Discussions in the Steward\'s Hearth

[+TIME] Middle-earth time is:

Daytime on Highday, Day 30 of March.

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Real time is: 12:15:32 MDT on Fri Oct 22 2010.

Scene: Steward’s Hearth lunch time. Set pose lost, but Menelglir is at a small side table, looking anxiously looking toward the door.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

Minutes pass before the door opens admitting Gwendion, dressed in a fresh tabard and chain of the Swan. He scans the room quickly, finding Menelglir with ease, and makes his way towards his. His mood is masked, and his tone neutral as he finds a seat opposite the Squire, \"Good day, Menelgir. How do you fair this day?\"

\"Very well, sir, and you?\" Menelglir has gotten to his feet politely at the Knight\'s entrance, waiting to sit until Gwendion does so. \"I hope it is not an imposition to meet here?\"

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"Of course not,\" the Knight asks, waving down a serving girl, \"I have not broke my fast as yet in any case.\" As she arrives, he orders food for the pair of them.

When she is gone, he comments casually, \"I hear the Knight-Captain is in town.\"

The Squire coughs, reddening and nodding at once. \"So he is. My cousin Lieutenant Aearon tells me that when the Hostmen were ambushed by the Black Company, and while my cousin and his men were desperately struggling to survive, the Knight-Captain watched from horseback on a nearby rise of the land.\"

\"And that is all.\"

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"Really? That is all?\" Gwendion questions dubious of the Squire\'s tale.

\"Meaning that though the Lieutenant nearly died, the Knight-Captain deemed it not necessary to assist,\" Menelglir shrugs.

\"And so...I was angry. It was my fault...this...\" He gestures to his white tunic.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

A sniff, \"If you crossed Imrakhor, certainly it was your fault. You should have more sense than that, even when one of my kin is not holding the position.\"

\"Was that what happened?\"

\'It was, I fully admit it,\' Menelglir nods. He and Gwendion sit at a small, quiet table, having just ordered breakfast. \'I thought I had my temper under better control.\' His mouth twitches.

\"Yes, I crossed him,\" he continues. \"I thought...that he was insulting you, to be honest. Your handling of the dealings with the Haradrim. And I insulted him based on that, but in doing so, also insulted you. I was addressing him as Lord Bragollach. I learned I cannot separate Lord from Knight-Captain.\"

The Squire pauses. \"He demoted me to White Squire until I should learn better, he said. But I am still leading patrols into the countryside.\"

[Gwendion(#24427)]

And now a sigh.

\"Were he a reasonable man, it would be less of a thing, but... he is not a reasonable man.\"

There is more behind the Knight\'s words, but more on it he says naught.

The food arrives, along with drink, and Gwendion begins to eat, \"And of these bandits? You fought them? What can you say of them?\"

[Saeltavor(#32555)] The door swings open, allowing bright morning sunshine in for a few moments around the short, black clad figure of Saeltavor. He glanced around, waiting for his eyes to adjust before shutting it, moving with a slight limp out of the way. He spots Gwendion and Menelglir, offering a wave from there.

[Turlach(#31527)]

The dark head of Turlach rests on the open pages of a tome, with a hand still resting on a quill, held as if to write. Beside the inkpot, a heavy mug of tea stands forgotten, with its steam gently curling into the air. The Man-at-Arms is asleep.

\'Ah...\' Menelglir says, frowning and considering the words from the Knight. \"In fact, sir, in this instance I believe he was reasonable. I only hope that I can earn my way back. Though the fact that he specified that I should lead patrols despite the demotion is some hope...\"

\'The Company....they are clever and deceptive. If they have hired mercenaries or men who wish to be a part of them but without their training, then they are more easily overcome. But if one has to face an ambush and the former Rangers are behind it, then it is quite another matter. Such is the case with Aearon\'s misfortune.\'

\"Sir Imrakhor has ordered me to scour the countryside, just investigating who supports them and where they have their lairs. Make their supporters uneasy but do no violence. At least not yet.\"

