Cair Andros: Ost-in-Anduin, Courtyard

You stand in the courtyard of Ost-in-Anduin. The ground is cold and hardened, making it pleasant to tread upon. Carts loaded with various goods lie about in wait. To the east and to the west the gate-towers rise into the sky, its copolas atop, as crowns upon a proud king's head. Two grim guards are posted below each entrance with spears raised.

A building that adjoins the western wall, which is less fortified, is connected by several arches and other stone works to the main tower, its battlements awaiting the enemy in silence. A large archway leads into this building, the buttery. Barracks take up the space left in this bailey, with a training field to be found towards the back with staves and practice swords kept on a rack. Small stables, seemingly seldom used, hide in the shade provided by the reinforced eastern wall.

The space in this courtyard is limited and the men that dwell here seem to be well-organized. Caskets of wine, oil, and water are piled underneath the eastern battlement, while wood and other fuels towards the back in the shadow of the weather tower, where a look-out is posted.

Contents:
Beladan
Arnafel
Nials
The Great Travel Object - Enter if your on the Quest!
Hyarmenweir
Jalorian
Thindiar
Obvious exits:
East Gate <EG>, Gate Tower <GT>, Buttery <BU>, Barracks <BA>, Officer's Quarters <OQ>, and West Gate <WG>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Weather:            Cloudy
Time:                Mid Afternoon <about 4 PM >
Season:              Autumn
Date:               Sunday - November 5, 3014

Real Time:          Mon Jul 06 21:36:09 1998
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 

Beladan's voice contains a dangerous edge, his wrath barely concealed as he speaks. "Let us begin with your bow, squire, or lack of it? Wert thou promoted past me and I missed it?" He raises a brow in an impatient gesture of disapproval.

Arnafel seems taken aback for a moment, as if unsure of what Lord Beladan is talking about, then bows and says, "Thy pardon Lord. My mind indeed be so preoccupied with the news I have to give thee that it did escape my attention."

Even though it is only late afternoon, the sky is beginning to darken. The oncoming of winter and the cloudy sky do nothing to prolong the days. A certain young Lieutenant with a light spring in his step, obviously cheerful, strides slowly from the barracks of Cair Andros and into the courtyard, his eyes obviously not on his path, for he nearly steps into a man who is standing, speaking with another, before he realizes there is someone in his way.

Beladan steps to Arnafel. "What next, Squire? Wilt thou forget thy blade? Wilt thou forget that *I* am the one to give commands here? Mayhaps thou hast forgotton this already, for word has reached me of thy patrol, noble Knight King", his voice dripping fury and sarcasm. "But mayhaps some detail of thy elevation has escaped me? Give thy report and in full!" He stands back, casting a quick glance sideways towards Analdin.

Arnafel stands firm in the face of the Knight-Marshall's fury, and yet a growing unease is apparent upon his face. He nods, and standing stiffly delivers his report. "My Lord, I do indeed stand guilty of taking out a patrol wihout thy prior approval, and yet there was nought else I could have done. "twas the hour before dawn and all were asleep save myself and a handful of Scouts who were on duty, when a lone Scout did come in all haste and reported that a patrol of yrch were scarce a few minutes from this place. They had with them one of the foul breed of yrch who can follow a man by scent when tracks have long disappeared, and they were following our scent to this hidden refuge. There were none awake to report this too, and time being scarce, I did what I thought to be right and taking the few Scouts there, I laid an ambush for the yrch." He finishes and pauses before saying once again, "My Lord, I did what I saw as my duty, and if I have done wrong in that, then I stand guilty."

Beladan nods curtly. "And what of this intelligence that reaches my ears that the cursed yrch now know they hold the crwon Prince of Dol Amroth and not some simple soldier? Is it true that this too falls to your hand?"

Analdin takes a step back to not be in so close proximity to the speaking men, though remaining just a few feet away, either oblivious to their speaking and reprimanding or just playing the evesdropper for the evening. Recognition of both parties involved lights in his bright eyes, yet it does not, suprisingly, darken his mood at all. While he watches the two, a hint of a smirk upturns the corners of his mouth at Arnafel's dressing down.

Arnafel nods before replying, his tone steady, only the turmoil in his eyes betraying the anguish and self-rage he feels. " 'Tis true, My Lord. The yrch did taunt me, calling the Crown Prince my servant and describing the vile tortures they would carry out on him. In the heat of battle, I could not hold my tongue and the knowledge of Prince Elphir's true identity did escape my lips. Two of the yrch scaped to carry the knowledge back, for it was dark, and they evaded our eyes." He takes a deep breath, then resolutely draws his sword and presents the hilt to the Knight-Marshall. "For this crime, I do offer my withdrawal from the post of Senior Squire, and place myself at thy judgement."

