Fifteen years ago Uther Pendragon, King of Altaira, died. Leaving behind no heir of his own to take up the crown country he had spent his whole life building, the nobles he had brought together where unsure of how to move foreword. With rumors that Uther had a bastard heir somewhere in Altaira so well known, the nobility planned to wait at least a short time to see who may come foreword. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months finally into years. Though by then the nobility of the land was dealing with too many issues. Uther had left taxes at an all time high just before his passing, and without the power from the crown no noble could change that.
So the country struggled, several came foreword as supposed heir of Uther but with the help of Grand Cleric Emilia all where proven liars. Upset with the disruption these false heirs where causing, Grand Knight Commander Weinheidt and Grand Cleric Emilia took Uther Pendragon's sword and forced it into the base of the statue of Arturia before the Temple to Arkay. A spell was set upon sword and stone alike. Only when one of Uther's blood pulled upon the hilt would the statue release the sword. The sword stood within the stone for ten years before one day, during a tourney, a young squire pulled the sword from the stone in order to get his knight and foster brother Cei a sword to use. Once the nobles saw the young man with the sword, everything changed.
Three years have passed since that fateful day, and King Arthur Pendragon first of his name sits upon the throne. Taxes are at an all time low, the capitol is slowly being repaired, and finally for the first time in fifteen years the knighthood of Altaira has swelled.
Now is it early morning, those among the castle as starting to go about their choirs. The squires at in the practice yard, training the morning away.
Dealan is in the kitchens of the local ward, making pastries for the children there. He is in a simple bakers outfit with a black apron, showing no signs of the bearings of a Knight. With his squire away, and away from the others he was simply relaxed. Another pastry went in the oven the kitchen smelling of breakfast. Despite his cooking Dealan's mind was obviously elsewhere. His belt pouch was like a weight to him, though by the look of it there were few coins there.
Maybe I should tell somebody, he thought to himself. But who can I trust.
Ser Jonith is in the stables. Last night came a early frost, so the cavalier is removing blankets from the horses, and and feeding covered hay, so the frost will not sully the beasts' breakfast.
Resting on a pitchfolk, Ser Jonith remembers when these stables were at near ruin. Amazing the difference three years make.
Trimar arose slowly, mornings were not his thing though he made sure to see his squire to her morning practice. After his charge was left where she should be, he would back to sleep another hour or two before waking proper and tending to his appearance.
Once set that he was indeed proper to be seen, he made his way down to the library to find an interesting book and from there he found himself a comfortable window overlooking the training area with a cushy chair to settle himself into.
Depending on if the book had in fact been as good as the cover, he would be mostly engrossed in it but occasionally paying attention to progress of the squires, if alas the book failed to meet his standards he would only seemingly be interesting in the book but carefully watching their progress.
Time to him was far less of a constraint as he had already lived a century but he was always surprised by which man could move things along in such a short time.
Heavily muscled wings beat at the air around him, filling the sky with the loud whoosh of air being propelled away beneath him. Gawain lay flat along the neck of his mount, his eyes lidded against the rush of air as they sped through she skies like an arrow loosed from a giant bow. With a gentle tug of the reigns and some pressure from his thighs and knees, Gawain sent Scian in to a dive, wings folding along his body as they plummeted before he pulled back, causing the Griffin to spread his wings and glide for a second, before beginning to fly once more.
"Maith an buchaill Scian, maith an buchaill. Agus arís!"
They practiced this maneuver a couple of times, each time pulling up later and later till finally they soared, barely the height of a man, above the meadow. Gawain whooped loudly before signalling with his knees for the Griffin to land which it did, slowing to a trot just before they reached a small brook on the edge of the meadow.
Gawain dismounted, keeping his hand on the creatures flank, as he moved around to stroke its neck and beak. "You are the most magnificent Griffin this world has ever seen friend. You soar like the wind. You are faster than the Angels above. Maith an buchaill Scian. Go raibh maith agat mo chara!" He smiled and pressed his forehead to the creatures as it bowed its head to get more of the scratching.
