'Aye, should do summat about Me idiot brother; but not in this state.' Luce thinks wandering off to bed.
In the morning she rises well after the sun has crested the hills; after the initial aching head Luce starts to feel guilty. 'Ma will 'ave been up for hours. If she 'eard about this; I'd be in trouble.' Groggily the farm lass gets dressed and washed-up, going down stairs he stomach rebels against the smell of food. With a wave of her hand she gets some fresh air wandering the streets of Downholme.
'Now t' spend some of this brass, I ain't e'en got me Sunday best. Then me and Mr Brewerson could talk 'bout goblins. Maybe 'e could e'en ask t' progress about t' shard, git some answers that week.' she thinks slowly as she meanders slowly through the streets. Her fluid course takes her to a tailors; she gets Ms. Howarth to fit her for a nice dress and some more travelling clothes.
Spending a nice morning shopping and recovering in the cool breeze; Luce find herself outside the shop where Doris works. Sheepishly she enters and makes a bee-line for the woman; "Ayup, how thee doing?"
Doris smiles. "Grand morning, our Luce. Enjoyed party didst tha?"
Luce puts her hand carefully to her head; "Aye, rather too much. Jangi can put on a reet proper do. How's about thee?" she says hopefully. "Do you have a Grand time? He's a sweetie, if a bit..." Luce adds whilst gently examining the buttons on the counter.
"Aye, our Jangi knows how to throw proper party. Not so bad mesen. Nice to see your Kyle again. Reckon he's grow'd up summat."
Doris's tone is non-commital.
"Aye, that he has. 'Es going ta talk t' Old Jarl." Luce says with a slight twitch of her eye as she remembers the barny that ensued last time they met. "So tha'll be seeing more of 'im, round these parts." She watches the girls reaction to the news.
"Hopefully, he'll recovery from what 'appened near t' scar." Luce exemplorises trying to add an air of mystery to her brother. "I'll be staying a bit in town, f' abit."
"Grand man, your da. Shame Kyle's so like him really. Bound to fratch when they're together, but happen things'll work out better now. Be nice to see him again."
Doris's tone implies that whatever is going on with her and Kyle is her business.
"Buying owt, Luce, or just passing time of day?"
'Good a proud, head-strong woman like that'll do him well.' Luce inwadly smiles.
"Aye, I'll get some of that lace, thread, marbles." Luce picks out a few things from the shop, realising that she had brought none of her stuff from the holding. She then carefully gets out her purse, making every copper count.
Feeling refreshed from the strong winds she comes back into the inn and looks for Vondal; "How's it going Mr Brewerson?" Luce sees if the others are around too...
Luce finishes her shopping and looks around for her companions.
Recovering from her hang-over she asks for some porridge and apple juice.
With as keen as the girl's senses are, Varis knows his appearance was noticed before he just sprung up beside her. "Luce. Good morning to you. What did you find on the sheep?" He asks quietly, as if they are trading international secrets about the throne.
"Grand day, now it has started." Luce keeps her voice low, not just in case of any throbbing head, "I talked to Mr. Botham, if any around here, be it farmer or merchant knows owt then he'll find it out."
She pauses; "He said he didn't know owt about the sheep, he thought it may have been fey." the last word whispered as if saying their name calls the magical beings. "And if it was, Morgana could have called it, or lured it."
"I am also worried about t' gnolls, if she like knew of a pack in t' mountains we don't want 'em coming down 'ere looking for their kin." Luce adds. "Though there is new stuff, something to do w' t' Goblins, their royalty, the Goblin 'ole and the Boons of the Progress."
"Hope ya had a grand night. Were thinkin' of goin' t' have a gander at t' goblins. Maybe t' King or someone might know tales of t' rock.?" Luce says lightly inviting the dwarf to lunch (or breakfast).
"Yes, most stimulating. Indeed, to visit the travelling court of a powerful fey would be a most exciting, if potentially perilous, expedition. But their knowledge of arcane lore is doubtless deep. I just hope that they do not wish too terrible a boon in exchange. As for this goblin, well, hrumph..."
Luce shivers at the thought of an exchange with the capricious fey; 'I ain't bright enough to bandy words with t' Fair Folk.'
"Aye, well I don't know. It's just w' this money we earnt, thought it would be best t' do a bit o' travelling. Or enjoy thysenth." Luce says happy that her future, at least for the moment, is full of options.
Sigvard spends most of the morning wandering around talking to older people who might have known the heroes when they were younger, trying to discover what portents attended their birth and what daring deeds they performed as children. He'll be slightly disconcerted if there aren't any, but of course there are many reasons why greatness of spirit might be hidden till it has to show itself. He also plays a few songs for any groups of children he finds playing, trying to avoid the particularly violent or obscene ones. Around lunch time, he heads for the pub. Perhaps I will find these heroes there, and at least I can play or pay for my lunch.
He also plays a few songs for any groups of children he finds playing, trying to avoid the particularly violent or obscene ones.
