A place for scenes specific to Sir Garym.

The queen was truly breath taking as Sir Garym had heard. If, he were worthy he could see how such a woman could control a man, but he was new to his knighthood. Eventually, he would marry, but for now he was more interested in making a name for himself. Once he had tested his mettle against whatever God could throw at him then he could claim a wife for his trophy.

London was grand. The feast was beyond any that he had seen before,  but adventure called to Garym. Most likely he would not find it here. The only thing to do was to petition his Lord, Earl Robert, to send him forth doing the his will.

He waited until decorum would allow Garym to approach the Earl. "Lord Robert, I am so inspired by the deeds of three of knights, my peers. I would ask thee to send me forth in your name. Surely, there must be a task that I could do. Let my deeds bring more glory to Salisbury."

The Earl smiles at his new knight, "you sound like Sir Tyngyr, God rest his soul.  A mighty warrior and stout heart, always seeking trials.  Would that his luck had been better," he comments sorrowfully.

Giving a wave to the pageantry all around them he notes, "these are the fruits of those adventures, Garym.  Partake while you can for your wish will be granted soon enough.  The Summer will be a busy one for us and maybe the Fall as well.  Soon enough you will be longing for the days when there was food enough to eat and a solid roof over your head."

Garym politely gave a small incline of his head acknowledging the Earl's words. He had truly hoped to escape this place. He had seen it, and that was enough for tonight. The next time he returned he wanted to do so as a man of substance. Looking around the room there were more heroes of the realm than he could count. Even those that were his peers were elevated this night. "I am sure that you are correct my Lord. I fear though I may be more suited to a lonely crossroads or in the middle of a raging battle. I think I have spent more time on the practice field with my sword and horse than I have with persons of such caliber."

"Have you ever noticed the druids who sit at the ends of tables here?" Sir Robert asked.  Looking around, Sir Garym saw more than a dozen of the men he had never noticed before.  With a smile, the Earl went on, "now everytime you go to a feast you will spot them because I pointed them out."

He lets this sink in before bringing home the point, "Sir Jaradan is the best swordfighter in Salisbury by far.  Far better than Sir Gawaine and yet few here have heard of him.  The thing is, if you get your name out there people will remember it and when you do something, it will catch their attention.  It is not just what you do it is who notices it."

Garym chided himself for his naiveté to such things. Just like a tourney there were protocol that happened before the jouster ever entered the list. He needed to view court more like a battlefield, and the courtly skills the weapons that he used for victory. "My Lord Robert, I thank thee for your wisdom in this matter. I hope by the next courtly affair I can bring as much glory to Salisbury there as I will upon the battlefield."

Sir Robert chuckles, "wisdom comes with age . . . most of the time.  Court and the battlefield are just different versions of the same struggle.  They both require practice.  If you are interested in any of the available Ladies, try out some of your skills now when it is relatively safe and Salisbury has some cachet."

He nods toward Sir Perin and the Countess Fiona, "take a page out of your fellow's book.  I wouldn't dare approach Fiona, much less attempt to win her over.  No one is going to win a Lady's hand tonight but you can start on that road.  If you are interested in Glory and nightly camaraderie, start by issuing some feast challenges^* or start up a conversation."

^* I will be getting to feast challenges during the next break, essentially you call someone out and challenge them to a courtly or romantic skill, which they must perform.  Great fun and the possibility to gain check marks.

Garym joined his Lord in a chuckle. "I believe you are right, my Lord. With your permission, may I be dismissed to follow you advice"

Garym had understood his Lord well. Tonight, had a purpose, and that purpose was to be noticed. There were three Ladies, Gwendolyn, Fiona, and Rhodia, that if seen talking to would accomplish this task. Rhodria was known for her generosity, and perhaps she would allow him the chance to be seen with her. "Lady Rhodria, we have not yet met, but I would ask that perhaps we could speak to one another. Truly, I would think it a great boon. I am Sir Garym of Salisbury. I must confess I am never afraid on the battle field, but it took all of my nerve to steel myself to complete this quest of meeting you."

The Countess smiles brightly at the young knight who so courteously introduced himself, "I would be charmed.  It seems that the knights of Salisbury are in good stead with the King and Queen.  Are you heading out on any great quests or setting off to fight any great foes?" she inquires.

Sir Garym gets a check in Courtesy.

"Yes, the Knight Salisbury have demonstrated their worth. I wish I could claim such honor, but I am newly knighted after our last campaign. One day, I shall be held in high regard by the King and Queen, but tonight I celebrate my fellow knight's victories." There is no hint of resentment towards those honored. Garym understands his current station, and their deeds demonstrate the possibility to rise above one's stars.

Garym looks up towards the King and queen before once again speaking. "I have heard rumors of battles to come. Sir Robert instructed his knights to enjoy this eve for soon enough we would long for such comforts. As I said, I am recently knighted. I can not imagine that I will be in the vanguard, but one day I hope to charge forward leading the vanguard against king's enemies. I must of course prove my worth, but I have little doubt that I can. I am truly confidant in my martial skills, but my courtly skills are lacking. Maybe, I can show you that I am not totally without grace. I was once told a story of one of Salisbury's greatest knights."

"Well I will keep an eye out for you then," she says.  "Perhaps you could keep me informed of your doings?  I feel so isolated sometimes, to hear about what you brave knights are actually doing would be a rare glimpse into a more interesting world."

A maid whispers something into the Countess's ear, she replies before turning her attention back to the young man before her, "it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, Sir Garym of Salisbury.  I hope to hear more from and about you soon.  However, it seems that I am needed."

"Of course Countess Rhodria. As I had said when I first introduced myself. I considered you allowing me to speak to you a boon, and if you wish repayment of that boon in the tales of adventure than it shall be done. I personally thought that you would have had me slay a dragon or two. Would of been a most fair price. I bid thee farewell until I have a story of note for you." Garym smiled which he was not noted to normally do. He watched the Countess leave, and for a brief moment he thought the impossible, but he then chided himself for his silly thoughts. She was a Countess, and he was a poor County knight. For a moment though he understood why Dalan and Gracian would trade adventure for love.

Chapter 2.3 - Fall (515 AD) - Before leaving Carlion

During dinner, Sir Robert approaches Sir Garym.  "I was wondering if you could attend an upcoming tournament in Essex on behalf of Salisbury?  I saw you talking with Countess Rhodria and I thought maybe keeping in contact with her would be something you would wish to do?"

The tournament is in another 2 months, but it is also a long way away, probably a couple of weeks journey.  You are free to spend some of that time resting and recovering at your manor, or doing other things.

The events of chasing weighed heavily on Garym's mind. They should not of escaped. There were times that Garym could of done something different to bring them to their justice, but instead they scurried back to the Isle that spawned then.

With Robert's request, Garym had a chance to redeem himself. He could also show the Countess that he was more than a fumbling Courtier. "Milord, I always seek a chance to test my lance against worthy foes. You honor me allowing me to represent Salisbury in this Tournament. Do they joust for Love or Glory?"

"Glory, methinks," replies Sir Robert.  "Love is still a new concept to most, although one that we, as knights of the Queen's Guard, should foster."

