"What by the Goddess could this foul abomination be?" She is getting pale and even Mara looks concerned at her mistresses look.

Fr. Rys looks surprised

A poison! And one made from the blood of a dark creature as well?!

Looks at Sir Pedivere

This miscreant needs brought to justice...both wordly and divine. Consorting with demons is not looked kindly upon by my superiors

Looks at Lady Maeve and Calis

And nor is it, to my understanding, looked well upon those of the Old Faith

Pedivere acknowledges the words of the priest with a sad look upon his face.  "Dark it is indeed, when those who walk upon God's Earth do seek to consort with his foe.  Yet I cannot bring this beast to justice, nor the creature from which this disease has been made, though it pains me to say so.  Instead, I must ensure that the disease is cured.

"Jeremiah, do you have a cure for this disease, or know from where one can be obtained?  It is imperative to the survival of a God fearing man, and the stability of a Kingdom.  If this man should die, many more may follow."  As he speaks, the knight clenches his fists together, the knuckles white, yet his face remains calm and composed.

The fool comes out of the cave with the goblet held in his hand, he spits into the grass as he comes out, Now that tastes blimey aweful.  What in all that is holy's name was in this cup Jeremiah?  Your grotto is gonna take weeks to clear.  Pah!  If I didn't know better I would say that at your age Jeremiah, breaking wind and causing a stink like that would mean you have something seriously wrong with you. The fool jokes as he returns to the clear air.

Having brushed, watered, fed and talked to his horse, Colm picks up the sound of voices raised in alarm in the hermits humble home.  Not being one to ask for invitations he comes hastily into the hovel.  The solemn nature of the inhabitants (excepting the fool), hits him like a solid object.  He catches snippets of all that was said, but one piece of the talk hits his ears and he nearly retches.  Ya mean ta tell me, that the coop has suum manner o' demon's blood in it?  Thas' whas caused the sufferin'?!  he looks with revulsion at the chalice as if, at any moment, the blood would take shape into a full fledged scion of Satan.  His normally cheeful face turns grim as he glances about the room.  He cant help but linger, if only for a second, on the Pagan's present.  A superstitious distrust welling in him.  I'll wager they know a bit a'bout demons, he thinks to himself.  He makes the sign of the cross on himself, opens the door and spits out of it, mumbling I renounce Thee Satan

OCC:  No offence to any actual pagans present in this game.  I am only trying to represent how I think a Christain from this time would react to this, very uncomfortable, situation.

  "The Goddess doesn't approve of consorting with unnatural creatures such as these a Dryad or fairy is fine but such a dark being." Looks at the priest,"Looks like we have our work cut out for us this villian knows the darkest mysteries and must be utterly destroyed with his creature." Looks at Jeremiah,"Is there a cure?"

I agree. However, Sir Pedivere states the king's man comes first. Looks lost in thought for a moment. I am not sure which is more pressing; one man in the kingdom, or ridding the kingdom of a person who has access to such evil. I need to pray over this.

  "Well save the human life of course then find this villian to end the threat but sparing this man could draw out his attacker forcing a more direct response." Thinks as she shakes her head,"Such a dark power is a threat to the realm Goddess worshipper or one who serves the One God."

My only concern is that, by focusing on finding a cure, we give this miscreant time to to more mischief. However, if we focus on the miscreant, the king's man, and probably will, die.

  "My thinking is why he used such a tactic just a fast poison could have killed him before a cure could have been found, or a quick dagger." Frowning and getting angry,"This villian wants to make an example and undermine the King and the Knights of the Round Table and fears not old faith or new." Clearly upset,"And let me guess word at court must be followers of the Old Faith behind this I suspect the Bishop must love this turn of events to stoke hatred of the Goddess." Looks at the priest,"Most don't seem as open minded as you good Father or Jeremiah." Gets sadder...

Jeremiah sighs and looks up sadly, then begins to nod.  Raising a finger as a thought strikes him he shakes it.  "I know of a way.  It will require strong magic to stop this black disease.  I will see what I have and see what I need."  He continues to nod, rising from his spot.  Folding his hands before him in prayer he begins to chant for a moment and the group realizes he is praying.  The summer breeze suddenly begins to pick up and changes direction.  It is warm, and comforting, fresh.

   He ceases his prayer and turns and smiles at the group as the breeze ruffles the edges of his robes and blows into the interior of his cave.  He waits for a moment to pass before entering into cave.  No coughing can be heard.  Several moments pass as the party discusses its concerns.

    He re-emerges and retakes his seat on the boulder.  Pressing his lips together he pauses a moment before speaking.  "The demon's hold is strong on this man.  I have some of the ingredients, but not all.  I will begin creating what I can, but I have need of other items.  Will you retrieve them for me?"

"A demon?" Calis snarled as he listened to the herbalists words. "Aye, even the druids of my grove and the other groves I have visited at times did not hold to contacting such forces. As my pagan Lady said, a dryad or fairie are respected but darkness and demons would be faught with all of the powers of the Old Ones," the ministrel said as he looked up from where he was quietly sitting and watching. He flashed a look at Lady Maeve before nodding and smiling at her.

What ingredients do you need, and where might we procure them for you?

Colm's face becomes even grimmer at the Lady's words.  Or, me Lady, the killer may be trying to distract us by havin us off chasin' the wee' people and leavin' the king exposed and distracted.  Is' not unknown that the king cares more for them that surround him then hisself.  If somun' wanted to keep the king busy and get his protectors lookin' the other way, a slow death of a court memeber and a long quest'ed be how they do it.  he pauses for a second   There be another thought as well.  What if the disease was to do more than kill 'da man.  Whatif the goal was to steal his soul....  he visibly shudders.