"Come. Let us go home. I'll get you wiped down and find you some freshly slaughtered lambs for breakfast!" He smiled before taking the reigns and beginning to walk back towards the Castle, Griffin in tow.
"You know if we could manage that with just my knees, I could use a lance and a shield. No one could stand before our charge then!" He glanced at the Griffin who met his gaze but of course,
could not respond. "Okay okay... We will work on that eventually. God wouldn't it be easier if we could just speak mind to mind?" Again, no response.
"Well anyway... maybe some time!"
"....."
"ACHOOOOO!"
The dusty tomes of the Library have occupied Lyari for days on end. While his swordwork could use some polishing, Lyari knew that his true value came from the arcane magic that flowed within and through him.
So into the deepest parts of the Library he has plunged himself, seeking some kernel of Lore that ArchMage Markous and his apprentices may have missed...
With the royal horse stable in order for the morning, Ser Jonith walks over to the opposite side of the courtyard to the griffon enclosure. One his way, the cavalier greets serfs and commoners also doing their morning chores for The Crown, keeping his eye to the skies.
He said it was suppose to be at... tenth hour rising I think."
you'd think this was a woman. If a bit flat chested. But this was Lemian, while Gawain isn't fully sure what he does for the King,
he is fairly sure it falls into the no to legal area some times."Though you should return your... mount, to his stable. As King Arthur is looking to speak with you come the tenth hour."
He informed him.
Trimar looked a bit startled when the woman appeared and spoke to him. Between his reading and watching the squires he had been oblivious. "Ah, thank you young Rosa. That would be much obliged. Something about searching the depths of the library just doesn't suit me and to have a personal care taker of my entertainment would be lovely." he said smiling his flirtatious way.
"You say they do not speak, and that is true, but this may be due to the design of their vocal chords and voice box, rather than their intelligence. Scian understands what I say, even if only on a basic level. Hence my wish to be able to speak with him mind to mind. Perhaps it would remove some or the barriers preventing us from communicating. Then again, what would I know, I only grew up with and have been riding and training Griffons my whole life!"
Gawain inclined his head to the man in thanks, before making his way back to the stables.
Lyari grins, "I did not realize that my efforts would be so transparent. Still, there are plenty of books I've not read so perhaps I'll come back again on the 'morrow".
Lyari pulls his col over his head to hide his elven heritage, while most knew who and what he was in the castle, out of sight out of mind seemed to be an effective tool for keeping humans from reacting badly to his presence when his presence was felt as minimally as possible.
"Thank you for finding and informing me of my meeting, I shall head to get a belly full of food before my meeting with the King".
Lyari heads to the kitchen to do just that!
Feeling the soft hands over his eyes, Ser Jonith figures he'll play along with the ruse, and pretends shock.
"Awhh! Alas! I am undone! Pray, please tell me the name of my executioner before I die?"
Dealan smiled at Ewan. While he was never a fan of magi, the kid was just nice. It was almost an exception to his hard line stance against the magi. He had nothing against them personally really, his real issue was with their rules, though he kept why a secret.
Markous can't tell me when to do anything, but thank you for telling me I should meet with the king at ten rising. I will be sure to do so if the pies are done on time He said with a smile. It was always his way to act like this while baking, and he would easily be done by then, everyone in the ward knew it. But he acted like this to let the children know he would put them first, even if it meant losing his knighthood. Maybe it's about heading down south.
Dealan stretched for a second still bruised from his fight with Gawain. What did you expect Dealan, of course he was good. Damn two handed sword was a hassle, but hitting him as he got close was fun.
His mind wandered for a while as he began to fill the pies. Say Ewan, do you know how this magic stuff works? Say my mom was a mage, she isn't but you know where I'm going right? Would I be a mage too? Or would it have to be my dad? Or is it a completely independent factor?
In other words without asking you, would I be breaking the law to hide her from you all until I saw her again?
about those books."
Trimar put a hand to his chest as if he looked offended that someone would speak of him. He offered a small chuckle though shortly after to show he wasn't serious.