"I will prepare immediately, Milord. I will not promise victory for that is vain, but if God be willing I will win this tourney for Salisbury. Do you have any missives for Countess Rhodria of Essex?" Garym mind drifted for a moment fantasizing about victory. The pride that the Earl would have in him. The Countess looking down seeing that the Knight of Salisbury won the tourney. Perhaps, she would award him with her token, but before the thought could fully form Garym scolded himself silently for such lack in discipline.

"I am sure that you will represent Salisbury admirably." Sir Robert says.

"Only the usual pleasantries," he responds.  "Essex is too far away to be a useful military ally but it is always best to have generally good relations with other lands."

"I understand milord. With your permission may I be dismissed? I have much to do in preparation." Garym politely bowed awaiting dismissal. There was much that he needed to do.

He called forth his Squire, Budfannon. "Lad, you have much work to do over the next few days. We set out to Essex for a tourney. Today, I give you leave to say to enjoy the luxuries of life, but return to me by the first light to make our gear is ready."

"Of course," Sir Robert waves you away.

"Thank you, MiLord," Budfannon simpers with a bow before heading off in search of the maid who caught his eye earlier.

In the morning, all is as it should be.

In the morning, Garym ate a hardy breakfast as he instructed his squire on the tasks that were needed prior to their departure to Garym's demesne. Garym and Budfannon prepared their horses and gear. Once done, Garym reviewed his young squire's work correcting any mistakes as he did.

"Budfannon, when we return Woodford. I want you to immediately tend to the horses. I will speak with Master Awenal, the Steward of Woodford, about our trip as well as general welfare of Woodford. I want to be able to travel as soon as is needed." Garym was making a mental list of what was needed.

"Of course, MiLord," the squire replied.

Returning to Salisbury takes about 6-7 days following the main roads and traveling at an easy pace.

Garym returned to his manor, and started to resume the duties of lord over Woodford. He truly hated the day to day duties of insuring his manor ran properly. For the most part; he left the most of the tedious details to Master Awendal.

The best times of the day were when he was training Budfannon in the ways of combat, or the times where he could right Harbinger through his demesne. If, ooften thought the life of a prized stallion would fit him well.

Garym thought often of the tournament, and drilled hard preparing for the jousts to come. He and Budfannon would need to leave soon enough to allow them about 5 days hospitality for the Countess Rhodria. This would allow Harbinger time to rest before the tourney, and Garym time to acclimate to Essex.

Time passes slowly, and even those enjoyable pastimes are interrupted by the minutia that comes with running and estate,  But at last it is time to get started and soon the pair are on the road again, wounds healed, ready for adventure and glory!

Traffic on the road is light until they get through London, where traffic increases significantly.  It is still a couple of days ride after that but at length they arrive in Essex.  While they are still in Briton, the flavor of the land, the buildings, and even the people is a little different here.  Nothing that you can put your finger on but little things are just not quite what you would expect.

Sir Garym and his squire are put up in a local manor and they have a couple of days to rest up and get a feel for the place.  The lists open in two days and there will be more information then about the events, number of participants, prizes, and what have you.

Garym calls out to Budfannnon after he finishes his morning chores. "Budfannon see if we can find a squire. I wish to dictate a letter to the Countees. It would proper to offer courtesies and thanks for her hospitality."

An hour later, Budfannon returns with a young monk who is willing to scribe a letter for 3d (and deliver it for another 5d but your squire can handle that).

Garym dictates the Monk.

With Cordial Greetings to Right Honorable Countess Rhodria of Essex

I humbly ask the privilege of hospitality. I wish to deliver Milord's most sincere greetings. You had asked that if I participated in any adventures this last season that you would desire the details.

I have the honor to represent the Knights of Salisbury in your Tournament, but this last season I participated in action against Raiders from Ireland. They were attempting to kidnap the Princess of Escavalon.


Sincerely

Sir Garym of Woodford
Vassal Knight of Salisbury

When the Monk completed his work. Garym sent Budfannon to deliver the letter.

Budfannon returns two hours later and announces that the Countess has requested Sir Garym to join her and a couple of her knights the following morning for some falconing.  She is very interested to hear about his adventures.

Budfannon explains that he gave the note to one of the guards who came back in less than an hour with the Countess's reply.

The morning comes, and  Garym awakes with a sense of purpose the Tourney was almost there. Today, he would formally meet with a beautiful Countess. He knew there was little hope for more than pleasantries between them ever, but still this was like the tales he had heard as a boy. All he could do was think to himself that it was Good To Be a Knight.

He spent extra time working to insure that he was ready to meet the Countess. He dressed in his finest of wear, and made sure that he was in every way presentable to Rhodria. Once he was certain. He and Budfannon rode off for falconry and conversation.

The Countess motions the pair over when she spots him and introduces Sir Garym to Sir Terrence and Sir Aldric, a pair of her knights, and Sir Sagramore, a Round Table knight who is there for the tournament.

Even if Sir Garym had a hawk, no one would expect him to bring it across the breadth of Briton, so there are a few house hawks to choose from.  After everyone has a hawk, they begin walking along the edge of a field and the Countess asks, "Sir Garym, could you tell us about the goings on in the West?  It sounds like a great deal of drama and perhaps a harbinger of things to come."

Sir Terrence and Sir Aldric fair pretty well on their first attempt and their hawks bring back a rabbit and a dove, respectively.  The others have no luck as yet.

Garym was impressed that Sir Sagramore had come. By all accounts; he truly was a skilled jouster. He had knew little to nothing about the other two knights, but he still looked forward to riding against them.

"News of the West, my Lady. I will try to tell the story bet I can, but I am no Sir Dalan the Silver Tongued." Garym was glad to be speaking of the events since it would maybe cover his lack of skill with Falconry.

Garym spoke at length on what had happened how the knights that he rode with were the first to find the trail that allowed them to track the Irish. How the Irish continued to evade them until there was little chance that they could evade us much longer. The Irish Knights separated from their men at arms in hopes of delaying them. He told of the charge of the knights against the fifty men at arms and their devastating defeat. Garym spoke of the courage of Sir Perin, Sir Sejanus and Sir Gracian as they pushed the flaming carts off the bridge like they were feathers. "And, that is how the Knights of Salisbury prevented the Kidnapping of the Princess of Escavalon, and drove the Irish back to the sea."

There is a great deal of murmuring and head shaking at the news that the Irish had sent such a large force and put such effort into this endeavor.  All agree that this is not over and that everyone must be wary.  While the Irish are not a force in the East, if they become more active in the west it could push Saxons and others farther east or embolden other groups to attack.

When the story is told, the Countess remarks, "well I am glad that Salisbury came to the aid of its neighbors.  I hope that we will see more of that in the future as King Arthur reigns in some of the rivalries that grew up in the chaotic period before he ascended to the throne."

Looking over at the Round Table knight, she inquires, "what of you, Sir Sagramore, what plans do you have?"

"We (he is clearly referring to the RT Knights) are going about the country this fall to talk with the various rulers and make plans for next year.  I am expecting a campaign in the North in the Spring," he confides.

The group as a whole does better with the hawks this time, with the Countess, Sir Sagramore, and Terrence each getting some small game.

"I can not speak for Robert, my Earl, but I believe if he is called he will aid any of his allies willingly." Garym knew it was important to extenuate the virtues of Robert without making promises.

