In the Camp of the Enemy

[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:

Daytime on Monday, Day 7 of February.

Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.

Real time is: 19:01:35 MDT on Mon Feb 02 2009.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

The Main tent is set up for another night of entertainment...such as it might be for a fighting force far away from home. Food has been cooked over an open fire, and has the smoky, burny scent all over everything...the kind that makes the mouth water. The food is spiced...underspiced by the tastes of a Southron, as the cooks are conserving, overspiced perhaps, to someone unused to the particular flavors.

The tent has many corsairs, most of whom have found a cushion or low seat where they may rest and talk, leaning on one elbow and eating from a common bowl or plate with the other. At the perimeter, near the walls, an honour guard stands at even intervals, present, yet unobtrusive.

Music plays, people talk.

[Alphros(#31271)]

The Lord\'s seat is where it was before at the head of the great tent, but right now Alphros is not reclining in it as before, but rather seated with a handful of Umbareans around a low firepit, luxuriating upon a pile of low cushions. An old wise woman of the Haradrim sits across from him, throwing some sort of powder into the coals in the pit and muttering away about whatever things she sees within the subsequent flashes and smoke.

Cats prowl, here and there.

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad is seated not far from the king and the king\'s confreres, though those confreres are between him and royalty as he is a guest, but not exactly a trusted one perhaps. The Man of Gondor looks over the food prepared and reaches out to grab a hunk of meat. Biting into it, he tears off a bit and chews slowly, getting used to the spices.

[Azradi(#20135)]

Looking uncommonly feminine, Azradi is dressed in red and gold silks her gown is reminiscent of those worn by the wealthiest noblewomen of Gondor but combined with the style and colorful flair of her own folk. In the manner of women from the desert tribes, she wears a large flimsy head scarf over unbound hair of midnight-black. It rests on her head loosely and drapes over the upper portion of her body, its beaded ends tossed over her right shoulder. Her left arm is completely hidden in the folds of the scarf.

She reclines among the pillows near her brother watching what the old woman does with a distracted air - her gaze often raising to look about the tent.

\"The spices are funny,\" Ceredir whispers to his kinsman. Seated near Thingalad, the young man is hesitantly sampling a small plate of what looks like spiced beans. He doesn\'t grimace in disgust at the taste of it, but an odd sort of look comes over his face.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Led by the guards that they have been entrusted with, come the men of Gondor inside the tent. The first to come in is the tall Dunadan, Gurtir, and though he seems somewhat at loss amid the different scents and the sight of Alphros\' empty chair, he does not hesitate, still striding forward, a nod of head offered as greeting to those whose glances he meets.

\"So here you are. Beat us to it.\", he says, upon spotting his kinsman Thingalad, and walks to him... recognizing Alphros midway. A bow.

\"Your lordship.\"-- a likewise curious look is given at the old woman.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad still wears her armor, though it is clean at least, and mended. It may be all she brought. But over that she wears the surcoat (if that is what it could be called) of Farside, which dresses her up a bit. In honor of the guests, presumably, she wears her hair down for once, rather than the usual severe look where it is pulled and bound tightly. Tonight, it flows about her shoulders, starkly feminine against the apparent unisex look the armor lends. She sits near Alphros, eating and talking and drinking, but of silly, unimportant things, and watching the old woman with...distant curiousity as she does her work.

[Yildirim(#24191)]

Slipping quietly into the tent a few minutes after Gurtir, Yildirim pauses at its entrance, surveying those who have come to relax. A good night\'s rest and fresh clothes have done the boy good, his movements do not hesitate with the pains of capture and his face is free of all but the most intense of bruises that still linger near his lip and eye.

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, his manner is not. Serious and stern, his eyes run over the Gondorians and his Lord-Steward, only softening when he spies Azradi. Calling little attention to himself, he makes his way through the people and pillows towards her.

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad nods to Ceredir and then Gurtir arrives and he smiles. \"It\'s quite tasty, whatever this is.\" He glances over towards the king and the firepit, catching a glance at the fire as its light glints off a lady in red. \"Whatever are they doing over there?\"

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros nods his head in answer to something that the old tribeswoman says, and then glances up at Gurtir. \"Gurtir of Carmayar,\" he answers, acknowleding the arrival of the last of the Three Wise Men.

Looking back to the Southron oracle the Lord says something short in Haradaic she nods in answer and, along with most of the Corsairs in the immediate vicinity, rise and move away to other firepits. Once they are gone, the Lord looks back to Gurtir, and Ceredir and Thingalad also. \"Men of Gondor join me here.\"

He then straightens a bit and glances across at the two senior female Corsairs. \"My sister... join us. Su\'ad, please.\" And then a glance for Yildirim. \"You as well, my young champion.\"\"

\"I could get used to it,\" Ceredir grins as he replies to Thingalad. And then as Alphros looks their way, he hastily--hungrily, even--eats the rest of what is on his small plate and stands. \"My lord.\" But he waits for the two elder men of Gondor to lead the way.