[Saeltavor(#32555)] Eyes catching sight of the sleeping hostman next, Saeltavor slips on over, peering over the mans\' shoulder curiously at the writing while he carefully moved the tea an inch to avoid it being toppled if there was a sudden awakening. Then he pulls a glove off, tapping Turlach gently on the shoulder \"Man at Arms? \" he asked softly.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

A wave is given to the Lieutenant by the Knight as he makes his way into the Hearth. His words address the Squire though, \"Do you think he is right to scour the country-side? Is there a danger in the hearts of the people along the South Road?\"

[Turlach(#31527)]

\"Agh!\" Turlach wakes, swiftly and surely, his head bolting upright. \"I haven\'t finished yet, Father!\" Still bleary-eyed, the boy runs a hand over his face and makes to dip the quill into his teacup.

He has not yet realized that Saeltavor is the Lieutenant and that he is in the Steward\'s Hearth...

The Squire, too, looks up, glancing to Saeltavor and giving him a nod of recognition and an amused smile at Turlach\'s outburst. But Menelglir turns to answer Gwendion, mien serious.

\"With all due respect, sir, does it matter what I think? Truly so? I said what I thought and the results of that I now wear,\" he grimaces.

\"But....since you ask, I say that among the common folk, this company has much support. I do not like to say what it brings to mind..\"

Saeltavor quickly moves to stop the dip of the quill, unable to withhold a small laugh \"Easy there! Wake up!\" he coaches a little louder as he gives Turlach\'s shoulder a shake \"You fell asleep while writing something. Let me see - no ink on your face at least. That takes forever to wear off.\" he knelt beside the chair to hold Turlach up until he was awake \"It is I, Lieutenant Saeltavor.\"

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"There is a difference between voicing an opinion when asked, and dressing down the Knight-Captain of the Swan. Especially when he is Lord Bragollach, a house you know well and its reputation. You are being melodramatic to mark the pair as the same,\" Gwendion chides, sipping at his ale.

\"Why would the company find support there? What can they offer the people of Gondor that the Steward cannot?\"

[Turlach(#31527)]

\"Mmmm,\" mumbles Turlach, his head lolling as he is shaken. He half-smiles sleepily, glad to know that the essay has not been reprinted on his face for all to read -- and then his eyes fall to the rank cables of the other, and realization dawns on him.

\"Sir,\" he says aghast, half-rising to salute the other. \"I ... am sorry for my irresponsibility. Please excuse my behavior.\"

[Saeltavor(#32555)] Letting Turlach rise, Saeltavor stands and nods \"Accepted, but there\'s no irresponsibility unless you\'re late for duty.\" he notes, raising an eyebrow questioningly. \"A man needs to sleep when he is not on duty - otherwise he will fall asleep at a more serious time.\"

\"Redress for the wrongs committed by noble houses, for one. Whether actual or perceived wrongs, the Black Company promises this. And money. The Company is robbing nobles on the highways and that coin and wealth is being given to the common folk.\"

Menelglir glances toward Turlach, telling Gwendion, \"the Man-at-Arms there can speak of this too. His patrol of Hostmen was with me on one evening. If he remembers...\"

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"Money? The people of Gondor enjoy coin no less than any other man, but,\" Gwendion frowns, \"They will not turn on the Stewards of Gondor for it, nor their men. The people of Gondor are not slaves and live well, despite the consistent threats at our boarders. It seems a strange thing for coin to buy them so easily.\"

[Turlach(#31527)]

\"I am awake, sir,\" Turlach says quietly, nails digging into his palms where they lie atop his tome. \"It shall not happen again.\"

He stares uncomfortably at the written page, whose penmanship seems to have curled into a slanting line ere it runs off the edge of the parchment, then shifts his gaze across the room, to where Menelglir and his Knight sit.

