[Nerindel]

As Astalder rode through the dusty streets of the new settlement he took in every bend and turn and each new building, many of which were in various stages of construction, the village was growing into a friendly community, nearly every person he passed bade him a good morning, the red faced baker, with his tray full of freshly baked breads, the broad framed farrier come blacksmith hammering at an iron shoe on his anvil, the thin middle aged potter wiping his clay stained hands on his apron, before pushing his glasses back up his long nose, Astalder greeted them all with a nod and a smile, But even through the villagers friendly and enthusiastic nature as they went about their morning business he could sense their tension, the odd glance to the river told him that the rumours of stirrings in the south had reach their ears, and that they worried about their position so near to the south road, they knew like he did, if their was to be trouble from the southerners it would undoubtedly pass their way. His warm smile slipped at these thoughts, but returned and he heard a familiar loud and hearty voice, coming from around the next bend.

"No, no, no, man that will never do, do you what my patrons to be knocking themselves unconscious every time they leave, It needs to be higher up... and a little more to the right!"

Astalder grinned as he came upon the settlements inn, 'The Poros Crossing' he read from the sign that a dark haired handyman was repositioning, the deep scowl on the mans face told him that the innkeeper had, had him move the sign several times already. The innkeeper was a tall barrel of a man, his dark hair indiscriminately streaked with grey, an intimidating figure if it where not for the warm and welcoming smile that nearly always adorned the mans rugged features. Astalder knew the man from Minas Tirith, where the man had been a successful wine trader, but as the second son he knew that the family business would never be his and Alstalder was never sure that his old friend had ever wanted the stress and hassle that went with that type of life. But seeing his old friend here and taking the role of the innkeeper of a quite settlement along the Poros, he knew that his suspicions had been right.

"Now! what brings a noted Merchants son from the bustling market place of the White City, to our humble little village?" he laughed as the innkeeper nodded his approval to the man repositioning his sign.

"Astalder!" the man cried in recognition, as he spun round. Astalder almost let out a laugh as he saw the handyman quickly fix the sign to the wall, before the innkeeper had a chance to change his mind, yet again.

"I Heard that you had requested a transfer here, but to be honest I didn't believe it, but here you are!" the innkeeper exclaimed as he strode towards him. Astalder dismounted and the pair embraced, the older man then held him at arms length, "still a Requen? I would have thought you would have made captain by now !" he frowned looking at Astadler's pristine uniform.

"Now, Talfas, you know I will not allow myself to be blinded by ambition, I am happy to serve Gondor in this position, where the skill I have been graced with would better protect our people." He replied modestly. Talfas looked to his friends sword and nodded, he had only once seen the man draw it, but it had seemed to him that the weapon was more an extension of the man's right arm than the cold steel of war.

"It is good to see you my old friend, but I really should not keep my new captain waiting, I will be sure to stop by when duty allows and sample some of your fine ales." he grinned remounting his horse. The innkeeper laughed and watched his friend ride off, before turning his attention back to the sign.

Astalder continued on through the settlement, till he came to a large white stone, official looking building, hitching his horse to a nearby post he dismounted and opened his saddle bags, pulling out the neatly rolled vellum that was his transfer papers. He then stopped a passing guard asking where he could find Captain Anhelm.


"In his office, up there sir," the young guard answered, pointing to the top of some stone stairs, that lead to a smaller building perched upon the stone wall that surrounded the new Poros settlement. Thanking the guard he made his way up the stairs, stopping before the dark wooden door, where he straightened his tunic and adjusted his vambrace's before knocking firmly on the door and awaited an answer from within.