Recorded on June 23rd, 1997 by Ravenwyr, this is a role play log of the swearing in of two men into the Minas Tirith Guard. The player Analdin is new to Elendor here but Japhin is both an old hand in Gondor and a Local Administrator who desired, ICly, to take on a change of pace in his mid-life after years in the Merchant's Guild.

Ravenwyr's Office:
As you enter this room you see a neat and tidy desk set next to the only window. Behind the desk stands a tall book and scroll case that is filled with books and parchments neatly organized first alphabetically, then by dates. These are records and reports as well as a small wealth in books on various subjects. Upon the desk is a feather quill, ink well, an empty cup with drink stains, an ink blotter, red sealing wax and two oil lamps for illumination at night.

A plain cot is pushed up against the wall to the right of the door and a trunk rests at the head of it. A carefully drawn map of Gondor, inked upon a thin sheet of finely tanned and bleached leather, is pinned up on the far wall across from the desk. A pair of spare chairs face the desk beneath the map. Everything in the room is immaculately tidy as only a soldier would keep it.

Real time is: Mon Jun 23 19:03:42 1997
Elendor time is: Early Morning about 7 AM (breakfast time) on Highday of Autumn - October 29, 3011

Analdin:
You see an intelligent-looking young man, barely out of his teens, with relatively short, dark blond hair, and deep blue, almost black, eyes. You judge him to be about six feet tall, maybe a little more. Although his face sports a determined look, there is an ever-present boyish twinkle in his eye. His arms appear a bit more than slightly muscled, as a blacksmith's do, from hard work. A black glove conceals his left hand. His light blue cloak covers a black shirt tucked into a pair of brown trousers that seem slightly big on him. An air of purpose surrounds him like a light mist.

Ravenwyr:
This man stands around 5'10" in height and is lean of build with rather bronze swarthy skin and sharp features for a Gondorian. His eyes are slate grey with thick black hair combed back with his fingers to fall over his shoulders. Silver hair glints at his temples and above his right ear where a deep and puckered scar runs from his hairline to his chin. Another twists like a snake through his dark lips. His hands too are mauled with parts of several fingers missing or gone completely. You would be inclined to judge this man to be in his forties, perhaps.
 He is clad in a crisp black and silver tabbard of the Minas Tirith Citadel Guard. The breast of the tabbard is the silver embroidared White Tree and Seven Stars crest of the City. On his right shoulder breast is the embroidered silver shield and black winged helm of the Fourth Company which he commands. A longsword hangs at his right hip but his usual cane is oddly lacking from his right hand. He often carries rather than wears his mithril winged helm.

Japhin:
Before you stands a tall man of medium build and deep green eyes. His face is a happy one, though not naively so. It is neither strong featured nor weak, but a good balance between the two. He is wearing a white shirt with a dark red vest, and a pair of dark trousers. On the breast of the vest is an equisite piece of embroidery though it is hard to make out from here. It looks like a dove sitting on some sort of wooden structure. To know more you'd definitely have to get close enough to make conversation inevitable.
 
 

Ravenwyr sits at his desk, flipping the pages of a book carefully, trying to find his place he lost and holding a black silk ribbon in his right hand to mark the place when he finds it again. Seeing that someone has entered, the man looks up, "Yes?"

The Officer looks the younger man up and down carefully, assessing him and ranking you in his mind. Ravenwyr waits your reply quietly, making no move to stand or offer you a seat.

Analdin walks into the office and looks about him. He is obviously looking for someone. Seeing the man behind the desk, he says slightly nervously, "Hello, I am looking for Lieutenant Ravenwyr."

Ravenwyr blinks, glances down at his uniform, then at his open door with a slight frown. He hesitates as he re-reads the small plaque on his door and then looks back to the young man, "Well... someone has mis-informed you, young man. I am Ravenwyr... but Commander, not Lieutenant now. State your business."

From Officers' Quarters You hear a knock from the direction of Out.

Analdin gulps a bit at the man's commanding presence, "I am sorry, sir. I am wondering how I might go about entering the Guard?" he stops a minute and breathes, "I was told to talk to you, sir."

