Ithilir enters the Throne Room, and seeing it mostly empty, goes over to a tapestry and inspects it leisurely.

The hum of steady conversation fills the throne room as courtiers mill about, conducting matters of business and pleasure in the absence of the Prince.

Ithilir stays near the walls, and continues to view tapestries, as he awaits the arrival of the Prince.

Helorondur enters from the main doorway. He pauses at the portal, chatting amiably with one of the heralds, who word has it is one of Helo's
kinsmen.

Rinkair comes walking in, his gait quick and sure, he stops seeing the courtiers and scowls. He deftly avoids talking with any of the courtiers, his
bronzed skin, and captains pin clearly marking him as different from all within the room. Too thin to be a knight and too rough to be a courtier.

Valkros sits down somewhere to the side and examines some old book.

Ithilir pauses his peregrinations, and with a flick of his cloak, approaches the Doors. He espies Sir Helorondur, and with a salute, stops before him.
"Hail Helorondur, how fare you?"

Rinkair glances hearing a voice and sees Helorondur to his amazing surprise and he walks over to both Ithilir and Helorondur with a smile, "Your
alive I see."

Ithilir turns to Rinkair, and smiles, "Hail Captain."

Rinkair nods to Ithilir and says, "Well met Lord Ithilir.."

Helorondur detaches himself gracefully from his current conversation... He passes along a side aisle, towards the Knight-Captain. "Well, most well. I
always enjoy a homecoming from the sea. Though Ulmo be our patron, the firm earth of Aule is nonetheless welcome under one's feet." He grins,
and turns to Rinkair. "Hail, Captain of the noble Alcarondas. I espy that thou as well, hath recovered from the onslaught of the Corsair."

Rinkair smiles and says, "I am a hard nut to crack and harder still to kill. I'll live through just about anything the pirates wish to throw at me and
survive. Though they may not.."

Ithilir smiles, and leaning on his Ironwood Rod slightly, says, "Well let us hope so, Good Captain."

Helorondur nods to the sailor, and poses a query to both of his companions. "Shall I entreat a squire to fetch us some draught of wine, that we might
ease our thirst?"

Ithilir nods, and says, "Mayhaps, but I have been called before the Prince, so I would deem it fit that I have cider instead."

Rinkair shakes his head and says, "Nay, I do not drink this eve. I have received word that I may be asked to leave soon and would not wish to have
had anything to drink if I must be out, for the ocean has shown some evil signs of late and the weather does not look clean."

Helorondur gestures to a nearby youth wearing the livery of the household of the Palace. "Yes you, dear fellow. Fetch three goblets of cider, if you
would." He smiles again and explains himself. "I have never taken a liking to the northern ciders common to mine own homeland, but assuredly the
Prince's draught exceeds it."

The boy scurries off to the kitchen, oblivious to the impediments in his way.

Ithilir smiles, and says, "My tastes are somewhat more common than yours, Helorondur, you forget, I was not accustomed to such things when I first
came to Dol Amroth."

Helorondur nods, chuckling. "As my school master always said, in matters of whimsy, 'tis noble to wave in the breeze. In matters of honor, 'tis best
to stand, firm as a rock."

Ithilir looks querulously at Helorondur, and says, "That is amusing. Confusing, but amusing."

Valkros walks into the company of Rinkair, Ithilir and Helorondur. "Hello sirs. Ithilir! I believe we have met?"

Rinkair chuckles and says, "Indeed, you school master was an intelligent fellow, more bard it sounds like that master.. "

Ithilir turns to Valkros, and says, "Yes, I believe we have. You are one of the Men at Arms of the Swan Company, are you not?" He looks
questioningly at Valkros.

Valkros says, "aye I am."

Helorondur chuckles, he begins to reply to the two men. "I've always maintained he was fascinating, but perhaps not wise." He turns with a quizzical
look to Ithilir, and regards the Soldier with chin in hand.

Ithilir looks at Helorondur, and nods. "Yes, I remember now, Valkros, you are newly come to the City, are you not?"

Imrahil steps through the huge doors from the Hall of Armor beyond.
Imrahil has arrived.

Valkros nods and says "yes, i'm new to the city. A marvelous city it is..." Valkros falls silent at the arrival of the prince.

Rinkair looks up as the Prince comes in and turns to watch the two and the courtiers within the room.