[Azradi(#20135)]

\"Yildirim,\" greets Azradi with a fond smile for the boy. Her face is alight with genuine pleasure. But her brother speaks and with the departure of the other Corsairs, she rises and moves to take her seat on Alphros\' right. She is careful to keep her left arm hidden beneath her scarf and indeed, lowers herself carefully to the low cushions.

[Amgad(#31169)] A man dressed in black mostly enters the tent a bit late perhaps. Amgad a young man and guard of black tower glances around remaining quiet. He reaches up removing the wrap over his head for his features to be seen. He looks for the one he has been seeking through the camps.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir had not yet sat with his kinsmen when Alphros\' invitation came, thus he merely reinforces the would-be King\'s word by waving with his non-splintered right hand to his people in a beckoning manner, before turning around and taking a seat in a position he can face Alphros.

\"Quite an interesting culinary you have. Some of these scents are unknown to me.\"

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad seems content to just watch everyone eat and talk, and to try to guess the murmurings of the oracle. That one, she finds fascinating, even as she gets up to move away from Lord Alphros. But as he calls, she pushes herself up from her lounging position, and moves in closer to find a place in the circle of cushions around him. She intentionally chooses a place next to one of the newcomers, and perhaps even between two of them. There, she settles back down, curling her legs to the side as she sits, smiling to her neighbor, then looking at Alphros.

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad rises from where he sits and wipes his mouth off with his sleeve before entering the presence of the king and his ladyfolk. Looking around at the finery glowing in the firelight, he smiles widely and bows to Alphros. \"Fine cuisine, my king.\" He ends up beside Su\'ad and nods to her with a grin.

[Yildirim(#24191)]

Midway to Azradi, Yildirim\'s name is called catching him off-guard. \"Of course,\" he answers simply, now speaking in the common tongue. He detours on his way, snatching a plate of meats from a pair of corsairs with a laugh. They taunt him in his language, allowing the theft to pass with some insults directed at the boy and most likely some member of his family. His delay grants him his choice of seats and find one beside Thingalad. He sits comfortably, picking at the meats with his fingers the child still within escaping free of the Corsair veneer.

[Alphros(#31271)]

\"I trust your Northern guts have adapted to the rich spices that our cooks use,\" Alphros answers to Gurtir, sitting up a little straighter. \"And our camp has treated you well in your meditation.\" He nods his heads in thanks to the offered compliments.

\"So what say you, men of Gondor? Have you more questions to ask? More wishes to be made known?\" Then he glances at the Umbareans who sit with him. \"Or do any of my own people have questions for you.\"

By this time, Ceredir has taken a seat also, somewhere near the other two men of Gondor so as to allow for easy conversation yet also to allow him to listen to the general conversation at the table.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"I believe my young friend might have something to say before our business is retaken.\", Gurtir replies at Alphros, offering the Black Numenorean a diplomatic smile ere glancing around at the people who now join him, whom he greets with polite bows of his head.

\"And I will be more than glad to answer the doubts you or your own might have.\"

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad watches and waits.

[Alphros(#31271)]

First things first: Alphros looks from Gurtir to Ceredir, and gestures for the youngest of the Gondorians to speak.

\"I do..,\" Ceredir nods to Gurtir\'s words, though he is hesitant as he turns toward the Lord Steward. \"It seems to me, my lord, that your people will not accept the men of Gondor, even if we swear fealty to you as our King. At least one such woman that I encountered today mistook my attempts at conversation for insults, and in turn insulted me and told me that you will rule as king only so that the Haradrim may crush Gondor in revenge for all the wars and hatred that have passed between our two lands in all the many years of our conflicts. Mutter did she under her breath as I tried to politely take my leave. Some insult, I assume, but I did not hear it clearly.\"

\"I think there will be much hard work ahead of us to heal these hurts.\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

Absent for the first meeting, Azradi says nothing. In silence, she studies each of the Gondorian men in turn - her gray eyes curiously taking in their manner and appearances.

That cool gaze falls finally on Ceredir as he speaks.

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Looking across the firepit at the sister of the titular king of Gondor, Thingalad notes Azradi looking him and his kin over. He has fetched a goblet before coming to join Alphros\' party and he returns her look with a subtly raised cup before he takes a drink.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir neither eats nor drinks as he listens and observes.

