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 Currently the gate is withdrawn into its housing and the doors before it opened wide.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.

In the darkness a light rain falls.
The lights seem curiously fuzzed out by the falling rain.
 

Kydner walks from his tent, the one by the trees. He holds a cup, filled with somekind of liquid, from which he sips. His hair is now even more matted than before, but clean shaven is he...

Malahir stands vigilantly under the gates, checking passports and yellowed bundles of papers as citizens from all over the hinterland squeeze into the iconiclastic iron gates of Minas Tirith. Other privates of the corporal's unit check wagons and luggage for contraband, dragging out personals at the annoyance of the poeple who own them.

Analdin stands aside, away from the gates and near the guardhouse. He speaks in quiet tones with an officer beside him, nodding every now and again. A pensive look touches his face, and his eyes remain strictly on the face of the other guardsman as something apparently important is discussed.

Kydner sees LT. Analdin, and dumping out his mug, he makes his way to the Officer. "M'L...err... Lt. Analdin, pardon, I did not come to your office, for" He lowers his head, in a fasion now known to all that have come in contact with him. "I did not know where it was."

Malahir sees a break in the line of refugees, the rainy twilight appearantly running the waiting mobs to shelter. Looking up from his duty, he dismisses the privates and walks toward the gatehouse. Saluting to the corporal that has come to releave his post.

The light rain seems not to phase Analdin nor the lieutenant beside him, as they stand beneath an awning before the guardhouse, speaking. "Exactly. But what if he was to--" the younger officer of the Silver Ship breaks off as Kydner approaches and addresses him. A frown touches his features and, with a "forgive me, I'll get right back to you" look to the other officer of the Seven Stars, he turns to Kydner. "Excuse me?" he asks, voice of stressed patience.

Kydner glances up at the two men, the quickly lowering his head "Sirs, Lt. Analdin, you commanded me to your office, but" He kicks at a stone "I did not know where it was, I am very sorry M' lor..Lt. Analdin"

Malahir takes a deep breath, having double shifted the day, fatigue is appearant in his eyes and with the shuffling of his feet as he walks around the gatehouse. Immediately, his posture returns to one of vigilance as he sees the man in rags named Kydner talk with his Liuetenant. Spotting another lieutenant peer his way, he salutes and addresses the man, "Good evening, the post has changed to your hands sir".

Kydner has disconnected.

Standing just out of the rain, under an awning near the guardhouse, Analdin and another Lieutenant - one with insignia of a company commander as well - speak quietly. However, interrupted by a ragged looking man, the younger officer, Analdin, turns to shoo off the alms-seeking beggar. As he does so, the other lieutenant turns his gaze to the crowd, watching it with annoyance as the younger takes care of this interruption. A light summer rain splashes on those seeking enrtance to the city, and the torches the guardsmen hold in the dark sputter.

The lieutenant that Corporal Malahir spoke to, salutes back, "Aye, Thank you corporal, your lieutenant and I were just discussing battle tactics, care to join us?", he asks frankly. The corporal looks from one superior to the other a bit taken aback, "Certainly sirs. Anything specific I could add to topic?".

Elidran strides up the path from the tavern, sword at his side, hand on the hilt. He looks on duty, allrighty.

The rain does not seem to bother a young woman as she makes her way through the streets, limping slightly.

As Malahir approaches, and Analdin finishes with the ragged old man who, frowning and mumbling, hurries off through the crowd, the young lieutenant turns to the Corporal, nodding quietly, "Anything specific you have to add, add it." he says, a little gruffly. Straightening himself, and heaving a ligth sigh, he turns back to the older lieutenant before him. "As I was saying," he continues, "What if he were to, instead of making a straight-out charge for the gates, break up and attack various parts of the wall instead? Perhaps with scaling ladders, and the like?" Though sounding a bit uncertain at this, he poses his question and falls silent.

Aiesha pauses in her wanderings to look up at the night sky, a small smile on her face. "Ah, what a night," she says to no one in particular, rocking back on her heels.

Malahir shurgs, sensing his own lieutenant doesn't wish for his honest opinion. He turns toward the departing beggar and asks, "Excuse me sirs, I was wondering if you'd like to hear my report about a certain rougue I've been trailing. Lieutenants, his name is Kydner".

