The main meeting place at Oleg's Trading Post, it is flanked by two large tables set with benches.  Meals are served here and it serves as a casual gathering place when work is finished.

It appeared that the group was going to be based for a few days and Valoria thought about something to keep her mind busy. She spoke with Henry and Oleg ...just long enough to get a quick ok on her project. With Henry being so busy, Valoria would have to discuss the kobolds on another day.

Moving to one of the run-down catapults,  Valoria took out a square and another level. She then began to take measurements. She wrote her findings down in a sketchbook used for Architecture and Engineering. They where Onager style catapults, tension of twisted ropes fired it.

She moved to one of the large tables and sat down. Muninn sat on the table, watching as Valoria made blueprints in her sketchbook for the Onager style catapult with repair notes.

Cyrus saw Valoria drawing and doing calculations. He remembered from his short academic career the focus required for doing work like what he guessed she might be doing. He considered leaving her to do the work in peace but his curiosity got the better of him. "What are these designs you are working on?" He asked with a smile.

Valoria looked up at Cyrus and smiled. “I'm working on a plan to fix the catapults. I'm not just a wizard, but I also been tutored in architecture and engineering. Admittedly, I've only received limited training in repairing siege weapons like this.” She then paused, showing him the design book. “The onager type catapult uses torsional force, from twisted rope, to store energy for the shot. On this one, some of the wood is rotten and needs to be replaced. Do you have any wood working skills or other craft skills to help with the manual work? If you follow my directions, I should be able to talk you through it. It would also help if we had one more person."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Sun 29 May 2016.

Cyrus was shocked with the plan she had devised. And saddened he would not be able to help as much as Valoria was asking. He was never trained to work with wood. He could string a bow but he wasn't skilled in making them. But then he thought about the progress being made here at Oleg's and had an idea.

"Very impressive Miss Lebeda! Very impressive plans you have made. I was never the craftsman, but I saw Rook whittling on the road out yesterday and I think one or more of the reformed bandits have some skill, perhaps I can provide some unskilled lifting and carrying while the craftsmen follow your directions?

Valoria smiled and place a soft hand on his. “Thank you, Sir Cyrus...And please, don't called me miss Lebeda. Just call me Valoria.” Valoria blushed for a quick moment, before slowly withdrawing her hand and placing it on her sketchbook. “I think having yourself and one of the reformed bandits help with the catapult would do fine.”

In reply to Valoria der lin Lebeda (msg # 6):

"Please excuse my formality, I would never want to show you disrespect. Valoria, you may call me Cyrus." Cyrus did not blush but he did not pull his hand away either. He left it where it had been near Valoria's notebook.

After a long pause he looked up and saw that a few of the reformed bandits had come to the fire for a meal. "I believe the young one, Lex, was working on the corral earlier with the old man, David. Perhaps one of the two of them would be able to help us."

I think either this Lex or David would do nicely, as long as they have a simple understanding of the tools needed.” She then looked up at him and smiled warmly. “How about a meal? We can talk more of the catapults once we are done eatting.” She looked over for her cousin, Andalon to wave him over to join them. If she did not see him, Valoria just continued on in either case. “Cyrus, I don't believe I have heard how you came to be here on this quest? Forgive me if I over step with my questions.”

"Ah yes, a meal would be most welcome, all this talk of woodwork has got me quite famished." Cyrus returns Valoria's smile at the suggestion. He had worked up quite the appetite during his training exercises and the return journey.

"My father represented the Ondari line at the court in Restov. As his first son, I accompanied him when it was deemed appropriate. In retrospect, it should have been appropriate more often, but my father would leave me behind when he was making some of his poorer decisions. Like all men of his make, my father was trying to align himself with one of the great families, come to think of it, he may have had dealings with your own... When I discovered the nature of some of his dealings, not all of them mind you, I felt betrayed, he had brought shame to a once honorable name. I could not bear to show my face at court...

Cyrus' smile left as he spoke of his father and his vaguely described betrayal. He then went on, "I left my house a week later, taking my great grandfather's sword, my armor and my shield. I set out to find a more honorable path than my father and his kind... I'd met Henry while at court, he'd visited our estate on a couple of occasions and when I learned of his charter, I asked if he had need of my sword. That is how I came to this strange land. I hope to restore the Ondari name, at least for myself..."

"It would seem our fathers are both less than the role models we hoped for as children. I wonder what would have been had they lived up to there names. Perhaps we would be here still, of our own accord... Before your father sent you away, did you have any desire to travel like this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Tue 31 May 2016.

David approached the fire for a meal, but heard something of interest from the noble who called himself Cyrus.  A man of honor could be just what David was looking for, he just needed a way into the conversation.

"Pardon me Lord Cyrus.  Lady Valoria."  David gave a clumsy bow.  "I do not mean to interrupt your conversation, but as a boy I worked in my family's smith.  I'm much more comfortable with metal than wood, and more on the armor and shields side than swords and spear.  Either way, if I can be of use in this catapult I should like to prove my worth."

Hearing David's words brought a smile to Cyrus' face. He admired the old man's initiative and desire to work. "A smith? We must discuss that later, but yes, your labor would be greatly appreciated on these catapults. Do you have any tools for cutting and measuring the wood? Does Oleg?"

He looked to Valoria, fearing momentarily that he had overstepped by accepting the man's offer. "That is if the lady here would be so inclined."

"I'm afraid all I have left on me is a hammer I've been using in the construction here.  I could look around for some other tools.  That is, if you'd allow, Miss."  David indicates the hammer hanging at his belt that could be used equally well as a tool for building, smithing, or even combat in a pinch.

Thinking on Cyrus's question for only a quick few seconds, Valoria gestured to her tome. “I'm sure our fathers know each other, since both have been at the noble court around the same time. It is sad they did not live up to their names. As for me, knowledge is what I seek. I really had no desire to travel, especially like this.”

Valoria then looked over to the newcomer and nodded to the old man. “Yes, David I assume? Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.” She then showed David her sketchbook with the Onager style catapult design with repair notes. Valoria then took out of her bag a square with a drawing-compass, a level, a pencil and a piece of chalk. “As we have the ok, from Oleg and I see wood work has been done around here...I am almost sure the tools can be borrowed. Just let Oleg know if we do borrow anything. Please sit and eat with us David while you take a look at the repair notes. I should be able to talk you through it.”
This message was last edited by the player at 10:10, Wed 01 June 2016.

Cyrus welcomed David to the table. He was interested to hear more about this smith and how he became a bandit, but he found his interest in getting to know Valoria had not been sated. "Interesting, I have always found that I learn more from guided experience than I could from a book or a scroll. Perhaps that is because I am not as smart or witty as you. My father once gave me a scroll that spoke of the charm of the Lebeda's but meeting you has taught me much more than the scroll ever attempted to detail."

David joined the others for a meal.  He scrunched up his face trying to make heads or tails of the sketch.  Reading blueprints was not something he did often, ever really, even as a younger man working with his father on armors and shields.  The ex-bandit didn't want to give up, but had no idea where to start looking, it may as well have been elven.  Not wishing to interrupt the conversation of those he was attempting to impress David sat and shoveled stew into his mouth.

Valoria laughed warmly as Cyrus spoke of the charm of the Lebeda's. “A family of deft merchants, bankers and general hard-nosed money makers. I guess one needs charm to suck the gold from a vict...I mean...a customer's coin purse. I love my family, but the noble warriors of house Ondari seem more honest at times....speaking of money makers, where is my dear Andalon?” Once again she looked over for her cousin, but had yet to see him.

Looking over to David, Valoria smiled and wrote down more simplistic directions. She then waved her hand, lighting the candle that was on the table.  “A very good stew.”

"Thank you." Svetlana  smiles as she walks past.

Cyrus was flattered by the complement paid to his house, despite the fact the current members of his house resented more than resembled the description of noble warriors. To hear someone speak of his name as such brought great pride to him.

"Thank you for the commendation Valoria, I hope to restore that reputation, for now I find my family is all too often reaching after someone else's purse. I haven't seen your cousin since the gathering with Henry earlier, I wonder if he hasn't found some other activity to pursue. I would very much like to hear about his time in the city watch."

As Valoria lit the candle with a wave of her hand, Cyrus was reminded of the power of this woman's intellect. "On the trail, you said your spells wouldn't be of much use in a fight, is there any way I can help prepare you for future conflicts? I would hate to see you harmed."

"Ah."  Comprehension dawned on David with the new drawing.  "Thank you, m'lady.  This new sketch is of much more help to me, though the original is a fine blueprint I'm sure."  He nearly spoke again immediately after removing the spoon from his mouth.  Thoughts of nobles leaving the table in disgust flashed through his mind.  This may be more difficult than he first thought.  David finished chewing and swallow before speaking again.  "A family of bankers?  So if I need a loan you would be the person to see?"  David laughed despite the question only being a partial joke.  The distinction was clear to Valoria have spent enough time hearing men and women of all walks of life asking for money.

Cyrus chuckled at David's joke, he was glad the man spoke up. From the moment Cyrus heard David mention he was a smith, he'd wanted to ask more. "That hammer you carry, you have used it at a forge?"

"No, sir.  I left home with only the clothes on my back.  The same way I left the bandit camp.  The hammer I was given here to help.  I don't imagine it's mine to keep, but it does feel right being back in my hand."  David smiled as he said this and thought back to his years as a young man.  "I haven't stood at the forge for nearly two decades.  I was a much younger man.  My spirit is willing though.  If I may ask, what do you need forged, m'lord?"

--->From Pipre's Pool

Viktoria arrived at the fire, having briefly stopped off to leave her armour and get some clothes to wear, hair still dripping. She carried her axes in her belt loops, having left the swords to be sharpened by Lolli, who was currently working off in the corner

"Good evening, lovely night to keep warm by the fire, no?"

In reply to David Hart (msg # 21):

"Nothing today, but if we build these catapults and recruit more of your former colleagues to aid us in this endeavor, weapons and armor, even tools might aid us in the future. Have you been in these woods for the past 20 years?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Thu 02 June 2016.

Valoria laughed at David's jest. “I am afraid I no longer have that kind of pull with my family.” She then paused and replied to Cyrus. “I thank you for your concern, Cyrus. However, I just need to think over my spellbook. I do have a few spells memorized now, that may be useful...if deployed properly.” Taking note of the shout..person that gave greeting. Nodding with a smile, Valoria spoke in a friendly tone. “Indeed it is a lovely night by the fire. Greetings. Forgive me, I do not believe we where properly introduced? I am Valoria of house Lebeda. This is Sir Cyrus, of house Ondari and David, our generous craftsmen.” Muninn, the owl looked slowly at everyone, glaring with human-like intelligence. ”And this is Muninn.” She then motioned to the table. “The stew is very good. Would you care to join us?”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:21, Fri 03 June 2016.

David's face fell at Valoria's answer.  There may not be a fortune to be had here, but surely he could find a few coins here and there.  That's all he needed for one lucky night of cards or dice.  Then his fortune would surely turn.  "Of course.  I would be happy to help out where I can.  If we can create some kind of a space for even a makeshift forge I'd also be happy to work on some personal orders as well, provided we have the coin to pay for any needed materials that is."

