(Archive) Rorgan and the Wolf\'s Fleece Part XVI

October 23, 1999

*Note - log supplied by Rorgan*

Healer\'s Tent

The atmosphere within the light walled tent is surprisingly cozy. Neatly made cots smothered in blankets and bedding line one wall with enough space in between to offer easy access to their occupants. A small, sturdy looking table with a few camp chairs surrounding it is against the other, with a large chest to one side. Strewn across the table, in an oddly neat display of disarray are bandages of many sizes, and several healing concoctions in various states of preparation. A small fire crackles soothingly in the cleared center of the floor, a pot of water aboil constantly over it. To the rear of the structure, a hanging of blankets sections off a small room behind with some privacy, and overall, the tang of herbs is in the air.

leads Outside

Contents:

Maeghan

Tivadar

Shandor

[Nikala(#23645)] The sun is up and already the morning is half over. Except for those gravely injured souls who are still unconscious, many people in the tent are awake, if not exactly up and about. After days of boredom and pestering the healesses, Nikala has been allowed to help out somewhat. Except for her leg, most of her other wounds have mostly healed, so she sits by the fire, her injured leg propped up, working on a delicious smelling stew for the men. She hums happily as she works, relieved to finally be of some use.

Dolwyr enters the tent, lifting the flap with the tip of his staff. A pale light distillated by the cloudy sky fills the tent for a second, untill the flap falls down again as Dolwyr makes his way to Tivadar\'s bed. He removes his leather coat and lays it on an empty bed, along with his staff. He finally sits down on the empty cot, and turns to the woman by the fire: \"Hmmm, this smells really good\" he says with a smile \"Maybe you truely are an awsome cook, after all.\"

[Galdorim(#22020)] Healers and assistants come in and out of the healers\' tent with a constant flow. This day is nothing speacial as things go on in the camp steadily and without mishap. One of the regular people that come in the healers\' tent is Galdorim and this day is not an exception. He ducks his head as his barely clears the enterance way. His gaze looks to where a certain Gondorian healers\' cot is and shakes his head with a look of disappointment. The tall Lieuenant\'s head is still lightly bandaged from a recent battle and he carries a book tucked under his arm. His gaze now turns towards Rorgan as he strides towards his cot. He stands a bit back as he looks to see if he is resting or his usualy reading.

Another victim of a leg injury, Rorgan, sits in a folding canvas chair beside his cot. His book has been placed aside and he sits quietly, watching the events that pass in the Healer\'s Tent with a bit more interest. It is as if he is waiting for something or someone. Indeed, a young Silver Guardsman had been speaking with him several minutes ago, after three of the apprentice healers helped him out of his cot and into the chair, and the young man has not been seen since, obviously taking his time on whatever errand the tailor has sent him upon.

At the entrance of Galdorim, Rorgan looks right at the man and smiles vaguely. As Galdorim approaches, Rorgan\'s smile grows wider, until when he stops in front of the tailor, Rorgan gives him a greeting of, \"Good morning, Lieutenant. Did Limas find you, or are you simply here on your rounds?\"

Galdorim shakes his head as his dark curls waves behind his head. \"I am just here on my rounds, my friend.\" He smiles as he sees that he is out of the cot and in the canvas chair. \"It is good to see you out of that cot, and it gives me hops to see you standing at you wedding.\" He slips the books out from under his arm and extends it towards Rorgan. \"I thought you might be running low for something to read. It\'s not exciting, but I find it interesting.\"

Nikala listens idly to the conversation around her, but fixes the bulk of her attention on her cooking. She sends a sideways glance to Dolwyr and says modestly, \"Do not judge it until you taste it. Though I think it is coming along rather nicely.\" She seems truly content as she tosses in a few more herbs into the pot, making sure the stew will be perfect.

With a nod to the lieutenant, Rorgan extends his arm to accept the book, glancing briefly at the title before speaking, \"Well, I did send one of the Silver Guardsmen out to look for you.\" He smiles, interrupting himself, \"What smells so good?\" Then back to the conversation at hand, \"Before the sun rose this morning, a fast rider arrived with some news you might be interested in, Galdorim.\"

Galdorim raises an eyebrow. \"Oh really? Did the scouts that I sent out in search of Commander Azgarath comes back with good news?!\" His face looks hopeful as he looks to Rorgan. He chuckles slightly as Rorgan looks at the book, \"Ancient Gondorian battles\" He then looks out towards the tent flap. \"I am always out and about the camp, so I might be hard to track down, unless you know my pattern.\"

[Dolwyr(#19367)]

With a nod from the head, Dolwyr says \"Oh, I *will* taste it, be sure of that\" Dolwyr then turns his head in tivadar\'s direction \"Hm, my friend is asleep again. I had hoped he would have been better, but it seems like he still need to rest more than a cat...\" his look remains focused on his friend\'s face, but he listens with an ear at the conversation between Rorgan and the Lieutenant.

Nikala seeks to comfort the young man. Finishing the stew, she lets it simmer for a few minutes more and turns to him, \"His resting is a good thing,\" she says soberly, \"It will help him recover faster. The healesses, they say his pulse is strong and there is no infection. So he will be fine.\"

Shaking his head, the tailor replies, \"No. There still has been no word of Khozadan or his patrol-mates. We should probably consider writing his wife *the letter*.\" Then Rorgan sighs heavily, pausing briefly before he speaks again.

\"That\'s not the news I\'ve received. You will be most interested to know that a pair of wagons are within a few hours of here. The wagons carry twenty barrels of lamp oil each, brought from Dunlostir, from my brother\'s stores. They should arrive today.\"

Galdorim sighs and nods. \"I sent one of the officers of out Ithilien scouts out with some of his men to look for some sign.\" His concerned face looks to Rorgan as his deep voice rumbles. \"I would advise waiting on *the letter* till he report back.\" He then thinks of the report of twenty barrels of lamp oil. \"Twenty barrels you say?! What are we going to do with that much, burn the wargs\' lair out.\" He chuckles and nods his head. \"Actually that is not a bad idea...\"

\"Exactly what I had in mind, friend.\" Rorgan smiles cruelly.

Nikala can\'t help but wince as Rorgan mentions \'the letter.\' Pain washes over her cold features, for apparently the woman herself has some familiarity with such things. Or something similar. Sighing to herself, she half-heartedly turns her attention back to the early lunch she is making for the men. She grabs a soup ladle and pours the soup into small wooden bowls. With the help of some of the healthier men, the soup is passed about for all to enjoy.

\"But there is another matter I wish to discuss with you, and have brought to the council of the camp leaders,\" Rorgan says but a moment later.

As one of the men approach Rorgan and Galdorim where they talk, Rorgan reaches out his hand to accept one of the bowls of stew, \"Now, friend, *this* is what smelled good.\" He smiles, waiting his friend\'s response.

Galdorim grabs a stoll and pulls it up so he can sit by Rorgan. \"What type of council are you bringing up to the camp leaders, my friend?\" He leads forwards as his interest is abviously peaked. His thumb and forefinger rubs his chin and then drops it in his lap as he waits for what Rorgan has to say.

\"The camp needs to be moved, friend, and soon. We\'ve been attacked too many times now for us to go on sitting here like we had a cohort of Minas Tirith Guard and Dol Amroth Men at Arms along with various sundry knights and calvary and several eoreds of Theoden King\'s finest. This is not Umbar, Galdorim, and we are perilous far from the nearest help, and horribly undermanned for the foe we will eventually be facing. It\'s time to mobilize and be ready to evacuate at a moment\'s notice.\" Rorgan pauses and rubs his chin. \"Cripples and all,\" he finally finishes.

