The Chase is On!

Elendor - Friday, July 10, 1998, 6:59 PM
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Analdin's Office

Upon entering this room, you immediatly catch sight of a rather plain, wooden desk. It stands not too far from the door, leaving only enough room between itself and the entrance for a pair or so of uncomfortable-looking chairs. Situated upon the desk are many sheets of parchment, a few loose scrolls, red sealing wax, a quill pen and fountain of black ink, and a couple pieces of iron, forged into various shapes, though apparently good paperholders. A window is situated on the far wall behind the desk, allowing the sounds of the training grounds below to filter through with any light at times.
Beneath the window, against the left wall when you enter, is a plain cot, not too unlike those in the officers' quarters, with a trunk at the foot. Against the other wall is pair of a bookshelves, rather impersonal looking, though the scrolls and books upon them are well organized - first alphabetically, then by dates. Across from the desk and pinned to the final wall is a carefully drawn map of Gondor, inked upon a thin sheet of finely tanned and bleached leather.

Mathirion
Small and thin, a man catches your eyes. His hight, no more than five and a half feet, gives him the appearance of near-boyhood that is easily belied by the stern look in his eyes. Raven black hair, cut rather short all around, continually falls into his coal eyes, giving him a trademark toss of his head. His cheekbones are high and well-defined, adding to the sharpeness of his other chiseled features. Hints of grey touch his hair, erasing any thought of youth from you mind, as this soldier seems to have at least thirty years.
He wears the tabard of the Minas Tirith Guard proudly, from polished boots and black trousers to just as black tabard and raven-winged helm. The front of his tabard is adorned with the crest of Minas Tirith while his on his right shoulder can be seen the company insigna of the Silver Ship, and on his left the bars and cables of a Corporal's rank. Hanging on his belt is a standard, polished-to-a-shine longsword.
There is a watchful gleam in this man's dark eyes, and the hint of pride is smothered by it. He carries himself like a soldier, back straight, perhaps as though it might give him hight.

Halan:
You see an young man that appears to be beetween 18-20 years, he has dark hair and eyes, he's wearing ordinary clothes, he has strong face lines, althought with an innocent look.

Malahir
Immediately, you are captured by the honest brown eyes of a young man, who is scantly an adult. There is inner solace in his eyes, which almond shape and youthful glint, show to the viewer his true emotion. Framing his amiable round face are wild brown curls that extend down to his broad shoulders. His smooth face is clean shaven, but not by choice. His leather tanned skin displays the strength he bears in his arms. On his left forearm is a nasty scar, and if he is not wearing his armor, another long scare can be seen on his right shoulder. His impressive stature measures six feet, one inch and he weighs in excess of 210 lbs. Although he has a well toned muscularture and broad frame, he sports a slightly convex belly.
He appears to blend in with a moonless night. He wears a black tabard emblazened with the city crest of Minas Tirith: the white tree and seven stars, in silver embroidary. He is robed in a long black satin cloak. On the left lapel is a silver brooch of a ship, and on the right part of the cloak, above his heart is a crest of white and blue, with a sword and two horses rearing to meet at the center. Loose black pants are tucked into black boots and a broad black leather belt slims down the tabard at the waist. A silver buckle, also with the etching of a ship, hangs dead center. His black helm is winged at the crown with long cheeck guards, close fitting to the face. Lazily, his sheath hangs below his waist, where the gold pommel of his sword sticks out from his cloak by his hip. Occasionally, he brandishes an antique wooden cane, the handle being carved into a falcon's head. But while on duty, he grips a small leather buckler that proudly displays the crest of purple and gold, three wreaths, a sigil of his ancient family line. Adding to his massy bulk are the heavy chain mail bodice he wears under the tabard. The metalic links of his armor show little wear, but his leather buckler shows signs of numerous survived battles. His sword his well polished and the gold gleams from a half hidden sheath.

Dalamar:
In front of you stands a short human, a little over 5'6, he is well built with strong shoulders and strong arms. He looks to be around seventeen summers old and cleanly shaven. He has long auburn hair that is more red than brown and deep green eye's. As he gazes at you you notice his stearn look, but at the same time there is also a kind glow in his eyes.
He wears a dark brown cloak with a light green on the inside, under the cloak he is clad in a long green tunic and light brown breeches of soft leather. He wears a pair of knee high brown boots made of strong leather and padded with gray fur. On the lapel of his cloak there is a insigna of black tree on a dark green background.
Under the Tunic you can make out sturdy leather armor and a helmet under his hood. He carries a shield strapped to his back by a leather strap. Sticking out of his cloak on his left side you notice the hilt of a long sword, as you follow the hilt you see the top of a leather scabard but the rest is hidden by his cloak.

