Gorlim finally puts his papers down.
"The King himself will give you the details," he says. "But we are organising a diplomatic visit to Cardolan itself. His Majesty feels that the presence of a wide diversity of peoples in the party he sends will help prove his point about how this is a unification of peoples against the Witch-King, rather than a simple political move by Arthedain."
"If it is ok by you and your king, I'd like to come as a representative of my people, Altho I hope you are not misleading us and that it is souly about unification against the witchking. We've lived in slavery long enough to know that it isn't a good thing, and I will not help anyone to bring it on others"
"It IS about unifying against the Witch-King, But also our Royal line IS the rightful ruling one of those lands. For Arvedui's plan to work he must be King and ruler of them all."
[This is true. In fact you Noldor are aghast at the idea that COMMON men- even Edain (term the Elves use to describe the descendants of those men who allied with them in the past)- are ruling anything of what SHOULD be Dunadain lands]
"But my thanks, I am sure Arvedui will be gladdened by further company. As for Lord Elronds... well, that is not my department. I am unsure if we have any plans to persuade your kin to help- we have tried for centuries without success, after all."
Fornost is considerably cleaner than anywhere in the Anduin valley, Argentis! But it is more like Osgiliath than Minas Tirith (called Minas Anor at this time, and Osgiliath being the Gondorian capital)- it is not a vast fortress. It has city walls but it is far from impregnable. However, the quality of the walls and armaments is top notch- far better than you have ever seen anywhere before. Much of it is rather beautiful as well; it was built in a time when men could still remember the glory of Numenor, and some of it was re-created here. The people seem exceptionally relaxed, as well, for a country at war. Still, nearly all of the young men you see are in uniform.
(just giving Phoenix a little more time)
Now, you are going to be dealing with common men in this mission, Vardalain and Palanfirith, so gloves on and try not to breathe too deeply... heh... of course, if any of you want to say that your time with humans has softened your attitude, feel free...