Yehnan continues to stride for the gate, then pauses as he recognizes a familar face, "'Evening madam." He greets Aiesha.

The older man, black hair streaked with grey and visible, for he wears no helm, shakes his head quietly. "No.. That would be completly out of the question. The walls are too thick, too high, and with men positioned on them to defend... no, the gate would be his only choice." Turning to the Corporal, the Lieutenant, with the insignia of the Seven Stars on his shoulder, raises a brow, "What think you, Corporal? We were simply discussing a better way, were it necessary, to station the defence..." he trails off at the young man's words to his own Lieutenant, pursing his lips.

Aiesha smiles at Yehnan. "'Evening," she returns in greeting. "How are you this night?"

Yehnan says, "doing well, although the rain continues to fall. I hate sleeping in this weather."

Malahir nods, having his own question being left to deal later, "Well sir. I would have my strongest men scale the walls, where the enemy is least expecting an attack", he adds before taking a peek at the beggar once more.

Analdin tilts his head a bit, losing the sparkle in his eyes for a momwnt. "Kydner? You have something to report on him?" Turning quickly to the Seven Stars Lieutenant, he shakes his head, "If we could continue this elsewhere, sir? Corporal Malahir seems to have something of interest to report... Though if you would like to hear it, you are welcome." With that, gaze falling again on Malahir, he turns to all-buisness mode and waits patiently for the corporal's report, ignoring the rain as it begins to patter a bit harder on the awning above.

Aiesha flicks her head back, her hair plastered slightly to her face. "There are inns just outside the gates, my friend..it is where I am staying at the moment."

Yehnan grimaces slightly, "'Tis true, one can stay there if they have coin."

Malahir smiles, knowing that his quirky idea would have been shot down if his own lieutenant didn't change the subject back to his report. Saluting the lieutenant that departs toward the city gates, the corporal turns to Analdin, speaking in hushed tones as he walks along the city walls, "Would you walk with me Lieuetenant?".

Aiesha blushes slightly, giggling. "My pardon, friend," she chuckles. "I have enough coin to put you up for a few nights, if you wish it?" She leaves the question hanging, waiting a response.

Analdin shakes his head, brows coming together. "We can stand here, if you wish to speak, Malahir. I'm a patient man, but not when my head gets wet. No one will disturb us.. that is, unless a report-bearing corporal runs up." With a wry smile, the Lieutenant folds his arms over his chest and waits the corporal's reply.

Yehnan quickly shakes his head, "I could never..." Yehnan leans in closer and whispers, "I do think I might attempt to sneak into the city, find some food hopefully."

Standing amongst the standto's that clutter the outside of the city, the corporal shakes his head, "We have a serious problem with the refugees sir. I fear we do not have enough man power to control them. You know as well as I that many carry diseases and have such horrible pasts. What else would they be running from I ask you?", sticking out his hand to the beggar by his booted feet.

Aiesha grins cheekily at Yehnan. "If you wished, I can help with the food situation, if you'll let me," she chuckles, removing a few coins from her pocket.

Refugees, Corporal?" Analdin's brows knit even more. "Surely, there are not so many as to be out of hand. Unless, that is, you are having such a hard time controlling them.. perhaps it is not a problem because of their numbers." Shaking his head once more, he adds wkith short patience, "What have you come up with? Spit it out, Malahir."

Aiesha +gives 10 Copper Pennies to Yehnan.

Yehnan's eyes widen in shock, "But madam, I do not know when I can repay you, or if I can. Please don't do this!"

Yehnan +gives 10 Copper Pennies to Aiesha.

Malahir wrinkles his brow, scoffing slightly, "Alright sir. If you must know I spent my entire off duty, hunching over census lists and historians logs. And what I found was a perfectly innocent person. Now I ask you, who should have a perfect record, but someone that has something to hide? Perhaps he is not the real Kydner, son of a farmer, but a spy. Did you ever think that could be a possibility. We have to be careful the riff-raff we allow into the city these days sir".

Aiesha laughs and pushes the coins back into Yehnan's hands. "I do not need to be repayed, my friend," she chuckles. "I wouldn't dream of asking for it back, once I'd given it."

