Analdin sits quietly at the booth in the back, sipping at a steaming glass of cider and quietly looking around the room. every now and again, his gaze flickers to the door, an expectant look coming to his eyes.

Malahir enters the tavern, the sunlight beams stabbing into the room and into the eyes of it's patrons. Malahir jaunts over toward the booth, a welcomed smile greets his superior. Reaching the booth with his hands at his hips. "Good day sir, It's been a long day. I've just finished the paper work you gave me for the day. Is there time for us to talk?"

Analdin nods quietly, relaxing against the back of his seat, "There is certainly time, and more, Malahir. What do you have on your mind?" he asks, with a sip at his drink, "Is that paperwork finally boring you?"

Malahir smiles wide, chuckling a bit. He shakes his head as he slides into the booth across from the lieutenant. Eyeing his drink while he speaks, "no sir, it keeps me busy alright. If you don't mind though, I'd rather not talk about work, or wars. Maybe you'd like to hear how my trip to Dol Amroth went. It was mighty eventfull, for just an ordinary caravan guard duty.

Analdin's cheerful smile fades slightly, and he nods again, "Mighty eventful, you say?" he asks, his voice falling a bit in volume, "What all happened?"

Malahir swallows hard, clearing his throat before focusing his attention on the story he is about to tell. He draws up closer to the booth table and begins, "I pulled this caravan duty a month ago. It was heading for Dol Amroth and was in need for a guide, and otherwise portection from theives. My guess, they paid our Lord well for the added protection. So anyway, it was a boring trip up until we camped overnight in a beautiful field just outside the magistic Dol Amroth. The beach was so close you could hear the waves crashing on the shore. While I was on night watch though, contemplating my goals here in Minas Tirith. I was out of sight of the camp, positioned in a dark overlook. Then I heard a rustling from this thicket on the hill adjescent to us. Low and behold, a man approached my unweary camp.

Analdin raises an eyebrow, taking another sip of his drink, "A single man approached your camp?" he asks slowly, "And was he at all dangerous? You make it sound as though he attacked..." trailing off, he shrugs and falls silent, "Anyway, go ahead."

Malahir nods, "well, I could not be certain of his business at the time. Theives come in various forms and sizes. So I approached him from behind and warned him to stay put. It turns out he was not armed at all, and the man claimed he was a travelor and needed a night's stay and asked for any spare food. I allowed him to enter my camp, and with a watchful eye gave him some left over stew. But this chance meeting would turn out fateful. The next morning we were both welcomed into the city gates by a man named Beladan. He offered us both company and a place to stay. Ofcourse, It was better than where the caravan was set up, so I obliged.

Analdin nods slowly, tipping his cider up and finishing it off. Setting down his mug, he leans back and folds his arms across his chest. "And after you entered the city?" he prompts, his blue eyes shining with interest, though note pure interest... more tainted, as though with a purpose.

Malahir waves his hand, "ofcourse, this is just the beginning. This man called himself Cedrith and we were talking with the squire Beladan and another comtemtous friend of his in a tavern that afternoon. I was squabbeling over my birthrite, because the squires couldn't let it go that I was a noble. And ofcourse, I'm not at ease with myself anyway. Well, then and there, I notice this travelor I picked up, named cedrith" and he moves his hand to his chest, "wheres a blue gemstone around his neck. A blue gemstone not unlike a man we both met in this very place. A man named Tarondor.

Analdin's eyes remain intent on Malahir, taking in the story. At this pause, he calls for the barmaid, and orders another cider before turning back to the other man, "How fascinating," he mumbles.

Malahir eyes widen, "fascinating..I was shocked. In my confusion over the sudden recognition of the man Tarondor, I called him on the unfamiliar name Cedrith. I thought that maybe he was a different person. This was a mistake indeed. Tarondor desclosed himself as perpatrating as Cedrith. I've never seen a man jump to conclusions so fast. The man squire named Beladan held us in the tavern under arms. Because I knew of this man Tarondor, he locked me up in his quarters for the entire day and into the next morning. The next morning I questioned by the Knight Captain himself. Ofcourse I was nervous, because I had no clue what happened to Tarondor, or why Kinght Ithilir would find the need to question me."

