The Citadel of Annuminas

[Alatariel]

Alatariel became angered at this statement, but attempted not to show it outwardly. "And why, pray tell, is that so? I am interested in the wellfare of the peoples of Middle Earth, not in why I am not allowed simple entrance into a palace Citadel."

[Alcorad]

"Thank you Murazor. As my neighbor and friend I truly am greatful."

Doren then turned to Garland somewhat grimacing. Not because Garland did not agree with him but now because Garland was making him look like a fool in his own citadel. "Very well Garland. I have given you my trust, friend. My original intent in this council was to strike first. This is true. I called so that I may be counciled by friends. Peace will have no chance if we allow this to transpire. Now my final question to you is: Will you aid me or not?"

The guards outside of the citadel shook their heads in sympathy. "As are we all my lady. I am afraid that this is a private council and not even we may be any closer to it than this."

[Alatariel]

Alatariel shook her head and smirked, though out of annoyance, not joy. "Alright then." She said coldly. "Just remember that you had your chance." She pulled the hood of her cloak back up over her head, mounted her steed, and began to ride off.

[Garland]

Garland nodded. "I will of course come to your aid if you are attacked. However, at this time, I cannot afford to jump into an aggressive attack"

[Alcorad]

"Thank you. I understand. May your lands rest in peace." Doren looked to Murazor nodding calmly. He understood Garland's thoughts. His people were not as numerous as others and although every life mattered his entire kingdom could fall in the attack. He needed to remain where he was most needed.

Doren then delivered a glance to Siranna. She had been quiet since the arguing had begun. Now that it had simmered down a bit he begin to give her questioning glances as to her own stance. "Lady elf? Will you aid me?" Doren did hope that Siranna would. In this gathering of leaders Siranna was the closest thing to a friend that Doren had. Of course he was an ally to many of these people with the exception of Megloren, he did not have as much time to speak with them on less serious matters as he wished he did. Their meating in the Old Forest had begun their friendship though the talks of wars in that day were light and Doren had only lightly acknowledged the threats of his kingdom taking no consideration too great. Little had he known that only days later he would make a discovery of his own.

[~Tom~]

Murazir turned his head slightly towards siranna he didnt know what she would say,

[Siranna]

She nodded. "I'll help you to an extent. But I can't send all my men out at once."

[Alcorad]

"I would never expect you too." Doren was smiling now. He had at least two allies who were willing to help him. The others he had hoped would but with Eomund apparently under the influence of Isengard he doubted that his request would be granted. It mattered not. If Rohan did not wish to aid the free peoples then they did not need to. Apparently with Eomund snuggly in Megloren's aid he did not need to worry about attacks from the enemy. At least not from Angmar. A position Doren almost envied... almost.

Doren took a small bite of his food and slightly looked towards Ashuron. "Now that you have seen this my friend, will you help us? To preserve peace will you help us?"

[Garland]

Lord Garland finished his ale and stood. "My Lord, thank you for your hospitality, but now the hour draws late and I must be returning to Khazad-Dum. I wish you great success in your endeavors, as they are noble and for the good of Middle Earth." He then looked around the room, saying his farewells to the allies he had already known, and to those he had just met this day. After many handshakes and bows he turned and made his way to the door.

[Gimli]

Gimli looked up from his tall mug of ale, now set before him on the table. After draining its contents he turned to conversation with the dwarven elders now assembled with him. After much discussion during the debate of the other leaders, Gimli stood up, however short his stance might be, and addressed those present.

"I think we've heard enough now. We haven't seen any true sign of aggression. Let us simply send troops to encamp upon the border of Angmar. Let the fool attempt to drive forth then, and if he does, we catch him red-handed, and if he doesn't, well...then let him rot in his vile castle. I say, leave him to his content, and go about as we will. The dwarves of Middle-Earth are a dwindling race, and we have much to attend to, so we will wait to act until we see a clear sign from Morsereg of his intentions," and then, turning to Megloren, [/i]"Or perhaps some sign of deception. Either way, Erebor waits..."[/i]

[Faron]

Ashuron adressed those present, "The Elves of Lothlorien will come to the aid of those here, when they are needed. Until then, we shall be content to sit in our forest and wait."

[Alcorad]

Not enough had accepted the proposal. Doren would have to wait and allow his own people to live in fear. Not without the help of his friends however. No matter how vast the legions of darkness might become they would be victorious. Doren rose nodding to Aragorn and to Kili for although they had not yet said their peace the outcome was apparent... Arnor would wait and upon the day of reckoning they would be ready. Arnor's defenses would be bolstered and the rebuilt watch tower of Amon Sul would become the home of Albesteen if he would so allow it.

"Then the decision is clear. Not enough do we have for an aggressive attack but we shall wait and be ready for whatever vile force the darknesses of Middle Earth dispatch. I shall alert the guard and increase watch on Arnor's Northern and Southern borders. I am confident that the mountains may be secured by Siranna, Garland, and Ashuron. Thank you my friends. If you still wish to stay and speak with me then you may for I shall have an ale with any of you or if you have further that you would wish to discuss. As for you Albesteen my friend, I would be honored if you would stay in the watch tower of Amon Sul and help to maintane Arnor's defenses."

[Boobers]

Albesteen stood and nodded to the leaders collecting his now opaque palantir from the stone table. He stuffed it into his robe and nodded to Doren. "I shall do as you suggest and make my abode in your tower. The vassals of the valar shall show me the way. You do not need to bother with such a task."

He quickly bowed and turned away leaving the Citadel. He began to walk down the steps into the evening sky. The son was setting on the horizon of Lake Nenunial and for now all was peaceful in Annuminas... for now.

The wizard walked out of the city to the shores of the river Bruinen. He whistled into the air and a great eagle received him. It nodded to him and lowered so that Albesteen could mount it. Then the eagle opened it's beak and behold! The great emissary of Manwe could speak! "Where shall I take you, friend?"

Albesteen squinted his eyes at the setting son and felt the evening breeze gently stroke his beard. "To Amon Sul." The eagle lifted into the air and began it's flight towards Amon Sul, the wind's force pushing them onward further towards the darkness but further towards a new hope.

[~Tom~]

Murazor stood up and walked over to siranna and said "Do you want me to tae you home siranna "

[Envin]

The High King of Gondor had remained silent during all the discussions of the council, thoughts wieghed and tested in his own mind, and now that things seemed to be decided he opened his heart to his comrades here assembled.

"Into this discussion little enough thought for Enedwaith has been given, I think. Certainly it is that Ilmare has sued for peace, but for long count of years my Queen has been aquainted with this woman, and Arwen senses falsehood in her. I as well do not feel truth in her gaze and in her words. And this revelation of Morsereg may have many imports. Beset from many sides may we be ere long, for Morder is controlled now: smoke rises upon my borders. And long have I been aquainted with this Dindaedel - evil dwells in his heart like that of the Nameless One. If my northern kin are to go to war, then their southern brothers will aid them, and against the bright blade of Westernesse Anduril no Wight shall stand. In my keeping resides the Stone of Orthanc, the strongest now left to Middle-Earth, and much has it revealed to me. If this Council decides to sit complacent and allow evil to come to our doorstep and take from our grasp our children, then Gondor shall comply. But, instead, if ye would take it upon thyselves to make this Middle-Earth pure, then the sight afforded me by my palantir shall influence much.

Choose ye what ye will."