ProfPotts' Blood of the Redwyrm PbP

Game Master Alexander Scott

"Well said, Jaymin. I doubt that even with their gift for words, Zurladew or Kerdin could have said better."

Turning his attention back to Lady Rebecca...

"If it is m'lady's wish, Sir Jaymin and I could accompany you, when you go to speak to your father."

Sir Clarius acknowledges Aydan's nod and mounting his steed, Phaethon, he calls out to Bosco and Beudreau. 'Come on boys, let's get this done and get back to the castle in time for some small measure of the celebration.

I agree, we're not looking for a fight. Tracking as we go back to clearing, we'll get the remains buried while keeping an eye out for worgs.

Survival (tracking): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 (+1 WIS, +4 ranks, +1 ranger, +1 forester, +4 dogs)

Perception (to notice those sneaky worgs if they try to jump us while we bury the remains): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Alaina watches quietly as Aydan and Clarius, but yells out before they are out of earshot.

"You had better not get hurt again! I only have so many scarves, Aydan!"

The last bit of energy draining from her, Alain turns to Rebbecca.

"I can accompany you as well, if only to show your father you would not have been hurt for long."

Good idea, Aydan's perception to avoid getting pounced and subsequently eaten, 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

[Retcon]
Looking at her Ladyship and listening the worries, Kerdin strikes Lady! You did the right thing, but the least you are allowed is to get sad for now! This is something what was preventable and against these worgs we can´t do nothing now. Worrying won´t help you, so its better to focus your attention to this moment than to but and if, since those didn´t happen. The threat they might posses, will be taken care later, but not now.

Speaking of Aydan and Clarius of burying corpses just receives nod from Kerdin That is the best thing to do. I might accompany you two later after we have escorted Lady Rebecca back to Castle of Redwyrm

[Current]
Looking after Lady Rebecca and listening the voices of crowd, Kerdin stays silent as he watches the expressions and how mood is getting more and more merrier as time passes. Turning and walking towards Lady Rebecca, Kerdin looks up to her I guess its better to go first to tell Baron Redwyrm about today trip and situations we have been. It´s not your fault or that you were not thinking of others. That is something you did not just realise. In the heat of fighting, alot of things can go unnoticed and unexpected can occur. This is what your father also knows. Sir Jaymin was right about today deeds and those are good enough reasons. and as he finish, he gives small bow to Lady Rebecca and turns to leave to meet Baron Redwyrm, as he waits for Lady Rebecca to come

In the woods...

Although it looks like a few woodland natives have already taken a nip or two out of the dead poachers by the time Aydan and Clarius arrive back at the clearing, it's hardly anything compared with what Old Bloodbristle had already done, and the stag's still pretty much intact (they'd only just started to butcher it) so could be worth taking back to the castle to add to the evening's feasting. It takes a little time to bury the dead men without the proper tools, but shallow graves aren't too difficult, and it's a lot better than leaving them in the open.

Searching for the tracks of the two worgs proves a challenge... although one that Clarius, with the help of his hounds, is up to. Interestingly, it looks like the beasts were actively trying to cover their tracks which, if confirmation were needed, proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that they're much, much, smarter than normal wolves. Seeming to confirm Aydan's theory, back-tracking the worgs to the clearing indicates that they appeared to be hounding Old Bloodbristle - staying back and wide on each side of him, letting the old boar catch their scent just enough to want to keep on running from them. There was certainly only the two worgs and, by the slight variation in size, Clarius notes that one was male and the other female... most likely a mated pair. Both giant boar and worgs came down from the north, and it looks like the worgs went back that way too. There's some pretty wild and rocky terrain to the north of the Dwarf's Bridge woods, which would make tracking the creatures even harder, although beyond that are more farmlands and, eventually, the Frostward fief and ultimately the mountains of the Fog Peaks. Old Bloodbristle was often spotted from afar in the Frostward area of the Fog Peak's foothills at this time of year, but rarely went anywhere near civilized lands - why would he, with easier fare all around him?

Chapter 3 - Castle Redwyrm

Listening to Jaymin,Garrett, and Kerdin, Lady Rebecca smiles a little, but shakes her head,

'Defeating Viscount Thevia and slaying Old Bloodbristle... they were the valiant deeds of you brave knights,' she retorts, 'I... I just sat on my horse and tried not to get in the way...' she pouts a little, but then smiles again at Jaymin, adding, 'but don't worry - I'll add my voice to the throngs singing the praises of "His Lordship's finest knights", I can at least do that much!'

"If it is m'lady's wish, Sir Jaymin and I could accompany you, when you go to speak to your father."

"I can accompany you as well, if only to show your father you would not have been hurt for long."

'Yes,' Lady Rebecca agrees, 'I think that may well be a good idea... It's been hard to judge Father's mood these last few days with the tournament almost upon us - it's an enourmous investment for the Barony, and is sure to have a great impact on Father's standing with the other nobles... and all our futures...'

With a final quick check to make sure that both Old Bloodbristle and the horses are receiving the attention they're due, the young noblewoman follows the way Kerdin scampered - into the great keep...

The narrow access stairs lead up to a heavy iron-bound door (open at the moment), then through the entrance corridor (with more 'muder holes' above, and a removable wooden floor under which is a deep pit) to an internal portcullis (raised right now), a second length of corridor, and finally into the guardroom where the castle porter (gate-keeper) lives. This first floor also contains an armoury, the keep's internal kitchens (actually in use, along with the bailey kitchens, in preparation for the night's banquet to welcome the Baron's guests and open the tournament), scullery (for scrubbing pots and pans), and buttery (for making and storing butter and cheese). A stairwell leads down to the cellars (where the larder, wine cellar, keep well, and storage are), below which are the dungeons (which, being beneath the level of the moat, are pretty dank and horrible... as one may expect). With cooks, maids, page-boys, and men-at-arms all bustling about - especially to and from the cellars and the kitchens - the place is in a noisey state of organised chaos (leaving no wonder as to why Lady Rebecca chose to spend the day hunting instead!). While the small jesters slip through the crowds with relative ease, almost unnoticed, everyone takes time to give-way Lady Rebecca and her escort - the guards standing to attention, the maids curtsying, and the pages bowing as they pass... Not wanting to be a bother, Lady Rebecca hurries on to the spiral stairs ascending the towers at the rear of the keep.

Unlike the first level and the cellars - each windowless and lit by flickering torches and lanterns - the second level sports both narrow windows (each with a leaded lattice of stained glass, and heavy shutters to close them) and arrow-slits, although with the sun setting, lanterns are being lit here as well. The north gallery, and south and west common rooms, are devoted to much of the day-to-day work of the castle folk, and are also where many of the servants, men-at-arms, and their families sleep - their straw pallets and personal belongings being stored in aumbries (small closets built into the stone walls - walls a full fifteen feet thick at the base of the keep, tapering to ten feet thick at the top) and storage chests during the day. A few stools, benches, and tables make up the furniture, whilst the floors are strewn with fresh rushes, and the walls plastered and painted with various scenes of chivalric heroics, and hung with tapestries. A couple of privies (toilets) are, of course, set into out of the way parts of the outer wall, their open chutes dumping out into a ditch surrounding the sides and rear of the keep (which does wonders for the roses...). There's a second armoury here (there being no such thing as 'too many weapons' when it comes to castle defense), as well as the chapel. The chapel's richly decorated with plastered walls painted with religious scenes, tapestries, and some of the keep's more impressive stained glass windows, right above the alter. One section is divided off by carved wooden walls into a small seperate room which functions as Father Brendan's combined office, vestry, and bedroom. From this level all four towers have spiral stairs leading up, and there's also access to the crenelated roof of the keep's gateway (the top side of those 'murder holes'...).

Heading up another level you finally reach the Great Hall - one vast open room, apart from a small private chamber behind the raised dais which holds the Baron's Great Seat and, with the banquet fast approaching, the long trestle table set up for him, his family, and the more important of his guests. Several other trestle tables have been set up in the hall, for the other guests, although these have long benches for seating as opposed to the individual chairs of the 'high table'. More painted plaster on the walls and tapestries decorate the room, along with shields and weapons mounted high on the rafters. Several lavabos (sinks) are set into the walls for the washing of hands. When the tables are taken down and stacked against the walls, this is where the knights (including Garrett, Jaymin, and Clarius), squires, and more important men-at-arms, castle servants, and their families sleep on straw pallets (again storing personal belongings in aumbries and chests). It's not an age with a lot of privacy...

The final floor of the keep (before the vaulted, lead-sheathed, roof and battlements) is the Baron's private residence - containing an upper hall with a few storage chests, benches and tables (which is where Kerdin and Zurladew sleep, right outside the Baron's bedchamber), the solar (a room with larger than normal windows to make the most use of sunlight, where the Ladies do their spinning and weaving, and their personal maids sleep at night), the Baron's bedchamber, and four more smaller bedchambers - one of these is Lady Rebecca's room, and next to that is a room shared by both Ladies-in-waiting. The final two rooms belonged to Baron Redwyrm's sons, and have been unoccupied for some time... These bedchambers each contain an impressive four-poster bed with canopy and hangings (only one per room - Ladies Beatrix and Alaina share a bed), chests for personal belongings, clothes, and bedding, and perhaps a couple of stools and a table.