Dolwyr reaches out for the bowl when one of the men approches him, still partially paying attention to the conversation between the two Gondorian men. He approches the bowl from his mouth, now sitting with his legs crossed on the empty bed, and gently blows over the surface, before taking a first sip. A smile apprears on his face, as he says \"Now, that is what I call a good stew.\" He turns his head, llok at Rorgan over his shoulder as he mentiones moving the camp, but for no longer than a secand, his gaze quickly returning to Nikala.

\"I didn\'t just send that lad out after you, Galdorim. I asked that any Rohir captains that can be found be brought in to hear these suggestions, because I think they are very important.\" Rorgan states.

Nikala carefully shifts about in her chair, so she can better watch Dolwyr\'s reaction as he tastes the stew, \"I told you I was a better cook.\" Her eyes then rest on the sleeping Tivadar, \"I will try to save some for him, though it is going fast. And if not, I can always make more later. I will still be here for a while longer.\" She frowns unhappily at that.

Galdorim nods with afirmation. \"yes, that is true. We either need to strike that accursed lair in the next couple days, so we can leave. \" He makes a distasteful faces as he considers the alternatives. \"Or we need to move....or take out small victories and leave..\" He shakes his head. \"I do NOT want the last option to happen, but I do not want to see us take more unnessesary losses or be routed. There are too many Goblins in those mountains.\"

\"And the losses we would take in an ill-planned assault do not appeal to me, friend,\" Rorgan says, then turning toward the woman at the fire, \"Compliments to the chef!\" he calls out, spooning some more stew into his mouth.

Nikala hesitates before she allows a smile to briefly appear on her mouth. She bows her head to the man, \"You are most welcome. It was the least I could do after your kindness. And besides,\" she stares pointedly at Dolwyr, \"Someone would not believe that I enjoyed cooking.\"

[Dolwyr(#19367)] After taking another sip from the delicious soup, Dolwyr says to the woman \"Do not worry, milady. You seem to be well on your way to full recovery. A couple of days more, and you\'ll be out of this tent... if we don\'t have to move it by tomorrow, that is\" he takes a quick look at the taylor, restraining a smile, and continues \"No, that is true, I didn\'t think you enjoyed cook. In fact, I now have the proof the your are not only a good cook, but that you enjoy your work, as well. I apologies for my ill-placed trust, milady\" he says, slightly tilting his head to the side.

\"What kindnesses have I paid you, my lady, that I would not pay any stranger? Especially one who reportedly fights so bravely. Not so ladylike, methinks, but valour in any form these days is a truly welcome sight.\" Rorgan offers from across the room.

Nikala begins to say, more to herself than to anyone else, \"I have no fear of that. I have suffered wors...,\" Nikala abruptly comes to a halt. She shakes her head, silently chastising herself for something. Then she goes on, \"Apologies accepted,\" she says with almost a playful smirk, signaling that no ill will was ever felt.

Nikala turns around to face Rorgan. Or rather, she turns around as far as her still-injured body allows her to, \"No, not ladylike she admits,\" she frowns at herself, seeming to truly feel that what she did was not proper, \"But under the dire circumstances, very necessary.\" Nikala has since given up denying that she indeed fight, having seen that most of the people in the camp have not condemned her for her actions, as she first feared.

\"I have seen many women warriors fighting amongst the desert tribes of the Southrons, my lady, and I am glad to see that not all of the women warriors on this world serve the Dark Lord.\" He offers a smile to Nikala at this, but he continues more sombrely, \"Fortunately we are away from sources of influence among the men who would say otherwise.\"

Dolwyr frowns a little at Nikala\'s reflections, but the happy look he so often has quickly returns. \"Not so ladylike?\" he lets out a slight chuckle \"well, in Rohan, the very King\'s sister-daughter follows the way of the sword, for she is a scealdmaegden, a shield-maiden.\" his eyes seem to sparkle at Eowyn\'s idea \"and she is very ladylike, believe my word on that...\" he pauses for a second, and then brakes out of his own memories, as his attention return to Rorgan and Nikala.

Nikala \'s pale features turn cold and hard as the south and the Dark Lord are mentioned. A small fire of hatred lights up in her grey eyes. This woman seems to have no love for the forces of darkness, but instead, a very fierce committment to fight against them, whether it be by sword or simply by cheering up the wounded with a simple bowl of soup. Hesitating, she feels comfortable enough to ask Rorgan, \"Sources of influence who would say otherwise?\" she seems confused.

\"Aye, my lady. The women of Gondor are not allowed to even pick up a sword. In times of old, it was a capital offence.\" Rorgan shakes his head sadly, \"I would only hope that it were not quite so harsh in these modern times.\"

Nikala \'s eyes go wide and she almost drops her soup ladle. Stonily she repeats Rorgan\'s own words, \"Capital offense, eh? Well, that seems a little harsh to me, but the general sentiment is a good one I believe. Like I have said, what I did...it was done out of dire necessity and special circumstances. I am happier to cook and sew for the men. I would help the healesses, but I have no skill at that. I am quite hopeless.\"

The tailor nods to the woman, \"Indeed, it would be a good practice for you to maintain in this camp, my lady. Myself, I was born into two things: fighting and sewing. I\'m none too bad at either, but it seems in my condition, I should be leaning toward the sewing at the moment.\" Rorgan offers her another smile, \"Rorgan, son of Yerl, Guildmaster of Tailors in Minas Tirith, my lady.\"

Galdorim nods and shakes his head. \"No, not attack will be ill planned, and I think this recent shipment will help with our plans.\" He looks to his friend, Rorgan. \"So what did the rohirric leaders say about moving the camp?\"

\"I have not spoken to them of it yet, Galdorim. I had half a mind to leave that up to you, but indeed, I feel I should lay the fullness of my plan before you so that you may speak eloquently of it.\" Rorgan returns his attention to the lieutenant, camp commander for the men from Minas Tirith.

[Indilzar(#10108)] The flaps to the tent open allowing the bright light of day to enter in. Sillouhetting this invasion of brightness is a form clad in sable. He steps in with an utter silence that seems unlike the carriage of the man born by impeccably clean boots.

Dolwyr watches Nikala with attentive eyes, scaning her face, as once again a strange tone in the woman\'s voice and an bizarre shadow appears on Nikala\'s face. He watches her with an almost inquisitive eye, saying nothing, as the woman seem to close like a shell at some of the tailor\'s words. His attention is suddenly broken by the entrance of an unrecognizable man, standing in a halo of brightness.

Nikala takes Rorgan\'s advice to heart and simply nods her thanks for the warning. Finishing doling out the soup for the men, she is helped by a pair of healesses back to her cot. She leans heavily upon the woman, still barely able to put any weight on her injured leg. One might notice that the woman no longer wears pants and a shirt but has been put into a more proper dress, her longsword still off in the corner with all the other weapons. Sitting on the edge of her bed with a wince of pain and effort, Nikala studies Rorgan, and the other men around her carefully before she offers her name, \"Nikala,\" she says simply with no title or embellishment.

Galdorim nods smiles slightly. \"Yes, I will talk to the leaders that I can. and if you do talk to other, please keep me informed.\" His face shows one of thought as he looks to Nikala and nods to her. \"greetings, Nokala.\"

[Indilzar(#10108)] The black clad man makes his way into the tent, pausing a long moment to sniff the air. A look of a rather indulgent bliss falls upon his face seemingly succombing to the vaporous smell of the medicines stored therein. He then with a leisurely pace tugs at the fingers of his black gloves and then snaps his fingers. Next to him appears a squire or some servant. He hands his gloves to him without looking. Then taking a step forward it is quite clar who this man is: Indilzar Bragollach.