[Saeltavor(#32555)] \"Being awake is good. What about breakfast now.\" notes Saeltavor evenly. He notes the wavering line and smiles a little, glancing up and over to the Knight and Squire once more as he calls over \"May we join you or is this business of the Knight\'s Order?\"

\"Some support them. Some do not. One man that we encountered was bitter at having lost his land and his son to ..well, he blamed the nobles. But then,\" Menelglir says, \"he was full of drink. Home brewed stuff....\" He ventures a quick glance to Turlach and then back again.

\"Do you think, Sir Gwendion,\" Menelglir leans forward, \"that these patrols I am ordered to have a detrimental effect?\"

[Gwendion(#24427)]

Gwendion waves to the pair over, \"We talk of nothing that any man of Gondor should not know and speak of.\"

As they approach, he continues to his Squire, \"I think not. Banditry is banditry. Protect the people and do not trouble them and they will appreciate your efforts. The code you follow is well for this work. Compassion and humility should be your guide in this work, I think.\"

[Turlach(#31527)]

Turlach gathers up his books and the slanted essay, hugging them close in the case they should again go missing, as they did before. He hesitantly follows the Lieutenant, having nothing to add that has not already been said.

Saeltavor picks up Turlachs\' tea and inkpot to carry them for him as he asks \"Your father still wants you to be a merchant eh? Does he know that Soldiers do not have the free time for two jobs at once?\" he takes a seat next to the Squire as he waves over a waitress to order breakfasts for both of them, turning to the subject at hand \"Ah, the Bandits? I haven\'t run into any that I know of yet. Maybe its just poor timing that a lone soldier is left... well, alone.\"

\"But..\" Menelglir protests, shaking his head. \"That is not at all what I am ordered to do. Yes, it is part of my duties, but the Knight-Captain specified something ...other...\" He hesitates as Saeltavor sits down, looking to Gwendion for guidance.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"Indeed, a group calling themselves the Black Company roams the lands near the South Road,\" Gwendion explains, making room for the pair, \"I believe young Turlach and my Squire have both faced some of their number.\"

[Turlach(#31527)]

\"I -- thank you, sir -- cannot live and breathe wool,\" murmurs Turlach quietly, clasping his tome tightly.

\"A hostage agreement of a noblewoman went awry, sir,\" the Man-at-Arms says, addressing the Knight, Gwendion. \"But Lieutenant Aearon, perhaps, can tell you more. I have only met a commoner of note -- indeed, he seemed glad for the Black Company to aid his difficulties, where previously the nobles had treated him harshly. A brewer...\"

He looks to Menelglir, wavering a moment.

Saeltavor nods in understanding to Turlach. And then he tenses at the note of the noblewoman \"Are all okay? \" he asked to that matter, frowning deeply \"HRm. While its understandable to help the poor, their methods leave a lot to be desired. I wonder if perhaps infiltrating is the way to go.\"

\'That was the commoner I spoke of,\' Menelglir nods to Turlach\'s explanation. \'In our patrol, we encountered a man...a brewer, bitter at nobles and supporter of the Black Company, at least in speech. I do not believe he fights for them, nor fights at all. Though they do use such men when they can.\'

\'I doubt that you could infiltrate them,\' he says only to Saeltavor, then adds, \'pardon me,\' as he leans to Gwendion to speak something low.

\"The Knight-Captain specifically ordered me to make the populace nervous with patrols in areas that the Company is most strongly supported. I am not certain of the wisdom of this, but I am ordered so.\"

[<#24427>] A nod from the Knight as the Squire whispers to him, \"Think more of it as make the populace of the Black Company nervous with your actions, not the brave people of Gondor. Unless the Knight-Captain specifically said all the people of the area, your duties will be sound.\"

He leans back, then addresses the suggestion, \'I know little of the men. Only that they have some training as the Ithilien Company which makes them deadly foes.\'

[Saeltavor(#32555)] \"And why not? \" asks Saeltavor, raising an eyebrow at Menelglir. Then he looks to Turlach \"Do they harm those they rob, or merely disarm and steal?\"

[Turlach(#31527)]

Turlach listens quietly to all this, inclining his head to Menelglir. \"Hostmen had been found earlier, stuck with arrows, slain on the road to Pelargir. They had guarded a merchant wagon.\" His hands tighten about his books.