The serving boy returns with a tray, laden with three steaming mugs of hot, spiced cider. Sir Helorondur nods, and assists the servant in passing out
the mugs. He turns, just in time to see the Prince stride in...

Ithilir notes the Prince's arrival, and leaning heavily on his Ironwood Rod, bows deeply.

Helorondur quickly hands his mug back to the servant, and follows the Knight-Captain in bowing to the Prince.

As the day climbs over the bay of Belfalas, already the air of spring can be felt. And yea truly in the luminous brilliance of the citadel of the Princes
since the days of the longfathers of Numenor, the doors are thrown open and in walks the van of the Prince. Ah! Dol Amroth, where yet the blood of
old runs true! The Prince marches in with long strides and looks not to who is here. Rather his gaze is forward to the throne and thence, he sits
himself regally throwing back his scarlet cloak. He then looks and sees that the court is at attention he then speaks, "Where is our gracious Captain,
that Man known as Rinkair of Pelargir?"

Ithilir rises, and watches silently.

Helorondur stands fully straight, regarding his Prince with unblinking eyes.

Rinkair doesn't take a mug from Helorondur but instead turns and quickly strides, long strides that seem unhurried yet carry him quickly, towards the
throne. He bows slightly before the throne and says softly, his voice barely carrying beyond the throne to those around, "You have requested my
presence Prince Imrahil."

Imrahil inclines his head and lays his scepter across his lap. His steely eyes look at Rinkair, seemingly with a deep respect, "My valorous Captain, I
hope not that thine sails have fallen idle or the winter's wind too wild in your stay in our Citadel? This Mound of Amroth by the sea?"

Rinkair smiles and says, "We have not suffered Prince from either the winters winds nor from Idleness. We have stayed within your bay and still
maintained our skills within it's quiet shelter. My men and I have been most graciously received within your honorable abode and found the welcome
wanting in nothing. There is little more we could ask for my lord."

Imrahil smiles and then says, "But surely there is some gift that I may give you? For it has always been the fashion that deeds of valour should not go
unrewarded. Well I remember you at the helm of your vessel, standing their heedless of dart or blade, when none other would."

Cloaked_Figure steps through the huge doors from the Hall of Armor beyond.
Cloaked_Figure has arrived.

Imrahil smiles and then says, "But surely there is some gift that I may give you? For it has always been the fashion that deeds of valour should not go
unrewarded. Well I remember you at the helm of your vessel, standing their heedless of dart or blade, when none other would."

Dric has arrived.

Rinkair smiles and says, "Nay m'lord.. No such gift is necessary. I am merely doing the job that the Steward entrusted to me. The same duty that
called me to serve my lands need and to follow my own love of the ocean. My lord your praise is gift enough and I thank you for the thought itself."

Cloaked_Figure enters the room at a slow pace, glancing here and there as he moves in to the splendour of this room. No attention to the splendour
itself does he spare however, and instead notes the positions of every man in the room before choosing a place along the wall. As he leans back, he
seems comfortable and mayhaps even... can it be said... stuck up?

Ithilir notes the arrival of the Cloaked Figure, and with a nonchalant air, makes his way casually towards him, taking up a place near the wall, and yet
within easy view of the proceedings, and the newcomer.

Imrahil inclines his head slightly to Rinkair, "Thy words are elixir to my heart for surely here is a man both of courage and humility!" Imrahil pauses
and then says, "Captain, I have summoned you here for I need your service again, yet I beg that you wait for a moment, for I must speak with my
knights who but lately returned from a quest perilous."

Helorondur regards the cloaked man for a brief moment before he becomes lost in the crowd....

Rinkair bows and says, "I await your words Prince and am in no hurry to depart your gracious citadel. The ocean can wait for my return until it is
time for me to do so."

Dric stands near the back of the room, looking around the great room with a look bordering on wonder in his eyes.

Again the Prince dips his head regally and then says, "Lord Ithilir, Lord Helorondur, come forth!"

Cloaked_Figure seems to take no notice any attention his arrival might have instigated, and instead attends to the proceedings at hand, fingering his
chin.

Ithilir looks up in surprise, and with a quick glance to the Cloaked Figure, makes his way to the Royal Presence. He stops before the Throne, and
makes a deep bow.

