Elendor
Saving Ranger Amrundirn: Gondor Demands to Meet Alphros
Ranger Maeglach and Scout Lochland (Menawa temp) come to the ford at the Poros to demand of Alimah, Vasim (Azradi), Asha (Thari) and Valash (Nob) that the Southrons arrange a meeting with Captain Azradi and Alphros
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Poros crossing
Game Date: November 11 3047
IC Time: Late afternoon
Description:
Crossing of Poros River, Narakshi Camps
Along the sparsely wooded south bank are a series of tribal camps which extend some distance to either side of the Harad Road. Many pale colored tents and pavillions are grouped in circular clusters. Before most of the pavillions are poles set deeply into the dry earth and upon these are impaled dried up human and orc heads, scalps, and various other kinds of grizly trophies of war.
The Harad road here has become almost impassiable with the herds of loose livestock. They are carefully tended by mounted and armed Narakshi Outriders who watch alertly. Long legged dogs also roam the camps individually or in packs and are quick to give alarm.
To the north the Poros spreads out in its wide banks, forming what looks to be an easy ford. The remains of several wagons jut up out of the water, suggesting otherwise. To the south the thin grassland gives way to desert.
[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Late Afternoon on Mersday, Day 11 of November.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 20:41:07 MDT on Fri Sep 04 2009.
The late afternoon sun is setting, though thankfully, this time of year the sun's heat is no longer brutal, but comfortably warm. Two camps can be seen along the southern banks of the Poros--that of the tribal Narakshis, their camps loud, boisterous and disorganized, and a camp of the warriors of Umbar, orderly and quiet and disciplined. Guards are posted for both camps, but the camp closer to the ford this day is that of the Southrons--of Umbar.
One such guard, posted along the river's very banks, is the Umbar woman Alimah. She wears, if any would recognize it, the colors of Farside--the Umbar tower led by Lord Alphros, who claims he is descended from the Kings of Gondor and rightfully belongs on the throne of Gondor. Alimah restlessly walks the banks, a bow in one hand, arrow in another, as she stares across the water toward the camp of the men of Gondor.
Lochland is one of the many, a silent shadow there, standing guard, just watching as they are watched.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Across the river the Gondorian camp sits in regimented, ordered silence - a camp on edge. Meals are being served to most, but to the side a different type of movement is going on. A group of Gondorians has been preparing and, just now, breaks off from the main site and moves towards the river. They carry carry the standard of Gondor, and a flag indicating peace.
At their head is a tall Ranger, Maeglach. He is clad in desert hues to match the sand and grass about. A great hammer rests ominously on his back be he is otherwise unarmed on his hands lie a pair of verdant gauntlets. His eyes are bright and keen, his expression stern as the party makes its way towards the river.
As the Ranger passes Lochland he indicates to him, "You scout, come with us - you might learn something."
[Asha(#28406)]
Alimah is passing now by another woman who holds a long blade at her side. Asha's head is held high and her dark eyes study the one who nears.
"What are they up to now..." Alimah snarls, lowering her bow at the sight of the flag of truce. Mirroring her Gondorian counterpart on the northern banks, she now gestures to Asha, indicating the woman should follow her. "They fly a flag of peace, so...behave...but be wary, too." And with that she heads off toward the edge of the ford, waiting with hands crossed over her chest for the Stonelanders to approach close enough for her voice to be heard. "What is the meaning of this?!" she shouts across, pointing to the flag the Ranger's group carries.
[Nob(#16122)] Near Asha is another, like to her as a star in the sky. She stands silently, watchfully. Valasha is half a step behind her sister.
[Asha(#28406)]
At Alimah's gesture, Asha looks over at Valasha in a hooded-eye way, then follows the first woman. "Peace," Asha says low. "They do not know it. Of course it is a lie before the attack!"
She falls silent as they near the bank, studying the flag, standing still.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
The Dunadan unslings his maul hammer as he approaches the ford, holding it low then lets it drop with a thud and walks till he stands some meters from it. The rest of the group, another seven men, are all unarmed. One of them, the standard bearer and herald, steps forward, "Maeglach, of House Cuthalion, senior Ranger of Gondor in the name of the Steward of Gondor and his son the Captain Faramir, requests parley with your leader."