He stood up slowly and stretched a bit before coming to rest a hand at her side, keeping her somewhat close to him as he closed the book he had in his other hand. "Oh, are we going for a tour of the library?" he asked curiously as he tried to tease her a bit.
Good, she can be safe then.
Dealan nodded. Interesting. I always thought it would be passed from parent to child like say a boy taking up the family farm. That sort of thing. Look at me, I'm a 'knight' but baking is in my blood.
He rolled out another pie crust. Say Ewan, he asked with a chuckle. How much do you Magi learn outside of magics. Anything more laid back? Singing? Baking? Anything us mere mortals can comprehend? Or do you lack in any cooking skills.
Dealan laughed as good memories filled him up. Ewan and the other kids always seemed to do that. My ma used to say that a man who couldn't cook will never get a wife. "Any man can take a lady to get food, but only a real man can cook for the lady himself", or something like that. Just advice for you kid.
Ser Jonith laughs off the comment. "My awareness is fine. I was just seeing if I would see Prince Gawain flying this morning."
"Besides", continued the cavalier, "what is occuring at ten rising?"
Lyari is not entirely sure how to receive the response from her and instead says nothing seeking out a meal before his audience.
"Your Majesty!" Gawain snapped after the retreating wretch. Launching himself in to the saddle of the Griffin, Gawain spurred the creature in to the air, twisting him towards the roosts, planning on settling Scian in and currying him properly before making his meeting.
"Though you may find it boring." She warned him.
Ewan said with a shrug. "The best thing that they teach us though is the ability to read and write. You don't get that unless you've got coin to your name and people will pay a lot of coin for someone who can do that and knows numbers." He said with a smile. "Bu nah,
I never learned to cook."
As you make you way to the stables you see Jonith down below speaking with a lovely blonde woman.
The cavalier considers Heather's words. "Thank you for letting me know." Leaning in close Ser Jonith, the knight whispers "How will I ever thank you?"
"Good morning Ewan. Your mind on breaking a fast as well. Good morn' to you as well Dealan..." His smile is genuine but he appears a bit surprised to see anyone here but the cooks.
Poor Ewan, you will never get a wife that way. Here come help me with these pies. If you do I'll make you one. Dealan says with a smile. The smile vanishes as Lyari walks in.
Hello Ser Fenhorn. How may I assist you. I have some pies in the oven at the moment. Or would you like sonething special? I could whip something up for you rather quickly.
There is no joy in Dealans voice when he says this. Yet there is respectful curtesy, and an almost professional tone. The baker wiped his flour covered hands on his apron and pulled out another pie sheet. I trust Ewan with this, but not any knight.
Lyari shrugs, "A pie is fine once ready thank you. Please call me Lyari, I am not one for formalities..."
Gawain wheels the Griffon before beginning to descend, landing and trotting Scian up to Jonith, before dismounting.
"Good morning Jonith. And have you been summoned by our Liege as well? If so I have already got the memo, if that is why you are here. I am afraid I do not know your friend," He inclined his head to the woman with a smile. "I am Gawain, and you are?"
With his intent focused on the lady, Ser Jonith is started by Prince Gawain's approach.
"Oh! Good morning, Gawain", say Jonith with an courtly bow. "Yes, Heather here just informed me of the King's request for an audience. Heather is one of Lemain's agents."
"Ah, Lemain. Of course." Gawains smile tightens a little but he inclines his head anyway. "Wonderful to meet you Heather. Now if you will both excuse me I will see to Scian before we head to the appointment!"
Trimar laughed a bit and went along with her to the library to at least return the book. He followed her as she gave the tour "You know, I find that books are quite fascinating. You never know what's in them but they always have such intricate binding. A simple stroke of the spine for instance can tell you somewhat how much they are worth and how often they are used." he said, his own finger going to her back and lightly dragging the nail down her back while he pretended to be interested in the books and the tour.
"Ah, Lemain. Of course." Gawains smile tightens a little but he inclines his head anyway. "Wonderful to meet you Heather. Now if you will both excuse me I will see to Scian before we head to the appointment!"