From Officers' Quarters Japhin steps in after taking a few light knocks on the door. Looking around he sees Raven in a conversation with another man in his office. After showing his face through the doorway, he steps to the side, out of the way.

Ravenwyr hrms and pushes his seat back from his desk to stand, keeping one dark hand on the edge of his desk for added balance. His eyes flicker to the outer room a breath at a sound, then back to you, "And who might you be, lad?"

Analdin seems a bit more relaxed and says "I am Analdin, sir, from the villiage Eroch."

Seeing that the new arrival is someone he knows, Ravenwyr absently gestures for Japhin to come in and take a seat until he can attend to what the Merchant requires... in the mean time he watches and listens to the young, rather Rohirric looking young man before his desk. As Analdin speaks, Wyr presses his lips into a thin line, "And why do you wish to join the Guard?"

From Officers' Quarters Japhin walks through the open door and into Ravenwyr's Office.

Japhin steps in and takes a seat. He glances around the office here and there... Mostly though, he looks in his lap. Hands clasped together there.

Analdin swallows, "Well, sir, you see, my father is a blacksmith in the villiage where I live, and," he pauses a beat, "well, I came to Minas Tirith because, after trying to be a Smith, I was no good, and my father told me to go and join the Guard or something." a slight grin touches his face, "He always told me of the evils of the military, so I took him literally." The grin widens considerably, "It was always a dream of mine, sir."

Ravenwyr steps away from his desk to pour himself a refill of tea with honey... he keeps one hand on the chair as he does so, his usual cane conspicuoisly missing. He turns his head to glance at the young man as he speaks. Hearing Analdin, Raven raises a black brow, setting the cup on his desk, "A dream?" He glances at the Master Merchant with a faint grin, then glances at Japhin again, wondering why that man has come to see him. He sips his tea and looks back to Analdin, "How many seasons are you, and do you have any skill with arms... weapons, that is?"

At that question to the other man by Raven, Japhin's eyes go to the floor. Indeed, his general appearance is that of one who is nervous or maybe even downcast. Fidgeting, he scratches his cheekbone a little. Raven's smile seems completely unanswered and even more out of nature for this merchant, unnoticed.

Perhaps distracted the slightest, Ravenwyr glances back to Japhin oddly and watches him a few breaths before looking back to and listening to Analdin.

Analdin looks around and sees the other man who had come in. He looks back at Ravenwyr and answers, his grin lessening by far. "Twenty seasons, sir." Din starts fiddling with his hands, "And I have no knowledge of any weapon other than my fists. I was considered the best fist-fighter in my villiage. But I saw my father make a sword twice."

Ravenwyr raises both brows, "Fisticuffs... hrm." He does not particularly seem impressed with that but then pauses when he begins to lift his cup to sip, "Do you know anything of smith crafting blades enough yourself to be more than an apprentice, or do you have an interest in continuing to pursue that craft?"

Analdin seems a bit let down by the fact that Ravenwyr does not seem the slightest impressed. "I know much of smithing," he says a bit defensively, "But swords are on short call in a vialliage as small as ours. I was an apprentice for six years." he notices that he is fiddling with his hands and suddenly stops. "I would be a smith in my villiage if that was what I wanted to do. No sir, I came here to become a Guard. I could fix a sword if it needed doing, but would not be happy about it."

Glancing to the book he has left open upon his desk, the Commander marks the place he was last, even if it was not what he was looking for, and closes the book. The cover reads, 'A History of Numenorean Descent'. Wyr looks back at the young man, "That is a valuable skill all the same, even if we be not embroiled in war at this time." He sets his cup down and picks up the book, turning where he stands to slip it up and onto a shelf behind his desk. Then he turns back, "Very well.... Do you credit yourself with being thoroughly familar with the Guard, it's duties, pay, privilages, responsibilties and commitment? Or would you like to ask some questions?"

A chuckle is finally forced out of the merchant's mouth at Analdin's last comment. He quickly stifles it though after glancing at Wyr. His eyes desperately avoid looking at Analdin for fear he might chuckle again.

Analdin gets a slightly confused look on his face as he sees such strange behavior in a man who looks so important. "I have met and talked with a few Guards, as well as read all I could find." he looks down as if in thought, "I have not, however, heard or read anything on pay or privilages." Raising his head a bit, an inquisitive look comes over his face. "Perhaps you could tell me something, sir?"

