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Minas Ithil- Houses of Healing

Isilien sighs.

Well...your grandfather fought bravely...and rescued your Uncle from the clutches of the Dark Lord.

The elven princess glances sideways at her husband, wondering if she's revealed too much. Nadorhuan is her eldest son and is, in her opinion, quite capable of dealing with matters of state. However, she knows that Anárion feels otherwise.

Minas Ithil :: The Citadel
Steward Húrin

Immediately, the steward of Ithilien took the safety of Gondor into his hands. Counsel was called immediately, and long was the issue of Sauron's inevitable counterattack taken into consideration. Advice was taken freely by Húrin, and by the end of the hour he had devised a plan that he knew would certainly be approved by Isildur.

Quickly he acted. No sooner had the chief of the counselors left to prepare the soldiers did Húrin ascend the tower of the moon. The beautiful light of Isil was contained within that tower, and the every walls glowed with its pale silver light, a memory of Silpion upon Ezellohar. At night that tower could be seen far off, for the moon itself seemed to be captured within its walls, and only through Minas Ithil's windows could it escape.

Húrin thrust open the door into the highest of Ithil's rooms, and threw off the cloth that covered the Ithil-stone. Quickly he sent warning to Osgilliath and Minas Anor, and even Orthanc to the west. In this manner was Osgilliath prepared for the upcoming assault. He also took time to send word to Annúminas in the North-kingdom of Isildur's rescue, and Elendil was happy upon the receiving of this news.

Long did this take, and several hours had passed before Húrin left the chamber of the Seeing-stone exhausted. From a nearby terrace, he surveyed the tower below, and he saw that Camlost the counselor had done well in his task of preparing Minas Ithil for assault. Lifting his gaze, he could see just barely descry the city of Osgilliath, for it was alight with the movement of Men, and he knew that they too were preparing for battle.

Tomorrow he would order the evacuation of those women and children wh dwelt in the tower, and send them to the Southern Fiefs, for he knew not what strength of arms Sauron would send. Húrin would take no chances when it came to the lives of those his sword would protect

Minas Ithil :: The Houses of Healing
Ereinion Gil-galad

"Nadorhuan!" laughed the Elven-king, "I may be injured, but that does not mean I cannot speak on my own behalf. I would think that you treat your grandfather rather poorly!" But he winked, and it was known that he Gil-galad was merely trying to lighten the mood.

Now Gil-galad would have found no greater joy than if he could lead the city's defense, but this was not to be. He was far too tired to even walk, much less lead a city into battle, and though the pain of the Mordor-blade was greatly lessened, it had not left the king entirely. So he remained content with talking with his family, assured that Húrin would act as wisely as would Isildur.

Minas Ithil - Houses of Healing

Long does Isilien stay by her Father's side and speaks of joyous times long past while all of Gondor is roused in preparation for a counterattack by the enemy. In a chair by her father's bed does Isilien rest and the gathered family members distract themselves with merry tales and songs of more peaceful times in Endor. She seems happy and content to be surrounded by family, however her gentle smile masks the deep feelings of worry and fear she feels about the uncoming dark days.

Late into the night, while the men of Gondor including her dear husband, are still busy preparing the stronghold of Minas Ithil against any attacks, Isilien lightly kisses her Father's brow and bids him rest up and regain his strength before slipping out of the room and into an empty room prepared for her. There she slips into slumber and dreams of the siege of Gondor, tossing and turning as the night wears on.

Minas Ithil :: Houses of Healing
Ereinion Gil-galad

As the day fell into night, and the Moon-ship took prominence in Ilmen, Gil-galad allowed himself to rest. His daughter, Isilien, was well, as was her husband-brother. Though Mordor would soon be upon them, Gil-galad decided to take no heed to this for now. Today was a day of Healing. The years of war could only come soon enough, but not that day. But not today. He soon passed into the blissful realm of rest, and he even walked along the Olórë Mallë. The athelas, with it sweet fragrance remaining even still in the air of the Houses, allowed Gil-galad a restful and blissful sleep. The Black Breath had indeed passed away, even so soon after that despised wounding. And so it was that Isil passed across the Highest Skies, and Gwaihir upon the mountains watched it.

