Elendor
Oathbreaking with Vengeance
Ranger Maeglach attempts to arrest Master Scout Ceredir for treason and murder
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Pelargir
Game Date: October 7 3050
IC Time: Early morning
Description:
Pelargir: Forum of the Waters
This great Forum of Pelargir runs in a broad swathe of white- and rose-tiled stone from east to west, filling much of the northern space of the city. A fathom-wide channel of stone runs the length of the Forum down its center line, crossed at intervals by foot-bridges, and filled with a man-made tributary stream from Great Anduin beyond. Connected to this channel are numerous small pools on either side, each containing a tiny image of the Valar in the Forum's center, a greater pool boasts a massive statue in green-veined marble of Ulmo, Lord of the Waters.
Like flowers blooming on a riverbank, brightly-colored tents and awnings have sprung up throughout the Forum. Some are the stalls of merchants selling their wares, others are food-carts that fill the air with a dozens of scents around all, the air is filled with the sound of a thousand voices. Ringing the outer edge of the Forum are more permanent structures--shops and inns--while southward it opens into the ancient heart of Pelargir beyond a line of tall trees there, even here you see the tall minarets and domes. North, west, and east, roads trickle away into the rest of the city, toward distant city-walls.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
It is a bright, clear and sharply cold autumn morning by the sea. The sun is only beginning to spread its warmth, shining brightly on the far horizon. In the Forum of the Waters only the most diligent have begun their day. A few merchants are already at work setting up their stalls, the rest are yet to arrive.
Near the center of the Forum, where the great pool lies with its marvelous statue, the Ranger Maeglach sits on a bench with a piece of parchment in his hand. His brow is furrowed in thought, the cool character of the Cuthalion working through an issue. He is fully clad in the uniform of Ithilien and, unusually in these festive days, his great hammer stands on the ground near at hand.
[Daerthor(#31594)]
Along Gilrain Street walks another clad in Ithilien colors. Rubbing the back of his neck, he strides into the Forum and looks up, admiring the majesty of the statues of stone. Fully intent on his destination, he does not notice the other in the Forum until he is nearly out of the plaza - but the familiar uniform is in the corner of his eyes. He stops, glances, and then makes his way towards the Ranger.
"Good morning, sir," he says, his gaze flickering to the hammer for a brief moment.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach looks up slowly, as though stirred from somewhere far away. "Good morning, Scout." He says, folding the letter and tucking it away in a pocket. "A fine morning, is it not?" He asks, but his focus is still not truly on the conversation or the scout in front of him.
"Sir." A Master Scout, in this case Ceredir, makes his greeting to the Ranger as he walks by, pace quick. "Scout." A nod to Daerthor, as well.
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"It is," says Daerthor, though a frown is on his face. "Sir," he nods to Ceredir in acknowledgement. Again, his gaze flickers to the hammer on the ground.
"Sir... why the hammer today?"
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Ceredir!" Maeglach calls, "A moment, please?" His voice is sharp, brooking no arguement. "Tell me, Daerthor--" The Ranger rises, sharp grey eyes turning to the scout, "What do you know of this one? Truthfully, if you please." The question of the hammer is left unanswered.
And now Ceredir's gaze goes to the hammer, though briefly so, then his head inclines in acknowledgement of the Ranger's barked order.
"Of course," he says, coming to stand in front of Ranger and next to the Scout, brow furrowing in curiousity at the question to Daerthor.
"Knowledge of me...?"
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"I know that he has some sort of feud with the Lady Farside, sir," says Daerthor. "But that is all I know."
He glances at Ceredir, brow still furrowed.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach nods, "Then you have no further experience with him, prior to this festival?" He looks again at Ceredir, as though trying to measure the man, and does not speak to him immediatly.
"Ranger...is there some sort of problem?" Ceredir asks, glancing and frowning to Maeglach. "THe Scout and I were in Ithilien for a time together. Why?"
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"Yes, we had a few run-ins with some orcs, sir," Daerthor adds, somewhat uncomfortably.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"I see." Maeglach says, noting Daerthor's discomfort, "Forgive my questions, I hope that they have no founding." And here a genuine flicker of uncertainty crosses the Dunadan's face for a fleeting moment. Then it is gone. "But, was there anything in his actions which led you to doubt his... commitment to the Company?"
The Ranger turns to Ceredir, "I hope there is no problem, Ceredir, but you know my doubts. And I recieved... an interesting letter yesterday."
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"None that I have experienced, sir," says Daerthor, his voice still holding a hint of uncertainty.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
As the conversation continues the Forum slowly fills. Shops open and the noise of the day begins to grow louder.