Following this Maeglach steps ahead, leaving the rest of the group a little distance behind.
[Azradi(#20135)]
A young man, dressed in the uniform of a Farside Crusader, alters his path to bring him nigh the Corsair woman. Vadim carries a long pike and strapped at his side is the curved blade favored by the Southroners. With obvious suspicion, he eyes the Ranger of Gondor as he joins the women.
Lochland is, of course, one of the many who follow behind, he being the very last.
[Nob(#16122)] There is a spark of humor, but Valasha says nothing, either loud or soft - only follows her lead, still half a pace behind. He dark eyes flick to Vadim, then return to Maeglach.
"What are they babbling on about now," Alimah says irritably, only her words are directed at the pair of Southron sisters, and her eyes flash their way. "Have them do something useful...like dig latrine pits or find Captain Azradi, or at the very least, keep watch on the Stonelanders," she hisses to Vadim as he nears her. She inclines her head toward the Gondorians, still talking low to Vadim. "What do you make of this? A trap? Come with me...I want your opinion." She wades into the shallow water of the ford, drawing closer to the Stonelanders--close enough to not shout, but not so close as to be within blade range at all.
"And what, Ranger of Gondor and man who comes in the name of the Steward, do you wish to speak to my leader for? Parlay for what and why?" Alimah, as she wades into the water, has carefully slung her bow across her back and out of the water, but she still wears her scimitar at her belt, though it is sheathed.
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha's blade is not sheathed like the others, though she carries it in a rather casual manner and it looks as if she does not have a sheath about her. Her kohl-lined eyes become even more hooded and again she looks at Valasha. She comes near to the water but does not get her feet wet. She raises her gaze to look again at the Stonelanders.
Lochland isn't one of the 'important' ones of the bunch, but his gaze is steady as he stares back at the Harads.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha scowls a little at Alimah, and snorts, making it very obvious she is unimpressed. Besides, it wasn't she who was talking! Her sword is sheathed, but her hand hovers near the hilt.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
The Ranger steps into the ford, coming in as far as Alimah herself ventures. His scarred face betrays little emotion, but he studies Alimah with a keen and searching gaze. Then his eyes flick briefly to note the other Haradrim gathered about.
"To whom do I speak now, ere I answer your questions?"
"I am Alimah, daughter of Kalim, Corsair of Umbar, sworn warrior to Lord Alphros of Farside Tower, and the Second Mate of the Variyah. If you wish to speak to our leader her, then speak to me, and I will either convey your words to Captain Azardi of Farside or take you to see her." Alimah takes another step across the ford, daring to come closer to the Stonelanders, though her hands are not near her weapons. "What is it that you wish to convey to the Captain?"
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha, she of the unsheathed blade, meets the stare of 'unimportant' Lochland impassively for a moment, then tips her lips a little and gives a slow wink.
Lochland lets his gray gaze wander down the length of the brazen, she-warrior, asessing the potential aponent same as he would any. He takes his time getting a good look, perhaps even being unintentionally disrespectfull about it. Who knows. His gaze returns to her face eventually.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha watches Alimah intently, almost challengingly, even as the other woman turns away to cross the ford. Then her eyes drift away, coming to Lochland as he is staring at her sister. From her place half-a-step behind Asha, she bares her teeth at the man in what might, if one is particularly charitable (and foolish) be considered a smile.
On the southern bank, a small crowd has begun to gather, composed mainly of tribals, and of that, mainly children. One youth of about 8 years picks up a rock smoothed by the water and lobs it across the ford toward the northerners, perhaps even toward Lochland. His sister, a few years younger, bends down to find a rock and imitate him, but her missile is only likely to reach as far as the heads of either Asha or Valasha.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"You scout," Maeglach indicates to Lochland, "With me I would have a witness."
The Dunadan turns his grey eyes back to the Corsair, "As you say, Alimah. To begin, allow me to remind you that we fly the flag of parley - your weapons are an offence, and any action against us is a declaration of war. That said,"
The Ranger takes a breath, growing sterner, "The history of Harad and Gondor is long and bloody, but once we were one. Now this Alphoros, to whom you are sworn, claims right to the throne of Gondor. Naturally this is the Steward's business - for the Steward rules Gondor till the King's return. In so far as the Steward is entrusted with the governance of the land, it is his duty to ensure the rightful king's return. If this Alphoros claims to be King of Gondor, he must recognise the Steward's authority. We seek an audience with him, to question him on the Steward's behalf."