[Alphros(#31271)]

\"Who was this woman, Ceredir? A common Corsair? A noble one? A warrior of Farside? A woman from some other Tower, or none at all? A tribesman? There are many in this camp... Many who have adjoined themselves in it to share in the spoils of war, having played no part in my own designs and wishes, for they come hither to pursue their own. Such is the way of we Southrons-- we are multitudinous in the clamouring of our own wants and needs, and our camps and cities and lands are oft fraught with division. But such also keeps us strong.\"

\"This much I do not deny,\" Alphros answers. \"Do I wish to reclaim Gondor only so that I can scour the earth of life and hope and leave nothing behind that might carry on the history we share? No, of course not. But would I claim there will not be blood shed? No. For you know that this is war, and there are false Lords who must slain, the lies of false Stewards that must be cast down, and much that must be razed so that it can rebuilt. This I tell you simply: I reclaim Gondor because it is my right, and the right of all the Castamiri who have for centuries been dispossessed of what should be theirs. But I am no mad tyrant. Just as the one you call King Umbardacil once drove out or slew the Houses of Castamir and ruled Umbar, while its people endured, so too would I reunite Gondor and Umbar beneath the rule of a rightful King.\"

\"I cannot claim to speak for all my people, Ceredir... But nor can any but I, or those who know my will, claim to speak for me. Whoever this woman is, perhaps she is filled with hate for all of Gondor. But then she is not going to be your Queen, is she? Herein lies the root of why you have come here, no doubt. For in turning to me, you may save what is yours -- your kin and your people -- from this war, and profit on it also through your loyalty...\" Alphros nods to Thingalad.

\"A commoner, I think...but I did not get her name and cannot identify her by her dress as to warrior or no. I will point her out to any who must know.\" Ceredir nods to Alphros, then falls silent again.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros nods to Ceredir, then looks about -- to both Gondorians and Southrons -- to see if any more have questions they would speak.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad calls for a goblet of wine as well, after Ceredir speaks. And as she waits for it to be brought, she leans forward to catch full sight of the Gondorian, and asks, \"I /would/ like to know, my Lord, who it was who upbraided you so.\" Then she turns to Alphros, \"There is something I am curious about...\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

Over flames and spiraling smoke, the King Claimant\'s sister returns Thingalad\'s salute with a slight nod of her head and smile.

Attending to the conversation, Azradi speaks. \"We are a multitudinous people, as my brother has said. And it is because he is well used to dealing with such diversity, that you can rely on him being a wise King who will rule Gondor for Gondorians and not for the Haradrim.\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

At least pouring wine on a goblet for himself, from which he sips as he listens to Alphros, Gurtir\'s eyes lock solely on the would-be King, attentively absorbing the words in the manner he absorbs the drink.

\"And how does your lordship envisions this united Kingdom?\"

Yet as Su\'ad voices her doubt, he defers to her with a nod and a hand gesture.

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad raises his voice as well, \"Will we be united with Umbar and your home city farther on down the coast? That\'s a lot of land for one king newly come to his throne.\"

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad starts to speak, but as Thingalad asks his question, she closes her mouth and just looks at him, interest clearly written on her face. She glances at Alphros for his answer.

[Alphros(#31271)]

\"Did not the Kings of the West-isle once rule the whole of the known world?\" Alphros answers Thingalad, quietly. \"And did not the Kings of Gondor at their height rule lands that stretched from Umbar and all its territories, north to lands now lost, and eastwards as far as the Land of Rhun and beyond? What you speak of is no more vast, nor beyond the ken of any learned man\'s imagination.\"

The would-be King looks back to Gurtir. \"I cannot answer your question in whole as much as I might like to, Gurtir, if only because there is much that lies uncertain, and much that can be changed in the course of a war\'s passing. Of the changing of the land, that would depend on who would turn to our side and our ways, and who would not. The faithful of both North and South would be rewarded. The unfaithul would not.\" He leaves the rest to the imagination before tilting his head to Su\'ad, as if inviting her to ask her question.

\"One thing I will say,\" Alphros then adds. \"I do not live in pretense that what lies ahead is a simple deed, or one that can be easily dictated by prophecy and planning. Such would be foolishness. But this path I follow, with the whole of my being. And there will be war, make no mistake. A long war. But in war is glory gained and the new ways of the world sewn.\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

\"Indeed,\" Azradi adds, \"It is because Gondor once ruled both Umbar and our own home that the line of her kings has come to exist only in our family.\"

She falls silent then, looking to Su\'ad to speak.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad nods just once in agreement to what has been said, then turns to the guests, mostly Thingalad, as he is her neighbor on the cushions. \"When you arrived, you showed little interest in the lord Alphros\' offer of proof to his claim. I would like to know how that is possible. Your intent is clear...some of you stated your motivations already. But this has been eating at me.\" She looks hard at Alphros then again at the guests. \"Even if you, yourselves are convinced of his claim, how will you gather others to your beliefs without proof?