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Weather:            Clear
Time:                Mid Morning <about 9 AM >
Season:              Autumn
Date:               Highday - November 17, 3014

Real Time: Fri Jul 10 19:00:38 1998
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The bright, midmorning sun pours through the window behind the desk, shining light in the room and causing there to be no need for the lamps on the walls. Yet, with the sunlight, comes the coolness of an autumn breeze as it whistles its way around the covering on the window, bringing fresh, cold air to the room.

Malahir sits at a large oak desk, sunlight bathing his wide neck and broad shoulders. He looks slighly out of place in his superiors office, there is no hint that the man that occupies it has a right to be there. Yet there he sits, continually looking up from the stacks of papers he scribbles on, out the propped open door and into the officers quarters.

Halan looks at Malahir trying to get his attention,but as he fails he says"hello Malahir!"

A rather loud knock can be heard on the door to Lieutenant Analdin's office, followed moments later by the creaking of the door's hinges as it is opened and the appearance of a head covered with dark and greying hair. Mathirion glances around the office, taking in the slightly comical sight of the obviously uncomfortable Corporal turned Lieutenant. Taking a step in while not yet having been invited, the older Guardsman catches sight of Halan, giving him a quiet nod of greeting. He then clears his throat, remaining silent and awaiting Malahir's attention as well.

Malahir, whose attention was momentarily on his work, looks up to find a man inside the doorway. Replacing the quill in the well of ink by his right hand. Behind him he espies his aide, the wise old Mathirion. Smiling at both he waves them forward, "Welcome, both of you. Please take a seat if you will", you can sense the intensity of the nobleman as he stares at Mathirion questionably.

Halan sits down at the chair and smiles brightly

Mathirion shakes his head at the offered chair, prefering to remain on his feet. However, he does take a few steps more inside the office, looking quizically from Malahir to Halan and back, "Forgive me if I'm disrupting anything, sir," he begins in his usual quiet tone, his speech a peculiar mixture of the common soldier's and a more cultured man's. "But I have that report you requested from the healers, the one pertaining to that strange illness that swept the barracks a month ago." he adds the last sentence almost as a reminer of which one, but adds quickly, "I can return later, though, if you're in the midst of something."

Malahir smiles pleasantly to Halan, "Do you mind if I get this report, it may interest you to know why we are in need of new recruits after all. You see, almost half our men got terribly ill, and many are too sick to be reinstated to full duty again", looking up to Mathirion, "My good sir, please have a seat".

Halan rapdly gets up and says "I would never interrupt such an importamt report" he gets a closed face and says "for, my brother too died of an strange disease..."

The light from the window shines on Malahir's back as the sun tops the mountain behind him. Yet Mathirion once more shakes his head at the chair, "Thank you no, Lieutenant." He pauses once more at Halan's outburst, holding up a hand, "Calm down, lad. This report 'tis of no huge importance, keep your seat. We lost no men to the illness, the healers say, and there are not many now who are still bedridden. That not many, however, is too many for us to lose in covering patrols." A hint of a frown touches his mouth, and he adds in Malahir's direction, "They also say, sir, that we should keep an eye on the meat we're cooking. Suspect it was some pox on the meat, they do, though had best not say it out loud in the quartermaster's presence." Though the worried frown remains on his face, a bit of humor lights in his dark eyes."

Malahir looks over to the window, taking a deep breath to collect his commanding aire, "Very well Mathirion. The healers suspect that all the men will be fit for duty, but for how long will we be understaffed? And take down this note for Specialist and apprentice healer Aiesha", switching to his dictation mode of speech and not even waiting for the aide to get a parchment or quill ready, "Standing Quartermaster Aiesha, we have had an outbreak that has been determined to stem from tainted meat. Please check the supplies for contamination, and serve only spiced meat in the meanwhile. Advise for further orders", looking over to Halan, "citizen Halan, did you accompany Elidran on guard duty today?".

Halan stands up and starts to walk in circles as he says "No sir, I couldn't find him.I guess he must've had some sort of problem" he stops and sits down again, he looks a little concerned now.

With a silent nod, Mathirion takes the orders to memory, keeping his attention like posture as he hears out the writ. Then, with smooth movements, he steps up to stand beside the Lieutenant's cluttered desk, slips a sheet of parchment from beneath the mess, and gropes around the desk a moment for a quill and ink. Laying the parchment flat on the top of the desk, he kneels beside it, and proceeds to write out the officer's orders smoothly and with a flourish posessed by few Guardsman like himself, not of lordl blood. He does this as Malahir addresses Halan, and the youth replies.

Elidran has arrived.
Elidran pokes his head into the office.

Malahir motions in the direction of the ink well for Mahirion, but pays close attention to Halan, looking at him quizatively, "Are you nervous sir? There is no need to be if you are, it's very possible that Elidran became too busy to have you picked up. Let me know where you are staying and I'll have him take you right away", suddenly looks up and espies Elidran, "well I'll be..", he trails off, "come in Corporal", he demands.

Elidran bobs his head, smiling as he steps in, "Good day, Lieutenant, Halan, all..."