Beladan nods curtly. "Squire, I accept thy resignation from the post of senior-squire. Thou art further more to stand the night watch and will remain in camp unless I give you express orders to leave. Thou art, most assuredly, restricted to base." He steps back and awaits a response from the man before him.

Analdin covers a short bark of laughter with a hand over his mouth and a faked cough at Arnafel's obviously uncomfortable situation, watching the two without making any move to interfere or to give greeting.

Arnafel nods slowly. "It shall be even as thou sayest, Lord." He steps back and awaits further orders, casting a quick glance in the Lieutenant's direction as he does so.

Beladan turns upon the man standing nearby. "Lieutenant? Dost thou have in mind something thou wisheth to add, or dost thou merely derive satisfaction from the discomforture of others? I am sure I could find you a duty if thou hast not one for thyself?"

The door to the barracks opens as the young squire Nials steps through them. Wasteing no time the squire salutes the Knight Marshall. Watching him for a moment Nials notes the fury etched into his face and there for makes not move to say anything.

Analdin shakes his head quietly, the smirk remaining in his eyes even if his face contorts to try and smother the smile there, "Just deriving satisfaction from the discomforture of others, Lord Beladan," he returns the nobleman's words to him quite frankly.

"Then, Lieutenant," he hisses through clenched teeth, "You can join our squire on the night watch."
Beladan ignores Nials and sweeps into the command room, turning his head back over his shoulder as he leaves. "You!" he barks at Arnafel. "Assemble the squires such as are here and have them on parade in ten minutes. And do invite your new Lieutenant friend to join us."

Analdin rolls his eyes at the Knight Marshall's departing back, unable to keep the smile from his face, "Yes sir," is all he says, his tone almost sarcastic. Turning to Arnafel, he gives a light shrug of his shoulders, as if even this can't remove the rare good mood from him.

Arnafel salutes the Knight-Marshall and turns to Nials and Analdin. "Thou doth hear the Lord Marshall's instructions. We have a parade in ten minutes. I for one," he turns to go, "leave to assemble such men as are present here."

Nials watches the Knigh Marshall leave, then turns his gaze back on Arnafel his eyes knowing of the other mans plight. Watching him as he turns to go, Nials nods at his words but says nothing.

Arnafel heads into the barracks
Arnafel has left.
Arnafel has arrived.

Analdin gives Nials a quiet half smile of greeting, "Perfect timing, my friend. You missed the dragon's fire." The cheerful fire in his own eyes doesn't seem at all extinguished, however, and the touch of a smile stillgraces his face. Relaxed as he is, it looks almost as if he's not worried at all about standing the night watch..

"That I see Lieutenant," Nials replies, "Did I miss much?" Quick steps carry the young squire to Analdin's side and his eyes watch for the figures of Arnafel or Beldan.

With a quiet shake of his head, the young Lieutenant chuckles silently, "Not much, no. Though I think the good part shall be starting soon enough..." His sarcasm on the 'good stuff' part is evident.

Beladan re-enters the compound, his measured step carrying him from the building he has reserved as his command hut to the centre of the courtyard. He quickly looks about and speaks. "Lieutenant. Have these men fall into line. I wish to adress them."

Shaking his shoulder to toss the edges of his misty colored cloak to his back, Nials looks around the courtyard, "And now all is quiet as if waiting for the storm to errupt." the young squire says to no one in particular. Nials watches as Arnafel returns and falls into line with the rest of the troops.

Valkros enters the courtyard from the West Gate. "Greetings sirs," he bows. "Sir Beladan, I am glad to see you again. As you are aware offcoure, I had been temporarily transfored to this here island. I am quite happy to be returning home to Dol Amroth soon."

Beladan nods breiefly to Valkros. "Fall in behind the squires, Man-at-Arms."

Valkros gives a smart salute and does as ordered.

Analdin remains somewhat appart from the line, being the odd one out at the end, watching Beladan with a relaxed eye. "They look to be in line to me, sir," he says, leaning out and casting a glance over the assembled squires, tilting his head somewhat, "Unless you define line differently in Dol Amroth than we do."

The sun sets and leaves the land in darkness as the smoke from the East covers up any sign of the stars.

Beladan casts a baleful eye over the Lieutenant as he stands by. "When we are done here, Analdin. Plesae report to my chambers privately." Beladan moves quickly to stand before the mass of men. "My lord Knights, squires and armed men. Not in long ages of the history of Gondor ahs such a tragedy befallen us. The heir apparant to the crown has been captured by the enemy. We have been driven from the field. We retreat here to lick our wounds and marshall our strength, despite some heroic, but misjudged attempts to the contrary." He gazes at Arnafel. "We will remain here while Lord Boromir and I confer and make a decision on which fork we take, the rescue of the Prince or the quest. Untill then, there are to be regular patrols of veteran soldiers only and this courtyard is now an encampment. Let us resolve that no further shame will befall us."

