature had just been following through on Relic's malicious intent - to attack. But that it had withdrawn from her neck to suddenly go for Cali, and how it had stopped that sword on its way from Cali to her... that made Arnyn believe that Relic at least had some impact on what the wolf had been doing. Arnyn sought brief eye contact with the Tirdinen. "If she were not fully conscious and in control, it was at the very least a blend of animal instinct and human thought," she added her agreement more quietly to Pele's initial response, once the Captain shot her that questioning look.

Trastion showed he was still reeling over what could have happened and all the things that might have gone wrong. Arnyn made a mental note to talk to him later. He sounded like he needed reassurance of a different kind than she could give him during a meeting such as this one. As for the present... "Many things might have happened," she agreed seriously. "And while it is useful and wise to think them through in order to prepare better for what may still come, it is equally important not to get lost in what might have been. It can be a fine line." The Lieutenant offered Trastion a faint smile. "Crucial for our sanity, however."

Since she'd been gauging her recruit's composure and response to everything that was being said, her eyes only shifted to Romeran once he had started to speak. The trainee offered some insight into the workings of his mind, as well, and Arnyn was glad to receive it. He was analysing whether the threat was, indeed, over.
Good. The faint smile on her face therefore remained. That was, until Kaylin muttered her question just loud enough for her to catch the words. "The questions are valid, Kaylin," Arnyn corrected the red-haired ranger, right before Pele gave Romeran his reply.

The reply itself was hardly satisfying. It was the same for Arnyn. And for Pele, for that matter. They could not be sure. The suspicion was that Relic had been working alone. For Shamara had not been found actively trying to strike at Pele, at midsummer. Nay. Shamara had been found... with... what was Arnyn to name him at this point? Isys' contact? The man of many names, which the Ehtyar had offered to them previously? Lowendir, they knew, was a false name. Arkadhur, as Unalmis had named him in the conversation Arnyn had had with Duinion, Isys and Unalmis about a week and a half prior to this meeting?
Perhaps Arkadhur was the most interesting one of the mix - even for it being the last new name the Lieutenant knew the man to go by.

And Unalmis.. during this earlier meeting... Unalmis had posed the question of whether Relic had been working with the man. If Relic had been working with him, and Shamara had been working with Relic... then perhaps Shamara might also be able to fill in some blanks about this Arkadhur.
Arkadhur, who worked for and with Umbarians. And yet who was also the one to inform Isys, or Lond Col, that their sailors and Unalmis had been taken by the Halsads. Sailors who... had suffered a fate too terrible to repeat. Arkadhur's intel had led to Lond Col's first victory over the Halsads since Isys' father had been killed by one of them.

Mentally, Arnyn sighed. Should or should she not have Shamara questioned about this man? Since he was not in custody and on his way to Dol Amroth, perhaps it was no longer a matter she should be debating. But even if the man were still at loose, Arnyn would be unsure which path to follow. Her head was telling her, yes, she needed to know more about him. Her gut was telling her that she might endanger any sliver of progress made with Isys if she were to press the matter.

"Regardless of what any of us thinks Shamara might or might not say..." Arnyn offered carefully, "any information she could give us would be worth it. Whether we could be sure the information is true, is another matter. We know her to be sly and only offer information when it is to her advantage." She had been thinking about this. Odds were Shamara would only offer them useful information if they could offer her something worthwhile in return. And, to that end, the Lieutenant had been considering options she did not care to admit out loud. Least of all in front of a certain Hyandaner. "However. If we leave it be, we may never know more. Which is why I agree with Unalmis that it is worth trying to find out more from Shamara."

When Kaylin indicated she hoped Pele would find another to question Shamara, Arnyn was both intrigued and amused. She could not speak for the Captain, but Arnyn for one had not been planning on sending Kaylin down there for any questioning. While the Hyandaner had been trained in interrogation techniques, Karis had told Pele and Arnyn it was not a skill that suited Kaylin's personality - a notion Kaylin apparently was aware of herself. Yet the reason why the Lieutenant would prefer not to send Kaylin, was much more obvious. The woman had never once ceased to advocate for Shamara's end. It seemed like a volatile situation to therefore send her down to the cell holding Shamara in a very confined place.
Kaylin's offer of helping with certain preparations, however, was noted. Arnyn nodded at her.

Once again, it seemed like Arnyn would not be bored in the weeks and months to come.

"Do any of you have more questions? If so, please. Ask." What one wanted and what one should do, were not always the same thing, she knew.
"If not, know that you can always come to us outside one of these meetings, as well," the Lieutenant added. She had never been lying about her open-door policy.

And as for some of the tasks she'd already been mulling over in her mind... "Any and all suggestions about additional training are welcome. I think it would be good to collect them all, including those of the Captain and my own. So that all ideas, whether they are run-of-the-mill ormore creative -" the corners of her mouth flicked up as she considered Unalmis' input during their earlier meeting with Isys and Duinion, "can be considered."
Arnyn looked sideways at Pele. "Perhaps they could be collected in written form, Captain?"

Much as he disliked Brian, Trastion was still glad to hear that he was recovering well. Because he wasn't a terrible person who would enjoy another person's suffering, even if that person was Lt. Brian. But the idea of going to visit him? A snort of barely suppressed laughter burst out at the very suggestion, and he tried to swiftly turn that into a cough, shaking his head slightly. While normal people would probably enjoy having some company while recovering from wounds, he really couldn't imagine Lt Brian actually enjoying any such visits. Especially from the likes of himself, or Unalmis, or just about anyone who'd ever been on the lieutenant's bad side. That was sure to make him suspicious and stressed about what sort of mischief was going on in his absence, and who knows what else the man might think. No, it would be better for his health and sanity if Trastion and others kept well away. Which worked out well since Trastion, for one, had no desire to spend any more time around the barrack's master than he absolutely must.