Halan has now the image of a person whose shoulders were reliefed from a great weight, he gets up and offers his hand to Elidran, "hello Elidran I'm very glad to meet you again" he now has a wide smile he just can't seen to shake off his face.

Elidran shakes Halan's hand with a chuckle.

Mathirion stands quietly, rolling up the parchment and placing it in a pocket inside his talbard, "Your orders will be given to the healess as soon as she returns to the kitchens." As he speaks of the kitchens, you can hear the Guardsman at their midday meal, the clatter of wood on wood as they eat, and their laughter filtering out at a tale told at the table. He gives Elidran a nod of greeting as he returns the Lieutenant's inkwell and quill to their usual, out of order place, and once more looks over the sudden assembly of men. Looking to Halan, he speaks up quietly, "I don't think we've had the chance to meet, son. Have you a name to share?"

Malahir smiles glibly, "See Halan, there was nothing to worry about", turning his attention to Elidran he asks, "Have you come for Halan, he is really anxious to find out what us guards do. I believe after midday meal, we can all go to the post at the gates?", posing the question to the room.

Elidran nods his head, "I believe that would be appropriate, sir."

Halan nods to Mathirion "my name is Halan, sir?" while trying to control he's emotions.

Mathirion gives Malahir a silent nod, an absent look touching his face a moment until Halan speaks, "Halan it is? And they say you are interested in the Guard? Good, good. Mathirion, simple man of the Guard, at your service," as he talks, a light smile touches on his face, though his eyes show worry at Halan's look. "Midday meal is almost over in the barracks, sir, and the afternoon watch begins in not too long," he supplies the information to the acting Lieutenant as if it were an everyday schedule Malahir needed to be reminded of.

Malahir looks around the room, and nods to Mathirion, "right indeed sir, if we have all had our fill of boring office duties", standing up to close the window that overlooks a scenic mountainside and stepping inbetween Halan and his aide, "I'm sorry I didn't introduce the two of you, I beg your forgiveness for my impoliteness", he says to both, but continues toward the door as if his words were just in passing, "Does anybody want to chance eating midday meal today, I know Aiesha makes some good preparations, but with tainted meat floating around, I know I lost my appetite".

Halan smiles at Mathirion, now in total control of his emotions "nice meeting you Mathirion

Mathirion takes a step towards the door himself, a quizical look to Malahir at mention of midday meal, "I should hope the meat would be safe, sir, considering half the company is in there right now. We'll be short more than a few men, should it turn out bad once more." However, his eyes seem almost berift of worry, and his posture is rather relaxed. In Halan's direction, he adds, "I take it you weren't only looking for something to do out of boredom, coming up here? Usually no one dares bother the Acting Lieutenant when he's shut away in this office here, for fear of an avalance. The Lieutenant's desk isn't exactly safe, you understand, espicially in his absense." He winks.

Malahir squints his eyes but doesn't bother ruining Mathirion's fun. He opens the door and looks for the others to file out, he says to Mathirion as he nears, "Actually Mathirion, I was just saying that I don't have much of an appetite, not that I was worried about the true safety of the current meat in stock, just precausionary that we investigate it".

Halan looks at Malahir and then at Mathirion and finally says "no sir, I came here in search of news from Elidran, since we were supposed to meet earlier" after that he looks towards the door and starts walking.

Mathirion nods, remaining silent at both men's words, and makes his way quietly out the door, following Halan out with a curious glance over his shoulder to the Acting Lieutenant.

(At which point we all walk down to the Gates.)

Minas Tirith: Before the Great Gate
Rising up before and tappering off towards the great moutains behind them, a walls of Minas Tirith climb into the air. Here, at the roadside a small hill rises to the entryway of the city where guards stand before the gate. These men are known as the Doorwardens. Currently the gate is withdrawn into its housing and the doors before it opened wide. The great Gate itself is housed between the two Doortowers before you, standing some 100 feet tall and nearly 50 feet wide. The gate to is made up of a pure steel bounded about the trunks of an unknown wood. The gate is said to able to withstand anything, as even the most strongest blows will just make the gate bend slightly and then return to shape.

Men and women enter and leave the city being stopped, most pass without contest others pass over weapons they carry or have them peaceknotted. Others are turned back as they approach with a horse or a cart. Only the horses of the Stewards errandriders are allowed in the city. Off to the south are the stables and inn houses outside the walls. To the east lie the crossroads of Great West Road and the Great North Road.

A light Autumn drizzle is falling, children scurry by you to get to shelter.

Halan nods to Elidran and Mathirion "hello friends"

Elidran smiles, "Good day."

Mathirion stands outside the Gates, looking expectantly inside, a worried look touching his face. Yet as Malahir and Halan, who had lagged somewhat behind the group, appear, a look of relief washes over his face. "Hello once more, Halan, Lieutenant. One begins to wonder what took the two of you so long." he does not phrase it as a question, but the curiousity is quite obvious in his expression.

