[Durelin]

Already unrest among even his own soldiers (what exactly Coen still hadn't been able to discover, he had been kept so busy with what he saw as trivial matters), Lord Athanar's daughter with a bloodied nose, and now a man shouting a challenge to Athanar's men, while insulting the lord and contradicting what he had just stated about his position. They were not guests. Even if they were, Coen was hardly pleased with their hospitality. The folks were civil in his hometown, and they were some hardheaded people, and deeply rooted.

Coen had tensed at the words "guest" and "temporary lord," and he had started to rise at the words "opposed to lord Eodwine." But he remained in his seat when he saw his lord about to stand himself. This was not well for him at all. Coen trusted Athanar's judgment, and knew that something must be done in this situation. He respected Athanar greatly because he was not a man to sweet-talk his followers; he sought to gain their respect, not simply their attention and silver-lined affection.

He knew this type of man, the challenger. He obviously enjoyed his ability to draw all eyes upon him. And with his baited words, he insured that there would be nothing pleasant about this day. He sowed further seeds of conflict, all for his own delight. Coen shook his head, and watched his lord with concern. This lot was going to do their best to string up a good man, and bring down the entire Hall with him.

"There are traitors and cowards in this room, but he is not one of them."

Coen's fists clenched, and he brought his gaze around to all of his men that had ridden with him from Edoras, making sure his eyes met each one. They were to remain in their seats and demonstrate their discipline, and that they did not wish to start anything.

And these men who could not hold their ale or at least their lips...were they both soldiers? Had they no discipline? There was a time for challenges, and a mode for initiating them. The days of hot-blooded warriors and living and dying by men's strength of arms were gone -- the rule of the king and the lords beneath him made sure of that. And these soldiers were meant to enforce that.

Coen wished with every ounce of him that Athanar had not received this position. The man deserved better than this. And truth be told Coen feared he would fail his lord here; he feared he would not be able to control these men, to keep the peace even in the Hall itself. And what of protecting his lord and his family? He looked over to Wynflaed, her face set grimly but betraying no emotion.

He laughed inwardly when Thornden defended the soldier. In no way meant to cause unrest? Coen agreed that deliberation was necessary before a court martial, and he doubted the lord Athanar would resort to such a punishment unless the man continued to demonstrate that he wished to...cause unrest. The new Captain of Scarburg feared he might. They at least had to keep him from gathering other men around him as hot-blooded, such as that Crabannan.

The man -- Lithor was his name; Coen noted it deep in his memory -- attempted to defend himself, as well. So he was referring to some as guests, and not others, and of course only being optimistic about his lord's condition...Coen felt himself being draw in, but then the man commented on Athanar's "thuggish usage" of the news of the man's illness. He had announced to the Hall the condition of the lord, giving them the truth and even telling them that the King Elessar himself might have seen to the man's care. Was that not something to be proud of? They acted as if Athanar had brought the illness to Eodwine, as if he would have planned such a situation as this.

Coen focused his attention and energy on keeping an eye on his soldiers. He would not tolerate a word from them. He would leave all the talking and bringing of order to Athanar, even if he felt sorry for his lord to have to deal with so much. Perhaps, had tensions not been so high from the start, this man's boastful words would have been largely ignored. But with harm already done to his daughter, if not seriously... The lord had reason to be disturbed, and Coen was as well. He both dreaded and looked forward to tomorrow's drills. He would have a better gauge for things then. Today they were all maneuvering blindly.