David had deflected Cyrus's question but thought he better answer to stay on the lord's good side.  "I very recently joined up with this lot."  He motions to the other bandits.  "Not even close to twenty years, most of that time was spent traveling from village to village."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:21, Fri 03 June 2016.

Cyrus heard the new voice and Valoria's introduction. He stood at the presence of a new woman, showing her the courtesy she was due. He'd overheard her speaking to one of the new "recruits" as though she were her servant and wondered at the arrangement she'd reached. He'd also noted the swords and axes she'd carried on the road and the absence of the swords now. He'd taken his own armor and shield off but hadn't left his sword behind. He couldn't remember the last time he had done so.

"Welcome indeed. Please sit down. I agree with Valoria, the stew is quite tasty, not like those little apples at the inn. You can call me Cyrus. My house means very little out here."

As he waited to see if the new woman would join them, he considered David's response. If the man hadn't touched a forge in 20 years and hadn't been a bandit, there were very few other ways the old man could have survived by traveling from town to town. Not providing an explanation implied that it was a means David did not wish to share, at least not in the present company. Rather than push him away, Cyrus thought he would try and draw him in, especially after his mention of a loan and the way he responded to Valoria's revelation that she was not going to be a source of said funds. "Let's survey the area after we finish the catapult. I think we'll be in need of a makeshift forge at the least and no one would expect you to pay for that yourself."

In reply to Valoria der lin Lebeda (msg # 24):

"Well met Valoria, Sir Cyrus and goodman David. And Muninn, well met."

Vik sat at the table, at an available spot, not standing on the principle of her house's rank. Cyrus was correct, out her it meant less than the arms at your belt.

"I will join you, thank you."

Taking a bowl of stew, Vik ate thoughtfully and considered for a moment.

"It does seem to be a great number of nobles are out here though, if I might speculate. A rash of second sons and bastards perhaps? Cadet houses with secured lineages?"

"I would be glad to have a look around with you m'lord."  David answered as Vik approached the table.  "When the meal and conversation is done, of course."  David went back to his stew so as not to intrude upon the conversation any further.

Cyrus was a bit shocked by the way Viktoria spoke of the nobles and their potential motivations for being on this quest. He paused a moment, but only a brief one as he did not want to force Valoria to tell her story in such a large group.

"Oh I am the firstborn, and was the heir to the Ondari estate, or whatever is left of it when my father dies. Ah yes, you were not with us on the road when I told my tale of the GREAT House of Ondari and my departure from it." He scowled as he said "Great" but only for a moment. "Dimitri Ondari, my father, and his father before him have squandered our coffers and made deals that betrayed the honor of the Ondari name. When I learned of his dealings, I took my inheritance," he says patting the blade on his side, "and left. I'd met Henry at court and when I heard of his charter, I asked if I might come and earn my way to a true holding."


"Clearly you weren't the second son, so what brought you here to this wilderness?"

In reply to Cyrus Ondari (msg # 29):

"Ah, but I am the third son, in so far as I am not in line for my house's seat. It is the heir's job to protect the lineage, the secondborn to marry well, so what is mine and my sister's lots? We go forth and do something with our lives. Or marry, and increase my family's alliances more over."

Viktoria spooned another mouthful of stew and then continued

"I was in between work on ships. Sometimes crew must be replaced, or let go, and a nobleman's daughter is not cheap, even on the seas. So I sought work to fill my purse, and the opportunity to strike out into fertile ground in the wilds. Money independent of my house will be money I can use to build a life once I am merely the spinster aunt of my house. Money to invest, gain power."

"What was your duty onboard your ships? You carry axes and blades, so I assume you aren't swabbing the decks?" Cyrus knows little about life aboard a vessel and hopes he used that phrase correctly...

Bai made her way back to the outpost and after a short detour at the tower to drop off some of her belongs, she followed the scent of food to the fire. She stops at the pot that David is tending to, she fishes a few copper out of her purse, "How much for a bowl?"

Andalon had stored his pack in the appropriate tower and spent a bit of time exploring the trading post and immediate surroundings on his own. Somehow he found himself to be alone everywhere he went and able to take his time to investigate anything that seemed interesting. Of course that changed when he finally reached the fire. The delicious aroma of cooked food always attracted a crowd. He followed Bai's lead and asked for a bowl of the stew David has prepared as well. Then he spotted his cousin Valoria and took his meal over to join her.

"There you are Andalon! We wondered where you went off to. Viktoria was just asking about the large numbers of nobility on this venture. Why did you take up the mantle of Adabar and then join us here?"

"Hello, Cyrus. I hate to bore Valoria with my poor tale again but, since you asked, I will." He grins at Valoria before continuing. "We are one of the lesser branches of the Lebeda family and my father Davide de Lebeda is a merchant in New Stetven, north of here. I am the fourth son in our family and was tutored to follow my father's trade, of course. However my tutor was a young Abadaran cleric and we shared a far greater love for his tales of the Balanced Scales of Katapesh than for lessons of the mercantile trade. Have you heard of the Balanced Scales? They are a clerical order of the church of Abadar tasked with searching out lost, hidden, misplaced or ill-gotten wealth from all sorts of wild, dangerous and exotic places all over the world. I have to admit I dreamed many times of one day joining their noble mission. Anyway, that introduction led me to join the church of Abadar. He was always our family's most revered deity, so my mother was delighted when I found my vocation and she persuaded my father to give his blessing as well.

"Henry's mission came as an absolute godsend soon after I had completed my clerical training. I was able to persuade the Banker, as our bishop in New Stetven is called, that Henry's mission to explore and civilise a part of the Stolen Lands is perfectly in alignment with our church's objectives, so I am here with the church's blessings as well. I don't know what the future will bring but it certainly seems there could be great potential to achieve great things in the name of Abadar in these lands."

"So it would seem we all see the opportunity before us is great. Your cousin Valoria has ambitious plans for our defense and David here can get a small forge in place, does anyone else have ideas of how to improve the current landscape?"

"Certainly a life full of achievement. How much profit have you managed to generate thus far? Any obvious roads to development? In future obviously."

"From what I heard of the previous battle here it sounds like fire is the greatest threat during a bandit attack. Can we add some more water storage in strategic locations to use for fire fighting? Water barrels and buckets would be the obvious choice but we can probably use alternatives if necessary. Abadar will allow me to fill them with water if we can find suitable containers," Andalon suggested in response to Cyrus.

He grinned self-consciously at Vik's question.

"I only completed my clerical training a few days before hearing of Henry's mission and most of my efforts after that were to gain permission to join him. My profits thus far are not worth mentioning. My only specific goal at present would be recovery of whatever ill-gotten gains this Stag Lord has accumulated. Beyond that I could not even start to guess at. Explore the wilderness, secure these lands for civilised settlement, open safe trade routes to and through these lands and perhaps I might end up establishing an Abadaran community and temple as part of the main trade centre that is established in these lands. Or perhaps we will find some other long lost hoard of treasure hidden somewhere in these lands that will launch me on the path of the Balanced Scales instead? I do not know what Abadar's plans for me are yet but I have sworn to serve any way that he requires."

A small grimace crossed Valoria's face when Viktoria spoke of second sons and bastards. “I am...was the first born and was heir to my father's mantle. I have only one, younger sibling, Zauria. She is also a wizard...Evoker....She is heir now.”

Valoria then smiled when she saw Andalon. She listened as everyone talked about the past and their dreams. “Cyrus, if you seek to build a stronghold, I would like to help you in what way I can. I would also like to help you too cousin, in your quest to build a temple...Perhaps both goals could be one and the same, with enough land and help, it would be possible to build a stronghold and a temple.....” She then looked over to the rest of the group. “The more the merrier. Is that not so my dear Cyrus and kind Andalon?”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Mon 06 June 2016.

Bai found a seat and a bowl and ate in silence, watching and listening to the rest of the group. It seemed that for the most part everyone here had big aims save for the few she'd talked to that didn't. She hadn't had more than a word or two with most of those here but they seemed well into their conversation, and if she hadn't missed her mark at least two of them were related.

Cyrus hadn't expected the conversation to turn to a future stronghold of his making as they had a significant amount of work ahead of themselves to get the current holdings in place, but he would not deny that he wanted to build a place of his own.

"Bright Valoria, your help would be most welcome, as would a temple for Abadar. Any stronghold I would build, would be one open to those who seek to better themselves and this land. David, we could build you a proper forge. Valoria, a library and eventually a university if you so desired. Viktoria, you could help us with a port or navy yard or whatever you'd like for that matter. It will take time and much effort, as will the work before us here with Henry, but I believe it is possible to make a place to call home and to make it better every day."

David's eyes lit up at the suggestion that he was serving the food.  He jumped at the opportunity and played it off as though he had served others already.  "One copper would be perfect my dear lords and ladies."  He proceeded to spoon out helpings for newcomers.

Turning to Cyrus between spoons, "A proper forge would be a great help, but I will make due with the equipment we have until such an opportunity presents itself."

Zorah approaches the tables, covered in fresh dirt and a few new bruises.  She smiles at David and passes him a copper as she grabs a bowl.  "A productive evening of horse training."  She interrupts the conversation with an answer to a question that wasn't asked.  Sitting down Zorah tastes the stew and motions for the young bandit who followed her over to sit as well.

Lex is confused by the copper Zorah handed to David. The past few nights, the stew or whatever Svetlana had cooked was given to them for no cost, he'd assumed it was their payment for work done. He guessed David must be up to something, but Lex wasn't sure what to do. On the one hand, these people had plenty of coin to spare and would likely be earning more than he or David ever dreamed of in the coming weeks and months. On the other, Zorah had just spent the past few hours teaching him how to train horses, a skill that promised to be one that could sustain his livelihood for years to come, especially if he was able to combine it with making and repairing saddles. He could outfit a group like this and turn his efforts into significant profits.

Not knowing what to do, he turned to the one person he trusted and whispered in her ear...

Zorah scrunched up her nose at the older ex-bandit, but said nothing.  She finishes swallowing her mouthful of stew before she whispers back to Lex.

Lex is still a bit out of sorts and excuses himself saying something about looking after the leathers.

Continuing to eat, Bai pulled out a journal and began jotting down some notes, pausing only to take a spoonful of the soup every now and then. She'd learned a decent amount these last few days and had no intention to let any of that be lost, so into her notes it all needed to go.

" Bai, is it?" he says to the newcomer with the book, "Do you have any ideas about camp improvement or future plans?" 

Seeing Zorah and the youngest of the reformed join the table and then Lex departing, he also addresses her saying "Zorah, how did Puck do? We were just discussing improvements to this camp, as well as future hopes. Do you have any thoughts on either?"

Andalon smiled too when he realised how David had seized the opportunity that had arisen. He touched his golden key holy symbol to his lips then held it above David's head and made an unlocking motion with the key.

"I don't know which gods you usually pray to, David," he said as he handed David a copper coin too and took a bowl of stew, "but you are welcome to join me in a prayer to Abadar anytime you wish. We won't all be paying by the bowl for every meal at this stage of our mission but I certainly respect that sort of business initiative!"

"This I can do, with the right materials. We'll need resources, and unless we plan to clear the entire region of trees, we will need roads, workers, villages, wells. I'll work for that as well as the ships, if you and your partners work for it too."