[Naureen(#30298)]

A very late arrival enters the tent. Naureen, dark-eyed, scans those who sit inside and after offering a bow to Lord Farside, she stands by her fellow of the Black Tower, Amgad. At the sight of the Gondoriam company sitting in the armpit of Alphros, she arcs a shapely brow. She, however, says nothing for the moment.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir looks longly at Alphros even after the man has spoken, though slowly he tears his gaze, focusing upon the Su\'ad only fleetingly ere examining his own kinsman Thingalad for what reply will come. He, however, places down his goblet, as one already preparing to speak.

Only with the corner of his eye does he notice Naureen.

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad looks at the lady beside him and he shrugs. \"Gondor is a land of lesser men posing as high-born. They care not for its high heritage, rather only securing what is theirs. Castamir and his folk were driven off by Eldacar, a Northman by blood and breeding to be sure. You think they care about proofs or would be persuaded by such things? Denethor is their puppet and they will prop him up until they are dead.\"

Ceredir, on the other hand, -does- notice Naureen. In fact, the Master Scout gives a bit of a startled jump even as he sits. \"This would be the woman I spoke with, sir,\" he notes to Alphros.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

\"So you...do not plan to garner support for him, other than that which you directly control. Is that correct?\" Su\'ad says with a low tone, brassy and hard.

[Yildirim(#24191)]

Quiet until this time, Yildirim clears his throat, raising a greasy hand slightly, noting he too has a question for the group. Ceredir\'s words do cause him to look to Naureen, but seeing either an unfamiliar or unremarkable face, looks back to Alphros for a motion to begin his inquiry.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"The manner of Gondor, my Lady\", Gurtir addresses Su\'ad, \"Is that all the dogs seeking the favour of their masters will promptly leap at our throats the second we voice one supporting word about Lord Alphros. The way I see it, we are better servants alive than overrun by the whole rest of our countrymen.\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

This said, the Gondorian Captain glances at Alphros.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

\"That is fairly said, my Lord. One lends support where one can.\" Su\'ad murmurs, though by now, the attention is shifting to Ceredir and Naureen, and Su\'ad quiets her thoughts.

\"Best to let it pass, perhaps,\" Ceredir says, though, speaking up suddenly despite his earlier statement. \"As you said, my Lord, there will be war and animosity. What matters is your treatment of us. Not...anyone else.\" A sideways glance is given to Naureen as he says that, then Ceredir returns attention to Alphros.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros nods in counterpoint to both Thingalad\'s and Gurtir\'s answers. \"These men are of use to us through their knowledge, and their strength-- and I am of use to them by what I can grant them in reward. I will say it again... we all know that what will decide this matter, ultimately, is war and death. But if even a tiny fraction of Gondor\'s men turn to us as allies, whether out of true belief of my claim or a simple wish for a gain of their own, that is enough to tip the scales for us.\"

The would-be Lord of Farside and King of Gondor notes Naureen\'s presence and gestures. \"Come join us, Naureen, and watch. And learn.\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

Nodding curtly to the healer, Narueen, Azradi turns her attention to the young boy. \"I believe Yildirim would like to speak, brother.\"

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros glances at Yildirim and nods. \"And so he may,\" he gestures for the young Corsair to say his piece.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir looks over at Yildirim.

[Yildirim(#24191)]

Swallowing a bite from his stolen dinner, Yildirim reaches to take another piece from his place, asking as he does, \"I would ask your Captain this question. To serve a tower in Umbar is to swear loyalty to its lord. I assume you all are bound by your own oaths to whatever men or beings you pledge them to in Gondor. I would grant you the benefit of the doubt, but many would say once an oathbreaker, twice an oathbreaker. Even a broken oath to a puppet is your word made false.\"

He contemplates his next words a moment, then continues, \"I see two paths: The first, you serve by not directly. Allowing Alphros to continue on unmolested by your actions, your word intact in a fashion. The second you serve, you war, you lead with Alphros as your King, stronger and truer than any other as proof of your new oath. Your children, of course, would not have this burden, but how would you,\" he stops, searching his mind for the word in westron, \"Make agree? Reckon? Reconcile. Yes, should you find Lord Alphros\' claim and the man himself fit to serve, how will you reconcile serving two Lords? Perhaps a path I have not thought of? The others may answer if they wish, of course.\"

He smiles boyishly to the group, \"But I wish the quietest one to answer my question.\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

\"A fair question, Yildirim,\" Azradi smiles at the young Corsair. She shifts on her pillows and leans forward, reaching for the flagon with her right hand. While pouring into a cup, her scarf partially falls away from her left side - exposing ugly dark bruises up the side of her neck and along her shoulder. Hastily, she sets down the flagon and re-covers herself.