Aiesha +gives 10 Copper Pennies to Yehnan.

Yehnan lets a sigh of resignation escape his lips, then a fire returns to his eyes, "I will repay you madam, if it cost me my last breath," He declares, "But for now, thank you."

Giving Malahir a peculiar look, Analdin continues to stand patiently, waiting for the Corporal to finish his tale. "And I suppose that every poor man who comes searching for work in the city has some sort of criminal record?" he asks dryly, looking over his aide. "Espicially a poor farmer's son with an innocent record? Come, now, Malahir. Is there anything else you have to hold against this poor man... or me, perhaps, considering I came to the city much like him?"

Aiesha smiles brightly at Yehnan. "Don't be stupid," she chuckles. "I'll be after you with someone's broomstick if I ever hear you mention it again!" She laughs, a merry sound. Her hands rest on her hips in a defiant stance. She means what she says.

Malahir scratches his neck, uncomfortable with the rain it seems, "No sir, I only wish to ask for assistance. Is there something we are supposed to do while these refugees await entrance into the city? I've been hearing that they run from the hordes of orcs that threatened the hinterland last winter", peering at him with a hint of dismay.

Yehnan flashes a quick grin at Aiesha, "You haven't heard the last of me young lady, who is that talking to our most "High and Mighty Noble" over yonder?"

Analdin's gaze moves to the crowd of people that, even at this time of the night, are seeking their way into the city. Shaking his head, "I wouldn't doubt if they were. The orc attacks last winter hit many families hard." Pursing his lips and pausing a moment, however, the Lieutenant continues. "Keep an eye on them. Don't smother them, of course, but those who look to you espicially in need of watching.. Watch them." Returning his gaze to Malahir, he adds, "And report to me when you see anything else peculiar." this last is added with an almost scoffing hint to his voice, slight, and almost unnoticable.

Aiesha glances over her shoulder where Yehnan had pointed out, suddenly noticing the Lt. and the Corporal discussing something. She chuckles. "The Lt. Analdin, I do believe," she laughs.

Yehnan wrinkles his brow, "What do you think the Lt. Analdin would say if I asked admittance to the city?"

Aiesha considers the Lt. briefly. She chuckles. "I must admit, I do not know him all that well, but as long as you don't get on his nerves, I think you'll find him reasonable." She grins. "Though you wouldn't want to see him after he's been stuck in a healer's tent!"

Malahir nods, his expression as serious as ever, "I shall sir. I am not used to seeing so many distitute sir. They scare me, becuase they are not my enemies, but are they not equally far from being trusted?", waves his hand over the masses and almost knocks it into a beggar that he quickly dismisses with a frown, "There needs to be order down here, just yesterday two charleston merchants were pawning their quackeries! To think in a city as grand as Minas Tirirth!".

As though trying to keep a serious face at Malahir's rantings, Analdin nods politely, "Pawning quackeries, eh?" he repeats the other's words. "Must have been a serious matter. I hear Lord Boromir was mixed in it, and the blood of their backs nearly stained the walls." Coughing slightly, he adds with a hint of a smile, "Or, that is, so I hear from young sources."

Yehnan says, "I thank ye for the lone, madam, I shall talk to the fine Lt. and ask my question of him. Would you care to join me for a drink later?""

Aiesha smiles at Yehnan. "I would be honoured to, good sir!" she chuckles. "Simply honoured."

In a brisk gait, Yehnan strides over to the Corporal and Lt., waiting patiently to be acknowledged.

Malahir turns, not replacing his look of seriousness as he faces the poor lark that accompanies the healess, dismissing him with a wave, "The food tent is over there good sir".

Aiesha snuffs a bit huffily at Malahir. "I think he knows that, my friend." she mumbles.

Analdin turns as well, watching Malahir dismiss the man. His eyes falling on the new-comer, he waits once more, arms folded over his chest and patient look to his eyes.

Yehnan turns his back to the corporal, and speaks directly to the Lt., "Good Sir, do you mind if poor young man such as myself enters your fair city?"

Malahir begins to retort, but he hides his emberrassment by scratching the back of his neck nervously.