Slowly sipping her apple juice, Luce thinks slowly about how her life has changed in the past few days. Absent-mindedly she gets out a marble from her dress pocket and rolls it on the table. "Never thought I wouldst be doing this. I feel a bit of a lummox sitting around when there's work t'be getting on wit'. Then again it's nice relaxing."
Arriving at the small hamlet, leading his pony, a dwarf in full plate regards the scene. After stifling a sigh, he remarks to no one in particular, "Suddenly I feel as if I know who is at the bottom of this."
Kendall removes his gauntlets, rubbing at his wrists. The dwarf's age is only belied by the length of his dark brown beard. He tucks his helm beneath his arm, as he approaches one of the locals. "You there, good sir. Kendall Steelshod, at your service." He offers the gent an arm clasp, "I've only just arrived here, what praytell is the excitement about?"
From where he sits next to Luce, Vondal notes with vague interest the human bard, noting with approval how he avoids the vulgar youth of the village. But he blinks with surprise as he sees a familar figure accosting one of the locals - one of his father's housecarls, the doughty warrior Kendall Steelshod. Vondal sinks into his seat with a degree of chagrin. Checking up on me...
"Another ale?" then seeing him slump in his seat; "Or are you done already, Mr Brewerson?"
A chainmail-clad man steps into the scene, a fullblade strapped across his back. He stifles a yawn as he asks no one in particular, "What's happening here?"
"Getting a round in, y' want one Sir? Feeling a bit flush." she asks the barman for a trio of pints, a cider and a glass of sloe gin, with some tonic.
After inquiring with one of the locals, Kendall nods to the man, gesturing to the pub. He clasps the peasant's shoulder as he gives thanks, sending him on his way.
The knight raises a hand to his mouth in thought, his eyes dart over towards Caine. With a measured step, Kendall moves to greet him. "Given your gear and bearing, I would surmise you would be Caine then?"
After Caine's affirmation, Kendall continues, offering an arm clasp to him as well, "Good to meet you, I offer my apologies for pulling you out to this humble village. When I had heard news of you seeking quests and honor, I was already en route here." He further continues, an arm on his hip, "With the Progress in motion, all lords and servants alike have sought to ensure the land is quiet. It would be good to have an extra sword at my side."
After inquiring with one of the locals, Kendall nods to the man, gesturing to the pub. He clasps the peasant's shoulder as he gives thanks, sending him on his way.
The knight raises a hand to his mouth in thought, his eyes dart over towards Caine. With a measured step, Kendall moves to greet him. "Given your gear and bearing, I would surmise you would be Caine then?"
After Caine's affirmation, Kendall continues, offering an arm clasp to him as well, "Good to meet you, I offer my apologies for pulling you out to this humble village. When I had heard news of you seeking quests and honor, I was already en route here." He further continues, an arm on his hip, "With the Progress in motion, all lords and servants alike have sought to ensure the land is quiet. It would be good to have an extra sword at my side."
"Yes, I am Caine. And you are Sir... Kendall Steelshod, I presume."
Caine accepts the proffered arm. "Yes, a chance of honor would be nice for a change."
"Is there a tavern where a man can drink ale and woo women?"
Kendall raises an eyebrow, "You give a strong impression of guilt, good man, nevertheless it just so happens I have business there as well." He leads the way to the pub, then pauses, "I have been asked to look in on someone, It shall not take long I imagine, barring any carousing."
He adds a few moments later, "You carry yourself as a soldier, where'd you serve?"
"I served with the Free Companies. It was a hard time, you understand."
Kendall nods, "Hard times indeed." Leaving it at that, he strolls into the pub. As the eyes of the hamlet's pub turn to him, he ensures that he carries himself properly, standing tall and with purpose.
It doesn't take long for him to notice his quarry, his gait takes him up to the table. Giving a stiff bow to the table, "Vondal Brewerson, I presume?"
Caine accompanies Kendall. He stands to one side to allow Kendall to conduct his business.
Luce, a youngish woman with flowing chestnut locks accented with a couple of braids. "'ere thee goes, pint for thee." She places a foaming beer on the table next to him.
As Luce and Vondal contemplate their futures, they become aware of several interested newcomers. A bright-eyed bard hums quietly, occasionally testing out stanzas of a verse - to Luce's blushing amazement, she hears her own name among them.
Vondal is less happy for the advertisement, coming as it does hard on the heels of the unwelcome sight of Kendal Steelshod. There's no doubt in his mind that Kendal's business will be with him. Even less welcome perhaps, is the simultaneous arrival of a grizzled veteran who looks distinctly out of place in the domestic setting of the Bleating Lamb.
For Rev
For Rev
Luce wanders over to the gentlemen singing; 'Wonder who this bloke is?' she looks around the bar hoping not to see any familiar faces, elsewise she's sure to die of embarrassment. Turning to Sigvard she taps him on the shoulder with her dark nails, 'I don't usually do this, but...' "Sir, would you like a drink?"
"If you are offering I will not say no." Sigvard peers slightly at her, and then bows slightly, a smile on his face. "Although since I recognise you as one of the heroes involved in the recent incident, perhaps it is I who should be buying for you. Luce, is it not? I am Sigvald, son of Ingvar, and it is my pleasure to meet you."
