Fit to Rule?

A cold winter day is just beginning outside of Farside Tower. Stars shine weakly in the west while the eastern horizon slowly turns from gray to deep azure. In the council chambers, lanterns are lit and a brazier glows near the far end of the long table. Seated in the chair just right of the throne-like Lord's place is Azradi. Though an early riser, this is earlier than usual for the lady. Fatigue has returned to her countenance, though not nearly to the degree it once was - but the peace from the deserts seems to have fled her. On the table before her sits a pitcher, two cups and a breakfast plate only lightly sampled. Her attitude is one of waiting. She stares off into the distance moodily.

Alimah is up at this hour, as she often is--in fact, the Corsair is coming back into the Farside Tower, hair matted with sweat and in clothing likewise sweaty and suitable for weapons practice. Her steps take her past the council chambers and she glances inside for a moment, then pauses at the doorway. "Captain."

"Alimah," the Farside lady stirs from her reverie to look at the Corsair. "I need you to do something for me."

"Of course," the Corsair answers, stepping into the room. "You are feeling well? You look...well, somewhat better at least."

"I am well enough," Azradi replies, smiling wanly. She sighs, "I need you to carry two messages and one may lead you to the desert again."

"The first message is for the High Priestess: Tell her that Jugartha would like to speak to her at a time and setting of his choice. Do not reveal to her where he is but let her know you can carry her assent to him. When you go to the desert, take a patrol with you but leave them some distance from the place you found me. Go ahead alone to that place, carrying two banners - the white flag of parley and Farside's standard."

The second message is for Eruphel: Tell her that Jugartha is safe and will return to the city at a time of his choosing. But do not reveal where he is."

"Of course," Alimah repeats herself, though this time it is more tentative. "I'm puzzled, of course, as to why these messages and why you should need me to carry them. But...perhaps that is not my business?" She smiles.

"What I reveal is private but perhaps not a vital secret," Azradi replies. "Our friend the Lokhikhor made Jugartha's life as difficult as he made ours. I want the Paladin back in the city and the Citadel. He at least is Haradrim unlike the foreigners in command there and he is a moderate force in their religion. But he is angry and stubborn and I am merely hastening the resolution of his situation."

"To be honest, I am asking you to do this because I am too busy with other things. I cannot disappear into the desert for another four days, as much as I'd love to - and he knows you, so perhaps they will not kill you on sight."

She pulls out a purse that jingles with coins and tosses it on the table before the Corsair. "Give the bandits this as a token of respect and gratitude for not selling you or eating your horse."

“Eating my horse?" Alimah's brows arch and she stares at the bag of coins for a moment, then nods and picks it up. "Better that they kill my horse than me, at least." That said with a smirk.

"It would seem, though, that the Priestess is on our side..and there is some hope for the return of Jugartha. So..yes, I will deliver your messages."

"Busy?"

Making a broad gesture with her hand, Azradi replies: "Busy yes. I do not know how much longer my brother intends to closet himself in the vaults, but until he returns - I must see to his tower."

She leans forward eagerly. "Why do you say the High Priestess is on our side?"

"Because.." Alimah picks her words carefully, studying the Captain as she does so. "It is whispered that the Dark Lord himself brought about the end of Lokhinor. And if the Dark Lord did not support Lokhinor's decisions in this..matter..then surely neither does his Priestess?"

Azradi seems to shrink into her self and she shudders against the chill. "I am uncertain that…that thing was the Dark Lord himself."

She falls silent a moment, shadows flitting in her eyes. "But I certainly hope you are right."

She sighs and looks upon Alimah fully, "Is there aught to report? Nothing amiss in my absence?"

"I...I am sorry," Alimah says, taken aback by the Captain's sudden show of what seems to be fear. She stares openly. "I...was not there. Only...heard rumors..." she frowns.

"No, no news. Oh...well, there was ...someone not long ago. Wanted access to the Farside library....but it was weeks ago, and I turned them away."

"Why does Lord Alphros hide himself so? It is troublesome and difficult to answer--other towers are beginning to question his fitness to be a Tower Lord."

"Who says he is not fit to be a Tower Lord?!" Azradi snaps, her eyes flashing. "There is none fitter than he in this City!"

"He plans his next moves in the Vaults and if he is overlong at such things it is merely because he and I both have strove to surround ourselves with capable people. In a word, he has insured he can afford such indulgences."

With a growl, the Farside lady grabs the pitcher and pours a pulpy drink into one of the cups. The strong scent of citrus wafts through the air. "He rose quickly to his position, brought us victory against Gondor, restored the old ways and yet it is not enough, it appears. Does he need to wipe the arse of each Farside babe?"

"No, no...it is not said...there are inquiries being made....rumors starting to arise, grumblings, started by I do not know whom," Alimah says hastily. "I, for one, have no complaints. But I do hear things about lack of leadership, and such discontent can spread. After all, Lord Alphros is not...is not..."

Alimah struggles. "His lineage, Captain. It places him at a disadvantage in the eyes of some in the city. And then anything they can do to add fuel to that fire...." She shrugs.

"/Our/ lineage is of the South. We are the ancestors of the Numenoreans," Azradi retorts, her anger still high and visible. "And we are Corsairs of noble blood. Our history exemplifies the arrogance of Gondor in its attitude towards Southrons. We are connected to them through a discarded wife, hated because she was one of us and cast aside."

"But through that act a seed was planted that will come to fruition in this generation and bring about their fall. They will pay for their arrogance, war and hatred against the South."

She leans back in her chair. "If there are any that see it as a disadvantage, then they are short-sighted, petty-minded and idiotic."

"Well...as to that..." Alimah smiles. "There are many idiotic short-sighted people in the world. And most of them tend to open their mouths and speak their minds as if their opinion alone is the true and 'correct' one...when all it is is one person's opinion, facts if you are lucky, twisted by personal prejudices."

"But such is the way of the world and of Umbar in particular. I will do my best, Captain, to...make them see the light."

"Is that all, Captain? I will seek out Lady Eruphel if so."

"You are right," Azradi replies, more calmly. She smiles wanly. "I am sorry I ranted at you, Alimah. Though what I said was true, my passion comes from love for my brother and family. I tend to protect him - though he hardly needs it from me."

"And yes, please go if you wish. I will not keep you from your duties."

"And that passion--and our heritage--are the reasons I swore to Farside, Captain," Alimah says, smiling softly. "I, too, am sworn to protect your brother--though usually by the sword. I don't believe I would be good at protecting him in an argument. Not the way you are."

Another smile before Alimah nods. "I will seek out Lady Eruphel and then the Priestess. Any other message for Eruphel?" she says, on the point of departing.

"You have more than rectified your earlier trouble with me, Alimah," Azradi replies gravely. "As for Lady Eruphel: I want her to know about Jugartha because I don't want her to worry about him anymore - as I did. You can let her know that if you wish."

"Oh, and also," she glances towards the coin purse. "That is not all for the bandits, there is enough to cover your travel expenses and a little extra for your trouble."

"Lady," Alimah says, looking first surprised, then bowing slightly. "Thank you. I will attend to it immediately. Good day." A quick turn on her heels heads her out the door again.