"I would love to get some berry bushes planted.  Maybe dual purpose plants that can provide cover and defense as well as food.  Maybe longterm we can devote some space to farming or an orchard."

"Puck did well for the first day on a new trick.  David as well."  She added with a smirk.  "Tough training those animals that aren't accustomed to you yet."  Zorah looked to those involved in the previous night of conversation with the last comment.  An inside joke shared among the group.  "I'm a little sore, landed on my hip a little hard at one point.  A horse ranch would be a nice addition as well.  Although all my thoughts would require large pieces of land."

David tried to hide a smile at Andalon's comment.  "I've been known to utter a prayer or two to Abadar."  He buried his head and focused on finishing his stew so as to avoid any other attention.

---

New Day

---

In reply to DM (msg # 53):

Zach finds a place at one of the big tables and, with a glance to Pru, pats the seat next him.

"Ah, you found your way here.  Excellent!  Let's say we sit down to a nice meal for once and discuss the recent changes in our environment."  David was more interested in getting everyone stuffed and groggy than discussion.  He seemed to have lots of little tricks he picked up on over the years, or rather fell prey to as a younger man.  They never seemed to help him as much as they had those who used them on him in his youth though.  David frequently blamed that on lady luck and not his own shortcomings.

Lex sat down at the table with a heaping bowl of stew and began eating quietly. Zach was eager to play cards and had convinced his friend to do so against her original judgment. Lex had intended on playing as well. He figured it would do well to learn games of chance. He thought it was odd that David asked about the recent changes, but Lex kept quiet. Crowds like this were intimidating to him.

So he ate his stew, kept to himself and waited for the card games to begin.

"I heard you done all right." Zach says grinning across at David.  "That nob getting you a forge and tools and all." Then he hunkers down, spooning stew as he waits for David's response.


OOC:  For those unaware of British slang -  Nob(le)  :)
This message was last updated by the player at 08:25, Sat 09 July 2016.

"Doesn't hurt to grease the wheels a bit.  As long as he thinks I'm a friend I can get a little wiggle room, not that I plan on conning him or anything.  We seemed to have hit the jackpot with these people.  I'm lucky to have gotten out of this with just a visual reminder."  David holds up the brand on his hand.

"I sold up my armour and sent off for some shoe making tools ..." he shrugs as he pulls a mug from his haversack and pours some of the Cider into it "..   Not that I am much good at it.  More likely I'll finish up working in a stable somewhere."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:29, Sat 09 July 2016.

Lex starts scratching his own hand when David shows off his mark. At the mention of a stable, Lex perks up out of the silence he had entered, "Miss Zorah is a great animal trainer and she mentioned a stable being one of her goals. Zach, I am sure she would love your help. Lex hopes David is being honest. He would hate for these newcomers to be conned and then refuse to work with them.

Lex really had hit the jackpot. He had a set of leather and woodworking tools on the way, two jobs, a saddle for Zorah and some studded leather for Pipre. He hoped that was just the start...

Pru retrieved herself some stew and then returned and took a seat in between Lex and Zach. She listened to the men banter a bit, eating her stew one bite at a time, and listening. Something about the way Zach spoke regarding their employers bothered her and she passed a look Lex's way, but said nothing. The stew was good and it easily kept her mouth occupied so there was no chance to say anything until it was finished.

"I have more than enough work to keep me busy for a good long while, though I admit it has been rather quiet with their absence. " she said, holding the empty bowl lightly in one hand as she looked towards the main entrance half expecting for everyone to return all at once. "You don't suppose they'll run into..." but she shook her head and rose, offering to take their empty bowls and clean them.

Whether he was correct or not David made assumptions about what Pru was about to say.  "If they come back, great.  We've secured our place in their new little village and have given them an excuse to keep us around for what may be a peaceful life.  If the Stag Lord takes care of them and returns, we have the brands and shackles to prove we stayed loyal to him.  Either way we have an excuse to not be expendable."  He puts it very matter of factly and shovels another spoonful of stew into his mouth.

Lex helps Pru gather the bowls and do the dishes silently. He is losing interest in this game of cards by the moment, but he knows he shouldn't. Though David is right, he has no love for the Stag Lord and has found himself to be growing more and more loyal to the newcomers. He still bears a small grudge against Henry for the branding, but he has to admit that a small brand is better than hanging from a noose.

At one point, while he's washing the dishes he leans over to Pru and whispers something to her.

He works through his demons in some small way while doing the dishes and returns ready to play cards and see what the night holds.

While Lex and Pru wash dishes David helps clear off the table and shuffles the deck of old ragged cards he pieced together from a few partial decks he found.  The back were all the same so it would still be a fair game.

Pru passes a worried glance towards Lex, nodding slightly. She, too, is feeling a bit uncomfortable. She's never felt much love for the stag lord, and while she doesn't bare the mark the other's wear, she expected it. Before returning to the fire, she whispers something to Lex , and then smiles to make it appear as though it was her thanks before returning and sitting down once more.

"It seems so quiet tonight." Looking at her hands, she regrets the decision to leave her sewing behind, feeling lost without some sort of fluff to play with.

Lex nods to Pru as she finishes her dishes and as he finishes the work he had started and once it was complete, returned to the table. As he sat, he said to all, "Were we going to play a game or two? Would someone mind telling me the rules again?"

Zach looks across to David, the instigator who sits there shuffling his deck, to tell them what the game is.
This message was last updated by the player at 21:13, Fri 15 July 2016.

"Of course, my boy.  I think short deck seven would be a good choice.  Simple rules but still some strategy involved.  The deck has one through ten each four times.  The suits don't matter in this game, just the number.  The dealer gives each player seven cards.  You make two three-card hands and discard the last card.  We compare all the better of the two hands we have.  The best hand gets two points.  Then we compare the worse of the two hands we have and the winner gets one point."  David deals out a few example hands face up to demonstrate.

"Three of a kind is the best hand, higher numbers beat lower numbers.  Next is a run, like seven, eight, nine.  Then a pair, and finally a high card.  The game continues on until someone reaches seven points.  Each hand is a copper piece to play.  The first person to seven gets most of the pot.  The person with the second most points gets their share back.  Any questions?"

David's eyes glisten and he licks his lips a bit as he gets a little antsy to play.  His knee bounces up and down as he sits and waits for any questions.

"Sounds good to me. A copper anty per hand?"

Lex sensed that there might be something going on that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He'd have to keep a close eye on those cards...

Pru nodded her understanding, folding her arms across her lap and leaning forward. "Sounds simple enough."

Zach tosses his copper in.

"That was good stew." he comments  "And and some good bread to sop it all up with." he adds with a wink towards Pru.

Just as David starts dealing Zach continues  "So David, are you going to be doing general black smithing work with your new forge?"

David tosses his copper in the center of the table before dealing the cards.  "I'm open to sharing the forge if someone else has smithing experience.  I'm afraid my training was in armor specifically.  My father taught me as a young man, but I never had his skill.  Don't get me wrong, I can fashion typical armor well enough, probably even forge other items if need be.  My father was a master though, nobles traveled distances to hire him for ornamental pieces."  David watches the faces of the other players as they look at their own cards trying to gauge their reaction.  Only picking up his own cards after the others have checked theirs.

Prudence looks at her cards, shifting them around and casting confused glances about the fire. When the time comes to reveal their hands, Prudence looks at Zachs and gives him a hearty slap on the back, but upon realizing she placed second she gives a squeal of delight and claps her hands together. "Oh, beginners luck I'm sure! That was fun!" she admits, knowing she should gauge her reaction better.

"Armour, Eh?" Zach nods as he sorts through his cards and discards one.  "The best I can mange is simple shoes." he says holding up a moccasin covered foot by way of example.

Pru's congratulatory slap on the back surprises him, but he grins widely as she gets excited about second place.  "Drink?" he asks holding the cider jug out towards her.

"I work with wood and leathers, but not metals. I am sure your smithy will be of great use to the others. Perhaps you are still young enough to learn a few tricks, like how to win at cards." He says with a smile at David.

"I think I like this game. Let's keep playing." Lex says pushing another copper forward.

David scowls at Les's comment and gives the young man a gruff grunt in response.  "Looks like my luck continues."  He says as he throws another copper piece in the middle and gathers the cards for the next dealer.  "I can make armor that'll work well enough in a fight, all you really need to outfit a unit or brigade."  David passes the newly shuffled deck to Pru.

Prudence quickly shook her head to the offer, holding up a hand "No, thank you. It's best I concentrate on one thing at a time. " Turning to David, she takes the cards from him does her best to cut them a couple of times herself before she deals them out in the same fashion David had. Leaving her coin from the previous round, she holds on to what she currently has "Time to see if the luck continues. " she says with a smile, reaching for her cards.

Zach smiles slightly at Pru's response as he shuffles his cards around.  Not much going for him here, and the best he can manage is a  low pair and a high card.  He clearly isn't going to win this time.

"Yeah, most soldiers are lucky if they get anything better than scale ..." he says continuing the conversation.

David looks at his cards and sees two options.  He has a decent hand and could try for the top, but instead he makes two good but not great hands hoping to win at least the second grouping of hands.  "We'll need more materials to start on any kind of serious armor, but I can manage some studs for now.  Maybe a few of us can combine our efforts, you provide me with some leather armor and I can add the studs to it.  In the meanwhile I can start on some heavy wooden shields braced with strips of steel or iron."

David frowns a bit as the cards are revealed and he loses the high hand, but smiles a bit to himself when his strategy pays off for second.

Lex is happy for Pru's win. He hopes that means she will stick around and keep playing for a while. Oddly he doesn't mind losing a game like this, the conversation seems interesting enough and its better than just going to bed after dinner.

"Miss Pipre asked us to add a few studs to the leather armor she's commissioned, you should have the materials for that when the caravan comes back from town."

Zach stretches slightly as he lays his losing cards down with a wry smile.  "I can't do armour, I only work with soft leathers, even the shoes I make have soft soles.  Still, they let you feel the ground and give your feet some protection from stones and branches.  And so long as you don't go paddling in puddles, they can keep you fairly dry as well.  Put a decent foot wrapping inside and they work quite well."

Topping his cup up with cider, he holds the jug out.  "Anyone?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:17, Wed 27 July 2016.

David reaches his cup out for more cider.  "Thank you."  Then he gathers the cards up again to reshuffle.  He shuffles the deck a few times before offering it to Lex in case he would like to deal.

Lex declines both the offer for cider and the offer to deal. He's lost both hands and isn't quite sure what he's actually doing, but he's having fun and that's what matters, right?

Pru again denies the offer, clasping in her hands in her lap rather pleased with how things have turned out so far. She has plans only to play until she breaks even or gets tired, but she is enjoying the company.  "It really has been quite nice to sit by the fire. Food wasn't bad either, but the company made up for it."

David shrugs and deals the cards out for the third round.  His luck has been decent so far, but he had hoped to perform better given his experience with cards.  With the wagers only being coppers he supposed it may be better to lose a few hands anyway.  It's difficult to maintain a regular game when one person wins consistently.

OOC - I'm fine with someone rolling all the results for the group if everyone else is.  With the DM being away for the weekends it may be easier for us to do it that way. 

