A place for scenes specific to Sir Dalan.

Sir Dalan partakes of the feast, which is a welcome respite from the long and exhausting days on the quest for the whetsone. He is of course most focused on his fiancee who he can't keep from smiling at, still not quite able to believe his good fortune. He tells her stories about his adventures... albeit leaving out the encounter with the succubus and the elfmaid, for obvious reasons.

"... and where it not for good Sir Tyngyr all should be lost at the last," he finishes, blinking away tears. He looks around and lowers his voice to confide in his fiancee. "Ellowyn, know you anything of Morgan Le Fay? The faerie king left us a note saying she was behind the business of the Grey Knight. Perhaps as a woman you are wiser in the ways and stories of women than we men are."

Ellowyn is entranced by Sir Dalan's adventures, although she gives the occasional gasp of fright at particularly dangerous spots, or covers her mouth in fear.  She puts a hand on Sir Dalan's as he speaks of Sir Tyngyr's sacrifice, doing her best to console her future husband.

A shadow crosses her pretty brow as Sir Dalan talks about Morgan Le Fay.  She sighs and responds quietly so as not to be overheard, "Morgan is the Queen of Gorre and Arthur's half sister.  Would be wise not to make any accusations you can't prove, especially public ones.  I doubt the Fae will not show up to back you up, so absent some other proof, you should keep this to yourself."

Looking around as several nobles begin to pair up and dance, she tugs at Sir Dalan's sleeve, "come, let us enjoy this moment," and attempts to lead him to the dance floor.

Sir Dalan nods thoughtfully at the wisdom of Ellowyn, then smiles and lets her lead him to the dance. "Yes, let us enjoy ourselves."

Though he was a poor dancer Sir Dalan is determined not to embarrass his lady love.

And dance they do, floating around the dance floor as if they were made for each other.  It is not quite the surreal experience of dancing with Aliadra in the Kingdom Inapercu but not so far off as this has been a pretty surreal event for the mortal realm.

Sir Dalan is not even aware of the sea of faces that stare at him and his lady, he has eyes only for that which he holds.

"Didn't you once mention that you had asked at Arthur and Guinevere's wedding to be able to sing for them?" Ellowyn inquires as they twirl about the dance floor.  "Perhaps you could endeavor to sing of your adventures at the next break?" she suggests.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Dancing.

Sir Dalan looks at Ellowyn as they dance and smiles, captured by those sparkling blue eyes. Yes she's very pretty, but her cleverness attracts him perhaps even more.

"A wonderful suggestion my beloved, though it is not my adventures alone. Sir Caradwg, Sir Tyngyr and Sir Gracian deserve the glory as much as I do."

"Just one of the things I love about you," she sighs.

Growing more serious she offers, "we need to talk about the wedding, I think something over the Winter would be ideal.  It gives people a chance to celebrate during the long cold months," (and of course all events occur over Winter Phase) she suggests practically.  "I do not have any land of my own but will inherit some from my father.  As Marshal he is an important man in Cardiff.  So I will be moving to your manor in Salisbury."

She seems to pause and consider her next words for a while, "I know how close you are to Sir Gracian.  With his new lands he is probably going to be spending more time in Gloucester than in Salisbury . . ." she notes, allowing the implications to sink in.

Sir Dalan looks at his fiancee uncertainly a moment. "You mean I - we - should follow Sir Gracian west?"

He paused, expression growing thoughtful. "I am a vassal of Earl Robert."

"I mean, Love, that Gracian is going to have to make some choices.  Perhaps some hard choices, and you should be prepared and be supportive.  Remember, he is making his choices based on what is right for him, for Ariette, for the Duke, and for you and the other knights of Salisbury," she says with a smile.

"One of the side effects of success is new and conflicting priorities, ones you will have to deal with one day as well," she hints.  "So watch and learn from what Gracian does, for better or worse."

Sir Dalan smiles, looking a little embarassed at his his slow wittedness. "I think understand Ellowyn. I'm glad to have you with me to advise me."

He looks over towards Sir Mylon. "I think I better go speak with your father to thank him properly."

Sir Mylon seems in a good mood.  Like the Duke, he is fine with the matchup of his daughter to the knight from Salisbury.  Not perhaps the ideal but having a son-in-law who is praised by the King and Sir Gawaine is not bad.  He always thought well enough of Dalan and is happy that his daughter is happy, but marriage is about position and power, not happiness.

Having the King order it and the Queen working in the background is likely to help him in the future, so all is well from his perspective.

Sir Dalan was relieved Sir Mylon was not opposed to the marriage. Even though part of was quite curious over just how much land Ellowyn stood to inherit he was not about to ask his father-in-law to be.

He was also anxious about singing before the monarchs, and kept looking to Ellowyn for inspiration.

Perhaps sensing his trepidation, Ellowyn gives her man's arm a comforting squeeze.  "You will be great," she says simply.

Sir Dalan wrote his lady love a letter:

Ellowyn,

We are on the trail of Irish raiders in the West. I have tangled with such before as you know my love, so I do not fear them and perhaps can seek to improve my modest fortune. It is a relief to to fight mere mortal men and not Faerie giants.

I ride to battle with your blue scarf, knowing that the thought of you and your love will inspire me and keep me safe. I long for Winter so that we may become man and wife but until then I hope my humble words are enough.

Your loyal knight,
Sir Dalan

Weary from the expedition against the Irish and in truth little rested from the adventures earlier in the year Sir Dalan is content to ride back to Salisbury and home.

Ellowyn is but a day's ride to the west . . .

Just sayin'.

After much soul searching Sir Dalan turns his steed west. Though part of him longs for the sight of his home, a place too little graced by his presence this year lovesickness wins out over homesickness.

However he is also concerned he has no gift for his lady love. Unless he can meet a passing pedlar on the way...

There are a fair many shops in Carlion.  Perhaps a nice two-headed axe?  Or maybe some sweets, flowers, clothing, or jewelry would be more appropriate?

Sweets and flowers sound a fine gift for a fair maiden's heart and Sir Dalan busies himself finding and buying some, blue for preference to match fair Ellowyn's eyes (or at least wrapped with blue ribbon). Then both eager and nervous he makes for his lady love.

Lady Ellowyn is ecstatic to see Sir Dalan, and overwhelmed by his thoughtful gifts.

However, she can barely contain her tales of the recent fighting, "thank the Lord that you are come, I was so worried!  The Irish have been attacking all along the west of Escavalon and come to the very gates of the city!  I was so scared and didn't know what to do.  I could hear the clang of metal on metal and smell the smoke from burning buildings.  It was awful!  I of course hoped that you were safely on the other side of the Severn but secretly I wished you were here with me to make me feel safe."

Sir Dalan finds it distracting to be in the same room as the fair maiden and simply sit chastely. So beautiful and lively! It is a strain not to leap up and kiss her on the lips!

"I understand my lady and I thank all the saints you were safe. Your dear father is he in health? I know he is the Marshal and so must have fought the foe himself."

"He did indeed, along with his own retinue of knights.  Fortunately, they did not see much action as it seems that the fighting here was mostly a feint or some such," she notes with a helpless shrug.  "I am afraid that strategy and tactics are quite beyond me.  Why would you attack a city if not intending to take it?  It seems rather a waste to me but then all fighting is hard to understand."

"The raiders we defeated where trying to capture Princess Gwendollyn of Escavalon. Perhaps they hoped to cause a diversion of strength elsewhere?" Sir Dalan suggests. He smiles ruefully at his lady love. "At least in my manor you will be far from the Irish... though closer I admit to the Saxons."

"The Princess?" Elloyn gasps.  "What kind of unchivalrous rogues would do such a thing?" she asks.

She seems quite taken aback by this, especially targeting someone she knows and respects.

"Fear not, the Princess is quite safe and the Irish are fled," Sir Dalan consoles Ellowyn. "I am not sure the Gaels will try again soon, now the element of surprise is lost."

"But that they should try it at all is quite extraordinary is it not?" she exclaims.

She insists that they go talk to her father about all of this.

Sir Mylon is in a meeting but comes and joins the pair when he is free.  The trio enjoy some cool drinks in the shade of some trees on the rear lawn of the manor.  Ellowyn's father is courteous toward Sir Dalan and asks what brings Sir Dalan this far west.

Sir Dalan, feeling a little unsure (it doesn't seem quite his place to speak of such matters without the presence of Earl Robert) greets Sir Mylon well.

"Sir Mylon your fair daughter tells me that you to have been troubled by Irish raiders. Earl Robert and his knights, myself among them, helped drive away a group who sought to kidnap Princess Gwendollyn. Her grace is safe in Carlion under Earl Robert's protection and the Gaelsmen have taken to their boats and crossed the sea with their tails between their legs."

The Marshal appears somewhat taken aback by the news that the Irish were going after the Princess herself.  "That is grave news, Sir Dalan.  It appeared that it was intimidation that they were plotting and in our vanity we sent out our entire host to show that we would not be cowed.  And yet we seemingly fell right into their trap.  One that would have ended quite badly had you and your brothers not come to our aid."

He seems to look at Sir Dalan with a much higher degree of respect.  'I will not soon forget your assistance, Sir Dalan, thank you."

With that, he heads off, leaving the two alone.  As in alone alone, not chaperoned alone.

Sir Dalan feels very flush all of a sudden, aware he is alone with his lady love. After a long moment he takes her by the hand and draws her in close, looking into those deep blue eyes of hers. "My dear Ellowyn..." he says.

After an eternity seconds long he reluctantly draws away again. "No, it would not be right. Thy father trusts me."

"But it is a long time until the Winter," she notes with a sigh.  "Perhaps it would be alright if you just held me for a while?" she suggests somewhat timidly.

Looking into those eyes Sir Dalan's resolve falters. "Yes... perhaps it would be alright."