"I am new to many of King Arthur's, but I had a chance to see the king the last feast. It seems that he wishes his kingdom to be one. In that regards, if the King wishes Knights for the north with my Lord's permission. I would gladly fight."

The group continues around the moors, with Sir Aldric and Sir Sagramore having additional success at hawking.  Sir Garym continues his ill luck, perhaps not being used to these eastern birds?

The conversation flows from topic to topic but few are of more than passing interest to Sir Garym.  At length, the party returns to the castle and pleasantries are exchanged as well as wishes of success at the tourney.

The following day, the lists open.  There will be a joust (64 participants), a melee (120 participants), and an arena battle against a bear (1 participant).  There will be prizes for each competition and the winner of each will also get a dance with the Countess.

Garym graciously thanked the Countess for her hospitality. He nodded to each of the knights wishing them luck in the next day. He wished the other knights good luck.

He returned to the manor he was staying out. Drilled a little with Budfannon before going to sleep early to be well rested for the tourney.


OOC: Is Garym expected to do both. He would prefer just to tilt.

He can sign up for whatever he likes.

Any challenges?

Not knowing many of the competitors; Garym decides to just ride in the joust. The best of knights will rise to the top, and he if God willing would defeat them.

He has Budfannon prepare his clothes, and gear for the morning. He will show all why his family was famous for their horsemanship.

The following morning sees the beginning of the tournament.  It begins with a parade of the knights, each having to ride through the lists, their shield displayed.  While seemingly a simple task, it is one that requires practice, something that many knights have not done.  Sir Garym, has practiced and executes the maneuver perfectly.  Check in Tourney and 5 glory.

Sir Garym, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Tourney.


The jousting, however, does not start off so well for Sir Garym.  He draws an older knight for his first match, a Sir Cudwallen.  On the first pass, the pair both score hits but their lances are shattered, neither damaging the other.

Sir Garym, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Opponent. - Old Knight.
Sir Garym, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Lance.
Old Knight, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Lance.

Grabbing new lances from their squires, the pair turn and start forward once more.  Sir Garym's lance goes wide, but Sir Cudwallen scores a blow on Sir Garym.  Sir Garym is thrown back but manages to stay on his horse.

Sir Garym, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Lance.
Old Knight, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Lance.
Old Knight, rolled 16 using 6d6.  Damage.
Sir Garym, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Garym takes 16 - 10 = 6 damage but stays on his horse.

With two failed attempts, Sir Garym takes a moment to control his breathing, set his lance and focus on his opponent.  The two charge for a third time.  This time, Sir Cudwallen loses his grip on his lance, the point of which dips, hits the ground, and is wrenched from his grasp.  Sir Garym scores a solid blow to the knight.  Although he remains in the saddle, the old knight has received a major wound and is out of the competition.

Sir Garym, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Lance.
Old Knight, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Garym, rolled 21 using 6d6.  Damage.
Old Knight, rolled 6 using 1d20.  Dexterity.
Sir Cudwallen takes 21 - 10 = 11 damage, a major wound, and is out of the competition.

There is light applause, as this is an early match with two relative unknowns and a rather close contest.  Sir Garym returns to his tent where Budfannon patches his knight's wounds.  Sir Garym gets a check in Lance.  Sir Garym receives 2 points of healing.  Budfannon receives a check in First Aid.

Garym is angered by his performance. The match never should of been that close. By Gabriel's beard; he knew that he had been cocky allowing his ego to over ride his nature skill. He needed to shut out the crowd and the desire to win. He needed to just do what he did naturally.

After Budfannon, dealt with the bruising he had received. He sent Budfannon out, so he could shut out the rest of the world, and simply tilt like a champion.

There are a couple of hours until the round two matches begin and Sir Garym spends the time in quiet reflection.

Unfortunately, things go from bad to worse.  Although Sir Garym is matched against a young knight and for his part lands a very solid hit, the young Sir Rhun manages an expert blow that sends Sir Garym from his horse.

Sir Garym, rolled 3 using 1d20.  Opponent. - Young knight
Sir Garym, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Lance.
Young Knight, rolled 13 using 1d20.  Lance.  Critical.

Sir Garym receives 10 Glory for his success in Round 1 and a check in Lance.

Normally, Sir Garym would have taken double damage (37 points) 21 through armor for a major wound before taking fall damage.  That seems excessive for a joust with blunted weapons, so I went with an automatic knockdown (which 37 points would be anyway).  Since Sir Garym is not competing in other events, the damage does not really matter.

Garym's squire could feel the anger that radiated from Garym for his poor performance. Garym was not loud, but in some way that would of been more kind to Budfannon than the icy cold intensity that was Garym right now.

He was not mad at his young squire, but he felt the fool. He had told his lord that he would win if God will it. What horse dung was he talking when he said that. He had not even made it through the second round of the tourney.

First, the escape of the Irish, and now his failure at the tourney. Two of his fellow knights had elevated themselves in one season's quests, but Garym continued to fail in his own personal quest for glory.

Depressed and somewhat angry with himself and the world around him, Sir Garym watches the remainder of the jousts, which last throughout the day.  Sir Aldric ends up winning the joust and a prize of 2£.

There are a couple of hours until the night's feast.  The Melee and Challenges are still open.

Garym called over his squire, "Have the Marshals of the tourney place my name amongst those that would participate in the Melee."

Garym had promised his Lord that he would represent Salisbury in this Tourney, and he had done poorly. His honor would not allow him to quit.

Budfannon scurries off to do his knight's bidding.

When he returns, he gets Sir Garym prepared for the feast.

The feast is a grand affair, although nothing compared to the Pentecost Feast that Arthur held in London in the Spring.  Sir Garym is seated near Sir Sagramore who, like the Salisbury knight, had a rough go of it in the joust, getting eliminated in the fourth of six rounds.  He will, however, be leading the 'away' team during the Melee on the morrow.  Sir Garym does not recognize anyone else at his table.

The first course is loach in cold green sauce, and this is followed by boiled pork and lamb.  After the second course, minstrels and musicians wander among the tables and people can wander about a bit.

There are the usual assortment of ladies present, with Lady Adwen, Lady Meleri, and the ever-popular Lady Heledd in attendance.  There are plenty of other miscellaneous women about as well.  Countess Rhodria is dancing with Sir Aldric.

Gaming, Dancing, Courtesy, Intrigue, Orate, Singing, Playing, etc., are all options.

"Sir Sagramore, tomorrow will be another day. How do you favor your odds tomorrow?" He raised his cup in toast. If, Sir Sagramore could fall, and still be of could cheer. Then, Garym could as well.

He had hoped Rosalynd was there. She was quite beautiful. Perhaps not as beautiful as Heledd, but her presence seemed to shy with purity and grace. He had seen her at the Pentecostal feast, but Garym knowing himself well realized they were opposites. He was loud and proud. She was refined and humble. He believed in the way of the sword, and she believed in the way of romance.


OOC: I am of the away team?

"Aye, Sir Garym, the joust is always a fickle contest.  I feel good about the melee however, a chance to show off some real skill.  The Countess has the advantage, of course, as her knights have worked together but I think we may be able to surprise them a little," he responds.