OOC - makes sense to me. We could also take turns narrating hands even. We would each need to roll 4 d100 and we could pick a preset order

Zach yawns and scratches his ear as the cards are dealt.

OOC:  21:57, Today: Zach rolled 12,80,87,35 using d100,d100,d100,d100.  David, Lex, Pru, Zach
Apparently Pru Rocks, David sucks, Lex gets a refund while Zach is clearly tired and sleepy  :P
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Wed 27 July 2016.

David grumbles as he looks at his cards, unable to conceal his tell.  His anger often gets the better of him during card games and it is beginning to show.  "Why should my luck be any different today."  He mumbles under his breath.

OOC - David sucking works out great for his backstory and what I have planned for him, I'm happy with the roll.  :D

Lex was surprised his second hand strategy had worked. He was also glad that Pru seemed to be the one profiting most from this whole experiment. He'd lost 2 coppers so far, it looked like David had lost 3...

"I might be getting the hang of this after all." He says and then gets real quiet and you can tell he feels like he's told a mistimed joke. "Maybe it is still too soon to talk about hanging..."

Zach flicks his cards over, with a shrug that acknowledges his poor hand and stifles a yawn as he takes another mouthful of cider.

"Gotta play the hand you're dealt and let the cards fall where they may, boy.  If it's my time and they call me to the gallows there ain't much I can do about it.  In my opinion not much beyond luck was the reason we're all here and our former associates ended up on the end of a rope."  David collects the cards with a frown at his terrible play thus far.

The main meeting place at Oleg's Trading Post, it is flanked by two large tables set with benches.  Meals are served here and it serves as a casual gathering place when work is finished.

Henry moves across to the fire and warms his hands.

Bai made her way by the fire, on her way towards the tower to fetch a few belongings and saw Henry. She decided to stop by and sit with him. Patting her clothing down she mumbled a bit to herself. She stood near the noble and smiled. "I was hoping if we could speak later tonight, or perhaps tomorrow. I'm rather exhausted right now and there are few things that seem more desirable right now than a wash and sleep, but I don't think even I could pass up a moment to speak with you." She arched her back, stretching to imply her tired nature and looked at the man.

Henry's eyes can't help but follow  Bai's body as she arches her back to stretch her spine,  "Of course.   We could take drinks in my room later this evening, if you are feeling up to it, or we could stroll together tomorrow morning." he offers in response to her question.

"I think a drink in your room tonight would be almost as refreshing as a soak in the pool." Bai gave a girlish laugh, covering her mouth with a hand. "Let me have a bit to freshen myself up and change and I'll see you about that drink. I think I could do well from a bit of conversation with you."

"Excellent.  I will see you later then." he beams.

With that Bai smiles, nods politely, and excuses herself as she heads to the bathing pool.

Valoria stopped by Oleg, before sitting down to begin. “Good sir. I would like to purchase forty gold pieces of ink vials and a bottle of wine, if I may? Also, I have some letters that need to be sent to my family, of a personal nature. Would you be able to arrange safe delivery?”

Oleg raises his eyebrows at the amount of ink Val asks for, but nods as he responds  "That just about exhausts my stock ...  As for a letters, I would ask Sir Ferdinand, if I were you.  He will be going back to restov soon and has good contacts there in the various patrol units."

Vik came to the fire from the stables, warming her hands with her armoured coat open.

She smiles at Valoria and Oleg, giving them a gesture of respect

"It's nice being warm. Those last few nights were a test, not having a fire."

She looked to Valoria

"I spoke with your cousin. His god is a merchant god, so I gave him a donation from my share of treasure. Should keep everything moving along nicely."

Valoria took the ink and the pitcher of wine with a smile. “I had forty five gold in credit with you. Forty for the ink. As for the remaining five gold, just keep bring out wine at tonight's dinner until that five gold is gone, for whoever so wants it at the tables. After Cyrus has made an announcement. My thanks.” Valoria handed Oleg one extra gold piece as tip before moving to the tables.

Valoria noted Vik and Henry. She bowed her head respectfully towards Henry to acknowledge his presence. With that done she sat down at the other table, pouring two cups of wine and handing one to Vik. “I love my cousin and a little gold in his pocket makes him a very happy man. I only wish everyone was so easy to please... Share a cup with me, dear sister.” She then lifted up her cup in honor of Vik. “To the house of Lodovka and to their daughter, Vik, the mighty.”

Valoria took a deep draft from her cup and began writing in her spellbook. The captured spellbook was open on the table and Valoria was writing in a Draconic kind of calligraphy. As she wrote, Valoria spoke in a kind, almost lonely tone. “I have already been scolded once today for asking about someone's past, but I feel you will be far more forgiving. So if I may ask, are most of house Lodovka warriors like yourself?”

OOC: I would hope that 5gp will buy a little more than a few pitchers of wine(common). They say 2sp per pitcher, but I'm not sure how much Oleg would want. It's mostly flavor text, so I hope this will do(add some good will, make people merry, etc). :)

Also, starting to writing the three, 1st level spells spoken about in PM into the spellbook. Will change around memorized spells before leaving for mission. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:17, Wed 12 Oct 2016.

In reply to Valoria der lin Lebeda (msg # 102):

Vik took the cup of wine graciously, raising it with the toast

"And to the House of Lebeda, Success through Grace. May its sons and daughters be ever fruitful."

She drank, draining half the cup before setting it down.

"A good number of the warriors are like me. We fight on ships, with blades and axes, knives and sabres. A good number of them, like me, fight using heavier armour than the southerners wear, having no fear of the water. There's only one difference between them and me. Not many of them are women."

Vik let that sink in for a moment

"The North is not a forgiving place, survival is maintained by keeping to roles set in ages past. My father had sons, but only after I was born, and though I took well to learning the arts of heraldry and horse-riding, I balked at the prospect of a quiet life as some other lord's wife. So I've little wealth or influence to my name, save that name and my skills, earned first in the castle yard, and then on the decks of ships sailing the Lake of Mists and Veils, and beyond."

Drawing one of the shortswords she'd gained in treasure, Vik admired the edge

"I've longed for castle-forged steel for years since leaving home. I had to content myself with knives and clubs, a sickle for the longest time, until I earned my blades in a place called the Merling's Hook, a den of the foulest and most vile people you've ever met. It was months we were stuck in the hook, our captain having sold the crew into servitude until he could gamble our ship back. We killed him eventually . . . a poor captain is no captain. But his weakness left me to learn lying, how to control the edges of my mouth, my eyes, when I'm talking."

Valoria listened to Vik's story as she wrote down spells. It was indeed an impressive tale. Valoria paused, poured more wine if needed and listened contently to the saga that was Vik's life. Once she finished, Valoria told of her own past. “The lake I come from is far less impressive. The Lebeda are a family of deft merchants with the top of the family being aristocrats, priests and wizards...who are good at cooking the books. My father and younger sister can swim like fish in lake and river, I sink like a stone. I remember as a young girl watching the fog roll across the shores of Lake Reykal in the morning...one of the greatest sights I think I have seen...I don't think I will ever see those shores again.” As her words finished, Valoria almost sounded homesick.

She then took a small draft from her cup and continued in a more cheerful tone. “Funny enough, the quiet life as some other lord's wife was what I expected. I was, somewhat sent here against my will. Knowing nothing but the soft life of my father's estates, I found myself at first to be a very unworthy adventurer.  I guess luck has it that I am to travel with great warriors who have kept me alive.”

Finally, she looked up from her tome at Vik. “Would being doubled in size increase your fighting ability in battle? Your weapons and strength would increase, but you would also be a larger target. A good spell for you next time or better for Cyrus?”

In reply to Valoria der lin Lebeda (msg # 104):

"Nonsense, the lady Valoria must needs bring her husband to Lake Reykal after the wedding, to present him before he lord father and mother. T'would only be proper."

Vik took some more wine and listened

"Yes, I could benefit from being taller, but I'd think Cyrus would benefit more. I'm not so certain my fighting style would not suffer awfully for the lack of grace. But you spoke of being forced here, by what means? And how comes a daughter of nobles to study wizardry and then be turned out her own house?"

She thumped her backhand on the table lightly

"For the matter, you are as capable a warrior as any in our band. Standing amidst warriors with blood upon the tongue and locks is not the way of all who serve Gorum's way. We understand the needs for spells, for stealth, for tactics and strategy above all."

Valoria gave a small smile at the hard questions. She spoke in a low tone, only wishing Vik to hear. "All I can say is this, I caught someone, very powerful, engaged in dishonorable action. For this crime, which I had misfortune to witnessed, I am exiled. I dare not speak of it any further."

Valoria then continued in the same normal, cheerful tone as earlier. "My mother, Victoria and my sister, Zauria are wizards. Although, my sister is much more...direct in her focus. Speaking of siblings, you mentioned brothers. How many do you have? My own father was always cross that he did not have sons."

Cyrus walked up as Valoria spoke of her sister and mother, he had a question for Vik but didn't want to interrupt their conversation so he sat down quietly beside Valoria and poured himself a small glass of wine. He smiled at both of them and they could tell that the mood he had been in for the last part of their journey was lifting, finally.

"I've three brothers, aged thirteen, ten and six years. Young Alfred is currently the terror of the castle yard, chasing chickens no doubt. Meanwhile middle brother Erik studies hard, likely a scholarly or wizardly training in his future. My father's heir Felix was trained much as I was, in horsemanship and courtesy and heraldic learning. He'll likely make a good tourney knight, win much acclaim, and settle nicely into the seat of lordship in time."

Vik took another drink, thinking fondly of her brothers, dreaming of who they were now.

She noted Cyrus' presence and smiled at him

"Well met sir, have you come to interrupt my subtle seduction of your intended?"

Cyrus chuckles and says, "By all means, seduce away... Though I do think that is a strange form of seduction, talk of siblings and such... Vik, not to change the subject so, but I do have a favor to ask you. Might I borrow your steed for a morning training session tomorrow? Ferdinand has agreed to show me a few things and he indicated a combat-trained horse would be the minimum required."

Cyrus avoided talk of his own family as he wanted to maintain his current, happier outlook on life. "Valoria, how goes your transcriptions? Have either of you seen David? I wanted to see if his forge had arrived."

In reply to Cyrus Ondari (msg # 109):

"Of course! But I must ask a favour of you in return, which Valoria can help with. I need a name for my warhorse, something worthy of the valour and prowess in combat it has shown."

"Of course we will help name it, right Valoraia? It is funny you should ask, I just learned how Ferdinand named his horse, though since we don't know your steed's heritage, it may not help us. Remind me, has its hooves been its greater weapon or its bite?"

OOC: Has this horse been described as a male or female? Fleetheart was a male...

OOC:  I don't recall having specified any horse's gender apart from Fleetheart :)

OOC: Ferdinand said He a number of times and I believe there was an allusion to him being frisky :) I struggled with one of my early posts to Ferdinand about the horse, because I hate "it" when describing an animal if a sex is obvious :)

In reply to Cyrus Ondari (msg # 111):

"I'd say her hooves are the weapon of choice. They crushed a boar, you'll recall."

Vik smiles, fondly remembering the boar slaying

OOC: female then, as light warhorses and origin prior seem to imply desert warhorse which were often mares
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Fri 14 Oct 2016.

