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.

Weather:            Rainy
Time:                Early Afternoon <about 2 PM >
Season:              Autumn
Date:               Hevensday - November 29, 3014

Real Time:          Tue Jul 14 20:48:57 1998
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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. A silver cord loops around his left shoulder forming a epaulet. 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

Araloth:
 Before you is a slender maiden, who while standing at full height is little less than six feet. Somewhat calm, yet filled with life, her face appears youthful; though her deep, green eyes are a haven of intelligence and knowledge. Pulled back into a tight bun, fastened with silver clips, her light brown hair shines softly. An innocent smile plays upon her lips, and small strands of hair fall idly about her face.
 Clasped at the throat with an ebony brooch, a hazel cloak and hood hangs loosely about this maiden's body, limiting one's view of her lithe, yet athletic features. Masking the full form of her muscular legs is a trim-fitting pair of pants, only a bit darker in color than the light brown tunic she wears beneath her cloak. Drawn comfortably about her hips is a belt that matches the color of her cloak; at her side, a small leather pouch is attatched safely to the belt. Shin-high, travel-stained, leather boots lace up tightly about her pants; these boots appear to have been made to keep her foot steps light as she travels upon the open road, as well as to provide comfort on long treks.

Arya:
 You catch sight of a young lady, no more than a child, perhaps eight years old. Her dark brown eyes are large with curiousity, and her face is far from pretty. One would call her a plain child. Pulled back in a tight braid down her back is her long and thin black hair, reaching almost to her waist even when braided. Her mouth is usually straight, and a puzzled expression often adorns her childish face, though you can almost imagine from that the look of joyful glee she must get when solving those puzzles which often occupy her mind.
 Her clothing is plain. A simple, white smock covers a faded dark red dress which almost hangs on her thin frame. A pair of brown leather boots cover her feet, boots that are small and come up only just past her ankles, their tops hiding beneath the hem of her dress. The bottoms of her boots are, more often than not, either dusty or muddy, depending on the weather.
 She appears to be a sweet young girl, though intelligence lights in her eyes.

Malahir walks into the tavern, the double doors waving back and forth for a good time after he has entered the crowded room. His hair is straitened wet and darker than his usual color brown, as rain drops steadily from his hair onto his armored shoulder. Pausing awhile to adjust to the dim lighting, Malahir walks up to a barmaid and whispers something into her ear. Thunderclaps sound above the din of the packed bar room.

[Araloth(#29956)] The double doors begin to swing yet again as Araloth enters the Tavern. Lowering her hood, she scans the area for familiar faces, and smiles at seeing Malahir. The sounds of a storm rumble overhead, and she approaches Malahir. Tapping his shoulder softly, she grins, and hugs him as he turns to face her. "Malahir..

[Arya(#26170)] The storm outside ensures that most who even step out for a few moments return to shelter soaked to the bone. Thunder peals overhead, lightning following soon after, lighting up the afternoon sky. More patrons than normal find themselved in the White Tree Inn today, the warmth of the tavern a welcome relief from the cold rain outside.

Any storm, however, does not seem enough to keep the children of the city from their mischief. A gang of loud boys play in the mud outside the Inn, their delighted shouts floating over even the thunder and the noise of the people. A cheerful scream follows those shouts, the scream of a young lass having just as much fun as the boys as she flings the mud. However, 'tis not long until the gang troups inside and tracks mud all over the entryway.

The girl, upon seeing Malahir being hugged by an unknown woman, giggles and runs inside, "Does the Lieutenant have a girlfriend?" she taunts, her dark hair falling in her face.

Just as Malahir dismisses a barmaid by placing a piece of copper in her hand, he turns around into the arms of a young woman. Grinning, the big guard lifts her off the ground and twirls her around, "Araloth! Where in Valar have you been, I've been looking all over for you. The barmaid said you checked out to go walking", and as he looks up to motion at the rain that is outside, he espies the young girl Arya. He drops his grin and double takes, "Arya! what are you doing here? What will your mother think if she knew you were hiding out in a tavern?", and he moves over to her and begins to lead her out.

[Araloth(#29956)] Having been twirled around once or twice, the young maiden Araloth chuckles, smiling happily. "Malahir, I am happy to see you, as well. And as for where I have been? Well, I can only say that I have been.. wandering." As the child speaks up, she turns and arches a brow, chuckling as her cousin turns to take her out of the tavern.

[Arya(#26170)] The young lass wriggles away from the large Guardsman, using her small size to full advantage, and popping up right behind him after a moment, "I'm watching the Lieutenant hug his Lady," she grins impishly, tilting her head to the side, "And m'mama is too busy at work to worry over me right now. She told me to run along and play, and aren't I running along and playing?" Her dark eyes sparkle, and she wipes a strand of mud-covered hair from her face... Hair so dark brown that the mud she wipes away is almost invisible. Turning to Araloth, she looks up at the tall lady and tilts her head, "Who're you, anyway?" she questions.

