In reply to Aris'ta (msg # 150):

"I've some hermit wine of uncertain vintage in my bags, perhaps you'd do me the honour of allowing it's uncorking in observance of your centenary?"

Vik dashes off to get the wine she'd purchased from the hermit, gladly pouring a glass for herself, one for Aris'ta, and setting the bottle down

"My father always said bad wine is often as good as fine wine, for it brings to mind the times one had fine wine. To reflection, be it bitter or sweet, or some of both."

She leaned in closer to Aris'ta

"So, if it's not too crude, you must have seen great things in your years. When you were born, mine own great-grandfather was a boy."

She eyed Rook

"Would you like some wine as well Brother Rook? I'd say there's a mouthful at least for you if you'd like."

His wandering and munching brought him close to Viktoria and Aris'ta and when offered more wine, the young man nodded eagerly. Even though his cup was already full, he threw it back and emptied it before holding it out for a refill. "I don't know why there's wine, but I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth." He commented, finishing the bread with gusto and quaffing the wine provided by Viktoria. "I actually liked the fey, once we got eyes on 'em. They killed a trapper we'd been tracking since the first day. He left these big-ass traps that nearly killed Bai's horse." His cheeks began to tinge with a redness not given by the fire. "He was making a log trap and they set it off, rolled right over him." Rook took another long drink with a pleasant sigh.

The mention of divinity as a part of a trade struck him wrong, but Rook was finding that it didn't bother him as much as it would have earlier. "I'm a farmer by trade. I tend to the land to make a living. M'a priest by calling." A finger came off of the cup to gesture. "Didn't choose, but chosen. Almost as hard as walkin' behind a plow, though." The second glass gone, he procured another refill from the closest available pitcher, sneaking another piece of flatbread to pull apart with the sides of his teeth.

"I was out in the woods with four women for a week, Andalon. There's not enough wine in this fort to convince me to head back out there as the only man again." He continued drinking, wiping the red mustache away with his healed forearm. "They drove me to drinkin', as you can see. 'Course I'm gonna go with y'all. Ari still needs to show me how to shoot worth a damn so I don't have to punch anything else. And maybe Viktoria can show me how to stay out of the way of claws cause I obviously can't dodge to save my hide." He opened his arms up and pushed his injured chest into the light.

"A wedding?" The young man marvels in a whispery wonderous voice. "That's fantastic!" He goes over to hug Viktoria, the empty cup in no danger of spilling. "Congratulations, Viktoria! I hope you and Cyrus will be very happy together." And then he turns to Aris'ta, his eyes shining and flushed down to his neck. "And your birthday? On the same day?" Now his voice has gone even higher in pitch than normal. Rook floats over to Aris'ta to give her a congratulatory hug as well. "Happy birthday!" He grunts as the squeeze reminds him that his ribs aren't quite fully healed yet. Rook rocks back and forth, noting the dampness of her hair until Vik returns with new wine. Still wide-eyed, he nods eagerly and holds his cup out. "I'd very much like to try your wine. Your wedding wine!"

Aris'ta grinned, in spite of herself, quite taken aback by Vik's friendly nature and finding herself looking forward to learning more about the woman in the journey to come. She manages only a nod at the young woman's request and turns her eyes back to Andalon and Rook while Vik disappears. "I'm afraid I may not have much in the way of information for you Andalon, but I will certainly try," She murmurs, somewhat flustered from Rook's mistaken congratulations towards Vik and Cyrus, followed by a rather unexpected hug for her 'birthday'.

She gives the other cleric a look of some alarmed confusion before Rook steps back and whatever she would have said falls away when she notes the pained look on his face. "Rook, are you quite..." But Vik returns and her concerned question also falls away as Vik presents the wine and she watches as Rook anxiously requests another glass, mentally making a note to get the young man to bed sooner rather than later, as she can see where his evening is headed and knows too well what morning will be like for him as well when it arrives.