"Well that opens up all sorts of possibilities, now doesn't it! Stomper! Boar Crusher! Leadfoot, Ironhoof... Wait a minute, what about Steeltoe?"

"Perhaps Ole' Hoofer, m'Lord."  David breaks in when there is a pause in the conversation.  He doesn't seem to realize how terrible his suggestion is, just that is sounded similar to the cow his family had growing up.

"I was just helping clean up after supper.  I'm afraid the supplies we've been waiting for have not arrived yet.  But if you like I can look over your armor while you're here.  Make sure everything is in good shape, make any adjustments."

David turns to Valoria.  "Of course, if you need any need of my services I would be happy to check over your equipment as well m'Lady."

Valoria listened contently as Cyrus and Vik spoke of horses. Writing with great interest in her work while in good company was a joy to be sure. When David asked about equipment, she politely declined. "I'm afraid wizards don't have much to look over, at least in those regards. Still, I thank you for your offer."

"Very well m'Lady.  Sir?  If it's up in your room I can check over it there?"

Cyrus held his armored arm up for David to see and said, "I'm actually still wearing it. I haven't had a chance to doff it quite yet, though I am glad to hear you are interested in helping me with it, though I'm concerned that you couldn't see it on me still. It is quite visible and not at all quiet." He smiled at the man hoping that would cover for the oddity of his question.

"Why don't you take a look in the morning? How was your week here? Have you enjoyed your time here at Oleg's?"

Later that evening

---

As the evening starts to draw in, Svetlana produces a large pot full of stewed meats and a mountain of warm flat-breads, and prepares to dish out portions to all who want it.  She has even made a pile of her special honey cake for dessert.

Feeling thoroughly refreshed from bathing Bai took a long walk around the fort before returning, enjoying the tranquility of nature and generally sorting through her thoughts. Finally after feeling content with things she made her way into the outpost and put back some of the things she'd taken with her to the pool. It was on her way towards the tower that she smelled the food that Svetlana had placed out. Stopping by the collection of goods that everyone had piled together she looked at the four books and picked one out, Zuddiger's Picnic, and made her way towards the food. Patting down her clothes and speaking a word or two under her breath she approached Svetlana and graciously took food that was offered. "Thank you so much dear, I really do appreciate the hospitality. If you need anything as payment from me, please let me know."

Sitting down she opened the book and started reading it as she slowly ate her food.

"Oh. no Ma'am.  Mr de la Maistre has sorted everything out that nice Tiberezi is bringing in lots of game and the half-orc is helping him out. Thank you Ma'am." Svetlana says with half a curtsy.

Bai looked up from her book and cleared her mouth. "Oh dear, I was more saying if you need a favor taken care of or anything like that, just ask. You and your husband have gone far beyond just hosting us all, and I do feel in your debt, that's all." As she talked she pulled out a journal and started jotting down notes about what she was reading in the book.

"A big bag of moon radishes would be nice, if you finish up finding the moon radish patch.  Oleg loves his moon radish soup.  A it would sooth him a bit.  This is all very trying for him, you know ..." she says dropping her voice slightly "It's all these people you know.  He like sit nice and quiet.  But then he likes all the money he is earning as well.  Poor love ..."  She says as she stirs her pot to stop anything sticking.

Andalon arrived at the fire shortly after Bai. His clothes and hair were still a bit damp but it looked like he had made an effort to clean himself and his travelling clothes before coming to the evening meal. Actually, his travelling clothes seemed to be the only set of clothes he had brought with him to Oleg's.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Wed 19 Oct 2016.

Cyrus waited as long as he could hold back the announcement he had been eager to make. He waited to see who would return to the fire from the other group and from those who had stayed at Oleg's. Once he'd eaten a bowl of the stew Svetlana had made and had a glass of wine, he stood and said loudly, "Can I have everyone's attention, just for a moment.

He waited for the others to quiet and turn though only for a brief pause as he knew his voice was loud and boisterous. "Along the way to Oleg's just a short time ago, a fair maiden approached our expedition. She was looking for her cousin, a former member of the city guard and a priest of Abadar. She handed Henry a letter that told a story of her past, the past certain other members of her family wanted to keep away from Restov and Brevoy. That maiden shared her story with us as we traveled through the wilderness, and I shared mine with her. We are kindred spirits, we share a purpose and a past. Now, I am pleased to let all know, we will share a future as well.  Valoria and I have committed to one another and will be married upon our return from the mission we have been assigned.

The plans are in the works, but obviously, it would be our great pleasure for you to each participate in the celebration as you so choose. Now, please raise a glass to honor my bride-to-be, Valoria!"

Valoria sat beside Cyrus as he waited for the right time to strike. She smiled brightly and was almost red in the face from blushing the entire time. When the time came. She listened closely and was sure it was the finest speech she had ever heard him give. Once everyone gave their toast, Valoria raised her glass for a toast of her own. “To my future husband, Cyrus, I say these words...You are the ideal of what nobility should be. Your honor, valor and humility are an inspiration. If I lived in Restov or the whole of Brevoy for a thousand years, I could not hope to make such a match, so dear to my heart. To my love, to Cyrus!”
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Thu 20 Oct 2016.

Just as if it had been planned, Oleg and Svetlana start making the rounds armed with jugs of wine, topping off everyone's cup and pouring wine for everyone who wants some.  Even the newly taken bandits are  given a cup of wine in celebration of the news.

Henry is one of the first to react, and raises his cup to the sky before  calling "To Cyrus and Valoria, may their lives be long and happy!" and then quaffs a mouthful of his wine, before striding across to the  two hand outstretched to shake their hands.    With Cyrus his handshake is solid and hearty, for Valoria it is more gentle and refined.

Once he has congratulated them both, he steps back to allow others to say their piece.

Zorah is late to the gathering, she felt a little under weather in all honesty.  Rest tonight would probably help, she would pretend she was fine until she could slip away early for some sleep.

She heard the tail-end of Cyrus's speech and grabbed some wine with the others.  After Henry had finished congratulating the couple Zorah approached.  "Congratulations.  I'm not sure what your plans for the celebration are but I'd be happy to help with any flowers you may want to use.  Or any other natural decor for that matter.  When you decide please let me know, Valoria."

Vik eagerly takes a bowl of stew and cup of wine, with as much flatbread as good sense will allow, eating hungrily and toasting merrily to the prospect of a wedding. A wedding would mean gifts, and Vik set to work thinking of what she could get. The bride and groom would likely forgive her a miser's gift at the wedding itself, with such short notice and a derth of gifts to be found, but mayhaps the right thing would drop in their laps. She couldn't imagine a gift she could find which the pair wouldn't rightly select for their portion though . . .

But Vik knew the perfect gift once the dust had settled and she had the money. Something each for the pair, and if she could, she'd find a contact to the nearest brewer's guild. Marriage was thirsty work after all, even after the wedding and bedding was done.

"To Valoria and Cyrus, may their union bring fortune upon us in our pursuits, and may they face the battles to come together!"

Vik approached the two after Zorah (though she wasn't shy about talking in front of the woman either) and inclined her head to the pair, smiling as she squatted down holding her stew, her wine and bread left with Lolli by her prior place

"What task would you have of your friend Viktoria? I and my squire are at your service. Lolli's hands are equally skilled in the kitchens and in the wilds, surely some task involving finding the best food would suit? I may not be skilled at that . . . but if you'd have me chase a boar or hind I'd gladly spend time doing so, or helping close to home, so long as I'm assured Lolli's work is protected by someone?"

Andalon is close behind Henry, Zorah and Vik to congratulate his Cousin and her groom-to-be.

"Congratulations indeed, Cousin. And you too, Cyrus. I look forward to welcoming you into our family. I can't tell you how honoured I am that you have asked me to perform the wedding ceremony for you."

He lifts his cup in salute to both of them and drinks to their happiness when Henry proposes his toast.

Percy had slept like one dead beside the fire, in no way disturbed by the discussion between Vik and Valoria, not by the return of those who'd found other diversions around the Post ... not even by the news that Cyrus proclaimed.

Indeed, it takes Henry's toast to rouse the young gentleman from his slumbers, and it takes him some time to gather up the threads of what has just occurred, e'en though the gist of it is quite clear from the congratulations hurled the couple's way, and their love and commitment no secret to those who rode out with them.

Accepting a cup from their good hosts, Percy raises his cup in turn to add his own well-wishes, his bleariness replaced with a warm smile.

"Oh. To Cyrus and Valoria," he echoes their patron's toast, beaming "A more devoted couple I have ne'er known.  May your love blossom and grow !"

After the toasts were finished Andalon went to have a quiet word with Oleg and Svetlana.

"We are going to need to buy a few things from Restov for Cyrus and Valoria's wedding. After Adoven and Borric return we will need to plan their next trip back to Restov again. Some things like signet rings must be bought from the city but perhaps not everything. I should buy myself a set of clerical vestments so that I can do justice to the occasion if I am to perform the wedding ceremony for them. I could purchase them from the Temple of Abadar in Restov next time Borric and Adoven journey back there but I would love to be able to support our own local tradespeople if there is someone here who could handle that sort of work. When we were here a week ago I think there was someone, one of the girls from the bandit camp perhaps, who showed some skill as a seamstress. Do you know who that would be and whether she could handle that sort of project? Abadaran vestments for our mid to high-ranking priests are white silk trimmed with gold thread but I won't be needing anything as extravagant as that just yet. White linen and yellow thread would be fine at this stage, if they even would be available out here. What do you think, should I buy them from Restov or try to have them made here? At the very least I would like to have a white altar cloth made here with our golden key holy symbol embroidered on it."

Pipre woke up for a bit, clapped politely at the right time, and went back to bed, wondering how the heck she was going to stop this place from dividing by class in the scant moments between her head hitting the pillow and her mind loosening with sleep.

<--From the bath<--

Standing in the open, Aris'ta surveys the wealth of people and suffers a moments hesitation in her determination to join others. She has not had very many dealings with the folk here and those she has had have left her somewhat adrift in a sea of unforgiving waters. Still, part of coming to join Henry's little circus was in the effort to not spend another 20 or so years alone without so much as speaking to another person. Ear twitching, she catches the tail-end of a few of the speeches and hardy congratulations, which make her eyes narrow somewhat and then relax. She watches, for now, at a distance. Debating her place among such revelry, so far above the simplicity of the life she had lived. Had she known her own heritage, she might not have been so held back, but Aris'ta was in the dark when it came to both mother and father and therefore had only the teachings and parenting of Jordaen, and for a brief time Silvae to go on, which was not often much.

Rook only woke up when the festivities were in full swing. The cheers to the happy couple had been the thing to pull him from his hammock in their assigned tower. With his only tunic shredded by the bear and his armor not needed (but in need of a good cleaning), the young man approached the fire in his trousers and boots. There were still creases imprinted on his cheek and the back of his hair was plastered into a cowlick. Seeing that there was food being served, the young man grabbed a flat-bread and a cup of wine. He had made a promise to Zorah after all.

"Rook, Aris'ta, can I pour you some wine?"

Vik made her way to the pair, remembering them from the road back. Wilderness experts, good people to know.