Having lost the little girl, Malahir turns around and collars the girl, "Arya, this is no place for little girls to play". Looking at Araloth with reverie in his eyes, but snapping back to Arya as she refers her to his lady, "Arya, come along, you've been playing with the boys again haven't you. Your covered in mud, for the love of Gondor", and he looks up to his cousin, "Do you still have a room here?".

[Araloth(#29956)] "Just let the girl stay, Malahir. I doubt she'll get into any more trouble here than she would any other place!" Walking up to the girl, she takes her hand, and sits her down on a bar stool. "I am Araloth, a messenger of the House Rovacil. And you are..?" Quickly, she glances up at Malahir, a smirk painted upon her lips.

[Arya(#26170)] Muttering the kind of curse one often hears around the barracks but not much anywhere else, Arya glars up at Malahir, "'Course I've been playing with the boys. You think you'd catch me with that witch Ismeralda? Even Dric would let me play with him when he was around." Her face turns pouty as she sits down on the barstool, and she looks thankfully to Araloth, nodding her head almost nobly, "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, m'lady," she smiles sweetly, the expressions on her face changing quickly from frusteration at Malahir, "I am Arya, daughter of.. of.. well, I forget his name, but my mama could tell you."

Malahir puffs out his chest, "I'll find us a seat then, you to get acquanted", he smirks and turns to walk over to a nearby table, crowded with happy drinkers. With a subdle use of his size and rank, the compatriots of the tavern leave the table angrily, you can hear a few of them saying, "that's that rude man at the gates". Slightly overhearing their conversation, only a few steps away, he to Arya and has a curious look on his face. He then motions toward where the little girl and his cousin are and waves them to him, "Wouldn't you like something to eat Arya? Come on you two, let's sit at a table of our own".

Arya watches Araloth disapear suddenly, and looks up puzzled at Malahir, "She always run away like that?" Shaking her head, she sighs lightly, looking longingly at the food on a table nearby.

Malahir stands up and bows curteously, "Yes my cousin, I know", he says resigned as he watches her leave. Sitting back down he spots Arya looking longingly at some food. He pipes up, "I'm hungry Arya, what would you like to eat", saying this as he hails a barmaid.
 
[Arya(#26170)] The young girl nods, "Yes sir, I would... Haven't eaten since early this morning," a sheepish smile touches her face, "Though my mama told me never to ask charity..." she trails off, a worried look touching her eyes.

The barmaid named Madeleine sneaks through the standing crowds, and pokes her head down at Malahir, "Such a lovely lady you are with Corporal, so what will it be you two?", she ribs Malahir gently. Malahir looks over the menu and passes it over to Arya, "you can have anything, except the mead ofcourse", he glares at her, "it's no charity, I like your company Arya", he then leans over and speaks to Madeleine, "I'll have the roasted pork and apple cider please".

Before you stands a buxom female with long dark hair, pulled back from her face with a tattered ribbon. Her eyes are grey-blue, and seem to always be searching the room. She is wearing a form-fitting dress that has definitely seen better days, but shows her figure off to the fullest. At first glance she seems like any other barmaid but after watching her you might notice that she is always watching the men and keeping a closer eye on her favorites, they're the ones who never seem to ask for anything but always have something in front of them....usually Maddy. She is loud and can be as forward as any man, so take heed before approaching her, she could offer you more than you were expecting.

[Madeleine(#25232)] Malahir calls to Madeleine for some roast_pork.

[Madeleine(#25232)] Madeleine nods to Malahir, "Very well, good master. That will be 10 coppers, if you please."

Madeleine glady accepts your coin, "One moment, m'lord, and I shall fetch that for you quick as lightning."

[Arya(#26170)] Taking a few long minutes to look over the menu, looking very dignified doing so, Arya finally sighs and looks over at Malahir accusingly, "I'll have some cider, an'... An'... Well, what does it say, Lieuteuant? I can' read."

[Madeleine(#25232)] Madeleine quickly returns and places roast_pork before Malahir.

Malahir leans over and looks at the word the little lass has pointed out, and he whistles, "You're not a cheap date are you", he smirks, "that's baked salmon, have you ever had it before?", he slips Madeleine the money before hand to make her wait, even though many call out her name.

[Arya(#26170)] The young lass shakes her head, "Never before, that I can remember, at least. My mama said once that I used to like fish... Maybe I have had it, then." She shrugs lightly, getting her chair and the floor around her quite muddy, and wiping her hands on her filthy frock before folding them dignifiedly on the table.