Maeglach takes a breath, "Furthermore, you hold one Amrundirn captive. A sworn servant of Gondor, and brother in arms. We would negotiate his return."
Lochland catches the first little rock, the second no threat. But he is called, so he smoothly pockets the rock as he moves among the ranks, finding his spot to the left and slightly behind Maeglach. He wades quietly into the ford and stops, his gaze impassive.
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha starts to quietly laugh at Lochland's look and glances at Valasha to share her mirth. And then she is hit in the back of the head by a small rock. A cry and she turns, her curved blade coming up as she looks for her assailant.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
As the stones fly from the hands of the youths, Maeglach's face turns hard, "Again, we fly a flag of peace." And to the Gondorian's behind him, a simple command, "Hold."
[Azradi(#20135)]
"Sheath your scimitar!" orders Vadim to Asha, scowling. "And both of you," he adds, now addressing her sister as well, "Stop those children. These men come under a flag of parley - Southron honor will not be stained."
Belatedly, he enters the shallow Poros and wades until he comes abreast of Alimah.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha is already whirling, but her blade slips back even as she is drawing it - for she sees the children. It is but a few strides to snag the boy by the back of his neck, shaking him to rattle his teeth. "If you have no honor," she tells him in a low menacing voice, "You might have a care for that of others!"
"I...put that weapon away, you fool!" Alimah snaps, echoing Vadim, her answer to the Stonelander cut off as Asha draws a blade. There's a giggling of children from the shore as the rocks hit, but as yet, Vadim's harsh words don't send them running from the shore, so that Valasha easily catches the boy. His sister runs off, squealing.
Alimah turns back to the Gondorians. "I draw no blade, Maeglach," she counters, "and the one blade that was just drawn was against our own, not yours, as you see. So we protect you," she smiles, though there is no warmth in it. "If you wish an audience with Lord Alphros...if you truly wish to hear his rightful and true claim to the throne of the north, then I, for one, will be happy to escort you to him under my protection. I cannot speak for Farside, but the Lady Azradi can."
There's a brief flash of recognition in Alimah's eyes at the mention of Amrundirn, but she sets her lips in a scowl. "Of this second matter, you must speak with the lady. I have no knowledge of any worth on it."
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"You will naturally forgive my trepidation, I would hear it from the Lady Azradi, as well as you." Maeglach replies quietly, ignoring the rocks now. "If she cannot be seen tonight, then we will await her pleasure."
The boy that had thrown the rock now screams and wriggles, trying to free himself from his 'captor.' He's cursing up a storm, but it's in some obscure tribal language, though certainly the anger in his words would come across. Some distance away, his younger sister stops, sees her brother's predicament, and picks up a good-sized rock to hurl toward the nose of either Asha or Valasha.
[Azradi(#20135)]
"Captain Azradi is in Umbar," Vadim offers. He frowns, looking the Ranger over a moment before turning to Alimah. "I would suggest sending a message to Farside rather than bringing the Northerners to Umbar. They cannot enter the city as free men without a Tower lord's permission and I for one would not like to risk displeasing Lord Alphros or his sister."
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha sends another suspicous look to those from Gondor, then tucks her sword into her belt and takes several running steps toward the girl-child. She reaches for her, to pick the girl up by her shirt.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach scowl's at Vadim's words, "If his claim is real, let him come before the Steward himself - let him come to us. If his claim is true, he has nothing to fear: how many generations have the Steward's sat beside the King's seat without claiming it themselves?"
The Ranger folds his hands, "None the less, I have delivered my request and have no more to say - let him come to us, or grant us audience. And do not forget the Ranger Amrundirn your holding him captive while we seek peace is a thorn which aggravates an already uneasy situation."
Lochland stands fast beside Maeglach, but watches Asha's antics with the ankle biters.
"Wise advice," Alimah says, nodding her thanks toward Vadim. She looks to Maeglach. "No doubt, yes, you will want the Protection of the Tower, which, no, I cannot give you. But even," she then continues, sounding angrier, "if Lord Alphros comes to you here, or to the Steward, even, I must first send a message. You will wait for that reply and fly the flag of truce meantime? We will do likewise, though we will not tolerate your scouts skulking in the reeds by the water's edge, spying on our camps. You agree to this?"