Helorondur parts the assembled crowd with dignity as he strides towards the throne. Well in front of it, he bows deeply, reverently before Imrahil.
"Your Highness."

Imrahil speaks and his voice echoes across the hall, in a deep staccato tone. Even as he utters his phrases he rises, "Hail noble swan knights. Word
has come of the success of thine mission. Already, Maedhromir son of Tirion has returned to me that object of which you sought. Yet even more so,
I would ask you both to tell your tale of the bravery you had done on this most secret mission."

Ithilir rises and turns to Helorondur, allowing him to speak first.

Imrahil rings a bell next to him and says, "Bring wine and comfort, for the noontide cometh!"

Servants of the Prince scurry and soon libations of wine are brought with stiff backed chairs. These are laid out in a semi-circular pattern before the
Marble Throne.

Helorondur rises, his eyes shining in the bright light of day. He nods to Imrahil, and turns to Ithilir, acknowledging his favor. "We have great reason to
praise both the Knight Captain, who led us forth into the southernn seas, Sir Maedhromir, who became unto us a pilot, charting the course through
perilous waters. And indeed, no man on that trip lacked valour, for the cruel scimitars of the Corsairs sought to waylay us before we had departed
from our destination..."

Imrahil takes a silver chalice and sips the wine and says, "Alas that we could not use the Alcarondas on this mission - yet it had to be so. Pray
continue."

Ithilir gestures to the servant, and forbears to take one of the goblets.

Cloaked_Figure's chin drops some and his hand falls to intertwine with the other, becoming crossed at his waist. From all appearances, the floor
seems the object os his attention, as the discussion moves into the noble actions of noble men.

Dric listens intently to what he can hear, eyes still roaming the room with much interest.

Helorondur removes his own chalice from his lips, and clears his throat to speak. "I speak truly that most honor was won that day by a soldier of the
Swan-company, who risked himself to rescue the Knight-Captain from grave peril." Turning, he says, "How progresses thine recovery, Sir Ithilir."

Valkros continues to watch and listen to the men, yet from time to time he glances around the splendid room observing the tapestries.

Imrahil raises a brow, "Grave peril?" He looks to Ithilir, "How farest though my brave knight? Tell thine tale."

Ithilir smiles, and says, "Well enough, the leeches would have it that I have three broken ribs, but I maintain that they are but bent. Aye, but were it
not for Lieutenant Beladan, and Lord Helorondur, I would even now be in the larder of a foul serpent." He pauses, and speaking somewhat quietly,
as if breath pained him, speaks. "We had just begun to search for your objective, and had come across some fissures, which emitted a foul stench. It
was among these that we met with our first challenge, for up until that time, our progress had been sure, and safe, thanks to the Skill of Lord
Maedhromir."

At the mention of the serpent Ladies of the court cover their mouths with dainty hands and gasp! Their courtiers fan them furiously.

Imrahil nods, "You speak of a first challenge? What other perils did you face?"

Rinkair looks at the Ladies with raised brows and then turns back where he is standing to listen to this tale of woe and deviltry..

Helorondur glances to Ithilir, silently urging him to continue the tale.

Valkros listens with intense interest.

Dric's gaze stops roaming the hall, and he begins to intently listen to the tale.

One fair maid of the court notes Rinkair's glance and waves her fan at him.

Ithilir continues. "There were others, but we shall speak of them anon. As I say, we had come across these noxious fissures, when fortune tread to
dash our hopes. For suddenly, as if spewed up from some dark hole far beneath the surface, a great and terrible Serpent arose, spitting out darkness
and death. In my recklessness, I drew my sword, and strove to smite the beast, but it's scales turned aside my blade, and quick as lightning, it had
entwined itself about me. My shield feel from my hands, and was lost deep within that crevice, and my arms were pinioned to my sides. I still retained
my sword, but it was useless. And the awful strength of that foul beast was slowly squeezing the last breath from me. I strove to free my knife, a gift
from my father, and managed to wedge it into the coils, allowing the beast to stab itself somewhat, and it was this which gave me a few moments
more of breath. And then, as one, Helorondur and Beladan attacked."
Imrahil nods, ears intent.

Helorondur scans the crowd, searching for soldiers with the Lieutenant's insignia. But he seeks in vain for Beladan.

Rinkair listens curious and impressed at the same time.