Analdin lets out a short, gruff laugh, "The knight-captain," he says, voice dripping with disgust. However, he breaks off as his cider arrives. Taking the warm mug from the hands of the barmaid, he sets it down before him, "And what did the knight-captain" he pauses a second, "have to ask you about?"

Malahir eyes squint, giving you the impression of pain. "Well, to be honest, I was taken aback by the whole assumption. I was treated like a criminal. I bearly new this man, you know that Analdin, sir. Before me stood the Knight Captain, in his own comfortable surrounding, and I not only felt out of place, but was placed there. I'm still not comfortable talking about it, and I feel back at home"

Analdin shakes his head, his face draining of all emotion as he sips from his drink, "I can understand perfectly, Malahir," he says quietly, "The knight-captain..." he shakes his head once more, and seems to almost ignore Malahir and speak to himself for a few moments, "The knight captain? What was his name again?"

Malahir, lost in a dazed stare comes back to the conversation a little behind your prompting, "Um..Knight Captain Ithilir was his name. I'm sorry Lieutenant, "I'm feeling depressed about the whole episode. I don't ever wnat to go back there again. Especially to see that man Beladan. We didn't get along after the afternoon's incident in the tavern. And it seems he never will let it go"

Analdin gaze hardens, as he looks up from his drink an at Malahir, "Then you can remain here in Minas Tirith... I doubt I shall ever venture down that way myself.." Shaking his head slowly, once, he adds, "I have some rather important buisness to speak to you on, Malahir," he adds, his face returning to close to normal, "If you have some time."

Malahir settles back down in his side of the booth, watching intently with his warm brown eyes, "Ofcourse Lieutentant. I've completed your assigments. Unless you would like me to pull tonights guard duty at the gates as well", a slight smile appears.

His eyes softening, a half-smile touches on the Lieutenant's face, "This would better be taken care of in my office," he begins slowly, "But the tavern would do just as well... I ask you again, Malahir, do you enjoy what you have been doing recently? All this desk work?"

After a moments consideration, a wise look crosses Malahir's face, "To tell you the truth sir, it beats guard duty. I now realize how difficult it is to run a company like you do. I've seen all the work that you put into commanding this outfit, and if I best help you by applying my noble education, then I am most humbled too keep the office of your correspondence.", a chuckle breaks the tension in the air, "I know I'm fit for regular service now, so I guess I should get back to it, yes?"

Analdin chuckles lightly, the hardness of his previous expression totally gone. Instead, an almost boyish twinkle enters his eye, and he shakes his head, "No, Malahir. The last place I want you right now is regular service." As he takes a sip of his cider, however, his levity seems to disapear, "Actually, where I need you at the moment, no, where I want you at the moment," he pauses a second, watching Malahir closely, "is as my aide. That is, if you would accept the promotion..." he trails off, adding quickly with a slight smile, "You needn't take it, if you would rather not have it."

Malahir's air of levity falls into sudden shock. His previous light hearted smile opens agape. A slowly noding Malahir responds cautiously, "Your aide? But sir, I'm, well, I'm delighted. But do you not think I'm still need more discipline? Do you think I am ready for this sir? I respect your opinion, so give me your honest oppinion of in the matter. I'm just worried that I'll let you down"

Analdin shakes his head, leaning over the table to be directly facing Malahir, "Do you honestly think much consideration didn't go into my decision? Do you believe I would promote you if I believed you would let me down? Do you actually think of me as doing such? Honestly, Malahir, I would be quite disapointed to hear that." An expectant look alights on his face, as he awaits Malahir's reply.

Malahir looks down at his lap, drumming his fingers on the table. He nods once more, "Your absolutely right sir. I don't know why I doubt myself sometimes. I've been held back all my life, so I'm not used to taking steps forward without examining what will go wrong" He hits the table, "When do I start? Or shall I say, when is it official?" "When do I start? Or shall I say, when is it official?"

Analdin leans back a bit, picking up his glass, "'Tis official already. I have spoken, at some length mind you, with Commander Elbarad. I have taken the liberty of filling out the papers that needed writin up, in the event that you might accept." Giving the younger man a smile, he adds, "And do not give it a worry, Malahir. You are a hard worker, and, if anything else, you certainly deserve it."

Malahir shakes his head, looking into Analdin's cool gray eyes, "I really do appreciate the opportunity Lieutenant. If you would like, or could send those papers to commander Elbarad. It is part of my duty assignment", breaking out into a chuckle.