"A letter? Of what sorts?" Ceredir settles into a stance, legs apart, hands clasped behind his back. "Perhaps there is a misunderstanding I can clear up."
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Thank you." The Ranger nods to the Scout, turning his full attention now to Ceredir, "A letter claiming to be from Amrundirn." Maeglach studies the Master Scout's reactions carefully. "Tell me, what do you know of the Southern Raven... and it's tree?"
"Amrundirn?" Ceredir says with a small jerk backwards. "A letter? I had heard from the Southrons that he is dead, but not that he sent a letter to his kin. It ..the letter..was delivered to them?"
"The Southern Raven? And it's tree?" Another blink, this time at the unexpected question. "Tree..is that the Farside flag I've seen flying on their ships?" He scratches at his chin.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"It matters not how the letter came to me." Maeglach replies, his voice hardening a little, "And Amrundirn may well be dead. I have no way of knowing." The Cuthalion shifts his gaze, looking towards the sea. "I do not think the Southrons would be so bold as to fly that flag within our own ports. But perhaps they are so foolish - The raven is the symbol of the Farside, but there is only one raven with a tree. I fought against it once, some time ago. It was flown by the southron pretender, the would-be king!"
Bright eyes flashing again, Maeglach asks, "What do you know of that?"
"Of course I know of the flag, sir," Ceredir replies in a dry tone. "Captain Gurtir, my half brother, and I all infiltrated the Pretender's camp in the Poros on the premise that we wanted to hear hs claim to the throne. Why should I not know it, given those circumstances? "
It's the truth, but only half of it.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
The Cuthalion are slow to anger but fierce and hot once it is kindled. Maeglach's simmer's beneath the surface, slowly growing, "Are you a man of Gondor and does it not irk you, does it not bother you, that I hint at treason on your part? Enough. There is one way we can perhaps know for certain. Bare your arms, Master Scout."
"Of course it bothers me," Ceredir snaps his reply. "BUt you have made these ridiculous insinuations before. Sir. Ranger or not. It does not mean your judgement or knowledge of these things is correct, no matter how much you care to pretend to know how to put two and two together."
"My arms? What does that have to do with it." And he takes a step back.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Ah. A little fire, at last!" Maeglach says quietly, not rising to the Master Scout's barbed comments, "I am zealous for Gondor, Ceredir - that is all." The Ranger is suddenly alert as Ceredir steps quickly back,
"Now, now - there aught to be nothing to fear... should there?" He wraps one hand around the hammer standing at his side, "Let's not make a scene, Ceredir - your arms that is an order!"
"You've gone mad," Ceredir mutters. "Here." He pushes up the sleeve of his left arm, then right, but the left is only up just above his wrist. "This is madness. Do you think I, too, am not zealous for Gondor? That I do not want what is best for her?"
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"I pray that it is so." Maeglach says softly, but the fire is not gone from his eyes, "For if not... I trust you remember the oaths you swore?" He breaks off sharply, "And the rest of the way, Ceredir! My patience grows thin."
"Enough!" Ceredir snaps again, defying the Ranger. He jerks both arms away, stepping back a pace again from Maeglach. "Am I some raw recruit whose uniform is not clean enough? What is this sudden interest in my arms? You accuse me of treason? Is that the case? On what grounds? By what evidence? That men have died with me? Men of Ithilien's company die daily! A great tragedy, yes, but not treason!"
During this, Ceredir gestures...one hand now behind his back as he draws a dagger and holds it out of sight yet.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Once the oath is sworn, the one receiving the oath says must swear..." The Ranger says tersely, his grey eyes burning now with untamed anger, "We will not forget it, nor fail to reward that which is given: fealty with love, valor with honor, oath breaking with vengeance."
Maeglach's grip tightens on the hammer and his expression grows stern, "Ceredir, with every word you condemn yourself. With every second you hesitate, you seal your fate. You will bare your arm, or I am placing you under arrest on suspicion of treason. If you will resist arrest, your rights are forfiet."
A movement behnd his back, therely there--the hidden dagger tucked into a belt. Then Ceredir shoves up hisleft sleeve, the Raven and tree tatoo there.
"There. This is what you seek?" he spits. "The brand that was put on me when Gurtir and my half-brother and I tried to assasinate the pretender. There. Here it is. I have been ashamed to show it to any for fear of this. Exactly this," he says in a fury.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach nods, not suprised by what he sees. "As I thought, Ceredir. And, unsuprisingly, a story to explain it. Never the less, it must be verified. I am still placing you under arrest on suspicion of treason. You will be held until it can be proven that your story is true. You will remove your gauntlets and any weapons you have, and come with me."
