Everything is delicious, though to Rogar's taste, the dishes are spiced more heavy, the meats are cooked so well, sauces seem to add a lot of flavor, the breads, different, as contrasted to Celbaria'a fare. as a knee jerk reaction Rogar knows it is different, how could he possibly say it was as good or better.

The meal is only as silent as everyone has something to say, a lot of opinions of the Widow's cooking and selection of cuts and composition.

The Page is happy to listen, asks almost no questions and certainly eats his portion, perhaps a little more.

At one point, Rogar spies that the Page is putting portions of the dishes in his pockets; he is unaware of Rogar's awareness of his actions.

The host is happy to have good food and a distinguished guest. He waxes on about the various place she has seen.. when in the service of the Master of the Hunt and his favorite hunts of animals for the King's Table.

Rogar enjoys the meal and the company. He listens to the tales with rapt interest, hoping to glean pointers for future hunts. It was his own hunting ability that kept the group sustained and anything that could improve future ventures was valuable in its own way. As it draws nearer to noon, he helps clear the repast, thanking his host. Reminding the Page of his other commitment he takes his leave, thanking Master Gryarnocci for his sage council and hoping to return to trade stories.

With the meal done, stories listened to, the next duty to perform calls, Rogar and the Page say their good byes and make the exit to the street and then back North to the Castle.

The travel back through the city is colorful and there are people affixing more flags of Sarkund to more places to fly the colors: Hand pouring wine from a golden goblet, all on white.

Commerce, various peoples in all manner of dress, move and conduct the business of the city in mostly Tornathian, some other languages as well.

The there is the Outer gate and they pass through without incident, then to the inner gate, where the Minister has yet to arrive.

Rogar surreptitiously checks his purse to see if anything was filched on this day's excursion. He asks the Page "is there some forthcoming celebration that causes these people to suddenly hang Sarkund flags? And will you be available tomorrow morning?" Rogar wondered if the lad had younger siblings to take care of.

When Rogar checks his purse, he does note that it is shifted, perhaps in the normal course of travel, it seems to be as heavy, coins do clink when he straightens the purse

"It is all in preparation of the royal wedding I believe.

I will be available."

The Page is looking around and seems eager to move, yet stays.

Rogar asks "indeed? Who is getting married may I ask? And by any chance do you know one or two merchants that deal in exotic or hard-to-find items? Your familiarity with these streets reminds me of a quartermaster I knew in the Free City of Aarn." As he steps inside the bailey, he opens the purse to count the demarchs there, and checking to see that all were golden.

"The King has announced that his daughter, the Princess Rebecixis to be married in the Summer.

Redelio Gryarnocci did take up the whole morning,  I mentioned Viepho Hillbraid. She deals in many things, I recall the word exotic being used by some. I do know others, but they deal in more common goods."

In one hand the coins fill the Knights calloused hands, all coins are gold and count the same as the number when he put them in.

Rogars slips the coins back and nods. "Then we will visit tomorrow. See you tomorrow morning. Tell me lad, by any chance do you have siblings that you care for? Just curious."

The Page looks up into Rogar's eyes.

"Of a sort. I will be ready and visit your door in the morning."

He turns and walks to the outer bailey through the Inner gate, was past the gate he begins to run.

There is a brief wait before the Minister and a Page show at teh Gate.

"My apologies for being tardy. How are you this fine day Sir Rogar?"

"Very well, thank you. Had a most pleasant visit with the former Master of the Hunt. Having seen numerous glassiers already, I know the top 4 to introduce you to once we are settled. In the meantime I am familiarizing myself with Sarkund, a bit at a time " Rogar responds.

"That is interesting. I have no interest in the glass makers of Sarkund, it was just a ruse, a story for the road.

It will mean something to the Seneschal, likely with the arrival of the one we expect, then that information would be of great interest.

Concerning   our task at hand, we now have an acceptable candidate for a residence. We now must search for any that are better, if not than the selection is made."

Rogar shrugs. "Perhaps so, but it strengthened the cover story for all who may have inquired about it. Tell me which property best aligned with the Seneschal's requirements. I'll look at my notes to determine what else must be done." He pulls out his journal to check the last few days' reviews.

The minister goes through his notes and shows you a residence for yesterdays search.

As Rogar reviews, it has a nice garden is a three story residence with a back wal and fences on either side, the 'stable' was only a two horse stable, so it would have to expand, however there was room and a back gate in the rear wall  as easy access for horses, though as he recalls that gate may have to be enlarged.

The residence was the former home of a Stone mason and the stone work is beyond compare.

The interior would need work, as it was a bit barren, but stone floors, stairs, Rogar is surprised the door were not stone, though the main be chamber on the middle floor dis have formidable stone doors.  The third floor and glass in the ceiling and was a sun room and part indoor garden.

All in all a very secured and defensible residence in his tactical assessment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:56, Thu 02 Nov 2023.

Rogar murmurs "excellent, yes. Functional and defensible. Will need a carpenter or two, plus permission from the Horse Lord. Still, we have that as a fallback if nothing better presents itself."

Again another day spent looking, evaluating residences.

As the day develops, yes, a few features here and there  may be better, and Rogar finds an outstanding stable for six horses with hayloft above and a training area, however, by comparison, it appears not as fine a choice as set standard to beat.

The day is falling to less sunlight, and a near hour of sun remains when the Knight and Minister return to the Castle and part at the Inner gate.