Taking Lady Ellowyn's hand he draws her in closer, so that her dress brushes against his breeches. He smiles. "Ah Ellowyn, will you miss Cardiff greatly?"

She shrugs, "I suppose.  Change is always difficult," she admits.  Looking up into Sir Dalan's eyes she says, "but I think that there is a lot to look forward to as well."

OOC:  Anything else Sir Dalan wants to cover?  I have covered what I wanted to.  Other stuff can be summarized.

He smiles at that.

After a while of just enjoying her company Sir Dalan asks her a little more about her family and her own childhood. He in turn tells her a little about Tisbury and Sarum, the better to let her know of her soon to be home.

Ellowyn tells Sir Dalan all about her childhood and growing up.  She is the only child of an important local official.  So she certainly never wanted for anything and she had plenty of people around the castle to play with.  She likes to ride horses and dance, and she can read/write well enough.

As Sir Dalan knows, she does not like conflict and violence, although she gets that it is part of what her father and future husband must do.  That doesn't make it any better for her, however.

Sir Dalan had forgotten she was an only child, and therefore would inherit whatever her father had. He could not bring himself to ask such a crass question however.

Instead he focused on her concerns. "I know you fear for me my lady, but the knowledge you are waiting for me will make me fight all the harder to return. As it is I do not go into battle alone but with my brother knights. They look out for me as I do for them."

He hesitates then kisses her lightly on the forehead.

The Lady gives a sort of half smile, "I know you are probably safer when you are out and about with the other knights but anytime you are away I can only seem to imagine the worst.  Human nature I guess."

If you are interested, Ellowyn is happy to show you around, you can meet her father's knights, see where she lives, etc.

"It's why I like you so much," Sir Dalan replies, smiling himself. "You care. Could you show me around a little, introduce me to your friends, your father's knights... your life?"

And she does.  Her father has twelve knights he can call on in times of need and several towns and manors, including one with a small castle.  It is probably comparable to Ariette's estates, perhaps slightly larger.

She shows you the places she used to play, where she likes to go riding, and takes you through the villages and talks to some of the people and points out fields and buildings and the like.

Sir Dalan is delighted - if a bit intimidated! - by the sheer scale of the world Ellowyn grew up in.

"I was born born you know," Sir Dalan says. "Like your father's own tenants. This is a world I knew from a distance, and had I sighted you as a girl when I was a boy I..." He smiles wistfully. "Well, I'd never have dreamn't of speaking with you and holding your hand, let alone marrying you."

After she shows him the fields where she rides he laughs cheerfully. "We'll have to go riding together in Tisbury." As he says it he suddenly realises what to get his bride to be for her next gift; a horse, fair of form and sweet of nature.

"I hope that I would have fallen for the boy in the field as I have for the knight at court," Ellowyn replies.

It is a pleasant country and so different from Tisbury.  The two talk of their plans once they are settled in as well as details for the wedding.

He smiles at her kind words.

"Ellowyn, you spoke before about Sir Gracian and supprting and learning from him. I hope the day is far off when you inherit, but I have been thinking of it. Do you think I should speak with the Earl of Cariff?"

Sir Dalan, of common birth finds the inter tangle of feudal obligation confusing. Thank all the saints Ellowyn is as brainy as she is beautiful!

"I am happy to introduce you, it would be good if you knew all of the important people around here.  I can introduce you to the Princess as well.  It is one of my jobs as your wife, to help improve your social standing," Ellowyn explains.

She thinks for a moment, "the Earl should be back next week.  Would you like to meet over a hunt or hawking?"

"I am a poor huntsman... though I've never so much as held a hawk, so it best be the former!" Sir Dalan says, smiling. "I would be honoured to meet the Princess also. You... um... may have to tell me the right manner to address her my love."

"The King and Queen are referred to as Your Majesty, Princes and Princesses as Your Royal Highness, Dukes and Duchesses as Your Grace, and other nobility as Lord or Lady and name (OOC: should be last name but I use first name IG), and knights and bannerets as Sir," Ellowyn explains.

The following week on a foggy morning, Sir Dalan and Ellowyn ride out to meet Lord Merdoc, Earl of Cardiff at the edge of the woods.

"Lord Merdoc, this is my fiance Sir Dalan," Ellowyn introduces the two.

"Sir Dalan, I have heard a lot about you.  We are indebted to you and your fellow knights for thwarting the Irish, not to mention helping Sir Gawaine," the Earl says.

"It is an honour to meet you Lord Merdoc. Thank you for your kind words. I admit I have seen but little of your lands but they seem both fair and wisely ruled, the people kind and properous."

Sir Dalan doesn't bow since he is on a horse, but nods his head in a sign of respect. At the mention of Sir Gawaine he smiles. "At gallant and splendid knight; it was an honour to aid him." Glancing to the forest he smiles further. "I won't lie, as good as it is to chase of raiders riding after boar or stag is more pleasing!"

The hunt starts with the traditional breakfast as the dogs are let loose to hunt for game.  Once there is sufficient barking to indicate prey has been found, the hunters mount up on their steeds and head off in search of a bear.  They wear light (1 point) armor and carry lances and sword.

Sir Dalan and Earl Merdoc both pick up the trail of the bear, as they go crashing through the underbrush.  The bear, becoming aware of the chasers, attempts to avoid the pursuit.  Sir Dalan is able to stay on the trail, although Earl Merdoc takes a wrong turn and has to circle back to find the trail again.

Sir Dalan, rolled 8 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Earl Merdoc, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Sir Dalan, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Earl Merdoc, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Hunting.
Bear, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Avoidance.
Sir Dalen gets a check in Hunting.


Sir Dalan closes in and charges the beast with his lance, skewering it before it has a chance to react.  Earl Merdoc continues to search for the trail.

Sir Dalan, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Dalan, rolled 20 using 6d6.  Damage.
Earl Merdoc, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Hunting.
The Bear takes 20 - 6 = 14 damage.
Sir Dalan gets a check in Sword.


Turning to fight, the bear swipes at Sir Dalan with his claws, just missing.  Sir Dalan stabs at the monster with his sword but fails to connect.

Sir Dalan, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Sword.
Bear, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Claws.
Earl Merdoc, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Hunting.

As Sir Merdoc arrives, Sir Dalan stabs the furry beast with his sword, drawing a long wound across the bear's side, as the bear swipes at him and hits but does no damage.

Sir Dalan, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Sword.
Bear, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Claws.
Sir Dalan, rolled 20 using 4d6+2.  Damage.
The Bear takes 20 - 6 = 14 damage.

Sir Dalan and Earl Merdoc attack the bear once more with their swords.  They both hit and the bear hits both of them with its claws, but the bear and Earl Merdoc are the ones who do damage, with Earl Merdoc's blow knocking the bear unconscious.

Sir Dalan, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Sword.
Bear, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Claws.
Bear, rolled 10 using 3d6.  Damage.
Earl Merdoc, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Sword.
Bear, rolled 5 using 1d20.  Claws.
Earl Merdoc, rolled 11 using 5d6.  Damage.
Sir Dalan takes 10 - 1 = 9 damage.  The Bear takes 11 - 6 = 5 damage and goes unconscious.


However, the bear continues to fight a round after a killing blow.  It misses Sir Dalan, who misses it, and Earl Merdoc hits the bear with his sword but the bear mauls Earl Merdoc, knocking him from his horse.

Sir Dalan, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Sword.
Bear, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Claws.
Earl Merdoc, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Sword.
Bear, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Claws.
Bear, rolled 24 using 6d6.  Damage.
Earl Merdoc takes 24 - 1 = 23 damage and is knocked unconscious.  He receives a Major Wound.

The hunts was a . . . success?  The bear is unconscious and easily killed but Earl Merdoc is also down and unconscious.

Sir Dalan can call an emergency note on his horn, repeating it every minute until help finds him.
He can attempt First Aid.
He can kill the bear before it regains consciousness.
He can kill off the Earl before anyone notices.
He can perform some other interesting action.

Turning pale Sir Dalan leapt off his horse and ran over to the downed Earl to try and save his life before his rich blood darkened the earth.

OOC: Sir Dalan will attempt First Aid.

Sir Dalan quickly bandages the Earl's wounds, staunching the blood and restoring color to the fallen man's face.  The Earl wakes up but is still groggy and unlikely to be moving under his own power.

Sir Dalan gets a point in First Aid.

Earl Merdoc received 6 health.

Muttering a quick prayer of thanks Sir Dalan picks his sword and tries to finish off the bear, should it still stay unconscious. The last thing they need is a resumption of battle!

OOC: If the Earl's horse has not run off Sir Dalan will try and lift the Earl onto the steed's back and rope the beast to his own horse, slowly making their way back out of the forest.

If the Earl's horse has run off Merdoc will be carried by Sir Dalan's steed and Sir dalan will lead him by the reins.

Of course if the bear wakes up before Sir Dalan can slay him all bets are off!

Killing an unconscious bear is simple and easily accomplished.

The Earl's horse is war trained, it isn't going anywhere without him.  Getting him into the saddle is another matter.  Even without armor he seems to be of limited assistance in getting himself up in the saddle.  After several attempts, Sir Dalan manages it and lashes him to the saddle just in case.

Transporting the bear is simple enough, its carcass can be dragged back.  Normally, Sir Dalan would dress the meat where the bear was felled but it seems expedient to get the Earl back to the others.

Arriving back where they had breakfast, Ellowyn looks like she is going to feint when she sees the Earl, who looks like he was just mauled by a bear or something.  "Oh my!  What happened?" she exclaims.

Sir Dalan is so exhausted it takes him a few moments to regain the power of speech. His chest heaves as he draws in and out huge lungfulls of air. Despite it all it is a blessing to see Lady Ellowyn again and swiftly as he can he gasps out an explanation:

"We tracked a bear. Earl Merdoc managed to bring the beast down, but in it's fury it struck him from his steed. I tried to bandage the Earl's wounds but he'll need more skilled hands than mine to heal him - that and time my love."