She bowed after approaching, pouring wine for the pair if allowed

"What this I hear of fey circles? Sounds a grand tale, the way the others tell it, what's your take?"

The sound of her name took her by surprise, and she turned her large, luminous eyes toward Vik and gave a scant nod. "I am not... comfortable with the Fey. They seemed tolerant of us, but only barely." She stated, stepping forward towards the woman to meet her halfway, her eyes watching Rook in some amusement at his lack of apparel before turning back to the female.

"I will say I was happy to have them on our side." She murmured, quietly as she reached to take the offered wine and take a sip. "They were hardly present at all until the end, at least visibly, and I am not eager to re-make their acquaintance. " She admits, lowering the cup.

"Rook I understand is a priest with skill in divine magic by trade, what are your skills if I may ask?"

Vik mulled the statement about fey for a moment

"I only have seen a few fey in my life. Selkies mostly. One of our crew was a bastard by a water nymph he said, and I do admit the man bore strong looks of fey. Once a nixie drowned a river pirate I knew . . ."

Vik rubbed her forehead

"If you would sooner avoid them, perhaps you might join my band in taking the Orcy Ring?"

Nodding her head mildly in regards to Vik's comment of Rook, she gave pause a moment to ponder over the next question. "What skills I possess come from a deep regard and respect for the man who found and rescued me as an infant. He was rather fond of the bow and had a great understanding for the natural world. I was... blessed to have his company for the majority of my life before his passing some 20 years ago. " She looks away, somewhat uncomfortable with the reminder of what once was and what now is lost.

"The curse of a long life, I'm afraid, we are often destined to watch those around us perish years before we are ready to part with their company." She paused her speech, allowing reply and listened sagely to the speak of the fey, and the offer to accompany another path.

"Yes, I had heard that there was to be an option of travel and I admit, I am more inclined to venture towards enemies in plain sight than those who are more liable to shoot one in the back. If you are willing to have me, my bow and I will be happy to offer our services." Regarding Vik with a newfound interest and a sense of respect that the woman had not opened communication in the way most others were oft to do. She admitted it was a bit of a sore spot with her, but that was a flaw of her parentage and raising to instill such prejudice and suspect against others who were more luckily to distrust based on first opinion. "You must forgive me, as I am afraid while you know my name, I have neglected to recall yours... you are? she asked, before lifting the wine to the lips in an effort to hide her discomfort.

Not really able to get back to sleep and hearing the celebration continue Pipre sighs softly and begins braiding her hair, sitting up in her hammock. Digging through her belongings she finds a crumpled dress that was only a tad more than a sleeping shift, but still more. She tugs it on and adjusts the fit across her chest and down the tops of her legs. With inordinately long braids gathered in front of her she walks out to the others once more, barefoot but otherwise slightly more dressed than her usual attire.

She thankfully takes a wine, her first stop, and spikes the glass with her own fortification to really give the alcohol a kick. Properly armed she moves to more formally congratulate the couple. She presents her best smile, the expression reaching her eyes that sparkled darkly under lowered eye-lashes. "Usually there's not a whole lot good out here in these lands, but it would seem you managed to find something."

Once his conversation with Svetlana and Oleg was finished Andalon was eager to join the conversation with the others. He nodded and smiled at Pipre as she congratulated Val and Cyrus. He turned his attention to Rook and Aris'ta.

"I am glad you were not too tired to join us tonight. Valoria is so excited about the engagement I think she would never have slept tonight if she couldn't share the news with everyone. Cyrus is a good man and obviously very much in love. I think they will be a good match."

He smiles warmly as he speaks of the newly engaged couple.

"Rook, are you coming with us to the ring fort or revisiting the fey with Bai, Pipre and Zorah? Another healer would certainly be welcome on our mission. Cyrus has proven he can just about exhaust my healing skills on his own!" He grins as he delivers that wise-crack about their frontline fighter. "Somehow Vik here seems to be much better at evading blades, claws and traps than he is." He claps Vik on the shoulder and grins at her as he praises her skill.

"Aris'ta, I am very glad you will be coming with us to the ring fort. Your archery skills will be invaluable there, not to mention your other skills in the outdoors. I think you mentioned once that you learned the skills of a ranger but I had no idea your mentor had passed away 20 years ago. Gods, I would only have been two years old then. 20 years from now my hair will be turning grey but I expect you will hardly look a day older than you do today. I think many of us would envy you that aspect of your elvish heritage. Would it be too rude for me to ask how many summers you have seen and what sort of perspective does that give you on the events of those decades that us humans only know about from history lessons?"

Bai had kept quiet for most of the celebration, choosing instead to focus on the book she'd found. It wasn't that she had an ill will towards the happy couple, but instead the news of pending nuptials brought up memories she'd done her best to bury. Ever focused on maintaining a calm and pleasant face she felt that this was an instance where being antisocial might serve her best. She was a bit, well not hurt, but perhaps disappointed when she heard that Aris'ta was going to join the larger group in taking the fort. It wasn't a surprise of course, she'd never seemed to be one for a diplomatic mission but it meant that it was incredibly likely that Rook would toss his lot in with the larger group now as well. Well, if it was to be just the three girls that made their way out, so be it. The news of the nuptials mixed with what she'd heard from Aris only further made her feel a sour mood coming on, perhaps it was simply her being tired. Either way Bai knew it was best that she excuse herself and perhaps get some sleep.

Rising and giving the new couple a smile she nodded and made her way back to the tower where she slept.

In reply to Aris'ta (msg # 142):

"Viktoria d'Lodovka, at your service Aris'ta."

Vik made a mock bow, not mockingly but obviously not needed in the situation

"We will make good use of you certainly. And Rook's attendance is certainly warranted as well, as the Brother Andalon notes."

She laughs at Andalon's noting of her seeming luck

"I don't stand in the front when we march, and when I strike I strike to end the fight. Cyrus' knight's courtesy causes a few bumps and cuts, but in a fight 'tween the two, I was the one left bloody, not him. Were we to change the marching order, I'd soon earn a new scar or two. Perhaps we should consider doing so, he's like to want to appear pretty still for his wedding."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Mon 24 Oct 2016.

Henry listens to the conversations around him, nodding and smiling as people speak, watch who is speaking with whom and who is doing what.  With a wry smile he thinks of the good bottles of wine in his room,  another time ... he thinks to himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Mon 24 Oct 2016.

"You need to order the materials from Restov, but I understand that Pru is a gifted seamstress." Svetlana replies to Andalon's question.

In celebration of Cyrus and Valoria's announcement, Oleg and Svetlana keep the wine flowing for as long as anyone wants it.  If anyone offers to pay for their wine, Oleg will tell them that tonight's wine bill has been settled in advance.

OOC:  I know I have re-opened the Trading Post thread for the next morning -  but this thread stays firmly in the night time drinking session for as long as you to stay here and chat. I would suggest you use the Watch Tower Rooms for planning sessions.

However, if you want a different Thread / Area activated, let me know and I will do so.

"Is that what the congratulations are for? I will have to add mine." She states, sincerely, listening as Andalon continues and takes a brief hesitation before responding. "My father, at least the one I knew, believed he had found me within days of my birth. It is truly by some coincidence that this would be the day we would have celebrated my hundreth passing of season. Though it is possible I may be some days or week greater or fewer than the actual turn." She turns, a smile lifting the corner of her mouth as she speaks of fond memories, finding herself for the moment comfortable in present company.

"I must admit, it is not a number I thought ever to reach and while many may envy the vast number that are sure to follow, I find the passing seasons drain the spirits more than lift them. The company I keep is too far and few between and I fear it has sorely shown in my nature, but so many years alone or in limited society will do that to anyone, not just those of us with long lifespans." She adds, giving a slight bow of her head to Viktoria's introduction. "You are all well met, I am sure."

Once more she allows her eyes to stay in Rook's direction, nodding her head in agreement. "Given the Fey's reaction to even our small group of five, it would be wise for them to travel in a small grouping so as to keep tensions low."

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.

Armed with the now well-used mess kit from his backpack, Marik makes his way directly to Svetlana for some nice warm game stew. Upon filling up his bowl, he grabs a seat next to the large half-orc that had accompanied him on the journey.

"Mariam, right? I'm Marik. So what brings you out here to the frontier?"

In reply to Marik (msg # 176):

Mariam pauses mid way through her bite of stew. Blushing she looked at the handsome man who just sat next to her, looking like a deer caught in the head-lights. She put her spoon down "I'm here to spread the glory of Iomedae, I trained as a paladin in her temple at New Steven." she began fussing with her braid, "also I want to prove that anyone, even just a half-breed woman like myself can make a difference." her olive skin turned bright red, did she say to much? "Why did you decide to take the job Marik?"

Lex hadn't spoken with Jikka earlier or at least he hadn't stopped and addressed her the way he had with the others. So he approached her and said, "I hope you enjoyed the tour."

In reply to Mariam doZima Wolfeater (msg # 172):

Tansy looked up at Mariam, jaw set and made a pondering face.

"His deeds may save him but I've not seen any yet. I'm giving him a chance, after all that's what we all are getting."

She made a courteous gesture and left Mariam to secure some stew and flatbread

She sighed, flatbread again

"I'm sure you can make just as much of a difference as the rest of us, and possibly more," Marik said to the half-orc woman.

"As for me, it's a chance for me to be something more than an urchin on the street for the rest of my life. A chance to make a better life for myself."

As you eat, many of the other people from the outpost come to join you and they each get a plate of the stew and a bread to mop it up with.

Henry and his priest, Brother Bartholomew, join you slightly later and calls the newcomers together.

”I am sorry I didn’t have much time to speak with you earlier, but I was trying to make sense of the latest intelligence reports that I have received.  It appears there is village, of sorts,  to the southwest that harbours more bandits, and I have just asked Borric to lead an investigative group down that way.  However, I do have a task that will allow you to establish yourselves with us, if you are interested.”  He beckons and the priest comes forward and unrolls a copy of a regional map.  ”While we have explored most of the local area there is an area that I don’t have good information for.  I have marked it on the map with a series of triangles, and exploring that area and bringing back a basic map will set you in good stead with me and the rest of the group.  I need to know what is there, before I can call the area between the Orcy Ring and Eratsil’s Shrine safe.  Assuming we manage to take the ring and negotiate a peace with the fey, that is.

The pale lines are trails that we have discovered, however, we have not explored away from the trail in those areas.  If you are prepared to do this for me, you may take horses from the corral and rations from Svetlana’s stores to see you through.  For what the other have told me, you should expect to be away from here for two nights, if you are to explore properly.”

Offer made, he scoops fome of his stew up on a piece of flat bread and awaits your answer.

---

Brother Bart is a cleric of Pharasma.  The man in the corral is called Zach
See game Map for Group Three

A response in here, if you want to, and then straight to the Group 3 Thread.

Lex had been waiting for a chance to expand his role here at Oleg's and these newcomers might have been the opening he had been waiting for. Even if they weren't, it was now or never for the young tanner. Or at least that's how it felt to him.

"Hh..Hen... Mr le Maistre, would they need a local to help show them the way? I have been working with the horses and my bow and think I could help. If you'll allow me to, that is?" Once he'd started, the stuttering stopped and a new voice, one those that knew Lex had never heard before. He looked around to see what the reactions of the others might be.