Elidran smiles, "Good day to you, Mathirion," He murmurs, absently patting the hilt of his sword.

Malahir marches in behind the man dressed in civilians clothing, who now is talking amongst the guards on patrol. He smiles at Elidran and iniates a salute, glancing at him for a moment. Then turning abruptly to Corporal Mathirion he informs, "Halan and I had to go over some important business. Nothing out of the ordinary for a new recruit", and he steps up beside Halan.

With a quiet nod to Malahir, the dark featured Guardsman once more falls silent, a silence he seems accustomed to. However, glancing around the crowded streets before the Gates, he speaks quietly to Halan, "See the Guards over there..." he motions to a pair on the far side of the Gates from where they stand, "Taking weapons and searching others? No blade is allowed inside the city without the approval of an officer.. 'tis normal duty for a Guardsman, to be honest, boring as it sounds." After saying this, he returns once more to silence, clasping his hands behind his back.

Elidran returns the salute, and smiles, "Ah-ha. Good for you, then."

Dalamar runs toward the front gates a smile on his face. As he nears the gates he slows his pace down to a jog and passes by the guards without even making a move to let a guard check him for weapons. However his sword is peace-knotted and his shield strapped to his back with cloak flapping behind. A small pice of red hair can be seen from under his hood.

Halan gets a looks as he tries to find deeper meaning in the guards words, he walks back and forth very calmly now, "hmm"

Malahir looks past Mathirion's small frame and espies a stranger approaching rapidly, he motions Elidran toward this man, "I wonder where he is off to in such a hurry. Looks like your in luck Halan, let's find out", he begins on an interecept course toward the jogging cloaked figure.

Halan follows the Elidran with an sharp look on his face,he can't hide his entusiansm now.

Elidran strokes his chin with an amused smile.

As a man comes flying past at a dead run, yet smiling as if with good tidings, Mathirion jogs ahead somewhat, standing in the youth's path. "Ho, son," he calls out, "Do calm down before you spook the horses," he waves around at the beasts pulling carts neaby and a nobleman or two on horseback, "Or the Guardsmen, as it may be."

Halan can't help to be overwhelmed whith questions in his head, althought he says nothing, as an attempt to control himself..yet he can't help to look a little puzzled.

Dalamar comes to a sliding halt and laughs "Scare the horses sir? Why would a horse spook at the sight of a running man? Has it been so long since I last visited that all the horses spook so easily?" He winks and pulls aside his hood. "M'names Dalamar Sir, corporal of the scouts. Ive been visiting Minas Tirith for years and never once have I spooked the horses sir, ye must be thinking that I make a lot of noise?"

Malahir stands beside the dark haired old man, and rests his hand upon the hilt of his sword, "Never mind that Corporal Dalamar, can you state your business so far from your post?", he eyes him suspiciously.

Mathirion shakes his head sadly at the youth, "Sir, if you don't scare the horses, you have my word you'll be scaring me. Boys these days..." he trails off, shaking his head once more, but falls silent as his officer speaks to the Scout. A twinkle begins in the older man's eyes as he studies the younger man in silence.

Dalamar laughs out again "My buisness? Please sir what do you mean? I need to have a reason to visit Minas Tirith? Why, last time I was here I walked right in." He runs a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture. "Is there something going on here? I fight orcs for the past month and come to rest and restock my lanterns and I need to announce my buisness?" he frowns and rubs at his side where his a small object jabs at his side, he moves the small wooden object forward and rests his hand on his sword.

Halan glances Mathirion and a discret smile grows in his face, but that keeping not his attention for long,he tuns his attentions back at Dalamar and startles himself with the mans nervous actions.

Malahir looks back at Elidran and shrugs. Moving forward and adressing the Corporal with authority, "I was just curious, if you say you are on leave, that is all I wanted to know. Come, does the good scout have time to talk with a the paranoid guards?", he jests.

Dalamar laughs at the mans joke and sighs slightly "Im not on leave though sir. Im just restocking my lanterns, need to be able to see. He crosses his arms across his chest grins slightly "But if you insist, I will speak with a couple paranoid guards, and I guess you can say im on leave if thats what it takes."

Elidran blinks at Malahir, and then regards Dalamar closely. He forces a smile.

Mathirion watches Malahir with a judgemental eye, a hint of questioning entering his eyes, though he does not speak up as he begins to question his officer's actions. Returning his unsmiling gaze once more to the scout Corporal, he does say something slowly, "Corporal, your sword. If you visit the city often enough, you would well know weapons are not allowed inside the Gates. Have you obtained special permission to take your weapon into the city?"

Malahir's eyes flash to his aide, but he resigns to only crossing his arms. He raises a brow and looks at the young scout questionably, not offering any hint of what he might be thinking.