[Naureen(#30298)]

The arched brow would reach her temple and beyond, if she allowed her muscles to stretch her skin any more. Narrowing her gaze at Ceredir, she folds her hands behind her back, and when asked to join the collective company of Gondor and Farside, she shakes her head. \"You will forgive my refusal in sitting with these,--\" She takes a deep breath as her thoughts dance with a thousand words to refer to these men of Gondor. Finally, making up her mind, she says, \"Guests you have invited into your house.\" Light stress is given to the pronouns of her sentence, but otherwise her tone of voice is pleasant, if only a little clipped at the ends. She falls silent again, standing firmly on her spot of ground.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"A question of a man issuing forth the lips of a child.\"

\"The oath we all swore had this condition: I hereby swear fealty and service, until my Lord releases me, Death takes me or the World Ends.\" Gurtir pauses, looking then from one person there gathered to another, ere resuming his speech, \"Do we not stand on the verge of change? Is this world of lies, senseless war against distant kin, weakening blood and of a Steward that attempts to rule higher than the bloodline of Kings, is it not about to end?\"

\"And as it ends, so does our debt.\"

\"We but acknowledge and welcome the end of this world, our hearts and minds turned to the new world of Lord Alphros, to whom our oaths shall be everlasting, longer than time itself.\"

\"Yet if what proof you require is that of the blade, then arm me, horse me, field me. I wish but to know that I will be fighting for justice, for lore, for a free Ithilien.\"

At these last words, the Carmayar\'s eyes turn to Alphros.

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad listens to Gurtir as he sips his drink and then he asks anew, \"What of Gondor\'s ancient foes in the East? Worlds end, but blood enemies remain. Are Gondor\'s feuds your own or will you make nice with our war-enemies?\" Spying Azradi and her displaced scarf, the Man of Gondor notes with no subtlety her bruises.

[Mara(#22296)] A timid young thing, an acolyte, dressed in black and red, peeks hastily though the tent flap, gasps noisily, and peeks back out again.

[Yildirim(#24191)]

Yildirim scrunches up his face, thinking on Guitir\'s words. He nods after a time, \"I think I see your reasoning. I am not sure I accept it as yet but it is not irrational a way to look at the events placed before us.\" His mind lost on these thoughts, he turns to his food and continues his dinner.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros seems nonplussed by Naureen\'s refusal to join. He turns back to his \'guests\'.

\"Gondor\'s feuds are not my own,\" the would-be King answers Thingalad simply. \"It is not my Kingship that wrought them, after all, nor my wish to follow in the footsteps of the false Stewards. My policies are my own. But I shall heed the counsel of those loyal.\" At this he looks to the Corsairs seated about him.

\"But Gurtir has spoken of oaths,\" Alphros meets Gurtir\'s gaze directly. \"And I fear the time for questions and answers has come to an end.\"

[Mara(#22296)] The small acolyte peeks in again and then taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, comes all the way in, visibly quivering.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"Nay, my Lord, not yet.\"

\"That you shall seek your own counsil is perfectly understandable and praisable yet I still must beg you make me see we share dreams and virtues, further than rules of parlay.\"

Gurtir replies calmly at Alphros, a quizzical gaze following the quivering figure of Mara.

[Azradi(#20135)]

Looking uncomfortable, Azradi looks away from Thingalad\'s scrutiny and picks up her cup. At her brother\'s pronouncement, she once more studies the three men of Gondor each in turn.

Seemingly more interested in the wine he has been drinking as the discussion wound on, Ceredir now sets down his cup and looks up. \"I, too, feel I would like more. If nothing else, something that I can use to convince others of my countrymen that I believe are sympathetic.\"

[Thingalad(#32030)]

His question asked and answered and more drink in him, Thingalad looks around the tent again and again he meets Azradi\'s eyes as she surveys the Men of Gondor.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros looks at the three Gondorians squarely. \"What else you would know from me, I do not know. You could not have come here, into the midst of the army that I lead, thinking you might be able to come and go at whim. But would you have me tell you that I do not already know? You know of my claim. You know of my intention. Would you hear of how we,\" he gestures about, \"Live? Of the laws by which we live? For Umbar is a city of law despite what some of the north may think. The laws are ancient -- as old as your kingdom -- and we live in freedom by them, whether a Corsair of the sea or something else. Men and women are granted freedom to speak their minds, and seek their goals, and loyalty to a Lord is rewarded with honour, with service, and with reward. Look about you at the Corsairs who sit here and know that each and every one of them comes here by choice, whether for glory or wealth or some other thing, and they abide by the laws of Umbar but also come and go as they please, so long as it is within the bounds of reason and honour and oath. In return they are granted all that they are deserved as the faithful: a home, a duty, a trust, and opportunity. Umbar is built on the backs of ancient families and ancient traditions, yes, but filled with the fire of the young and the hopeful. While your camps are silent and grim, ours ring with music and laughter... laughter that might shake the tower of Gondor\'s false Steward and reduce it to rubble.\"

Alphros suddenly notes the presence of the acolyte. \"Yes?\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

Evidently, her earlier discomfort has dissipated for Azradi stares boldly at Thingalad, her brow raised. \"Do you have a question for me?\"queries the Corsair woman.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir nods at Alphros\' words.