Before Gawain leaves, Ser Jonith interjects, "Might I join you on your way to the squires?" With a definitive tone, the cavailer nods to Heather and says, "Thank you, Heather."
"What about you? You're a cook, are you married?" The young mage asked.
Trimar chuckled a bit as she warned him and kept his hands to himself from then on. He however did look a bit alarmed and annoyed at the idea of him being with a kid. "I would never sully a child. Besides time is on my side. I have plenty of time left in this world." he said looking actually angry that anyone who insinuate such a thing.
It's true that he did teach her some questionable things but it's never gone remotely close enough to the darker aspects of his world. He shook his head, his mood had been ruined for the time being. "I thank you for the words of warning...I have some things to attend to." he said before slipping away and making his way to the appointed meeting.
Dealan laughs. You will want to get married one day boy. So learning to cook is fundemental. As for me, well there is a girl I fancy but getting to ask her could take some time.
Dealan pulls a pie from one of the ovens giving a careful look too Lyari. Apologies Lyari, I am not used too you yet
Lyari shrugs at Dealan, "None are. I spend most of my time in the Library as I do not need to eat overmuch.
Marriage is... not for me".
It means that he makes something that is nothing more important than it needs to be.
I have had little interaction with the Magi thus far. I have little time for else but my studies..."
Trimar nodded his thanks but from the look on his face he was still not pleased. He made his way to the meeting place to brood.
Oh sure forget about the baker. Its not like he has kept you guys fed. Dealan said pulling a finished pie out of the oven. Have either of you tried baking before? It's not easy.
So yes, I have baked but what I make is not nearly as delicious as what you make oh Master Baker".
wild, yet natural." Ewan said as he leaned his head to one side.
"Also... shouldn't you be off to meet the King Dealan?"
He asked.
and seven pillars lined a long green carpet that leads up to a stone throne with had a dragon carved as the back. Above it on the wall was two flags with a golden dragon in flight upon a green field, the Pendragon family crest. Everything looks in place, save the fact the throne was empty. "Late, though this doesn't seem to be anything new." A voice behind you rings out, when you turn you notice Markous the court magi. He looks about in his 30s, but the stark white hair with small bits of grey, tells you he is vastly beyond those years. His robes are blue and light, and he carries a cane with a large crystal at the top. "Take your places, I'm sure he won't be much longer." He tells you, walking right through you all to take his place at the right hand of the throne.
Not much longer Markous is proven correct. Arthur comes stumbling in with a large amount of scrolls in his arms. "I'm sorry I'm late everyone. I was meeting with the architects about repairing the outer walls and I lost track of the hour." He explained "A King is never late your majesty. Everyone else is simply early."
Markous said as he gave Arthur a nod. They young King gave a small laugh as he set the scrolls down in his throne. "I'm glad you all could come. I have a mission for you. Markous, if you'd be so kind?" Markous stepped foreword and cast a spell, the room's floor changed into a map of a small village on the edge of the forest. " This is the village of Riverport. It use to be a small logging village but word got to us the other day that a griffon has been attacking it. I'm sending you all to deal with the problem." Arthur said. "Now how you do that is up to you, but we need the attacks to stop."
Markous clears his throat as he looked to Arthur. "If I may?" He asked, Arthur nodded. "But that is not all, within the forests around Riverport I have detected a magical presence. It is Arcane in nature so I shall be sending a witch hunter with you." The old mage explained as he place both hands upon his cane. Arthur took over once more, "Knights, you are changed with laying this griffon problem to rest, how ever you see fit and bringing back the magic user if you can. But above all else, protect our people."
I was hoping it was about my request to take my squire South to meet the people she is supposed to be protecting.
Dealan stiffed. Sir, I grew in Riverport. The forest isn't a friend to those with bad intentions. Especially if you are tracking down a mage. There are creatures there that would protect them. He was trying not to give away too much, but knew he had people to protect. If the forest doesn't consider you a safe person I doubt anyone could survive. I would take the place of the witch hunter willingly. I know enough to not be killed immediately.