Japhin suddenly stands for no apparent reason. Clasping his hands behind his back he wanders the room slightly until seeing the map. Turning to it, he examines its carefully drawn lines and borders. Leaning close, one would think he was examining the workmanship or mayhaps appraising it.

Ravenwyr nods and promptly resumes his seat, mumbling something under his breath about a damned cane before taking a sip of his tea and waving a hand to the young man, "Alright... at ease and sit down." He pauses a breath to run some figures through his mind, sorting officers from the lower ranks, then nods ever so faintly to himself, "Pay is standard depending on rank, and increases appropirately. As we house and feed you, it's not much but it will cloth you when off duty and give you alittle to entertain yourself or send home... whatever. We provide all gear, arms training and duty rosters are posted in the barracks." Wyr glances back at Analdin to make certain he is paying sharp attention.

Analdin looks for a seat, and upon finding one, sits down, never taking his attention from the Commander. He nods his understanding and waits patiently for him to finish.

Ravenwyr continues, "Privilages are few if any at the starting ranks unless you become an officer. Standard gear unless you already have usefull skills elsewhere are studded leather, longsword and shield, sometimes helm as we have them available. You are -not- allowed a horse in the city." He pauses, looking at Analdin, "You will live in the barraks and do precisely as you are told. After one year of service is completed you are allowed free duty, which means time to spend with your family, or wherever for a few weeks. Allowances are made if you have a death in your immeadiate family and those members are recorded in your file..." Wyr pauses for a breath, then changes course, "Are you native born to Gondor?"

Analdin nods again, the attentivness in his eyes as bright as ever. He sits up straight at the edge of his seat. "Yes, sir. I was born in the villiage Eroch, to the north and west of Minas Tirith, near the Rohirric border."

The older man nods and continues again, in alittle softer tone, "Most services are for life but retirement and pention are applied after dutiful service... all of this and many other details are in the contract for service." Ravenwyr looks to Analdin sternly, "Penalty for leaving your post without going through proper channels is a serious crime and can be punishable by court marshal and even death. Do you understand?"

Japhin gives up on studying the map and turns back around to have a seat again. Reaching it he returns his hands to his lap. Allowing his eyes to wander around the room, they finally come to rest on Raven. Where they seem to sit. As one looks at them though, it seems that they look beyond Raven instead of at him....

Ravenwyr ignores Japhin, watching Analdin.

Analdin nods once. "Clearly, sir." he replies, his tenor voice steady. He glances at the man he does not know and back at Raven.

Ravenwyr nods curtly and stands again, "Very well... do you have any questions at this time and are you certain of heart that you wish to serve the Steward, the White Tree and Gondor, until the return of the King?"
Wyr reaches up to the shelves behind his desk again, withdrawing a twin pair of scrolls tied with a slim black silk ribbon, laying them upon his desk before Analdin.
Ravenwyr's dark hands, even with parts or all of some fingers missing, unties the ribbons binding the scrolls while he awaits your reply.

Japhin nods to himself and mumbles something.

Analdin stands a as well, and takes the couple steps over to the desk, glancing at Japhin, and back at the desk. He says quite surely, "Yes, sir, I am."

The Officer holds out one of the slim parchment scrolls to Analdin, the twin remaining on his desk and beneath his right hand, "Open this and read it carefully... since you claim to know your letters. Take your time and if you have any questions, speak them."

Japhin looks up for a moment at Ravenwyr. Shaking his head, he allows it to slowly drop back down.

Ravenwyr looks to Japhin as Analdin takes the scroll to read for the next several minutes, "Guildmaster Japhin, what brings you to my office this morning?"

Analdin takes the scroll, and almost gently opens it. He takes a few minutes to read it, sometimes pausing and reading things over again. After several minutes, he brings it down from in front of his face and holds it, waiting quietly for the two men to finish speaking.

