During this time of the day people are frolocking in and out of the city while the gates remain open to travelers bearing goods. Guards stop those entering and leaving the city, peaceknotting weapons, confiscating them or returning them to those that venture back out of the protective walls. No one wears a weapon inside the city, that is the job of the Watch. Horses and carriages are also not allowed in the city unless the steeds of the army, the smell of the stables outside tells you that a home for them is not far.
 

Elbarad steps out from the doorway and sees his old friend standing outside, in a hoarse whisper he says "Goresgal! What are you doing here at this hour? "

A shadowy figure passes by the guard room to be stopped suddenly. He turns and meets the call of Elbarad, his keen grey eyes peer out from under his cowl, "Hail O Elbarad! tis well to find you, for I have been seeking you as it so happens good friend"

Elbarad thrusts the door open a little wider, stepping back he says, "Come inside and tell me what reason would have you entering the city in the wee hours of the morning. It cannot be good news I fear."

Goresgal nods to the commander and takes on his offer, he steps into the doorway, looking cautiously over his shoulder. He continues to cast a hard, concerned look into the others eyes, "My friend..ill news has caught my ears, by one of your gate-wardens no less. i had hoped you could shed more light unto me. i speak of our allies to the north, the Rohirrim and their plight"

Elbarad's lips turn downward in a frown, he gives a sharp gaze at the Ranger but says only, "That is grave news if it be true my friend. But I sometimes think that our gate wardens have so little to do that they must make up tales or at the least exagerate. Come inside to my office and I'll pour you a glass of wine and you can tell me who has told you such."

Goresgal nods, he looks over his shoulder once more, into the shadows that seem to move about if one stares at them long enough, then he turns to follow Elbarad, "I wish it so my friend but the words seem true enough, for a Rohir messenger himself spoke them unto your man.."

Elbarad gives a low chuckle then walks into the open doorway ahead of Goresgal.

East Doortower Gatehouse
You are inside the Gatehouse of the Great Gate of Minas Tirith. Manned by the city guards and also the Door-Wardens, many men pass though this room to get permits for carrying goods inside the city. Towards the back of the room is a large wooden desk, behind it which stand a few Wardens that deal with traders and men that refuse to surrender their weapons. Behind the desk is a door and staircase and a few chairs where the men can rest for a few minutes.
 

A few guards of lesser rank are currently sitting in this room. One at a desk, two in a corner throwing a set of dice. Elbarad pays them no heed and motions to Goresgal to follow him into his office.
 

        A small windowless room deep within the heart of the gatehouse. The space is mostly taken up by a large oaken desk which is piled high with papers and scrolls. Most deal with matters concerning the City Guard but even though it is partially buried you do see a well worn copy of "A Brief History of the Stewards of Gondor". One item of note on the desk is a small frame that holds a water color painting of a young women.

        Suspended from the ceiling is a wheel shaped candle holder that can be lowered by the light chain that is tied off onto a hook in the wall. These candles are lit at all times since even at noon it is dark inside the room. A large and surprisingly comfortable looking chair has it's back to the wall, facing the door. Behind the chair and hang from the wall is a large banner bearing the symbol of the city. It is pierced with many holes, tattered and partially burnt. For all of this it is still proudly displayed. Across the desk is a rather utilitarian chair that matches two more along the left wall. Nearby the door is a row of hooks hanging from the wall. Under these hooks is a small locked chest that possibly holds items confiscated at the gates by the ever vigilent guards.
 

Elbarad goes over to the chest and unlocking it with a key on a small chain on his belt draws out a half empty bottle of wine and two mostly clean glasses. Setting them on his desk he checks on the door of his office locking it before he turns once more to face Goresgal. His features have lost their mask of good humor. In all seriousness now he says, "What you have heard is true. I have spoken to the message rider and it was I who brought him before the Chair of the Steward himself. Theoden King has requested that we honor our long friendship and come to their aid as the foe has crossed the River in force. I am sorry to have decivied you outside but this news should not be common knowledge. At least not yet. Pray, tell me if you will who was it that told you of this. I have my own guesses but I would like them confirmed before I act."

