USH'S LORD OF THE RINGS GAME PART 3- The Tournament and the Traitor

Mallachiel reports that her mother is indeed very well yes, though worried for her father, who is greatly strained in these times as the Council tries to form a new strategy.

"We are hoping for close relationships with Gondor in these times," she says. "my mother especially feels the bonds of kinship should prove strong."

-

"Talin!" says Robert, buying you a drink. He waves away any concerns about the cost. "You won't believe how cushy this job is," he says.

"Of course, the bonds of kinship should always prove strong. However, Gondor is still rebuilding following the Wainrider's invasion. We are not as strong ourselves as we once were. These are troubling times for all men, it appears. Have you enjoyed the tournament so far? I saw Lord Annuneryn in the foyer - his performance in the joust was unlucky I thought; although he still bettered me!"

"He shows a great skill for one his age. I feel he deserved better."

"The luck of the day, my lady. Perhaps he will have better in other contests. Do you know if he is entering any?"

She doesn't think so, no. She supposes it would be a bad idea now anyway, with his broken ribs.

"Poor chap. He's had a tough time since he inherited his lands."

"A supreme advantage indeed!" Talin says, greedily accepting his drink.

"So, tell me, Robert, what is the latest talk of the town, as far as the nobility is concerned?"

"No, Annuneryn had not had an easy time of it. Did you come here to talk of Gondorian Lords, noble of Belfalas?"

-

"Same old thing," says Robert. "Half the Council are at knives about the next strategy to take, the other half about who is going to captain which army."

"Well, I hadn't, but now you mention it, do you know any?"

Sadly not; she's never been. Other than the ambassaador of course.

Menelacar will give her a description of some of the notable nobles of Gondor, as well examples of the Flora and Fauna one might find there.

He then changes the subject.

"You mentioned your parents are obviously worried about the situation at present. What of your brothers? How are they keeping?"

"Well enough," she says. "My elder brother can expect a substantial command soon."

"And I am sure he will do well. What of your other brother? Is he in line for command?"

"A little early for him yet, perhaps."

"So I have heard," Talin says. "But I have more specific questions in mind. What of this Lord Annuneryn? What is his character?"

"Annuneryn? half baked-youngster, really. Too young to be a Lord."

Originally posted by Ushgarak
"A little early for him yet, perhaps."

"But he is not much younger than Annuneryn..."

"Annuneryn has had necessary responsibility thurst upon him as the head of the family. My father is still the head of ours."

"I expect he is still a little jealous! I know I would be!" says Menelacar with a friendly smile on his face.

"Oh, maybe! But Elendur is not like his brother, he enjoys life."