Though this be madness...

[Garland]

Garland smiled and bowed to Saeros, "A pleasure meeting you." He then turned to Aragorn, smiling as he recanted the tale of 'dangers' in the mines. "Aragorn, Aragorn. You of all people should know of the dangers involved with these ancient caverns. I was informed of your arrivial not long ago, lucky indeed you are that my captain found you. There are so many passages in the depths yet to be explored by my men, there is no doubt that pockets of gobblins still linger in the unused places." He turned and walked to the hearth were a fire burned warmly. He motioned to the chairs placed around it, "Have a seat my friends and let us catch up on things. I'm sure there is much to talk about."

[Envin]

"Then, good my friend," Aragorn sighed, still trembling slightly with the harrowing journey through the mines, "I fear that we should have simply informed thee of our coming, 'twould have been much simpler, certainly. But now that thou hast saved us, let us sit and talk of things - a strong brandy would not be out of order."

[Saeros]

Saeros raised slightly and eyebrow by the tellings of goblin pockets, but he emptied his face of any expression than a thankfull smile and followed the invitation to sit near the hearth. He walked over to Lord Garland and took seat besides the fire. "I am certain, there will be lot to talk about," he said friendly while lesser friendly thoughts stirred in his mind about this place and its ruler.

[Garland]

Garland stood and walked to a small bar, pouring three glasses of brady. He walked back and offered the pair their drinks before he sat down in his chair. "Yes, it would have been simpler wouldn't it. But, I do like suprises afterall." He smirked and then turned to Saeros, "It comes to my attention that it was you who was charged with Enedwaith's rule after Ilmare's death. It's a shame I was not informed of the change of rule soon enough."

[Saeros]

"Indeed Lord Garland, that it is. But you could show your good will and give it back to me. We just forget what happened," Saeros said and took a glass from Lord Garlands hand with a thankfull nodd.

[Garland]

Garland took a sip of his drink, listening to Saeros. "Aye, I could hand it back, but, I don't think I'll be doing that. You've proved your inability to defend the land from invasion. You're lucky it was I who took her and not a hostile such as Angmar or Mordor." He paused, sitting his glass down and folding his hands in his lap. "Enedwaith's rule has changed for the better in this case. All I can do is offer you my sincere appology and wish you better fortune in the management of you're home in Rivendale."

[Saeros]

Saeros looked with a smile at Lord Garland, but his eyes were cold as ice. "Indeed, I am glad to hear that you are an honorable man," he said calmly.

[Envin]

Aragorn sipped upon his brandy and listened with a barely visible smile to Garland and Saeros. "But why, if 'tis not to bold of me to inquire, why was't exactly that thou chose to take Enedwaith? Why wish to expand thy realm, rather than expend thy strength to keep other realms safe? Is the desire of taking not contrary to our allied aims?"

[Garland]

Garland nodded to Searos then replied to Aragorn, "I had every reason to take Enedwaith. It was Ilmare, afterall, that introduced me to the traitorous Vaire. Once I heard of their death's I thought it appropriate to secure the realm before one of her minions rose to power." He sipped at his drink then added, "It is unfortunate that you did not inform me that Searos here had secured the realm. Had communication been better we could have avoided this situation."

[Envin]

"Indeed, better communication will serve the needs of all," responded Aragorn, settling comfortably in his chair. "Perhaps, though, now that another has come forward, capable of ruling the realm in accordance with our standards, 'twould be ideal to give Enedwaith into his keeping, that in this wise thou mayest keep thy concentration upon thine own lands, and another worthy comrade can be given a chance to rule."

[Saeros]

Saeros nodded and took a sip out of his glass. "That would be indeed the habit of an honourable man to give Enedwaith into its own freedom."

[Garland]

Garland shook his head. "Why should I place any trust in this fellow," he motioned towards Saeros. "He has let the realm fall, without a fight - fortunate as that may be - it leaves me with little confidence in his ablility to see to the protection of Enedwaith's people. He will do best to concentrate on the matter of ruling Rivendale. I'm sure there is much to do there. Enedwaith would only be a burden and distraction to him."

[Saeros]

Saeros smiled. "If I understand Lord Aragorn right, he didn't meant to give it back to me but to another good hearted Lord or Lady. And so would I have done atself, if I would have had any chance. Now is the moment to show your loyality to the free people, my Lord Garland. Will you aggree to Lord Aragorn and give Enedwaith free for another Ruler?"

[Garland]

Garland smiled at Saeros, "I show my loyality to the free peoples by a strong rule, Saeros. I give them order, all you gave them was a hasty retreat. Your soldiers fled thinking only to save their skin. Your 'Steward' I suspect he was failed to show the slightest concern of what would become of Enedwaith's residents. He seemed all to happy to abandon them in order to save his own neck."

[Envin]

Aragorn grinned ever so slightly from the corner of his mouth, and downed another draw at his brandy. He rose and with a gesture to the bar - Garland nodded - refilled his glass. "Saeros' steward seemed an honest fellow, to my mind at the least. Perhaps he was simply departing so swiftly to inform his lord of the invasion, at so opportune a time as when the master was away, aiding in the defense of the world."