Goresgal watches Elbarad prepare the glasses carefully and listen to him as he produces the truth at last, "So it is so..I knew if anyone knew it would be you, for your man mentioned to me he had spoke with you on this matter, yet I though to allow you to pass unto me what you deemed just. We, of Ithilien, had tracked their host as it fled, or so it seemed, but they merely sought distraction to decieve us now I see clearly. Well your man is Vorlain and he did try to keep this news from me at first" He offers a slight smirk, "But I managed to bring him to talk to me. He is a good soldier my friend, do not be too harsh on the lad. Confiding in a fellow Man of Gondor is not a crime as such"

Elbarad hands Goresgal a glass filled nearly to the brim with a deep burgendy wine, the bottle's label yellowed slightly with age. Raiseing his own glass in salute he sips from it and then collects his thoughts for a moment, watching the wine swirl in his glass as he moves the glass ever so slightly. With a soft snort of laughter he says, "Aye! I guessed it was Vorlain who spoke to you of this. I am certain he knows from Osgiliath thay you are a man to be trusted. And though I'll speak to him about this you can be sure have no fear, no censor will come his way over this. I well know that he is a man with both the mind and skills to be a leader of men." He steps back behind his desk momentarily to draw his chair out from hehind the desk to sit with his friend as a friend and not behind the authority and precense of the desk.

Goresgal sets himself into a seat nearby as he takes the glass of wine, he sighs, lack of sleep and hurried preparations due too the news he heard but a few days before wearies him for a moment and as he gazes into the glass it makes him feel safe for a moment, free of obligations. but the mood quickly changes and he takes a long draught, pausing to enjoy the texture and flavour. "so once again we are called, does it not seem as though just a moment hense we were holding back the host in Osgiliath?", he looks into Elbarad's hardened features then takes a small draught, "Well, I have sent message to the Scouts, they will pass the word about as quickly as can be done. What word from our steward? has he spoke unto you of any plans or such?"

Elbarad nods as the expected reassurance that Goresgal has already begun preparations. He shakes his head in response to the query, "The Steward has not spoken to me about what decision he has made in regards to this. Though truely I have been expecting a summons to his court for two days now. I have taken it upon myself to begin planning, what units will go, which will stay. Also I have begun quiet inquiries as to what merchants will be able to provide wagons for provisions. Truth be told although I have traveled to Rohan more then most the area along the River is alien to me. In your travels and patrols might it be that you have you been there? If so anything you could tell me would be of great value."

Goresgal says, "I did travel to Rohan on one occasion, that which the enemy thought to steal away the lady Eowyn. As for the road it seemed well clear at the time. Though prehaps the enemies path may have crossed or even taken the road in this matter. I should think that i should take a few hardy men and scout ahead myself, then send word as quick as the wind back to you my friend."

Elbarad nods and reaching back to his desk brings forth a parchment bearing a well drawn map. Using his finger he points out the places where he has heard the news of enemy activity. "The messanger said that the orcs had crossed river and harried some of their outlying estates. From what he said they have not taken over the road or threatened any cities of note, in fact at first they thought it was meerly a more bold orc captain then is usual, looking for loot and horses. But when they sent a force to drive them back as is their wont they met a more determined foe then they'd expected."

Goresgal says, "So prehaps they had thought to hide their numbers originally?"

Elbarad's left hand reaches up to rub the coarse stubble on his chin, 'So it seemed to me from the words of the messanger.' Offering a knowing smile he adds, 'Although our allies are valient they are not as fortunant as we to have men of dedication and bravery such as you and your brothers to keep an eye open along their borders. It seemed that it is common for orcs to brave the river and attack a small farmstead, killing and carrying off what they may. That is what they'd thought this was....until their riders were routed."

Goresgal nods slowly, taking into account the resent events, a rough idea unfolds, "I imagine they were short on supplies, for we indeed harrayed their wagons and made their initial route a slow one. But now if they intend on defending for some time they would need to gather food, so prehaps the farms were to yield meat to the host. That is my thinking on this matter commander.." He looks to Elbarad, his brow furrowed, "How many men have faired well since Osgiliath?"