The Earl, in pain as he is, chuckles dryly, almost hollowly, "your betrothed is far too modest, twas he who tracked the bear and almost killed it.  I was drawn to the sound of their fight and finished the thing but twas mostly dead already."  He coughs painfully.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Modest, 15 Glory, and a librum worth of food (count it as money).  What would he like to do with the pelt?

Sir Dalan looks a little embarrassed, yet also relieved that the Earl is in good enough form to keep his wits about him. "With your permission my lord I should like to present the pelt of the bear to thy Marshal, my own fiance's father Sir Mylon. He is giving me a gift worth far more, so I should return the favour."

He chuckles. "Also I think it would do you good to have your revenge on the bear Earl Merdoc. Whenever you should visit my future father in-law you'll have every chance to walk across the bear that struck you. The beast may be dead but that does not mean you cannot show your mastery no?"

And so it is done.  The Marshal is pleased by the gift and everyone enjoys bear steaks for a week.

Ellowyn is working on setting up a meeting with the Princess.

What are Sir Dalan's plans, generally?  He can hang out here, head back to Salisbury, whatever.  I am mostly going to be working on sorting out our newer character's love interests and such.

Sir Dalan learns to like eating bear. Of course meeting the Princess is more intimidating even than doing likewise with the Earl. True, he has 'met' Arthur and Guinevere but that was as part of a ceremony. A social encounter is another matter, so he is careful to pay attention to any advice Ellowyn can give him.

OOC: Since I'll probably be out of internet for the next few days since I'll be away, heading back to Salisbury after meeting the Princess is probably the best. :)

"You will be fine," Ellowyn replies.  "She is very nice and I am sure will be happy to meet one of the knights who prevented the Irish from kidnapping her."

A couple of days later, Sir Dalan packs and is ready to head home.  Lady Ellowyn and a few guards accompany him to Carlion, where they have setup an appointment with the Princess.

They are brought out onto a terrace overlooking vast gardens.  There is a table setup, loaded with food.  They are there for only fifteen or twenty minutes when the Princess and a pair of guards arrive.  The Princess, while not the most beautiful woman Sir Dalan has ever seen, is certainly way up there and she carries herself with a regal air that is reminiscent of Queen Guenevere.

"Your Royal Highness, may I present my fiance, Sir Dalan of Salisbury.  Sir Dalan, Her Royal Majesty, Princess Gwendollyn," Ellowyn says.

"Sir Dalan," the Princess notes with a musical voice, "your name keeps showing up.  It seems that you are destined to save others from an unfortunate fate.  More than one Kingdom is now indebted to you."

Awed, Sir Dalan bows before the enchanting young woman. "Thank you Your Royal Highness. My liege the Earl of Salisbury perhaps deserves your kind words more than I - the expedition was under his command."

He smiled. "As myself though I am deeply relieved you are safe. I have fought the sons of Hibernia before and they are wily foes."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Sat 30 Sept 2017.

The sound of the Princess's laughter is reminiscent of the twittering of song birds.  "So humble and quick to give credit to your liege.  You will go far, Sir Dalan, of that there is no doubt.  I assume that next you will wax poetic about Earl Robebt's leadership and direction that enabled you to obtain the whetstone when all of King Arthur's other knights came home empty handed?" she remarks with a sly smile.

"Do not fear, the Earl will receive more than just my kind words.  He has quite a few remarkable knights from what I have seen.  One of the things I like so much about him.  The caliber of one's subordinates says a lot about the leader," she notes philosophically.

Sir Dalan began to wonder if he was being too modest, but it was better to err on the side of caution when it came to politeness he supposed.

"Your Royal Highness is wise." He says diplomatically. "I fear I have no subordinates... at least not yet, but I shall keep thy words in mind."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Sun 01 Oct 2017.

"That seems just a matter of time, Sir Dalan, and I am sure that you will be as good a leader as Earl Robert," she remarks.

The group sits to eat and enjoy the beautiful weather.  Perhaps walking through the gardens for a while, admiring the exotic flowers.

"Perhaps," replies Sir Dalan, smiling. "Though I think it may be more time than you think Your Royal Highness. I am a mere vassal knight, and there are better warriors than I in Salisbury - that is not modesty, but the truth. Still, perhaps it is not the time for such harsh talk of war and other such things."

He is content to walk among the flowers for a while, with his beloved.

And so the pair walk around the lovely gardens until it is time for Sir Dalan to head back to his estates in Salisbury, to face the long months alone until the wedding.

Reluctantly Sir Dalan takes his leave, expressing his thanks to the princess before turning to his beloved.

"Winter comes too slowly for us my beloved, but when the air is cold and crisp and clean and the frosts grace the grass of Tisbury I shall at last be able to greet you as husband."

---

OOC: I guess I'm ready for the Winter Phase. :)

Sir Dalan's journey home is unremarkable and he settles in for the winter.  However, about a month after departing Cardiff, he gets a letter from Ellowyn (this is not to suggest this is the first or only letter).

My love,

I write to you of grave tidings.  The Earl of Cardiff has died.  He never recovered from the wound he sustained while hunting and he passed away last night.  The Earl had no wife or children, so my father is managing the County until the King can appoint a successor.

Ellowyn

Sir Dalan drops the letter in horror has soon as he reads those terrible words, a tide of guilt surging through him. The hunt had been his idea... if only he had been swifter to help the Earl...

It took some time to control his feelings enough to put ink to paper:

My love,

Ellowyn your news fills me with sorrow. I knew the Earl but a moment but he seemed a good man and a wise ruler. I shall pray for his soul, and for the grave burden that has fallen on your gallant father's shoulders.

Dalan

It is a few weeks later that Ellowyn writes once more to her fiance.

Darling!

I have some exciting news.  Although the passing of the Earl was tragic, you should feel no guilt over his untimely accident.  I have just found out that my Father has been made the new Earl of Cardiff and that for our wedding, he is granting you my own homeland, the Banneretcy of Dover's Crossing.  I know that this is unexpected but I hope that you take to heart what the Princess said about you.  You will do fine and I will be able to help as I know the lands well.

Love,

Ellowyn

Winter Phase 515AD

1.a Roll Dalan's Stewardship for Tisbury Manor
Critical = +3£
Success  = +1£
Failure  = -1£
Fumble   = -3£

Base income is 6£.

Roll for Improvements.

1.b Roll Ellowyn's Stewardship (12)^* for Dover's Crossing Banneretcy

Roll Stewardship
Critical = +5 to Harvest roll
Success  = +3 to Harvest roll
Failure  = No modifier
Fumble   = -3 to Harvest roll

^*  You can assume that there was a Steward (15) instead if you like, cost 1£.

If there was Raiding
No raiding.

Previous Harvest
Bad or Good  = No modifiers

Arthur's Reign
510 - 524  = No modifier

Curses or Blessings
No curses or blessings

Harvest Roll


Note:  Harvest Roll only affects food production, which is 140£.  Regardless of the harvest roll, Sir Dalan makes 125£ from non-food.

Expenses are 138£, including 12£ to be a Superlative knight.  So your Tisbury income does not have to go toward supporting your upkeep.

2. Roll for Experience - Make rolls for all Personality Traits, Passions, and Skills in which you have an experience check.  Some buildings/holdings also give yearly checks.  If you roll 20, or above your current score, raise the value by 1.  If both sides of a Personality Trait have checks (e.g. Pious and Worldly), you must roll for both individually but can choose in which order you make the rolls.

3. Training and Practice
- Increase one of your squire's skills by 1.
- Choose one of the following options:
  o Gain 1d6+1 Skill points to distribute (cannot raise any Skills above 15)
  o Gain 1 point in a Skill (cannot raise a skill above 20)
  o Increase an Attribute, Trait or Passion by 1
    x No Attribute can be raised higher than its cultural value
    x No Trait can be raised above 19
    x No Passion can be raised above 20
    x SIZ cannot be increased after age 21.

4. Compute Glory
- Glory given during the year can be added immediately.
- Gain glory for exceptional traits/passions (16+) equal to its value
- Gain glory for quality of maintenance - Rich knight 10/year, Superlative 15/year
- Gain 100 glory if you are a Religious or Chivalrous knight
- Gain from Holdings, conspicuous consuption (like holding tournaments/feasts) etc.
Glory bonus - For every 1,000 Glory you attain, you get a Glory bonus: you may add 1 to ANY stat, skill, or trait.
Sir Dalan gains 620 Glory from marrying Ellowyn and 100 for becoming a banneret.

5. Determine Upkeep and conspicuous spending
- Upkeep:  Poor (4£) Ordinary (6£) Rich (10£) Superlative (12£)
- Hire any retinue for next year or make manorial improvements (http://www.eisinger.net/pbem/S...manorimprovement.pdf)

When you are done, update your character sheet / holdings.  I will come up with a mini-problem once you are done.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Thu 12 Oct 2017.

Winter Phase 515AD

Tisbury Manor

16:08, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Stewardship 5.(success)

16:11, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 1 using 1d4.  Sheep herd.