Ithilir pauses, and with a smile to Helorondur says, "It would have gone ill nevertheless, for the beasts scales were impervious to any attack of mortal
hand, or mortal steel. But suddenly, as if in a dream, I heard a cry, "Attack the Eyes!" And as through a fog, I saw two swords, wielded by two men,
but with one mind, enter that beasts eye sockets. Suddenly, I was thrown to the ground, and must rely on Maedhromir for what happened next.
Beladan and Helorondur struck those pale green orbs, and with more than mortal might methinks. At any rate, the creature thrashed wildly, nearly
dashing them against the rocks, before retreating into it's lair to brood over it's ruined eyes. It will not soon forget the valiant Men of Gondor I
believe. Nor shall I." He bows to Sir Helorondur.

Imrahil inclines his head, "There are many strange creatures in the world for good or evil, and yet I am glad that you only suffered slightly as it seems.
What happened after your encounter with the dread beast?"

Helorondur returns the bow of Sir Ithilir. "Mine stroke was merely in response to the insight of one of the soldiers, who counseled to strike at those
foul, lidless eyes. But in truth, I wonder whether some force not my own aided me, for the beast was sorely difficult to slay."

Helorondur says, "After the fight with that creature was over, we proceeded into the shafts of the volcano, where the ultimate goal of our quest lay.
After several hours, wandering in the dark byways far from the light of sun or star, we reached our goal.""

Helorondur says, "Our successful arrival was due to Sir Maedhromir."

Imrahil raises a brow, "The heart of a volcano? Surely this thing did not lie among the rivers of fire that layeth in the mountain's heart?"

Dric's gaze rests on Ithilir and Helorondur's backs, his attention fully focused on the telling of this tale.

Helorondur sips his wine, nearly draining the goblet.

Cloaked_Figure looks up for a moment and seems to take interest, his head cocked slightly to the side, and his eyes straining to see over the throng.
... After a few moments though, he seems to remember himself. Glancing around quickly, he retakes his spot on the wall, looking bored... or
indifferent.

Ithilir nods, and says, "Nay My Lord Prince, but near enough for my liking. It was kept deep underground in a side passage. One crafted long ere
our Fathers left Numenor, if I judge aright. We found it after some backtracking, and made our way out of the tunnels with safety. And then we
headed back to the Ship. But on our way, we were attacked by a small, but determined band of Southrons. We dealt with them quickly, but being
less well armored, a small number of them made ready to flee. Had they done so, our mission might have ended with an Umbar Fleet even now in
our bay. But by good fortune, the small party of scouts I had detailed to watch our retreat managed to trap them, and we closed on them as a
hammer on an anvil. No southron will return to Umbar with tales of our quest. It was again that Helorondur and Beladan showed great courage and
strength. I was weakened mightily by my encounter, and while the Knights and Men at Arms fought valiantly, it was by these two men's commands,
and not my own, for I was barely able to defend myself against the common rabble who oppressed me. Sir Maedhromir acquitted himself well of
course, as did the rest of my Men, whom I would like to publicly commend for the way in which they carried out this mission. We lost no lives, and
returned apace with that which we sought."

"Umbar father?" comes a small voice from the shadows.

Imrahil turns and smiles at the voice.

Helorondur watches in rapt silence as Ithilir completes the tale, now and then nodding his head or furrowing his brow.

From the shadows a young girl emerges. With raven black hair, you see that she will develop into a fair maid. The Prince speaks and motions,
"Come forth Lothiriel."

Rinkair frowns softly hearing mention of Umbar and his voice is soft, "They may yet arrive, I would not count them out even though the tale does not
come from the southrons."

The girl comes out and smiles, "Umbar father?"

Imrahil nods, "Yes Lothiriel, Umbar."

Lothiriel then says, "Father, where is Umbar?"

Helorondur rises quickly and bows politely as the girl steps forward. There is a chuckle in his eye.

Imrahil frowns in a mock fashion, "If you spend your time at your studies rather than sneaking about the court then perhaps you would know."

Ithilir bows solemnly to the Princess Lothiriel. "My Lady."

Lothiriel puts her hands on her hips and says, "But father, studying is so boring. And Gilian promised to take me riding today."

Imrahil smiles softly again, "Then go daughter, and find a spring flower to bring to your father."

Lothiriel smiles and then runs off...

Helorondur resumes his seat, a wide grin on his face.