It's in the Great Hall, however, amidst the frenzied preparations, that Lady Rebecca stops, as Baroness Hilda - directing the 'troops' like a seasoned general - spots the group and waves them over. A tall, shapely, woman in her early-twenties with honey-blonde hair and deep blue eyes, the Baroness is undeniably rather gorgeous, her easy smile enough to melt any man's heart... or almost any man's, as it's been over a year since she married Baron Otto, and still there's no sign of a new heir... Clad in a fine ermine-trimmed floor-length dress of dark red velvet, tailored to show off her figure, hair worn up in the latest style from the Imperial court, and with just a touch of kohl and rouge to enhance her natural beauty, Baroness Hilda looks like she's pulled out all the stops to make a good impression at the banquet... as well as arming herself to the teeth in her ongoing quest to catch her husband's attention...

'Rebecca!' she exclaims, as Lady Rebecca heads over, retinue in tow. Throwing her usual decorum out the window, Baroness Hilda embraces the girl - her step-daughter by marriage, but closer in age to a younger sister if truth be told - then holds her at arms length and fixes her with a gaze from her deep blue eyes, 'You had me so worried! I've been hearing stories all day about that... that brute... Geoffrey brawling with your escort...' she offers Jaymin and Garrett a quick glare of disapproval before turning back to Rebecca, '... and now there's talk of some monstrous beast? Some local legend? What would your father say if you were to turn up... I don't know... gored or trampled or something?!' she pauses to hug Rebecca again, then lets her go and shakes her head. Reaching up to remove a stray trig from Lady Rebecca's flame-red hair the Baroness sighs, 'Look at the state of you! You're such a pretty girl, Rebecca - I know you like chasing about in the woods, but now's the time to show... well, everybody... just how much of a Lady you are. You know how important this is to your father, how...'

'I know...' Lady Rebecca hangs her head a little, '... and I'll try... I just don't think I feel very pretty right now... Aydan said that Old Bloodbristle was just...'

'Aydan!' the Baroness exclaims, a frown creasing her near-perfect brow, 'That... that scoundrel again? He's upset you? I've half a mind to have that boy pilloried for the length of this tournament... I'm certain the fathers of many local girls would support me in that, if what I've heard the maids gossiping about is true...'

'No!' Lady Rebecca protests, 'It's not like that! It's...' she trails off and pouts, finishing weakly, '... never mind...'

Sighing again, Baroness Hilda turns her attention to the rest of the group,

'Beatrix - take Lady Rebecca to her room and help make her presentable for tonight. There's several dresses laid out, any one would be suitable, although I think the green would look nice. The maids are standing by to fill a hot bath, and feel free to use the good perfume... not that anyone will notice with the room fully of sweaty knights,' she glares at Garrett and Jaymin again, 'but it's important to make the effort.'

'You two,' she turns to the knights, 'need to get cleaned up too: get some pages to scrub that armour for tomorrow - I'll not have you embarrasing his Lordship looking like you're just in from a boar hunt. See if you can find some reasonable clothes, and for the sake of the gods and all of us, please try to find time to actually wash.'

'Alaina... I'd like a private word with you, if you have the time.'

She doesn't seem to have any specific instructions for either the jesters or Father Brendan if they're still around at this point. Since he's not in the Great Hall, the Baron is likely either in the private chambers behind the dais (often used as an office, or for private meetings), or upstairs in his private residence. BTW: most of the PCs are of high enough standing that they can order about maids, servants, pages, squires, and men-at-arms (although only the knights can give the latter two actual military orders) if they want to. Aydan can't (but he's charming enough not to need to ;) ) and the jesters are 'wild cards' - they can't really order anyone about, but can go where they like, and poke their noses into anything they want to.

Oh, since I haven't mentioned it above, Aydan probably sleeps in the kennels, stables, or mews (the kennels are choice in the winter, 'cos the dogs keep it warm) - along with the grooms or servants which tend those beasts... when he doesn't have a better offer, obviously... ;)

In the woods...

Although it looks like a few woodland natives have already taken a nip or two out of the dead poachers by the time Aydan and Clarius arrive back at the clearing, it's hardly anything compared with what Old Bloodbristle had already done, and the stag's still pretty much intact (they'd only just started to butcher it) so could be worth taking back to the castle to add to the evening's feasting. It takes a little time to bury the dead men without the proper tools, but shallow graves aren't too difficult, and it's a lot better than leaving them in the open.

Searching for the tracks of the two worgs proves a challenge... although one that Clarius, with the help of his hounds, is up to. Interestingly, it looks like the beasts were actively trying to cover their tracks which, if confirmation were needed, proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that they're much, much, smarter than normal wolves. Seeming to confirm Aydan's theory, back-tracking the worgs to the clearing indicates that they appeared to be hounding Old Bloodbristle - staying back and wide on each side of him, letting the old boar catch their scent just enough to want to keep on running from them. There was certainly only the two worgs and, by the slight variation in size, Clarius notes that one was male and the other female... most likely a mated pair. Both giant boar and worgs came down from the north, and it looks like the worgs went back that way too. There's some pretty wild and rocky terrain to the north of the Dwarf's Bridge woods, which would make tracking the creatures even harder, although beyond that are more farmlands and, eventually, the Frostward fief and ultimately the mountains of the Fog Peaks. Old Bloodbristle was often spotted from afar in the Frostward area of the Fog Peak's foothills at this time of year, but rarely went anywhere near civilized lands - why would he, with easier fare all around him?

Upon completion of the burial detail, Sir Clarius recites the Forest Warden's (Erastil's)oath, the only prayer he likely knows, over the graves. Finishing, Clarius looks at Aydan, 'What say we get that stag up on a horse and take it back to Dwarf's Bridge for the villagers? They can join in the celebrations for the tourney and in the wake for their lost menfolk here.

Another perception check to keep my wits about me against any sneaky worgs, or any other predator drawn by the smell of the kills.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Bowing to Baroness Hilda and speaking I see you are in good health and shining as always, my Baroness... and your tongue is pure silver as ever. May I still at least say for the knights, that they were ensuring more... hm, win at least for Baron Redwyrm and improving the attitude of peasants as he slowly nods towards Sir Garrett and Sir Jaymin Howeer, I agree with you that... they are rather smelly. Nice shower would not do bad for them... or heck, even swimming would be nice.

Slowly raising his back up and standing in his full height. Looking at Baroness Hilda eyes, Kerdin looks up Is Baron Redwyrm here? I have something to talk with him: guests, the ceremonies etc. No need to keep him all stressed and for a moment, a worried look passes Kerdin face. Even if answering or not, Kerdin slides backwards and move towards private champers. Knocking at door and then opening slightly, looking inside if seeing Baron and slips inside and the door closes behind him

A slight grin appears on Sir Garrett's face as he bows to the Baroness.

"M'lady, and to a lesser extent Master Kerdin, I assure you both I shall make myself more presentable before this evening's festivities...in fact as soon as Lady Rebecca releases me from my current duties."

Turning back to Lady Rebecca...

"M'lady, it seems our good Baroness has other plans for you at the moment. If you no longer have need of me, I shall take my leave, with m'lady's permission of course."

Shall we prepare for the banquet Rebecca? With the day's excitement a set of clean clothes certainly sounds refreshing, and a bath too yes?

Beatrix seems to have misinterpreted the Countess' order as a polite suggestion, completely by accident of course. She waits patiently for Rebecca's response, letting the Lady make the decision for herself.

Zurladew stays with Kerdin - two eyes being better than one, he wants to make sure that the story reaching the Baron reflects that. He bows low to the assembly of knights and ladies, scooting comically backwards while still bowed as he and Kerdin slip out of the room.

After burying the dead, Aydan stands on the edge of the clearing, looking out in the direction of the Fog Peaks. The mountains were one of his favorite places in the Barony to climb, though he hadn't made the trek in a couple months now. He knew the farmers who lived out there, and both the Boar's path and the Worgs actions had him worried. Truthfully Aydan was of half a mind to mount up and ride further out, but the sun was already close to the horizon, and no matter how good of a tracker he was, he'd not outwit a pair of intelligent wolves at night if they were of a mind to kill him.

He turns back and goes to work helping Clarius cut down the stag and strap it to the back of one of the horses. He takes a moment to cut off four small pieces, throwing one each to Valeros, Damiel, Bosco and Beudreau, and nods in assent to Clarius' suggestion for the Stag. "I'd like to get back to the castle as quickly as we can, those Worgs have me worried and we've no idea what damage Bloodbristle caused to the farmlands..."

Aydan stretches his arms over his head, letting his back pop before climbing back onto his horse. "Well Clarius, back to Dwarf's Bridge and the castle?"

If everyone else is good, I'm cool with fast forwarding Aydan and Clarius' return with a few lines of the trip and then they're arrival, just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page before I write it.

If everyone else is good, I'm cool with fast forwarding Aydan and Clarius' return with a few lines of the trip and then they're arrival, just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page before I write it.

Agreed.

'Alaina... I'd like a private word with you, if you have the time.'

