ProfPotts' Blood of the Redwyrm PbP

Game Master Alexander Scott

Private Chambers...

Entering Lady Rebecca's room again, Beatrix finds that the birthday girl's dressed, but still to fix her hair and makeup... instead she's sitting at the window with the shutters open and the cool breeze blowing in, staring out into the night...

"Whats wrong, Becka?"

Beatrix pays no attention to the knight's comments. After all, she had no idea he was a guest of the Crown and even if he is, he's a big boy so she won't apologize for hurting his feelings.

The Great Hall...

Ailith blushes once more at Clarius's praise... then practically turns scarlet at Kerdin's suggestive comments!

'I quite agree, Master Kerdin,' Lady Ailith responds, 'it's sometimes better not to speak of the whole night...' then adds, in a whisper, '... at least, not publically...'

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Sir Clarius' sensitive ears perk up, 'The whole night? As you heard Baroness Hilda say, I am expected to put forth some effort on the field tomorrow. Leaning into Lady Ailith and, quite inappropriately, placing his lips on her ear, Sir Clarius almost silently exhales his next words, 'If your favor leaves me able to rise, quickly standing straight again cheeks pinking, '...err, um, well, that didn't quite come out right... He stammers on, 'You know that what I meant was... and, of course, you wouldn't... but it's only that... so really...' Clairus continues running at the mouth as he begins nervously patting Ailith's hand.

--------------------

When Sirs Jaymin and Garrett arrive,

'Well met, friends. Lady Ailith, may I present Sir Jaymin of Thrushberry and Sir Garrett Albercroft?' Presenting Ailith to them both, 'Sirs, this is Lady Ailith Berenger of Thevia nee Frostward You will remember her from the bridge today when she appeared solely to crush the spirits of Shelyn's admirers.' Pointedly looking to Lady Ailith then back to Sir Jaymin, Clarius says, 'I'm sure there must be some misunderstanding regarding Sir Guy's behaviour. Could it be his tactics may have been some new fad from Oppara that we've not heard about? You know how it is, Thevia being closer to the capital and all.'

Sir Clarius quickly looks around trying to spot Sir Phillipe and his wife. 'Who might Sir Phillipe be? How well known is he? Has he won any tourney of note? Both your knowledges of the lists far surpass my own.'

Hearing Sir Garrett's reply, Clarius continues, 'Good point, Sir Garrett. We'll just have to see how the jousts are ordered in the morning. I am relying on Lady Ailith's favor to see me through to victory. If such would not be unsporting, my friend?' Sir Clarius says, winking to Sir Jaymin.

Holding the Imperial writ in his hand Brendan approaches the Baron discretely. "A word, my lord. If I may?" Handing the Writ to the Baron he continues "Your lady wife thinks that the news would be better coming from me about the accomodations set aside for our 'esteemed' guests. Pitching his voice low he says "and she has asked me to act as their chaperone while they are in your barony, to prevent any mischief from occuring to, or from, them. With your permission, of course"

There is a split-second where Zurladew considers what to do before he begins in full form. "Ladies, how dare you distract this noble night from his lady, deep in the midst of strange lands - though the lady abandoning him might be just as deft an observation. Truly, sir Knight, you can't find the quarters wanting, when you have two maids for your attention right out the gate? Come, sir, let us get you to the great hall, the better to allow our maids to do their business." Zurladew bows low to signify the end of his jest, but tries to make eye contact with either of the maids, trying to figure out what he'd walked into the middle of.

Private Residence (Rebecca's Room)...

"Whats wrong, Becka?"

'Oh... nothing...' Lady Rebecca remains staring out of the window for a few moments, then turns and forces a smile, 'I'm being silly, really,' she says, reaching for a hairbrush and starting in on her flame red tresses, 'it's just all this... fuss... it's not like I want...' she trails off, then shakes her head and laughs, '... I guess it's that I don't really want to grow up; at least I'm sure that's what the Baroness would say... and she'd be right. It's no time for me to be selfish - it's all politics and nonsense, but I'm hardly unique in having to deal with that! Hilda had to go through all this... so did my Mother, I guess... We all have our parts to play, and there's no reason to think I'd be any different. Now, I suppose you'd better help me with this kohl and... well, all this war-paint...' she gestures dismissivly towards the cosmetics arrayed on the table, '...If I'm to be thrust into the social arena, I better be well-armed, after all!'