Imrahil turns back to the others and his face is now grim, "The Southrons are ever the curse upon our age save that of the Black Land to the east."
Imrahil pauses and then says, "You have done well valiant thanes. And you shall be honoured. Rise."

Ithilir stands before the Prince, and with a fluid movement, returns his Ironwood Rod to his belt.

Helorondur stands, in an altogether more solemn manner than he had just previously.

In a well-lit corner of the throne room, two scribes sit at portable desks, furiously writing to record the deeds recounted in the hall. They pause as the
two knights rise.

Imrahil rises and suddenly there seems to appear a wooden box in his hand. Opening it he takes out two medals. He then he steps down from the
dais and comes before the twain. Pulling out the medal he says, "I hereby invest thine valour and recognize its achievement with the Silver Falcon."
Then one by one he pins the medal onto the knights. Then passing the wooden box to a retainer he bows and says fair words of honour in the fair
tongue of the High Elves and for those who know that speech would here, "By grace and good fortune - may the light shine upon thee forever."

Ithilir bows, and says, "Thank you My Lord Prince."

Helorondur bows deeply. "My eternal gratitude for the praise thou hast shown me."

Imrahil inclines his head again and then ascends to the throne again, "And now, to the new issue at hand. Captain Rinkair, my thanks for being so
patient with us, for it is our custom in the court of Dol Amroth to recount such deeds of valour - I am sure it is the same in your own land."

With the brief ceremony over, the two scribes return to their labor. The sound of a quill pen snapping echoes lightly throughout the hall.

Rinkair smiles and says, "Poor indeed would I be to be either disrespectful of the need to hear such tales and to see their bearers suitably rewarded
for their valour or to hold it against you the need you must fulfill to your people as their prince and consider it an inconvenience to await your pleasure
for it is only fitting that the needs of your people come first. As I said before I am pleased to await your pleasure."

Imrahil smiles and says, "Then my pleasure good Captain is that I desire the transport of a certain gift to the Lord Steward of the realm. I knowest
that your ship, is one geared for war, but I hope that for this instance you may indulge me?"

Rinkair nods and says, "Indeed, it is not unheard of for my ship to either carry or escort gifts and cargos to the Steward or from him."

Imrahil inclines his head and smiles, "When should you be able to depart?"

Rinkair shrugs and says, "The tides turn within a few hours and we can safely depart err then or after as m'lord needs. We have oars so we can
depart at any time my Prince. Merely gives us the order to leave when we must and we shall do. Shall we accompanying another ship or carrying the
gift ourselves m'lord?"

Imrahil smiles, "Perhaps another ship may be more suited, whence you see what our gift is. It is prepared if you desire to see it?"

Rinkair nods and says, "Indeed m'lord I would be honored to see that which you would ask us to make sure arrives safely to the Stewards keeping.

Imrahil smiles and then says, "Let the gift be brought forth!"
Immediately a tiny flute starts playing from an unknown location....
The melody quickens and is now joined by a steady beat...

Then the doors fling open, and in run a dozen maidens...

The pause before the throne and bow, and then the music quickens...

The maidens begin to dance, their lithe limbs spry as they form an amazing grace in time to the music.

Rinkair turns to look at the Prince, curiosity and confusion showing on his face as he waits.

Long they dance and then at last the music achieves a crescendo, and then they bow and stand before the throne.

Helorondur stares at the maidens, obviously in some state of shock.

Valkros scratches his chin, trying to understand.

Dric blinks a few times as the maidens enter and dance, trying his hardest to suppress a grin..

The Prince then says, "I give to Denethor, entertainment. These maidens are the fairest in the land and can provide fair music and dance at his court.
When last I saw him his mood was dark and I hope that such a gift may raise his spirits. The only condition, is that they are not bound in service to
me or others, I have but patroned them to this service and when their contract ends, they may go whither they will." He then turns and looks to
Helorondur, "You do not approve Sir Knight?"

Rinkair takes a moment to stare at his Sailors, a silent admonition to keep any bawdy comments to themselves before turning to watch the strange
ongoings.

Ithilir watches stoically, ignoring the charms of the dancers.

Helorondur stammers a bit, obviously flustered. "Nay, My Prince, A Most worthy and fitting gesture is this. I am merely astounded by their beauty!"