"Since Lady Beatrix is helping Lady Rebbecca, and the others are not in need of my medical skills at the moment, I do believe I have the time."

Seems like I've got quite a bit of catching up to do

Brendan will return to the clearing with the two foresters. After helping bury the remains of the poachers he will say a prayer to Abadar for the safe passage to whatever realm awaits them after death.

Since no one has spoken up for the dead stag Brendan will load the carcass on his horse. Once they pass through the village of Dwarf's Bridge Brendan will stop off at the village headman's/mayor's house and drop off the stag, saying "Two men paid the ultimate price for hunting this beast, and, I think it only fitting that there families should recieve this bounty. If those men were from here please see to it. If they were not, then let the village use it to celebrate the tourney."

Once they return to the castle Brendan will return to his office and strip off armor and prepare to bathe. Once clean he will don his ceremonial robes and spend the time before the banquet in prayer.

Hey Brendan, not that its a huge deal since your pretty much doing the same thing, but Aydan and Clarius have spoken of bringing the stag to the village, and actually just looking back... would we really want to give it to their families specifically, they were poachers. umm, I'm a bit confused so I'll wait for the DM to chime in. Though for the sake of expediency, Aydan's plan of action with Clarius, and Brendan to, would be to head back to Dwarf's Bridge, give the deer to the village and then return to the castle at whatever time that would bring us to.

The stag...

The villagers are seriously nervous about taking the offered stag - none of them particularly wanting to lose a hand for poaching the Baron's deer... but since both the Baron's Chaplain and his foresters are offering it (and fine meat is fine meat), they eventually accept, and promise to cook it for a community feast praising the Baron's generousity that very night (coincidentally eating all the evidence...).

There's no sign of the worgs or other predators during the return journey.

The Great Hall...

Is Baron Redwyrm here? I have something to talk with him: guests, the ceremonies etc. No need to keep him all stressed.

'Hmmm?' Baroness Hilda raises one thin blonde eyebrow as she glances down at the jester, seeming to notice both him and Zurladew for the first time, then absent-mindedly gestures towards the door to the private chambers behind the dais, 'he's talking to Sir Ranulf,' she says, 'down from Frostward. I'd say that he's not to be disturbed, but somehow I doubt that would stop you two...'

"M'lady, it seems our good Baroness has other plans for you at the moment. If you no longer have need of me, I shall take my leave, with m'lady's permission of course."

'I... oh... yes... I mean no... I mean... um... you can leave... thankyou!' Lady Rebecca manages to respond, evidentally flustered that Garrett even asked after being dismissed by the Baroness. As he makes his exit, Baron Hilda grins and takes a step closer to Rebecca,

'You see!' she exclaims quietly, 'You're already getting the men-folk to jump through hoops! And they love you for it too! We'll make a proper Lady out of you yet...'

Shall we prepare for the banquet Rebecca? With the day's excitement a set of clean clothes certainly sounds refreshing, and a bath too yes?

'Ah... yes... yes please...' Lady Rebecca answers quickly, her cheeks flushed near crimson from blushing at the Baroness's last comment, and clearly ready to get out of the public eye as fast as possible.

As Lady Rebecca hurries off towards the tower stairs up to the private residence, Baroness Hilda delays Beatrix for just a moment,

'I know the Lady Rebecca likes things informal, Beatrix,' the Baroness says quietly, 'but I would appreciate it if you remember to address her by her proper title once guests arrive... appearances matter so much at these things, after all...'

Just to clarify what the Baroness is banging on about there: a social superior generally gets to address those under them just by name, but you're expected to address your superiors in the correct manner - at least in public. So, whilst Beatrix and Rebecca are both 'Lady', Rebecca is the daughter of a Baron and therefore Beatrix's social superior. The Baroness, being a Baroness, gets to address Rebecca just by name all the time, if she wishes.

"Since Lady Beatrix is helping Lady Rebbecca, and the others are not in need of my medical skills at the moment, I do believe I have the time."

'Good,' Baroness Hilda replies, sounding a little withdrawn all of a sudden, 'good...'

The Baroness spends a little more time issuing orders to the servants, confirming items on the menu with the cooks, and various other chores, then heads upstairs with Alaina in tow...

The jesters...

The door to the private chambers in the Great Hall is designed to blend into a carved wooden panel which serves as a backdrop to the raised dais and the Baron's Great Seat, but isn't a 'secret' as such. Stepping through the door, closing it behind them, the two jesters find themselves in the rooms the Baron uses as an office and private meeting area - technically one room, but divided in two by a wooden screen. The smaller area further from the door holds the Baron's desk and chair, with shelves full of scrolls and parchements containing maps, letters, official decrees, and all sorts of other documentation, as well as a small locked cabinet holding several bottles of the Baron's favourate wine (for those long nights spent working...). The larger, main, section of the room sports a long sturdy table carved of the blackwood of Verduran Forest, surrounded by several matching chairs. Sitting in one of these chairs is the tall, thin, figure of Sir Ranulf - chief vassal of Baron Otto and Lord of Frostward fief. In his early forties - a little younger than the Baron - Sir Ranulf has served Otto for years, fighting alongside him in many battles, both border skirmishes and engagements for the Imperial Crown. With dark brown hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and a drooping 'handlebar' moustache Sir Ranul also sports a prominant scar down the left side of his forehead where he once almost lost and eye to a Qadiran assassin's blade as he protected his Baron's life. Usually seen in sensible travelling clothes, if not armour, tonight Sir Ranulf is dressed in his courtier's finest - tunic and britches of dark blue with his family crest of a pair of rearing silver unicorns facing each other, with all the jewellery such finery requires. He doesn't look too comfortable to be wearing it...

'So?' Sir Ranulf is asking the other man in the room as the jesters enter - Baron Otto himself, 'What do you think? Will she like it?'

Standing by the arched stained-glass windows of the room, Baron Otto is quite the contrast to Sir Ranulf - just as tall, but of a much more husky build and with the Redwyrm flame-red hair and a full beard to match, the Baron is an imposing bear of a man. Dressed in a dark red outfit matching that of his wife, with a heavy official chain of gold and rubies around his neck and the Baronial signet on his finger, the Baron still manages to look as if he's about to go to war... or at least pick up an axe to chop something. However, it's not an axe but a finely crafted dagger which he's examining in his hands. Turning it over for a few moments, he suddenly flips it into his hand, feels the weight, spins it, cuts through the air a few times, then finally sheathes it and returns it to Sir Ranulf,

'I'm sure Rebecca will love it,' he replies, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, 'even though she probably shouldn't... This whole thing is about her coming of age and all that nonsense... She's a woman now Ranulf, not my little girl...'

'Don't I know it...' Ranulf mutters... then, at a glare from Otto, quickly adds, '... my sons have been going on about little else since you announced the tournament. Both of 'em, smitten... although I think they're at least as excited about the tournament itself, since they're now old enough to compete...'

'... And perhaps win the hearts of some fair maidens?' the Baron asks. Ranulf laughs,

'Boys will be boys... we're we ever that young?'

'Hah! Younger!' Otto exclaims, 'Need I remind you of that incident with the Kelish dancing girl you "rescued" on our first campaign? What was her name again? Something exotic, begining with a "Z" I believe...'

'If my Lord is bringing that up,' Ranulf counters lightheartedly, 'then I think perhaps he's forgetting a certain serving girl someone had a fling with? What was her name now..?'

'Truce!' Otto holds up his hands, laughing and shaking his head; then he gestures towards the dagger again, 'It is a fine piece, Ranulf... Dwarven?'

'Only the best for m'Lady Rebecca,' Ranulf replies, a genuine affection in his tone.

'What? They didn't have any Mithral?' Baron Otto replies, and both men start laughing again. It's something of an old joke in the Barony that the dwarven mines in the north were, it is said, originally mining the rare silvery Mithral back when the Barony was young, and that they're only still there mining more mundane metals in the stubborn dwarven belief that there's still more of the stuff down there... somewhere...

Lady Beatrix...

The round wooden bathing tub set up in Lady Rebecca's bedchamber is soon filled with hot water by the efforts of several maids, and Rebecca gladly strips and sinks into it after the day's excitement... sparing little more than a glance at the exquisite dresses set out on the bed for her to choose from. After relaxing for a few moments, she turns to Beatrix,

'What do you think it's like, Bea?' she asks, a little hesitantly, 'ah... being with a.. um... a man, I mean..? If I'm expected to marry I suppose I'll find out soon enough... but... is it... is it nice, do you think? I've heard the girls say things about Aydan which make the whole thing sound magical... but some of the other things I've heard...' she trails off, lost in thought, then continues on a seemingly unrelated track, 'Was it right to kill him? Old Bloodbristle I mean? He looked so frightening, and I thought the people were in danger, and yet... was he just as scared as we were?' She lets out a long sigh, adding, 'When did everything become so complicated?'

Lady Alaina...