"Crude, no, but I spent most of my time trying to keep from being seen. My father was very fearful that my life remained in danger by those who killed my mother, I took those words very personally." she gave Rook a double take and shook her head. "Rook, Viktoria isn't marrying Cyrus, Valoria is. Andalon's... cousin? Right?" She asks of Andalon, reaching out a hand to steady the Cleric of Erastil as if she fears he will fall.

Valoria smiled brightly as many kind words where spoken. Fine words and a little wine would hopefully mend any and all wounds. Being in a very jovial spirit, Valoria nodded and greeted all that where at the table, even if it was a quick hello. “Aris'ta....Rook, thank you both for coming and drinking wine with me on this glorious night....I regret my past words, but let that pass...Cheers, I look forward to traveling with both of you.” She then looked over to Pipre and handed her the captured spellbook. “I was able to copy what I needed, so you can have this. Please, have some more wine.”

OOC: Sorry for the quick post...it's been a long day. :)
Handing captured spellbook over to Pipre.

"Yes, Valoria is my cousin," Andalon confirmed in response to Aris'ta. "Today is your birthday? Your hundredth birthday? Well then, I must wish you a very happy birthday indeed. That's more years than I am ever likely to see but I hope I can be here to call you friend for the next half century at least."

"Rook, I am very glad to have you join us on our next mission, as well. You are not fully healed yet though. Do you think you will be by tomorrow, or the next day?"

In reply to Andalon de Lebeda (msg # 155):

"I think Cyrus would find me a less than pleasing wife, considering my love of leather, mail and quilted cloth over silk lace and brocade."

Drinking the wine, Vik was surprised to find it quite good

"Hermits, who truly understands them?"

Hearing Andalon questioning Rook, Vik chuckles

"Leave off Andalon, remember what happened last time? Brother Rook will heal in his own time, and likely we shan't see combat within a days ride anyways. And that reminds me, Rook, Aris'ta, do either of you excel in the care of animals or the gathering of food? Lolli's skills are quite good, but a helping hand would make her work lighter, and she is tending almost everyone's mounts and feeding more mouths this time round."

Percy eyes the knot of people that have gravitated to Aris'ta and smiles.  For a moment he considers surrendering his nice warm spot by the fire to join them ... but decides against it.  There's already enough of them and Aris'ta seems somewhat withdrawn in large groups, so he is unwilling to upset the mood of good fellowship that currently exists by adding to that number.  Besides he is very comfortable where he is ...

Lolli approached Oleg, head a bit fuzzy from all the wine being bandied about

"Oleg, I was wondering if you had some time to discuss some purchases. Lady Viktoria has paid me handsomely for my efforts in our ranging, a tenth of her own share, and bought my bow from me. I was wondering if those things I had talked to you before about were available? And I have other purchases I'd like to pay for, if you've time. And I'd like to inquire to your available tools, I've need of some weapon and armour-smithing odds and ends, and some things for bow-work and fletching."

She kept her tone civil, even demure, as Oleg had little reason to love a bandit, even a reformed one. Her purse, on the other hand, if she spoke well and kept clean, would see her well-furnished, if Oleg was as mercantile as he let on.

Once she had spoken with Oleg, Lolli approached Percy

"Milord, err, Percy? I wondered if I might ask a favour? I've recently come into a rapier, a humble one to be sure but . . . well I've some training with a light blade, but you seem to be the man to speak to about matters of fencing and proper swordplay."

Andalon responded quickly to Vik's words to reassure her and Rook of his intentions.

"Oh, no, I'm not suggesting we should heal Rook's wounds any more swiftly than he wishes. I just don't want to call forth a wave of positive energy to heal everyone after a battle and find I've accidentally wiped away his scars as well. Knowing when it is safe to do so without needing to warn him first will, hopefully, avoid such an unfortunate mistake."

"Ah.  Borric isn't back yet, although I am expecting him  in  a few days." Oleg responds to Lolli's questions.  Then his voice drops as he speaks quietly to the woman.


"Mr de la Maistre asked me to be sympathetic." he says a bit more loudly.

"Oh. Of course, of course."  Percy seems surprised that anyone would seek his advice on matters martial, but quite flattered and delighted at the opportunity.