\"And have you thoughts about Ithilien?\"

[Thingalad(#32030)]

\"Not yet, no.\" Thingalad smiles widely and then adds, \"The women of Gondor are docile and eager to please. I take it this is not the case in the southlands?\"

[Mara(#22296)] The small acolyte clears her throat. \"The High Priestess of Nurn and the Dark Citadel has arrived in the camp, Lord.\" Her voice is strong and clear even though her body quavers.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad sits up now, glancing between those lounging about, and also toward the entrance of the tent. She shakes off her reverie, embarrassed. \"I have thoughts.\" she responds, unasked. She glances at the man next to her as he talks of docile women, and narrows her eyes, but ignores it for now. \"I think last night I was scouting the other side of the river, and came very close to having my skull cleaved. My choices were fight and die quick, or surrender and die slow. And yet somehow, /I/ was the one without honor. I am sorry to say that I find the concept of honor in Gondor to be backwards from my own understanding. How are we to underst...\" Su\'ad turns her head once more, now to the announcement of the acolyte.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros nods and rises in his cushioned seat. \"Please welcome Her Eminence.\"

A he waits, Alphros adds in answer to Gurtir: \"You are of the Carmayar, a house of the Black Sword, no? Another one approaches, and your time of grace is at an end, Man of Gondor. I will say this much ere the High Priestess enters: sweath your loyalty to me, and I shall make you the new Lords Mormegil.\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

\"Women are as free as men to make of themselves as they wish,\" Azradi replies, smiling. \"I would say rather, that there is no one mold a woman must conform to. Some women are gentle in nature, most are not - at least not overly so.\"

Her eyes drift to the acolyte when she makes her announcement and she falls silent. Briefly perhaps, a look of disapproval shadows the Corsair\'s face and then just as quickly composed to neutraility.

[Naureen(#30298)]

Naureen looks with annoyance as the flap of tent flutters with the quick entry and equally quick departure of the acolyte. Chewing her lower lip, she is patient while Alphros waxes poetic about Umbar in front of his guests. When is over, however, she asks him this: \"Explain to me your policies, my Lord, even though I have not the nobility or Numenorean blood. My Tower is not represented here, and neither is the current Emperor of Umbar. If Gondor\'s feud\'s are not yours, then what do you make of Gondor\'s enemy? Who would you consider loyal counsel?\" Taking just one step forward, she looks at the Lord Farside in the eye. \"Your guests have had their chance to sit with you and hold your ear, but will deny your countrymen this opportunity to know your mind?\" She listens to Thingalad speak. \"Even though you have closed this question session, I as a woman of equal standing with any man, have much to ask. As a King of Gondor, how will you deal with Harad? As a King of Gondor, would you still hold our great Religion,--\" And here she falls silent as her back bends in low genuflection towards the High Priestess of the Eye.

[Yildirim(#24191)]

Too the announcement disquiets the young Haradrim, as Yildirim pauses in his meal. Glancing to the acolyte and then only after some time, slowly begins to eat again.

[Mara(#22296)] The small acolyte bows out and then returns, a few moments later, she returns, behind her a slight woman, not too slender, but not at all large. Pretty in her own way, but not beautiful, with skin the coffee-cream of the folk of Mordor and eye slanted as the Easterlings. She is dressed head to toe in black and her bearing is regal as she enters.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Quickly Su\'ad rises to her feet, turning to greet the entrance, though her face is sober and grim. She bows stiffly and formally at the waist, then glances at Thingalad out of curiousity at what he will do.

[Alphros(#31271)]

\"I thought you cunning, Naureen, yet you have poor timing beyond the wont of any man or woman of Gondor or Umbar who sits here with me now,\" Alphros rebukes Naureen calmly and simply as he turns his attention to Mara\'s arrival.

\"Your Eminence,\" the would-be Lord of Farside greets Mara. \"You have come, and a long way from the Dark Citadel. What brings you to the war-front?\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir\'s eyes regard Su\'ad as the woman speaks, though they likewise fly to the acolyte, hearing her announcement... curiously do they stray after who will approach. Only Alphros\' words drag his attention again-- and great disquiet there is in the Dunadan\'s visage.

It is with this troublesome look that he beholds for the first time the High Priestess and stands up, in the manner of Gondorian courtesy, though no word leaves his lips.

Was there not noise, voices, the drumming within his chest could be heard?