Halan observs the men actions, specially Mathirion, the one who puzzles him the most, the questions come back to his head, yet he asks none of then, he has never felt like this before...but he keeps staring at the scout.

Dalamar smiles again and stats simply "My sword stays with me sirs." he keeps his arms crossed across his chest. "I never said I was entering the city now. I was going to visit the Inn and see Chrysalis again, maybe even play a song for her and the patrons." His hand quickly moves to his sword and his other to his shield. "And I insist that my equipment stays with me."

Dalamar puts on Studded Leather Shield.

You paged Halan with 'No, he arrived running towards the city.'.

Elidran eyes Dalamar, and quietly puts a hand on his sword hilt, his position shifting subtly into one of battle readiness.

Mathirion withstands the flash of Malahir's gaze almost as if he didn't notice, his posture one of decieving relaxedness, "Lad, I understand your attitude to your weapons. A certain young man I once watched was quite the same, I must admit, and he has gone far. But when a man runs towards the city with a sword at his belt and a smile on his face, it does tend to worry those on watch." A warning look gleams in his eye, and he seems to rather take control of the situation regardless of rank.

Malahir coughs loudly, "Excuse me Mathirion, we have had enough lectures today. Perhaps this is all just a big misunderstanding", stepping to within inches of the scout so only he can hear his whispering, "we do don't bend the rules here, if you enter the tavern with that sword, I guarentee you trouble sir", turns around suddenly, and looks at Halan with a keen eye, "tell me Halan, what do you think, does the Scout Dalamar has a point. I'm interested in your answer, don't be afraid to answer what you truely feel".

Halan looks at Malahir then looks straight at the scout and says "Well sir,I think that, Dalamar, here has the right to WANT to keep his weapons, but he doesn't have the right to break the rules of the city, so I guess he should follow the city laws or he should go rest at another city"

Dalamar chuckles softly "Its not my fault that no one 'round here runs. All clad down in your metal armour and all, everyone rides a horse, and you got to be carefull casue those horses, as you said..spook easily." he winks and mimics the mans privious words. Reaching down he tightens the straps on his armour and smiles. "Or maybe its not the metal armour that prevents people from moving quickly." He looks at the gate-wardens and guards present and sighs but does not remove his hand from the hilt of his sword, instead he takes a tighter grasp. "If Elbarad were to enter the city ye wouldnt take his sword or bug him, if an older man with a knife at his belt entered the gates ye wouldnt stop him." He frowns "Prehaps the orcs in Ithilien are more curtious than my own kin." He raises an eyebrow "I wouldnt dount it, having your comfortable guard duty with nothing better to do than stop a man from returning home."

Casting Malahir a hard glare, the older man falls silent, lips tight together as he struggles not to speak up once more. Yet he does calm somewhat at Halan's reasoned words, nodding in agreement, before he once more has to bite his tongue as Dalamar speaks. "If Captain Elbarad wished to enter the city, he would enter. You, young man, are not Captain Elbarad. I remember back to the time where Commander Ravenwyr would have a man's hide for allowing a stranger past the Gates with a weapon in hand. Why, I remember when he lectured Private.. that is.. Lieutenant Analdin on it, boy that he was." His words come angrily at the cheerful youth, as if cheerfulness should be illegal.

Malahir nods casually, moving his great weighty mass toward the sprite scout, with a booming voice, one very rarely heard, "Quite Mathirion!", he quickly turns to face Dalamar and continues berating, "We are the peacekeepers of this city. Weapons belong outside of it. Tell me the occation you may need a sword on your way to perchasing your wares? Prey Tell me, I'm waiting for a good excuse for a sword arm".

Dalamar laughs again at the older man "Why I remember an older man who had to follow rules all his life. He is still a wrinkled old man." He winks "Now, the White Tree Inn is /not/ really in the city thank you. If ye were observant enough and not bothering me, ye would have noted two /armed/ men walk down toward the taverns." He lets go of his sword and rests his arm on his shield as if his words should be enough to let him pass. "I have been to the tavern many a time without being

Malahir smiles wryly, "Where then were you expecting to purchase your lantern..sir?", crossing his arms and looking down at the scout whose hair is the color of rust.

Dalamar grins "The hall of wax sir. Where else?" he adds simply.

Glaring once more at his officer, Mathirion shakes his head, "No, sir, I will not be quiet." he charges on with his rambling, "for if this youngster thinks he can go charging towards the city, whether he plans on heading for the tavern, I know he was headed towards the city, with his weapon on him and paying no consideration for the laws of Minas Tirith, he must think again." Pausing once more, he adds in a stinging tone, "I know the Lieutenant would never let him in, though I couldn't know about you, Corporal Malahir."

Malahir looks around and acts surprised at Dalamar's words, "the hall of wax? But I thought you said you were heading for the tavern..", at that point he catches wind of the words, 'corporal Malahir', and he turns on Mathirion, "I have had quite enough insubordination from you Private Mathirion", he looks at him hurt more so than sternly.