"I had a very good fencing teacher," he tells Lolli, "a gentleman is expected to know such things.  Alas, he might not always have had the best pupil, but I have certainly learned the basics and would be more than happy to pass on what I know."

"But I must insist we use blunted sticks ... after Cyrus and Vik's example, I think it best, even if we will have two priests with us this time out."

"And I must warn you, I am not at my best early in the mornings - but while we're here, we could practice in the afternoons, and when we're on our way again, then once we stop for the day."

"In return ... perhaps you would be kind enough to teach me to cook ?  Just enough so I know enough not to poison anyone !  With more of us along, this time, it might be useful if I'm able to share some of the culinary duties ... at least do more than fetching water and cleaning pots."

Cyrus had watched in reserved awe as the others moved and celebrated the announcement he'd made. He was deeply honored by each congratulatory greeting that was shared.

To Henry he bowed and replied, "May our union serve you and this land as we strive to civilize and unify it."

He deferred to Valoria in regards to Zorah's request to assist, saying, "We are most grateful for any assistance, perhaps you could discuss the decor with Valoria and any others who wish to help with the festivities themselves, though I may reserve the right to ask you to help in another way depending on how our next outing fairs."

At the mention of a Hind, Cyrus smiles and says, "Perhaps a hunt is in order upon our return from the fort! I am quite sure we could make a grand time of it prior to the wedding! Would you mind asking Aris'ta, Rook, and Zorah, and any of the others who would be willing to do so to join us?

To Andalon he says, "Future cousin, we have had our differences of opinion, but you have proven yourself to be a good and faithful man, I am more than pleased to have you do the honors."

Percy's words were kind and he acknowledged them saying, "Percy, were it not for you, I would be stuck in a pit with cats clawing at my face. I am honored to have you as a companion! May our return to the fortress be one of victory and honor!"

He watched as the others who they had encountered on the road appeared or woke from their rest and realized that he had not taken their exhaustion into consideration. He went to each of them and apologized quietly and hoped that they would understand and participate in the celebration this evening as they were able.

His fears of offending the other group were soon assuaged by Rook's quick drafts of wine and he grew concerned for the man's stamina, especially after a forced march and while still injured. He made a note to keep an eye on the priest and to help him to his bunk should he need it. He could see that Andalon and Vik had engaged Aris'ta and Rook in conversation and not wanting to interrupt he waited to see Rook's response to the question about his injuries before interjecting anymore.

Valoria turned to Zorah, almost forgetting about the flowers in this night of wine. “Oh yes, thank you for the offer. Dear Zoarh, I was thinking of lilies, white ones if possible to represent the swan of Lebeda. The purple thistle for the boar of Ondari. So I guess the colors will be white and purple.”

Smiling as she imagines the flowers Zorah nods to Valoria.  "I will do my very best to find exactly what you want.  Can I assume reasonable substitutions can be made if those cannot be found?  Oh, and when do you need these by?"

Valoria paused and looked over at Cyrus with a smile. “We would get married today, if able, but we need to wait on a few things. So, maybe a week or so. Whatever flowers you can find would be great.” She then gave Zorah a hug. “Thank you kind Zorah. I wish you good fortune in your journey to the fey.”

--------------------------
Some time later
--------------------------

Svetlana nods a greeting to you, then returns her attention to the stew that will be served for dinner tonight.  There are two large tables and benches close by.

After everyone had seemed to be mostly settled and the atmosphere seemed languid and thoughtful, Cass made his way toward the fire. At Svetlana's nod, he offered a warm smile and without saying a word, found himself a comfortable place to sit.

Cass then proceeded to unwrap a leather bound parcel, which revealed a well-cared-for lute. He took a moment to ensure that the instrument was in tune then gave it a confident strum. Finding just the right volume to cover across the yard, but not so loud as to be distracting, Cass performed and sang a playful tune disguised as more heart-felt fare.