He sipped his water steadily while listening to a few others speak up with their questions. Unalmis. Romeran. Then Kaylin spoke up with an offer to help with some extra training. Trastion blinked and gazed curiously at her for a moment. Training against blackmail? How would that even work? He tried to puzzle that out, but it seemed complicated. Since blackmail tended to vary depending on the victim, it would be really hard to figure out some way of making oneself immune to that, right? Because if the blackmail involved your loved ones being hurt unless you did as they say... his mind strayed off to his family for a few moments, wondering what he would do if, say, his sister was being threatened.

Hearing Arnyn speak up after a moment, asking if there were any other questions, he blinked and focused back on his current surroundings. Did he? Was there anything else that hadn't really been covered? He paused for a moment and was just starting to think he had nothing else to ask, when something did pop into his head. And his hand popped up again. "Wait, I just thought of this. Uh, what about those weapons that got stolen?" He left off the part of 'while I was on guard duty.' He preferred not to bring that up. "Have they all been recovered, or only that one?" He frowned, fairly sure he'd heard something about the dagger that had aided in slaying the Umbarian being one of those missing weapons.

---

There seemed to be a lot to consider, and after hearing the full story, Duinion was rather impressed. He had heard a version of the ending already, so it was nice to hear the beginning and the end together, in a more full version. Still, it left a lot to think about. And all the questions and concerns brought up by the others were interesting to consider. He certainly did not envy the two ladies leading this ranger group, he thought with a vague smile.

There were certainly other things he would like to ask. But not here, in front of everyone else. Things like, how long the north wing remodeling was going to take, and how that would affect him and the arrangement that Arnyn had decreed for him. Questions like that would keep until he met with the lieutenant privately. Glancing toward Trastion as the young recruit seemed to be struggling his hardest not to laugh outright at the suggestion of visiting Lt. Brian in the Houses of Healing, Duinion hid a smile. He understood. He wouldn't want to, either. But the question that Trastion brought up next, in addition to the comments about what all this Relic woman could have done... that got a few other wheels turning in Duinion's mind. His smile changed into a thoughtful frown.

"I wonder," He spoke up after a moment to consider this line of thought, "has anyone done a check through the barracks and other areas around here, to be sure there are no... unpleasant surprises, awaiting us when we aren't expecting it?" He asked, concerned about what this woman may have had the opportunities to accomplish during her time here. He could think of a few ideas offhand which could prove deadly for the victim. "If this has not been done, then I would offer my assistance in conducting such a search." He offered with a small shrug. "I can't help wondering about whether she may have set up any such traps for us... because if I were in her place, I would certainly do the same for my enemies. And she sounds as if she would certainly not hesitate to use methods that may cause harm or death to innocent bystanders. While I know little about her, from what I have heard, I wouldn't put it past her to set up something like that." He added, thinking it would be a way to ensure that she has the last laugh.. claiming lives even after she's gone.

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen
Headquarters
Urimë 15

When Trastion brought up the missing weapons, Arnyn realized he might still feel guilty. And while she would prefer nothing better than to put his mind at ease, unfortunately she could not. Before she could reply, Duinion added a question of his own. The Lieutenant shot Pele a quick glance, as if to tell her friend and Captain she would take care of answering these.

"Thank you for the offer, Duinion. We will gladly take you up on it," ended up being the first words out of her mouth.
"After the fight and a visit to the Houses of Healing..." Where she had made sure Cali's leg had been cared for, Trastion's arm and lungs would be alright... and where the sight of a living and breathing Mourgan had brought some solace. After all that, the Lieutenant had returned to the Barracks to obtain a first hand report from Lieutenant Brian. She'd sent him packing for the houses of healing himself, then, although by that time the barracks master had needed little in the way of persuasion. The fire had been put out and his adrenaline had been wearing off. Arnyn's next order of business had been to try and get most of the rangers outside and away from the place. Her concern had been exactly that which Duinion had now broached. "I performed a quick sweep of the barracks on the same day. I recovered some of the missing weapons then, and encountered no traps." Any traps she would have missed, she probably would have tripped. Honestly, she'd still been reeling. When she'd spoken to Pele that evening, she'd told the Captain as much. She had realized afterward that it would have been better to either send others or take a beat before going about the task herself. "It's a big place, though. And there hasn't been much time to check anywhere else. Pele and I searched part of headquarters yesterday and found one more of the missing weapons." There had been other matters that had required their attention yesterday. However troubled and saddened the command had been to visit the families of the fallen, that was not something you postponed or delegated.

Arnyn looked at Trastion. "Only one of the weapons remains unfound. A dagger. Since we found all other weapons closeby, I would wager the last will be no exception." Her dark eyes flicked back to Duinion. "And as I said, we've encountered no traps so far, nor have any been set off accidentally by anyone - however, that doesn't mean there aren't any. If there are, though, I do believe they would not be triggered easily. If Relic set any traps, I believe they would be of the kind she meant to set off herself. In the case of pursuit or if she were in need of a distraction of defense." The Lieutenant gauged the Tirdinen's expression, trying to see whether his thoughts had taken a similar road or whether he disagreed.