[Nob(#16122)] The girl is much too focused on Valasha, who is still shaking her brother and scolding him, for safety. And Asha's hand descends from nowhere. The girl yelps and begins to struggle, kicking and squirming and kicking.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach snorts, "We will not cross the water's edge, and we will fly a flag of truce - you have our honor if you do not cause trouble, neither shall we. But--" The Ranger's gaze turns east, "We cannot retract our scouts, you are not the only ones we watch, there are other dangers about. Nor do I doubt that you have your own scouts."
[Azradi(#20135)]
Vadim's brown eyes follow the direction of Maeglach's gaze. With a look of distaste, he spits into the water. "/They/ do not come to our lands." His tone of voice would indicate that "they" are not welcomed by all Southroners.
[Asha(#28406)]
"Seek peace," Asha mutters, then shakes the girl in her hand. "So disrespectful! Our enemies will cut us down if this is your honor, to throw stones at us!" She smacks the girl across the bottom and then carries her away from the riverside.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha follows her sister, though she lets her child go. The boy stands rubbing his head and eyeing the woman for a few minutes with a mixture of fury and grudging respect, and then he turns on his heels and darts away. Away from the river, away from crazed women warriors, away from the not-enemies across the water. At a safe distance, he stops and waits for his sister.
"Peace, Vadim," Alimah says, putting up a hand. "These things and more will be addressed when the time is right, but now is not the time." She turns back to the Ranger. "Then it is agreed, Maeglach of House Cuthalion. You are not the only ones with honor in this," she says, snorting in return. "Watch what you must, do not cause trouble, and the truce will hold until we have a reply for you. Meet me here in three days hence, or fly the flag of peace again and we shall meet to speak." She gives the man a solemn nod and then turns her back to walk away toward the southern bank once more.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Very well, Alimah, daughter of Kalim. So it shall be." The Ranger turns with no more ceremony and departs the scene, grasping his maul hammer as he passes it. His entourage follows behind. It does not take long for the flag of peace to rise over the Gondorian encampment, and the night continues on in silence.
Crossing of Poros River, Narakshi Camps
Along the sparsely wooded south bank are a series of tribal camps which extend some distance to either side of the Harad Road. Many pale colored tents and pavillions are grouped in circular clusters. Before most of the pavillions are poles set deeply into the dry earth and upon these are impaled dried up human and orc heads, scalps, and various other kinds of grizly trophies of war.
The Harad road here has become almost impassiable with the herds of loose livestock. They are carefully tended by mounted and armed Narakshi Outriders who watch alertly. Long legged dogs also roam the camps individually or in packs and are quick to give alarm.
To the north the Poros spreads out in its wide banks, forming what looks to be an easy ford. The remains of several wagons jut up out of the water, suggesting otherwise. To the south the thin grassland gives way to desert.
[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:
Late Afternoon on Mersday, Day 11 of November.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 20:41:07 MDT on Fri Sep 04 2009.
The late afternoon sun is setting, though thankfully, this time of year the sun's heat is no longer brutal, but comfortably warm. Two camps can be seen along the southern banks of the Poros--that of the tribal Narakshis, their camps loud, boisterous and disorganized, and a camp of the warriors of Umbar, orderly and quiet and disciplined. Guards are posted for both camps, but the camp closer to the ford this day is that of the Southrons--of Umbar.
One such guard, posted along the river's very banks, is the Umbar woman Alimah. She wears, if any would recognize it, the colors of Farside--the Umbar tower led by Lord Alphros, who claims he is descended from the Kings of Gondor and rightfully belongs on the throne of Gondor. Alimah restlessly walks the banks, a bow in one hand, arrow in another, as she stares across the water toward the camp of the men of Gondor.
Lochland is one of the many, a silent shadow there, standing guard, just watching as they are watched.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Across the river the Gondorian camp sits in regimented, ordered silence - a camp on edge. Meals are being served to most, but to the side a different type of movement is going on. A group of Gondorians has been preparing and, just now, breaks off from the main site and moves towards the river. They carry carry the standard of Gondor, and a flag indicating peace.
