The Citadel of Guard

[Envin]

The Citadel of Guard

Here within the topmost spire of the fair city of Gondor resides the audience chamber of the King and the Queen of the Stoningland. Within these walls sit in state noble Lord Envinyatar and beautiful Lady Arwen, upon high seats on a raised dais. The throne of the Lord is damasked in sable and in silver and laid atop are the signs of Elendil that no lord before him had borne for years beyond count: the seven bright stones and the high crown, and above all the White Tree of Gondor. The throne of the Lady is broidered with azure and silver, and upon it are seen the bright stars of Varda, and the bright horses of Gondor, of which she is the Captain.

This is the Hall of Lights, the hall of council and the hall of petition for Gondor. All they that would have aught to say to the realm's King and its Queen are to come hither and present themselves. Here may ye plead for alliance, and here may ye put forward requests to be heard. All they who are friendly or would be friendly to the Realm of Gondor are welcome beyond measure: let thy cause be known, and with haste shalt thou be answered.





The High King smiled broadly at the sight of Legolas, his comrade of old, and extended his hand in friendship. The good elf took it, clasping it warmly, and Aragorn spake thusly unto him:

"Dear my friend," said he, "For long length of years have we twain been companions, through the dark and the light of all times. How could I e'er refuse thee aught? Of course thou mayest take Ithilien as thine, and dwell within her borders. Thou shalt be my vassal, and stand at my right hand in all the doings of fair Gondor. I give my leave for thou to take up the halls of Emyn Arnen, or wheresoever else thou would reside, but have a care: hard by to thy halls still lies the realm of Mordor, and e'er shall evil make its abode inside its fence. Simply be ready to answer the call of Ithilen's overlord, in need of battle or a ride in thy forests, and all shall be well. Take care, my comrade, and know my hand shall e'er be thine at need."

[Alcorad]

A falcon flew into through the open window and perched on Aragorn's shoulder with the letter tied to it's leg. It nudged Aragorn impatiently and awaited him to read the letter.

Lord Aragorn Elessar of Gondor,

I bid you greetings, King of Gondor, my cheiftan. I am Doren of the Dunedain and with your approval have taken leadership in the Northern Kingdom of Arnor. Now in our time of need I call upon my sister realm to aid us. The orcs of Angmar have their eyes set on the Barrow Downs. I am still investigating the reason for this but I fear war shall soon plague our fair lands. I am trapped in the claws of Moria's goblins, the Orcs of Angmar, and the Wild Men that encompass Enedwaith. I fear that the keeper of Isengard may be once again an Istari deceiver. If so then Middle Earth is in more danger than ever before. I beg Gondor to place scouts on the Northern border of Rohan with the approval of King Eomund II and at the Southern Border of Arnor. If war does come to Arnor your scouts will ride back with haste and retreive the might of the West. This is what I hope for. My friend, my cheiftan, please answer my plea and prepare to defend your sister realm as I am prepared to defend you.

~Sincerely,
King Doren of Arnor~

[Envin]

The High King inclined his head toward the missive as his eyes roamed o'ver it, and thoughtfully glanced he as he read. In little time he perused the entire of the message, and then he spake thus unto the falcon:

"Indeed shall the ties of our people hold true this day, noble peregrine. Get thee hence, and inform thy good lord that his distant kin shall aid him. I shall forthwith dispatch my own epistle to Lord Eomund, and ask him to send his answer both to Gondor and Arnor. Fare thee well. If Rohan is agreeable, then the Rangers of Gondor shall take up their posts anon."

[Alcorad]

The Falcon spread it's wings and quickly flew from the citadel in greatest haste to Arnor. It soon flew high above the clouds and felt the light of a new day against it's wings

[Garland]

Lord Garland reached the great city of Mina Tirith after many days ride from his meeting in Arnor. After he and the two men of Doren stabbled their horses, Garland made his way to the citadel. He came into the grand hall and bowed before the good king of Gondor. "My Lord, I am Lord Garland of Khazad-Dum. Greetings."

[vanya]

The queen of Gondor looked at the Lord of Moria and bowed slightly her head to greet him. She layed her hand on her husbands arm with an askening look and waited for him to answer to Lord Garland.

[Envin]

"Good morrow to thee, Lord Garland," responded the High King as he clasped his wife's hand. "The White City is honoured by thy presence. What may its lord do for thee?"

[Garland]

Garland rose, "Thank thee for thy welcome, Lord Aragorn. I come seeking an alliance between your noble realm and Khazad-Dum."

[vanya]

"The dwarven kingdom awakes again and strips off the dark emptiness? These are good news, Lord Garland. Be welcomed by me also." Lady Arwen said quietly with a friendly smile.

[Alcorad]

The two Dunedain stepped forward. "Lord Elessar. We wish to speek with you in private."

[Envin]

The High King had not observed the entry of his twain kinsmen, but notwithstanding he upheld his consistent politeness. Speaking first to Lord Garland, he answered him thusly:

"Is't so then, that the Black Pit rids itself of evil ties? May I even so name thee friend? With all my heart I wish it. Let us ally, then, and come at the need of the other. Here is my hand upon the bargain."

So saying, he stood from his throne and strode to Garland, offering his hand in companionship. He awaited the Lord of Moria's response, at which time he would then turn to the Dunedain.

[Garland]

Garland smiled and took Aragorn's hand, clasping his shoulder with the other. "Good tidings these are my friend. Do not hesitate to call upon me in times of trouble, though, let us pray for peace and prosperity."

[Envin]

"Indeed, such shall e'en be my wish, and also that friendship and trade may burgeon betwixt our twain realms. You have the eternal confidence of Gondor, and long may our alliance stand."

[Alcorad]

The two Dunedain stepped foward and bowed "Lord Doren was also offered alliance but held some caution for his lands are very near to the Misty Mountains and he knows well of the fate of the elves of Eregion. He has sent us to be with him at all times until we can be sure of his trust. Thus far he has proved honorable but what troubles our lord the most is the knowledge of vast hosts of goblins and trolls in the mountains. Lord Garland states that his army is small and not large. The goblins surely would have retaliated upon his arrival. There have apparently been small skirmishes upon his people but after one of their own died the goblins would have sent their full forces to destroy them. This troubles Lord Doren most of all."

[Envin]

The High King returned the bows of his northern kindred, and inclined his head toward them thoughtfully as they related their tale. When they has finished he nodded in agreement.

"Surely something stays their hand, but what - doubtless this plagues Lord Doren's thoughts. Thou hast come to Gondor by thy will or by his? What may thy kinsman do for thee and thy lord?"