Private Residence (Upper Hall)...

"Ladies, how dare you distract this noble night from his lady, deep in the midst of strange lands - though the lady abandoning him might be just as deft an observation. Truly, sir Knight, you can't find the quarters wanting, when you have two maids for your attention right out the gate? Come, sir, let us get you to the great hall, the better to allow our maids to do their business."

The plate-armoured man turns to glare at Zurladew, his gaze enough to send shivers down the jester's spine...

'I don't know what you're meant to be,' he snarls, 'but you're the closest thing to helpful I've found in this damnable place, so maybe you can direct me to the quarters we've been assigned? Lest you think I'm suitably attired for joining that trollop Melisende at her frivolous party..?' he indicates the sculpted plate armour he's clad in... his scowl may, indeed, be permanent...

The Great Hall...

"You would have been proud of her today, My Lord and Lady. She defended your honor against The Thevian Viscount and defended your people against Bloodbristle. Don't let the girl's own doubts cloud the truth, she'll grow to be a true leader."

'Aye, lad,' Baron Otto replies, his tone seeming somewhere between solemn and proud, as he swirls the mulled wine in his pewter goblet and stares into it, 'she has much of her mother in her, that one...'

"A word, my lord. If I may?.. Your lady wife thinks that the news would be better coming from me about the accomodations set aside for our 'esteemed' guests... and she has asked me to act as their chaperone while they are in your barony, to prevent any mischief from occuring to, or from, them. With your permission, of course"

Snatching the official documentation from the chaplain's hand Baron Otto shoots an angry glance at the Baroness, but appears to save the bulk of his rage for the letter. He appears to read and re-read the document several times, the vellum scrunching between his powerful fingers as each re-reading apparantly does nothing to ease his ill-temper. Scanning the room he catches sight of Lady Melisende... who smiles and drops a graceful curtsy (which seems to annoy the Baron even more)... but eventually he thrusts the documents back at Brendan,

'Fine,' the bear of a man growls, 'you deal with it.'

Turning on his heel, the Baron stalks away, leaving the Baroness behind with Brendan and Aydan. Baroness Hilda sighs a sad sigh, watching him go, but then offers the chaplain a smile,

'I think...' she says quietly, '... yes, I actually think that's about as well as that could have gone... thankyou...' she glances towards Melisende and shivers, adding, '... and good luck...'

'I'm sure there must be some misunderstanding regarding Sir Guy's behaviour. Could it be his tactics may have been some new fad from Oppara that we've not heard about? You know how it is, Thevia being closer to the capital and all.'

'I'm afraid there is little help I can offer you fine gentlemen,' Lady Ailith responds, 'the "sport" of the tourney is not something I've ever had much interest in...' she pauses, then holds Sir Clarius a little tighter, before adding, with a smile, '... until recently, at least. As for Sir Guy... he's always been polite... at least as polite as society dictates he acts... but I'm not sure he approves of the Viscounts of Thevia taking on a burden such as I...'

The Great Hall...

'I'm afraid there is little help I can offer you fine gentlemen,' Lady Ailith responds, 'the "sport" of the tourney is not something I've ever had much interest in...' she pauses, then holds Sir Clarius a little tighter, before adding, with a smile, '... until recently, at least. As for Sir Guy... he's always been polite... at least as polite as society dictates he acts... but I'm not sure he approves of the Viscounts of Thevia taking on a burden such as I...'

Sir Clarius leans into her embrace adding, 'I have found you to be anything but burdensome. I believe the viscounts also knew what treasure they had uncovered.'

When Sirs Jaymin and Garrett arrive,

'Well met, friends. Lady Ailith, may I present Sir Jaymin of Thrushberry and Sir Garrett Albercroft?' Presenting Ailith to them both, 'Sirs, this is Lady Ailith Berenger of Thevia nee Frostward You will remember her from the bridge today when she appeared solely to crush the spirits of Shelyn's admirers.' Pointedly looking to Lady Ailith then back to Sir Jaymin, Clarius says, 'I'm sure there must be some misunderstanding regarding Sir Guy's behaviour. Could it be his tactics may have been some new fad from Oppara that we've not heard about? You know how it is, Thevia being closer to the capital and all.'

Sir Clarius quickly looks around trying to spot Sir Phillipe and his wife. 'Who might Sir Phillipe be? How well known is he? Has he won any tourney of note? Both your knowledges of the lists far surpass my own.'

