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Minas Ithil

That day was spent entirely within the citadel, as counsel was taken and plans laid bare. Of chief importance was the presence of High King Gil-galad, Prince Anárion, and in Prince Isildur's absence, the Steward Húrin. Long did they discuss the imminent attack upon that tower, and of the concern for those who dwelt there yet could not wield any blade.

But while that counsel occurred, the soldiers of Gondor made their announcement: all those who refused to wield a blade in their tower's defense were to evacuate their home as soon as possible, and flee to the Southern Fiefs, so that their safety could be guaranteed. Those who remained beyond the second rising of Isil would be expected to wield a sword in Isildur’s defense.

In the meanwhile, the Lords who stood in the counsel room of the citadel took debate. Minas Ithil was a small tower, far lesser in size than the tower of Anárion, and its Men alone may not be able to defend themselves against the Nazgûl. It was finally decided to send for reinforcements, for Minas Anor laid across the Anduin, and would not be easily assaulted. And so Húrin once more climbed the Tower of the Rising Moon, and sent for aid via the palantír.

He did this even as the Ship of the Moon arched across the sky. Realizing that no good counsel could come from several exhausted Men and Elves, they decided to retreat to their beds. Gil-galad especially, for he hoped to be fully healed ere the arrival of the Enemy. Still, he did not retreat to the Houses of Healing (with Glorfirith behind him) before finally speaking to Gwaihir. Their conversation was brief, and when it ended, finally was the Windlord able to return to the peaks of the Misty Mountains far to the north.

The tower resteth. Isil sinks behind the White Mountains in the West, and slowly Anor climbs into the sky. A new day comes.

Fields of Lebennin

Galadriel rides hard through the night, crossing the fields of Lebennin, fording rivers in her path and taking to no road. Her mount knows the lay of the land and stumbles not once, taking willing speed from his rider's need to arrive safely. As the sun begins to climb into the sky, the great river Anduin comes into view. Shortly thereafter, Galadriel picks up the road which leads to Osgiliath, and will take her across the great river. She passes Minas Anor and sights with her Elven eyes the preparations of an army to march.

So Gil Galad at least is preparing for an attack. Perhaps Anarion had something to do with this. They are not such large fools when it comes to the point. Galadriel thought fondly of the men as she rode hard toward the bridge and Osgiliath, which she reaches just as the sun tops high noon.

She rides into Osgiliath to the hails of the Men of Gondor, but other than a brief look in any direction and a short stop to water her horse, she pays them no heed, riding on hard toward Minas Ithil.

Minas Ithil - Citadel

Isilien wakes to find her husband watching her. Soft sunlight filters in through the drawn silk curtains and she realizes it is morning. Isilien studies Anárion's face and realizes he hasn't slept much. His complexion in pale and weariness is reflected in his eyes.

My Love, have you not slept? Isilien asks, her voice full of concern.

Minas Ithil - Citadel

Isilien smiles and returns her husband's gentle embrace.

Nadorhuan is here in Minas Ithil. He is a fine warrior. He can take care of himself. Elenna is safe in Arnor with your Father and Naira and Meneldil will take care of eachother. They are fine young men and will defend Minas Anor with their lives. I...am not going anywhere.

She playfully taps the tip of his nose and winks.

Now come. Let us have breakfast and assemble once again with my Father and Lord Húrin. Perhaps your brother is strong enough to join the counsel as well.

And so Isilien and Anárion rise from their bed and prepare themselves for the oncoming day, uncertain of what lies ahead but certain they will meet whatever comes head on.

River Anduin to Minas Ithil

Galadriel resumes her mount just as midday is passing and rides hard through Osgiliath, noticing small tidbits that indicate that they, too, are preparing for an attack from the North.

Past the crossroads she rides, peering North as light begins to fade from the sky toward the path that the Shadowspawn will be taking as they march. Her Elven eyes can just make out black blurs at what must be 150 miles away flying through the air. Knowing these could be either Eagles or Fell Beasts, she quickens her pace toward Minas Ithil. The Beasts had been large - at that distance, probably too large to be Eagles, but it had been difficult to tell.

As full dark falls, she rides galoping into the city of Minas Ithil. She directs the stableboy to care for her horse and see that it is fed and watered and she walks gracefully in. Men and women alike stop to gaze at her beauty, even in clothes suitable for riding. She outshines even the most beautiful among the Gondoran women.

Upon arrival at the gates of the citadel, she walks up to the gate-keeper.

Gate-keeper, I have need to an audience with Gil-Galad, High King of the Noldor. Tell him Galadriel High Elven is here to see him.

The Gate-keeper stammers out a suitable response to her as he makes several deep bows while trying at the same time to open the gate. It is rather comical, and with a smile on her face, Galadriel reaches out to lay a hand on the man's shoulder.

Be still, man of Gondor. Your honor does you well. I have no need of entering through the gates. Let me in through the gatehouse and I will walk myself up to the citadel.

The man looks up at her, stars in his eyes and nods his head. He walks over and unlocks the door to the gatehouse and allows her to pass. Galadriel makes her way up to the citadel and waits in the front room for a serving woman to take her to who she wishes to speak with.

Minas Ithil - Citadel

With most of the stronghold evacuated, the Men of Gondor could now turn their full attention to its defense without having to worry about the innocents. After breakfast, both Anárion and Lady Isilien enter the council chamber and meet with Lord Húrin and a number of his advisors. King Gil-galad is not present, but Anárion worries not. It has only been a couple of days since Isildur's rescue from Mordor and it is perfectly understandable that all from the rescue party rest still.

Sitting in council, Anárion allows Húrin to take control and watches in amazement as the Warden of the Tower of the Rising Moon strategizes and directs his soldiers to their tasks. He is certain Minas Ithil is in good hands. He is equally confident Osgiliath and Minas Anor are rightly defended.

A messenger enters the chambers and whispers to the Prince that Lord Menegil of the Teleri would like a word and Anárion bids the messenger welcome Gil-galad's commander into the council room.

Minas Ithil :: The Citadel
Ereinion Gil-galad

Long after Anárion and Húrin began their discussions were the doors to the counsel room thrown ajar. The Elf-king, still dressed in his dreadfully plain grey robe meant solely for baths and slumber, was silent as he limped over to a seat at the counsel table. Finally, and only after he had sit and had made himself comfortable, he spoke. "It seems as if baths often serve only to delay those in haste." Gil-galad's opening words were cryptic, as was often expected of Elves, especially those of the Noldor.

"Now, gentlemen of Gondor, what were we discussing?"

Minas Ithil - Citadel

The Men's discussions are long and thorough. There is much she does not understand and decides to keep quiet rather than ask questions. Instead, she decides to bring the group lunch as their meeting extends into the day.

Gil-galad enters as Isilien sits having passing out fresh sandwiches and pouring goblets of wine. She instinctively rises again, ready to offer an arm should her father need one. Smiling warmly, she watches as he walks on his own towards the large round table and reaches to pour him a goblet of wine.

'Quel andune, Ada. Malia ten' vasa?