Rosalynd is not here, it being a long way away for many.  Yes, the Countess has 60 knights, who will form one team, the other 60 are the 'foreign' knights like yourself and Sir Sagramore.

"They may hold the perceived advantage; my father once told me that battles were often won by the intangible like having a purpose. I know that there is no great overwhelming purpose, but maybe just the desire to prove one's skill for two warriors that didn't today will be enough." Again, his mind drifted towards Rosalynd. He considered himself heroic, yet he had frozen choosing to speak to some one unobtainable during the last feast.

Sir Sagramore agrees that this could give them an edge and the two speak a bit about strategy for a while.

Soon enough, the servers come around one more with fritters followed by sturgeon.

The ale and wine are flowing freely, choose and roll against Temperate or Indulgent.

More entertainers appear, a magician, some tumblers, and more music fit for dancing.

He longed just to get drunk with the wine, but he would not fall for such temptations tonight. He had done poorly in the joust, but he would not allow himself to do poorly again.

When there was an opportunity when the music had stopped; Garym stepped up with his mug in hand. "Countess Rhodria, Lords and Ladies, I ask that you indulge this humble Knight of Salisbury a moment of your time. Let us join together in toast to this night. Here's  to our good King Arthur, Countess Rhodria, My Lord Earl Robert and all of the others lieges that have joined Arthur in his quest for peace and unity. Here's to the competitors of this fine tourney. Let God protect them as they practice their martial arts for protection of those who can not protect themselves. Finally, Milord Earl Robert, was named an officer in the Court of love, and I would be remiss if I did not raise my mug to the Ladies of the court. In the darkest of times; they are the light that guides us forward."

Garym raises his glass with the court, and then takes a hearty gulp.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Sun 01 Oct 2017.

There are cheers all around and many flagons of ale and glasses of wine are emptied.

Sir Garym gets a check in Orate and a check in Temperate.

The final course is baked fruits.  After which, many of the nobles and ladies depart but many bachelor knights remain . . . as do a few women, including Heledd.

Tournament Day 2

In the morning, the melee begins a couple of hours after dawn.  Knights from Essex, led by the Joust Champion Sir Aldric, are on one side, while all of the foreign knights, led by Sir Sagramore, are on the other.

Any personal plans or strategy for Sir Garym?

"Sir Sagramore, let me act as your body shield. I will draw competitors off of you as needed. If, we can turn this battle into one of you versus Sir Aldric we will win when you fell him." Garym takes a position to Sagramore's left grinding his teeth in a determined fashion.

"For that to work, we will need to coax Sir Aldric here.  I can't risk trying to break through their lines as the chance of capture is too high.  Making me the leader of the opposition effectively removes me from competing," the Round Table knight explains ruefully.

He nods in the direction of the opposing commander, "Sir Aldric is very good with the lance but not so much with the sword.  So making him commander was not as much of a loss to their army."

The melee begins and although both commanders provide good plans, things quickly turn messy, with both sides taking a lot of early losses.

Sir Sagramore and Sir Garym are hanging back behind the right flank, hoping to draw Sir Aldric in their direction.

"I understand, but they will come for you. It may take a bit, but as the battle disintegrates several will seek to make their reputations by defeating you." Several times as the battle raged, Garym wanted to break to attack, but being good to his word he held back attacking any who dared come towards Sagramore.

Round 2

After the initial charge, which saw many knights unhorsed, the battle quickly devolves into more individual skirmishes along the whole line.  Fighting with swords on horseback and on foot, the knights on both sides struggle to press forward.  The knights of Essex seem to be having the worst of it, as their right flank collapses, requiring reinforcements to keep their line intact.

Round 3

Sensing opportunity, Sir Sagramore orders his own reinforcements to charge into the frey.  A half dozen foreign knights charge in with lances, knocking four of the fresh Essex knights from their chargers and begin to roll back the Essex right flank.  Numerous Essex knights are forced to surrender.

Round 4

Sensing potential doom, Sir Alric and his guard along with what knights he can scrape together, head over to try to prevent a rout.  The foreign knights press the enemy's exposed right flank and continue to push the Essex knights back.

Sir Sagramore and his guard prepare a charge into the enemy's left flank.

Garym had seen little to no action. He was glad when Sagramore decided to commit his guard to attack. Garym was surprised at how poorly the Knights of Essex had fought. Was it because one of Arthur's own was leading the battle. Garym scolded himself for his distracted thoughts. His father had taught him discipline, but recently Garym had forgotten even the most basic of lessons. Garym pushed all from his mind as he awaited the call to charge.

Round 5

Sir Sagramore, Sir Garym, and the rest of the reserves charge forward, swords drawn, and hit their opponent's left flank.  Hoping for a quick breakthrough that would bend back both flanks, they are instead stopped cold.

Sir Garym faces a young knight (fortunately not the same one as in the joust) and the pair trade blows.  While both succeed, it is the young knight who strikes true although Sir Garym's shield and armor deflect the blow.  Sir Aldric seems to have stabilized his right flank, which is now slowly starting to press the attackers back.

Round 6

Sir Garym and the young knight continue to trade blows, both successful once more although this time it is Sir Garym's blow that wins through.  Although the young knight's armor and shield take most of the blow, he receives a slight scratch as well but remains in the saddle.

Meanwhile, an ordinary knights swings wildly at Sir Sagramore, missing.  Sir Sagramore slashes the knight, sending him from his saddle.  In a normal fight, the man would be dead.  Instead, he just lies still on the ground where he fell.

The Essex knights continue to push back on their right and now begin to do so on the left as well.

Round 7

Circling, Sir Garym keeps in between the young knight and Sir Sagramore and the two clash once more.  However, this time the young knight fails to connect and takes a crushing blow to his side but remains upright.

Another ordinary knight slashes at Sir Sagramore and although both hit, it is the Essex knight's blow that lands, although it does not penetrate Sir Sagramore's armor.

The Essex knights continue to push back Sir Sagramore and the other on the Essex left flank.  The two armies are now down to about 15 knights per side.

Garym glares coldly at the opponent he is facing; he needs to finish him off. The flow of the battle is nearly even, but if Garym quickly defeat the young knight then Garym could free Sagramore up to face more skill foes by taking his opponent.

Round 8

Desperate to rid himself of this infuriating opponent, Sir Garym urges his horse forward and slashes at his opponent, whose own blow goes wide.  However, the blow has little behind it and merely bounces off the knight's armor.

Sir Sagramore, on the other hand, meets another ordinary knight and promptly knocks the man from the saddle.

The Essex forces continue to push back against their foes and it looks like at any moment the foreigners' line will break.

Round 9

Squaring off once more, Sir Garym and the young knight swing at each other, both attempting the same move and merely knocking each other back a pace.

Sir Sagramore comes across another ordinary knight and promptly send him to the ground as well.

Suddenly and rather unexpectedly, the knights on the Essex right blunder into one another and the foreigners break through, pushing Sir Aldric back toward the other side of the field lest he be captured.  There are about a eight knights on the Essex side and a dozen on the other side.  (Essex failed their roll, foreigners criticalled).

Round 10

Sir Garym strikes again at the young knight but he is getting tired and his blow goes wide, allowing the young knight to hit him soundly.

Sir Garym takes 18 - 10 = 8 damage but remains on his horse.