Hearing Sir Garrett's reply, Clarius continues, 'Good point, Sir Garrett. We'll just have to see how the jousts are ordered in the morning. I am relying on Lady Ailith's favor to see me through to victory. If such would not be unsporting, my friend?' Sir Clarius says, winking to Sir Jaymin.

"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Ailith." Garrett says with a slight bow.

Picking up on Clarius meaning, Garrett continues... "It matters not about Sir Guy's tactics, those tactics did not serve him well earlier to day, no did it?"

"Sir Phillipe is a Chelish knight. They say he can not be beaten, but from what I gather, his wife should get most of the credit for his victories." Garrett says, nodding in Jaymin's direction.

Private Residence (Rebecca's Room)...

'Oh... nothing...' Lady Rebecca remains staring out of the window for a few moments, then turns and forces a smile, 'I'm being silly, really,' she says, reaching for a hairbrush and starting in on her flame red tresses, 'it's just all this... fuss... it's not like I want...' she trails off, then shakes her head and laughs, '... I guess it's that I don't really want to grow up; at least I'm sure that's what the Baroness would say... and she'd be right. It's no time for me to be selfish - it's all politics and nonsense, but I'm hardly unique in having to deal with that! Hilda had to go through all this... so did my Mother, I guess... We all have our parts to play, and there's no reason to think I'd be any different. Now, I suppose you'd better help me with this kohl and... well, all this war-paint...' she gestures dismissivly towards the cosmetics arrayed on the table, '...If I'm to be thrust into the social arena, I better be well-armed, after all!'

Beatrix rushes over and enfolds her friend in a conciliatory embrace.

"I'm sorry Becka, we all love you, 's just there's nothing we can do. Don't worry though, your father loves you too and he'll make sure no one hurts you."

Beatrix wipes her hand across her friends brow, clutches Rebecca by the temple and brings Rebecca's head around to meet her gaze.

"Now lets get you cleaned up eh'?

The plate-armoured man turns to glare at Zurladew, his gaze enough to send shivers down the jester's spine...

'I don't know what you're meant to be,' he snarls, 'but you're the closest thing to helpful I've found in this damnable place, so maybe you can direct me to the quarters we've been assigned? Lest you think I'm suitably attired for joining that trollop Melisende at her frivolous party..?' he indicates the sculpted plate armour he's clad in... his scowl may, indeed, be permanent...

Resolved not to be bullied by the stand-offish knight, Zurladew pushes forward. "While you wouldn't be alone in wondering what I am supposed to be, all I can claim to be is a jester. Though perhaps you would be alone in finding me anything close to helpful!" He strikes a dramatically thoughtful pose for a moment, pondering the knight's question. "Perhaps your best advice would be to change in the maid's room for now - I shall keep them away to prevent any accidental immodesty - and to head to the feast. I shall make certain that the difficulty of your luggage is taken care of posthaste, sir."

Private Residence...

"Perhaps your best advice would be to change in the maid's room for now - I shall keep them away to prevent any accidental immodesty - and to head to the feast. I shall make certain that the difficulty of your luggage is taken care of posthaste, sir."

'Bah!' the darky armoured knight snaps in way of retort, 'Get on with it... "jester"...'

After Zurladew clears any straggling maids out of the solar (where they generally sleep), Sir Thibault strides inside (with the halfling slave) and slams the door behind him...

The Great Hall...

Quiet descends upon the various pockets of conversation as Lady Rebecca finally makes an appearance, troubadours striking up a tune on cue as she descends the spiral steps of the tower and enters, Lady Beatrix in tow. With flame-red hair worn fashionably up, and just a touch of kohl and rouge to bring out her natural beauty the Baron's daughter looks the very picture of a Noble Lady, her amber eyes near glittering in the light of the candles and torches, and her fine green dress clinging to a slender figure in the flower of womanhood. Pausing in the entrance as the gathered guests part to make way for her, only those who know her best would note the slight quickness of breath, the flutter of an eyelash, the flare of colour beneath the rouge on her cheeks, which indicates her nerves... or perhaps her embarrassment... which she manages to conceal under a dignified air. Even the Baron seems taken aback by his daughter's beauty as he quickly wipes... soot from one of the torches... that must be it... from his eye, then steps forwards to embrace her. Turning to the guests, his arm around his daughter, the Baron says, with a deep voice used to commanding troops on a battlefield,

'My Lords, Ladies, and gentlemen... my daugher, the Lady Rebecca!'