Henry looks at the young man with interest, recalling the screams of pain when he had been branded. After a moment's consideration he answers in level tones, "If that is what you want, Lex, then you may accompany them.  Your work  here at Oleg's has earned you that chance."

Lex bowed to Henry and said, "Thank you! You won't be sorry you gave me this chance."

Henry just nods his recognition of Lex's thanks.

During the meal, Cass tapped his foot along with Adoven's crowd pleasing tune to show his appreciation. He also quietly remarked on the deliciousness of the food to show appreciation for Svetlana. Otherwise, he mostly remained quiet, learning a little about the others as they spoke.

Cass was surprised to hear that Marik had spent time on the streets, like himself. Perhaps they could share experiences later. He also discovered that Mariam was a paladin of justice, which was somehow reassuring. He also agreed with her sentiments about the respect and worth of others.

Sooner than expected, Henry de la Maistre arrived, and informed them of their first scouting expedition. To which the amicable Lex offered his services, given his foreknowledge of the area.

"That fines the fettle!" He said exuberantly. "First jaunt out of the gate and we already have a seasoned scout to lead us. Good venture!"

More calmly he looks around at some of the others. "Now, who might be good at crafting a map?" He asked, implying softly that it might not be his best of skills.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:54, Sun 29 Jan 2017.

Marik takes a moment to swallow his food before responding to their host. "It seems like as good a task as any to begin our careers here. I'm willing to undertake this task. I assume we can at least take the night to rest in the bunkhouse before getting back out on the road, yes?"

Henry nods his agreement with a slight smile "Of course," he  inclines his head towards the sorcerer, "Not much point going explorinmg whem most opf you can't see."

Tansy looked up as the lord approached, setting her stew and bread aside as he spoke. At the mention of bandits, her stomach grew tight. Bandits, it was always bandits.

And then Lex spoke up and she grumbled audibly, but after listening she nodded. He was local, he was a (reformed) former bandit, he'd know how to get there. It remained to be seen if he'd also betray them to the bandits . . . but bandits were not a single group, Tansy reminded herself.

She wanted to set out immediately, she wanted to ride all night . . . but the ache in her back told her she should sleep, like the others said.

When the lord sat down and took his food, she set back to eating as well

An older man with a brand just like young Lex approaches the table.  He carries a bowl of stew and chooses a seat as far from Henry as he can manage.  When the chance to break into the conversation presents itself he speaks up.  "Lords and ladies, I'm happy to see some new faces around here.  My name is David and I'd be happy to help in any smithy needs you may have.  My father's specialty was armor, but I can manage other items if you need them.  We should have a forge up and running soon and I'd be happy to take orders in advance.  Of course I would need partial payment up front."

He pauses to take a bite of stew and continues through a mouth full of food.  "Speaking of money up front.  We've been entertaining ourselves here with a game of cards on some nights.  If any of you would be interested please feel free to join us."  David licks his lips at this, whether it be to catch some dripping gravy or the thought of money up for grabs you can't be certain.

Marik smiles innocently at the old man, "Well, I mean, I'm not very good at cards or anything, but I suppose it's something to do to pass the time. Besides, it's not like I have a use for this money out here anyway."

Marik is trying to bluff the man into a fall sense of security, playing the part of innocent city kid who doesn't know anything about gambling.

15:39, Today: Marik rolled 17 using 1d20+9.  Bluff David.

"No worries my boy, no worries at all.  We had a few new players the other day.  Everyone is friendly and willing to help you learn.  That's how everyone starts, right?"  David gives Marik a huge grin full of teeth that comes off a little insincere.

Couldn't have worked out better if I tried, lol.
13:05, Today: David Hart rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  sense motive.

Marik nodded sheepishly, "Yeah, I guess. It sounds fun," he added with an innocent charm.

"Great!  I'll see you tonight then.  Anyone else?"  David asks before finishing up his stew.

*Grins*  It is tonight.  Please feel free to try and fleece each other as soon as you are ready.    I am looking forward to it :)

Marik sits down at the table where the others are gathering to play cards. He smiles openly to those sitting and jovially says, "hey everyone, I'm Marik. So, exactly how does this game work, anyway?

Zack looks up from his cup and rolls his eyes.  "I am sure David will explain ..."

"Indeed."  David joins the others at the table and begins to shuffle a hodge podge of cards together.  It looks as if he has pieced together several incomplete decks to make a workable entire deck of cards.

"The game is short deck seven, my boy.  Simple rules but still some strategy involved.  The deck has one through ten each four times.  The suits don't matter in this game, just the number.  The dealer gives each player seven cards.  You make two three-card hands and discard the last card.  We compare all the better of the two hands we have.  The best hand gets two points.  Then we compare the worse of the two hands we have and the winner gets one point."  David deals out a few example hands face up to demonstrate.

"Three of a kind is the best hand, higher numbers beat lower numbers.  Next is a run, like seven, eight, nine.  Then a pair, and finally a high card.  The game continues on until someone reaches seven points.  Each hand is a copper piece to play.  The first person to seven gets most of the pot.  The person with the second most points gets their share back.  Any questions?"

David's eyes glisten and he licks his lips a bit as he gets a little antsy to play.  His knee bounces up and down as he sits and waits for any questions.

OOC: I copied and pasted most of the description.  Hopefully no one minds.  The DM does have the rules for the game in it's entirety posted.  We usually just make a single roll each to see who wins rather than actually playing the game.  It streamlines the process so we can roleplay rather than take two weeks of real time playing a single hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Sun 12 Feb 2017.

Marik shrugs, "Sounds simple enough. I'm sure I'll figure things out as we go."

Sounds very similar to Pai Gow. I'm fine with dice rolling to play the game, although I was hoping for a game where bluffing would come into play :).

Zach tosses his copper on the table and waits for David to deal. "It helps pass the time ...."

---

Rules are at http://johnbs-games.wikidot.co...me-short-deck-sevens

It is based on a game called 7-Card Brag that I used to play years ago - simplified to work with dice  :)

"I'll take it easy on you the first hand."  David smiles at Marik.  He runs his fingers across the copper a few times before tossing it into the center of the table.  The last game was not kind to David and he did not forget.  The cards are dealt and David waits for the others to look at their cards before picking up his own.  He did know a few tricks here and there after losing so many hands as a young man himself.

Zach picks his hand up and shuffles the cards around a bit.  He frowns and looks across first at David and then Marik.  With a grin he lays down two hands of three cards.


OOC - There are two ways to do this.  2x D20 rolls per round (longer) - or 1x d20 roll for the whole game  (Shorter).  I don't mind.  Depends on if you guys think you can stretch out an NPC chat ...
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 09:20, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

David barely keeps a smile from touching the corner of his mouth when he sees Zach frown.  But then David frowns himself a bit at Zach's good fortune before laying his own hand down on the table.

OOC: I'm fine with either option.  With my current slower posting rate than normal it may be better to go with one roll for the whole game, but if others don't mind the wait between posts I can go 2 rolls a hand.

Marik grabs his cards and begins looking at them, still trying to figure out the best strategy to play them. He'd been hoping for more of a game where he could bluff his opponent's and draw them into a short con, but this game was enjoyable enough to pass the time.

I'm fine with a single die roll

Zach looked hard at his hand and spread the cards wide, only to realise that his enthusiasm was misplaced.  He had misread the cards in his first hand, it wasn't  three sixes -  it was two sixes and a nine.

Then he glares at the deck "Damned Cards"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 09:20, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

The deal passes on and the game continues.  While every one wins a few hands the fates seem to favour Marik.  In the first game, he is the first one to seven points, David gets the second, and Marik takes the third again.

Zach counts his coins and scowls.  "That is probably my lot gentlemen ..."

"Are you sure you don't want to play one more hand?  Win back what you lost so far to the youngin'?" David jokes with a smile.  In reality he wanted the man to stay.  Of the three of them David realized he had a better chance at winning against Zach than Marik.  The kid the slick.  David gave him credit for that, but he had been conned enough to know when he had been gotten.  If Zach was out then so was David.

Svetlana, helped by a group of new settlers, makes hot flat breads and hot soup.  A large pot of water has been set to heat alongside the soup.

OOC:  Those of you with NPCs at Olegs can feel free to chime in, if you want to.

Borric is sitting by the fire, still somewhat dishevelled drinking a cup of herbal tea.  The upcoming wedding has clearly been a subject of discussion for those helping out there, and they are interested to know more about it.

” Yes.  I was invited to a noble’s wedding once.  More to make up the numbers than anything else I think.   The ceremony itself was quite boring, the bride and groom signed contracts and exchanged rings in a fairly plain room at the temple of Abadar.  All the details had been worked out in advance, of course, by the families.  Something to do with making sure that everyone knew who had what and who was taking what money and goods into the marriage, setting up the dowry  and things like that.  The poor bride and groom had little to do with that planning, it was all done between their family lawyers.  Or so I understand.

Mind you, the wedding reception afterwards was much different.  All the important guests were there in their finery, and as they came in they threw a handful of coins into the wedding chest to help the couple get started.  The wealthiest guests made sure there was a platinum piece or two in their hand full of coins and few even dropped a couple of gemstones in there.  Then there served a meal.  At that one there was a table for the most important guests while the rest of us ate from a buffet and made small talk.  They even sent some food out into the streets so the ordinary people could celebrate with the couple as well.   It didn’t last for all that long, but it was some of the best food and drink I have ever tasted …”

Borric seems almost unaware of the oohs and ahhs that the settlers make as he talks of dowries, platinum pieces and gems – but some of the women get starry eyed at the thought, while others just shake their heads, perhaps remembering their own, much more mundane, weddings.

Andalon joins Adoven and many of the others at the campfire at Oleg's trading post the evening thay they arrive en-route from Fort Stag to Restov. He has promised to tell Adoven about their adventures at the Orcy Ring and Fort Stag.

"The last time we were here was just before Henry ordered us south to secure the ring fort we had discovered on our previous scouting mission. When we had found the ring fort - it must be at least a fortnight ago now - there was only one person there; a villainous halforc bandit who had not responded to our calls of greeting when we entered what appeared to be a deserted fort. The place consists of a wooden palisade around a small hill beside a river. There is a watchtower on top of the hill and a warren of tunnels and caves beneath the hill. Well, that villain had attacked us by surprise in those tunnels and very nearly killed Cyrus before we managed to slay him instead.

"So it was several days later before we finally arrived to secure the ring fort. We had already anticipated that the band of bandits who live there would have returned by then, and we were not mistaken. Still, we had no real idea how many they would be, so we crept around behind the fort at night and managed to enter without being seen. We would not have known how to do it if we had not already partially explored the place before. The details, though, must remain our secret for the time being.

"Anyway, we had gotten inside without being detected but that was as much luck as we could really hope for. The bandits were wary of being attacked and had set up lookouts on the walls and tower, so we were discovered as soon as we stepped out inside the fort. There was a bloody battle against the bandits and their strongest fighter - another halforc brute - while their leader, a human wizardess called Lavinia - hurled her magic against us from the safety of the lookout tower up on the hill.