Meanwhile, Sir Sagramore and Sir Aldric face off, with both hitting but the fresher Sir Aldric striking true, although Sir Sagramore's armor blunts the blow and he remains in the saddle.

The Essex left collapses as knights try to back up to avoid being enfiladed.  There are now ten foreign knights and 4 Essex knights.  (Essex fumbled their roll, foreigners succeeded.)

Garym needed to defeat this knight. He was feeling angered. Not at the competitor, but himself. Many of the other knights had already defeated several knights. He had done little, but dance with this one.

Round 11

Sir Garym and the young knight face off one last time.  The young knight swings wide once more but Sir Garym strikes him soundly, knocking the young knight from his horse.

Nearby, Sir Sagramore and Sir Aldric continue to battle.  Sir Aldric Strikes his opponent but Sir Sagramore's mighty blow knocks the Essex from his saddle and he lands unconscious on the turf.  The Battle is over.

There are 9 knights remaining on the foreign team and only a single Essex knight.

Sir Sagramore looks around and nods.  As he heads off the field he stops by Sir Garym, "good work, you kept them off of my flanks."

Sir Garym gets 25 Glory for defeating the young knight, being on the winning side, and still being on horseback at the end.

OOC:  Sir Sagramore could not tell how many knights Sir Garym fought as Sir Garym was on his right flank.  He just knows that no one attacked him from that quarter.

"Thank you, Sir Sagramore." Garym paused for a moment before speaking. He desired to choose the right words. "You were telling me that the Knights of the Table are planning to ride to each of the lords to plan the Kingdom's next year. I would be available if you would need a companion Knight for your entourage."

"You can go in my place if you want, he half jokes.  I'd rather be home for the winter and holidays than spending it in Anglia.  You are certainly welcome to come along though," he replies.

Each of the RT Knights is going to one County/Kingdom in the Fall and one in the Winter.  For the most part they are going to two places that are close to each other and as close as can be managed to their own homeland.  Where possible, their visits coincide with tournaments, feasts, etc.  Being Winter, it will be at Duke Hervis of Anglia's Winter Feast.  Travel in Winter is less dependable, although it shouldn't be too bad on the King's Roads, so you may get stuck there or on the road for a while.  You will miss whatever is going on in Salisbury though.

"It would be my honor to serve King Arthur. My steward manages my affairs well, and I have no wife. One day, I may be required to serve closer to home. Now, I long to prove my self as a knight. Maybe one day; being worthy to become a companion to the Table, or possibly become a true Knight of the Table." He understood that one day he would need to settle down, but for now he wanted to take advantage of his freedom before he was to encumbered to do so.

The knight chuckles, "yes, people often romanticize becoming a famous knight without realizing the responsibilities that come with it and the loss of freedom."

Sir Sagramore departs and there are a few hours until the Bear fight in the arena.  The challenges will be held on the morrow and with luck Sir Aldric will be recovered enough to participate.

"Budfannon, take may I want you to take my greetings to Sir Aldric. Congratulate him and the Knights of Essex on a battle well fought. Also, tell him I would be honored to meet him in the lists to tilt during the challenges tomorrow." Garym almost wanted to not ride against him. The tourney had been rougher on him than he would of thought. First, he did more poorly than he thought he would in the lists. Than in the Grand Melee, he fought what seemed to be the son of Ares. He knew that he was exaggerating, but he was less than thrilled with himself.

His squire returns some time later to let Sir Garym know that Sir Aldric would be glad for a friendly challenge on the morrow.

An hour later it is time for the arena and Sir Garym joins the other knights in watching the spectacle.  The arena is a relatively new introduction to tournaments but has become quite popular in regional tournaments.  Unlike the joust and melee, which are relatively safe, the arena is unpredictable.  If the animal gets the upper hand, it isn't going to give quarter or pull punches.

The first challenger is a young Essex knight, eager to prove his valor.  Although he gets the first hit on the bear, the bear slams the knight with both claws, sending him bleeding to the ground.  Several knights with shields run in and circle the wounded knight and drag him out before the bear can kill him.

A second challenger, from Hertford, fairs better.  Although the bear gets in a hit, the knight is able to wear it down and eventually kill it.

There are a couple of hours until the second and final feast and then in the morning, jousting challenges.

Garym felt a little better about the Tourney. He had made in roads towards his goals of living the glorious life of a heroic knight. Perhaps, Sagramore was right that most did not realize the restrains that lifestyle brought.

He knew that he need some rest, but he was restless as he tried. His mind was distant as he daydreamed about Rosalynd. He had never met her, but their eyes met once. In that moment, he thought he saw something, but he was to blind to know that it could of been his future.

If nothing else, Sir Garym can feel good about not getting mauled by a bear, which is always a plus.  At length it is time for the feast.  It is a little less extravagant than the night before but there is still plenty of food, drink, and entertainment.

The first course is eels in spicy puree.  This is followed by some poached trout.  Then there is a bit of a break as the musicians and performers come out.  The Countess dances with Sir Aldric, who seems mostly recovered from Sir Sagramore's smackdown, although not at full health.  NExt, she dances with Sagramore, as the winner of the Melee.

All other pursuits are open, however.

Garym walks up to Meleri the Huntress. He knew he lacked the social skills of many that were in attendance, so he thought maybe she would tolerate his poor dance skills. "Hello, I am Sir Garym; I have heard of your skill in riding. I have great respect for that. I was hoping I could join you for a dance. A favor between equestrian lovers. But, I must warn you that your horse more likely dances better than I."

"I am Meleri of Kent," the young woman replies.  "I am not much interested in dancing, perhaps you would care to discuss something of more interest?"

Failed Courtesy.

"To be honest. I am not that interested in dancing myself. I suppose that is why I never learned. Perhaps, we should talk about something we both enjoy. Horses." Garym was relieved in some ways that she had not wished to dance. She did not seem to be the type that would tolerate ineptness.

The young woman talks at some length about coursers and their breeding and history.  It being obvious that Sir Garym is quite familiar with equines, she moves to a topic of more interest to her, "you clearly know a lot about horses, Sir Garym, do you spend a lot of time hunting or is this just a result of fighting?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:48, Tue 10 Oct 2017.

"I know little of the art of the hunt. I have heard that you are famed through the kingdoms for your knowledge. But, I did not come by my skill from fighting alone. At young age, my father took me riding. Most of the time he was busy, but that day he made time to share one of his passions with me. He had told me not to spur the horse into a sprint. I was still to small, and my father was fearful that I would be thrown if I did so. But, like a child I did not listen. I took a wild ride where I was almost thrown, but somehow I knew instinctively how to bring the horse into control. Control is a poor choice of words. It was more like the Horse and I were one person. I rode back to my father, and for one of the first time I saw pride in father's face for me. Ever since, when I ride I remember those times I rode with my father." Garym regretted saying so much. He was not certain even why he shared so much. A knight was expected to hold him separate from such sentimentality.

Meleri listens to the story without comment but quirks an eyebrow slightly, suggesting that this is not the usual banter one normally expects to hear.  She does not, however, provide any real indication of her thoughts on the matter, instead asking, "would you like to come hunting with me sometime?"