Income for Tisbury Manor: £6 + 1 (Stewardship success) + 1 (Sheep herd) - 2 (Upkeep Sheep herd) = £6


Dover's Crossing Banneretcy


16:14, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 11 using 1d20.  Dover's Crossing Stewardship 15. (success)
16:16, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Harvest Roll. (Superlative)

Income for Dover's Crossing Banneretcy: £405 - 138 (Upkeep; Superlative) = £267

2. Roll for Experience

16:25, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 5 using 1d20.  Lance 16. (Failure)
16:25, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 14 using 1d20.  Sword 10. (Success)
16:25, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 15 using 1d20.  Horsemanship 10. (Success)
16:24, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 20 using 1d20.  Singing 19. (Success!)
16:24, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 5 using 1d20.  Hunting 7. (Failure)
16:24, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 12 using 1d20.  Gaming 3. (Success)
16:23, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 11 using 1d20.  Faerie Lore 5. (Success)
16:23, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 5 using 1d20.  Dancing 3. (Success)
16:23, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 9 using 1d20.  Courtesy 10. (Failure)
16:23, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 17 using 1d20.  Awareness 5. (Success)

16:27, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 19 using 1d20.  Valorous 16. (Success)
16:26, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 10 using 1d20.  Pious 10. (Success)
16:26, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 8 using 1d20.  Modest 13. (Failure)


3. Training and Practice

Suiure Melion: First Aid increased by 1 to 7

STR increased by 1 to 13

4. Compute Glory

Starting Glory (inc. Glory won during the year): 2,596
Marrying Ellowyn: 620
Becoming a banneret: 100

Valourous: 16
Amor (Aliadra): 23
Superlative Knight: 15

+1 STR, +1 CON, +1 DEX

5. Determine Upkeep and conspicuous spending
- Upkeep:  Superlative (12£)
- Hire Steward (Gwyn; Dover's Crossing Banneretcy) (£1)
- Reinforced Chain (£4)
- Destrier ('Hector', £32)

Tisbury Manor

Dovecote - (£5)

Dover's Crossing Banneretcy

Horse Herd - (£80)


Total Income: £151
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

It is Court Day and Sir Dalan is sitting in judgment of the litigants who have appeared seeking Justice from the lord.

It has been a long and difficult day, and Sir Dalan, not used to sitting formally and making decisions on civil and criminal matters, is slightly worn out by it all.  At last, the final case is called.

Reginald Beriman, a rather unpopular tavern owner who is rumored to water the ale rather aggressively, has brought suit against Jango Charles, a popular entertainer.  Jango was doing his juggling act in front of Bariman's tavern.  He started with balls, then knives, then live animals, and had moved on to flaming torches when he slipped on a discarded piece of fruit and one of his torches landed on the thatched roof of the tavern.  Repairs to the tavern cost 1£ (although Sir Dalan feels they might be inflated a bit).  Mr Bariman demands compensation from Mr Charles, who claims (probably truthfully) to not have that much money.  It would likely take Mr Charles 6-9 months to save that much money.

The facts are not in dispute.  Jango Charles has presented a large number of character witnesses attesting to his honesty and skill.

Sir Dalan stroked his beard thoughtfully, wishing for a moment his lady love was here to whisper wisdom into his ear. Still this was his responsibility and his people and this was the duty of a knight every bit as much as the battle and the tourney.

"Mr Charles I believe you had no ill-intent and that you were illfortuned, yet juggling flaming torches near a thatched roof was a careless act. Mr Bariman is your tavern large enough that Mr Charles could ply his work inside - without using torches of course?" 

The man seems a little taken aback by the question and his eyes narrow when he figures out where this is going.  He stammers awkwardly, "well it's not a huge place and what with the renovations and all . . . "

However, after stern look from Sir Dalan he mutters, "I suppose we could make room."

Sir Dalan enjoys his friend's wedding, although it does little to calm his own nerves for the following day.  Having his friends about and his bride by his side makes it all far easier, of course.

It is hard not to think back on the whirlwind journey he has taken over the last year.  From a new knight to a hero of the realm.  From wondering if he would ever see his beautiful Ellowyn again to marrying her.  From a poor knight to a Banneret.  He still has to pinch himself occasionally to make sure he is not dreaming.

Entering his room at Tisbury Manor on his wedding night, he feels the urge to pinch himself once more as he sees his lovely bride, Ellowyn, waiting for him.  Wearing only a sheer silk shift that clings to her figure, Ellowyn stands a little shyly, unsure of herself.

Looking into her husband's eyes, she smiles, reassured.  Embracing him she whispers, "oh my love, we have waited so long."  But the pair need wait no more.

In the morning, Sir Dalan wakes up next to his wife and knows that it is not all a dream, or at least it is a dream come true.

"Good. Then Mr. Charles will perform inside your tavern for the next three months. More patrons will come to see him and stay and drink your ale, especially if you require them to buy an ale to stay and watch his act. After the three months are up if you have earned enough to repair your tavern that shall be the end of it."

Turning to the juggler Sir Dalan speaks again: "Mr Charles can I trust you to keep your act under control in Mr Bariman's tavern? While any money you earn is yours to keep as normal Mr Bariman is under no obligation to give you room and board for free; those you must continue to supply yourself."

Sir Dalan lies in bed awake a long moment, a smile of disbelief and bliss mixed as one on his face. He glances over, almost shyly, at the face of the woman sleeping beside him. Ellowyn. His wife!

Of all the treasures and praise this year has given him none are so precious as this moment, simply being with her.

In reply to Sir Dalan (msg # 75):

Mr Bariman grudgingly agrees and a deal is struck.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Just (roll immediately as it is for 515).

OOC: 16:15, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 16 using 1d20.  Just 12.

Spring Tournament (516 AD) First Night Feast

Sir Dalan is enjoying himself with the food and drink and general merriment, though he tries not to overindulge lest he grow bloated or addle witted in his fight with the panther. He's never faced one before but by repute they are cunning and fierce foes.

As the meal ended he got to his feet and walked over to Lady Ellowyn's table. He bows,
 then straightens up, a grin on his face. "A dance my love? I fear I am clumsy as ever on my feet, but at least I shall be clumsy with you in my arms."

"Any time spent with you is time well spent, my love," Ellowyn responds.

The two spin about in time with the music and perhaps it is only Sir Dalan's apprehension about the morrow that turns his feet into clubs.  Or, perhaps it is that he is not a very accomplished dancer.  Either way, Ellowyn manages to keep the pair from hurting anyone.

Looking a little downcast she murmurs, "I was so worried about you today during the joust.  Even though you did well it was hard to watch.  I fear for your safety tomorrow.  At least other knights know to pull their blows or stop when you are wounded.  But a panther, well . . ." her voice trails off.

Sir Dalan is a little red in the face, his jest about his dancing 'prowess' now seeming all to true. Still he smiles at Ellowyn, trying to ease her fears.

"Perhaps so my love, but a panther is not clad in mail either. I have faced fierce beasts before. I confess I fear more for my brother knight Sir Perin." He hesitates a moment, then whispers "Is it true the Countess asked him to slay such a beast?"

Seemingly somewhat calmed by changing the subject to Sir Perin's imminent death, Ellowyn replies, "I think so, over the winter, I believe.  But really, how different is a lion from a panther?  It seems that all those big cats are more-or-less the same, no?"

Sir Dalan had not in truth seen either, but he had a suspicion Sir Perin faced starker odds.

"If it were so my love why would the prize be so much greater for a lion, and why so few try to best it?" He smiled ruefully. "My brother in arms is a brave man. Perhaps he will leave us all in the dust."

He sounded as if he was trying quite hard to convince himself of that.

"I suppose that makes sense," Ellowyn replies tentatively.

With a smile she reassures, "well I certainly won't ask you to fight any lions for me."

Sir Dalan smiles back and draws her in a little closer.

"For that I am grateful, though at least you shall have a panther skin rug." He fell silent a moment, expression thoughtful. "I know I have met in passing some of the knights of Dover's Crossing, but if it is my duty to lead them in battle I best get to know them better. Can you tell me anything more of such men?"

Ellowyn shrugs, "they are your knights and you can swap the current ones for new ones if you like.  I am afraid there is not much I can tell you about their martial abilities.  They all seem big and strong to me."

Shaking her head she goes on, "I am afraid that it was never something I dealt much with, so really I barely know them either.  I recognize them when I see them and know most but not all of their names.  The easiest way for you to get to know them is to spend a season or two training with them or fighting with them when you get called up for service by father," she suggests.

"A wise suggestion my love and one I shall try and carry out," Sir Dalan replies, giving his wife an amused smile. "As long as you can remember my name I'll be happy."

He continues: "Earl Robert I know wishes to fight the Saxons, and I had planned to go with him. Are there any foes your father might fight this season instead? The Irish perhaps?"

Sir Dalan's wife smiles, "never fear, my love.  I will not soon forget your name."

"Well," she says a little hesitantly, "you owe twelve knights to my father and you have twelve who serve you, so you do not need to go if called by both.  I am not really sure what daddy's plans are.  I think he is still getting used to his new responsibilities and as he is with King Arthur at present, he isn't likely to have anything planned until at least the Fall or perhaps next year."

Sir Dalan nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you Ellowyn. Against the Saxons with Earl Robert then. It is good to know my hand won't be forced but I was thinking it best if I lead my knights in the field."

He smiled and shook his head in amusement and disbelief. "My knights! I still can't believe I have knights to look after. Your gallant father is not alone in getting used to his responsibilities!"

Momentarily alone Sir Dalan walks over to Princess Gwendolln. He bows and offers the woman a polite but rather sad smile. "A pleasure to meet you once more your Royal Highness. Perhaps my wife told you of my reaction but I was saddened to hear of Lord Merdoc's passing."

The Princess nods her agreement, "truly.  Such are the Fates that cut a man down on a simple hunt who has survived a dozen great battles."

Sir Dalan is silent for a moment. Then he opens his mouth and sings softly:


"We who are bound to soil to stone,
No matter how strong and wise,
All must end beneath the loam,
A veil drawn across our eyes,

What is life but a little time,
To love, to laugh, to weep,
And toast with a glass of wine,
Each day and night we all keep,

A gallant man who strives his all,
And wins all glory and praise,
Will still, as men must, fall,
Leaving dreams of joyous days,

It is just, it is right, it is noble to be sad,
Yet remember the wondrous adventure he had."


He raised his own glass of wine and smiled: "To Lord Merdoc, and a noble life."

The Princess raises her own glass in acknowledgment.  After drinking she notes, "I did tell you that you would go far, Sir Dalan.  You are only just beginning your journey but it heads into great places."