Once alone in the bower - the bedchamber of the Baron and Baroness - Baroness Hilda sits wearily on the bed,

'Alaina,' she says quietly, sounding a little worried, 'I know you're skilled in the matter of... of births... I'd like your opinion on something...' she hangs her head a little, letting an errant strand of honey blonde hair escape her perfect hairstyle to fall across her eyes, '... I think it's a good time for my Lord and I to... to try for a child... but I want to be sure. It's not that he doesn't like me, it's...' she hesitates, as if deciding whether to continue or not, but finally carries on, '... it's that he seems to see it as... as a "chore" I suppose...' she suddenly looks up at Alaina as she quickly adds, 'Oh - we've... ah... consumated, of course... but he nevers seems to want to and always seems so... so, angry, afterwards...' she shakes her head, 'no, "angry" isn't the right word. It's not like he's violent or anything... more "uncomfortable"... as if he feels he's done something wrong.' She sighs, 'Is it wrong to be jealous of a dead woman? I knew her, you know... Baroness Helena... a little anyway, through my father. She was the nicest person, beautiful, caring... I really liked her, really looked up to her. When we heard of her death, and the boys... I felt sick for days... everyone did, I think. When the Baron and my father decided I should be married to my Lord Otto I felt... I don't know... I knew I couldn't replace her... I didn't want to. I mean, it's right that he still loves her, isn't it? I just thought I had a chance to maybe... well, to maybe make him happy again? To at least give him an heir... but I can't even get that right. Sometimes I think he only tolerates me because he has to - it's all politics. Sometimes I fear he resents me being here, thinks I'm somehow sullying the memory of her...' she pauses to wipe at her eyes, then forces a smile, 'Gods, look at me!' she exclaims, 'I'll look a mess come the banquet at this rate!'

The knights...

There are plenty of pages around to be assigned armour-scrubbing duties (a task not fondly remembered from the knights' own early years as pages, before they got to bear arms as squires, and finally full knights), and servants to fetch basins of water and cloths to wash with (baths not often being used due to the extreme effort of heating water and filling them), and maybe even some soap.

The foresters and Brendan can arrive back any time now - Brendan sounds like he's off to the chapel, and the others can all decide what, if anything, they're doing before the banquet.

While stripping off his armor, Garrett speaks with the pages...

"Cheer up, lads. It won't always be this way, each of you are destined for greater things than what you currently are. In fact it wasn't all that long ago, I dreaded polishing some knight's armor."

After managing to finally get out of his plate armor, Garrett washes up as best as the conditions will allow him. After bathing Garrett dresses in a formal courtier's outfit of royal blue with gold embroidery, with the most notable features the aspects of his family crest, crossed blades and a wolf rampant. After dressing, Garrett puts on his meager jewelery, including his signet ring, and waits patiently for the beginning of the evening's festivities.

Upon returning to Castle Redwyrm, Sir Clarius ascertains the safe return of the rest of the retinue. He then seeks out the knight commander assuming there is one of Baron Redwyrm's forces to report his return and inquire after any duties that need be performed before going to prepare for the night's festivities.

Should he be allowed to go prepare he will have his armour cleaned and polished for the morrow while cleaning himself up and donning his courtier's outfit avec accoutrement.

Washing the blood, his own and everything elses, Sir Clarius cleans himself up, then dresses out in his courtier's suit. Silk shirt under a doublet of grey fawn skin surmounted by the crest of his family, a sable horse rampant dexterous trampling a scimitar, with breeches to match. Girding himself with a belt and high boots of thick black leather with silver buckles, he tucks his gloves into his belt opposite a plain worn dagger. He adds a pendant fashioned from adamantine set with a large bezeled onyx. On his left hand he wears a silver ring with a blue sapphire and on his right ring finger rests his signet ring. Throwing on a short cape of the same material as his suit with an underlining of black silk over his left shoulder, Clarius heads out to help greet his lord's guests as they arrive

Aydan returns to Castle Redwyrm alongside Clarius and Brendan. Once within the grounds he will give his horse to a stable boy to be groomed. Just before they depart he turns to both Clarius and Brendan, "My thanks for your help today My lords, I will go inform the Baron of our findings, it'll be much less a travesty if some woodsman below the salt ends up being late for this Banquet than a Knight or Lord Redwyrm's chaplain," He smiles and nods goodbye to them both, and looks back to Clarius, "I can take the dogs to the kennels, you'd best go make yourself look fancy."

He bows to the two men one more time in respect and heads off, stopping at the kennels to return Bosco, Beudreau, Valeros and Damiel and turns to one of the grooms, "These four did us proud today, kindly make sure each is given a bath and an extra cut of the scraps tonight, if its at all possible friend." After that he strips out of his leathers and places them is a small trunk of his personal belongings. Using the water from a nearby basin his gives himself a quick rinse before changing into a fresh set of cleaner, though no more fancier, clothes from his trunk. He re-sheathes his Bastard sword at his side (Assuming its ok to wear it before the banquet, otherwise he'll leave it tucked safely away) and heads off towards the castle proper.

He makes his way quickly through the castle towards the Great Hall, stopping only ever so briefly to greet anyone he's particular friends with, or to give a passing flirt to any of the more attractive serving girls or ladies in waiting that he may run into ("You will do me the honor of a dance this evening, won't you my sweet?") Though he will take care to avoid the Baroness if at all possible, knowing full well her opinion of him.

Upon arriving at the doors to the Baron's private chambers, he asks a servant to relay his request for an audience. Should Aydan learn that Lord Ranulf is with the Baron he will give a small smile and say that such is all the better, as his business would concern Lord Ranulf's holdings.

Aydan, You have no way of coming to there! Sorry but just reading the materials and just coming like that is inappropriate :S I can swear that I read somewhere Proff had wroten that you will be executed and you have been denied to ever enter so deep to castle. I just would like to confirm and I apologize for that if I am wrong, but you just can´t simple to do that. Either way you need to contact Kerdin or Zurladew or some "maids" to deliver message but yes :S

unless I misread, then I disagree. Proff said Aydan was not allowed on the fourth floor which is the Baron's private estate for his family. The private chambers he is now in are behind his chair on the 3rd floor, the Great Hall, which Aydan is allowed in. Otherwise Aydan would be unable to attend the banquet. I wrote that Aydan is at the door to tha office and had requested to enter, he's broken no rules by my understanding.

Sir Jaymin bows his was out of the Baroness' and Lady Rebecca's presence and heads off to find some pages to polish his armour and boots. He'll throw some washwater on himself, comb out his hair, and array himself in his finery: breeches of a deep forest green, a white linen shirt, and a coat of fine wool, also green with purple on the sleeves and collar, all embroidered with thread-of-silver. His crest sits high on his right shoulder, and a silver holy symbol of Kurgess hangs around his neck.

He then returns to the great hall, chatting up Sir Garrett on the day's events, recounting the melee, and speculating on what sort of mood the Viscount will be in, should he make an appearance this evening.

'What do you think it's like, Bea?' she asks, a little hesitantly, 'ah... being with a.. um... a man, I mean..? If I'm expected to marry I suppose I'll find out soon enough... but... is it... is it nice, do you think? I've heard the girls say things about Aydan which make the whole thing sound magical... but some of the other things I've heard...' she trails off, lost in thought, then continues on a seemingly unrelated track, 'Was it right to kill him? Old Bloodbristle I mean? He looked so frightening, and I thought the people were in danger, and yet... was he just as scared as we were?' She lets out a long sigh, adding, 'When did everything become so complicated?'

I don't know, it seems only yesterday that everything was so simple. I suppose that things must always have been so, we're just only now realizing it. That's growing up I guess.

Beatrix artfully dodges Rebecca's questions on sexuality and morality. There is a lot she can get away with, but the Baroness would be livid if she caught Beatrix talking about that.

*Baroness Hilda's Questions*

"Baroness," Alaina says softly, "you will look fine at the banquet. It is fine to be jealous of a dead woman, truly it is, for I was jealous of the skills my mother said my grandmother had. 'Able to slide a babe out with just one hand' I was told."

"As for the Baron, I suggest talking to him. To still have feelings for someone who was close is natural, and he may feel he is dishonoring her memory by being married again, especially so soon. It may also help if you do not push the matter of.. the 'chore' on him."

He then seeks out the knight commander assuming there is one of Baron Redwyrm's forces to report his return and inquire after any duties that need be performed before going to prepare for the night's festivities.

Since there's only ten knights resident at the castle there's no real need for a commander beyond the Baron himself. There are squires and men-at-arms who are 'lower ranks' than the knights, if you will, which should help give an indication of how important and high status the roles of the knights are. They're landless knights, sure, but they're similar to being the commisioned officers in a modern military - the squires would be junior officers, and the men-at-arms the NCOs and enlisted men. The knights with fiefs to rule from the Baron's hand would be like local base commanders, if that helps at all.

The Great Hall...

Soon enough the guests for the banquet start to arrive. Only a few, like Viscount Thevia, are Lords of the Realm, the bulk of the contestants for the tournament being second and third sons of nobles, or knights with lands but no titles, looking to make an impression good enough to get themselves in the running to marry Lady Rebecca. Baron Otto's vassal knights are also present, of course, as are other figures attending for various political reasons. Naturally there are Ladies present as well, for while Lady Rebecca may be the most obvious 'prize' on display, the tournament contestants could be seen as the pick of Taldor's eligible bachelors, and good breeding combined with a few wins at tournament (and the coin such wins generate) can easily turn a landless knight into the ruler of a fief of his own. In short, it's one of the social events of the season, where the cream of the young Taldan nobility and gentry can strut their stuff, make connections, and possibly even enjoy themselves into the bargain!