Malahir takes Arya's hand and shakes his head, "Madeleine, the little lady will have cider and the baked salmon. And could you show her to the little girls room, she must wash her hands before she gets to eat", he looks over to the dirty lass as he says this and motions his head to follow the barmaid.

[Madeleine(#25232)] Malahir calls to Madeleine for some baked_salmon.

[Madeleine(#25232)] Madeleine nods to Malahir, "Very well, good master. That will be 25 coppers, if you please."

Madeleine glady accepts your coin, "One moment, m'lord, and I shall fetch that for you quick as lightning."

[Madeleine(#25232)] Madeleine quickly returns and places baked_salmon before Malahir.

[Madeleine(#25232)] Madeleine nods to Malahir, "Very well, good master. That will be 2 coppers, if you please."

Madeleine glady accepts your coin, "One moment, m'lord, and I shall fetch that for you quick as lightning."

[Madeleine(#25232)] Madeleine quickly returns and places cider before Malahir.

[Arya(#26170)] Muttering another curse of the barracks variety, the young lady is led off to the bathrooms to wash up before eating. When Mdeleine returns with the girl a good five minutes later, she has a sparkling clean face, her hair is damp, but mudless, and her arms and legs are free of filth. Her dress, however, it still quite dirty, stained where the mud wouldn't come off. She sighs and climbs back into her chair, looking at the salmon and cider before her with wide eyes. Looking to Malahir, she asks in an awed tone, "All this? For me?"

Malahir beams as the lass has been transformed to a real lady and stands up to scoot in her chair as she sits down, tho she sits down so fast he can hardly keep up with her. Walking around, another bright flash of silver can be seen transfered into Madeliene's hand, and she bows graciously, "thank you Corporal, you have a nice meal and do come back". Malahir nods his head and takes his seat, "Aye my lady. Just promise not to tell your mother, and I will buy you food anytime you wish. You a good girl", and he mutters, "when your not cursing like a sailor", but he smiles all the same.

Arya smiles brightly, and nods her head, "Thankee, sir," she says, smiling even more brightly as she overhears Malahir's mumbled remark. "D'you really think I'm almost as good as a sailor? I've been learning from the keep boys and grooms. And hanging around the barracks, of course," she smiles sheepishly at this, but then, picking up fork and knife, begins eating like a true lady.

Malahir doesn't touch his food much, but takes a sip of his cider. He notices over sipping the cup that Arya eats well refined. Setting his cup down he asks, "Perhaps you shouldn't be hanging around those folk Arya, you never know what kind of trouble you'll get into. I'm surprised your father doesn't look after you more", he shakes his head in disbelief, but watches for a response with avid curiousity.

[Arya(#26170)] The young lass casts Malahir a quizzical glance while daintily stuffing a piece of salmon into her mouth and washing it down with a sip of cider, "What's wrong with talking to them? They're all real nice. They may not be of high blood, the keep boys and grooms at the stables at least, but they're nice and talk to me. An'," she adds with a sly grin, "If you're telling me to keep away from the Guardsmen, that means I'd have to keep away from you. But I like you too much." This stated, she finally gets around to the last of the Acting Lieutenant's statements, "And I d'know who my papa is. My mama said he died a few months before I was born." A heavy sigh escapes her.

A genuine pained look fills Malahir's face, and he looks down at his untouched roasted pork and says, "I'm sorry Arya. I didn't know". Feeling a bit uncomfortable he figits with his silver broach and finally had the nerve to say, "I'm sorry for talking down to you, I'm just looking out for you. You don't have to be noble to be nice, my Lieutenant is a good example. He's a son of a blacksmith, but is as nice as any in my family", cursing a in a similar way as the lass did earlier, "he's more like family than my own even. You can talk with the keep and groom boys. More exciting than playing with Ismeralda I'm sure", he ribs her gently.

Arya nods, the smile returning to her face, "See? Y'don' have to be noble to be nice. My mama says I'm of noble blood, but when I ask her why I don't live like the ladies, she only gets real quiet and sad. I think it has something to do with my papa, but you didn' hear me say that." With that she finishes up the food, and drains the cider, casting a glance towards the door and seeing something that makes her start out of her chair, "G'day sir, but I think m'mama is looking for me. Tol is out there, he looks all worried." Looking closely between the doors, you can see a long, thin pair of legs under and a dark mop of boyish hair sticking over the top of the doors. The young lass smiles once more to Malahir, and bobs an elegant curtsey, "Thankee again, sir." and runs out the door.

Malahir looks confused, but hides it with a smile. He turns around to see who she was referring to, but only see's the adolescent mop of hair and scawny little legs. Shaking his head, but smiling jovally, he waves as the lass flies out the door. Turning back, he finds that Madeliene has already taken the plates of both their midday meals, sighing, he mutters, "I sure hope Aiesha saved something for me".