"Thank you your Royal Highness, I am honoured." Sir Dalan said, then smiled ruefully. "Though perhaps I best keep my eyes and wits on the beginning rather than the destination. I am bound to fight a panther after all."

She smiles, replying "after taking down a bear, a panther should be little challenge." (It is not like you are fighting a lion or something)

There is a pause and sly smile, "if the Fates allow that is.  So, what are your plans for your new fief?

"Well I intend to Winter there certainly." Sir Dalan replies, smiling at her reminder of the bear. "I want to get to know my knights better, train with them and lead them. If I knew the country near Cardiff better I know where to lead them to... I know the Saxons are our curse in the east and south but I suppose there are none in that part of the world."

"Never fear, Saxons seem to find themselves all over the place.  There a wandering warbands, like the one your comrade Wulfric used to lead, all about," she replies.

"That is a comforting thought," Sir Dalan says dryly, though he feels a pang at the mention of the missed Saxon knight.

"What of you your Royal Highness, are your own knights winning glory here?"

The Princess has no knights here, they are mainly with Arthur.  Sir Dalan's knights are the only ones from Escavalon.

Oops, forget I asked. :)

"Your Royal Highness, forgive me but I see my wife has finished mysteriously conspiring with Earl Robert and I have already been away from her too long. I am truly glad to have spoken with you again though." He smiled. "I am at your service should you need me."

"Ah young love," she notes with a smile.

Sir Dalan bites his tongue on pointing out the princess was hardly that much older. There were some matters one did not say to royalty. He smiles and bows, then walks over to Ellowyn.

"I won't subject your feet to another attempt at my dancing my dear but I did want to keep you company. What do you think of the Earl?"

"He seems very nice," she remarks.  "He is certainly quite enamored of the Princess.  It would be a good match for him and perhaps not a bad one for her as well.  Earl Robert seems to have the Queen's favor and perhaps Arthur's, too."

"I agree." Sir Dalan smiles. "I don't suppose there is any way we can help? What would impress the princess the most?"

Ellowyn laughs, "best not to get involved in other people's love life.  That never seems to end well.  I am sure they will figure it out on their own in time."

"Where's the fun in that?" Sir Dalan asks, smiling teasingly. "I suppose you are right though. I know I'd be less than thrilled if it happened to me. Anyway I think the Princess is very nice to, though I will change my mind if she demands he fight a lion."

Though delighted by Sir Perin's success and eager to congratulate his success Sir Dalan first takes time to approach the Royal Box. He bows before the Queen, the Princess, and Earl Robert.

"Your Majesty, your Royal Highness, your Grace... I offer my deepest condolences over the passing of Sir Lamorak. I did not have the fortune to exchange words with such a valliant knight, but his name was known to us all. Should you require a knight of Salisbury to stand vigil over him I am at your service."

Sir Dalan's voice cracks slightly as he speaks. Like everyone else he still can't quite believe what happened.

"Thank you, Sir Dalan, that is a most generous offer," the Queen replies.  Looking over toward Sir Robert with mild reproval, she notes, "I think that these arena contests have run their course.  We certainly do not want to encourage the wanton violence of the Roman Coliseum here in Briton."

The Queen rises and departs the box, her guard in tow.

The Princess and Earl stand as the Queen departs.  Once she is gone they exchange a glance before the Princess speaks, "yes, it is quite a loss.  However, Sir Lamarak knew what he was getting into.  Like many knights, he eschewed the fanciful pageantry of mock combat in favor real encounters."  She sighs.

The Earl claps Sir Dalan on the shoulder, "thank you for standing vigil, Sir Dalan."

The pair then depart.

Sir Dalan bows again the Queen as she departs. His grim look relaxes a little into a sad smile as Gwendollyn speaks. "Thank you your Highness, my lord."

As the royals depart Sir Dalan walks over to join his wife. Knowing how tender hearted she is he takes her in his arms. "Oh Ellowyn, how do you feel?"

Ellowyn looks a little green.  "That was a little too . . . violent for my tastes," she replies.  "I think I will skip the animal encounters in future tournaments, they are a little too deadly for me."

"Yes I can understand that," Sir Dalan says dryly. He smiles at his wife ruefully. "At least we have a panther pelt. In fact I was thinking of taking the great cat for my coat of arms. A banneret needs a banner no?"

OOC: I put up a crude coat of arms in my character Description.

Ellowyn sighs, "I like to pretend that when you go off to fight that it more like a joust with rules and mercy."  Shaking her head, "it is harder to do that now, I guess."

With a smile, she allows her husband to distract her with talk of heraldry, "I think that is a fine idea.  There are worse things to be known for," she laughs.

"Yes, I think I'll stick to facing men at the tournaments from now on." Sir Dalan says, with a  grin at her laugh. "I'm glad you like it."

He pauses, looking adoringly at his wife. "I have asked to stand vigil over Sir Lamorak so I might not have a chance to see each other for the rest of the feast. Perhaps we should enjoy a few moments together before I must don my armour again and go to my station...?"

He raises an eyebrow meaningfully.

"Right here?" she exclaims in faux shock before giggling.

The pair head back to their quarters, where Ellowyn complains, "you didn't even get injured, how am I supposed to nurse your wounds?"  With a sly look she says, "close your eyes."

Once Dalan's eyes are closed, he hears a whisper in his left ear, "let's see how good you are.  I'll try to sneak up and tap a piece of your armor.  You try to grab a piece of my clothing.  We'll see who is undressed first."

Sir Dalan feels Ellowyn untie her scarf and tie it over his eyes, and then for a moment there is silence.  Then he hears Ellowyn in front of him and to the left say, "begin."

The knight is quiet, listening, he thinks he hears soft footfalls heading around to his left and behind him.  He grabs in that direction, only to feel her tap the gorget around his neck.  He straightens up as she removes it before stepping back once more.

He hears the rustle of her skirts to his right and lunges, coming in contact with something soft, yielding, and a bit giggly.  It takes him some time to unclasp the dress blindfolded, but it is worth the effort.

The game proceeds for about 15 minutes, as slowly the pair are undressed.  Sometimes he hears the swish of fabric or smells her perfume, other times he can feel the heat of her breath.

By the time the blindfold is removed to reveal his naked partner, Sir Dalan is ready to work on securing Dover Crossing's succession.

Not for the first time Sir Dalan is endlessly grateful he married a wife with a quick mind not just beauty. The game and what follows are exactly what he needs right now, letting him push the worries and troubles and responsibilities away for a time.

God, he loves this woman!

After bathing her husband and ensuring that he is properly attired for his vigil, Ellowyn wistfully bids Sir Dalan goodbye with a kiss.  She then gets ready herself, although she is not looking forward to the feast without her mate's presence.

Spring Tournament (516 AD) Second Day

Sir Dalan returns to the arena, where Sir Lamorak's body has been washed and prepared.  It is lying on a low table surrounded by a ring of torches.  There is a small fire off to one side and spare wood and torches.  There is also a carafe of water.

In reply to Ellowyn (msg # 116):

Sir Dalan returns the kiss and smiles at his wife. "I'll miss you to, but I must honour a great fallen knight and do my duty for own noble lord." His smile broadens a little and he teasingly adds: "At least I shall not be at risk in the melee my love?"

Another kiss, this one a gentler one. "Enjoy yourself my love. Please give Sir Perin my congratulations. I am proud to have such a man as my friend."

Sir Dalan arrives. After looking at the noble knight in repose Sir Dalan kneels in prayer for the man, for his family and his master the King.

Standing up, he looks at Sir Lamorak sadly. "I am sorry I never knew you brother, but I knew enough to know a great man sleeps now. May you go to your reward in the hereafter good sir knight, thy weary tasks are done."

With a sigh he takes up his post.

Sir Dalan offers up a prayer for the fallen (Check in Pious) before taking up his post.  There is not much to do, although there is a fairly steady stream of mourners who stop by to pay their respects.  The numbers trail off as the feast starts and soon enough he is left alone once more.

The sun sets and it is very peaceful in the twilight after the sun has gone but there is still enough light to see clearly.  Soon enough, that light is gone and the stars begin to show up.  It is a beautiful evening, with a smattering of bats flying overhead, swooping and diving as they catch insects.

Sir Dalan thinks back to other brushes with death, his own and others'.  Although he dispatched the panther with no problem, it seems an unlucky break could have left him the one on the slab.  Or the boar last summer, had it gored him instead of the Earl.  Sir Caradwg beaten by the giant Sangnoir, Sir Tyngyr killed by the Barquest, Sir Wulfric killed by Sir Dencile.  And these were just the closest of those he had known who died in the last couple of years at the hands of beast and men.

Sir Dalan sings softly to himself, or to Sir Lamorak, or perhaps even the bats.

"Does the stag running through the glades,
Know only hunter's horn and hound's bark,
And spring blindly on in from man's blades,
That fear alone in a mind small and dark,

Or is his soul and heart made of finer gold,
That long gone days still cast their glow,
Of being antlered king of his forest bold,
By ancient oaks grow and clear streams flow,

A gallant knight is like the silver moon,
Beloved by all lovers and dreamers true,
And yet must away it seems all to soon,
His time so short, his hours so few,

Yet still we should say: here a knight last rode by,
In song and tale his glory and name shall not die."


It is a lonely enough place, but there is no little beauty here and life enough if one cares to look. Sir Dalan looks - or at least tries to look - not on the tragedy of the knight's death, but on the glory and beauty of his life. Perhaps he wonders only a commoner born like himself could know how wondorous it was to be a knight, if only for too short a seaon.

The bats seem to enjoy the song, whether or not it was for them.  It's faint echos still dancing in Sir Dalan's head when a few last mourners stop by at the end of the feast.  Then, it is quiet once more.  To some, the quiet and stillness would be oppressive.  Sir Dalan finds them calming.  It is a good time and place to reflect on where he has been.

