[Nerindel]

"Welcome to the Poros settlement, Astalder,"

Astalder took his captains extended hand in a confidently firm, but friendly grip. "It is a pleasure to be here, from what I have seen they have the beginnings of a very fine settlement here," he smiled returning his captains greeting. The young captain had seemed solemn and his eyes for those first few minutes of their meeting had betrayed the weight of his position, but he pretended not to notice. He had to admit to himself that on being told that his new captain was a young man, the concern had been there that he would be facing another ambitious, brash and overconfident young man, but in those first few minutes he had seen that his fears were unfounded, the fact that his position weighed heavily upon him spoke volumes to the experienced soldier, this man thought before acting, an attribute that he believed essential to men of their position.

"Yes, it is coming along well" Anhelm answered with his smile in place and turning towards the window, but Astalder noted the same look he had seen from the settlers as he rode through the village that morning.

"Rumours of stirring have reached their ears and though they hide it well their thoughts are on the lands to the south and their eyes drift oft to the road." he said relaying his observations and guessing the direction of his captains thoughts. Anhelm remained quite for a moment looking out over the settlement and Astalder fear for a moment he had over stepped his position , but just as quickly he pushed his doubt aside, if he was to best serve his captain, his family and the settlers they were sworn to protect, he would have to know if there was any substance to these rumours.

"What news do the scouts bring this day?" he asked after Anhelm had turned confirming that he too had felt the silent tension over the settlers. His Captain looked at him contemplatively for a moment, likely assessing the reason for so blunt a question, "My apologises captain, if I seem rather bold and presumptuous, but it has always served me well, to rely only on facts than to adhere to rumours and hearsay." he offered as way of explanation. Too his relief the young captains smile returned and with a satisfied nod Anhelm gestured for him to take a seat. Pushing his sword aside he did as he was bade sitting down on a dark wooden chair and waiting patiently as Anhelm took his seat and ruffled through a few papers on his desk. If there was trouble brewing this young man would not face it alone, he for one would help if he could and as his wife was always reminding him the men of Gondor were a strong and valiant people and would weather what ever troubles came their way as they had always done and he had faith that if the need arose the people would come to support this young captain.

Astalder focused his attention on his captain listening intently to everything the young man had to say, so he could be better prepared to protect these people.