Cloaked_Figure slowly stands from his place on the wall and takes a step forward. From those nearby a muffled chuckle can be heard as he rocks
slightly on his feet.

Dric removes his gaze from the maidens, taking the time to study the floor and his boots carefully.

Imrahil inclines his head, "Indeed they are - I shall miss them. Yet you at least will have some time yet to watch them."

Rinkair looks at the Prince and then shakes his head, "Indeed m'lord. I assume that you have then found arrangements for their accommodations for my
own ship as you have said is a ship of war and poor accommodations for such as these."

Helorondur's mouth hangs slightly open, he nods, only to his Prince's words.

Imrahil nods, "Indeed, all is taken care of, and escort shall be sent with them: Helorondur, take a company of Men, you are to go to the City and
thence assure their safety. Yet also we have other purpose for you going."

Helorondur remembers himself and rises, nodding acceptance to his sovereign's command. "It is ever my pleasure to carry out thine bidding, my
lord." He bows to depart, and gestures for a man-at-arms on duty in the hall to follow him.

Imrahil inclines his head then looks to Rinkair, "All is prepared, if thou'st are."

Valkros bows low to the prince, turns and follows Helorondur out of the hall.

Helorondur strides out of the doorway with purpose, his ermine mantle fluttering with the speed of his passage....

Rinkair nods and says, "I am ready m'lord. Will you be accompanying the dancers or does duty require you stay here with your people for a while yet
before coming Minas Tirith?"

Imrahil smiles, "I think Captain, that I shall not go. Long have I neglected my duties here in Belfalas, and I shall not go forth again unless at great
need."

Helorondur goes south, out of the Throne Room, and into the Hall of Armor.

Valkros goes south, out of the Throne Room, and into the Hall of Armor.

Rinkair nods and says, "I shall go down to my ship then and we shall prepare for departure m'lord.." Rinkair seems to be frowning slightly as he
seems to have suddenly realized that he may not have thought of all preparations..

Imrahil inclines his head, "May Uinen guide thee good Captain."

Rinkair smiles and says, "Rather may he protect us from the oceans wrath should she feel neglected m'lord."

Imrahil nods and says, "I hope that she can protect us much. Go with good and fair wind."

Ithilir smiles, and with a slight bow, says, "My Lord Captain, that has been arranged, I have ordered the necessary rites be performed as soon as you
wish?"

Ithilir grins, and says, "It was my good fortune to meet a Maiden of Pelargir who was visiting, and I asked her for her kind assistance. She waits
without."

Rinkair smiles at Ithilir and says, "My thanks Lord Ithilir, you have the foresight of your ancestors. May you always have fair skies.."

Ithilir bows, and says, "And fair seas to you, Captain."

Rinkair bows to both and departs out towards the docks, those of his crew here following after him.

Dric follows Rinkair out of the hall, casting a last glance at the splendor of the place.

As the parties depart from the room, or prepare to do so, the cloaked man approaches the dais -- or begins to. He stops and seems to hesitate.
With a shrug, he turns and instead faces the exit and moves slowly towards it.

You head out the doors to the Hall of Armor.

Dol Amroth: Ost-in-Ernil - Hall of Armour
    This room serves as the main entrance hall for the Citadel. Wide and long, as well as sixty feet from floor to arched ceiling it is indeed vast. The
polished marble of the floor looks slick, almost like ice, so well is it maintained. Lining the walls, on all sides, are alcoves cut into the wall, where rest
many suits of armour -- of knights long dead but honoured. The space between these empty husks is draped in richly coloured tapestries bearing the
devices of noble families and kingdoms. Some are ancient, and nearly unrecognizable in their origin. They stop as the ceiling begins to vault, and there
a mosaic, intricately worked, takes over. Yet even so, at the center of the hall stands a large statue.
    Rushlights flicker, lamps above glimmer, and torches cast their wavering shadows about the vast hall from sconces between the dark alcoves where the armours lie. The accouterments seem almost alive in the eerie glow.

Dric steps through the huge doors from the Throne Room.

Rinkair nods to Helorondur as the maidens stand within the protective circle of the guardsmen and sailors, "Let us depart m'lord."

Cloaked_Figure steps through the huge doors from the Throne Room.

Cloaked_Figure comes out of the throne room and glances around... seeing the sailors still here he waits.

Helorondur greets the Captain of the Alcarondas and the assembled retinue. "Let us depart. Valkros: ensure that our company is well provisioned
with the necessities."

