What
Marul al-Ghul finds a home in the Farside Tower of Umbar and 
joins the Tower navy.

Who
Arali (#20995)...herself
Bavor (#25001)...Marul al-Ghul

Arali
At first glance, the Lady Arali of Farside is not what one would expect in a Tower Lord. She is a small and unimposing figure at 5'6", and in her early twenties or even late teens. Small does not mean weak however. And young does not mean naive. The young woman moves with a natural grace, carrying herself with certainty and demanding respect from all. Brown eyes, so dark they are almost black, are ever alert, always searching for potential danger or opportunity. Betraying her Narakshi ancestry, her skin is tanned and long, raven-black hair cascades down her back, kept in place by a couple of jewelled combs. Looking at her, one would have difficulty judging where she hails from. She has the exotically shaped eyes of a Narakshi, yet the straight nose and fine, chiseled features of a Gondorian. To muddle the picture more, her voice is tinged by a thick accent, almost Easterling but not quite.

For this occasion, the Lady wears a lowcut dress of purple velvet, with long billowy sleeves. A jewelled belt is cinched about her small waist, with several daggers attched to the belt and as always, her scimitar hangs from her side.

Marul
Tall, thin, and copper-skinned, Marul is a typical man of Umbar. His hair, long and black, is tied back in a braid. Two brown eyes, rather squinty due to the bright sun, are set in his face, and his teeth, rather yellow but not entirely unatractive, show when he smiles or speaks.

Marul wears a tan tunic of sorts, loose and light, to protect his skin from the Haradaic sun. A belt of what seems to be braided horsehair is tied about his waist, through which he can slip small items to carry about. On his feet are a pair of sandals. He is Marul, neither very frightening nor very likeable.

The Setting
_-' Farside Tower Grounds `-_ The grounds of Farside Tower are somber and dark under the night sky. Illumination comes from flickering lamps along the walls, and staked along the sides of the path leading to the Tower. Lamps also glow yellow in the tower windows, and the tower itself seems to be glowing an eerie hue. Whether it's the moonlight or stars reflecting off the silver tower that creates the soft silver light, or whether it is the tower itself, none can tell.

The area is almost completely deserted. A pair of guards man the front gate of the grounds, and another are at the entrance doors to the Tower. Occasionally a watchman can be seen up on the walls, or someone will cross the grounds on some late errand.

The main pathway leads from the gates up to the Tower; a wide stone walkway. Separate, narrower pathways lead off to the Guard House and north to a maze, gloomy in the darkness.
Obvious exits:
Tower Entrance, Courtyard, Barracks, and Rath Angamaite

Middle-earth time is:
Night on Highday, Day 18 of November.

The Story
It is late evening, and usually the Tower would be settling down for the night; but it is abuzz with activity, with soldiers and corsairs all about and servants running to and fro. At the nexus of this is what one would guess to be the Lady Arali of Farside, though it is rather hard to tell, as she is surrounded by people who she gives orders to.

A tall man of Umbar walks past the iron gates and enters the Tower's grounds. Sidestepping a few servants and walking with care, he stops by a wall and stands awhile in thought. Looking up at the Tower he follows the movements of a few watchmen before taking a few steps forward, careful not to upset any servants or soldiers.

While Marul watches those on the Tower grounds, rest assured that he is being watched. After a few moments of letting he walk about unmolested, one of the guards steps forward and demands, "You! State yer business here or be gone!" The man warily watches Marul, especially looking for any weapons he might possess.

Marul stands erect and addresses the guard, bowing in respect, saying, "I am Marul of Umbar, son of Malash, come to ally with the Lady Arali." Noting the searching manner in which the guard stares at him, he adds, "I am unarmed. I must apologise for trespassing."

The guards offers a curt nod. Though the man seems suspicious of Marul, one might assume that it is the guard's duty to be suspicious of all. "Come this way," he says gruffly and begins to lead Marul towards the group of people, "Mi'lady, if you have time to spare, there is one here to see you. Says his name is Marul son of Malash." The crowd parts as the guard speaks, revealing the Lady in the center. She motions with her hand for the man to step forward, "What business do you have with me?" she says politely.

Marul kneels down before the Lady of Farside and bows his head down in respect. "Your Ladyship," he says, "As has been said I am Marul son of Malash son of Harunil, and I seek alignment with the Farside Tower, and admitance, if possible, into its navy." As he says this he keeps his head low, avoiding eye contact and remaining in a bowed position.

Arali laughs lightly, but it is a kind laugh, "Please rise. Though I feel you are too well-spoken to be a corsair and far too civilized, you are welcome into my Tower and my navy, such as it is." Waiting until the man is standing, she explains, "We are in the rather...enbarassing situation of having a navy but no ships, as the last Lord of this Tower thought to keep none. But that will all change very soon. We set sail, with the Corsairs of Seaward, within a day's time to the Land of Gondor. What experience have you upon the sea?"

The man stands slowly, still averting his eyes, and says, "Thank you, Your Grace, for this boon. I have sailed before, though naught as far as the Mouths of Harnen. My father was a corsair and my mother served upon a merchant ship, and from them I learned of the sea."

Arali nods her approval as she hears the man's credentials. "What you do not know, you shall quickly learn. There is no better teacher than a battle. Now, have you any questions for me?" She smiles a little, an inviting smile that suggests the Lady certainly would not be bothered by any question.

Marul thinks for a moment, tapping his foot quietly on the ground, then says, "I have no questions now... though I will ask if I think of any."

The sun rises brightly over the City of the Corsairs. The day begins.

Arali nods once, then waves towards the barracks, "Since we lack a ship, you shall live there for now. Speak to the quartermaster for your provisions and weapons."

Marul bows deeply before the Lady of Farside and quietly walks into the barracks.