[Dathgar(#19765)] A figure, smothered in blankets, rolls in his cot, rubs his face, and attempts to rise. Fighting off the blankets, Dathgar sits up, his left shoulder, chest, right eye, cheek, and nose are bandaged. His face tightens as he lightly presses on his bandaged left shoulder. After pressing lightly a number of times, a slight smile streaks quickly across his face, he swings his legs over the side of the cot and gets to his feet.

A nod from the tailor, and his voice lowers conspiritorially, \"Here\'s what we should do, Gald: We should abandon the tents and leave a few men here to keep the fires burning. Perhaps a few of Lord Faramir\'s men and some of the other stealthy folk would be right for the job. We dig many pits and traps and dangerous things for Goblins and Wargs to fall prey to here and make a cold camp to the South and West a good piece. It will not be comfortable at all, especially for the wounded, but perhaps we can convince them that we\'ve left (after they discover the ruse) by sending the wounded who will no longer be able to fight back to the Westfold. This much should have indeed been done long ago, but as for myself, I do not wish to leave until this deed is done. We take all that we need, including the twenty casks of lamp oil with us, and once we have determined the enemy isn\'t between us and the lair, we make our assault and burn those bloody Wargs out once and for all.\" All through the explanation, Rorgan\'s eyes dart to the dark figure of the Bragollach and then back to the lieutenant sitting at his fore. When he finishes, he offers the lieutenant a smile, \"There may even be a chance of intentionally goading the Goblins into assaulting the false camp and catching them in a bit of a trap.\" He shrugs, \"But we need to take action as soon as we can.\"

Dolwyr\'s gaze remains on the dark-clad man at the entry, silently waiting for him to finally close the flap and let the light of the fire be the only one lightening the room. Dolwyr\'s half-closed eyes scrutinize the silhouette, until he recognizes the man who just entered: Lord Indilzar the Bragollach. A slight touch of digust appear on the young Rohirr\'s face, as he quickly moves his look back to Nikala, and nods \"Nikala is your name, then. It is good to know, finally\"

[Indilzar(#10108)] Stepping forward with firm steps Indilzar comes to Galdorim and Rorgan affording the briefest of nods to the twain ere he begins with his voice rilled with the accent of Belfalas, \"Twice and five in four days time have the heavens or the very fires of the earth have dulled the elements of the hardy nature of our hounds or those wolves that yet remain in this place are far away. Now by orcish craft or aught else have we wound ourself into this affair and loathe am I to remain therein.\"

Nikala casts a disinterested look to Indilzar, not knowing who this man is and not particularly caring. Too occupied with her own injuries at the moment, Nikala gingerly presses down on the bandage that lies under her dress, then thinks on it thoughtfully, muttering to herself, \"Not as bad as before.\" She looks up to Dolwyr and favors the man with a rare smile, \"My name, it is something rarely given. But I have spent over a week with you and these men now. I know you to be brave and good-hearted. I felt it only fair.\"

Galdorim looks up towards Indilzar. He stands from his stood that he is prerch upon. He the offers the man a respectful bow. \"good Day, Lord Indilzar. I trust you have spoken tot he Emmesary to Prince Inrahil?\" He stands tall and looks to the Knight with a calm serious look as he knows what the Rohhirim think of the Lord Bargolach at the moment.

[Indilzar(#10108)] \"I have heard such news as might come to my ears in this dread hour,\" replies the Lord Bragollach. He looks askance at Nikala and Dolwyr for a moment before he continues, \"In sooth I would hope he had good words to say, but I could not avail myself to speak with him. I and my household have been abroad in this thankless land.\"

\"Indeed, Lord Bragollach, and you have fulfilled your pledge to assist me on my quest.\" Rorgan replies to Indilzar, \"So, if you wish to leave this camp, though your blade and hounds will sorely be missed as we make our final preparations on the lair, I would make only one suggestion: do not leave without making an open apology to the Rohirrim for your words, and such within the sight and hearing of my sister-to-be, Theoden King\'s own niece, Lady Kerowyn.\" He smiles faintly, \"Unless your Prince wills otherwise.\"

Indilzar casts back his head and laughs long and long, \"An apology for what?\"

Dolwyr tryes to remain focused on the conversation with Nikala, but his look often wonder around the room, always in Indilzar\'s direction, blue eyes becoming cold and angry. His hand unconsciously reach for the staff which lays on the same bed... he turns for a second in Dathgar\'s direction, and turns back again to Nikala \"I am proud to be given such an honour, then, milady. As for myself, I am Dolwyr of Ethias, son of Jormund\" he starts speaking a little louder now, as if he wanted everyone in the tent to hear those words \"I serve House Yonwin now, but plan to return to my father in the futur... and YES, we have a nobelty of some sort in Rohan, too.\"

Rolling his eyes briefly before responding, Rorgan explains patiently, knowing full well both the temper and the insensitivity he faces, \"For speaking words that were interpreted as a slur against the people from whom I take half my lineage, Lord Bragollach. I have not heard a full accounting of what has so irked Theoden King\'s kin, yet I would that you speak the words that will set things to the right again. Some have said \'tis the only noble thing to do.\"

Galdorim scowls at Indilzar\'s laughter and shakes his head. \"Please, Lord Bargolach. Please show our allies some curtousy! I do not know exactly what you have said, but you have offended all the men and women of the Mark. I have been appraoched the Prince Theodred himself asking for your appology as well as a few other Nobles in this camp.\" He sighs deeply. \"Prince Imrahil\'s Emmisarry knows of the this situation and is going to request int he Prince\'s name that you appologize to them.\"

[Indilzar(#10108)] \"Tell me something son of Yerl,\" asks Indilzar with small smile. \"Is not truth one of those virtues for which we fight? It would not be right of me to apologize for a slander to which I am not responsible.\"

Nikala tilts her head to one side, sensing tension in the air and trying to understand its cause. It would take a dullard to not realize that it is Indilzar, but Nikala listens to learn more of the situation. She says no words, her grey eyes darting from Dolwyr to Indilzar, then to Rorgan and back again.

Indilzar looks at Galdorim and says, \"And you Lieutenant of the White Tower are not the herald, nor am I in the service of the Prince. If I am to be blamed by vicious rumours and become a martyr, then my honour shall be blotted beyond what shame I can bear! And oh so shameless shame be not worn upon my heart or branded like a mark of evil as such may have been seen in the eyes of Turin himself.\"

Dolwyr stands up from the empty cot he was laying on, approching the cot where Nikala now rests, and getting nearer to the gathered Gondorians in the process. While his look remains on Nikala, it is now obvious by the angry look on his face that the tall Rohirr pays attention to the discussion going on among the Gondorian leaders and to that conversation only. He now stands up at Nikala\'s feet, facing her, barely able to contain himself.

\"Ah, so your ignorance is not merely feigned? I have heard many things that have been atributed to your lips, Lord Indilzar, but which of them did you actually say and which of them are exaggerations of what was said? It can no longer be known, yet the Rohirrim find your presence in the camp a burden, and welcome the times you spend away on the hunt. That is the truth of the matter, as far as I am concerned. I am trying very hard to remain objective, my lord, but it is necessary at some point for someone to make it known to you how you are being received by our allies. An apology for speaking words hastily and out of turn would, in fact, not be outside the truth of which you speak, Lord Bragollach.\" Rorgan speaks slowly and thoughtfully.

Alasdair ducks his head and walks into the Healer\'s Tent with an double armful of freshly washed and now ... more or less dry bandages. As soon as the lanky, long limbed youth walks in, he bumps smack into the back of whoever came in just before himself, knocking his chin into their spine!