Elbarad sighs a bit morosely and leans back again to the top of his desk and draws forth a new sheet of parchment. While doing so he says, "I believe you are right. The vermin will eat anything, even carrion so a bit of horse flesh would be a treat for many of them. " Looking over the parchment, though he knows the numbers there by heart already he says, "Most of the companies that were in Osgiliath will require at least another month before they are close to their former strength. Possible two of them will be ready to march should the Steward so order. But.....although we stretched forth our right hand to deal with the foe in the ruins our left hand was kept in defense of the city. Those men are fresh and aye, even eager for a chance to show their brethren that they too can meet and deal with the enemy on the field. If the Steward requires I can send at least as strong a force as I sent to Osgiliath. Leaveing those companies that are at less then full strength behind to stand duty on the walls." Looking away from the parchment in his hand he asks, 'And what of your men and those who they command? Will your men be able to both come with us to espy our path and to maintain their watch over the lands of your fathers, fair Ithilien?"

Goresgal lets his eye's follow the path of the parchment as elbarad sets it aside, the look of it shows much use, prehaps he has looked it over many a time, trying to as best he could gather the force of men needed once more. He then looks to the man and ponders his query, "We must leave men to guard the roads and watch over the paths that the enemy frequent, for surely if they found the east open we could not ready ourselves for their coming. But be assured some of us, those that can be spared will come to the call and be of service to our Lord as best we can. We must help our northern allies, lest we need to watch over another border and for that i doubt we have the numbers at hand. Even as it is which each calling we weaken our strength at home.."

Elbarad takes up the forgotten glass of wine and leaning back in his chair seems almost to drop off to sleep for a moment as the hour is late. But only for a moment before with an easy chuckle he says, "And although between friends such as our land and that of the Rohir there can be no thought of aiding the other as a debt that must be payed a moneylender still......they have riden to our aid more times then I care to count since I began my service in the ranks."

Goresgal looks to his own glass, he lifts it too his mouth and takes a draught that finishes it too the last drop. Then he reaches, placing it on the table carefully. "Aye, good and wise words O Elbarad, as history has written the riders of the mark came to our aid in great need and were gifted land for them to call their own, now it is time to once again rise to their aid and slay the enemy as it should have been done on our own soil. Prehaps we should end it here then my friend, time has gotten away from us and I would care to continue preparations, prehaps even seek council with the steward or his son, one whom I have not seen of late and it worries me slightly. Have you seen Faramir about? Last I heard he came to seek his father"

Elbarad also drains his glass to the dregs and rubs the sleep from his eyes, "Aye, the hour is late. So late that almost I am tempted to not even seek my bed. As for Faramir.....my duties have required me to spend much time away from my post in the Citadel. I've heard said though that he spends most of his time in his own quarters. What he does there I do not know. He is more studious then his brother ever will be....perhaps he spends his days in study. Though to be honest I know not. Still....I wager he'd be glad to see you. A friend in peace time and in battle." Rising to his feet he says, 'Will you be staying in the city then my friend? If so I shall send word to you if the Steward calls for me. Certainly your input will be useful when it comes time to make decisions."

Goresgal pushes himself too his feet, his hands planted firmly on the armrests, "I shall stay another few nights, if I hear no word then I'll assume none is forthcoming and start my trek north into the mountains, for surely if news has arrived some days ago our friends will be in dire need by the time we muster our troops and march them to the fields of Rohan?" He offers not a salute but an open hand before the Commander, "So shall we call this a night and meet again in three nights hense. for the moro after i will have left?"

Elbarad clasps the offered hand and placing his other hand on top of it conveys his love for the man across from him with a heartfelt shake. He says, "Very well then, I shall seek you out as soon as I have heard any news." Winking he adds with a jest, "And if I know you I'll look first at the White Tree Inn where you'll be having light words with a barmaid like as not."

Goresgal allows himself a warm laugh, he looks too the man and as always he cannot forget the sight of his parents in their last moments nor his fair sister that he saved. But as always he does not let on his guilt and simply nods, "Aye..the White Tree, surely I will drop by and...taste the fine food " He smiles broadly and looks to the door, "Farewell then good Elbarad. I will see you once more ere I leave, you have my word on that" He draws his hand back from the friendly embrace and gathers his cloak as he turns to leave..

Elbarad moves to the door and unlocks it, allowing his friend to leave. "Fairwell for now my friend."