Japhin shakes his head again, but this time as if to wake himself up, "Hmmm? Oh, ummm..." Japhin stands and brings himself upright. With his hands behind his back, he looks at Raven, "That title, my good Lieutenant, no longer applies, and I am here to ask for a new one." Japhin's chest sticks out slightly, and his legs are together. Indeed, as a whole, it makes quite the picture of an older man trying to seem like a young soldier.

Ravenwyr absently corrects Japhin, "Not Lieutenant anymore." He waves a hand, "Please continue." He glances at Analdin.

Analdin stands patiently quiet, as one who has oft been reprimanded for interrupting his elders.

Japhin nods and bows slightly, "I stand corrected. I apologize for the error. As for continuing, there is little more to say." He cocks his head a little and grimaces a moment before continuing, "I've checked the charter for the guards. I am still of legal age to enlist... and I wish to do so."

To Anadlin, "Are you finished?" Ravenwyr holds a dark skinned hand out for the return of the scroll.

Ravenwyr looks at Japhin suddenly, distracted and obviously surprised, "-You- wish to enlist?"

Analdin nods silently and places the scroll into the Commander's outstretched hand.

Taking the scroll, Raven lays it beside it's twin, both hands upon them as he looks to the Merchant... ex-merchant, awaiting his reply.

Japhin looks back at Wyr for a moment and stutters a little before gaining control of his tongue. Shaking his head a little, he says, "Yes, yes I do. I am of legal age still. I am of fit body. I'm ready to learn. You cannot deprive me of the right to serve Gondor this way," Suddenly he doesn't look so sure of himself though. The confidence leaves as if it was swept away by a passing breeze. Failing an attempt to harden himself, "You wouldn't... would you?"

Ravenwyr blinks, looking at Japhin a silent few breaths, "Of course not." He seems distracted and darts a look at Analdin, then back to Japhin, "I suppose your timing is remarkable. Do -you- have any questions?" He holds the scroll out to Japhin to read as well.

Ravenwyr looks alittle taken off his balance by the unusual request from Japhin, but skims a hand through his silvering hair. Wyr looks to Analdin while Japhin takes his turn to read the parchement, "Analdin, do you feel you are ready for such a commitment, or would you like to sleep on it and consider it a while? You are welcome to take your time. We would rather have your service in good heart than in eager foolishness."

Japhin looks at Wyr for a moment... He reaches out as if to put his hand on the man's shoulder, but then brings it down to the desk instead, grabbing the scroll as he does so. Staring into Wyr's eyes, he says, "My good man, how could I after having had such a good example as yourself of what one should be.... He glances at Analdin and then back to Wyr, "I've learned much by watching you."

Looking at Japhin again, Raven says nothing but looks at the ex-merchant carefully as if to detect an untruth.. or something. He frowns slightly.

Analdin looks down, as if unsure of what to say. When he raises his head, a look of determination covers it. "Sir, I have dreampt of it every night for five seasons, ever since a guard traveled through the villiage and told us of the rest of Gondor, and her protectors. I believe I am ready now."

Japhin stands again and looks at Raven almost defiantly, "Have I given you any reason to doubt me over these last two years other than your own inbred belief that I could not be honest!" Japhin glances shortly at Analdin, but mostly ignores him, concentrating his gaze on Ravenwyr.

Ravenwyr blinks at Japhin, taken aback for not having said any such accusation! Wyr instinctively rankles with a flush of anger, his voice dropping low, "I have in no way accused you of dishonesty, now have I? Nor have I any reason too unless you should present one." The Officer looks at Japhin a long moment, trying to decide what prompted that outburst. With care, he cools his anger enough to clear his mind and continue, "If you are certain you wish to enlist, I'll hear you oath, good Sir.”

Japhin looks at you a minute and shakes his head a little, "I did not say you had accused me of dishonesty. Forgive me. I must be wrong. I just always feel that you distrust me." Japhin hrmphs, "It has bothered me at times that one I respected should think so little of me... Or at least that's what I thought. Never mind. The oath it is."

Analdin stands silently, yet attentively, as he waits out his elder's conversation.