Garym knew he was unskilled in the ways of Courtly Intrigue. He was fairly certain that he had made a faux pas. He knew himself to be a poor hunter, but he could not readily refuse an offer. He had made the first move in speaking to her, and she had countered by offering him a chance to hunt with her. "I would enjoy a good hunt, Lady Meleri."

"I look forward to it, Sir Garym," she responds, "send me a letter when you are ready and we will arrange something," she suggests.

Soon enough the servers are back with some confections for the final course of the feast.  People return to their seats and afterward it is the more raucous part of the evening, should Sir Garym feel like hanging around.

Sir Garym decides once more to favor rest over entertainment and goes early to bed.  In the morning he has a few hours until his joust with Sir Aldric and then it will be time to head off.

Again Garym was restless in sleep. His thoughts confused and disjointed. He knew that love was all the fashion, but he simply did not understand it. He could see himself with almost any lady. Thoughts of the romantic beauty, head strong huntress, and the politically astute Countess both aroused and frighten him. What had happened to him? Was he somehow bewitched by some foul source? All he knew was that he needed to clear his mind for the joust ahead.

Sir Aldric was a skilled in the joust, so much so he had already won this tourney. But, Garym needed to try against him even if he failed. He did not have to win, but just make it to the third pass. He would of than rode against one of the best proving himself worthy.

A little before the match; he with his squire went to Aldric's tent. "Sir Aldric, I appreciate your acceptance of this challenge. I plan on giving you a match you will not soon forget."

"Let us hope that neither of us falls too quickly," he replies.

Soon enough it is time for the joust and the two face off and await the signal.  When it is given the chargers lurch forward and race down the list and with a crash the knights come together, both scoring hits but Sir Aldric's blow causing some slight damage to Sir Garym, who remains in his saddle.

Turning to face one another once more, the two knights charge forward and collide with a great deal of force in the center.  Both score again but it is again Sir Aldric's blow that gets through.  Sir Garym gets another small wound and once more remains in the saddle.

The third pass sees fortunes reverse as both hit but Sir Garym manages to get his through.  However, it was a weak blow that was deflected by Sir Aldric's armor and shield.

The fourth and final pass sees both knights hit again but Sir Aldric is once more the victor and he scores a light wound on Sir Garym, who is unhorsed.

Garym weaken by the blows rises from the ground smiling. This was a match worthy of attending the tourney. He offers a salute of respect Sir Aldric as he waves off help from Tymric. He had not won, but he had at least shown himself competent. This was his first tourney, and there would be others. Those tourneys, he would show them what he learned here.

Winter Phase 515AD

1. Roll Stewardship
Critical = +3£
Success  = +1£
Failure  = -1£
Fumble   = -3£

Base income is 6£.

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 consumption (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)

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 03:14, Thu 12 Oct 2017.

I would like to hire a steward. I will of course pay. I am not totally poor lol. I have the funds to do, so and have role played the existence of one.

the site does not work

Fixed.  I think.

Generally you pay for your retinue in the Winter before but since you were not around, and you had money, you can have hired one.

1. Roll Stewardship
Critical = +3£
Success  = +1£
Failure  = -1£
Fumble   = -3£
Prior Treasury 31 L + Base Income
Base income is 6£. - 1 harvest roll - 4 retinue - 1 Jousting List - 6 Ordinary Support
End of Winter Treasury 25L

Fail

2. Roll for Experience - Successes
Hunting
Courtesy
Compose
Heraldry
Tourney

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)
7 skill points rolled
Orate +3
Gaming +4

  4. Compute Glory
- Glory given during the year can be added immediately. 210 Glory gained Any gain from Joust with Aldric

- Gain glory for exceptional traits/passions (16+) equal to its value 16 glory


5. Determine Upkeep and conspicuous spending
- Upkeep:   Ordinary (6£)
- Hire any retinue for next year or make manorial improvements
Steward 1L+1L locate and hire
Priest 1L+1L locate and hire
Jousting List 1L 1 time Glory 1

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

No glory for the joust with Sir Aldric as you did not win.  Winning gets 1/10 normal glory.

Winter Adventure:

Sir Garym decides that he should get some additional practice in at tracking if he is to go hunting with the likes of Meleri.  In fact, he is not so sure that it was wise to say that he would go hunting with her but he supposes that he can always beg off.

The first hard frost is gripping the land as Sir Garym heads into the woods in search of game.  Nothing fearsome today, perhaps a deer or something to accent the winter table.

Sir Garym's horse breathes out clouds of vapor as it paws through the chilly post-dawn air.  As they get to the stream, Sir Garym notices something very peculiar.  There are small, bare human footprints coming out of the stream and the footprints are steaming slightly as if from a warm body rather than a cold and wet one.

More curious still is that he sees no footprints on the far side of the stream that would indicate someone fording the small trickle of water.

"Harbinger, what to we have here? Most of our villagers would not venture so far into the wilderness for fear of bandits and wolves. Look closely at the footsteps there is still steam rising from them. Whoever it is must be close." Garym climbs down from his horse to hand lead him forward. He reaches into his pouch grabbing some grain to feed his beloved friend.

He scans the area as he moves forward following the tracks. "Hello, is someone out here. The stream must of been cold. Perhaps, I could make a fire to warm you."

He felt a little silly speaking to the air, but if a serf surely they would hide in fear of a stranger.

Sir Garym gets no response so he follows the small footprints for some time before eventually finding their source.  A young woman lies completely naked, curled in a ball among some bushes, shivering uncontrollably.

Garym saw the woman. He had questions, but there was no time for them. He released Harbinger, and quickly ran toward the naked lady. Removing his cloak he draped it over her body for modesty and warmth. "Dear Lady, you must be so cold. He felt her skin to judge whether it would be wiser to make a fire, or ride towards the warmth of his manor.

The woman's skin is not too cold, suggesting that she has not been outside that long, although that seems impossible.  It is not so cold out that she is in immediate danger of hypothermia or exposure, so heading back to the manor seems the best idea.  The cloak and the movement will likely help.

Riding back to his manor the girl's eyes remain unfocused and she does not say anything.  She does not seem to actually be wounded in anyway, just in shock or something.

As Garym rode in to Woodford, he yelled for his squire. "Budfannon, have the steward prepare my room. We have a guest. Start a warm fire, and then fetch some warm broth."

He carried the woman towards his room. Whispering softly, "I am Garym. You must be cold and afraid. Fear not. No one here at Woodford will cause you harm. I know this must be confusing for you, and I long to hear your story when you are ready. But, right now you need say anything. You will speak when you are ready."

Garym tried to speak softly with compassion, but he feared that he did not know how. He was trained to call out orders in battle, and to speak in the high courts of Arthur. But, he never learned how to speak gently. His mother died young, and his father showed little emotion except when they rode.

The young woman continues to stare off into space, silent.  She does not respond really in any way other than to curl up slightly within the warmth of the cloak.

As Sir Garym carries the woman toward his room, the nurse and a maid intercept him and lead the way.  The two arrange the young woman on a divan by the newly-lit fire and wrap blankets around her.

Attempts to converse are met with silence and offers of food elicit no response.  At length, the nurse pours some of the warm broth into the lady's mouth and she seems to instinctively swallow but her expression does not change.