The knight thinks back to his youth, not so long ago.  When he saw knights and lords and wondered at their fine clothing, weapons, and mounts.  He imagined himself in a palace surrounded by servants and beautiful ladies.  Now, a scant decade later he is closer to that imagined future than he ever seriously thought that he would be.

The night grows darker and colder.  It is probably past midnight by now and still Sir Dalan maintains his post.  It is a boring task to be sure but his thoughts keep him company and he stays awake and alert.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Singing and in Energetic.

Stretching his legs and rubbing his hands together to keep his blood flowing Sir Dalan thought of his lovely wife. Truthfully he felt a touch guilty leaving her to face the rest of the festivities alone. Hopefully the Princess would take sympathy there.

Unavoidably Sir Dalan found himself thinking more on Sir Lamorak. Even with everything, it still seemed impossible so great a knight could die in peacetime. It brought back echoes of the late Earl of Cardiff. Clearly bravery in itself was not enough, and given how much he had to live for Sir Dalan would have to learn his limits. He'd seek out his father-in-law and train under than old soldier. One did not become a marshal - or be appointed an earl - on strength of arm alone.

His thoughts turn to gallant Sir Perin. As much as Sir Dalan is uncertain about the Countess Fiona, his brother knight and friend had defeated the lion. A very great knight that one!

The night wears on.  Sir Dalan replaces the torches as they start to sputter, tossing the used ones into the fire.  He warms his hands above the flames to keep warm, or stands with his back to it.  Off in the distance he hears a low shriek as a mouse somewhere is caught by an owl, invisible in the darkness the talons must have come out of nowhere and in a flash, the mouse was dead.

Is that what happened to Sir Lamorak?  Or Lord Merdoc?  There and then gone as the icy scythe of the Grim Reaper took them.  Will that be his fate as well?  Or will he see it coming, have some chance to prepare, to fight back?

The mind does funny things in the dark, alone.  As he warms his back by the fire he sees movement out of the corner of his eye.  Looking he sees a piar of pale eyes looking back at him.  The eyes move and as they come into the firelight, Sir Dalan sees that it is a wolf, padding silently on its soft paws.

It approaches the circle of torches but does not pass them.  The wolf sniffs the air for a moment before circling the torches.  It then squats and bays to the newly risen quarter moon.  The sound would be eerie and unsettling in broad daylight but is thrice so in this place.  Seemingly grinning, the wolf pads off again and out of the arena.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Valorous.

Sir Dalan watches the wolf go, a flicker of a smile on his own lips. Unwanted, uninvited visitor that the wolf was and chilling though it's howl sounded it is a sign of life in a place with too little of it. Besides part of him can't but admire it's confidence to speak it's piece in front of an armed and armoured man.

The break of dawn brings little warmth but it does bring light.  There are also the sounds of morning: roosters crowing, birds chirping, the distant sounds of people moving about.  But it is still and quiet in the arena but for Sir Dalan stretching his stiff joints.

There are also the smells, like fresh-baked bread and meat cooking over pits.  He drinks some water as he thinks about the breakfast that he is missing.  After the excitement of the prior day, he had not felt much like eating.  So missing the feast had not been a big deal.  However, there is something about staying up all night that makes you want to eat.  He resists the urge however and just drinks more water.

Soon the mourners will arrive once more, at least until the start of the melee.  So he enjoys the solitude for a while longer.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Temperate.

Sir Dalan tries not think about food or drink other than water or being there with his comrades in arms at the melee.

His thoughts stray to the lion and unavoidably how he would have faired in Sir Perin's place. Not well perhaps. Even if he had been dismayed at the challenge the Countess had set she clearly had inspired her chosen champion!

Soon enough the mourners reappear and the next few hours pass relatively quickly and painlessly.  With the break of day has come some welcome warmth and a break in the loneliness of the dark.

As the time for the melee approaches, the crowds disappear and the place is quiet once more.  At a distance, Sir Dalan can hear the start of the melee but the sounds are muted and soon fade into the background as the young Banneret considers the previous day's arena matches.  The panther had not been much of an opponent it turned out and Sir Dalan had faced a bear successfully in the past.  Although the Earl, probably Dalan's superior in arms, had not fared so well, as had been the case with the bear's first opponent in the arena.  The lion though, that thing had been fast.  Without the spear, Dalan doubted Sir Perin would have stood a chance against that thing.

Sir Dalan longs to go and participate in the melee with his brother knights and to ride with his own knights from Dover's Crossing.  However, his duty to Earl Robert keeps him where he is to perform this sacred duty.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Loyalty (Lord) - Sir Robert.

It was an honour due to a fallen knight and a duty to a noble lord but Sir Dalan can't help but feel his decision was a rash one. This should have been the moment to lead his knights for the first time, something that had simply not occurred to him when he offered to stand vigil. Clearly he had not yet grown used to thinking himself a Banneret, with the responsibilities and honours that meant.

Still, he resolutely sticks to his post, mentally wishing his comrades all success and glory.

Somewhere, a large number of men battle for Glory and Honor, while Sir Dalan silently paces around the ring of torches that surrounds Sir Lamorak's body.  It remains peaceful here while elsewhere there is little but conflict.  Sir Dalan misses the opportunity to fight beside his brothers but gains a little perspective in its stead.

The peace and solitude allows for reflection and personal growth in its own way.  As the morning wears on the temperature begins to rise.  Sir Dalan can imagine how uncomfortable those fighting must be as he himself is starting to get a little warm while barely exerting himself.

Sir Dalan gets a check in prudent.

Sir Dalan keeps his weary vigil his thoughts on both living and dead.

Sir Dalan can almost sense when the melee ends as the sounds change and soon after there is one final influx of mourners.  The sun is now high in the sky and it has become uncomfortably warm.  As lunchtime comes, Sir Dalan thinks longingly of the food from the last feast.  It would do his empty belly good to have some food but there is nothing for it but to stay and fast.

The last of the mourners depart, leaving Sir Dalan alone once more.  Soon many of the knights, Lords, and Ladies will be departing, returning to their homes.  While entering the melee and fighting alongside his friends and subordinate knights would have been a path to glory and honor, Glory and Honor are due to the fallen as well.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Modest.

Grimly Sir Dalan holds to his post, though by now he longs for this worthy but unlovable task to near it's end.

Fortunately, it is half over.  Well, perhaps more than that.  The afternoon wears on and it becomes quieter as many of the guests head out in the hopes of putting some distance in before nightfall.  At length, night comes once more.  It is a respite from the heat but the darkness is a little oppressive, all the more so because of the lack of sleep.  Sleep, glorious sleep, yes, that would be nice, to just lie down for a moment.  Rest his eyes.  Sir Dalan shakes himself and walks around, replacing the torches that have burned out and stoking the fire, which will soon be warming him.

Perhaps just sitting for a moment would not be a . . . bad . . . th . . .

Sir Dalan jerks awake, must have just dozed off for a second.  It is misty inside the arena now, with tendrils of fog clinging to the walls and swirling around the torches.  Two cowled figures stand on either side of Sir Lamorak's body.  The first intones "Sir Lamorak struck down a knight who threatened a peasant who accosted the knight.  He must be found guilty."

The second replies, "the knight sought to murder the peasant for cussing him after he trampled the peasant's crops and tried to carry off the peasant's daughter.  He must be found innocent."

The first retorts, "a peasant has no right to berate a knight.  Knights are the law.  He must be found guilty."

The second responds, "none is above the King's law.  All are equal in his eyes.  He must be found innocent."

The pair turn to you, expecting a decision.

Sir Dalan wearily shakes his head.

"Sir Lamorak shall be judged by He stands over even the King. Who am I to claim the right to make judgement on the dead?"

A sigh. "Still if it alone shall send you spectres away from this place I shall do my best. Did Sir Lamorak slay his brother knight in a challenge or simply cut him down?"

The pair stand mutely, waiting.

Sir Dalan frowns. "Sir Lamorak must be found innocent. Even if the peasant was wrong Sir Agravaine drew the graver sin. A true knight would protect the weak."

The two figures seem to shimmer and fade, while Sir Lamorak's body appears to glow slightly before Sir Dalan jerks himself awake.  It is very dark and the torches have burned down, close to sputtering out.  The mist is gone and there is no sign of the figures, if they ever existed except in Sir Dalan's mind.

Wrapping his cloak more tightly about him, Sir Dalan walks around, replacing torches and getting the blood moving.  He wonders idly what time it is.

Sir Dalan gets a point in Just.

With little else to do but think on his eerie vision - or whatever it was - Sir Dalan keeps his pacing.

And before he knows it, the eastern sky begins to glow pink and shafts of light tickle the clouds above.  As the sun breaks through, a cadre of knights and attendants approach to prepare the body and Sir Dalan is relieved, in more ways than one.

He mechanically walks back to his rooms to find his wife waiting, a look of pride and a gentle smile gracing her face.  She helps him out of his clothes, whispers something sweet, and stays out of the way as he collapses on the bed.

He is awakened by the soft caress of her touch and the smell of food, glorious food.  Ellowyn has a tray with some warm soup, bread, and meat, which he quickly devours.

Although the six hours of sleep was not enough, it was at least sufficient to tide him through the funeral.

Sir Dalan receives 50 Glory.

Sir Dalan is so exhausted he can do little more than smile at his wife at first. The sleep (even if to little of it) and breakfast revive him.

"I feel like I've never eaten before," Sir Dalan says, after he has wolfed down the last of the bread. He smiles and reaches for Ellowyn's hand. "But the lack of food and sleep where nothing next to lack of you. I hope the fest was not to awful without my clusiminess on the dance floor."

Sir Dalan asks his ladywife of his friends and his knights in the melee, then washes, trims his beard, dresses and prepares to take his position at the funeral.