"Find Gurtir. Somewhere in the countryside, I assume. My brother Thingalad has passed." Ceredir sounds tired, resigned, shaking his head. At it seems he is pulling off his gauntlets and reaching for his sword--only a second later or less he is turning, bolting through the sparse crowd or trying to.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Gurtir and I are close. And I know of your brother..." Maeglach says, perhaps relaxing a moment too soon. Then, as Ceredir flees, his voice rings out loud and with authority, easily carrying over the hum of the square,
"That man is a traitor to Gondor and is under arrest! Stop him!" The Ranger sprints after the fleeing man, bringing his hamer to bear, "Yes, flee you fool! A traitor's life is forfeit, but no doubt you have some useful information."
The hammer swiftly swings high, trying to catch Ceredir before he reaches the density of the crowds.
Maeglach attacks you with his Maul Hammer!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
[Maeglach(#31899)]
At first there is confusion in the Forum, then outright panic as the hammer is suddenly brought into play. Very few grasp the Ranger's words, at least not quickly. Screams erupt and women begin to flee. Only a few men understand and even they pause for a moment at the unexepected command.
A shout, too, from Ceredir, who twists so that the weapon doesn't take off his arm outright, yet still he buries into his shoulder blade and he screams in the sudden pain of it. "Out of the way! Move!" Ceredir staggers forward, heading for the crowds as much as possible.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Stop him!" The Ranger bellows, dropping his hammer rather than risking swinging it again as the crowd thickens. Pandemonium rules, as people scream and run. Somewhere a cart is turned over. At one end of the street a few hostmen hear the noise and begin to run. Maeglach strints after Ceredir, trying to thread through the crowd after the traitor, yelling all the while.
Oromendil arrives here from the direction of the Anarion Gate to find some sort of a tussle going on. Being unarmed (or seeming so), he stays back out of the way. It also looks like a stampede is forming. He steps well back and flattens himself against a side wall, trying his best to stay alive and not get trampled.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach continues in pursuit, yelling after him to Daerthor who was standing near by, "Report this to the Guard, get the alert out!" Then, spotting Oromendil he shouts again, "You, you want to be a scout? With me - we have a hunt ahead of us!" With that he plows into the crowd, already far behind Ceredir but not giving up.
Pelargir: Forum of the Waters
This great Forum of Pelargir runs in a broad swathe of white- and rose-tiled stone from east to west, filling much of the northern space of the city. A fathom-wide channel of stone runs the length of the Forum down its center line, crossed at intervals by foot-bridges, and filled with a man-made tributary stream from Great Anduin beyond. Connected to this channel are numerous small pools on either side, each containing a tiny image of the Valar in the Forum's center, a greater pool boasts a massive statue in green-veined marble of Ulmo, Lord of the Waters.
Like flowers blooming on a riverbank, brightly-colored tents and awnings have sprung up throughout the Forum. Some are the stalls of merchants selling their wares, others are food-carts that fill the air with a dozens of scents around all, the air is filled with the sound of a thousand voices. Ringing the outer edge of the Forum are more permanent structures--shops and inns--while southward it opens into the ancient heart of Pelargir beyond a line of tall trees there, even here you see the tall minarets and domes. North, west, and east, roads trickle away into the rest of the city, toward distant city-walls.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
It is a bright, clear and sharply cold autumn morning by the sea. The sun is only beginning to spread its warmth, shining brightly on the far horizon. In the Forum of the Waters only the most diligent have begun their day. A few merchants are already at work setting up their stalls, the rest are yet to arrive.
Near the center of the Forum, where the great pool lies with its marvelous statue, the Ranger Maeglach sits on a bench with a piece of parchment in his hand. His brow is furrowed in thought, the cool character of the Cuthalion working through an issue. He is fully clad in the uniform of Ithilien and, unusually in these festive days, his great hammer stands on the ground near at hand.
[Daerthor(#31594)]
Along Gilrain Street walks another clad in Ithilien colors. Rubbing the back of his neck, he strides into the Forum and looks up, admiring the majesty of the statues of stone. Fully intent on his destination, he does not notice the other in the Forum until he is nearly out of the plaza - but the familiar uniform is in the corner of his eyes. He stops, glances, and then makes his way towards the Ranger.
"Good morning, sir," he says, his gaze flickering to the hammer for a brief moment.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach looks up slowly, as though stirred from somewhere far away. "Good morning, Scout." He says, folding the letter and tucking it away in a pocket. "A fine morning, is it not?" He asks, but his focus is still not truly on the conversation or the scout in front of him.