Farewell Angelina
The bells of the crown
Are being stolen by bandits
I must follow the sound
The triangle tingles
And the trumpet play slow
Farewell Angelina
The sky is on fire
And I must go

There's no need for anger
There's no need for blame
There's nothing to prove
Everything's still the same
Just a table standing empty
By the edge of the sea
Farewell Angelina
The sky is trembling
And I must leave

The jacks and queens
Have forsaken the courtyard
Fifty-two gypsies
Now file past the guards
In the space where the deuce
And the ace once ran wild
Farewell Angelina
The sky is folding
I'll see you in a while

See the cross-eyed pirates sitting
Perched in the sun
Shooting tin cans
With a sawed-off shotgun
And the neighbors they clap
And they cheer with each blast
Farewell Angelina
The sky's changing color
And I must leave fast

King Kong, little elves
On the rooftops they dance
Valentino-type tangos
While the make-up man's hands
Shut the eyes of the dead
Not to embarrass anyone
Farewell Angelina
The sky is embarrassed
And I must be gone

The machine guns are roaring
The puppets heave rocks
The fiends nail time bombs
To the hands of the clocks
Call me any name you like
I will never deny it
Farewell Angelina
The sky is erupting
I must go where it's quiet

Svetlana smiles as she hears the singing, pausing I  her dinner preparations.  ”What a beautiful song.  It reminds me of growing up  back home in Restov.  There was a girl in our street could sing sweetly, and that gave me visions of Johanna singing the same sort of song.  But she used to sing more about the weather.”    The woman pauses as she remembers for a  moment, ”There was about an idiot wind, a hurricane and sheltering from the storm.   She likes it when it was nice and worm in the summer time.”

With a light laugh she turns back to tending dinner.  After a careful look into the pot she decides,  ”There will be enough to go around, although there probably won’t be ant seconds.  A bowl of stew with a nice warm flatbread.  That should help get some of the road tiredness out.”

Lex lead the way from the bunkhouse to the Fire. They arrived just in time to hear Cass playing and singing. He had never heard of some of the things Cass mentioned in his lyrics, but he'd not been to Brevoy since he was a boy, so who knows what had been created in The meantime.

"And this is The Fire, that I had mentioned earlier. Svetlana makes a mean stew..." He trailed off so as not to be rude to the musician.

Cass crooked a grin for Svetlana. "I know the song. You have a head for good music." As the others moved in the near the fire, he began a low rendition of 'Handsome Molly.'

I'd rather be in Oppara
Or some other seaport town
I'd set foot on a ship
And sail the ocean round...

As he continued, Cass took the time to watch the others. He hadn't had much opportunity during the marches here and he wondered how the folks matched their appearances and movements. He would learn more as they talked to each other and after his own conversions with them, but it was always fun to speculate beforehand.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Mon 23 Jan 2017.

Having set up her bunk to her liking Mariam grabbed her glasses and a book and joined her new companions. She followed them to the fire and made an attempt to speak with Tansy, "Perhaps we should judge a man by the worth on his words and actions, not by who he once was. After all we are humans, and humans do make mistakes" she spoke adjusting her glasses back onto her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Tue 24 Jan 2017.

Out by the fire Svetlana is ready to hand out bowls  of game stew and warm grkddle breads, although she is happier if you  bring your own bowls and spoons.  She has wather for drinking, althogh she also has  quart bottles of 0uubeer for sale for 3 silvers.

When Cass needs to take break to eat his dinner, Adoven takes over the singing.  His singing, while not as polished,  is infectious, and he encourages you to join in as he launches into an old favourite and beats time on the table.

"Can she bake a cherry pie Billy boy, Billy boy?
Can she bake a cherrt pie, darling Billy."

Kethara moved into the room with a certain uneasiness. She took a seat at one of the large table and felt Wendig curl next to her feet. Kethara enjoyed the comfort of his presence and allowed herself to enjoy the music of the patrons in the room. Taking some cues from the others while waiting for her appetite to call her to eating, Kethara removed a deck of finely crafted tarot cards from her side and began to shuffle them in front of her. She dealt them to herself in a fashion of self reading.