They meet along the path to Aquae Grannis, Brennus, flanked by two of Heolstor’s warriors, and the Centaurs.

“We are friends,” the foremost Centaur says.  Brennus has never seen these folk, but he has heard of them.  Centaurs are known to live in the great endless forest that stretches to the east of the Rhine. They claim no towns, and do not build, but live an idyllic life as nomadic hunters.  That’s what he’s heard, at least.

He’s also heard that a troop of them are in the service of King Theoderic.  News like that spreads rapidly, if only for the pure novelty of it.

The Centaur extends his hand.  “I am Phiraz,” he says.  “And we have been your friend a time now, I think, for we have fought for the King.  And you do not seem an Orc, or one of those corrupted by them.”

“We’ve never seen one of those,” says a quiet voice behind Phiraz.  “How would we know?”

“I’ve seen them,” Phiraz says.  “In the Sygambri forest, Saxon men, but there was a savageness about them he does not have.  For a share of the plunder of Elven lands, they joined with the Huns.  This is no Saxon.”

Brennus looks towards the other voice.  Down.  It’s.. something like a Centaur, but not.  It’s much smaller, with the body of a deer and upper torso, arms, and head like an Elf, but a smaller scale.

“I am a Hybsil, sir,” the creature says when Brennus is looking at it.  “Zizram.  Hunter and fisher and finder of fruit, and here to give account for my people.”

By now, others are catching up.  But these are not more Centaurs… Brennus sees a tall Human man approaching with a pair of Elves.

Aquae Grannis:

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:47, Fri 01 Nov 2013.

Brennus looked at the horse people in wonder; never having thought it likely to meet such beings even more exotic than the elves. He cleared his throat and tried to sound and look confident, waiting until the newcomers caught up before speaking.

"I am Brennus of Belgica. My cousin is Lunelle, Duchess of Tongrorum." Brennus added, wondering if such names meant anything at all to these nomads. He gestured to the rest of the party with him and further back to the town beyond. "I speak for the people of Aquae Grannis. The tyrant the Huns placed in control is dead and the people here are free." He paused before adding: "We would be glad of any help against the orcs if you would give it."

Eadoin, too. Departs for another thread, arriving here with the majority of his folk and with a tiny number of the Hybsils, as well, since they've chosen to live in community.  He lets Phiraz do much of the speaking, since he seems inclined to do so.  Meanwhile, he continues to indulge the fact that he's full of himself with the turn of the seasons.  Metaphorically speaking, it's fair to say that his sap has begun to run.

After Grannus introduces himself, the young Centaur does as in return.  "Mare's blessings, Brennus of Belgica.  My name is Eadoin, of Lutetia Parisiorum, late of Ravinacum.  The Orcs haven't done so well in Belgica.  Though they've hurt us grievously, their tide has turned."

He glances to a couple others of his folk before continuing, "We'll help where we can, sir, if you'll tell us more."

The others catch up- Theoderic, Salen, and Aelasuria.

Theoderic introduces himself at once, so as to leave no doubt:  "Theoderic, son of Clovis."

He glad to meet a noble of Belgica, as it indicates that the Belgicans are seeing the big picture of this, beyond mere local defense of their home.  But he is very curious about the situation here, and asks a few questions of Brennus.  What little they knew of this place suggested that Aquae Grannis was an important stronghold for the Huns, being relatively close to the Elves.  What have they found, here?

Brennus was clearly taken aback by the presence of the king here but after bowing before his liege tried to tell what happened as succicently as he could.  "We slew the giant Silok who had ruled this place in the name of the Hun. Most of his orcs fled, those that had not fallen but in truth there was not a very great garrison here despite its importance - apparently none of the Hunnish warlords wished to see his host bleed away in countless fighting with the elves.  We took the town before they settled on reinforcements."

He paused, rubbing his tidy beard thoughtfully. "From the townsfolk I've learned that Juliacum is where the Huns are holding many human slaves they have taken, along with a few elves. It is my ambition once we have the numbers to raid that place and free as many as possible. The Lord of Lingones was about to depart to bring back allies."   Another pause before hastily adding. "Though I am yours to command my king."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Mon 04 Nov 2013.