The sun sets as the day draws to an end, leaving the night sky dark save but the twinkling of stars.

Dalamar takes the chance while the guards are having words with each other and sprints toward the gates and in front of a wagon that blocks the way of the gate-wardens. Laughter can be heard as the boy makes it into the city.

Dalamar enters the fair city of Minas Tirith through the gate, beneath the watching eyes of the guards.
Dalamar has left.

Elidran glances at Dalamar, and shakes his head with a scowl, "Immature fool."

Mathirion holds his ground quite calmly as the Acting Lieutenant turns on him, "Insubordination? I think not, sir. I would rather call it judgement." He breaks off, staring up at the officer as the boy disapears. "Now that was a good move, Corporal. What will the Lieutenant think when he returns, hm?" his words are calm, and he sounds quite relaxed.

Halan halan looks at both guards and suddenly when he turns he doesn't see the scout anymore and shouts"where did he go?"

Halan bends his head down as he ironically whispers to himself "That was a good start..."

Halan looks at the two men arguiing and says as loud as he thought was right souldn't we follow that scout?

Malahir looks from face to face around him as his face turns into a hard scowl, "Listen up old timer. Now I know why you were never promoted, seven years is it in the guard, and not one step of promotion. Perhaps Corporal Elidran would like to write a report on this, and write up a letter on your insubordination that I will submit when Lieutenant Analdin returns", in all the excitement, he forgets about the new recruit, storming past him on his way toward the barracks. Turning around to Elidran he hollars out, "Elidran, consider yourself my aide, go about your duties this afternoon. Put out a search for the boy, he's bound to be at the hall of wax, knowing how scouts never lie", continueing on "report to me tonight in my office", he says the last words in Mathirion's direction.

Halan looks at Elidran as of asking "What do I do now"?

Mathirion follows behind Malahir, not leaving the Corporal turned Lieutenant alone in peace, even after the lecture he recieves. Casting Halan an apoligetic glance, he motions with his head towards the Gates, "Elidran, Halan, we'd best go after the Corporal before he beheads the poor boy." Catching up with Malahir, he begins speaking once more in his quiet, calm tone, "That would be eight years, Corporal. You'll see me in Lieutenant Analdin's" he stresses these words, "office tonight, for I have no idea where yours is. With that, he steps easily past the officer and through the Gates.

Halan walks up to Elidran with a closed face "Ahh sir? I guess now I should stay with you. and we should try to find the scout.

Elidran Hrms, "Perhaps we should try."

The guards nod as you pass through the gates into the grand city of Minas Tirith.

Minas Tirith: Inside the Great Gate
Risen here in the shadow of the Great Wall, the becobbled path levels out into a large courtyard. The large crest that runs from the outstretched Embrasure atop the seventh tier of Minas Tirith stands clifflike across the court from the Great Gate. Day and night the spur of the thrusting rock, encompass the view here. Even the mighty wall, raising a hundred feet in the air, or the Doortowers, large and oval constructed almost it seems from one block of stone, can't drawn attention from the cliff. A part of the city and the mountain, it leaves no wonder why the city is called the "City of Stone." Beautiful, powerful stone.
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.

Malahir enters the city.
Malahir has arrived.
Halan enters the city.
Halan has arrived.

Halan looks at the crowd and says : do you think he's here?

Malahir, seperated from the other guards, turns on Mathirion and sneers, "I deserve to be treated with respect Private. Whatever I have done to offend you should not cross into how your treat your commanding officer. What say you to that?", again he looks at Mathirion with a hurt expression, more than that of a stern reprimand.

Elidran enters the city.
Elidran has arrived.

As darkness sets upon the city of Minas Tirith a small figure clad in contrasting greens and browns moves between nobles and other well dressed men and women. He stays behind wagons as often as possible and alwas seems to be jogging at a rapid pace.

Mathirion looks to Halan, nodding, "Aye, has to be here somewhere. We saw him run in, not too many men with swords will be seen running around the city this time of day anyway." Walking before the rest of them, save Malahir whom he has far outdistanced, he motions towards the left, "Look over there, if you will. Come back and report to the Corporal in a few minutes, if you don't find him." As the Acting Lieutenant catches up, Math turns around to face his officer's words, "What say I? I say, Corporal, that I'll treat my commander with respect when he deserves respect. You keep taking lessons from our Lieutenant, and someday maybe you'll earn that promotion he obviously got for you. I think he plays favorites with the wrong men."

Randar wipes some weariness from his forehead, but shakes his head, "Nothing to report," he sighs, smiling wanly.

Halan looks at both officers and aproaches then slowly, and speaks as calmly as he can "Forgive my interruption, but, and I don't want to seem disrespectuous, but hshouldn't we concentrate on finding the scout first and then resolve our personal problems"

Mathirion nods to Halan, "You've the right of it, lad. Methinks we can find him headed for the hall of wax, if the boy keeps his word."