At their head is a tall Ranger, Maeglach. He is clad in desert hues to match the sand and grass about. A great hammer rests ominously on his back be he is otherwise unarmed on his hands lie a pair of verdant gauntlets. His eyes are bright and keen, his expression stern as the party makes its way towards the river.
As the Ranger passes Lochland he indicates to him, "You scout, come with us - you might learn something."
[Asha(#28406)]
Alimah is passing now by another woman who holds a long blade at her side. Asha's head is held high and her dark eyes study the one who nears.
"What are they up to now..." Alimah snarls, lowering her bow at the sight of the flag of truce. Mirroring her Gondorian counterpart on the northern banks, she now gestures to Asha, indicating the woman should follow her. "They fly a flag of peace, so...behave...but be wary, too." And with that she heads off toward the edge of the ford, waiting with hands crossed over her chest for the Stonelanders to approach close enough for her voice to be heard. "What is the meaning of this?!" she shouts across, pointing to the flag the Ranger's group carries.
[Nob(#16122)] Near Asha is another, like to her as a star in the sky. She stands silently, watchfully. Valasha is half a step behind her sister.
[Asha(#28406)]
At Alimah's gesture, Asha looks over at Valasha in a hooded-eye way, then follows the first woman. "Peace," Asha says low. "They do not know it. Of course it is a lie before the attack!"
She falls silent as they near the bank, studying the flag, standing still.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
The Dunadan unslings his maul hammer as he approaches the ford, holding it low then lets it drop with a thud and walks till he stands some meters from it. The rest of the group, another seven men, are all unarmed. One of them, the standard bearer and herald, steps forward, "Maeglach, of House Cuthalion, senior Ranger of Gondor in the name of the Steward of Gondor and his son the Captain Faramir, requests parley with your leader."
Following this Maeglach steps ahead, leaving the rest of the group a little distance behind.
[Azradi(#20135)]
A young man, dressed in the uniform of a Farside Crusader, alters his path to bring him nigh the Corsair woman. Vadim carries a long pike and strapped at his side is the curved blade favored by the Southroners. With obvious suspicion, he eyes the Ranger of Gondor as he joins the women.
Lochland is, of course, one of the many who follow behind, he being the very last.
[Nob(#16122)] There is a spark of humor, but Valasha says nothing, either loud or soft - only follows her lead, still half a pace behind. He dark eyes flick to Vadim, then return to Maeglach.
"What are they babbling on about now," Alimah says irritably, only her words are directed at the pair of Southron sisters, and her eyes flash their way. "Have them do something useful...like dig latrine pits or find Captain Azradi, or at the very least, keep watch on the Stonelanders," she hisses to Vadim as he nears her. She inclines her head toward the Gondorians, still talking low to Vadim. "What do you make of this? A trap? Come with me...I want your opinion." She wades into the shallow water of the ford, drawing closer to the Stonelanders--close enough to not shout, but not so close as to be within blade range at all.
"And what, Ranger of Gondor and man who comes in the name of the Steward, do you wish to speak to my leader for? Parlay for what and why?" Alimah, as she wades into the water, has carefully slung her bow across her back and out of the water, but she still wears her scimitar at her belt, though it is sheathed.
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha's blade is not sheathed like the others, though she carries it in a rather casual manner and it looks as if she does not have a sheath about her. Her kohl-lined eyes become even more hooded and again she looks at Valasha. She comes near to the water but does not get her feet wet. She raises her gaze to look again at the Stonelanders.
Lochland isn't one of the 'important' ones of the bunch, but his gaze is steady as he stares back at the Harads.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha scowls a little at Alimah, and snorts, making it very obvious she is unimpressed. Besides, it wasn't she who was talking! Her sword is sheathed, but her hand hovers near the hilt.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
The Ranger steps into the ford, coming in as far as Alimah herself ventures. His scarred face betrays little emotion, but he studies Alimah with a keen and searching gaze. Then his eyes flick briefly to note the other Haradrim gathered about.
"To whom do I speak now, ere I answer your questions?"
"I am Alimah, daughter of Kalim, Corsair of Umbar, sworn warrior to Lord Alphros of Farside Tower, and the Second Mate of the Variyah. If you wish to speak to our leader her, then speak to me, and I will either convey your words to Captain Azardi of Farside or take you to see her." Alimah takes another step across the ford, daring to come closer to the Stonelanders, though her hands are not near her weapons. "What is it that you wish to convey to the Captain?"