---

OOC: 1 each increase in Energetic, Generous, Honest, Just, Pious, Prudent and Temperate. I now have the chivalry bonus. :)

Sir Dalan's first experience of fighting alongside his knights is truly bittersweet, and it is was a heavy heart that he participates in the battle to drive away the Irish from his homeland. Still his panther banner and shield are much in evidence on the field.

After the fighting is done and he has ensured that his beloved Ellowyn and Princess Gwendollyn are safe Sir Dalan goes to Earl Robert. "My lord I intend to help finance the reconstruction of the city of Wilton... I was in command when she fell and I still feel I should have done more." He took a deep breath. "I do not want to intrude on your dignity my lord but it is my firm wish to spend my money helping the poor folk who suffered so much during the invasion. May I have your permission?"

"You were not in charge of the city, Sir Dalan, I was.  Anyway, it only fell after I ordered you to leave," he responds.  Looking a little crestfallen he notes, "perhaps that was not the right decision but consolidating our forces seemed the wisest route at the time," he notes.

With a smile he goes on, "your offer is a generous one but Salisbury is my responsibility and it is the wealth of Salisbury that should be used to restore it.  Perhaps more fortifications and soldiers are in order," he muses.

Sir Dalan looks disappointed, but bows. "As you wish my lord." He scratched his short beard for a moment before continuing, gently: "The scale of the invasion took us all by surprise my lord."

The Earl nods, "yes, but perhaps it shouldn't have," he replies.  Shaking his head he explains, "from what I hear, Countess Fiona mobilized all of her knights, even those stationed in Castles, in ten hours or less and got them halfway across Briton in the space of a few hours.  Somehow I doubt that she would have been taken by surprise."

He favors Sir Dalan with a bashful look, "perhaps I have spent too much time thinking about the Princess and too little time spent on Salisbury."

Sir Dalan looks sympathetic. "My lord any man with eyes will find his thoughts may stray to Princess Gwendollyn. She is as the winter blossom; more precious yet for the strength that underlies the beauty. She will make thee a fine wife."

He smiles. "'Tis good for a man to marry a woman he is in love with. My beloved Ellowyn the cornerstone of my life, and not just because she is cleverer by far than I. She is friend and confidant. If the Princess is such to thee take no shame in it my lord."

Sir Robert smiles, "true enough, Sir Dalan, but I need to be able to provide for her and to look after a county and all of its inhabitants too.  I can't do that if I act as a starstruck teen."

Sir Dalan nods his head. "As you say my lord. I fear I must be off to see my wife before I join my brothers in arms in their quest. Fare thee well my lord."

Sir Dalan and Sir Perin have retired to a local alehouse while they await Sir Sejanus's research on the sword.

"How fares the Countess my brother?" Sir Dalan asks. "She did us a good turn during the invasion."

Perin smiles broadly and claps his friend on the shoulder "She is quite well, thanks for asking!  And that she did.  Without the aid of her and her forces, I don't see how we would have been able to save Sarum.  It was a... humbling experience, and a good reminder of why the King's message about unity is so important."

He takes a big swig of his ale before asking "Your lady wife, how does she fare?  It seems like she and the Countess were enjoying one another's company at the feast earlier this year."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Tue 21 Nov 2017.

"Ellowyn is well enough, though the invasion was hard on her." A smiles plays across Sir Dalan's lips. "Perhaps your fair lady is teaching her magic?"

"I can only imagine that dark rumors she was hearing, which when coupled with the distance and uncertainty of the whole situation, doubtlessly made the whole affair quite trying."  At the mention of magic, Perin breaks into a grin "Magic?  Why whatever do you mean good sir?  Surely you know better than to accuse her of something like that!"  Perin is obviously teasing his friend, as anyone who had seen Fiona's display on the field of battle had no doubt as to have capability to wield some sort of magic.

"Besides, surely you know that to have anything to do with the Fae is to damn your soul, almost as surely as if you trafficked with the forces of Hell itself!" he says, taking a jab at a certain knight who had made the same comparison just some few short weeks ago.

Sir Dalan frown. While he may not be as devout as Sir Sejanus he is still a practicing Christian and Sir Perin's easy impiety leaves him a touch uncomfortable.

Trying to shift the subject he continues: "As it happens a witch entranced me once, while I was on the quest of the Grey Knight with Sir Gracian."

Perin, seeing his brother's discomfort, allows Dalan to change the topic "Surely you're not calling her a witch brother?" he asks with a wink, his grin growing ever wider.  "No, Gracian never mentioned it, care to share?  After all, it seems like we'll have quite a bit of time..."

"We met a fair maiden named Gilegra on the road, being menaced by bandits. We rescued her, or so we thought. In truth she was a witch serving Morganna le Fay. Later we made camp and she woke me up at night claiming to have a message from Merlin." Sir Dalan sighs wistfully, recalling innocent, dark eyes.

"She entranced my mind and led me away from camp, then told me she had to examine the treasures we had recovered - I am sure you have heard the tale of our quest to aid Sir Gawaine." Sir Dalan pauses, obviously a little embarrassed.

"To tell you the truth brother I only awoke from her spell because we knew Morganna to be our foe and directing her magic against us. Without that seed of suspicion I would have dreamily trusted the treasures to fair Gilegra. There was a fight and we slew her"

He smiles ruefully. "The worst part is it actually was not an unpleasant feeling being under her spell."

Perin smiles sympathetically as Dalan as he replies "And that is why it is called enchanting my friend.  It is far easier to get a man to comply with your requests if he enjoys the sensation.  And you were not expecting to be entranced, and had no way to defend yourself against her charms;  don't let it trouble you any further, as what is done is done, and everything ended for the best."

Taking another sip of his drink, he continues "I've always though that magic is like a sword, it all depends on the person who wields it.  Would you judge a sword, or any who use it, simply because one man did horrible things with it?  No, of course you wouldn't.  Magic is no different.  In the right hand, it can be among the greatest forces for good imaginable; but in the wrong hands, it is capable of terrible, destructive things.  It all depends on the man... or the woman who wields it" he says with a smirk.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Wed 22 Nov 2017.

Sir Dalan sips his own drink. "Perhaps so my brother." He smiles. "Anyway I suppose I am not the first man whose wits prove weak faced with a pretty face."

Winter Phase 516AD

1.a Roll Dalan's Stewardship (@ -2 due to raiding) for Tisbury Manor
Critical = +3£
Success  = +1£
Failure  = -1£
Fumble   = -3£

Base income is 6£.

Roll for Improvements.

1.b Roll Ellowyn's Stewardship (12) for Dover's Crossing

Roll Stewardship
Critical = +5 to Harvest roll
Success  = +3 to Harvest roll
Failure  = No modifier
Fumble   = -3 to Harvest roll

If there was Raiding
No raiding.

Previous Harvest
Superlative  = +3

Arthur's Reign
510 - 524  = No modifier

Curses or Blessings
No curses or blessings

Harvest Roll


Note:  Harvest Roll only affects food production, which is 140£.  Regardless of the harvest roll, Sir Dalan makes 125£ from non-food.

Expenses are 138£, including 12£ to be a Superlative knight.  So your Tisbury income does not have to go toward supporting your upkeep.

516 Event - No event this year.

2. Roll for Experience - Make rolls for all Personality Traits, Passions, and Skills in which you have an experience check.  Some buildings/holdings also give yearly checks.  If you roll 20, or above your current score, raise the value by 1.  If both sides of a Personality Trait have checks (e.g. Pious and Worldly), you must roll for both individually but can choose in which order you make the rolls.

3. Training and Practice
- Increase one of your squire's skills by 1.
- Choose one of the following options:
  o Gain 1d6+1 Skill points to distribute (cannot raise any Skills above 15)
  o Gain 1 point in a Skill (cannot raise a skill above 20)
  o Increase an Attribute, Trait or Passion by 1
    x No Attribute can be raised higher than its cultural value
    x No Trait can be raised above 19
    x No Passion can be raised above 20
    x SIZ cannot be increased after age 21.

4. Compute Glory
- Glory given during the year can be added immediately.
- Gain glory for exceptional traits/passions (16+) equal to its value
- Gain glory for quality of maintenance - Rich knight 10/year, Superlative 15/year
- Gain 100 glory if you are a Religious or Chivalrous knight
- Gain from Holdings, conspicuous consuption (like holding tournaments/feasts) etc.
Glory bonus - For every 1,000 Glory you attain, you get a Glory bonus: you may add 1 to ANY stat, skill, or trait.

5. Determine Upkeep and conspicuous spending
- Upkeep:  Poor (4£) Ordinary (6£) Rich (10£) Superlative (12£)
- Hire any retinue for next year or make manorial improvements (http://www.eisinger.net/pbem/S...manorimprovement.pdf)

6. Family Rolls

Roll for each woman with whom Sir Dalan was intimate.

Roll d6 for each live child born, odd = Female, even = male.


No roll this year. Sir Dalan would be +3 as a Superlative knight.


No rolls this year as Sir Dalan is +2 as a Superlative knight.




Roll d6 for family member, odd = female, even = male.

Ellowyn made her stewardship roll and her energetic roll to build the horse hyrd, so that is now in place for 517.

When you are done, update your character sheet / holdings.  I will come up with a mini-problem once you are done.

Let me know if I obviously screwed anything up.  Your income/expenses should be the same as last year as things built don't take effect until next harvest as they were built during the year.  If you think you should have gotten a check in anything that I overlooked, please tell me what and why.

Winter Phase 516 AD

1A. Tisbury Manor

Sir Dalan rolled 12 using 1d20.  Stewardship 5 (-2 due to raiding).