Applause erupts, along with cheers and compliments called out to her Ladyship, and for a moment her demeanor slips, she turns her head aside, blushing, and her embarrassment is plain for all to see... but it's not a long-lived moment, as the Baron roars,

'Now - let us feast!'

... and the hungry guests head quickly towards the well-stocked tables, granting Rebecca a moment's respite to regain her composure. With her father steering her, Rebecca too heads towards her place of honour, seated next to him at the High Table... although those watching notice her eyes seek out Aydan for a moment, maybe seeking reassurance... maybe just to check he's there...

With the musicians playing, the feast proper begins: wine, cider, perry and ale flowing as liveried servants hurry to-and-fro to fill pewter goblets, take away finished dishes, and bring forth fresh culinary delights (subject to Zurladew's checking, of course...). Seated on the High Table with the Baron, Baroness, and the Lady Rebecca, are Viscount Geoffrey (next to Lady Rebecca), Chaplain Brendan (next to the Baroness), and (a late addition) Lady Melisende (next to Brendan). The more important guests and the Baron's vassal Lords are seated nearest the High Table, then those guests and knights with lesser standing, and finally the few favoured commoners permitted to attend the celebrations. Ailith sits next to Clarius. As she sits, Lady Beatrix finds that Viscount Geoffrey's man, Sir Gervase, has taken the seat next to her - he offers he a winning smile...

Although those on the High Table have individual chairs, the lower tables are served by long benches. All tables only have diners seated along one side, the rest piled high with food, leaving an open space in the middle of the hall across which can be seen the diners on the other side. Servants bustle about both the outside and the inner space between the tables, and entertainers - jugglers, acrobats, and dancers - perform for the delight of the guests.

The feast is well underway when a trumpet sounds from the entrance to the hall. As diners crane their necks to see what's going on, four burly servants bearing a huge silver platter on their shoulders enter - and on that platter rests the head of Old Bloodbristle! Murmurs of shock and delight both circulate around the room as the platter is paraded around the tables - the giant boar now cooked, and served on a bed of greenery and trimmings. On the High Table Viscount Thevia can be heard commenting,

'Alright... maybe it was that big!'

Standing, the Baron (a good few goblets of wine inside him) gestures grandly towards the giant boar's head and proudly proclaims,

'A little something hunted for our table by my own daughter!'

Lady Rebecca flushes crimson and casts her eyes down as applause rings out anew, the cheers by this point much more boistrous, fueled, as they are, by the Baron's fine cellars... As the Baron sits, heavily, the grin of a proud father on his face, Lady Rebecca stands... starts to say something, far too quiet to be heard... then clears her throat and speaks to the room,

'Thank you, my Lord, for the compliment,' she says, 'but it would be remiss for me to claim this great prize when all I did was happen to be along for the ride. It is the brave and strong men who serve you and the Barony, Father, who brought this beast low, saving many lives in the process - of that I have no doubt...' she falters for a moment, but quickly regains herself, gesturing towards the heroes of the day as she concludes, '... honoured guests, I beg that you direct your apreciation towards those men who so richly deserve it!'

All eyes turn towards the champions who felled Old Bloodbristle, and applause and cheers ring out anew...

Sir Jaymin smirks as he overhears Lord Geoffrey's comment, then quickly wipes it off his face, catches the Viscount's eye, and bows his head respectfully, but with a twinkle in his eye.

When Lady Rebeccan tries to pass the credit around, however, Sir Jaymin is totally shocked at the attention as people point at him and the others. He tries to wave it off, but with a huge smile on his face.

Sir Clarius draws Lady Ailith to face the staircase as Lady Rebecca makes her entrance. He leans in to describe Rebecca's appearance, 'Lady Rebecca is coming down the stairs now. She is wearing a green dress and her hair is up. I think Ladies Alaina and Beatrix had some of the house guards truss up Rebecca because it looks like they got makeup on her. Clarius chuckles at Rebecca's nervousness. 'She looks nearly terrified to be presented to so many in such a formal manner.'

Sir Clarius cheers along with the rest of the assemblage in response to Baron Otto's words. He then escorts Lady Ailith to their seats. 'Forgive me my ignorance, milady, but how may I best serve you? Shall I describe the dishes?'