Brows knitting together, Analdin casts Malahir a sharp look. However, turning his gaze back to the newcomer, he nods, "Aye, of course.. As long as you have no weapons you plan on taking in with you, there should be no problem at all with your entering." Out of the corner of his eye, he catches sight of the Corporal scratching his neck. "Is something the matter, Corporal?" he questions, a hint - very small as it is - of a smile in his bright blue eyes.

Aiesha grins at Malahir, noting the sudden embarrasment. "Surely not embarrased, Corporal?" she chuckles merrily.

Galain walks toward the gates of Minas Tirith at a slow pace. He takes in the faces of all about, while keeping a slight grin on his own face. He notices a familiar face from a few days early and tries to smoothe out his beard as best possible and makes his way toward the man.

Malahir blushes, shaking his head disgruntled at the whole situation, "I'll be fine thank you. The price of being the moral compass is stiff", looking strait past Aiesha and out into the darkness.

Yehnan bows respectfully, then spreads his hands wide apart, "No weapons Sir, and thank ye kindly, I may be able to sleep out of the miserable rain for a change." He throws a vicious glance at the corporal.

Galain moves toward Malahir and nods to him slightly "Good day corporal." he replies curtly then grins and half bows to Aiesha "Good day M'lady." he chuckles and looks at the others gathered, while grining slightly.

Aiesha chuckles, briefly wondering what she'd done this time to be ignored by her friend. She grins briefly in greeting to the Lt., then at Yehnan, then at Galain as she sees him appear. "Hullo, my seafaring friend!" she chuckles.

Holding up a gloved hand, a signal to pause a moment, Analdin looks up at the taller, darker man. "I should think you would be able to enter the city without my permission... The Corporal's should have been well enough, or if you had been checked by one of the privates at the gate." With that statement, the young officer raises a brow, "Unless there was a particular reason you wished to ask me instead?"

Malahir turns to the newcomer, grateful to avoid the looks and stares he recieves from the others, "Good everning sir, what brings you out here in the rain?".

Analdin, noticing Galain approaching, raises his hand slightly to the marine in greeting. His eyes draken a little, however, as he takes in the man's form of dress.

Yehnan shoots another glance at Malahir, "Yes, the 'good' corporal and I have had a run in before, but no reasons to bring up the past. G'evening."

Galain holds his hand out slightly reciving some rain in the palm of his hand. "Rain bothers me not, it reminds me more of the sea than anything." He chuckles and glances about the others then catches Analdins glance. "Tell me what brings a crowd at the gates, and a not so friendly one at that? I belive relations between my home and the great city of Minas Tirith have been well as of late?" the last is more a question than anything.

Aiesha grins at Galain. "I'd certainly hope so!" she chuckles.

Coughing lightly into his gloved hand, the Lieutenant nods to Yehnan's statement. "Now that would depend, friend sailor, on where you are from." With a slight twinkle in his eyes, the young officer remains back a few paces, keeping his gaze on the newly arrived man.

Malahir, feeling more uncomfortable than ever, takes out something unidentified from his cloak, rustling his soot black chain mail armor, the hint of gold is quickly placed back into the cloak, "By the lights of the wall enscounced torches, I should have to excuse myself. I have an arrangment with a merchant on the fourth tier, they seem to have taken a notice of my job down here, even though others have not", bowing to all those present and looking sternly at Yehnan as he brushes shoulders with him on his way out of the steady rain.

Galain rubs the crab embroidering on his maroon shirt and chuckles "I guess it has been a while since the gaurds have seen a sailor from the Alcarondas eh?" he chuckles ever slightly almost forcefully. "I think I shall remember to metion that to Rinkair that the sailors and marines of Pelargir are not recognized easily in Minas Tirith, and the same probably goes with the knights in Dol Amroth."

Yehnan gives way slightly as the corporal bumps past, then turns to greet the newest arrival, "Welcome good Sir, I am Yehnan, a Wanderer." Yehnan extends a hand to Galadin

Analdin chuckles lightly at Galain's words, "A man from the Alcarondas made quite a stir the other night, sir sailor." he says quietly, glancing back at Malahir who so quickly departed. "Excuse me, if you will.. I have buisness I must attend to as well." That said, he takes a few steps back, then turning, strides after Malahir, placing a hand on the Corporal's shoulder upon catching up with him and speaking a few quiet words to the man.