[Dathgar(#19765)] The sweet scent of dried herbs fills Dathgar\'s nose as he sighs deeply, scratches his elbow and lies back down in his cot. Pulling the blankets around him tightly, he places his head on a pillow and shuts his eyes.

[Indilzar(#10108)] \"If you do not believe the words of a friend then friends we are no longer,\" replies the Bragollach with a cool delivery. \"I shall not be held accountable for what lies are spread about me, nor will I apologize to the Rohirrim who I have held in respect since I learned of the ride of Eorl and the field of Celebrant. Yet if this is the doom that is to be, then let the Bragollach have his way, for even the Sudden Flame shall have its day.\"

Nikala lays a hand on Dolwyr\'s arm, \"Think before you do anything. I have seen your people fight, I know them to be brave and honorable,\" she says in a low voice, \"Do your people a credit by continuing to act honorably. Restrain yourself,\" she urges.

\"My own opinion counts less in this matter than you would believe, Lord Bragollach, and if you would break a friendship over words spoken true, no matter how unpleasant, then I would have nothing more to do with you, sir Lord.\" Rorgan sternly and coldly speaks from where he bristles in the collapsable canvas chair near his cot.

Galdorim nods slowly as he listens to Rorgan and Indilzar. He looks to Indilzar sighs. \"Lord Bragolach, if you will not appologize, and you hold the Rohirrim with respect, could you please at least talk to Lady Kerowyn and or Prince Theodred?\" The tall Lieutenant\'s face looks calm and restained as he tries to help out in this situation. \"I have not been made privy tot he exact words say, but apparently they are taken as an insult.\"

Indilzar laughs again as if delighting in this mirth, \"Oh for the world of shame that here we stand far away from our land to argue over supposed words of an honour that would mean naught in but three years time when the west is wasted away. Now, I refuse to embroil myself in this ridiculous situation. If there is aught they have to say to me. Then let them come, I will not be a victim of rumours.\"

Alasdair excuses himself hastily and apologies for his clumsiness for bumping into a Healer woman. He slips around past her, nimble when he\'s paying attention to where he is going, and eases past the knot that is the tall Lord Indilzar, Rorgan, and Galdorim. The young man passes a glance at his Lieutenant for having gotten drafted into doing what Alasdair terms \'woman\'s work\'. Finding a level space on a table past the cots, he dumps his load of bandages on top of whatever is laid out there and sighs in relief.

\"I truly hope you are right, Indilzar. I truly hope you are. Perhaps it is only some halfbreed tailor listening too much to the words of the masses.\" Rorgan intones disguestedly.

Dolwyr slowly turns his head in Indilzar\'s direction, and says out loud, interupting the conversation: \"Are you of Rohan, so lately come to the battle of the age that you deign to inhabit the civilized places? Those were his exact words to discribe us, we Rohirrim fighters who have for so long fought at your side in the name of the Oath. Uncivilized. This is how one of Gondor\'s most noble familly repays the price of the blood spilled by glorious Riders honouring a frindship between out people. Are you of Rohan, so lately come to the battle of the age that you deign to inhabit the civilized places? Those were the words overheard by Lady Kerowyn, King Theoden\'s very own sister-daughter\" he takes a look at Nikala, barely able to give her a smile of confort, and continues \"Those were the words. And an apology would wipe them in oblivion, milord. An apology is all we ask for.\"

Indilzar turns and looks at Dolwyr and then you can see indeed the eyes of the Bragollach flame as he rests his hand on his hilt, \"And who are you?\"

Galdorim nods as he addresses Indilzar. \"There have been many attempts to talk with you, Lord Bragolach, and you were away from camp. One the hunt or some other activity.\" He face hardens somewhat as he remains calm. \"The only right thing to do, in my opinion, is to sit down and talk to the Nobles who are asking to speak with you before this divides the whole camp and stains the name of Bragolach to the people of the Mark?\"

Dolwyr turns to Indilzar, now facing the Gondorian Lord. He says with a voice more noble than one would expect from such a young boy \"I am but a simple Rohirr offended, like others, by your words. I am Dolwyr, son of Jormund. I am but the last heir of a small noble familly. But who I am is unimportant in regard of what you said. Your words have offended every man of Riddermark, from the King, to his familly, to the nobles, to the mere peasants.\" his blue eyes look straight in Indilzar\'s eyes, sustaining the strenght of the Bragollach\'s look.

Alasdair appraises the situation carefully, dark brown eyes slipping from tense person to person before he decides that he isn\'t even going to look for an excuse to get out of rolling bandages. Making sure that nothing has dropped off of the table to fall onto the dirty ground, the young man then begins to trace his path back out the way he came, trying to be very careful NOT to attract any attention and be detained in the presance of angry Noblemen...

Indilzar sighs and shakes his head, \"Well son of Jormund, know you that you shame me by attributing what I say to be an insult to your people, which it was not. Say again those words I spoke and you shall see that I did not refer to Rohirrim as uncivilized, but that the speech is strange and what if you are from Rohan doing in these parts.\" Indilzar brushes his cape back and says, \"But enough of this, I have done no dishonour to any but dishonour has been done to me by both ally, friend and kinsman. Now *I* Indilzar, demand an apology from you, for slandering my good name.\"

Rorgan has fallen strangely silent, pretending to pay more attention to the book brought to him previously by the lieutenant than to what is transpiring between Dolwyr and Indilzar.

Alasdair manages to get past the others and slips out of the tent, into the lighter air and other duties.

[Dolwyr(#19367)] The angry look seem to disappear slighly from Dolwyr\'s face, as Indilzar\'s words come spoken. He looks at the Gondorian Nobleman, surprised, and divided between what his heart and what his duty dictate him to do. Finally, he speeks \"My apology you can have, milord. But I fear it would be useless in releasing tensions that have grown between your people and mine. Your words have been taken as an insult by the King\'s niece, and it is her you must convince that no offense has been made. She also said that you treated us of \"uncous heathen\"....\"

Indilzar shakes his head and says, \"I fear the mountain air has left your Lady out of sorts, for I have had shown nothing but honour for the Rohirrim. Now, that you speak these words my heart grows hot for justice. I demand my honour!\"

Galdorim looks to Dolwyr and back at Indilzar. The look of impatientce get on the Lieutenant of the White Tower\'s face. \"Lord Indilzar! Enough of these petty speaches and striking out at the ones that try to stand up to you. \" He moves so he is between Dolwyr and the Knight of Dol Amroth. \"What is needed is for you to talk to Lady Kerowyn and Prince Theodred. Please do the honorable deed and go talk to them before we have Gondorian and Rohirrim drawing swords against each other! If this happens then the EYE will be laughing at us for we are doing what it wishes.\"

[Indilzar(#10108)] Taking a look at Galdorim the eyes of Indilzar flash, \"Yea, that and more! So! You think that I am responsible for this. Nay! It is not so, nor will I stay where I am not wanted. Therefore, I say to you all, that I shall not come by any road to Rohan, or to Gondor for the word of this knight is not enough! Farewell sweet earth! I ride now and maybe on such a time I may be seen again, but for now, wanderless paths call me!\" With that the Lord Bragollach turns and storms out of the tent in a fury.

Pushing himself to a wobbly standing position and forced to lean heavily upon his chair to remain standing on his one functional leg, Rorgan growls, \"I\'ll give you your honour, Bragollach.\" But it is too late, for the man has had too much difficulty in standing to get the words out of his mouth ere the Lord leaves the tent.