Upon them bringing in Old Bloodbristle's head on a platter, literally, Clarius elbows Garrett or Jaymin, 'Well done, sir. That's quite a trophy!' He turns to Ailith and begins relating the story of the kill with her until he is interrupted by Lady Rebecca's praise of their victory. Rising with the others, Sir Clarius bows to Lady Rebecca and then to Baron Otto before resuming his seat and conversation.

Lady Alaina claps lightly along with everyone else, proud of the skill of the men that had protected so many.

Sorry for not posting, I sometimes have trouble deciding when I should post, role-play wise.

Garrett stands and gives an appreciative bow to Lady Rebecca before sitting down an silently soaking in the attention.

As the hellknight vanishes into the other room, so does Zurladew's smile and relaxed demeanor. He whirls on the displaced maids. "Take care of these, quickly - I have no more idea where they go than you do, but someone must," he says, speaking swiftly and quietly while he gestures to the Chelaxian luggage. "I wouldn't want to be in your shoes if our guest finds his things here after the feast is over. I won't want to be in my own shoes, either, if that happens, so swiftly. I need to get down to the feast." He whirls around and strides quickly away. "I'm getting too old for this..." he mutters darkly.

--------------------------

In the great hall, Zurladew is occupied scanning dish after dish for any traces of poison - the strain of trying to keep up with the servers renders the normally vocal jester quiet, his lips pressed into a stressed, grim line, as he flits about the room. During the announcement following Bloodbristle's arrival, Zurladew leans exhausted against a wall for just a moment. He grabs a glass of wine off of a passing tray and quaffs it quickly, not bothering to cast detect on it - It might almost be a mercy if this was poisoned, he thinks to himself. We haven't even gotten to the true entertaining yet.

When Rebecca enters Aydan is there, among the rest and sure to place himself as close to the front as he can so that she'll see him. he claps along with the rest, and when Rebecca looks for him, he nods to her and tosses her a wink.

As the feast progresses, Aydan takes his seat nearer to the far end, but stands when Lady Rebecca calls for him and the others to do so. Still any congratulations will be shrugged off with comments like "It was the others," and "Actually I never fired a shot at the thing..." said quietly so as to not disturb the speeches.

'Forgive me my ignorance, milady, but how may I best serve you? Shall I describe the dishes?'

'I think I can trust you not to serve me anything horrid...' Ailith replies with a smile...

As the applause dies down, the feast continues with renewed vigour, great steaming slabs of boar-meat (quite the best anyone has ever tasted) being served up to everyone's delight, the marvel of the hunt for the monster being, for the moment, the subject on everyone's tongue...

Sir Gervase turns to Lady Beatrix,

'Were you there, m'Lady? What a shock such a beast must have been for so delicate a flower as yourself...' he flashes a smile...

On the High Table, Lady Melisende asks Brendan, as she take a dainty and cautious bite of boar meat,

'Are such... creatures... common in these parts? I had heard that Taldor was quite tame these days, aside from your great - fey infested - forest, that is...'

Meanwhile, Baron Otto sloshes his goblet and calls out,

'Song, dance, jests - let us have some real entertainment!'

So... lets see how entertaining our entertainer types can be... although anyone can try their hand, with a description and an appropriate Skill check... after all, most people are at least tipsy by now...

Quote:

'Forgive me my ignorance, milady, but how may I best serve you? Shall I describe the dishes?'

'I think I can trust you not to serve me anything horrid...' Ailith replies with a smile...

As the applause dies down, the feast continues with renewed vigour, great steaming slabs of boar-meat (quite the best anyone has ever tasted) being served up to everyone's delight, the marvel of the hunt for the monster being, for the moment, the subject on everyone's tongue...

As the boar comes down to the knights and Lady Ailith, Clarius says, 'You must try this, milady. I doubt we'll ever enjoy such a delicacy again. To the spoils of one of our day's victories my friends!'

Zurladew pounces onto the table after Baron Otto's request for entertainment. "My lord, I am uncertain that people truly appreciate the battle with our dinner for what it truly is - a titanic struggle between the knights of Taldor to defend their people and all they hold dear, and a maddened beast driven to destroy by the dark workings of it's mind. A battle certainly worthy of recounting for this captive audience!" He takes a long swig of wine, and begins to weave his tale. Marcotte waving in the air, he weaves magic into his story-telling, casting spells to show illusions the valiant charges of the knights, and fill the hall with the sounds of galloping horses, baying hounds, and whistling steel.