Valkros salutes. "Yes sir".

Helorondur passes to the south, nodding to the sentries as he passes.
Helorondur passes through the Citadel Gates to the south, out into the courtyard beyond.

Valkros passes through the Citadel Gates to the south, out into the courtyard beyond.
 

Rinkair nods and accompanies Helorondur out. His sailors grim and quiet.
 

Dric follows silently behind everyone, grim and quiet.
 

You head towards the waters of northern bay.
Dol Amroth: Commercial Harbour

The buildings that huddle close to the lapping waters of the bay around the harbour are of very different construction than the others you have seen in
the city. Instead of fine marble, fluted pillars and colonnades, instead you see long low warehouses built of unstained wood -- some fresh, yellow,
others old and grey. The building that is an exception to this, the Harbourmaster's Office. Even the area around it is cleared of the debris and cargo
crates that are stacked around the rest of the harbour.
Long quays protrude out into the waters, stacked on which are crates and huge levers and pulleys; vessels of broad draft that ply the seas and
narrower riverboats wait alongside for their cargoes. A small, marble-cobbled path runs to the northwest along the rest of the city's harbours.
Lights near the foot of the quays shed some of their dim rays around the area. They are more for the ships, though, and shed little light towards the
buildings, which lay for the most part in shadow. The exception is the Harbourmasters office, from which inside light floods outwards.
 

Cloaked_Figure follows along behind the entourage as it approaches the ships, moving comfortably but carefully through the crowds. Always
following the group, but never catching.

Helorondur arrives, directing the cordon of troops the protect Denethor's gift. He addresses Rinkair. "Well met, friend. I trust you will treat our cargo
well?"

Rinkair chuckles and says, "I will be merely keeping watch over the ship that takes them where it must my friend.. And of course I will treat them
well when we reach Minas Tirith."

Helorondur nods. "No one doubts your skill and worth. But keep a tight rein on the sailors, they rarely lay eyes on such beauties as Imrahil has
graced the steward with. When do you depart?"

Dric suppresses a grin at Helorondur's comment, studiously keeping his eyes on the area in front of him.

Rinkair smiles, "Now.. We shall not wait for in this way the temptation will be gone all the faster from my men and from the others of the ship that will
carry the ladies to Minas Tirith.

Cloaked_Figure moves around over to the docks themselves and wanders among the barrels along the docks edge, moving closer to Rinkair and his
cohorts.

Helorondur extends his arm to Rinkair. "Farewell, comrade. And may we meet again soon."

Valkros says, "Goodbye friends. Take care of the cargo. I am sorry I cannot join you but duty calls..."

Helorondur turns to Valkros. "See to it that the harbor master knows of master Rinkair's departure. After that, you may go off duty. I thank thee for
thine service."

Rinkair takes the arm and smiles, "Indeed. May the winds blow at your back and your enemy be blinded."

Helorondur turns once more to the Captain. "And may Osse preserve thee."

Rinkair nods and turns to his ship calling out, "Prepare to cast off.." He turns to Helorondur and says," Another time hopefully."

Dric makes his way up onto the ship at Rinkair's order to prepare to cast off, and begins busying himself with the other sailors in this task.

At a signal from the Knight, the dancers begin filing up the gangplank of the vessel. The detachment of guardsmen escorts them, helping them with
luggage and other impedimenta. Helorondur pulls aside a lieutenant. "Are you certain of your orders?" The man nods, and proceeds to climb aboard
the ship. Helorondur waves to the Captain as he departs. "Most certainly."

Rinkair smiles and says, "Another casting off ceremony, hmm.." He looks about and a young maiden detaches herself from the crowd, a wreath in
her hands.

Rinkair smiles as his crew begins to chant ancient prayers to Ulmo requesting his protection as the young maiden walks up the gangplank and onto
the ship, she bows before the captain before going to place the wreath upon the bowsprit of the vessel.

Helorondur pauses his departure, watching the time-honoured ceremony with reverence.

Valkros says, "good wind and weather to you captain. I could not forgive you if this precious cargo was in any way damaged."

Rinkair smiles and says, "Neither could I forgive myself my friend.. " And he smiles as the young maiden returns and then bows to him and his sailors
stop their singing. He turns and heads up the gangplank with a last farewell.