"The turning point of that battle came when Cyrus finally managed to slay that halforc fighter. Half of the remaining bandits fled out the gate of the ring fort, led by a woman named Kressel - a formidable fighter in her own right, and we were able to concentrate on defeating the wizardess in the tower. Fortunately, we prevailed and the ring fort now flies Henry's flag. It turns out that the wizardess Lavinia was mother to those two halforcs and two others already killed in previous battles by Henry's people. Together they were the backbone of that band of bandits based at the ring fort, hence its nickname of the Orcy Ring.

"Well, that was the first part of our adventures concluded successfully. But we learnt more about the main leader of the bandits in this region from the prisoners we captured in that battle. The main bandit leader is known as the Stag Lord, based at another fort beside the lake south of here. Of course, when Henry learnt those details he brought us reinforcements and instructed us to capture the Stag Lord's fort as well.

"This time we knew less about Fort Stag than we had about the Orcy Ring, as the Stag Lord trusted very few of his bandits and no one could tell us much about what we would find inside. We knew it was located atop another hill with high wooden walls around an old, ruined, stone building with three lookout towers and a very strong gate guarding the only entry to the fort.

"Nonetheless, Henry had entrusted us with an important mission and were determined to do our utmost to make it a success. Again we crept up to the walls of the fort under cover of darkness, scaled the walls and launched our assault inside. Once again the bandits had set a number of guards on watch and we were detected soon after we entered the fort. We fought a number of the bandits up on the walkways and lookout towers first but the real battle came when we got down to ground level. The Stag Lord was a deadly archer but the ferocious owlbear he unleashed upon us was just as deadly a foe. Many of my friends suffered terrible injuries in that battle before we finally defeated first the owlbear then the Stag Lord and the last of his bandits. I must give thanks to my lord Abadar for the blessed healing he allowed me to bestow upon my friends during that battle, and the gifts of Erastil delivered by his priest, our friend Rook, or we should not have succeeded.

"After that battle there was one more foe to take care of, as we had heard there was a mysterious, nasty old man who dwelled in the cellars beneath that fort. One of the prisoners from the Orcy Ring believed that old man to be the real mastermind behind the Stag Lord and his bandits. I suspected he might be an evil priest and I expected we would face hordes of undead monsters down there. I was wrong. Instead the old man proved to have some sort of mastery over earth and stone. We were met by traps in the floor that shredded our feet, a great swarm of poisonous spiders, a summoned monster of solid rock with fists of solid stone and another rock monster hanging out of the ceiling that hurled gouts of molten magma at us! That was a fearful battle as we hardly knew how to fight such strange abominations. Fortunately our resources of magic, steel and muscle proved enough to overcome each of those deadly foes. The magma monster was the last to fall and as it hit the ground it transformed back into that evil old man; dead from the arrows that had dislodged him and the fall that broke his body on the floor.

"That was the end of the battle for Fort Stag and, at last, victory was ours."

Adoven scribbles furiously taking notes. "WOW. Sound like enough to make an excellent epic. I'll either call it 'Henry and the Heroes' or '' The Stag Lord's Doom ''. That last foe sounds like a druid of enormous power If he were able to transform like that. But why would he act that way? Don't they normally have their own code of behavior? Sounds like a bit of mystery as well. Excellent!  Now THAT'S  the kind of question to keep an epic firmly in the minds of those that hear it. You'll be among the first to hear this when I get it written,I promise. I just hope my prose is equal to my music."

Cyrus had listened to the telling of the story and though Andalon had done a wonderful job telling the story of their grand adventure, he noticed the man had left out all mention of his own role in the battles. He'd done far more than healing and Cyrus interjected, "A more appropriate title would be 'A Chronicle of Abadar's Blessing' as I fear my cousin-to-be mentioned far too little of his role and his deities role in keeping us all alive."

Aris'ta, much as she always has, keeps a quiet vigil in a corner of sorts, if that is really what it could be called. Her eyes are keen to the others, and she listens with intent to the story being told. Between all that has happened in the last few days, it is hard to say the dark elf has been herself. Caught up with the duties that presented themselves, and never one to enjoy a long ride, she has felt more or less drained of mind, body, and spirit. But having a moment to 'relax' allows her to feel more herself and she manages somehow, even at her distance, to feel a part of the group.

For her part, she keeps quiet and lets others do the talking for her. She has nothing to really add, though she does note that there are new faces to the mix to increase her discomfort level.

"I think that The Stag Lord's Doom might be a perfect title for that ballad," Andalon agreed wholeheartedly. "There is another part to the tale that I neglected to mention. After the victory at the ring fort Henry first sent us to check out the remnants of an old bridge across the river downstream from the ring fort.

"All that is left of the bridge is a single rope spanning the river, which is about 350 feet wide at that point. Pipre managed to climb a short way across, which gives us reasonable confidence the rope should be strong enough to support us, at least one at a time.

"The real problem is that the bridge is haunted! There is a bell and a sign on this side near the bridge that says to ring the bell for service with a price of one copper per person to cross. As we had no idea whether the place was still in operation we decided to ring the bell to see whether that message was still true. Instead the spirit of Davik the bridge builder rose up out of the waters a few hundred feet downstream and walked upstream to us. I mean he actually walked upon the waters of the river! When he came close his stench was so foul that some of us were physically overcome with nausea. As he approached he was saying, "Throw the Stag Lord's body into the river that I may look upon his death, or join me instead." I managed to turn him away by calling upon the power of Abadar but then we had no way of knowing whether he would return if someone tried to cross on the rope of the old bridge. Pipre gave that a try and he didn't return immediately, but when we tried ringing the bell a second time he returned once more. We thought to destroy him with arrows and spells but he seemed unharmed by anything except Vik's enchanted blade. He came right up the cliff at the river's edge to confront us before Vik struck him and his body and weapon dissolved into water and flowed back into the river it had come from.

"I don't know what form of undead it is but I believe it probably cannot be destroyed entirely by anything we have at our disposal and will always return when the bell is rung. The problem is that we don't know what else will cause it to return. If one of us is halfway across the river when it returns then even if it doesn't attack them its stench would probably result in someone being overcome, losing their grip, falling into the river and drowning.

"Now that the Stag Lord is dead some others of our company have been sent to throw his body into the river there, in hopes that this will finally allow Davik's spirit to rest in peace and allow the bridge to be reopened. I don't know the outcome of that mission yet, as we left Fort Stag before it was completed. I will leave that to you, Adoven, to finish that tale when news of that mission's outcome finally reaches your ears."

"You might be right about the old man in the cellar being a druid. We found a wooden holy symbol of Gozreh upon his body. I have no idea what the link was between him and the Stag Lord – or even which one was truly the master there – but I have no doubt he contributed to that bandit lord's hold over the surrounding area for so long."

When Cyrus made mention of Andalon's role in those adventures the young priest looked quite embarrassed.

"I only did what my lord Abadar gives me the power to do. Rook did the same with Erastil's blessing. Every one of our companions played their part in those victories. So much blood was spilt by our friends that it was almost more than Rook and I could do to keep them all alive. Cyrus was always at the forefront of every battle and bears more than enough scars to prove it. Vik was always close beside him and the skill with which she wields her two blades is thrilling to behold. Arista's arrows found their target more times than I could keep track of, especially when the darkness meant no eyes but hers could even see the foe. Valoria's spellcasting kept the wizardess at bay in the tower and Pipre's alchemical bombs proved tremendously effective against many foes, particularly against that swarm of poisonous spiders when our weapons of no use against them at all. Percy was the only one of us able to get up the watchtower to actually come to grips with the wizardess. Zorah and her animal friends provided our only view inside Fort Stag and she threw herself into the battle there fearlessly, too."

Cyrus smiled at the man's humility, "I can see you have many talents that will make you an excellent priest of Abadar, cousin. A fine storyteller.  A man who sees the best in those around them. A man who heals and forgives when wronged. I'm honored to be your friend Andalon." Holding his mug of ale aloft he says, "To more days on the road together facing off against the unknown! I have met few I'd rather have with me than you, all of you." He says making eye contact with those present. "We are alive by the grace of Abadar and Erastil, and by the training of each of you. Valoria is most grateful you've all managed to keep me alive and out of pits long enough to set off on Restov for this next unique journey that she and I are embarking on. I am honored to know that you will all be there to send us off!"

After the toast Cyrus takes a seat and nurses his ale quietly for a moment in revery. His mug empty, he stands and joins the group again, as he gets a refill of his beverage and eyes a bowl of the soup.

The water heating by the fire had obviously been for Henry’s use - because when he appears by the fireside he has washed the away the dirt from the road and dressed in some clean clothes.

Once Henry is present, Svetlana starts to serve the bread and soup and a couple of the women helping her come around with pieces of cheese and some thin sweet onions.  It is not the most filling meal you have eaten, but it is hot and freshly prepared – and even that is a change from some of the food you have eaten recently.  As you are eating, Henry raises his tankard towards you all.

”I would like to thank you for the work that you have all done.  You, along with your colleagues, have cleared the bandits from this land, and in doing so  you have made places like this, Trade Post, safe for decent people like Oleg and Svetlana to live in.  Tomorrow we ride for Restov, where we will witness the marriage of two of our number – Cyrus and Valoria.  However,  according to Sir Ferdinand,  I am also to receive a Patent of Nobility in the rank of Lord-Dominus and, am told, will be appointed as the administrator for this region.  Together, we will go on to secure the whole of this land for the children of Oleg, Svetlana, Cyrus and Valoria.  And I promise you that, while it is within my powers, you will be well rewarded, according to your station, for everything we achieve!”

He nods towards Oleg, who has been hovering in the shadows, who fetches out a case of  local Restov wine and starts pouring for those who want it.

assuming pipre is around for this:

"Sorry, station? Forgive this backwater bumpkin but what does that mean exactly? To be rewarded according to station?"

Sir Ferdinand smiles at Pipre’s question and moves forward to speak softly. As he moves forwards he catches Henry's eye and nods. 

"Really it comes down to how rich you are," The Knight says softly, "Some people, normally those that inherit their wealth,  think it means whether your parents were noble or not.  But in practice, poor nobles tend to get less reward than wealthy commoners.    And you my dear, judging from the jewellery that you wear, are one of the wealthiest people out here." 

“You've already seen it in action,” he continues quietly, “back at the Staglord's Fort.  You all got big bags of gold, while Lolli and Alex got smaller bags, the stay at home guards will get  better  gear and a few coins ... while the folks here get a couple of glasses of wine.”
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Wed 06 Sept 2017.

Vik drank her wine and toasted at the reasonable times

"If I had a copper for every time I was described as 'thrilling to behold' . . . I'd likely have four coppers, if my math is right."

Andalon grins at Vik and flips a copper piece towards her.

"And worth every penny!" he chuckles.

In reply to Andalon de Lebeda (msg # 222):

"Many thanks Andalon, I shall spend it wisely when we reach Restov!"

Vik caught the coin in the air and put it in her pouch, smiling impishly.

"Ah, but Sir Ferdinand, rewards also go to those who can play the political game. Knowing whom to aid with what enticements, in exchange for what favors, has been a part of court life since the first monarchy was formed. We may not like it, but it's a political reality" the pessimistic but intelligent bard pointed out.

Aris does little more than smirk watching the interplay. She has never really been one to join in such things and is more content to watch.