The Gondorians had long to prepare for the coming darkness. The Orcs would surely take at least a week to march to the Crossroads, unless they themselves grew wings and surmounted the very walls which was Mordor's greatest defense. But it was not so, nor would it ever be. Soon, Steward Húrin would announce the plans to evacuate the innocent from that tower. He hoped Osgilliath would follow suit. It was long before he allowed himself rest, and yet still he had not the chance to speak with the Princes of Gondor.

Thus it was that even well into the night did the companies of Gondor unite under their banners. Minas Ithil would fall to no foe.

Gil-galad woke even as Anar slowly peaked above the Ephel Duath, and won through the dark mists of Mordor. The houses were quiet, for his family had left him to slumber peacefully. He called for the attendant, Ioreth, and demanded to know where they lay even now. Soon after, he had seized a cane (for he was still not fully recovered), and was seen leaving the Houses.

Of course, this was not until he had stopped to check upon his aunt, but found her sleeping. Whether she did so peacefully or if she was held captive in a ghastly nightmare, he knew not, but he troubled her not. Instead, he instructed Ioreth to give her a message upon her awakening. "Inform her that her nephew is pleased to see that she is well, and that he would be happy is she came up to the citadel later today, where I shall be waiting."

He was not far from the Houses, however, when he found that Glorfirith remained sleeping upon the stone floor outside. He awoke her, concerned for safety. "You are just come from Mordor; something few can brag. Come, you deserve the softest pillows in Gondor! And I wonder if Elrond ate that pie yet. Oh, how I would have loved to see his face!" He quietly chucked, as he continued, but not before inviting Glorfirith to come with him to the citadel.

Minas Ithil

Anárion stayed with his family a little while longer, allowing the beautiful songs and happy memories to distract him for a little while before leaving to help with Gondor's call to arms. While the good Warden sat in Council and climbed the winding stairs of the Tower of the Moon, he walked about the Fortress speaking with its soldiers and raising morale with words of strength and comfort. As Minas Ithil prepares itself for battle, Gondor's youngest Prince stands atop its high walls looking off into the distance, down the winding dirt road leading away from the Fortress. No sign of the enemy....yet. However there's tension in the air and an inescapable feeling of...evil. Anárion's expression is grim as his eyes study the road for any movement.

Late into the night, Anárion walks back towards the Citadel and enters the large guest room he shares with Isilien to find it empty. He thinks nothing of her absence, knowing she is likely staying in the Houses of Healing, close to her Father. Changing into his night clothes, Anárion wearily climbs into bed, hoping for a little rest before the sun rises on a new day.

Minas Ithil - House of Healing

Kareswen awakes to the suns rays shining through the window in the room that held her dear husband Isildur and High King Gil-galad. She had fallen asleep in the chair beside Isildurs bed and, as comfortable as the chair was, her back was beginning to feel the effects.
She is not too worried however, a warm bath will make her feel better, but Kareswen is worried about Isildur. She finds it hard to fathom how anyone could survive Saurons wrath, and the longer she thinks about it, the more love she feels for him.

Kareswen then kisses her husbands brow as he sleeps soundly, probably the best sleep he's had in days she guesses, and moves a stray piece of his hair back in place. She rises, and looks toward Gil-galads bed, but he is not there. She wonders where he would be so early, but is not too worried, she knows he is strong and will heal quickly.
Reluctantly, she leaves the room and heads toward the bedroom Isildur and herself share. Once there, Kareswen meets a nurse, who is busy cleaning the room.

Good morning, dear Ireth.

Oh, good morning M'Lady. You startled me, I noticed you were not in your bed this morning. Ireth replies and inquires.

No, I fell asleep sitting beside Isildur. Kareswen answers.

Well, thats good. Would you like me to prepare a bath for you? and if you wish it, I can also fetch you some breakfast.

Yes, please do. I would very much appreciate it.