Aye.  I'm in an' ready for action.  We' done too much talkin' for my likin' already

"I hesitate to ask, but you are an intrepid lot, prone to adventure and risk.  And, there is a life in the balance," he regards each of those assembled seriously.

   "I require several elements, but the first must be a dragon scale.  It will take the longest to transmute.  I do not know where a dragon's lair is though I am afraid," he shook his head.  "But I do know of one who does.  A wizard named Fiallan.  His tower," he began, turning and pointing to the west.  "Is have a day's ride from here.  In the valley of that mountain."  His gesture becomes more specific.  "There you must go and ask him.  I will give you a letter to present to him so that he knows that you are there at my behest." He nods and looking to the group expecting comment.

A, eh, Dragon.. you say?  He says, clearing his throat.  Being more the stealth oriented type, the vision of him and his horse bursting into flame was not particularly pleasing.  Perhaps the knight will find such an end almost desireable, but Colm was a bit more practical.  His mouth a little dry, he continues, Do these beasts shed?  Mayhaps we'll fin' a scale lyin' 'round, for a frontal assult on such a beast seems madness.  He shakes his head I, of 'curse, 'll do what is required for God n' King

  "Dragons creatures of nature and a bit of magic about them but not all are out to eat maidens and kill knights by the Old Tales some hold great wisdom." Smiling,"Ever think knight of asking the creature for a scale and do a little flattery- they are as a rule intelligent with mysterious natures at times." Looks at the priest,"They are not demons and most wish to be left alone by the tales. "I'll approach it if need be as a friend may get what we wish without fighting but the creature is part of this world and the free spirit of the Goddess- I may die as well as get help." Smiling adds,"I never met such a creature personally but if I meet it unarmed and be clearly interested in helping another I may get a scale for the cure or return to the Cycles of Life and Death earlier than planned." Looks at the group,"But I will not fight the dragon its older and graced by power blessed by the Goddess more valuable to her than a mortal man even the good King or his guest."

Pedivere raises his hands slightly, in a calming motion.  "These words are rushed and of matters that are not clearly understood.  The victim is not a mere courtier, nay good people, the unfortunate is indeed the King of Norway, beloved Arthur's staunch ally and friend.

"The throne of Norway is usurped by a sinister imposter, the crown prince exiled.  Talk of vengeance against this consort of daemons and devils is premature.  First and foremost, the King of Norway must be healed, for if he is not, that noble nation will flounder and darkness prevail."

Pedivere kneels down so that he can look the apothecary, Jeremiah in the eyes.  "You may not be safe here Jeremiah.  Those responsible for this unconcionable, diabolical act are most likely seeking to hinder all efforts to create the antedote.  I cannot seek the items you need and protect you at once, nor can I in good faith expect others without martial training to do either.  Will you return with me to more civilised lands, where you can be protected and aided as well in the creation of this tonic?  Perhaps it is possible that some if not all the ingredients you require can be found in the keeping of my liege?"

Pedivere stands continuing to talk, but now to himself, his chin resting in his hand as he ponders the new predicament. "At the least, this dire news needs to be brought to the attention of the King, though the ingredients must be sought and the apothecary protected from the enemy."

  "Peasant or King this dragon is sacred to the Old Faith as all of them even the tempermental ones killing one will have problems Knight." Thinking,"But we must protect Jeremiah may I suggest under the care of the Ladies of the Lake their might is formidable and they are loyal to the King- it will be a longer journey but worth the risk but its up to Jeremiah." Thinking,"I'll escourt him there through the woods and forests would someone else come with us like the good man of the Old Faith- the rest can seek the Dragon Scale?"

OOC - I actually didn't speak anything about the Dragon.... If you note I was responding to the talk of justice.

  Jeremiah chuckles at the notion of leaving his domicile.  "No I will not go from this place.  I have survived this long here in peace.  I have my ways of remaining safe.  The Lord is my light, and my salvation, whom shall I fear?" he smiled, quoting a psalm.
   "No, here I will remain.  This is my home, my instruments and shop are here.  Now," he said, changing the subject.  "Fiallan is located in the valley of that mountain.  Aeron, will guide you there."  Without warning the apothecary chanted a few words of prayer and tapped the fool in the centre of his forehead.

Aeron shakes his head two no three times as if trying to clear his vision, Aw Jeremiah, now why did you have to go and do that?  Can you not just give me directions?  He shakes his head again.

    Ok sir kniggity and everyone else, We have got to go see this wizard or else I am going to be seeing clear for way too long.  The fool appears to have some clarity, more than he normally has.  He scowls at Jeremiah.

    I vote we leave at once!  And Jeremiah, should we take the cup? the fool asks while brandishing the same.  It could let an enemy know where you are if I remember some of the things about Thamateurgy that the court wizard told me.  Then again, if we take it the enemy may figure out what we are about, or where we are going.  Heh, I think this is a conundrum.  Here I always wanted a conundrum!  Now that I have one I am not so happy about it, he says laughing.

Pedivere nodded, knowing that he could not change the old man's mind.  "Then do you have any other trustworthy assistants who could perhaps carry a message to the holdings of Sir Ectors?"

Seeing that the fool continues to have the cup of Norway, the young Knight holds out his hands.  "Unless, after identifying the poisonous residue there is still reason for the cup to remain here, I shall take it, as it was entrusted into my keeping I shall be responsible for it."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Fri 29 Oct 2004.

Calis continued to listen to the talk and swallowed a lump in his throat at the mention of a dragon and trying to get its scale. He shook his head as his companions and friend tried to get the herbalist to leave his home.