Going to take a Perform: Oratory check, with a few castings of Silent Image and a boatload of Ghost Sounds to sweeten my telling with special effects. Any ruling on whether they would give me a bonus to the effectiveness of the oratory? I understand if they don't, it's really more for flavor. I think I still have 3 Silent Images left for the day, your call on how many of them I need to cast - duration is concentration, but since I'm performing too...?

Anyways, Perform: Oratory 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

'You must try this, milady. I doubt we'll ever enjoy such a delicacy again. To the spoils of one of our day's victories my friends!'

''Tis a wonder indeed!' Ailith comments as she tastes the meat, 'A most marvelous dish!'

Zurladew's tale-telling is well received, with 'oohs' and 'ahs' from the crowd as he builds the drama, his mystical additions raising the performance from merely enjoyable, to truly great!

No reason Zurladew can't concentrate on maintaining his Silent Image whilst orating (talking is a free action... no reason that talking well should be any more of an action... ;) ). Technically he can't cast cantrips like Ghost Sound while he's maintaining the spell (only before he casts it), but it's for art - damnit! - so why not? After all, it is what he does for a living, he's probably had a lot of practice combining oratory and illusion into one holsitic performance... So one Silent Image spell, unless he drastically changes what it depicts.

Sir Gervase turns to Lady Beatrix,

'Were you there, m'Lady? What a shock such a beast must have been for so delicate a flower as yourself...' he flashes a smile...

"I can handle my delicacy just fine good Sir." Beatrix tells Sir Gervase as she takes a healthy bite of the Old Man "You should know that after all, I hear you have shown many ladies a good sized boor." She punctuates this second statement by running her hand along the outside of Sir Gervase's leg (under the table of course).

Perform: Comedy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Going along the visitors and guest, Kerdin begin to sing a tale of valiant knight, a big red dragon and princess... with a ironic tales

The young knight, oh so viril, was running around,
again escaping from clutches of his fiancees, who chased after him,
from place to place he traveled but soon had to depart,
since the most "beautiful" princesses and women chasing after himm
caused him to see what´, oh so, pleasant dreams,
that once he decided, that charm of night had could be appealing!

Running to forest, running to oceans, running to fields,
he didn't meet anyone beautiful enough, but rather just expanding his already vast sea of admirers of... incognitos!
Arriving to mountain, he found a cave, meeting a beautiful maiden in with red hair,
now, what a chance he had, bowing immediately and asking her hand,
confused and now knowing, what to say, our redhead was quite... well, not at least able to follow our knight,
since it was night and he had asked her hand, upon taking this greeting
the knight decided to celebrate wedding with fast fowarding to wedding night!

One night went and one day passed, second night went and second day passed,
on the third day and night passing, the morning came and the knight came out of the cave with redhead woman on his arms. Exhausted and out of energy, the woman throw away his life... and turned to dragon...
The knight, so valiant, turned red... and soon whistled when he though about the deed he had done! He had lanced... well, technically yes, but he had killed it! The money and gold would be his!

Riding along the kingdom and declaring his superiority with the beast head dragged behind, none dared to step front of him. Arriving front of king, he asked audience. King plased to this man, who had killed the dragon, asked what he wished! "Your daughter hand my King!". Thinking for a while, King promised but made a deal with a knight to tell his deed to princess!

The knight agreed and later when with princess alone, the princess asked how he had done it. Knight answered that he could not describe but.. he had to demonstrate it. Princess was thinking for a while... and agreed. The next couple days went and time passed and then the princess emerged from the room and.... a deep silence passed through the hall and just a one single sentence: indeed he got mighty lance... that beast was easy cake to him, but never have he met Taldar princess! and soon the knight arrived, pale and drained... but happily to find someone worthy to himself... and their both hair was glowing red... who knows why?

"I can handle my delicacy just fine good Sir... You should know that after all, I hear you have shown many ladies a good sized boor."

Sir Gervase starts a little at Beatrix's intimate touch, then a smile spreads across his face. Taking a moment to smooth his blond pencil moustache and goatee beard, he replies,

'M'Lady, I can asure you that, however my social skills have been judged, I've never received any complaints on account of size...'