"I do not know how many days left we can spend looking, the Seneschal will inform us how many days he thinks are required.

I may complain of blisters, perhaps that will grant a small reprieve from all this walking."

Rogar responds "perhaps a note to the Chamberlain will grant you relief from the local apothecary? Or did you mean that figuratively? " He completes his notes for the day, reminding himself to seek out a carpenter when time permits. "perhaps I can request the use of our horses tomorrow from the Stable Master Quinn?"

With a look to the Knight to judge his humorlessness.

"I am sure it will be fine on the morrow. I will soak them tonight.

No horses, it would be more bother than aid. It may not be necessary.
There is much to go over this eve. I still have no answer from the Master of Letters, which means a Petition to the Court, and to do that I need access to books and scrolls or the help of a Noble, which means favors.

Good eve to you Sir Rogar I will see you in the morn."

Rogar bids the Minister good evening. He returns to his room and pens a note to the kitchen to have his dinner delivered to his room. He adds that he wishes breakfast delivered to his room tomorrow at daybreak, when the Page was supposed to awaken him. While waiting for his meal, he ponders his other requests that have gone unanswered. Perhaps a missive to the eager young Prince, Vicenzi, might gain him access to the facilities of the 1st Cavalry? Something to consider.....
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Fri 20 Oct 2023.

The kitchen responds and sends up a meal with a selection of dishes, breads, stews.

The kitchen sends attendants and all the flatware and linen cloths. There is a note that the meal to break the fast will be delivered at sunrise.

Rogar enjoys the meal, then gets to work. Pulling out the writing materials he writes a pair of notes.


The first is addressed to Page Haviria


Page Haviria,
  As your time at the castle draws to a close, I wish you to know how impressed I was. As you make contacts and learn as much as you can, I have an opportunity for you in Celbaria if you are interested. I had thought to contact your parents first, but realized that it was best to hear whether you are interested first , before approaching your parents. I have need of a Squire. You would be granted the Title, and learn the tenets and training of the Order of the Swan. However, this is a monumental commitment in a foreign land, and it is understandable if you do not choose that life for yourself. Contact me if you are interested.

Sir Rogar
Knight of the Order of the Swan


His second message is to the Seneschal of Sarkund.


Seneschal,
  as we have not met yet, I am Sir Rogar of Celbaria. In addition to my martial duties I am both a historian and a linguist. I would like to petition the Court to grant me Academian status, allowing me to petition the Master of Letters for access to the castle Libraries. As a guest in the castle I cannot pursue martial training or learning new forms, so I wish to expand my knowledge of the League instead. Might this be possible?

Sir Rogar
Knight of the Order of the Swan

There is a knock at the door, the kitchen has sent up a meal to break the fast.

Two attendants deliver and then leave.

Soon there is another knock the Page Jovisso has arrived.

Then there is another knock at the door, a letter is delivered.


Sir Rogar, Knight of the Order of the Swan

I am flattered at the praise and the offer.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to
you about this offer as I do not fully understand
what would be requires.

My time is not my own during the day, however
after the sun sets, I would like to speak with
you about the offer.

Haviria Margirtusca

Rogar indicates the breakfast to Jovisso. "help yourself, including storing away what you desire for the others" he says as he pens a quick missive.





Haviria,
Feel free to call on me after your duties are done tonight.

Rogar

He sends a page from the hallway to deliver the missive, then returns to break his fast. He says to Jovisso "so who is this exotic person you are introducing me to today?"

Page Jovisso smiles wide and then at the comment about 'the others' he colors red and looks to say something, then thinks better of that, and begins to make a plate and samples everything.

The Page is eating with decorum, pauses to answer the question, orders his thoughts.

"Viepho Hillbraid is a Half folk with experiences that are parts fact, fanciful and fable.
I have not known her long, a year, nearly, however our first meeting was her saving my life.

"One day, I was delivering a message, it was in Red steps, I turned into a cistern square, that was blocked off, because someone gave others my charge, I imagine they were laying in wait on many paths I could have taken, perhaps my path was too predictable.

I was set upon by a number, maybe five, six, they wanted my message, not so much me. Dressed in rags, dirt smeared faces and arms and smelled of.. it was terrible.

I tried to move, climb, but they were too fast and they grabbed me and they started to rip at me for the message I carried. I was on my back, pinned, when I saw a cloud of mist descend and out of that mist, I saw Viepho. When I awoke, I was in her shop tied up in blankets of moss and green. She was sitting in a rocking chair smoking a pipe and talking to herself.

I saw her shop full of strange things, she saw me looking and began to tell me stories, some of which I am sure were made to fascinate.

Well, after I thanked her and asked how I could repay her, she chuckled and said that I could carry messages for her from time to time.. if I learned to be more careful.

I have tried to be more careful, less predictable and more aware.

In the year since then, I have visited her many times, delivered many messages and fins her to be kind and an excellent story teller."

At some time later, after the meal is done, a message is delivered.

Sir Rogar, Knight of the Order of the Swan

I look forward to our talk.

Haviria Margirtusca

Rogar puts the message aside and responds "Excellent. I look forward to our meeting. As we walk, perhaps you could tell me about whom you are loading up on foodstuffs for? You're showning yourself wiser than your years and I might be able to help."

"I can do better than that,  I can show you, if you like."