A few of the Baron's more favoured retainers (like Aydan) as well as some of the more high status retainers of the Baron's guests (such as priests and mages) have also been granted leave to attend the feast. Entertainers, both those employed by the Baron, and those brought by guests eager to impress the social elite, also start to arrive, and soon music is playing, along with a few scattered shows - jugglers, acrobats, even a dancing bear - which the guests are free to wander around as they engage each other in polite greetings and conversation, and await the start of the feast proper. Pewter goblets of mulled wine, cider, and perry are offered to the guests by servants as people keep gathering.

Waiting by the private chambers, Aydan is informed that the Baron 'is not to be disturbed', and it's not too long before any chance of talking privately to the man is swallowed up by the rapidly expanding throng of guests, servants, and entertainers.

One of the Baron's liveried men is stationed by the stairs leading into the Great Hall, announcing the guests out loud as they arrive. When 'Geoffrey, Viscount Thevia, and the Lady Ailith' are announced, Garrett, Clarius and Jaymin all see Lord Geoffrey, now decked out in resplendant green and gold doublet and britches, accented with gold and emerald jewellery, enter the Great Hall, with the Lady Ailith, herself clad in a dress of deep green to match the Lord accompanying her, on his arm. Pausing as Ailith whispers into his ear, Lord Geoffrey then quickly glances around the room, sees the three knights, and waves them over, a grin on his face...

Lady Rebecca's room...

I don't know, it seems only yesterday that everything was so simple. I suppose that things must always have been so, we're just only now realizing it. That's growing up I guess.

'Growing up...' Lady Rebecca repeats, laying back in the bath, '... I suppose so.' Beatrix's lack of any tangible answers doesn't seem to have soothed Lady Rebecca's mood any, but after a while she stands, calls to be towelled off, and forces a smile,

'Ah well,' she says, sounding resigned, 'I guess I better get ready to go an be auctioned off then...'

The bower...

"Baroness... you will look fine at the banquet. It is fine to be jealous of a dead woman, truly it is, for I was jealous of the skills my mother said my grandmother had. 'Able to slide a babe out with just one hand' I was told."

Baroness Hilda smiles,

'In truth I'm more than a little jealous of you too, Alaina,' she admits, 'to have such talents... such a calling... It must be nice to know with certainty that you've such a useful role to play, instead of feeling like a pretender half the time.'

"As for the Baron, I suggest talking to him. To still have feelings for someone who was close is natural, and he may feel he is dishonoring her memory by being married again, especially so soon. It may also help if you do not push the matter of.. the 'chore' on him."

'Hah!' Baroness Hilda laughs, 'I suspect you've not tried talking to our Lord Baron, have you? He's not the easiest man to converse with...' she pauses, then shakes her head, and continues, subdued, '... no, that's not quite true. If you were to talk with him about hunting, or the reports of skirmishes along the Qadiran border, or even of the latest yields of pears and how the first pressings of perry are progressing, then he'll happily talk, discuss, offer opinions and recommendations... But talk of feelings and such? No... those things he's not so inclined to listen to or discuss. When I try to mention the... the "chore"... then I'm left feeling like a common harlot - not by his words, of course, my Lord is a good and kind man. No, but something in the look he'll give me... But then if I keep from the subject it is as if I'm cold and aloof...'

Sighing deeply once more, the Baroness smooths her errant strand of honey blonde hair back into place, then adds,

'But enough of my silly doubts and uncertainties. Can you with your skills tell if tonight would be an auspicious time for my Lord and I to once more try for an heir?'

One of the Baron's liveried men is stationed by the stairs leading into the Great Hall, announcing the guests out loud as they arrive. When 'Geoffrey, Viscount Thevia, and the Lady Ailith' are announced, Garrett, Clarius and Jaymin all see Lord Geoffrey, now decked out in resplendant green and gold doublet and britches, accented with gold and emerald jewellery, enter the Great Hall, with the Lady Ailith, herself clad in a dress of deep green to match the Lord accompanying her, on his arm. Pausing as Ailith whispers into his ear, Lord Geoffrey then quickly glances around the room, sees the three knights, and waves them over, a grin on his face...

Seeing the Viscount's request for the three knights to come over, Garrett turns to Clarius and Jaymin...

"Shall we go see what Lord Geoffrey would like to discuss?"

Not waiting long for an answer from the others, Garrett's curiosity gets the better of him as he walks over to where Lord Geoffrey waits.

"Good evening, m'lord and m'lady." Garrett says, with a slight bow, waiting for Lord Geoffrey to speak to his purpose for calling the knights over.

Seeing the Viscount's request for the three knights to come over, Garrett turns to Clarius and Jaymin...

"Shall we go see what Lord Geoffrey would like to discuss?"

Quote:

Sir Clarius smiles as he sees Lady Ailith. 'Indeed we shall go and see all there is to see.' Then walks with Sir Garrett to the viscount and lady.

Sir Garrett Albercroft wrote:

"Good evening, m'lord and m'lady." Garrett says, with a slight bow, waiting for Lord Geoffrey to speak to his purpose for calling the knights over.

Sir Clarius broadly grins as he approaches the guests. 'Well met, Viscount Thevia. Lady Ailith, you become more beautiful as the day progresses. How may I be of service?'

"My Lady, my skills lie in the area of those already pregnant. But if you truly feel it will be a good night for such a thing, it may surely be so."

For a moment, she thinks carefully.

"You say he likes to talk about hunting, yes? Perhaps if you gave him a map he could follow to the location of a particularly elusive 'prey'.. But perhaps I speak too boldly."

Seeing the guests begin to filter in and then being told that the Baron is “Not to be disturbed, Aydan lets or a sigh of not unexpected frustration, ”Of course he is...” he mutters, and then turns to address one of the Baron’s pages. ”I need you to deliver a message to the Baron or to Lord Ranulf at their earliest convenience. It concerns the safety the Frostward.” Thanking the page for his trouble, Aydan leaves the great Hall and returns to the Kennels. Once there he stores his sword in his chest. He takes a moment to clean up his boots and to dust himself off.
Aydan is dressed simply, in a white tunic, dark brown trousers and his black leather boots. He fastens his belt around his waist and sheathes his dagger at his side.
Once ready Aydan heads back to the great hall, entering to find it much fuller than when he left it, he smiles a little to himself as he takes in the crowd, maybe tonight would be a fun time after all.

'Growing up...' Lady Rebecca repeats, laying back in the bath, '... I suppose so.' Beatrix's lack of any tangible answers doesn't seem to have soothed Lady Rebecca's mood any, but after a while she stands, calls to be towelled off, and forces a smile,

'Ah well,' she says, sounding resigned, 'I guess I better get ready to go an be auctioned off then...'

'If it makes you feel any better, it is a very impressive auction.'

Once Rebecca is done in the bath, Beatrix will strip off her garments and get in.

The Great Hall...

"Good evening, m'lord and m'lady."

'Well met, Viscount Thevia. Lady Ailith, you become more beautiful as the day progresses. How may I be of service?'

'Ah, Garrett, you stealer of standards and banners!' the Viscount exclaims with a wide grin on his face, firmly clasping Garrett's forearm as he does so, 'and Clarius,' he continues, laying a friendly hand on the man's shoulder, 'who seems to have stuck the proverbial nail in one!'

Lady Ailith drops a graceful curtsy, a slight touch of colour raising to her cheeks in response to Clarius's words. 'Forgive me,' she says softly, 'but it was I who sought your service, Sir Clarius, after your graciousness earlier today... or, at least,' she adds with a gentle smile, 'your heroic attempts at such.'

'The Lady requires an escort for the evening,' Lord Geoffrey says bluntly, 'on account of her...' he trails off, waving his hand vaguely in front of his eyes. At the pause Lady Ailith smiles again,

'Is he doing that thing when he waves his hand before his eyes instead of just saying the word "blindness"?' she inquires, 'I'm afraid m'Lord Geoffrey never was comfortable with my... condition.'

'Hmph!' the Viscount exclaims, folding his arms before his chest and scowling, 'What's to be comfortable about, eh? If the damnable priests could perform the miracles they were paid good coin to perform, then you'd not have to suffer, Ailith. And you'll not get a one of 'em offering a refund, oh no - no, it's all "donations" not "payments" when it suits their thieving schemes!'

'You hush that talk right now,' Ailith replies, voice still soft, but with a firm tone, 'Lord of the Realm or no, I'll thank you not to go condeming the whole priesthood on my account... or that of your coffers. If the gods deem I should be blind, then blind I am, and no man - be he priest or Viscount - can do a thing about it. Besides,' her smile returns and she holds her hand out in front of her, 'this way I have a wonderful excuse for luring noble and chivalrous knights to my side!'

'Fine, fine!' Lord Geoffrey shakes his head, then turns to Clarius, 'So you'll make sure to look after Lady Ailith for tonight's festivities then? I myself have an appointment on your Baron's high table...'