Ireth nods and goes to prepare the bath while Kareswen moves toward the wardrobe and picks a light rose colored gown to put on and places it on the bed. At that time, Ireth informs her that the bath is ready and leaves to get Kareswen some food.
Slipping into the tub, Kareswen enjoys the warm water, and it helps to wash away a bit of the worry she has about Isildur. Just as Kareswen is getting out of the tub and wrapping a cloak around herself, Ireth re-enters the room with a tray of food. She places it down, smiles and curtsies before leaving again.
Kareswen eats some of the breakfast and changes into the gown. She then brushes her hair and slips on a pair of boots before she heads back toward the House of Healing to see if Isildur has awoken.

Minas Ithil :: Outside the Citadel
Ereinion Gil-galad

Even as they spoke, Gil-galad and Glorfirith continued the long trek to the citadel. Though it was not actually far, Gil-galad was still finding his cane necessary, and the pain in his chest troubled him deeply. This, he soon found, slowed him down considerably. He did not mind, of course, because he knew that it would be some time before Mordro arrived. He hoped he would be healed enough for battle then. Meanwhile, he had his family to keep him company.

"Glorfindel sounds like a Elf I could admire," said the Elven-king, as he crawled up the stairs at a turtle's pace, "Courageous, wise, powerful, and most importantly, fun to be with." He sighed, despairing the loss of the great realms of the First Age. "It truly is a pity I could never visit he City of Seven Names, the kingdom of my uncle. May Mandos curse Maeglin for his treachery! I refuse to think of him as my cousin."

Eventually, the two reached the citadel, upon the fourth level of Minas Ithil. Gil-galad was most thankful that Minas Ithil was a great deal smaller than Anárion's tower. He never would have made it up the seven levels to the citadel of the setting sun. Yet he could not help but realize this could be Minas Ithil's undoing in the upcoming battle. Could the city be defended, if the Nazgûl came?

Isildur's counselors, upon seeing Gil-galad, rushed to his side. "We are eternally grateful to you, m'lord. Your daring rescue shall be forever remembered!" Gil-galad could only smile, as he assured them that he could not dream of not rescuing Isildur. "I suppose that is so," replied one counselor, "but we thank thee nonetheless." They all bowed before the Elf-king, several times in fact, before leading them into the tower and the counsel room, Glorfirith just behind them (for Gil-galad demanded she come).

Belfalas ~ Galadriel's Study

Galadriel of the Noldor sits at her desk in her study in the stronghold at Belfalas. The room is simply adorned, with fine woodcraft making the crown molding seem all of one form, and the desk and high backed chair glisten as though still alive. Messages and papers litter the desk, but she pays no attention to any of them save the two she holds in her hands.

One, the one received not three days gone, details the High King's plan to enlist the aid of Gwaihir, King of the Eagles in the rescue of Isildur from Sauron's grasp. What the man had done to be captured by Sauron, she did not even want to think about. Such foolishness could only come from the race of men - Eru's Second Children had never been anything less than hasty at best, and downright idiotic at worst. But an attempt at retrieving the man from the clutches of Sauron in the middle of his stronghold...that, too, had seemed foolish at the time and she had nearly ridden out herself on her fastest horse to stop it. Celeborn had talked her out of it, but she nearly had.

In her other hand, she bears a note she received not an hour ago. On it are the details, written in a hand not belonging to the High King, of the rescue of Isildur and the duel between Gil Galad and one of the Nazgul. Engagin the Nazgul in Mordor! She throws the note down in disgust, and then regains her calm composure. She stands and walks out of the room.

Cirith?Galadriel speaks the Elf standing by her door.

Yes, m'Lady Galadriel?

See that my horse is saddled, if you please. And tell Celeborn that I ride for Minas Ithil tonight. I must speak with the High King.

Yes, m'Lady.

Cirith runs off in the direction of the stables to saddle Galadriel's horse. Galadriel herself glides to her room where she packs her saddlebags and ends up explaining to her husband herself why she must go to Minas Ithil immediately. Celeborn is wary, but agrees to allow her to go.

Dusk at Belfalas sees Galadriel's horse galoping towards Minas Ithil. She carries an Elven wrought sword strapped to her back for easy retrieval on horseback, though few spawn of Mordor would dare attack one of the Noldor, even alone, and especially not Galadriel High-Elven.