Nikala arches a brow at the Lord\'s fit, not especially impressed by the man\'s conduct. However, that is the only hint of her opinion that she gives. Her head swivels about, searching for the reactions of others.

Dolwyr takes a brief side-look at Galdorim, returning his cold blue eyes to Indilzar \"As always, Galdorim speeks the wise words. I can understand very clearly that there is some misunderstanding, and this must be settle between Lord Indilzar and the King\'s familly. My words were not ones of anger, but merely words of sadness, that came as a peace offering. Either you, or Lady Kerowyn shall apologies.\" he watches paecefully as Indilzar dashes out of the tent \"But your arrogance speaks otherwise, and I wouldn\'t have expected anything less...\"

Galdorim looks to Dolwyr and nods to him slightly. Hisgaze looks to Rargan as he stands up. He strides quickly to his side. \"Here, my friend. Lets me help you back down into your chair. Or is it you wish your cot.\" Sweat is apparent on the tall Gondorian face as he slips his arm arm the Guildmaster of tailors

Trembling and wobbling where he stands the tailor has little choice but to accept the assistance of his friend. \"Back in the chair, Galdorim. The bed is much to confining for my troubled heart,\" Rorgan instructs faintly before shaking his head and adding, \"I would that it had ended differently, for his valour at arms is unequalled. If only his patience and sensitivity matched it.\"

Dolwyr shakes his head, a saddend look upon his face. Finally, he sighs and makes his way to a chair at Nikala\'s side, sits down, and says, looking at Rorgan \"Milord, my heart is still beating at the thought of the words that where here spoken... I feel in my heart that what I did was right, and that someone had to stand up to defend the King\'s familly, but...\" he pauses. As he speaks, he unconsciously moves his left hand to Nikala, his finger gently caressing her fronthead, as if trying to sense some temperature \"but tell me, taylor, and you, Lieutenant, who seem to be so wise in all situations, do you think what I did was right?\"

Galdorim eases Rorgan back into his chair. He stern face looks to the tent flap and back at Rorgan. His deep voice rumbles with restaint. \"He is an excellent swordman, but we are better off without him at the moment.\" He shakes his head and smirks. \"He will be back when his travel purse runs low. He is too reliance on his wealth.\" His gaze looks to Dolwyr. \"I just hope the Men of the Riddermark will not hold all the Men of Gondor for one man\'s words.\"

\"I believe, Rider, that your words were indeed true to your heart and true to your kinsmen. If only mine had been the same,\" speaks Rorgan once he has been carefully returned to a sitting position. He takes a deep breath and it sighs out loudly. \"Only the courage to stand for my people at the end, and that only because I know what would have happened to Dolwyr here, had he accepted the Lord\'s challenge. Some leader of men I am, Lieutenant. I owe you the deepest of apologies.\"

Nikala violently jerks back at Dolwyr\'s touch. Agitated and already looking weary from the fight that went on around her, she sighs, \"I need rest...\" and struggles to lie downa nd sneak under the covers. As she does so, she volunteers, a trace of bitterness in her words, \"He does himself no favor by this act. If he is as skillful in arms as you claim to be,\" she acknowledges Rorgan with a nod of her head, \"Then men will die because he was not by our..your side. That is nothing but selfishness. He puts his wounded pride before the wellbeing of his men.\"

Galdorim looks to Rorgan and shakes his head. \"You owe ne no appology, Rorgan. That...man... was you friend and you held him with respect.\" He sighs deeply. \"He let you...no..He let Gondor and the Steward down. What little respect I had for that man is gone now. He may hold the position of a Noble, but he is not noble in spirit or heart.\" He scowls at the direction Lord Indilzar left. \" Good riddance I say! We have the men and the spirit to rid this area of that warg lair without him!\" His deep voice booms out with anger.

Dolwyr looks in surprise as his head gets pushed aside, not realizing he was doing anything wrong. Not realizing he was doing anything at all with his hands, in fact. But his consentration returns quickly, as he turns to Rorgan and says \"You are too hard on yourself, milord. I was true to my heart, and you were true to yours, and it is all that matters. You did not defend blindly one of your kinsman and friend, and your objectibity is nothing but a sign of your noblety.\" he then turns to Galdorim \"And I can assure you, Lieutenant, that the men of the Riddermark know better than just hold all the Men of Gondor for one man\'s words. I have friends among the Gondorians, and Indilzar\'s words will do nothing to change that.\"

\"Indeed we have the men and the spirit to easily make do without him. Perhaps we can all come to the agrement that running him out of the camp was the best thing we could do, given his recalcitrance, and turn this whole situation to everyone\'s advantage.\" Rorgan speaks more calmly now, but still another sigh does escape his lips. \"Indeed I did count that man among my friends, Galdorim, but no more. Indeed I had respected the man for the small glimpses of nobility he would afford me from time to time, but no more. In his own mind, he has not seen how cruel and heartless his words were about the people of Rohan -- the people from whom I take half of my heritage -- and for that, I must agree, Galdorim. Good riddance.\"

\"But we must change our plans enough that if the Lord Bragollach is captured by the Goblins, he can not give away what he overheard of us before that all begain, Galdorim. Do you think you can get the scouts to find us an appropriate location?\"

\"And indeed, word of his departure needs to be delivered to the kin of Theoden King as soon as it may.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] Private Kadareth of the Minas Tirith City Guard lies fast asleep in his bed, under the watchful surveillance of the many healers of the camp. His condition appears to have improved in the last few days since he regained consciousness, but the man does not appear the same. He has no recollection of his name and much of his past, only a feverish disorder which deludes him into believing that an impending attack by Orcs will storm his beloved city of Minas Tirith. Meanwhile in his waking hours and unable to stand up -- much less walk -- he passes the time shouting feebly at the healers and injured for a weapon with which he can defend Gondor. The man is clearly out of his mind, for the wounds to his head were severe. It is only due to luck and his vigorous constitution that he managed to survive, apparently not without a few dreadful effects.

A glance toward the private, and a look of deep sympathy enteres the eyes of the tailor. With this look still in his eyes, Rorgan turns toward Galdorim, \"What say you to NorthWest instead of SouthEast? That would put our cold camp in the shadow of the mountains, and actually nearer to the Warg lair than we are now. Do you think we can find an appropriate place to hide our men and horses from sight in that direction?\"

Dolwyr turns to the Tailor \"I shall find a fast messenger and send the appropriate message to the King at once, milord, if you let me.\" he then turns to Nikala \"As for you, milady, you shouldn\'t get yourself in such an excited state of mind. Rest is all you need for now\" he smiles \"untill the healers finally let you out of this tent\"

Galdorim nods and ponders the situaltion. \"yes, We shall have to ammend the plan. I will call for you when we are ready to talk in private.\" He falls silent for a moment. \"yes, We shall sent the scouts out to look for an appropiate camp to the Northeast and make sure there is an appropiate place to retreat to so we are not totally cut off.\"

\"Not to the King directly, Dolwyr, unless he has already learned of this slight, for surely does the Bragollach\'s flight indicate his guilt. But instead send word to Lady Kerowyn and whatever members of Theoden King\'s family as are present in this camp.\" Rorgan replies to the rider first, then turning toward Galdorim, \"That would be much appreciated, friend. And if you could see to those casks of oil...\"

Nikala makes herself comfortable in bed, but her eyes do not close quite yet. They wander over to the grievously injured private from time to time, hoping for some change in the better and seeing little if none. She looks back to Dolwyr, \"Thank you for your concern.\" Then she pauses and says, \"Indeed you spoke well, a credit to yourself and your people.\"

[Galdorim(#22020)] \"The price of the Riddermark is in the camp.\" The Galdorim rumbles as he start to plot and think of what to do about the wargs and disreguards the situaltion about the rude knight. \"As with the casks of oil. Yes, they will be stowed in a safe place will our raid on the lair that we have pledged to wipe out.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] Silently asleep as he is now, nobody pays much attention to young Private Kadareth, except to occasionally verify his condition as he rests. It is so that, undetected by all, he wakes from whatever dark dream smothered his conscience. Then a fierce cry is heard bursting from Kadareth\'s strained lungs, a cry that shakes the hearts of those that did not expect such violent eruption from the quietude of the healer\'s tent. \"GONDOR!\" he yells. Kadareth\'s powerfully built arm frantically probes the space to the left side of his bed and clutches a small stool lying vacant, which is then blindly hurled across the tent.