Analdin laughs lightly, "No, Malahir. I shall take care of this one. Actually, you can thank Lieutenant Garen for drilling it into my head that I was doing too much." He smiles and adds, "Of course, this will mean you will have a few more duties to take care of, a few more than simply organising the paperwork."

Malahir motions toward a waitress bending over the table nearby. Before she arrives to take his order, he smiles, "But ofcourse sir. What will be my new duties. I'm a fast learner and will only need to be told once how to do them correctly. Unless you wish for me to figure out the best way to do them for myself, I can understand that approach as well. I'm in your hands sir." and then to the arriving waitress, "I would like a glass of your finest wine. I'm celebrating tonight", to his friend and commander, "Would you like another cider, or something else entirely sir?"

Analdin chuckles lightly, shaking his head, "Thank you, no, Malahir. I am happy with my cider... Though a refill would be nice?" he adds with a questioning tone, handing his mug to the barmaid who takes it with a smile. Returning his attention to Malahir, he says seriously, "Actually, what you can do is whatever I need you to do. And I am sure you will pick up on most of it in time... For now, though, I think you should just worry about your wine."

Malahir nods, replying sullenly "ofcourse sir, I will only have a glass. Is that ok sir?"

Analdin laughs, "Malahir! Enjoy yourself, man! Drink as much as you wish, though," he adds with a smile, "I would most certainly not envy you the headache you might have in the morning of your first day on the new job."

Malahir chuckles, "no ever since that night in Rohan, I've tried to keep my alchohol consumption to a minimum." his eyes glaze over at the mentioning of the event, "that was the first time I met the Lady of the tavern, Chrysalis. It's a pity I don't even remember it." he ends with a very soundless sigh.

Analdin nods, "Aye, I remember the night. Hitting the wine-skin a bit hard then, I believe." Shrugging, he adds in a quiet tone, "Of course, I never had that sort of experience. The first time I drank..." he trails off, a boyish grin coming to his face, "Well, I tried an ale, but Chrysalis was there.. probably the single witness to my weakness..."

Malahir hides his over interest in the story with a fake chuckle, "It seems Chrysalis is a common theme here. You know I haven't talked to her since the day we left Rohan. It's been so long I doubt she even remembers me. I see her all the time, but I'm to afraid to approach her. I guess it doesn't matter much anyway"

The waitress walks over to the booth, handing Malahir a glass of wine and Analdin a cider. She turns to walk away after giving them both a smile.

Analdin smiles softly, "I doubt what happened in Rohan matters much any more... Actually," he adds, looking around the tavern, "I haven't seen Chrys around here for some while." Leaning back, he adds with a grin, "You seemed quite interested in my tale, Malahir... Have you not heard of my first day in Minas Trith yet? I should think it would be a legend amongst the Guard already."

Malahir turns his head from one shoulder to the other, "Me? taking part in the telling of rumors?" beaming innocently, "I've heard some things, but I'd rather here it from you though"

Analdin leans back, laughing, "Oh, Malahir... I wish I knew what was going around the barracks in my absence..." Sitting up straight and taking a sip from his cider, he says, "Alright. The very first day I came to Minas Tirith, I chancd upon a man, a Guard, by name of Ekroth up near the barracks. We spoke a while, and he challanged me to a fistfight. Now," he says with a boyish grin, "I was considered the best fist-fighter in my village. And Private Ekroth walked away from me that day with a cracked jaw." Barely holding in his laughter, he adds, "And that is not the half of it."

Malahir chuckles, "Aye sir, we have a nickname for you because of that. But I digress, go on with you story", still laughing through his words.

Analdin glares at Malahir over the edge of his glass, "A nickname, Malahir? This you must tell me about..." Shrugging, after having calmed himself down, he goes on, "And that evening I ventured down here to the tavern. Lady Chrysalis was quite nice to me, and we spoke some length... then she offered me an ale. Now, being a venturous lad at the time, and my father having never allowed me and my brothers or my sister near a tavern, I accepted... And I shall never rue another day more."

Malahir nods over a sip of white wine, "well sir, the rest I really must hear. I'll impart on your nickname if you tell me the remaining details of your story, because the rumors vary after the fist-fight" A glint can be seem in his eye.

