Rangers: Barracks & Stables

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr
Barracks - North wing/Little Mess
September

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

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

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

Little Mess

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

[Arnyn]

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

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

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

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

[Ercassie]

@Arnyn

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

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

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

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

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



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

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


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

[Arnyn]

@Ercassie

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

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

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

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

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

[Ercassie]

@Arnyn

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

[Ercassie]

Ranger Unalmis Raxëlilta
Little Mess. September

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

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

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


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

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

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

[Rillewen]

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor

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

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

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

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

---

Recruit Trastion Leithor
Little Mess - September

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

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

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

[Arnyn]

@Ercassie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Ercassie]

@Arnyn

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

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

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


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

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


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

[Arnyn]

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

Hyandaner Kaylin Maethyr
Barracks - The Little Mess, September

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Rillewen]

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

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

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

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

---

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Little Mess - September 2nd

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

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

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

---

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

September 7th
Evening, after supper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Brian
Barracks - Sometime in September, after supper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Rillewen]

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

September 7th
Evening, after supper

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

Lieutenant Brian
Barracks - Sometime in September, after supper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lieutenant Fryin'.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

September 7th
Evening, after supper

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

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

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

[Pele Alarion]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

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

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

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

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

[Arnyn]

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

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

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

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

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

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

(Unalmis' actions are approved by Ercassie)

---

@Pele Alarion

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

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

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

[Pele Alarion]

@Arnyn

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

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

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

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

[Arnyn]

@Pele Alarion

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

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

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

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

[Rillewen]

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

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

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

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

[Arnyn]

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

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

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

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

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

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

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

[Arnyn]

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

Lieutenant Arnyn Dealedwen

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

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

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

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

[Rillewen]

Trainee Trastion Leithor
Little Mess - September

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

---

Tirdinen Duinion Raedor
Common room

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


(Unalmis interaction was approved by Ercassie)

[Karis Ziranphel]

Ranger Thûllir Bregedyr
Barracks - Little Mess
September

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

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

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

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