Dolwyr turns to Rorgan \"This shall be done, milord. Lady Kerowyn will be aware of this before the sun sets down\" he stands up, and turns to Nikala before leaving \"Heal well, milady.\" he smiles \"and thank you for your support. It is hard for a simple eoscealc like myself to support the gaze of a Gondorian nobleman\" he then moves to his coat and staff, and prepares to leave the tent. Before doing so, he bows to the Gondorian leaders and say \"I will inform the Prince and his cousin at once, milords. But do not take what happened here for more than it is. Indilzar was arrogant, and he left. This will not especially please the Prince, for his sword would have been greatly needed. But it will surely cool the tensions a little. Still, I wouldn\'t want Rohan to be held responsible for a Nobleman\'s death, and if some scouts would make sure that Indilzar wouldn\'t get himself caught in some stupid goblin trap, it would be greatly appreciated\"

Now does Rorgan picks up in earnest the book that was gifted to him, hefting it carefully in one hand as he speaks again, \"Dolwyr, let the Prince and my sister-to-be know that the words of these Gondorians are words built of the stone of the land from which they have traveled. The Bragollach has removed himself from the camp, because he could not bear to swallow his pride and deliver that which they sought. Their honour has been served and they have been proven to the satisfaction of all to be in the right, and to have been in the right. Convey to them also the sincerest apologies of my Steward and my Prince, for even though I am not the Ambassador of either any longer, I know in my heart that neither of them will feel any less should be said on their behalf.\" And after a brief pause he nods to Dolwyr.

\"And tell them also that no man of Gondor can rightly hold Theoden King responsible for that which happens outside his borders. Should Lord Indilzar Bragollach fall into \'some Goblin trap\' as you say, then he shall be no more than a casualty of war. Indeed, he shall be no more in my mind from this moment forward.\" Then Rorgan looks toward Galdorim, \"Is that how you would see it, Lieutenant?\"

[Nikala(#23645)] Nikala, a brave woman by anyone\'s standards, downright cringes at the private\'s outburst. Ducking swiftly to avoid the stool and wincing in pain as her swift movement aggravates her wounds, she struggles out of bed and to the young man\'s side. She lets the healers restrain Kadareth, while she watches on, quite useless at the moment but feeling the need to be there.

Rorgan, too, turns toward the shout, answering almost out of ingrained reflex, \"For the Tree!

Galdorim nods and chuckles. \"yes, it is so. I have been appologizing in the name of Gondor for that man\'s word since..\" The stool that just misses Nikala lands smack int he middle of his Lieutenant\'s back. He stumbles forward and almost lands on Rorgan.

Dolwyr turns in surprise as Kadareth shouts in some sort of half-delirium, but then turns back to Rorgan and Galdorim, and nods, before finally lifting the flap with the tip of his staff, pale light of the early afternoon now entering the tent for an instant, before the flap falls down behind, shutting off the entry, and sealing the words that spoken once and for all.

Rorgan, too, turns toward the shout, answering almost out of ingrained reflex, \"For the Tree!\" But it is not shouted for more than the briefest part of the first word. Then, with a shudder, he turns back toward Galdorim and again that look of deep sympathy enters into his features as he catches part of his friend with a grimace and a wince.

[Kadareth(#28938)] The young Gondorian yells at the healers that attempt to restrain him, \"Don\'t you see? The white horse! The white horse is killing the man!\" A ghastly expression of panic is stamped across his face as he continues his insane speech: \"And the man\'s eyes! Oh, the man\'s eyes are bleeding! Why don\'t you help? For Gondor, do something!\"

[Nikala(#23645)] As the private is tied down to prevent harm from coming to himself or anyone else, Nikala tries to sooth him with her words, \"I will go and help him. But you are injured, you must rest. Leave it to me and the horse shall be slaughtered.\" She watches the man, waiting to see if her words do any good.

Shaking his head, Rorgan still looks to Galdorim with saddened eyes, \"What book is this, Galdorim? Is it something that Lady Aearwen has had you reading?\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] \"You don\'t understand!\" Kadareth turns his deep blue gaze to Nikala as he hears her voice. \"You don\'t understand! It\'s the eyes! The eyes!\" He struggles frantically to release himself from the ties that confine him to his bed, but such resistance is futile and he desists. His booming voice seems now tamed as he mutters, \"You must stop the bleeding, you must stop it! The Orcs are coming after its smell.\"

Shaking his head, Rorgan still looks to Galdorim with saddened eyes, \"What book is this, Galdorim? Is it something that Lady Aearwen has had you reading?\"

Galdorim shakes his head and chuckles. \"Nah, she has me reading poety from the bands of reknown.\" He grins and motions tot he spine of the book. \"This book was it improve my knowledge of Battle stategy.\"

Nikala remains undisturbed by Kadareth\'s ranting. She listens to him seriously, as if he was a sane man and responds, \"We have healers here. They will staunch the flow of blood. No orcs will come. Even now they come with bandages.\" The woman had been leaning heavily on a tent pole and now she begins to crumple. \"Someone bring me a chair,\" she whispers, the pain etched onto her face. Quickly a chair is provided for her.

Tivadar slowly wakes up without pain this time for once and is a little surprised, shaking his head he leans up and turns to the healess Jessa and kindly asks for a cup of tea. Scanning the tent he sees alot of healess\'s roaming here and there and also spots the Ranger female he met the other day, turning so he can speak to her he speaks though quietly as to not interupt her or Kadareth to much, \"Hail m\'lady, how are you?\"

A nod from Rorgan to Galdorim, \"Indeed the title is well known to me, but I have yet to read it. I rather find Gaurthagnir\'s work, \'Scalable Tactics\' quite informative. Have you read it?\"

Galdorim shakes his head and picks up the stool that hit him in the back. He glances at Kadareth and nods and then sits down by his friend. \"No I havew not my friend. I shall read it when I get back to Gondor.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] \"Yes! yes! Bring the healers,\" Kadareth replies anxiously. \"Bring the healers, for the horse\'s head is injured and must be replaced.\"

Galdorim smiles and pats Rorgan\'s good leg. \"I must be off to make prepareations for the plans.\" he then stands and strides out the door

\"Fare thee well, Lieutenant!\" Rorgan calls out over the mad chatter coming from the cot across the tent.

Within moments, Rorgan has opened his book and effectively tuned out the many distractions that abound within the healer\'s tent. He smiles faintly to himself as he begins the first chapter.