[Mara(#22296)] The slight woman in black, High Priestess of Nurn and the Dark Citadel, smiles a bit thinly. \"I come, Lord Alphros, for three reasons. First, to offer the blessings of the Dark Citadel and Mordor to your endeavors. Second, to offer succor and healing, such that I can provide, to the troops. I am known in Mordor as a healer of great renown, and lastly...\" here the slight Easterling\'s woman\'s voice and expression grow grave. \"To inform you of the state of Umbar since the troops departed.\"

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad tries rising and suddenly he sways and topples in the direction of Su\'ad as he smiles drunkenly.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros seems to forget the present circumstances at Mara\'s arrival and her words, and his lips form a concerned frown.

\"What has happened in Umbar?\" he asks, his worry unconcealed.

Concern on his face, Ceredir stands and rushes over toward Thingalad--probably not making it in time to stop the man from toppling into Su\'ad, though Ceredir does try his best. \"Brother...you need to lie down in our tent,\" he shakes his head.

[Yildirim(#24191)]

Yildirim seems unsure of himself with the arrival of the woman from Mordor. He waits, watching Su\'ad and then Alphros before mimicking them in rising and bowing. He then remains standing, empty plate in hand, waiting for word of Umbar.

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Paler than it is natural even for the men of Gondor does Gurtir now stands, hearing to the words of Mara. Such that the havoc of his kinsman is barely noticed idly, a hand goes towards him to help him, for the Carmayar\'s eyes rest upon Alphros\' and the High Priestess.

\"Aye... take him, Ceredir... I shall follow shortly... I am certain Lord Alphros will understand and grant us yet another audience to conclude our business.\"

For the first time, his eyes part, and he nods at Ceredir.

[Su\'ad(#20109)] Su\'ad yelps as Thingalad topples against her, throwing her off her balance. She instinctively tries to catch him in her arms, while at the same time taking a step backwards and bracing herself. She should have just sidestepped. A pain shoots up her leg and she winces and falls, the Gondorian man going with her.

[Azradi(#20135)]

Like her brother, Azradi does not rise when the High Priestess enters - but the woman\'s words capture her attention entirely. With a worried look, she glances to her brother and then again to Mara.

[Mara(#22296)] The slight woman\'s voice is grave and her manner cold. \"Civil unrest has broken out in Umbar between those who support the Emperor and those who would see the Council of Tower Lords return. There is fighting in the streets and much gossip, much of it foolish.\"

[Thingalad(#32030)]

Thingalad is caught by Ceredir and he salutes in a clumsy way as the other man takes him and keeps him up. \"So sorry, miss. Gamey leg, huh? Big healer just came in, ask her for her to fix it...\" He winks and then waits to be taken away.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros looks at the three Gondorians and nods. \"It seems the business of Umbar grants you another night to sit and think, Men of the North. We shall conclude our business then.\" He frowns at Thingalad\'s drunken stumble.

His frown only deepens at Mara\'s following words, and he leans forward in his seat of cushions. \"This is grave indeed-- and for you bringing me this word personally, Your Eminence, I can only thank you.\"

Yildirim sets his plate down and moves to the side of Thingalad opposite Ceredir. He says naught, only nodding to the scout for them to begin their trial of helping him back to the tent.

[Mara(#22296)] \"I felt the news grave enough that it merited an emissary of the highest order,\" the slight high priestess says, her voice soft, but firm.

\"Come on,\" Ceredir mutters angrily, putting an arm around the taller and broader Thingalad as he tries to hold him up. \"And next time be less into your cups and dreams of glory and women and more into conversation.\" With that he heads out of the tent with Thingalad--or at least tries to, with Yildirim\'s help.

[Su\'ad(#20109)] Su\'ad groans as she rises once more, and tries to regain what dignity was robbed of her by the Gondorian Emmissary. But the words spoken have not been missed, and she says, \"Forgive me, Your Eminence...\" She glances at the north men again, and decides to hold her tongue yet.

[Naureen(#30298)]

If not more, then Naureen is just as interested in what exactly happened in Umbar. She turns to Mara, her lower lip nearly quivering with anxiousness and fear. \"Your Eminence,--\" her eyes lift, if only slightly, towards the High Priesstess of the Dark Lord, \"What has become of my Tower?\" she asks, \"And,--\" her eyes bat nervously, \"And, the Emperor??--\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir does not leave with his he stands, as if mesmerized.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros nods. \"And then our business here at Gondor\'s borders must be put to hold for now-- the sanctity of the city is more important.\"

The would-be Lord looks at the remaining Gondorian, Gurtir, thoughtfully. \"Your Eminence-- you would agree, with me that order must be restored? And I see only one path... The Emperor has brought nothing but chaos and unrest to Umbar and to all Harad. Would you join with me in defeating him?\" He looks to the others, also.