"Sir Kendall, as formal as ever. It is nice to see the old ways have not died out," replies Vondal dryly. "How fare you, and how fares my father? And what beings you to this isolated and otherwise unremarkable hamlet - no offence, Miss Winterscliffe?"
Luce blushes slightly as Sigvald checks her out; "Aye, feeling a bit flushed after t' recent 'incident', I hear from your song that words travel fast." Used to the gossip around a small town she well knows that fact; but she is a bit flustered by the nice looking young man.
"Did thee make up t' song from scratch- it was reet nice. I play a bit o' recorder mesenth." She takes a sip of her drink. "Sit w' us, I'll introduce you."
She gets back to the table as Vondals speaking; "None taken, Mr Brewerson. It's a cosy place."
"Well enough on both accords, and word of your deeds proceeded me. I hadn't expected to hear such things. May I take a seat?"
Assuming affirmative, he grunts as he sits in one of the free chairs, "I'm sure you know that I was asked to look into your wellness, and it seems you are no worse for wear." He folds his hands together. Care to tell me your tale for when I make my rounds back?"
Battling his way courageously through the rather snotty children of Downholme, Sigvard finds himself taking refuge in Tanna Muker's bakery. Wrapping himself around one of the best curd tarts he's ever tasted, Tanna tells him an interesting snippet about Luce's birth.
"Terrible night it were. Thought they'd lose her for certain, and mam too, but then there's knock at door see and stranger comes in and blesses place. Must have been strong soul to do that. Not many's get past Old Jarl. That's our Luce's dad. She don't know it o'course, but she's apple of old man's eye. Reet proud of her he is."
Seeing she has Sigvard's attention, she tells him a bit about Varis too.
"Wolfsbane they call him round here. Not so many fey get welcomed, but he's one. Watches flocks all over they say. If'n there's strays or miscountings or wolves, they do say Wolfsbane'll see thee right. Been here a long time now, our Varis. Nice lad. And why I'm saying "lad" I don't know. He looks same age as when I were lass, and same as when my granda were lad."
Of Vondal, she knows little.
"Bit of an odd one. Posh-like, but fair does to him for helping out Blackstreams. Don't know many dwarves, but he's got a fancy for learning, seemingly."
Tanna also has a titbit of news.
"My Tom'll be reet upset. His dragonborn's been promoted, along o' Tiberious. Got word this morning from Ivo. Reet impressed he were wi' pair of them. Sent them to follow Progress, see. Mebbe get King's eye. Shame for us, but good for them."
As the Bleating Lamb slowly fills with regulars, gossip starts to filter in as well. Ivo Carson, the militia commander has promoted Tiberious and Aurix overnight and sent the pair of them off to guard the Progress. While there is general feeling that this is a good thing, there's a touch of resentment too that Downholme should be deprived of the pair so soon.
"Grand for them like, but reckon our Ivo's looking for notice hisself. Not saying our lads can't cope, but can't hurt to have that pair round to protect us."
Luce blushes slightly as Sigvald checks her out; "Aye, feeling a bit flushed after t' recent 'incident', I hear from your song that words travel fast." Used to the gossip around a small town she well knows that fact; but she is a bit flustered by the nice looking young man.
"Did thee make up t' song from scratch- it was reet nice. I play a bit o' recorder mesenth." She takes a sip of her drink. "Sit w' us, I'll introduce you."
She gets back to the table as Vondals speaking; "None taken, Mr Brewerson. It's a cosy place."
When Luce compliments his tunings, Sigvard blushes. "Ah, it needs much work. Still, there is a start there. And you play yourself? One day, I would like to hear you." When Luce mentions introducing him to her friends, Sigvard stands up eagerly. "Yes, let us meet your friends, though they may not be as interesting as you."
"I ain't much, just a shadow of t' Land. Ye know, reet." her words are self-depricating and she gently brushes a braid back behind her slightly tufted ears.
Absent-mindedly she takes a sip of a drink as she moves over to the table. Passing conversations slip by; 'Aye, 'tis good t' Captain and Aurix got a promotion. Hopefully t'will get 'em more money and prestige. An 'elp prestige of Downholme too. Bound to see 'em again too.'
Getting over to the table, Luce introduces Sigvald to the group arrayed there. "Everyone this is Sigvald, son of Ingvar. Sigvald, the quiet one is Varis, Wolfs' Bane and renowned hunter. Mr Brewerson, master of the Arcane and Lore... errrm" Luce's words hesitate when it comes to the remaining unknown pair but determined to not sound stupid she falteringly continues. "...this is a grand dwarf in armour, some grand warrior or summat and t' other man is obviously a grand bloke judging by his appearance."
Luce sits down red-faced and buries her face in her drink.
The knight stands to introduce himself, "Kendall Steelshod, at your service, this is my associate Caine. Pleased to meet you, Miss, Sir" He gives another stiff bow to the lady, and an acknowledging nod to Sigvald.
He sits, looking back to Vondal. His hands push against the table lightly as he shifts back slightly in his chair. "Well, it seems you are in high regard indeed."