Assuming Clarius accepts...

Steering Garrett away, arm round his shoulder, the Viscount begins,

'So, Garrett - you'll be giving me the chance to reclaim that flag in the duel with mace then? I warn you, I've won the event at three tournaments in past seasons... would have been four if not for...' he trails off once they're a distance from Clarius and Ailith, his arm slipping from Garrett's shoulder as he glances back at the Lady, shakes his head, and mutters, 'Her courage shames us all... the gods know, I love her like a sister, but the chances of her marrying well with her...' he waves his hand before his eyes again, and sighs...

Aydan readily secures a promise to pass on his message from an eager page, and gets to the kennels and back unmolested... well, apart from a quick pinch on the bum by one of the under-cooks who passes him with a grin on her round face as she hurries back to the kitchens...

The bower...

"My Lady, my skills lie in the area of those already pregnant. But if you truly feel it will be a good night for such a thing, it may surely be so."

'Let us hope so,' the Baroness replies, rather wistfully.

"You say he likes to talk about hunting, yes? Perhaps if you gave him a map he could follow to the location of a particularly elusive 'prey'.. But perhaps I speak too boldly."

Baroness Hilda laughs,

'Not too boldly at all, my dear - I prefer my Ladies to speak plain in private... I like to think I have some friends in this place...' she shrugs, adding, 'and I'd happily run through the woods naked and wearing a pair of antlers if I thought it would raise my Lord's interest... but I fear he'd just use the excuse to shoot me... My Lord doesn't seem inclined to frivalous things... or, at least, not to things he considers frivalous... which is, at best, seems how he classes me, I'm afraid.'

Lady Rebecca's room...

'If it makes you feel any better, it is a very impressive auction.'

'Strangely, it doesn't,' Lady Rebecca replies, seeming to catch the jest but chosing to ignore it, 'rather it just reminds me that it's my Father's lands which are the grand prize, while I am merely the baggage which go with them...' sitting heavily on the bed, mid-dressing, she scowls, 'Stupid birthdays... and stupid step-mothers failing to produce stupid brothers!' Suddenly she goes pale, a look of shame passing across her face, 'Oh gods,' she says softly, 'I didn't mean that... what a horrible thing to say! There's no-one to blame here... it's just... I don't know... it's just the way things are, I guess...'

Aydan felt himself tense up involuntarily, he was never very good at this sort of thing. He always felt under-dressed and mostly unwelcome. He was always "boy" or "you there," or some other such title, hardly ever just "Aydan." He was used to it, he knew many saw him as "The Baron's charity case" and in truth he couldn't fault them for the opinion, but it wasn't enjoyable.

He wandered aimlessly through the crowd, smiling politely and nodding to any who acknowledged him. He had attended a number of this functions when he was younger, but those times were different. Those were the days when he and Hanz would sneak out through the kitchens and to the festivities that would surely spring up in the courtyards outside. The practice had slowed in the later years, Hanz grew older and was needed to take on a more prominent role within the court, but even after a particularly stern lecture once, the two boys always managed to have their fun.

Thinking of his friend brought a slightly remorseful smile to Aydan's lips, and he wondered how Hanz would laugh if he could see him now, "No flights of fancy tonight, Forrester, He'd goad with a smile on his face, You're a man of the court now.

He missed Hanz fiercely, there had been more than one drunken night where Aydan had proclaimed if he had been at his friends side that no bandits would have harmed them, but for now at least he wasn't sad. These were good memories and he could enjoy them.

On that thought, his stomach growled. He was a hungry man of the court.

Steering Garrett away, arm round his shoulder, the Viscount begins,

'So, Garrett - you'll be giving me the chance to reclaim that flag in the duel with mace then? I warn you, I've won the event at three tournaments in past seasons... would have been four if not for...' he trails off once they're a distance from Clarius and Ailith, his arm slipping from Garrett's shoulder as he glances back at the Lady, shakes his head, and mutters, 'Her courage shames us all... the gods know, I love her like a sister, but the chances of her marrying well with her...' he waves his hand before his eyes again, and sighs...

"If not for what m'lord?"

Realizing that he is over stepping his bounds, yet again, Garrett quickly tries to return to the original question.

"I've seen what you can do with that mace m'lord. I think that given the choice of weapon, the odds favor you, but I accept none-the-less. Would you do me the honor of dueling me with my weapon of choice as well, just to make the match-up even. I am rather fond of blades, as I am sure you remember my falcata during our melee earlier today."

Glancing back over towards Sir Clarius and Lady Ailith...

"I don't know about your assumptions, m'lord. The Lady Ailith is a stunning beauty, with a keen wit that any man would be proud to have at his side. Apparently Sir Clarius is quite taken with her, and if I may be as so bold, it appears she with him."

The Great Hall...

Lady Ailith drops a graceful curtsy, a slight touch of colour raising to her cheeks in response to Clarius's words. 'Forgive me,' she says softly, 'but it was I who sought your service, Sir Clarius, after your graciousness earlier today... or, at least,' she adds with a gentle smile, 'your heroic attempts at such.'

'The Lady requires an escort for the evening,' Lord Geoffrey says bluntly, 'on account of her...' he trails off, waving his hand vaguely in front of his eyes. At the pause Lady Ailith smiles again,

'Is he doing that thing when he waves his hand before his eyes instead of just saying the word "blindness"?' she inquires, 'I'm afraid m'Lord Geoffrey never was comfortable with my... condition.'

'Hmph!' the Viscount exclaims, folding his arms before his chest and scowling, 'What's to be comfortable about, eh? If the damnable priests could perform the miracles they were paid good coin to perform, then you'd not have to suffer, Ailith. And you'll not get a one of 'em offering a refund, oh no - no, it's all "donations" not "payments" when it suits their thieving schemes!'

'You hush that talk right now,' Ailith replies, voice still soft, but with a firm tone, 'Lord of the Realm or no, I'll thank you not to go condemning the whole priesthood on my account... or that of your coffers. If the gods deem I should be blind, then blind I am, and no man - be he priest or Viscount - can do a thing about it. Besides,' her smile returns and she holds her hand out in front of her, 'this way I have a wonderful excuse for luring noble and chivalrous knights to my side!'

At Lady Ailith's proferring her hand, Sir Clarius nearly springs forward to accept it, bowing low, lips almost touching her skin. 'I am flattered that you remember me fondly and relish the jealous looks of all my lord's guests as I carry the night's highest honor upon my arm.' Clarius says as he turns himself to face Viscount Thevia and places Lady Ailith's hand upon his own.

'Fine, fine!' Lord Geoffrey shakes his head, then turns to Clarius, 'So you'll make sure to look after Lady Ailith for tonight's festivities then? I myself have an appointment on your Baron's high table...'

Giving a small bow from the neck Clarius tells Viscount Thevia, 'Milady is in good hands, milord. Enjoy the feast.

Turning back to Lady Ailith, Sir Clarius asks, 'Milady, would you care to make the rounds of Baron Redwyrm's guests? There are many here tonight to celebrate Lady Rebecca's birthday. We can start by securing refreshment. Mulled wine? Perry?'

When the two old friends appear to be through with their reminiscing, Zurladew bows low. "Baron, Sir Ranulf, we have some grim tidings that both of you should be more than interested to hear." He stands straight again, his usual grin vanished in favor of a thin grim line across his face. "We believe that worgs are in the woods, come down from the Frostward. They led us to fight with Old Bloodbristle, and slay him, for their own purposes. I fear for what other machinations they may have planned."

"There is also... one other thing...," Zurladew slowly begins.

Is it appropriate to have conversations on Sir Guy's treachery with Sir Ranulf present? Kn: Nobility check? 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Sir Jaymin nods his greetings and bows to the Viscount and his 'sister'. He smiles to himself as Clarius practically leaps all over the Lady Ailith, and contents himself with serving as Sir Garrett's wingman for the evening.

Before the Viscount excuses himself, however, Sir Jaymin asks him, "My Lord, after our little ... scuffle...out party continued on to hunt and encountered a pair of unusually intelligent worgs in the woods, which herded Old Bloodbristle towards innocent villagers, forcing us to kill the giant boar. Had you seen such in your travels to Redwyrm, or perhaps heard word of such a thing?"

The Bower.

"Well then, perhaps you just need to find the time to talk to him about it, or perhaps just give him a little more time. There is a lot happening right now that weighs on his mind."

The bower...

"Well then, perhaps you just need to find the time to talk to him about it, or perhaps just give him a little more time. There is a lot happening right now that weighs on his mind."

'My Lord is a peer of the Realm,' the Baroness counters, 'there will always be weighty matters on his mind...' she sighs, shrugs, and smiles, adding, '... but your point is well taken, Alaina. For now we all have... maybe not "better", but perhaps "more pressing"... matters to attend to. If you'd go and make sure the Lady Rebecca is ready for her grand entrance, I will go and see if my Lord is out of counsel with the good Sir Ranulf.' With a quick final check of her appearance, Baroness Hilda exits and heads down towards the Great Hall...

The private chambers...