The nurse shoos Sir Garym out once it is clear that the girl is unresponsive, promising to let him know if there is any change in her condition. 

Although Sir Garym was more concerned with her safety than her appearance, a few things strike him about the girl.  She looks a bit emaciated, as if she had not eaten in a while.  She also has a number of scratches on her as well as caked dirt, suggesting that she has been naked and outside for some time.  However, all signs suggest that she walked out of the stream not long before Sir Garym arrived, certainly no more than an hour earlier.  Although her hair is a bit overlong and tangled, and her face smudged, she has a noble bearing and is quite attractive.

Garym at first paced outside the room. He was not certain why he was so drawn to her. As a squire, he had seen men die in battle. Garym knew one day that he to would die on some battlefield that would be forgotten in time. The difference it seemed was she was innocent, and her injury was to the spirit not the body. As a squire, he had learned to mend wounds, but this he had no experience. Yelling once again for his Squire, "Budfannon tell my Steward to seek out a minstrel. I want our guest to be soothe by their song. Tell him that I will promise hospitality and patronage to come."

Budfannon sets off at top speed, sensing Sir Garym's urgency.  While there is no one locally, the squire is able to persuade a troubadour with promises of patronage in Sarum and the man arrives the following day.

Meanwhile there is no stirring within for a couple of hours until the nurse comes out, quietly closing the door behind her.  "She's asleep now, poor thing.  Ne'er really moved or responded.  Must 'a been quite a shock that took 'er," the nurse comments.

It is not until the following morning, that the young lady awakens and her eyes seem more focused although she seems barely to recognize what is going on around her.  The maids find some clothing for her, although it is of course, common stock.  The nurse leads the lady down to breakfast and she seems to stumble along as if unsure of where she is or what she is doing.  Although washed, she still looks a bit bedraggled.

Seemingly unable or unwilling to feed herself, she manages to eat when fed but otherwise seems largely unaware of others.  When the minstrel arrives and begins to play, it evinces a crooked half-smile from the woman and occasionally she will open her mouth as if to sing along but no sound comes out.

Garym had asked that the nurse come with the parish priest when he went in to speak to the her. He again paced in front of her door, but this time not from worry for her. He was worried that he did not know what to say, and he would cause her more.

Surely, some one was looking for her, but he had not heard of any inquires for her. He looked to the Priest and nurse hoping that one of them would give him the answers he sought. The more he look the more he realized that they looked to him to lead as the lord of the demesne.

Finally, he walked in, and he noticed how beautiful she was. He felt shame for his thoughts, but he could not help himself. He turned his head away from her and his retinue. "Hello again, I have been told you are doing better. I wanted to reintroduce myself. I am Garym. I want you to feel safe her in my home. There rush to say anything, but when you are ready I would be glad to listen. I have also brought a Troubadour to my home to play for you whenever you like. I am hoping when you feel better that we could take a walk of my demesne."

The young lady remains in her own world for days.  Although she gets on a more normal sleep schedule and seems to enjoy the music when it is playing, little else seems to get through to her.  Eventually she is able to mechanically eat and drink on her own but even that seem like little more than stimulus and response.

After about a week, she seems to become more aware of her surroundings and the other people around her as well.  However, she still does not speak or make any sound.  She is extremely shy when anyone other than the troubadour, Sir Garym, the Priest, the nurse, or the original maid are around, drawing into herself and curling into a ball.

For the next couple of weeks, she slowly gets accustomed to other people and acts much more normal, although it is clear that she cannot speak, no matter how hard she tries.  She attempts to write things but they are gibberish, made with odd characters that make no sense.  The best she can do is to pantomime simple concepts, like food, bed, etc.  When spoken to or shown writing she does not seem to understand what is being conveyed.

She was better, but she not whole. Garym knew that he lacked to skills to bring her from her terrible melancholy. Garym was not an educated man. He held knowledge in martial affairs and horse husbandry, but he was not a healer of body or spirit. The spring tourney was almost upon them. He would attend, and he was certain one of the most educated men he knew would be there. He would consult with Sir Sejanus. Maybe he would know what Garym should do.

Garym found himself sitting outside her door often hoping to catch those rare smiles that she gave. He found her presence like the sun on a gloomy day. She had actually given him a reason to be more than a martial Knight. He wanted to be the type of lord that a lady such as she would love. He often chided himself for this child-like crush.

As he snuck one last look at her. He realized that he had been remiss in helping her. She was wearing clothes borrowed. She deserved better. He had little knowledge of women's wear, so he called the nurse instructing her to have clothes made for her worthy of a family member of a vassal knight.

The young woman seems to enjoy Sir Garym's company, even if communication has been almost non-existent.  Her body seems to be healed and she is fit for travel, should Sir Garym wish to bring her along to the Tournament.  Probably any diagnosis would be impossible to do remotely.

Garym was preparing to leave for the tourney, but he did not wish to leave her here. He felt selfish because he was not certain if it was his desire for her to be by his side, or that by bringing her he could have those that were more learned help determine how to help her. Finally, he ordered his staff to prepare luggage for her because she was coming with him.

He went to her room. One thing that has been bothering him was that he did not know her name. He had spoke to the Father Brathach about this, and the Father had recommended calling her Lethe. Garym asked the old Priest, but all he did was smile saying the name was just appropriate.

Garym came into the room. "I wanted to check to make sure that you are well, and to see if the clothes I had made for you were okay. I have two questions for you. I do not know your name,, but Father Brathach recommended I call you Lethe. I hope that is okay? I told you of the Spring Tournament. There will be spectacles, jousts, feasts and more. I would very much like to take you with me that is if you would like to come."

The young woman gives no indication of understanding what Sir Garym is saying but she does seem to sense that Sir Garym is planning to leave.  She pantomimes something about not wanting to be left alone or that she wants to go with Sir Garym.  It is hard to decipher which as she moves somewhat frantically.

At the Feast of the Spring Tournament (516 AD)

Sir Gracian listens to Garym speak about the maiden Lethe and notice how her ordeal upsets the young knight and Gracian nod from time to time while Garym tell the tale of how he met the young maiden. When Garym finish his tale Gracian sits quietly for a while seemingly lost in his own thoughts or perhaps trying to find the right words.

"I am sorry my friend. Both for you and the maiden Lethe. I will say she is fortunate to have been found by you and in many ways you have saved that poor woman's life."

He pause before continuing. "First of all I think you do the right thing by not turning her over to the nuns. I can see in your eyes and hear in your voice how strongly you feel for Lethe and she is better off in your custody then she will be among strangers.

This island is old. It was old when my ancestors came to these shores and fought the Celts. And it was even old when the Celts first came to these islands and fought the giants that lived here. It is an island full of primordial mysteries and even though the Church seem to claim to be the one true way then this island is home to Gods now half-forgotten and lost in their Twillight. Have you considered that the maiden Lethe perhaps had escaped from the realm of the faeries? The Church will speak of Demons and Angels but I say there are things in-between and it could explain why your priest's prayers could not help the poor young maiden.

I know a druid named Diarmuid. He is a mysterious man and an acolyte of Merlin's. Perhaps he can help you and the poor maiden Lethe? I know some will be offended by you consulting a druid but I say to Hell with them ... what is important is that we save that poor young woman. What do you think?" 