Saeltavor nods at Turlach \"I see.\" he frowned, looking saddened by the reminder of those mens\' deaths.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"They are a dangerous lot. One we should do our best to put an end to, but they are quick and nimble in their movements. If infiltration cannot be accomplished, then our methods should match our enemies. Smaller patrols, wider areas searched,\" Gwendion suggests.

\"And if I cannot differentiate such and therefore I affect both?\" Menelglir replies openly to the Knight. To Saeltavor, though, he shakes his head. \"Because they are cunning and pick their mercenaries cleverly. Or so it seems to me in the little I have investigated them. Perhaps you have done so more? If so, I would be interested to hear your assessment of them.\"

[Saeltavor(#32555)] \"I haven\'t done any yet myself, Squire.\" admits Saeltavor \"Has anyone asked the Ithilien company for assistance? They know these bandits\' methods best. As you said - Fight fire with Fire, sir Knight. Maybe a message should be sent to the Captain.\"

\"My patrol is only three men, sir,\" Menelglir notes to the Knight. \"Would you suggest I go alone?\"

[Turlach(#31527)]

\"The Silver Ship has joined you at times,\" Turlach offers to the Squire, his eyes reserved and voice quiet.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

A smile, true and kind, comes from the Knight to his Squire, \"I have faith you will be able to do so. Do what your heart knows is right and the rest will come easily.\"

\"And three men is well enough. No less than that, certainly. A man or two with the Hosts,\" he adds with a nod towards Turlach, \"Would do you well. I have heard some of the men where once in their Company.\"

\"Sir...\" Menelglir\'s response to the Knight is professional, but his eyes light at the praise. \"I promise you I will do my best.\"

\"As for Turlach, yes, I would very much like to have him and his men with me, if our patrol can be kept from being too big. Turlach was a great help to me already...you could ask your Lieutenant?\" he says to the Man-at-Arms.

Saeltavor falls silent during this talk. Not being Turlachs\' commander, he had little to say now

[Turlach(#31527)]

\"I shall ask the Lieutenant Aearon,\" says the Man-at-Arms, smiling slightly.

[Saeltavor(#32555)] \"If you gentlemen wish, I will send a message to CAptain Faramir for his advice and council.\" notes Saeltavor.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

\"Well then, I think we all have some work to do. I\'ll scour the city, see what information I can glean from the gossips and those who have fought them in the past. Menelglir, will continue to work on rooting them out of their holes along the South Road alongside the efforts of the Hosts to do the same,\" Gwendion says, looking to each man in turn, \"We should begin compiling what we know of these men. Perhaps something else for the young man-at-arms to keep in his notebook? A list of names, associates, tactics, areas of operation, motives, and rumors. Captain Faramir certainly would be a resource if his time could be found to gather knowledge from him. He is tireless in his attempts to retake the East Bank and his movements are known only to him and his company. But if he could respond, it would be a boon.\"

\"It has been long since our enemies could be found within our walls and it met with Gondor with disaster.\"

Saeltavor nods in agreement \"Aye, but they will find us more prepared this time. I will send a message post haste - personally if I can find a horse.\" he promises. \"I\'ll have the orders spread to my own squads as well. The more we have on it, the better.\"

\"We leave again tomorrow morning,\" Menelglir says, pushing back from the table and setting coin down for his meal and Gwendion\'s. \"I estimate for three to four days before we return, and I will report then. And perhaps sooner, rather than later, I can return to Blue.\" He grimaces, readying to leave.

[Gwendion(#24427)]

Following his Squire\'s move, Gwendion too rises, \"I hate to eat and not spare time for simple conversation, but my mind is aflame with thoughts on these uncommon bandits. I will go now and see what I can learn. Be well to you all!\" He gives a nod to the pair left at the table, following his Squire as they depart.