Leaning a little closer, his hand under the table returns the favour, squeezing Beatrix's knee, as he adds with a whisper,

'... If m'Lady requires any proof on the matter then I, your humble servant, am more than happy to oblige...'

Following on from Zurladew's dramatic performance, Kerdin's raunchy tale is well-received by the feasters, all now thoroughly lubricated, and there's laugher, cheers, and goblets being thumped on tables as the story unfolds. As the jester completes his tale, Sir Gervase, a grin on his face, stands and gestures towards Lady Beatrix,

'I understand that m'Lady has a fine singing voice,' he announces, 'mayhap she'll grace us with a tune?'

Considering the festive mood, and the copious amounts of vintage wines being drained from the Baron's cellars, the 'request' garners a chorus of cheers and urges for the Lady to perform...

Sir Clarius cheers the performance of Zurladew, describing the visuals for Lady Ailith and filling in any gaps. He laughes as Kerdin tells his bawdy tale, occasionally looking to Ailith, his cheeks pinking at certain points.

Clarius will backslap Garrett and/or Jaymin at their high points in Zurladew's tale.

He'll continue selecting the best of the dishes for Ailith and himself, automatically avoiding any southern read: Qadiran dishes out of habit and keeping the perry flowing.

Quite unexpectant of Sir Clarius' vicious backslap, Sir Jaymin sprays wine from his lips in a gush all over poor Zurladew as he wraps up his tale.

Quite unexpectant of Sir Clarius' vicious backslap, Sir Jaymin sprays wine from his lips in a gush all over poor Zurladew as he wraps up his tale.

Without missing a beat, Zurladew announces to the hall, "And it's a good thing our knights hold their lances better than they hold their liquor or our table would be missing our entree!" He gestures to the dessicated platter of boar and bows low to the crowd.

Perform: Comedy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Sir Gervase starts a little at Beatrix's intimate touch, then a smile spreads across his face. Taking a moment to smooth his blond pencil moustache and goatee beard, he replies,

'M'Lady, I can asure you that, however my social skills have been judged, I've never received any complaints on account of size...'

Leaning a little closer, his hand under the table returns the favour, squeezing Beatrix's knee, as he adds with a whisper,

'... If m'Lady requires any proof on the matter then I, your humble servant, am more than happy to oblige...'

Beatrix whispers back to Sir Gervase,

"There is more than just size, but I'm sure the tourney will give you plenty of opportunity to show off how you handle your lance."

Quite possibly fuelled by the perry and wine as much as by Zurladew's famed wit, the guests laugh uproariously at his jest. Sir Gervase simple keeps smiling at Lady Beatrix as the calls for her to sing become something of a chant, fists and goblets pounding the tables in time as the majority of the guests join in,

'Sing! Sing! Sing! Sing!'

Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Obviously too entertained by Zurladew, and perhaps just a bit too far into his cups for the evening, Garrett fails to notice anything else amiss.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Zurladew begins circling around the top of the table, leading the chants to make Lady Beatrice sing - his small face is flushed, partly from exertion and partially from the heady Varisian wine he's been sipping.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Catching the action out of the corner of his eye, Clarius smirks and gives a small shake of the head.

Clarius joins in with the crowd, chanting for Lady Beatrix to sing, encouraging Lady Ailith to do the same.

"It looks like Beatrix's singing is about to join the entertainment." Alain thinks happily. I hope she doesn't get nervous."

Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

She notices Aydan leaving and frowns slightly. Still, she would not let him ruin her mood, and she join the chant for a song.

Whether our Ladies-in-waiting decide to help entertain or not...

The festivities continue until late, but eventually people start to drift away to seek their beds, and rest for the coming tournament in the morning... The Baroness retires early, but the Baron stays to enjoy the flowing wine and the general good cheer. Sir Philipe and Lady Ilaria are also amongst the first to excuse themselves, although Viscount Thevia and his retinue seem content to indulge in the Baron's hospitality for as long as they're able - Sir Gervase in particular apparantly willing to remain as long as Lady Beatrix does...

'If I may ask your indulgence a little further,' Ailith says quietly to Clarius, after a goodly time when the feast appears to be dying down somewhat, 'perhaps you'd be willing to escort me back to my tent? I'm quite certain that m'Lord Thevia will be impossible to drag away... and is probably in no fit state to escort anyone by this point anyway...' a quick glance at the high table confirms that, indeed, Viscount Geoffrey seems to have been matching his host cup for cup... to the detriment of both...