"Sir." A Master Scout, in this case Ceredir, makes his greeting to the Ranger as he walks by, pace quick. "Scout." A nod to Daerthor, as well.
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"It is," says Daerthor, though a frown is on his face. "Sir," he nods to Ceredir in acknowledgement. Again, his gaze flickers to the hammer on the ground.
"Sir... why the hammer today?"
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Ceredir!" Maeglach calls, "A moment, please?" His voice is sharp, brooking no arguement. "Tell me, Daerthor--" The Ranger rises, sharp grey eyes turning to the scout, "What do you know of this one? Truthfully, if you please." The question of the hammer is left unanswered.
And now Ceredir's gaze goes to the hammer, though briefly so, then his head inclines in acknowledgement of the Ranger's barked order.
"Of course," he says, coming to stand in front of Ranger and next to the Scout, brow furrowing in curiousity at the question to Daerthor.
"Knowledge of me...?"
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"I know that he has some sort of feud with the Lady Farside, sir," says Daerthor. "But that is all I know."
He glances at Ceredir, brow still furrowed.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach nods, "Then you have no further experience with him, prior to this festival?" He looks again at Ceredir, as though trying to measure the man, and does not speak to him immediatly.
"Ranger...is there some sort of problem?" Ceredir asks, glancing and frowning to Maeglach. "THe Scout and I were in Ithilien for a time together. Why?"
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"Yes, we had a few run-ins with some orcs, sir," Daerthor adds, somewhat uncomfortably.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"I see." Maeglach says, noting Daerthor's discomfort, "Forgive my questions, I hope that they have no founding." And here a genuine flicker of uncertainty crosses the Dunadan's face for a fleeting moment. Then it is gone. "But, was there anything in his actions which led you to doubt his... commitment to the Company?"
The Ranger turns to Ceredir, "I hope there is no problem, Ceredir, but you know my doubts. And I recieved... an interesting letter yesterday."
[Daerthor(#31594)]
"None that I have experienced, sir," says Daerthor, his voice still holding a hint of uncertainty.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
As the conversation continues the Forum slowly fills. Shops open and the noise of the day begins to grow louder.
"A letter? Of what sorts?" Ceredir settles into a stance, legs apart, hands clasped behind his back. "Perhaps there is a misunderstanding I can clear up."
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Thank you." The Ranger nods to the Scout, turning his full attention now to Ceredir, "A letter claiming to be from Amrundirn." Maeglach studies the Master Scout's reactions carefully. "Tell me, what do you know of the Southern Raven... and it's tree?"
"Amrundirn?" Ceredir says with a small jerk backwards. "A letter? I had heard from the Southrons that he is dead, but not that he sent a letter to his kin. It ..the letter..was delivered to them?"
"The Southern Raven? And it's tree?" Another blink, this time at the unexpected question. "Tree..is that the Farside flag I've seen flying on their ships?" He scratches at his chin.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"It matters not how the letter came to me." Maeglach replies, his voice hardening a little, "And Amrundirn may well be dead. I have no way of knowing." The Cuthalion shifts his gaze, looking towards the sea. "I do not think the Southrons would be so bold as to fly that flag within our own ports. But perhaps they are so foolish - The raven is the symbol of the Farside, but there is only one raven with a tree. I fought against it once, some time ago. It was flown by the southron pretender, the would-be king!"
Bright eyes flashing again, Maeglach asks, "What do you know of that?"
"Of course I know of the flag, sir," Ceredir replies in a dry tone. "Captain Gurtir, my half brother, and I all infiltrated the Pretender's camp in the Poros on the premise that we wanted to hear hs claim to the throne. Why should I not know it, given those circumstances? "
It's the truth, but only half of it.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
The Cuthalion are slow to anger but fierce and hot once it is kindled. Maeglach's simmer's beneath the surface, slowly growing, "Are you a man of Gondor and does it not irk you, does it not bother you, that I hint at treason on your part? Enough. There is one way we can perhaps know for certain. Bare your arms, Master Scout."
"Of course it bothers me," Ceredir snaps his reply. "BUt you have made these ridiculous insinuations before. Sir. Ranger or not. It does not mean your judgement or knowledge of these things is correct, no matter how much you care to pretend to know how to put two and two together."
"My arms? What does that have to do with it." And he takes a step back.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Ah. A little fire, at last!" Maeglach says quietly, not rising to the Master Scout's barbed comments, "I am zealous for Gondor, Ceredir - that is all." The Ranger is suddenly alert as Ceredir steps quickly back,
"Now, now - there aught to be nothing to fear... should there?" He wraps one hand around the hammer standing at his side, "Let's not make a scene, Ceredir - your arms that is an order!"