Ravenwyr's posture relaxes somewhat as he listens to the other man. He presses his scarred lips into a line and nods his head subtly to Japhin, "I don't give any man my trust easily or any further than I must. You are not an exception even if deserving of trust, I think. It is not something I can give quickly." Wyr sighs, "As for respect... " Raven glances over his own office, this one he has chosen to keep when he could have taken one in the Citadel, "I think you put too much weight in such foolishness." he smiles thinly to ease the words, "Are both of you gentlemen ready for your Oaths? I'll take them if you have no doubts.”

Japhin smiles and closes his eyes slightly. After a slight shake, he opens them again and says, "Indeed sir, I am."

Analdin nods slowly, "Yes, sir." he takes a deep breath.

Ravenwyr nods and withdraws a second set of twin scrolls, laying one each before each man, as well as turning his ink well and quill to them. Then Raven steps around from behind his desk, one hand trailing the old wood, "Each of you raise your weapon hand and place it over you hearts, please. Then repeat after me."

Japhin looks at the commander for a minute as if contemplating... Finally, his face hardens a bit and he brings himself back to his askew attention, and puts his right hand over his heart.

You say, "I, (say your name), here do swear fealty and service to Gondor, and to the Lord and Steward of the realm until the Return of our King.. To speak and to be silent, to do and let be... to come and to go, in need or plenty, in time of peace or war...." Wyr pauses for each of you to say this.

Analdin raises his right hand and places it over his heart, after coming to the closest thing an untrained man can to attention.

Japhin speaks out slowly, yet confidently. Unlike some who are younger of age might, Japhin seems to be listening to his voice as it says each of the words... Contemplating... , "I, Japhin,..."

Analdin says, "I Analdin, here do swear fealty and service to Gondor, and to the Lord and Steward of the realm until the Return of our King. To speak and to be silent, to do and to let be... To come and to go, in need or in pleanty, in time of peace or war.."

Ravenwyr continues, his own left hand over his heart and watching each man as he speaks the words that have bound his own life, "In living or Dying, from this hour henceforth, until my Lord release me, or death take me, or the world end. So say I, (Your name and family, place of birth.)" Raven finishes the Oath and waits as he stands respectfully at attention for each man to complete thiers.

Japhin continues repeating the words.... As he comes to the last though, he speaks each one separately and clearly... As if contemplating his low beginning mayhaps?

Analdin finishes his oath, "In living or in dying, from this hour henceforth, until my Lord release me, or death take me, or the world end. So say I, Analdin, son of Analdin, of Eroch.

Ravenwyr nods to each then gives his Oath, "And this do I hear, Ravenwyr, Commander of the Fourth Division of the Citadel Guard, on behalf of our Lord Denethor, Steward of the High King. We will not forget it, nor fail to reward that which is given: fealty with Love, valour with honor, oath breaking with vengence."

Ravenwyr then gestures for each of you to sign your names or mark to each copy, "Take one copy for yourselves and I'll file the second."

Japhin pulls a pen out of his vest. Dark and rich seeming it is. Dipping it in the ink provided, he signs his name to each of his copies and puts one deep in his inside vest pocket. Reaching out the other towards Wyr, he says, "Here you go, sir."

Analdin takes the pen in the inkwell that Ravenwyr had turned toward them, not having one of his own, and signs his name.

Drawing a breath, Ravenwyr watches as each man makes his mark or signs his name to each document. Then he nods approvingly, "Very well... Private Analdin, Corporal Japhin. I want each of you men to go to the barracks and select your bunks, stow your necessary items and report to the Quarter Master for your uniforms." Wyr smiles slighlty, watching Japhin.

Japhin turns and begins to head out the door before stopping short and turning to look at Ravenwyr, "I'm sorry, sir." He looks totally confused. His brow is scrunched and his jaw hanging slightly open, "Did I miss something, sir?"

Analdin smiles a bit and says, "Yessir." as he turns to leave.

Ravenwyr chuckles, eyes showing his ammusement at Japhin, "No, I think you have not... I think you will do fine. Don't hesitate to come to me if you need anything."

Japhin blinks again and shakes his head, uncertain of what's going on. He nods, "Yes, sir." and shakes his head a little, heading out the door. His face looks like, he's been run over by a tractor and hasn't fully comprehended the meaning of it yet.

Analdin walks out the door, after saluting Ravenwyr, a look of pride twinkling in his eye.