Sensing no end to the conversation, the Baron and Sir Ranulf lost to amused and nostalgic remeniscence as old friends with many shared histories are want to do, Zurladew manages to none-the-less interject when a momentary lull rears its head...

"Baron, Sir Ranulf, we have some grim tidings that both of you should be more than interested to hear... We believe that worgs are in the woods, come down from the Frostward. They led us to fight with Old Bloodbristle, and slay him, for their own purposes. I fear for what other machinations they may have planned."

'Worgs you say?' Sir Ranulf stands, one hand on the hilt of his dagger, the other stroking his drooping moustache, his mood suddenly serious, 'Giant wolves? Were they white by any chance?' He glances to the Baron, 'You recall, my liege, I was telling you earlier of sightings of a pair of winter wolves in the Frostward. I sent trackers, naturally, but none managed to follow the beasts' trail for long and, to be truthful, after the shock of the initial reports they didn't seem to be doing much of anything and there seemed more pressing tasks for my men to perform.'

'They were running down the Old Man?' the Baron asks Zurladew, 'For sport perhaps, or food? I've heard tell such beasts are as intelligent as a man...' striding away from the table for a moment, back turned on Ranulf and Zurladew, the Baron seems lost in thought for a few moments, then turns back, 'Aydan was with you, was he not? I'd like to hear his opinion on such matters.'

'The boy?' Ranulf asks, surprised, 'The troublemaker?'

'Aye,' Baron Otto agrees, a slight grin on his lips, 'that he still is, and more besides - although the castle maids think their gossip somehow mystically falls short of reaching my ears! But the lad's grown into a fine man, and my best forester... although I dare say Sir Clarius would put his woodland skills to the test.'

'Yes,' Ranulf nods sagely, 'being squired to a wandering knight errant seems to have developed that man's skills in... unconventional ways...'

'Clarius?' the Baron raises one bushy red eyebrow, 'Yes, I suppose so, though he's a good man - and you know as well as I that many a fight was won by throwing the conventional out of the window. Besides, he's one of the best horsemen I've seen in recent years.'

"There is also... one other thing...,"

'Well then,' the Baron replies impatiently, 'out with it! Then go and find Aydan...'

Sir Ranulf is known to be one of the Baron's most loyal vassals and closest and oldest friends - there'd be little you'd discuss in front of the Baron that you wouldn't discuss in front of Ranulf.

The Great Hall...

"I've seen what you can do with that mace m'lord. I think that given the choice of weapon, the odds favor you, but I accept none-the-less. Would you do me the honor of dueling me with my weapon of choice as well, just to make the match-up even. I am rather fond of blades, as I am sure you remember my falcata during our melee earlier today."

'You seem a might handy with that antique cleaver,' the Viscount replies with a grin, 'but I'll gladly accept... if only to prove to you what a well-made modern weapon can achieve...'

"I don't know about your assumptions, m'lord. The Lady Ailith is a stunning beauty, with a keen wit that any man would be proud to have at his side. Apparently Sir Clarius is quite taken with her, and if I may be as so bold, it appears she with him."

'Beauty and wit are all well and fine for the poets and the bards,' Lord Geoffrey replies, with a touch of sadness in his tone, 'but the harsh realities of being both... well... afflicted... and some even say cursed... and being without a family to offer political ties and a dowery...' he shrugs, adding, '... I substitute a little for the latter, as I can, but it's hard to see any chosing to marry Ailith for anything but love - which in and of itself does little to keep food on one's table and heat in one's home. While your Clarius is, I'm sure, a splended man, he's no land of his own, and what little income a knight makes without such - how could he hope to look after one like Ailith and still make his way in the world? Maybe if he wins his fortune at the tourney we'll see just how much he does like her...'

"My Lord, after our little ... scuffle...out party continued on to hunt and encountered a pair of unusually intelligent worgs in the woods, which herded Old Bloodbristle towards innocent villagers, forcing us to kill the giant boar. Had you seen such in your travels to Redwyrm, or perhaps heard word of such a thing?"

'I have no idea what a "worg" is,' Lord Geoffrey counters, 'let alone one of unusual intelligence. As for who or what your "bloodbristle" may be, I am equally in the dark. But if her Ladyship's hunting party slew a boar for the table tonight, then I congratulate you all - it's bound to be an even finer feast! But you boast of the creature's size... a giant you say? Is that a claim you could back up, Sir knight, for I have hunted a few boar myself, in my time, and know that men are prone to such exaggerations...'

Elsewhere in the Great Hall...

'Milady, would you care to make the rounds of Baron Redwyrm's guests? There are many here tonight to celebrate Lady Rebecca's birthday. We can start by securing refreshment. Mulled wine? Perry?'

'Perry, please,' Ailith replies, 'for I recall the Redwyrm perry being the finest in the land. It's tradition for the Baroness's third of the Redwyrm estate to include the pear orchards, is it not? The pressings from the "Baroness's Blush" variety are talked about even at the courts of the Crown Prince, so I am told, although as a child I always prefered the "Priest's Purse" - the way the pips rattled when you shook the ripe fruit, "like the coin-purse of a cleric of Abadar" was the saying. Of course, that was a mild variety, and I was but a child at the time. Perhaps something a little stronger will suit me now that I'm grown?' she smiles, seeming to enjoy the memories she's speaking of. Accepting the warm perry secured for her by Clarius, she sips it, 'Exquistite!' she declares, 'For all the joys of Thevia, they know nothing of pressing a good perry... although the brandies they distill from their summer wines are quite lovely. Ah, but I'm starting to sound like a common drunkard, unable to speak of anything but drink!' she giggles a soft, gentle, laugh, then continues, 'Now, before you start to introduce me to all and sundry, Sir Clarius, perhaps you'd better tell me about yourself first? I wouldn't put it past my Lord Geoffrey's thick skull to palm me off on the first available man with a polite manner and a spare elbow... so tell me, who is Clarius?'

'Strangely, it doesn't,' Lady Rebecca replies, seeming to catch the jest but choosing to ignore it, 'rather it just reminds me that it's my Father's lands which are the grand prize, while I am merely the baggage which go with them...' sitting heavily on the bed, mid-dressing, she scowls, 'Stupid birthdays... and stupid step-mothers failing to produce stupid brothers!' Suddenly she goes pale, a look of shame passing across her face, 'Oh gods,' she says softly, 'I didn't mean that... what a horrible thing to say! There's no-one to blame here... it's just... I don't know... it's just the way things are, I guess...'

'You're upset Becka, it's perfectly acceptable. If Baroness Hilda wasn't as barren as her new title you wouldn't have to fend off every mustachioed vulture in the entire court.'

'Ah, but I'm starting to sound like a common drunkard, unable to speak of anything but drink!' she giggles a soft, gentle, laugh, then continues, 'Now, before you start to introduce me to all and sundry, Sir Clarius, perhaps you'd better tell me about yourself first? I wouldn't put it past my Lord Geoffrey's thick skull to palm me off on the first available man with a polite manner and a spare elbow... so tell me, who is Clarius?'

Sir Clarius looks to Lady Ailith as she giggles, a smile growing large on his face. At her comment about his being the first available man,he stops and looks to her. Somewhat hesitantly, he quietly states, 'I consider myself fortunate to have been the first man he came across.' Adding more quickly, 'If it takes your guardian braining me for the privilege, then I will have to become accustomed to daily concussions.'

Gently squeezing her hand, Sir Clarius continues, 'As for my history, there is little to tell. I am simply a forester in service to Baron Redwyrm. He was kindly took me in to squire his knights. Now I range his lands to discourage petty theft.' Clarius pauses, thinking to himself, 'Perhaps this is why Viscount Geoffrey selected me for your escort. I could never pose a threat to his guardianship of you.' He continues, 'I spend my days on horseback and, often as not, I spend my nights sleeping under the stars. My best friend is a destrier and his best friends are a couple of hounds. They are good listeners, but they can't hold up their end of a decent conversation. Even so, they usually manage to get in the last word. Speaking of which, I'm monopolizing this conversation.' Sir Clarius looks apologetically to Lady Ailith almost blushing, then realizes she can't see his expression and actually turns pink. 'Erm, what about you? How do you come to be here?'

Staying most of the time quiet and listening Zurladew explaining about worgs in the woods, Kerdin was looking at the man, who was his Baron and the most respected/highest man in his life. He had seen alot of people, low and high but none of them was so impressive as Otto Redwyrm. He had known this rascal since he was kid, seen him raising up in power and been always serving next to him, from open and from shadows. Sighing and thinking the recent years and situation they had been, there was not so much to think about. Kerdin, one thing in time. Then the next

Coughing little bit and stepping forward next to Zurladew, Kerdin looked different. Away was the merry him, with stupid smile and comical atmosphere, replaced now by more serious and calm looking It is good to see you two rascal having fun here and talking, but yes, as Zurladew had said, those worgs were white. However, even as it seems important, Lady Rebecca is more important now. There is also some things to be considered about Sir Guy, a vassal of Sir Geoffrey. Zurladew here has some more information, but what I saw myself is that man is too hothead and not the brightest torch in this region.