Dealan looked at Markous clearly. You may be a powerful wizard, but that should only help you understand the dangers. Even if this magical presence you detected in the forest is human, clearly the rest is not. I know parts of the forest, enough to safely go after it. A witch hunter would only draw the wrong sort of attention.
Dealan bows to Arthur. Please forgive me my lord, but the lives of my home, and everyone going on this mission are at stake. Any unnecessary risk will end with us all dead. As much as tracking down this presence, well there are rumors of dragons and giant snakes in the forest. I doubt they would look kindly on someone out to get the magical presence with anything they perceive to be bad intentions.
Ser Jonith bows to both Markous and King Arthur.
"My fellow knights, I shall meet you at the stables. If I run into your squires, I shall tell them to find you immediately."
The cavalier exits the throne room to find his squire and pick up any supplies they might need on their journey.
Trimar taps his chin a bit. This seemed to be a bit of a problem, the Prince would probably prefer that the griffon come home with them though he wasn't sure how he could persuade such a beast.
He scratched his head a bit and nodded at Ser Jonith's offer. He had some work to attend to to try and handle this matter. Of course, bringing in the mage would be a bit easier to deal with so long as it wasn't someone of immense power, but then if it had been they would've been noticed long before.
He bowed to the king and his magician without saying even a word. He had a bit of gear to try and wrangle from the stables and perhaps see if he can't be granted a small stipend to see if they could bring the griffin home. Who knows, maybe this would make for a mating pair in the castle.
Lyari nods as he assumes he is the witch hunter that the Court Magi is referencing but as he cannot be sure, Lyari remains silent on the matter.
With a slight bow to the King and Markous, Lyari heads to the stables to be ready to leave when the others arrive.
"I'm sending you because it is your home Dealan." Arthur told him. "I expect you to help the knights speak to the people of the area. Knowing the forest is a bonus, but you've no ability to negate arcane magic. This is what the witch hunter if for. If the magic user is of the Fey, try to get them to move further into the forest. Away from the town. If they are of mortal kin, bring them back." He stated.
"It is a full week's ride to Riverport. Take care my knights." Arthur told them as the others moved out the door.
Arlen looks up from the book he was reading as you come into his lab. The glass wall behind him allows the sun in so that the rare plants in pots along the tables could grow. The smell of the room hurts your nose as all of the scents seem to clash violently. "Ser Trimar, what can I do for you?" He asks as he closed his book while stepping around his desk. The three other walls had many shelves lined with dried plants and vials of liquid with all different colors.
Trimar steps into the room and takes a deep breath. There was something oddly calming about the painful clashing of scents in the room. He shook his head as he was addressed. "Ah, one of my favorite people. Tell me, you wouldn't happen to have any Blue Whinnis in stock. I've need for about three arrows worth. We are headed out to deal with a griffon and I'd rather bring it home if I could than put it out of it's misery. A page would be nice as well to send off for a large fishing net and some chains as well but I doubt you have one of those in stock." he says chuckling a bit.
"That I do." Arlen said with a nod as he moved to the shelf that lined the north wall. He used on of the ladders to get up the the fifth shelf. "I have six vials of it. One in a quiver will give you ten arrows." He said as he looked over his shoulder at Trimar. "I can give you half of a vial, or you can just take the whole thing. Now, as for the large net and chains, no. But Jonith or Marcia may have some. They deal with the mounts brought to the capitol, both wild and tame."
Trimar nodded "A vial then if you can spare. I'll see Marcia, I doubt Jonith has it on hand and I'll see him anyways." he said smiling. He thanked the man once he had the vial in hand and put it carefully in his quiver.
Once the pleasantries were exchanged, he headed off to find Marcia.
Looking to Walden and the squires, Ser Jonith relays the information of the king's quest.
"Squires. You and your masters have been issued a royal quest to Riverport. The journey will take half a fortnight. I shall leave it to your sires to relay further information as we travel."
Addressing Walden, the cavalier adds, "With luck, we shall make our food stretch by some hunting."