"You've gone mad," Ceredir mutters. "Here." He pushes up the sleeve of his left arm, then right, but the left is only up just above his wrist. "This is madness. Do you think I, too, am not zealous for Gondor? That I do not want what is best for her?"
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"I pray that it is so." Maeglach says softly, but the fire is not gone from his eyes, "For if not... I trust you remember the oaths you swore?" He breaks off sharply, "And the rest of the way, Ceredir! My patience grows thin."
"Enough!" Ceredir snaps again, defying the Ranger. He jerks both arms away, stepping back a pace again from Maeglach. "Am I some raw recruit whose uniform is not clean enough? What is this sudden interest in my arms? You accuse me of treason? Is that the case? On what grounds? By what evidence? That men have died with me? Men of Ithilien's company die daily! A great tragedy, yes, but not treason!"
During this, Ceredir gestures...one hand now behind his back as he draws a dagger and holds it out of sight yet.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Once the oath is sworn, the one receiving the oath says must swear..." The Ranger says tersely, his grey eyes burning now with untamed anger, "We will not forget it, nor fail to reward that which is given: fealty with love, valor with honor, oath breaking with vengeance."
Maeglach's grip tightens on the hammer and his expression grows stern, "Ceredir, with every word you condemn yourself. With every second you hesitate, you seal your fate. You will bare your arm, or I am placing you under arrest on suspicion of treason. If you will resist arrest, your rights are forfiet."
A movement behnd his back, therely there--the hidden dagger tucked into a belt. Then Ceredir shoves up hisleft sleeve, the Raven and tree tatoo there.
"There. This is what you seek?" he spits. "The brand that was put on me when Gurtir and my half-brother and I tried to assasinate the pretender. There. Here it is. I have been ashamed to show it to any for fear of this. Exactly this," he says in a fury.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach nods, not suprised by what he sees. "As I thought, Ceredir. And, unsuprisingly, a story to explain it. Never the less, it must be verified. I am still placing you under arrest on suspicion of treason. You will be held until it can be proven that your story is true. You will remove your gauntlets and any weapons you have, and come with me."
"Find Gurtir. Somewhere in the countryside, I assume. My brother Thingalad has passed." Ceredir sounds tired, resigned, shaking his head. At it seems he is pulling off his gauntlets and reaching for his sword--only a second later or less he is turning, bolting through the sparse crowd or trying to.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Gurtir and I are close. And I know of your brother..." Maeglach says, perhaps relaxing a moment too soon. Then, as Ceredir flees, his voice rings out loud and with authority, easily carrying over the hum of the square,
"That man is a traitor to Gondor and is under arrest! Stop him!" The Ranger sprints after the fleeing man, bringing his hamer to bear, "Yes, flee you fool! A traitor's life is forfeit, but no doubt you have some useful information."
The hammer swiftly swings high, trying to catch Ceredir before he reaches the density of the crowds.
Maeglach attacks you with his Maul Hammer!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
[Maeglach(#31899)]
At first there is confusion in the Forum, then outright panic as the hammer is suddenly brought into play. Very few grasp the Ranger's words, at least not quickly. Screams erupt and women begin to flee. Only a few men understand and even they pause for a moment at the unexepected command.
A shout, too, from Ceredir, who twists so that the weapon doesn't take off his arm outright, yet still he buries into his shoulder blade and he screams in the sudden pain of it. "Out of the way! Move!" Ceredir staggers forward, heading for the crowds as much as possible.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Stop him!" The Ranger bellows, dropping his hammer rather than risking swinging it again as the crowd thickens. Pandemonium rules, as people scream and run. Somewhere a cart is turned over. At one end of the street a few hostmen hear the noise and begin to run. Maeglach strints after Ceredir, trying to thread through the crowd after the traitor, yelling all the while.
Oromendil arrives here from the direction of the Anarion Gate to find some sort of a tussle going on. Being unarmed (or seeming so), he stays back out of the way. It also looks like a stampede is forming. He steps well back and flattens himself against a side wall, trying his best to stay alive and not get trampled.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach continues in pursuit, yelling after him to Daerthor who was standing near by, "Report this to the Guard, get the alert out!" Then, spotting Oromendil he shouts again, "You, you want to be a scout? With me - we have a hunt ahead of us!" With that he plows into the crowd, already far behind Ceredir but not giving up.
Players: Maeglach,Ceredir,Daerthor,Oromendil