Analdin smiles, "A deal, then." Taking a long sip of cider, he continues with his tale, "Well, I took a drink... and have you ever seen a color of green like scum on a pond, Malahir? I am told my face was of that color... There were no others in the tavern that night, and I thank the Valar for that."

Malahir smiles through his tears, "Aye sir, I could picture it now. I wonder how the rumors got spread around if Chrysalis was the only witness to your green apperance" ending in a knowing smile.'

Analdin looks hard at Malahir, setting down his mug, "Alright, mister. What do you find so funny?" he asks, barely concealing his own grin, "Would you be willing, now, to share my nickname with me? Tell me what it is, at least?

Malahir eyes you mischieviously, "well sir, are you sure you want to know? And which one do you want to know?", taking another sip from his wine.

Analdin blinks, setting his mug down hard from taking a drink, "Which one??" Pausing a second, he adds, "Hrm.. perhaps I do not wish to know, remembering the names for Commander Ravenwyr that ran through the ranks..." A longing smile touches his face, "But remembering how good a man he was, perhaps the more nicknames the better." With a half-grin, he says quietly, "I can skip on the tales and rumors, Malahir, but I certainly would lieke to hear what my hurting poor Ekroth did to my reputation as a Lieutenant."

Malahir nods as he places his half full glass down on the table. "You see, most of the guys call you scrapy. After which your somewhat small frame, yet mighty right fist certainly supports. But my personal favorite is what I heard a waitress here mention. I believe they call you frogger around here." holding back a laugh with grim determination. "Me thinks Chrysalis might have thought of that one. Although I could be wrong."

Analdin shakes his head slowly, leaning back in his seat, "My friend," he says slowly, "Perhaps you were right... I don't think I really wanted to know that." Grinning boyishly, however, he adds, "Though I must certainly say, I find those amusing."

Malahir reaches across the booth and offers a friendly pat on the shoulder, "Your a good sport Lieutenant. Um, you mentioned that you haven't seen Chrysalis in a while. Do you know what might have happened?"

Analdin raises an eyebrow, "Do I know what might have happened? To Chrysalis? Well, she was in here not too long ago, perhaps a week, but before that I had not seen her in the longest of times.. Why?" Taking a sip of his cider, he adds, "But if I ever catch any of the men calling me that to my face..." he trails off, a veiled threatening tone to his voice.

Malahir takes a larger gulp of wine, draining half the remaining liquid. He looks up at you without a trace of the light hearted fervor what was once there, "I haven't been here in over a month, and then before that I was in Osgiliarth. Just yesterday I thought I saw her while I was walking on the streets, just taking a stroll by myself. I got all excited for nothing, as it turned out this woman looks alot like Chrysalid from behind. Who knew that such beauty can be duplicated", shruging, "really, it can't. But that's neither here nore there. I'm meeting with my father in a week you know"

Analdin's eyebrow climbs higher, "Your father? Will you be going home, then, to speak with him?" the levity has disapeared totally from his face and voice.

Malahir shakes his head, "No, I do not need any leave of absense. He wanted me to come home, but I refused. So now he seeks me out. I believe he wishes to speak to you as well, but you don't have to if you don't wish."

Analdin looks at Malahir for a moment, setting down his drink and folding his hands on the table in front of him, "So your father is coming to Minas Tirith to pursue the matter? I would most gladly like to meet the man, and if he wishes to speak with me, by all means, I will have words with him." His brows knitting together, he adds, "Though, if I might know the exact day so I can plan for it?"

Malahir drains the remaining contents of his glass, looking at it solomnly while replying, "Aye sir, I do appreciate any support you can lend me. He plans to travel a fortnight from now. So my guess is that he should arrive a day and two weeks exactly. He staying at this very inn, ofcourse. I'll have to try to find a new place to hang my sorrows while he is here."

Analdin nods slowly, draining his glass, "If you need anything, Malahir, feel free to talk to me. Especially when your father arrives..." Standing and looking at the late evening crowd, he steps out of the booth, "I shall expect to see you tommorow morning, then?" he adds quietly, "For I must be getting a few things done before it comes time for sleep."

Malahir stand with you offering a hand, "Thank you sir. I'm a happy man tonight, but by morning, I'm going to be a busy one I'm sure", smiling softely, "goodnight sir"

Analdin chuckles lightly, and shakes Malahir hand once, "Good evening, Malahir." he says quietly, and heads out the door of the tavern.