Looking at the both men and keeping silent for a moment, Kerdin continues but now again in more formal toneIs there something to be done this evening Baron Redwyrm? I hope you can enjoy this evening with Baroness Hilda and Lady Rebecca. Trying to englighten the mood up till the roof and ensure no one is rude

Sir Jaymin shakes his head.
"I assure you, my Lord, that the size of old Bloodbristle was truly as large as I claim. To lie about such a victory would fly in the very face of all that my Lord Kurgess holds true about just competition and accepting the accolades due to you and no more. And since I have not been struck down by his holy javelin, I guess you will just have to take me at my honourable word."

Have the rest of us been told that Zurladew found poison in Sir Guy's tent?

'You seem a might handy with that antique cleaver,' the Viscount replies with a grin, 'but I'll gladly accept... if only to prove to you what a well-made modern weapon can achieve...'

Garrett grins having secured two duels with a man of Lord Geoffrey's stature.

"As I had told m'lord earlier today, that blade shall be around long after we are both gone from this world."

'Beauty and wit are all well and fine for the poets and the bards,' Lord Geoffrey replies, with a touch of sadness in his tone, 'but the harsh realities of being both... well... afflicted... and some even say cursed... and being without a family to offer political ties and a dowery...' he shrugs, adding, '... I substitute a little for the latter, as I can, but it's hard to see any chosing to marry Ailith for anything but love - which in and of itself does little to keep food on one's table and heat in one's home. While your Clarius is, I'm sure, a splended man, he's no land of his own, and what little income a knight makes without such - how could he hope to look after one like Ailith and still make his way in the world? Maybe if he wins his fortune at the tourney we'll see just how much he does like her...'[/b]

"Sir Clarius is a good man, and it would not surprise me to see him win many tournaments someday." Garrett continues with a grin... "Just not this one...I fully intend on winning this tournament..." Garrett stops ever so briefly, catching his own arrogance, "Just as I sure m'lord intends as well."

Lady Rebecca's room...

'You're upset Becka, it's perfectly acceptable. If Baroness Hilda wasn't as barren as her new title you wouldn't have to fend off every mustachioed vulture in the entire court.'

'I spoke out of turn,' Lady Rebecca snaps back angrily, 'and it was wrong of me. You mustn't say such vile things about the Baroness... she's a good woman, not to mention your Mistress, Beatrix. Now, please go... leave me for a while...'

Private chambers...

It is good to see you two rascal having fun here and talking, but yes, as Zurladew had said, those worgs were white. However, even as it seems important, Lady Rebecca is more important now. There is also some things to be considered about Sir Guy, a vassal of Sir Geoffrey. Zurladew here has some more information, but what I saw myself is that man is too hothead and not the brightest torch in this region... Is there something to be done this evening Baron Redwyrm? I hope you can enjoy this evening with Baroness Hilda and Lady Rebecca. Trying to englighten the mood up till the roof and ensure no one is rude...

'Ah, Kerdin,' the Baron replies, smiling, 'always the wisest of fools... and wise enough to steer us back on course too it seems! You're right, of course, old man... dealing with winter wolves and Viscount Thevia's vassals can wait - we have more pressing affairs closer to home.' Stretching a little, Baron Otto strides towards the door, then adds, 'As for the rest - if you two could make sure people are entertained, keep your usual watchful eyes and ears out for interesting details... and if you could check the food for poison as it was brought in, Zurladew? I'd hate to see any of my guests keel over from anything other than overindulgence!'

The Great Hall...

'Erm, what about you? How do you come to be here?'

Ailith appears to listen with interest to what Sir Clarius has to say, but in response to his question she demurs for a few moments, then sighs,

'In truth I suppose I twisted my Lord Geoffrey's arm a little when he spoke of the tourney. I was born in the Frostward, my father was the Redwyrm vassal there. I have memories of the Barony... many of them happy, some...' she pauses again, sipping her perry in an attempt to cover the sudden bout of nerves she seems to be suffering, but failing to keep her hand entirely steady. Finally she continues, 'Thevia is delightful, but I've always found it terribly warm. I suppose I'm more suited to the climate here, and thought a return would do me good.'

Elsewhere in the Great Hall...

"I assure you, my Lord, that the size of old Bloodbristle was truly as large as I claim. To lie about such a victory would fly in the very face of all that my Lord Kurgess holds true about just competition and accepting the accolades due to you and no more. And since I have not been struck down by his holy javelin, I guess you will just have to take me at my honourable word."

"Sir Clarius is a good man, and it would not surprise me to see him win many tournaments someday... Just not this one...I fully intend on winning this tournament... Just as I sure m'lord intends as well."

Viscount Thevia grins at the two knights,

'Well spoken, both of you. Maybe we'll get to see this giant boar of yours roasted upon the spit for us this very night, Jaymin? Not that I have anything against the gods... just some who purport to worship them... but heretic that I surely am, I'd prefer the proof of my own eyes on this score! I dare say you and your god would like to win the tourney too, eh? So between the three of us we merely have to knock the rest of these unworthy curs from their steeds and on their buttocks, and the scene will surely be set for a final battle the bards will sing about for years to come!'

At that point the liveried announcer calls another pair of names, names obviously recognised by many present as heads turns and whispers start to flow...

'Sir Philipe von Pergamon and Lady Ilaria!'

A dark-haired, clean-shaven, handsome man, a shade over six feet tall and with features and form akin to chiselled marble, strides into the room - the small scar at his chin not so much marring his appearance as adding an extra layer of rugged charm. His doublet bears a coat of arms - two crossed golden lances on a field half green, half blue. The Lady at his arm is dressed to match, with a figure-hugging floor-length gown of dark blue with green and gold trim, and is no less striking - her raven hair worn up in the latest style, her dark, intelligent, eyes scanning the room even as a haughty smile plays on her lips.

'Ah...' Lord Thevia comments, grabbing another drink from the tray of a passing servant and quaffing deeply, '... so maybe it won't be just the three of us possing a challenge...'

Another guest who's arrival causes interest is a pale, dark-haired, woman, clad in a long, low-cut, tight-fitting dress of black with red trim. She sports long nails, filed to points and painted a dark red, and seems to favour silver jewellery. If her vampish appearance wasn't enough, her announcement certainly causes a stir - with venomous glances and muttered curses being thrown her way...

'Lady Melisende, ambassadoress of Cheliax!'

Cheliax and its devil-worshipping ways being only second to Qadira as a subject of hatred by most Taldans.

... For her part, Lady Melisende seems to practically soak up the resentment and hatred in the room, her beautiful smile still managing to cause a chill down the spine as she glides gracefully through crowds which part at her approach...

Finally, both Baron Otto and Baroness Hilda make their appearances and start to greet their guests individually...

In the commotion of the arrivals, Sir Ranulf manages to find Aydan and, steering him a little aside, asks quietly,

'What of these winter wolves then, lad? You've an opinion on the matter?'

Knowledge (Nobility):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Sense Motive:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Sir Philipe? Here in Taldor? This should prove to be very interesting." Garrett continues while studying Sir Philipe and his bride, Lady Ilaria. "It is said that he can not be beaten since his union with Lady Ilaria. Viscount, have you ever had the pleasure of testing your metal against this man?"

Garrett notices the coldness shown the Baroness by Baron Otto, but keeps any opinion to himself.

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

"Unbeatable? Whoever this Sir Phillipe is, no man is unbeatable. There is always somebody better. Why would his marriage to this Lady Ilaria make him unstoppable? Do they cheat also?"

Brendan will appear shortly before the festivities begin dressed in a white and gold-trimmed cassok, the gold key of Abadar around his neck. He will spend a majority of the happy hour before the feast walking amognst the low tables making small talk with those present.

"Unbeatable? Whoever this Sir Phillipe is, no man is unbeatable. There is always somebody better. Why would his marriage to this Lady Ilaria make him unstoppable? Do they cheat also?"

"She is a sorceress of some sort, and bolsters his abilities in the tournaments. Nothing that is forbidden, but certainly makes him more formidable."

Ailith appears to listen with interest to what Sir Clarius has to say, but in response to his question she demurs for a few moments, then sighs,

'In truth I suppose I twisted my Lord Geoffrey's arm a little when he spoke of the tourney. I was born in the Frostward, my father was the Redwyrm vassal there. I have memories of the Barony... many of them happy, some...' she pauses again, sipping her perry in an attempt to cover the sudden bout of nerves she seems to be suffering, but failing to keep her hand entirely steady. Finally she continues, 'Thevia is delightful, but I've always found it terribly warm. I suppose I'm more suited to the climate here, and thought a return would do me good.'

Embarrased by Lady Ailith's discomfort, Sir Clarius fumbles, 'I'm sorry, milady. I did not mean to stir up memories of sad times for you. I am a boor to have upset you. I spend too much time away from the pleasantries of a court... and beautiful ladies.

Let's try a Diplomacy roll here, I've missed every que thus far, I'm bound to get at least one thing right. 1d20 ⇒ 7 That looks about right. sigh

Come on, redemption! Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Remarking upon the entrance of the Baron and Baroness, 'At least my liege and his lady look happy. I know Lady Rebecca is dreading it, but the Baron seems excited.

Talk about the blind leading the blind.