[Nikala(#23645)] Once seated, Nikala looks exhausted and shaken by the exertion. Taking a deep breath, she glances to Tivadar, \"I am recovering well. I only wish the same for your friend,\" she motions with her head towards Kadareth. She opens her mouth to try to sooth the young man yet again, but falters as his words turn even more bizarre. She mouths the words, \"Remove the head?\" and furrows her brow in dismay. But she shrugs her shoulders and plays along, \"The healers are coming. First they must attend to the man. Then they will come for the horse and tend to it. Though I think it not so badly injured that its head must be removed. We can save it. Fear not.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] \"NO!\" he yells loudly. as if enraged at some preposterous suggestion, \"NOT THE MAN!\" He then runs his tongue across the dried lips and continues, a notch more calmly, \"It\'s the horse under the tree! Can\'t you see?\" There is a long pause as his eyes stare maniacally at Nikala.

Nikala peers about the tent, as if she could see what the young man was seeing. \"Forgive me. I see now. The horse. We are going to the horse now. Just tell us what to do.\"

Tivadar smiles to Jessa as she brings him his tea and looks again over to Kadarath and Nikala, a slight sigh as she speaks he sits up farther now and takes Jessa\'s hand. Leaning forward he stands with a slight moan as his legs have not been used since his battle with the warg a little while back. Stumbling forward he uses Jessa as support, smiles and nods as he passes Rorgan, \"New book I see, at least one of us is keeping up on are reading.\" then still moving to Nikala, finally reaching her he takes a seat and smiles down at Kadarath, \"Here now whats wrong Kadarath?\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] Kadareth\'s head shakes nervously from side to side, \"Nothing! I can do nothing! You must help me . . .\" His voice begins to tremble and fade away, and a single tear rolls from his eye. \"The Orcs are coming for all of us,\" he weeps.

A page is turned, and despite the ramblings of the fevered man, Rorgan seems impervious to all that goes on around him, even to the point of not noticing when someone had spoken directly to him.

Tivadar thinking to himself he finds it a little hard to sit here without any sort of support and pain starts through his body yet again, reaching his hand over he places it on Nikala\'s for support and smiles a little, \"If you don\'t mind I still need a little support to sit here.\" Keeping eye contact with her a little longer he smiles again and looks back to Kadarath, \"What orcs sir Kadarath? all of them were slain.. you even helped with one of them.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] And impervious to his surroundings is Kadareth too as he shuts his eyes. \"The bleeding eyes . . . the bleeding eyes . . .\" he speaks softly. \"They are looking down on us . . . and . . . and . . .\" he stops.

Nikala \'s cold heart nearly breaks for Kadareth. She speaks with passion now, not as someone who is humoring a mad man. Leaning forward, she says, \"Yes, but I and your friend can do something. We will help you. We will keep you safe.\" Apparently it is not all right, for she almost removes her hand immediately. She says in a strained voice, \"If you need support, get a healess.\" Then her attention returns immediately to Kadareth.

[Kadareth(#28938)] \"BUT THEY DON\'T GIVE ME A SWORD!\" Kadareth shouts, his bloodshot eyes opening wide. \"I MUST GO! I MUST GO!\"

Nikala calmly explains to Kadareth, unfazed by his shouts, \"They do not give you a sword because you are badly injured. You were struck in the head. We will protect you, we will protect the people from the orcs. They will not get past my blade,\" she swears fiercely.

[Kadareth(#28938)] Kadareth calms down at the sound of Nikala\'s gentle speech. After a fruitless attempt at getting rid of the ropes that restrain him, he murmurs, \"Yes, you too must fight! For the horse has few heads to spare. And I must stay under the shadow of the tree so that the shadow can\'t touch me.\"

Tivadar falls forward as the womens hand shifts under his and even with that little movement was all that was needed for him to lose his balance, hitting his knee on the floor so his whole body dosn\'t go down he stairs down, the long blond hair draps down over his shoulders and his eyes as his cape covers the rest of his body. Not moving that leg for the pain is to great he just sits there one knee down the other his foot on the ground and his arm resting on the leg. Quickly the healess Jessa runs to the mans side but he dosn\'t take her hand all to quickly but just sits there like that thinking. Then finally he takes her hand and lifts himself up as he turns to the women his green eyes focused souly on her and speaks in a much colder voice then anyone would think this soft rider and scout could produce, \"M\'lady, maybe next time you won\'t be so quick to jerk away from a wounded man when he seeks only a second of support, I would have called a healess in due time.\" With that he nods to Kadarath though he knows he dosn\'t see him and speaks, \"Maybe some day you will get well Kadarath... I just wish I knew when.\" Slowly he turns from them both and walks on back past Rorgan\'s cot and to his own sitting back down and takes a sip of his tea paying heed to only Kadarath and Rorgan.

Nikala \'s response is nearly as cold. She shows little sympathy for the man\'s plight, just a vague wince that crosses her hard features. \"Maybe next time I won\'t,\" she concedes, then speaks to Kadareth, \"I will fight. For it is what I must do. And you will get better. For it is what you must do. And once you are recovered, the shadow will be gone.\" She now not only speaks for the wounded man, but seems to speak for herself, her words having some hidden meaning that only she understands.

[Kadareth(#28938)] Kadareth shakes his head in reply, \"The shadow will not go. The shadow will never go. Yet we must fight it, can\'t you see? We must fight the shadow, because of the blood in the man\'s eyes!\" The private swirls his eyes around nervously, as if tracking the flight of some small invisible insect between his and Nikala\'s face.

Tivadar completly ignores the womens response to him as he sits on his cot, still paying no attention now to her what so ever he looks around again noticing Rorgan seemingly caught up in the book, chuckling to himself to let his nerves calm and the pain from the fall go away he lets his eyes fall back onto Kadareth and listens to the man while he sips his tea.

Nikala closes her eyes and sadly nods her head, \"I can see. I can see the darkness, the shadow. We will fight it and we will never give up. We will keep you and the others safe from it, even if it can never be gotten rid of.\"

Rorgan sits on a canvas chair beside his cot, reading the very beginnings of the book he holds in his hands, seemingly oblivious to what ever else goes on in the healer\'s tent.

[Kadareth(#28938)] For the first time since his arrival at the healer\'s tent, a tranquil smile emerges from Kadareth\'s face. \"You understand,\" he speaks softly. \"And the tree and the horse will protect each other from the blood-red eyes of darkness.\"

Fiordor steps into the tranquil surrounds and politely greets one of the apprentices. He removes his cloak to reveal his uniform. He makes his way quietly cloak wrapped over forearm, politely pardoning himself as he inches through the narrow space between beds.

Nikala doesn\'t want to let on to the fact that she really doesn\'t understand, so she says little more. She reaches out and gently strokes the private\'s bandaged temple, then says softly, \"Yes, they will. Now you must get your strength back. So rest. Your friends will watch over you.\"

Tivadar looks up as the man enters, but dosn\'t say or do anything for now something is bugging him greatly as he retakes the healess Jessa\'s hand and walks over to the cot where Nikala and Kadareth are, looking down at her he sighs and speaks still using Jessa as support, \"M\'lady.... I am sorry for my reaction to you moments ago.. I was just surprised at your reaction is all.\" and not willing to say much more he turns and pays more attention to the one who walks in, noticing him he smiles, \"Hail, Sir Fiordor.\"

Nikala sits at the bedside of the raving private Kadareth. She herself is dressed in a plain dress, but she still looks dreadfully pale and weary. The bulge of bandages beneath the dress suggest that she is not a healer, but rather, one of the wounded.

[Kadareth(#28938)] The Gondorian trembles as Nikala strokes his fevered head and nods at her suggestion. \"Must get strong for the battle,\" he mumbles as he closes his eyes.

[Kadareth(#28938)] Kadareth frowns. He reopens his eyes and stares around wildly. \"Woman! What are the Orcs doing?\" he voices loudly.