Lady Melisende, by contrast, appears none the worse for wear, having only indulged lightly, and manages to somehow remain alert and observant all the way through the night (a slightly mocking amused smile seemingly purpetually etched across her inviting lips...), until the last of the revelers drop off to sleep in their seats in the early hours, and she gracefully excuses herself (to an unconscious Baron Otto), and politely lifts her skirts to step over the various bodies sprawled in her way as she steps over to ascend the tower steps...

Lady Rebecca remains for a little while, until it's obvious that any focus on her has been well and truly drowned, then excuses herself to return to her chambers...

Sorry for my recent lack of posting... 'tis the season and all that! ;)

If I may ask your indulgence a little further,' Ailith says quietly to Clarius, after a goodly time when the feast appears to be dying down somewhat, 'perhaps you'd be willing to escort me back to my tent? I'm quite certain that m'Lord Thevia will be impossible to drag away... and is probably in no fit state to escort anyone by this point anyway...' a quick glance at the high table confirms that, indeed, Viscount Geoffrey seems to have been matching his host cup for cup... to the detriment of both...

Able to confirm the veracity of Lady Ailith's suspicions, Sir Clarius responds, 'I would be honored to escort you, milady. Indeed it would be my delight.' So saying, he rises and helps Lady Ailith to her feet.

'Good night, my friends. Enjoy the festivities.' Clarius tells Sirs Jaymin and Garrett as he escorts Lady Ailith from the great hall.

'I do hope you enjoyed yourself this evening, milady.' Holding her hand in the crook of his elbow as they pick their way through the great hall towards the doors to the courtyard.

If everyone could post any planned activities for the night (even if it's just a commentary on where you go to sleep), then we can proceed to the morning, and the tournament... barring unforseen incidents... ;)

After enjoying a bit of food and drink, and some idle conversation with those around him, Garrett will try to seek out a more quiet place to get some rest for tomorrow's tourney. Given that his pallet is normally in the great hall, he will try and find someplace a bit more out of the way, perhaps an alcove of one of the hallways of the castle.

I was still waiting to see how my evening was progressing.

Quite possibly fuelled by the perry and wine as much as by Zurladew's famed wit, the guests laugh uproariously at his jest. Sir Gervase simple keeps smiling at Lady Beatrix as the calls for her to sing become something of a chant, fists and goblets pounding the tables in time as the majority of the guests join in,

'Sing! Sing! Sing! Sing!'

Perception: 1d20=18 + 2 = 20

Beatrix caves to the calls of the gathered guests and rises to her feet. She begins to sing a traditional Taldan epic of heroism, chivalry, and innuendo.

Perform (Sing) : 1d20=17 + 7 = 24

O' there once was a tale...

Unfortunately, almost a week of banging one's head against a wall does not improve my skill at righting verse. Beatrix is quite adept at this, however, I her player am not. So as much as I would like to give a eloquent counterpoint to the jester's genius, I must leave her words to your imagination.

Unfortunately, almost a week of banging one's head against a wall does not improve my skill at righting verse. Beatrix is quite adept at this, however, I her player am not. So as much as I would like to give a eloquent counterpoint to the jester's genius, I must leave her words to your imagination.

"Oh, listen to my story about a man named Jed, Poor Taldane knight, barely kept his squire fed, But then one day, he was shooting at some Chells, And down, down he fell into nine of them Hells!"

Sir Jaymin will find some time to ask the various spellcasters from their group this afternoon about the possibility of using some of their magic to assist the knights of Baron Otto in defending the baronial honour against Sir Phillipe and his lady wife.

Zurladew waits until the last of the revelers are as asleep as they are going to get, then picks his way across the hall to head back upstairs. He gives a long low bow to the collapsed patrons and heads to the hallway to sleep.

Alaina will explain to Sir Jaymin that she has a single spell that may help, but that is all.

After sipping away one last goblet of wine, Alaina retreats back to the room she shares with Beatrix to sleep.

Beatrix's Taldan epic goes down a storm, inciting cheers and tears as appropriate, and seeming to win even more admiration from the clearly besotted Sir Gervase... But eventually, everyone has to retire for the night...

I'll post something for the others once I know what their plans for the night were... And Happy New Year all! :)