Halan looks at Mathirion and says "should we expect that" and goes looking for him in the middle of the crowd

Malahir glares at Mathirion, an intense fire burning in his dark eyes, boring a hole strait into his skull. He looks to Halan and nods quickly, "Belay that order, we should stand ground at the gates, there is no other way out of the city. He doesn't intend on staying here forever", once again glaring at Mathirion.

Returning Malahir's angry glare with a calm look of his own, Mathirion turns on the Acting Liuetenant, "What, and stand here for days waiting for him to come out? What sort of strategy is that? Someone will have to go find him." Tight lipped, the older man adds in a much quieter tone, one only the officer can hear, "The Captain of the Gates has his office right here," he nods over to the side, "And should he hear of this, I can think of one man losing an almost sure promotion when the Captain-General returns."

Halan looks straight into the crowd as it seems that it will take long before he receives any kind of order.

Malahir points a finger at Mathirion, "If it wasn't for you, he wouldn't have got away in the first place. We will stay here until he is picked up by a patroll for carrying a weapon, which is obvious as the nose on my face, or until he tries to sneak back through the gates. In which case, we will be here", he is beginning to cause quite a scene, with some city dwellers coming out and complaining for peace and quiet.

Halan comes up to the officer and whispers "Sir, look around you, wouldn't it be whiser to calm down?"

With a heavy sigh, Mathirion folds his arms heavily across his chest, standing solidly beside Malahir, not a word escaping his tight lips. His eyes skim over the crowd, and the few Guardsmen who have turned from their watch to stare at the officer and the guardsman arguing. A single glare from Mathirion makes them hurry back to their own buisness for, even though not an officer, the older Guardsman is respected as one of the eldest in the garrison. Turning to the officer, he says finally, "Your orders, Corporal. Just understand I obey under protest. High protest."

Dalamar perches upon the roof of a small building with thatched roof. Leaning back into the roof his clothing seems to blend in. His eyes are closed as the sun drops farther out of the sky. He continues to grin however and his sheath and sword rest next to him, off of his belt.

Halan start to have a weird feeling that someones watching him, that can be seem by his worried face.

Malahir straitens out his cloak, and repins it shut, as it happens to have been wrestled loose. He clears his throat, "You point is made, and duly noted", he looks at the squad of guardsmen around him, Halan included, "Spread out around the courtyard, keep your eyes open for an armed man, he is garbed in a green and brown cloak or tunic. Mathirion, you will be with me. Elidran, take Halan with you", he turns toward the civilians that have come out to investigate and informs them calmly, "I Apoligize for the inconvenience, go about your business, the tussle is over now..".

Halan walks up to Elidran and says "lets go look for him there" as he points a small pile of clothes nearby a house that could easily cover for the scout

Mathirion takes a sharp breath, keeping his gaze, wandering over the crowd as it is, away from Malahir. "Yes sir," he mutters, "Where do we go, sir? You're the brilliant leader," this last holds a hint of sarcasm as he awaits further orders from his officer, orders he seems, from his stiffened posture, to be ready to disobey.

Elidran glances at Halan, and nods, moving towards the pile, stealthily.

Malahir either doesn't hear Mathirion anymore, or doesn't let it phase him. He seems more like a hound dog, albiet a real disproportionate one. His nose is up in the air, his eyes dart from shadow to shadow, from tree to tree. He walks without making a sound.

Halan looks at Malahir then at Elidran who's closing in the pile, hoping he understands his message

Soft but yet clear music drifts down from one of the smalller buildings. Its a quick but yet sad tune as the notes have a hollow sound that seems to drag out their tones. The song continues to play with brief stops for breath. The figure playing the flute also has a lantern and sword resting next to him.

Elidran steps near to the pile, but doesn't pounce it...yet.

Following slowly behind Malahir, Mathirion keeps his dark eyes up and his attention upon the crowd and the city. Music, soft notes floating through the air, above the din of the crowd, finds his ears, and his coal black gaze darts to a nearby roof top. Tapping the Corporal turned Lieutenant on the shoulder, the older Guardsman points, "You see what I see, Corporal?" he asks, tone soft.

Halan suddenly looks at both officers looking up at a roof and understands whats happening as he makes a sign to Elidran

Malahir looks over to his other shoulder and smirks at Halan, "it seems to me that when you have a cat caught in a tree, the worst thing one can do is climb up after it. No, we must offer him something to come down, but at least he shall not escape", he turns then to Mathirion, "What say you old man?".

Dalamar continues to play the flute, however he increases the pace and the notes become more quick...a stacatto type note. The only way up the building, a small flemsy sign seems to be below where the scout perches. He is however farther back from the edge.

The sound of the flute seems to hit the big guard like an arrow shot. Its lilting notes seemingly carrying the spite that it's player holds for his audience. Malahir turns and looks back at Mathirion, "It can only be him", looking to where the old man points, he nods, "Aye, there no escape for him now", shouting to all the guards in the courtyard, "Surround the building boys!".