Galain recives Yehnan's hand "Well met Yehnan the wanderer, I am Galain Marine sergeant of the Alcarondas." He chuckles at the funny sound of mentioning his title." He nods as the two gaurds depart slightly and raises an eyebrow "Wonder what sailor he was talking about." He shouts out to Analdin "I shall look into that."

Aiesha shakes her head at Malahir, then chuckles. "The Alcarondas..." She blinks, suddenly seeing both the Lt. and Malahir turn to leave. Her eyes widen slightly, as if saying 'Now what have I done?"

Yehnan smiles to the marine, "Well met indeed, I think I have hit a soft spot on the corporal."

Malahir, his hand firmly inside his taught cloak, turns suddenly on the lieutnenant, squinting his eyes fiercly at the man who touches him. Slowly removing his hand from his cloak, his eyes soften as he sees it is Analdin in the torchlight and not a heckler. He sighs, "Oh, it's you sir. Do you wish to see me in your office?", he inquires sarcastically.

Galain chuckles and glances at the two "That tis if there was a soft spot on either of them." he grumbles something under his breath and watches the two, almost waiting for them to return to furhter the conversation about the sailor. "Seems one of my men foud a soft spot too."

Yehnan raises an eyebrow to both Aiesha and Galain, "Would you care to join me for a drink within the walls?" Yehnan gestures towards the city.

Galain looks to Aiesha for a responce to Yehnan.

Shaking his head, features hardening, the young officer looks up at the Corporal, eyes blazing. Out of hearing range of the others' conversation, the din of the crowd blocking Galain's words from his ears, Analdin speaks slowly and firmly. "Who else would it be, daring to catch up with one so stiff and angry as you? And not in my office, Corporal, right here. Now, for that matter." Eyes shining brightly, as though with anger, the Lieutenant takes a step off to the side of the crowd, obviously expecting the Corporal to follow, and continues, voice quiet and hard, "Tell me now, Malahir, what it is troubling you. Keeping men from the city, chasing after those here seeking shelter... Why, even young Dric is beginning to avoid you, so cross and distant as you've been recently."

Malahir lowers his head, an act he has not done in such a long time. shaking his head, he mutters, "You wouldn't understand sir. You only have your conscious to listen to. Is it possible to take a week off duty to travel to my parents estate, I recieved a letter from my father, my adopted father. My mother does not fair well. She will probably pass away before I reach her, but I need to go and arrange the household".

Yehnan shoves his way through the bustling throng, on the way towards the city, he pauses long enough to throw Malahir a scornful glare.

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

At hearing Malahir's excuse, the Lieutenant's countenance softens considerably. "Get your chin off your chest, soldier," he says, much more quiet and soft than his last words, as though the Corporal's speach has touched him some. "Perhaps I would understand, given a chance. I'm not an ignorant peasant," this last sentance he adds /much/ more quietly, "as you may think at times. I have not only my concience to listen to, Malahir, but the words of my men as well. Two weeks off duty for an illness in the family? Granted. Go as soon as you wish, and take care of your buisness."

Galain stands patiently and watches the gates a sad gleam in his eye. He turns his gaze to the south and east where his ship and home rest. He sighs out loud and wipes some rain off of his brow.

Malahir salutes smartly, beginning to turn, but seeing Yehnan go by he turns back to the lieutenant "Thank you sir. Could you tell your brother where I went. I know he isn't going to care much, the way I've been acting. But..", choking off his last words, "I have an appointment to go to sir, and I will leave the city afterward, so I don't have time to have a talk with him", lowering his head once more.

Patting the taller man's shoulder once, Analdin nods quietly, "Aye, I'll tell the tramp. Leave when you wish..." he trails off a moment, and, folding his hands behind him, adds, "As long as you return within two weeks, or send me notice if you are required to stay longer." With that, he stands quietly, rain falling gently and dampening his talbard.

Malahir turns back as he is walking away, shouting above the noise of the crowd, "I will sir. I will be back", the rain pummeling the street his booted heels march on, the corporal soon is enveloped in the orange hazy city night.

Analdin watches Malahir disapear into the crowd and finally turns on his heal, heading back towards the guardhouse in search of a certain Lieutenant and a put-off conversation on tactics.