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha, she of the unsheathed blade, meets the stare of 'unimportant' Lochland impassively for a moment, then tips her lips a little and gives a slow wink.
Lochland lets his gray gaze wander down the length of the brazen, she-warrior, asessing the potential aponent same as he would any. He takes his time getting a good look, perhaps even being unintentionally disrespectfull about it. Who knows. His gaze returns to her face eventually.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha watches Alimah intently, almost challengingly, even as the other woman turns away to cross the ford. Then her eyes drift away, coming to Lochland as he is staring at her sister. From her place half-a-step behind Asha, she bares her teeth at the man in what might, if one is particularly charitable (and foolish) be considered a smile.
On the southern bank, a small crowd has begun to gather, composed mainly of tribals, and of that, mainly children. One youth of about 8 years picks up a rock smoothed by the water and lobs it across the ford toward the northerners, perhaps even toward Lochland. His sister, a few years younger, bends down to find a rock and imitate him, but her missile is only likely to reach as far as the heads of either Asha or Valasha.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"You scout," Maeglach indicates to Lochland, "With me I would have a witness."
The Dunadan turns his grey eyes back to the Corsair, "As you say, Alimah. To begin, allow me to remind you that we fly the flag of parley - your weapons are an offence, and any action against us is a declaration of war. That said,"
The Ranger takes a breath, growing sterner, "The history of Harad and Gondor is long and bloody, but once we were one. Now this Alphoros, to whom you are sworn, claims right to the throne of Gondor. Naturally this is the Steward's business - for the Steward rules Gondor till the King's return. In so far as the Steward is entrusted with the governance of the land, it is his duty to ensure the rightful king's return. If this Alphoros claims to be King of Gondor, he must recognise the Steward's authority. We seek an audience with him, to question him on the Steward's behalf."
Maeglach takes a breath, "Furthermore, you hold one Amrundirn captive. A sworn servant of Gondor, and brother in arms. We would negotiate his return."
Lochland catches the first little rock, the second no threat. But he is called, so he smoothly pockets the rock as he moves among the ranks, finding his spot to the left and slightly behind Maeglach. He wades quietly into the ford and stops, his gaze impassive.
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha starts to quietly laugh at Lochland's look and glances at Valasha to share her mirth. And then she is hit in the back of the head by a small rock. A cry and she turns, her curved blade coming up as she looks for her assailant.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
As the stones fly from the hands of the youths, Maeglach's face turns hard, "Again, we fly a flag of peace." And to the Gondorian's behind him, a simple command, "Hold."
[Azradi(#20135)]
"Sheath your scimitar!" orders Vadim to Asha, scowling. "And both of you," he adds, now addressing her sister as well, "Stop those children. These men come under a flag of parley - Southron honor will not be stained."
Belatedly, he enters the shallow Poros and wades until he comes abreast of Alimah.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha is already whirling, but her blade slips back even as she is drawing it - for she sees the children. It is but a few strides to snag the boy by the back of his neck, shaking him to rattle his teeth. "If you have no honor," she tells him in a low menacing voice, "You might have a care for that of others!"
"I...put that weapon away, you fool!" Alimah snaps, echoing Vadim, her answer to the Stonelander cut off as Asha draws a blade. There's a giggling of children from the shore as the rocks hit, but as yet, Vadim's harsh words don't send them running from the shore, so that Valasha easily catches the boy. His sister runs off, squealing.
Alimah turns back to the Gondorians. "I draw no blade, Maeglach," she counters, "and the one blade that was just drawn was against our own, not yours, as you see. So we protect you," she smiles, though there is no warmth in it. "If you wish an audience with Lord Alphros...if you truly wish to hear his rightful and true claim to the throne of the north, then I, for one, will be happy to escort you to him under my protection. I cannot speak for Farside, but the Lady Azradi can."
There's a brief flash of recognition in Alimah's eyes at the mention of Amrundirn, but she sets her lips in a scowl. "Of this second matter, you must speak with the lady. I have no knowledge of any worth on it."