Dalamar says, "Read those from bottom to top, Ozys last..mine, ozys first :)"

A dark brow rises as Malahir asks Math's opinion on the situation, "Your call, Corporal. I would have someone go behind, cover any escape he may have, then begin speaking to him." A wry smile touches his faec, he he adds, "Though 'tis only the opinion of an old, useless soldier, m'lord." This last is added more quietly, so that only the officer can hear it, though his advice is said more loudly, so that any nearby can hear.

Halan looks a little embaressed for his foolish idea but, still says to Malahir "aren't scouts supposed to be curious?"

Malahir nods to both behind and to his side, "Aye, you both have caught on to what I was thinking. There are guards posted at every angle of the house. But there seems to be only one way up anyway, and he knows that...", scanning the area, "curiousity indeed Halan, I think he intends to play a game with us", raising a brow and a smirk.

Halan raises his eyebowns in a flash of entusiansn "Then lets trap him in his own game"

A light chuckle escapes Mathirion, and he shakes his head, "Some game, raising half the Guard over such a silly boy. I say we leave him be, and he'll come down eventually. If the up and ups have anything to say about it, they can say it, I can take it, and would rather do that than make such a spectical of myself and my company." A wry smile touches his face as he adds, "If you'll forgive me, I'll take my leave now. There's a tavern nearby that's calling my name."

Halan looks straight into the scouts eyes as in challenging him

Malahir laughs sarconically at Halan, "true my lad, you will make a fine guard", turning to his right, where Mathirion was and grabing a hold of the fragile man's arm, "see here Private, you have already been demoted as my aide, would you care to see a lesser rank even so?".

Mathirion looks down slowly at the hand grasping his arm, then up, tilting his head back to look into the eyes of the man much taller than himself, "I would have you unhand me, Corporal. There are better things I could be doing, more useful, than making a complete fool of myself in this chase." Coal black eyes blazing, he pulls his arm away, trying to get out of the bigger man's hold without much sucess. "There is no lesser rank than a fool, and that's one thing I refuse to be."

Halan stops looking at the scout, and turns to Malahir once more "what i f we anger him in coming down sir, he seemed to be quite a blownup man back at the gates"

Halan soon after he looks towards Mathirion and whispers with a closed face "I don't want to get in the way sir, but if you don't calm down, I may not be the only aspiring guard here tomorrow..."

Malahir does not let go until after he says to him in hushed tones, "Just a moment ago you wanted to scour the city for him, why the change of tune?", he releases him, "Report in my office for the debriefing of the charges of your insubornation tomorrow at eight sharp. Dismissed...", he hisses. Back to Halan he inquires, "what's that, oh yes, you are very right about that sir. He sure did lose his temper well enough before..", trailing off as he looks up toward the flute player on the roof.

Randar looks absently into the distance, and shakes his head solemnly. "I report that there has been no untoward events in the last hour," he says presently.

Turning to Halan, Mathirion gives him a stone hard glare, "I've been in the Guard over eight years now, lad. Don't be lecturing me on how to behave myself." He intakes a sharp breath at Malahir's words, glaring once more up at the officer and rubbing his arm, red marks from the Acting Lieutenant's hand showing brightly against his tanned skin. "I want action taken, Malahir, not fools made. There is quite a difference." Remaining in his position, he clasps his hands behind his back, relaxing his shoulders and, a step away, watches the action detachedly.

Halan turns away from Mathirion but soon turns back to him and says "Then sir, remenber what you've learned in those eight years of service, and think deeply if what you're doing's right..sir!"

Though he appears to have regained his cool, the older Guardsman gives Halan a wry smile, "I'll consider your advice, my boy, though one does begin to wonder what is in the young ones these days. Refuse to take advice from their elders, they do. You ought remember that as well, Halan." His words are directed at Halan, but his eyes are flickering back and forth between the recruit and the Corporal.

Halan gets a decisive trace in his face, and goes to the back of the building,he starts climbing and is soon on the top of the roof, he starts to close in from behind the scout and suddenly stops and statarts walking normally he looks down at Malahir and says "Sir we've been tricked its a puppet" in the minute he sais that he looks down and see shadow run trought the street and dissapear.

Malahir watches the silhuette of the puppet on top of the roof sorely, knowing how much damage this little scout has caused today. He waves his to his men, "Back to your posts men, we have much BIGGER fish to fry. You did well today Halan, come to my office tomorrow, noon sharp", and he turns away from Mathirion and walks in silence toward the barracks once more.

Mathirion watches Halan scamper up onto the roof with youthful ease, and shakes his head, "Well, I'll be. Told you we were the fools, Corporal." With that, he begins working his way also to the barracks, the orders in his talbard yet to deliver.

Halan climbs down and says until tomorrow then...