Beladan moves and calls aside Arnafel. "Come forth Arnafel, squire of Gondor."

Arnafel seems resigned to being singled out for further chastisement, and steps forward to stand in front of the Lord Marshall, saluting him as he does so.

Beladan nods to Arnafel. He turns to face the men again "Squire Nials, come forth!"

Analdin gives Beladan a silent nod, the smile, one that looks to be mischief in the making, does not leave his face. Yet reamining apart from the men of Dol Amroth, his shoulders almost rounded, and the usual look of discipline usually around him nowhere to be seen as he stands in a position far from attention.

As his name is called, Nials steps from the line walks forward to where Lord Beladan had called him to crisply saluting the Knight Marshall with a well practiced salute.

Beladan indicates that Nials should take his place beside Arnafel. "Squire Torelin, come forth!" Beladan cries again.

Torelin comes forward and bows deeply, taking his place beside the others.

As per the Knight Marshall's orders, Nials moves to Arnafel's side.

Beladan addresses the company. These men have by their valour and stout hearts shown themselves to be noble and worthy, if not somewhat overzealous," he adds. "They are now questors of the Quest, and stand on notice that they are considered Bachelors. Should their duty and lives reflect the high ideals of knighthood, they will soon take the spurs." To the men he adds "We are watching you. Do proudly"

Analdin watches with some amusement as the three men are called forward, and the lecture is given to and about them. He silently rolls his eyes, muttering something beneath his breath, his truant behavior coming from out of nowhere, so sudden as it is. However, he almost regains a sense of seriousness, enough to see what happens before his next quip to the squire nearest him.

A look of pride fill the blue eyes of Nials at the Knight Marshall's words. Holding position until he is commanded other wise, the young squire watches Lord Beladan for anything further he might add or command.

A stunned expression passes across Arnafel's face as he hears these words, so different from what he expected to hear. He stands stock-still for a moment, then bows deeply, his hand upon heart as he says, "Beyond my expectations hast thou rewarded me in a fashion I deserve not, Lord. To the fullest shall I perform my duties."

Beladan nods. "Do not fail me again, Arnafel, and your punishment stands. Yet you are as noblehearted as any here, as is Nials and Torelin, and you are now on warrant that shoul you perform, you will progress. We have need of stout men. Fall in. "Watching them go, Beladan calls "Man-At-Arms, third class Valkros, report."

Valkros falls back from the ranks and approaches Beladan. He salutes. "You called sir?".

Arnafel turns and falls back into line as the three former Squires are dismissed, and the Man-At-Arms called forward.

At Lord Beladan's command, Nial's returns to the line, after saluting the Knight Marshall once again and takes, his position. Curiousity comes to the young squires face as this new commer is called forth, but never a word passes the man's lips.

Beladan nods. "I did. Your orders are to remain here. I have men of only the highest calibre under my command. Art thou of

Raising a light brow as the three are released to return, the young officer of the Guard actually falls silent, a hint of pride in his eyes as he realizes that two of his former men are spoken so highly of. Yet the pride and the congratulatory glances in Nials' and Torelin's directions do not keep the smirk from his face nor make him keep silence for long before he says something once mroe to the squire right beside him, who has to work hard to cover a smile of his own at the Lieutenant's remark.

Beladan accepts your answer in good spirit. "Then thou art promoted to Man-At-Arms, first class, and forewarned and noted that shouldst thou prove thyself worthy, thou wilt rise to the rank of squire."

Valkros looks indignant. "Sir, I beg thee allow me to come. For the past month I have been sitting in the guardhouse ideling and waiting for my dispatchment back to Dol Amroth. Now, I beg, let me come."

Beladan accepts your answer in good spirit. "Thou art promoted to Man-At-Arms, first class, and forewarned and noted that shouldst thou prove thyself worthy, thou wilt rise to the rank of squire. Thou wilt bide and serve within this compound and shouldst thou aquit thyself with merit, thou wilt be esquired and allow to quest with us, although I wonder if you will be so pleased once we have begun. Retake your place."

Valkros cheerfully, salutes. "Yes sir," he says and drops back into the line.

Beladan smiles grimly. "Analdin, dismiss the men and meet me at your convenience." Beladan turns and walks off.

Analdin nods silently, almost solemnly, to the Knight-Marshall, and rauses his hands in a shooing motion, "Get gone, o men of Dol Amroth," he says good naturedly, and almost half mockingly. "Your brave commander's dismissed you, now get busy." With that, he turns and saunters off himself, turning mainly towards the barracks, the same place he came from."

Arnafel turns and walks towards the barracks, his gait slow as pride and consternation mingle on his face.