[Fiordor(#20113)] The Aethelwigend (Captain) returns a salute to the rider who greets him. His hawklike eyes divert for a moment, and studies the visitors and the patients momentarily and he makes his way to the Tailor. A glance over his shoulder, and then he squats next to the man.

Nikala had looked ready to head to her own bed, much in need of rest. But she instantly forgets about herself, \"The orcs are not here. One of our allies has entered. You must trust me. I would not let the orcs attack. It will not be.\"

The motion in near proximity to the tailor does not go unnoticed. His eyes lift from the book, \"Famous Battles of Gondor\" and seeing who has approached, he lays the book to the side. \"Good day, Lord Brother,\" he intones with a smile.

[Kadareth(#28938)] Kadareth appears to relax as he hears Nikala\'s words. He blinks, and his brow creases under the bandages, \"I . . . I don\'t remember anything.\"

[<#20113>] Fiordor chuckles softly, \" Mindless drivel. When are they going to grant you access to the Regent\'s library..\" He smiles. \" Good day to you, Master Brohtor.\" He lays his cloak upon a nearby bed, and begins to pull at his glove\'s fingers one by one.

Nikala hesitates, sensing that the young man might actually be lucid, but fearful of saying the wrong thing and sending him plunging back into madness. \"You were struck upon the head. A most grievous blow. It will take time to remember,\" she says. Then peering about, she asks one of the healers to move her to an empty cot by Kadareth. As she is helped into bed, she calls out to Tivadar, finally acknowledging his apology, \"And I am sorry I let you fall. I take no joy in bringing pain to others.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] A look of puzzlement flashes across Kadareth\'s face. \"Have . . . have you been talking to me?\" he pauses for a while. \"Do I know you?\" His once maddened eyes bear an expression of concern as the Gondorian appears to briefly step out of his delirium.

The smile widens slightly at the jest, \" Indeed, brother, I may access nearly any book I like, but only may remove certain ones that are available in abundant copies.\" Then a brief shadow crosses his features and he sighs, \" There is much afoot today, brother, and I would tell you a part of it so that appropriate action may be taken.\"

Tivadar nods to Fiordor as he continues, looking at Nikala he smiles, \"Its okay m\'lady.\" Turning Jessa he dismisses her so she may help Nikala get into a cot and he himself walks over there, \"Since you are going to sleep m\'lady you won\'t mind if I sit here next to Kadareth? your cot is the closest now.\"

Nikala rests her head on the pillow and already sleep begins to claim her. Smiling at Kadareth, she says, \"Yes I have been talking to you. But no, you do not know me. Your friend here,\" she makes a vague gestures towards Tivadar, \"He will explain things to you.\" Reluctantly, she allows Tivadar to sit on the edge of her cot, though it seems to pain her greatly and her muscles tense. But she makes no complaint and soon enough, it does not matter, for she is lost in a deep deep sleep.

[<#20113>] Fiordor nods, and privately corrects a few of the words his brother speaks. \'\'You have been gone too long.\'\' he adds. His tongue picks at his teeth beneath his lips for a moment. \'\'The camp is abuzz. It would seem each time I make the trip from here to Dunlostir and back something new.... \" erupts\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] Kadareth appears to acknowledge Tivadar for the first time as he sits on Nikala\'s bedding by his side. He frowns as he attempts to clear out the blur of his vision to make out the Rohir man\'s features. \"Brother? Is that you?\" he asks hesitantly.

Tivadar watches Nikala as he sits down and positions himself on her cot so it won\'t cause the women to much pain, looking up at Kadareth as he refers to him he sighs and shakes his head, \"Nay sir, I am not your brother... but you may speak to me as if I was.\"

Giving his brother a nod, Rorgan replies, \"And it seems that no matter how far away from it I try to get, I get pulled into the center each time. Not so different from old times, eh?\" His smile is now wan, yet he continues, \"There have been several attacks on the camp. Not Wargs, but Goblins. One of my men fought one that he says was a fanatic of \'the demon\', and they know the location of our camp. This does not bode well.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] Kadareth sighs. \"I can remember my brothers, but . . .\" he pauses. \"I cannot see their faces.\" The man closes his eyes, visibly tired. \"The Orcs will be coming soon, and I must stand ready for them.\"

Fiordor nods, and laughs a bit too loud. He glances over his shoulder a bit chagrinned. He returns his attention and reaches up and pulls himself to the bedside and makes a seat for himself, obviously not finding the squat comfortable. \"Getting old.\" he explains. \"Then my actions are justified. Please continue, there is more I can see it.\"

Tivadar motions for Jessa to bring a wet cloth, arriving with the cloth she hands it to Tivadar as he wipes it across Kadareth\'s forhead, \"Then maybe sir if the orcs are coming soon then you should get some rest.\"

[Kadareth(#28938)] \"I fear they will come in my sleep,\" Kadareth whimpers, yet he is too tired to argue. The cloth Tivadar runs over the Gondorian\'s face brings some refreshing comfort to him, and he adjusts himself as well as the ropes that tie him to the cot allow it. \"Thank you, brother,\" he mutters under his breath.

The tailor, too, nods, \"Indeed there is, brother.\" He speaks solemnly, \"But that matter is the most grave in my mind at the moment. I have devised a plan which may just work, though.\" A cruel smile forms on his features, one that has not been seen by his brother in many years, and his voice lowers conspiritorially, so much like planning the battle with their cousin now nearly 12 years gone by, and Rorgan speaks these words, \"Brother, we need to abandon this campsite, and leave the tents here as well. We leave a small group of the stealthiest men to tend the fires and make it look as if we are still here, though, and then we make as many different traps and pitfalls and the like as can. The Goblins will come, eventually, and if our men play their cards right, they could goad their entire force into the traps and decimate them with, at most, the loss of a handfull of our own. If we wanted to further complicate things, we could put our force at stand-by and attack them from the flank or the rear just when their confusion is at its greatest. This, I believe will work well for us. Once that trap has been sprung, though, we will have to make it look as if we have retired from the field completely. They\'ll need to see that our tracks lead back South toward the haunted wood and the Westfold. Perhaps we should move those that will not be able to fight any longer along that path to make the tracks for us. And then, with our twenty barrells of lamp oil, we go to the Warg lair and burn those bloody creatures out. Perhaps even save a barrell or three for whatever hole these Goblins keep coming out of. It will mean a lot of cold camping and a lot of skulking about, but Fiordor, you and I both know it takes more than a few Goblins to scare away the sons of Yerl.\"

[Fiordor(#20113)] The family resemblence is quite apparant as these two scheme a bit. \"I have taken the liberty of mustering the The Dunlostir Eored. So we can add to that plan one hundred and twenty mounted troops to sweep in at an... appropriate time.\" He sighs a moment. \"We should discuss this at dinner, brother.\" He then reaches over and pulls the book from the man\'s hands, marking the page with a finger, he closes it with one hand. \"You should rest while I prepare for their arrival.\"

Indeeed does the tailor\'s face light at the news, and he replies, \"That is good news indeed, brother, and good enough news to give me something I haven\'t had in quite some time -- a peaceful rest.\" Rorgan smiles, and pressing himself upward from the chair, he manages to get to a fully upright position for the second time today, and only the second time since he was injured by the warg. It is a simple hop for the man to move to his cot, and he lays himself down carefully.

Fiordor speaks, \"See you at dinner brother.\" and stands, then makes his way to Tiv, to which he says near monotonously, \"Keep his head cool, and loosen those bindings, lest he wakes to find his hands blue.\" And then inches his way toward the entrance.

, marking the page with a finger, he closes it with one hand. \"You should rest while I prepare for their arrival.\"