Sir Dalan rolled 1 using 1d4.  Sheep Herd (Tisbury)

Income for Tisbury Manor: £6 - 1 (Stewardship Failure) + 1 (Sheep Herd) - 2 (Upkeep Sheep Herd) = £4



1B. Dover's Crossing Banneretcy


14:28, Today: Sir Dalan rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Harvest. (Bad)

1C. Total Income

£4 (Tisbury Manor) + £125 (Dover's Crossing Banneretcy) = £129

2. Experience

Sir Dalan rolled 16 using 1d20.  Lance (16) (Failure.)
Sir Dalan rolled 1 using 1d20.  Sword (14). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 16 using 1d20.  Horsemanship (13). (Success)
Sir Dalan rolled 9 using 1d20.  Singing (20). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 8 using 1d20.  First Aid (11). (Failure)

Sir Dalan rolled 8 using 1d20.  Loyalty (Earl Robert) (15). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 17 using 1d20.  Valorous (17). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 15 using 1d20.  Temperate (11). (Success)
Sir Dalan rolled 6 using 1d20.  Prudent (11). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 3 using 1d20.  Pious (12). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 11 using 1d20.  Modest (13). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 11 using 1d20.  Merciful (13). (Failure)
Sir Dalan rolled 15 using 1d20.  Just (14). (Success)
Sir Dalan rolled 5 using 1d20.  Energetic (12). (Failure)

3. Training

Training Option (1d6+1 Skill Points)

Sir Dalan rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Skill Points.

+1 to Sword and Stewardship.

4. Compute Glory

+10 Participating in a Joust: 10
+75 Defeating a panther
+50: Stood vigil over Sir Lamorak
+200: Repelling the Irish
+100: Defeating Irish soldiers

+20 Singing
+16 Lance

+17 Valorous

+23 Amour (Aliandra)

+15 Superlative Knight
+100 Chivalric Knight

Glory Gained: +626

5. Upkeep and Conspicuous Spending

Tisbury Manor
Sheep Herd (Upkeep £2)
Dovecote (just finished construction)

Dover's Crossing Banneretcy

Horse Herd (just finished breeding)

Total Expense: £138

6. Family Rolls

6A. Childbirth

Sir Dalan rolled 6 using 1d20.  Child Birth. (No birth)

6B. Family Event

Sir Dalan rolled 15 using 1d20.  Family Event.  Family Event (Missing, may be lost; Parent's sibling, male)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Mon 08 Jan 2018.

Sir Dalan endured a grim year, though it was nothing compared with the misfortunes visiting his dear friend Sir Gracian. The death of Ariette broke his heart, and Ellowyn's to.

Though he knew that many couples had to wait years for children if ever he had secretly dared hope that he and Ellowyn should be blessed this Winter. No such fortune happened. Their miseries seemed to continue as a poor harvest drained his coffers and Tisbury was still recovering from the raid.

It was with deepest relief that Sir Dalan prepared to bid farewell to the old year. May 517 be better!

Sir Dalan spends the beginning of the new year on his fief at Dover's Crossing with Ellowyn, doing their best to get an heir ready for next Winter.  A week into his stay, the Earl asks him to accompany him hawking.  He had considered a hunt but decided not to tempt fate.

On the appointed day, Sir Dalan meets the Earl and selects a hawk from among those the Earl has out.

"It seems that we are tied more closely together now that your Earl has married my Princess," the Earl notes.  "What do you see happening as a result?" he asks.

Sir Dalan looks thoughtful. "I think that his grace will prove a good husband having had the excellent sense in following my example and wedding a woman smarter than himself."

He smiles, then adds: "Hopefully now the princess is actually a wife we will see an end to the Irish intrigues."

The pair send their hawk up in search of game as they walk along and talk.

The Earl smiles, "yes, that seems to be a good course."

"As to the Irish, I hear that the King will be sending an army to teach them a lesson in the summer," he intimates.  "I am assured that the knights of Escavalon and Salisbury will be taking part.  This will be announced at the Pentecost Feast during the Spring Tournament in London."

The hawks return empty-taloned.

"I was hoping that you would be willing to lead Cardiff's troops, although I would understand if you decided to ride with the Salisbury knights instead," the Earl says in a way that makes Sir Dalan suspect that the Earl would not, in fact, understand at all.

Sir Dalan looks at his father in law in surprise and gratitude. "It... it would be an honour to accept my lord. Are you certain you would not have a more experienced man though? I have never commanded in battle before."

"The only way to get experience is to do something, Sir Dalan, he explains.  "I would be remiss if I did not give you the opportunity to show what you are capable of.  And if you fail, then you will have learned something and can do better next time.  As long as you keep working at it, you will improve, if you refuse to learn from successes and mistakes, then as you say, I will need to find someone else."

"As I said sir it is an honour and one I gratefully accept." Sir Dalan says quickly, anxious to show he wasn't turning down the offer. "I take your words well to heart."

This time, when the hawks return, the Earl's has caught a rabbit, although Dalan's is still sadly bereft of prey.

"Excellent," the Earl says at Sir Dalan's acceptance of his 'offer.'  "With Robert married to the Princess, it seems natural for him to lead Escavalon's forces.  How do you think that he will do?" Earl Mylon asks, "being that it is a much larger force than Salisbury's."

There is a long pause.

"My lord," Sir Dalan says carefully. "Earl Robert is a man of the noblest qualities but I must admit he is not a natural general. It may be best if a man of greater experience advises him, even if the Earl is in the command tent."

The Earl nods his head knowingly as if this is not exactly news to him.  As they continue walking, he inquires, "do you think that Earl Robert is aware of this?  I can deal with those who understand their limitations, in fact I admire them very much.  People who overestimate their skills I worry about."

Once more the pair release their birds into the sky.

Another long pause. Finally: "I think Earl Robert is... aware of his own personality."

The hawks return again without any game.  It seems that winter is not an ideal time for hunting . . . obviously no fault of the knights.

"Any thoughts on who might be able to advise Earl Robert?" he inquires offhandedly as the pair head back toward the manor.

"No my lord." Sir Dalan answered truthfully. He was anxious to conclude this uncomfortable conversation as swiftly as possible. He looked at his hawk forlornly. The bird's performance rather summed up his year.

The two return to the manor, returning their hawks and having a squire take the rabbit to the kitchen.

Sir Dalan gets a point in Hawking, see, the new year is already off to a great start!

When he gets back to his rooms, Ellowyn finds him and inquires, "how was hawking with Dad?  No one died, right?" she smirks playfully.

"That is an excellent guess regarding my skills with hawks." Sir Dalan replies, a smile playing across his face. He kisses his wife softly before continuing. "I am it seems to command the men of Cardiff on our expedition to Ireland."

"As opposed to staying here with me where it is safe?" she inquires halfheartedly.  She sighs, resigned once more to the fact that her husband must go off on a dangerous mission.  Having to wait several months just makes it worse in her mind.

"What will you do until Summer?" she inquires.

"I will go on an adventure." Sir Dalan replied. "It has been too long since I rode with my brothers and I regret my own dark suspicions of Jonathel led me off the last one."

"Will you be forgoing the King's Pentecost Tournament?  You never know if you will be sent on yet another quest there, it seems His Majesty's gatherings are a focal point of such quests," she inquires.

"I admit that had slipped my mind." Sir Dalan looks thoughtful. "You are wise as always my love, it makes the most sense to attend there. This time I shall get a chance to dance with you at a tournament, something I look forward to more than any rival lancer humbled."

He smiles at the thought and kisses her once more.

Ellowyn smiles a beguiling smile, "and I with you.  Perhaps we should go upstairs and practice some of your movies now so that you will be prepared," she suggests.

Sir Dalan's smile widens already his debacle at hawking and distressing talk with his father-in-law slipping from his mind. "Yes, perhaps we should."

Offering his ladywife his hand he retreated upstairs.

While the 'practice' was an enjoyable diversion, Sir Dalan is not sure that all of the moves would be appropriate to a crowded dance floor . . . or any public venue, really.

One enjoyable diversion later and Sir Dalan lay beside his ladywife. "I'm worried about Sir Gracian. Ariette was everything to him. A man should have a wife..."

Ellowyn snuggles next to Sir Dalan, "yes, to lose a spouse so early and during childbirth is a mighty blow," she acknowledges.  "There is little that we can do for him though, other than to be there for him when he needs us," she says with a heavy sigh.  "Everyone reacts a little differently and has different needs, we will have to try to divine what his needs are when we see him."

She nuzzles his chest for a moment before adding, "and anniversaries can be particularly difficult.  Times when there are strong memories of their time together.  I think the feast especially could be difficult," she murmurs.

Sir Dalan playfully runs a hand down Ellowyn's long chesnut hair. "You are very wise my love." He hesitates, obviously aware he might be overstepping his bounds. "Can you think of any maidens who might wish to wed my brother?"

Ellowyn chuckles, "you are getting ahead of yourself I think.  Anyway, he needs to make his own choices and that includes deciding when he is ready to seek out someone new."

Giving her husband a playful nibble, she notes, "romance is a better spectator sport anyway.  Becoming a participant, especially in someone else's, tends to be messy."

"Alas it is a field of combat of which I know little." Sir Dalan smiles at his wife playfully kissing her on the tip of her nose. "Point taken."

He sighed in contentment. "We must away to Salisbury soon to see how my manor and my lord - and your princess - fair."

"You will learn, I am sure, my Love," she coos.  "I am sure that there will be plenty of opportunities at Arthur's tournament.  Everyone will be there, I am sure."

"Yes, well so long as I don't have to fight a lion I'll be fine. Which reminds me, I suppose poor Sir Lamorak must be replaced. Arthur probably has a knight in mind already."

With a mischievous smile, Ellowyn purrs, "afraid of lions, are we?" as she lightly rakes her nails against his chest before pouncing.

Despite the trials and mishaps of the prior year, and the work still to be done, Sir Dalan finds the winter a relaxing one.  It is the first time he has really gotten to spend with his wife and they make a serious effort to ensure the continuation of his line.  The weather is cold but the manor is warm.  There is plenty of food.  Life is not so very bad.  Soon enough, though, it is time to head back to Salisbury and to mount up for Arthur's Pentecost tournament.