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad steps forward. \"I stand with you, my Lord.\" she says simply, looking at others...especially Mara and Naureen. \"Our traditions have no room for an Emperor, nor has my heart. If I am alone in that sentiment, then you would have to cut it out of me, for from this day forward,\" she looks at Alphros now, meaningfully, \"I am committed.\"

[Azradi(#20135)]

\"Of my devotion and commitment, you know already my brother,\" Azradi replies in turn, turning her head to look at him. \"I will stand with you in this endeavor.\"

[Naureen(#30298)]

On hearing Alphros declare open battle on the Emperor of Umbar, Lord Black, ruler of the Black Tower, one would think that Naureen would be all up in arms. And, yet, she is strangely silent. One would wonder what became of her allegiance? Looking to Alphros, she says, \"If you would defeat my Lord Black and restore the rights of Tower Lords, then who would you,--\" Dark eyes dash towards Mara and then back to Lrod Farside, \"Nay, I do think think you alone could possibly dictate or decide who comes to power, and you have already having staked your claim on your own Tower, would be satisfied.\"

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad turns to Naureen now, and shakes her head slowly, sadly. \"If you believe that, then truly you do not understand where the power of the tower lords lie.\" She turns back to Alphros...and then Mara, almost in appeal. \"See? Already the Imperial influence damages our great, ancient culture, and the people forget The Ways.\"

[Mara(#22296)] \"I do stand with you and the full power of the Dark Citadel does as well,\" the slight high priestess says. \"The Emperor has not been good for Umbar and the Dark Lord does not approve of this innovation.\"

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros nods his head in quiet but sincere thanks to Su\'ad and Azradi. \"This is truth.\" And then he bows to Mara: \"And this is a blessing, Your Eminence. Together we can restore order to the city. Of this you have my thanks, and the promise that I shall not fail.\"

The would-be Tower Lord regards the Black woman who has spoken. \"You asked me many questions before, Naureen, and for now I will say this. Regardless of my other ambitions, regardless of any other doubts you may have of me, know that I am a man who was schooled from birth in the ways of the Corsair, and of our ancient Southern culture. I desire no Kingship over Umbar, nor to usurp your Emperor and rise in his place, nor to adopt the false and lesser ways of our enemies in the North all I wish is for the Ways that have governed our people for three millenia to be restored, so that the Lords of Umbar are as they should be once more, and that the Towers govern our city in freedom and in unity. So bear this message to your fellow people of Black among my camps: if they march with me and assist in toppling the Emperor, no harm will come to them nor retribution meted out on them. For the Lords of Umbar to rule, Black must be numbered amongst their Towers. But if they will not join my cause, then they must leave, and expect no mercy when next we cross.\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

\"You shall wage war on two fronts, Lord Alphros?\"

Asks the remaining Gondorian, scarcely louder than in a whisper, his eyes finally focusing upon something anew.

[Mara(#22296)] The slight woman listens to the speech that the Lord Alphros gives carefully and then the slight high priestess draws herself up to her full, if diminutive height and speaks with the cadence of one long practiced to sermons and speeches. \"Hear this: it is the Dark Lord\'s will that Umbar be brought back to order and that he be worshipped in the way that is his due. It is his will that Umbar be restored to the glory that it deserves and that His people bear dominion over all that they see. Hear this: It is our time, not theirs and we shall triumph.\"

[<#20109>] Su\'ad turns toward Gurtir, having forgotten he was still standing there. The she turns to the others. \"\"

[Alphros(#31271)]

\"I came here with all these men and women you see,\" Alphros gestures about, \"Men and women of Umbar and of Harad, to restore the strength of our land that has for years crumbled before the swords of Gondor. I also came here to prove my worth, to give those who would follow me a chance to prove theirs, and to stake their claim. When all is said and done, we have succeeded here for now-- the Gondorians are hemmed behind the Poros as they once were, and I may return to Umbar and leave the Crusaders to continue their battles against your people. There has always been war on two fronts for we of Umbar-- the war with Gondor and the maintenance of the balance that preserves our city.\"

At that, Alphros turns and bows to Mara again. \"And so it has been said. I shall depart now, your Eminence, to make preparations for our fortifications here so that we may return to Umbar with all due speed. There are Corsair ships docked on the western coasts who can bear us there swiftly.\"

[Mara(#22296)] \"Well, then, perhaps I will get my ride on a ship after all,\" the slight high priestess says, her lips gently curved, \"though I might wish it were under slightly happier circumstances.\"

[Su\'ad(#20109)]

Su\'ad bows to Alphros with a slight smile, as he speaks to her in her native tongue, and watches him as he leaves. Then to Mara she also bows. \"Forgive me, Your Eminence, but to me these seem the happiest circumstances possible. Please feel welcome upon my ship, the Saqrwa\'il, should you deem it worthy of your presence.\"

[Gurtir(#30678)]

Gurtir nods at Alphros\' words in silence.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Alphros glances about, and then nods. \"And so the preparations begin.\" Inclining his head one final time, he disappears.

[Alphros(#31271)]

Azradi goes with him.