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"You will naturally forgive my trepidation, I would hear it from the Lady Azradi, as well as you." Maeglach replies quietly, ignoring the rocks now. "If she cannot be seen tonight, then we will await her pleasure."
The boy that had thrown the rock now screams and wriggles, trying to free himself from his 'captor.' He's cursing up a storm, but it's in some obscure tribal language, though certainly the anger in his words would come across. Some distance away, his younger sister stops, sees her brother's predicament, and picks up a good-sized rock to hurl toward the nose of either Asha or Valasha.
[Azradi(#20135)]
"Captain Azradi is in Umbar," Vadim offers. He frowns, looking the Ranger over a moment before turning to Alimah. "I would suggest sending a message to Farside rather than bringing the Northerners to Umbar. They cannot enter the city as free men without a Tower lord's permission and I for one would not like to risk displeasing Lord Alphros or his sister."
[Asha(#28406)]
Asha sends another suspicous look to those from Gondor, then tucks her sword into her belt and takes several running steps toward the girl-child. She reaches for her, to pick the girl up by her shirt.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach scowl's at Vadim's words, "If his claim is real, let him come before the Steward himself - let him come to us. If his claim is true, he has nothing to fear: how many generations have the Steward's sat beside the King's seat without claiming it themselves?"
The Ranger folds his hands, "None the less, I have delivered my request and have no more to say - let him come to us, or grant us audience. And do not forget the Ranger Amrundirn your holding him captive while we seek peace is a thorn which aggravates an already uneasy situation."
Lochland stands fast beside Maeglach, but watches Asha's antics with the ankle biters.
"Wise advice," Alimah says, nodding her thanks toward Vadim. She looks to Maeglach. "No doubt, yes, you will want the Protection of the Tower, which, no, I cannot give you. But even," she then continues, sounding angrier, "if Lord Alphros comes to you here, or to the Steward, even, I must first send a message. You will wait for that reply and fly the flag of truce meantime? We will do likewise, though we will not tolerate your scouts skulking in the reeds by the water's edge, spying on our camps. You agree to this?"
[Nob(#16122)] The girl is much too focused on Valasha, who is still shaking her brother and scolding him, for safety. And Asha's hand descends from nowhere. The girl yelps and begins to struggle, kicking and squirming and kicking.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
Maeglach snorts, "We will not cross the water's edge, and we will fly a flag of truce - you have our honor if you do not cause trouble, neither shall we. But--" The Ranger's gaze turns east, "We cannot retract our scouts, you are not the only ones we watch, there are other dangers about. Nor do I doubt that you have your own scouts."
[Azradi(#20135)]
Vadim's brown eyes follow the direction of Maeglach's gaze. With a look of distaste, he spits into the water. "/They/ do not come to our lands." His tone of voice would indicate that "they" are not welcomed by all Southroners.
[Asha(#28406)]
"Seek peace," Asha mutters, then shakes the girl in her hand. "So disrespectful! Our enemies will cut us down if this is your honor, to throw stones at us!" She smacks the girl across the bottom and then carries her away from the riverside.
[Nob(#16122)] Valasha follows her sister, though she lets her child go. The boy stands rubbing his head and eyeing the woman for a few minutes with a mixture of fury and grudging respect, and then he turns on his heels and darts away. Away from the river, away from crazed women warriors, away from the not-enemies across the water. At a safe distance, he stops and waits for his sister.
"Peace, Vadim," Alimah says, putting up a hand. "These things and more will be addressed when the time is right, but now is not the time." She turns back to the Ranger. "Then it is agreed, Maeglach of House Cuthalion. You are not the only ones with honor in this," she says, snorting in return. "Watch what you must, do not cause trouble, and the truce will hold until we have a reply for you. Meet me here in three days hence, or fly the flag of peace again and we shall meet to speak." She gives the man a solemn nod and then turns her back to walk away toward the southern bank once more.
[Maeglach(#31899)]
"Very well, Alimah, daughter of Kalim. So it shall be." The Ranger turns with no more ceremony and departs the scene, grasping his maul hammer as he passes it. His entourage follows behind. It does not take long for the flag of peace to rise over the Gondorian encampment, and the night continues on in silence.
Players: Maeglach,Lochland,Menawa,Thari,Nob,Valasha,Azradi,Vasim,Asha,Alimah