"God forgive me, but I was thinking of going to the druids. If, the Christians will damn her. Maybe by Gabriel's horn, the pagans can save her." Garym drank the glass until it was empty.

"If, you could give me introductions to Diarmuid. I would be grateful for your help."

"I will do what I can. I see him sitting at Lady Galeria's table. Let me see if I can make him come and join us so you can tell him your strange and mysterious tale."

He leans in close to Sir Garym and whisper in his ear "And if so-called men of God want to condemn a young woman's soul then I say to Hell with them." before getting up to find Diarmuid.

Garym rises in polite greeting to the Druid. "I am Sir Garym; I believe you are Diarmuid, and Sir Gracian ask you to speak with me. I face a problem that I am unable to solve. I am hoping for wisdom and aid in helping the maiden I call Lethe."

The Druid nods but then quirks an eyebrow, "you call her Lethe?  I assume then that she does not remember her own name?  That certainly sounds like a curse of some kind.  Or hex or guise or glamour or Divine will, depending on its origin I suppose.  I am happy to look at her and see if I can detect anything but depending on its nature I may not be able to do more than acknowledge its presence."

"The Priest of Demesne named her that. I am not familiar with its meaning. I do not know what befell her. I was practicing my skills in hunting, and I found her footsteps seemingly coming out of the stream. I follow them, and I found her laying there. I took her home, and over time her body healed. For some reason, she has been unable to speak."

"I would have thought a priest would go with a Saint's name," he chuckles half to himself.  "Be that as it may, I would be happy to look at her and see if I can see anything that looks amiss.  Are you competing tomorrow?  If not I could meet you here before the arena matches begin and take a look at her," he suggests.

"I am competing in the Grand Melee. Name the time, and I will be available."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Thu 19 Oct 2017.

Tomorrow is the challenges and arena.  The grand melee is the following day.

"How about before the noon meal.  Should be empty here then," he suggests.

"I will be there." Garym hoped that the druid could help. He had one last person if the druid did not know. He was almost certain that it would cost from rumors about the witch, but whatever the price he would pay.

The Druid nods and heads off as the waiters begin to come around with the final course.

At noon, Sir Garym brings the mute young lady to the dining hall and finds the Druid waiting for them.

Diarmuid greets Sir Garym before approaching the young lady.  He watches her closely as he speaks to her in several different languages.  Next, he recites some archaic-sounding words and makes a hand gesture, watching the results.

At length, he turns to Garym, "well, there is certainly something unnatural affecting her," he explains.  "Whatever it is, it isn't Celtic in origin.  I can't really tell what the nature of the enchantment is, however.  The most reliable way to determine the type of magic used is to trace her path backwards and see if you can find a place of power," he suggests.

He goes on, "like a faerie ring, standing stones, a barrow, a cemetery, or the like."

"Can you tell me exactly how you first came across her?" he asks.

"Her footsteps seemed to come directly out of the creek. I know that impossible though, but I could find no trace of her passage otherwise." Garym moved closer to Lethe to protect her.

"I don't know about impossible," the Druid replies.  "Perhaps 'unlikely.'  The boundaries of our world and others sometimes intersect along rivers and streams.  It is one of the common gateways to The Other Side.  Or there might have been a place of power on the other bank."

Gesturing with his hands, he explains, "I would suggest carefully examining the area where you found the young woman and see if you can find anything that might indicate a link to a burial ground or place of religious significance.  Look for circles made of stone, earth, or wood; clearings; or natural objects that appear to have been moved there.  If you find anything, look for markings that could identify the religion.  If you don't find anything, then your best bet is the Fair Folk.  But they are the most difficult and dangerous to deal with," he warns.

Garym was skeptical about the existence of the fair folk. Like most children, he had heard the tales of them, but he thought they were most likely silly folk lore. "Let us say that this is at all possible, and I find these marks. What do I do next?"

"Find someone of that faith and ask them what to do about it," he says with a shrug.  "If it is Christian, check with a bishop, if it is Saxon, talk to a shamen," he suggests.

"Talk to a Saxon. I am not certain that they would willingly do so." Garym was worried that he would not know the difference between a Christian site compared to any other religion's site.

"I have heard that the Countess Fiona is knowledgeable in such things. What religion does she practice." Garym was careful how he spoke about the witch. If, rumors were through she had strange powers that were truly dangerous.

"Have you ever tried talking to a Saxon?" Diarmuid inquires with a smile.  "They are just people, trying to get by.  If you go to a Saxon village peacefully they will likely treat you in kind.  I don't know that I would suggest trying to chat up a warband but then I don't know that one would be useful anyway."

The Druid shrugs his shoulders, "I think she is Christian but I don't know that I would suggest asking a Countess for general information about something like this.  If you knew a noble had specific information, for instance something about their land or someone who had come to them, then bargaining with them for that information would be worthwhile.  And what goes for nobles generally goes doubly so for Countess Fiona.  She has something of a reputation for not liking people bothering her."

Garym was not certain about the Druid's casual attitude about the Saxon. He remembered that not all have suffered the constant raiding that Salisbury did.  "I have heard such things, but if needed I would travel to the farthest reaches of the kingdom to insure Lethe is well. I thank thee for your assistance in this matter. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the tourney."

Garym looked at Lethe; he not help, but wonder what her voice sounded like. He needed to know her story. Where she grew up, and who her people were. Strangely, he noticed that she was exceedingly beautiful, but that seems not to matter. There was something more about her that seemed to draw him to her.

Before Garym left the castle, he spent some time speaking to various individuals asking about rumors of lost girl of the gentry or noble class. He knew that someone had to miss her, and perhaps one of the traveling courtiers might know of Lethe.

Yet another failure to cease opportunity, Garym was upset on many levels on his return from the Tourney. Failure in the joust, and being sacrificed as a diversion did not sit well with Garym.

Garym had made a little progress finding where to start on the mystery of Lethe he rode his demesne looking for circles made of stone, earth, or wood; clearings; or natural objects that appear to have been moved there. Anything that might link to a burial ground or place of religious significance. 

After, not finding much Garym went to the one person that knew what had happened, Lethe. Her memories were gone, but perhaps she could write or even draw something that would lead Garym to the truth.

No one seems to have heard of a missing young woman or at least one meeting Arianwen’s description.

Sadly, communication is not her strong suit.  While she tries to understand what it is Sir Garym wants, she simply doesn’t seem to be able to figure it out or communicate it back to him.

Without any signs of Arianwen having come from a place of religious significance, it somewhat limits the possibilities.

Garym's frustration continued; he had sworn an oath to help Lethe, but he was running out of options. Druids and Priests alike had not given him the answers he sought. His life had become a series of emotional highs and lows. Each day happiness came only when he was with her, but the hours away were torturous reminders of his failures.

He had one last hope. He would start to take her riding each day. Eventually, working back to the place he found her. Surely, somehow there was a key to take away her curse. In the stories, the knight if worthy in the eyes of God he would find away, and end the end they would fall in love forever more.

The mute young lady seems to enjoy the rides and any time she spends with Garym.  As he without her, she seems a bit despondent when he is not around.  Although even then she seems a bit frustrated by her inability to communicate.  Sir Garym recalls the only time he saw her happier was when she was with the other women at the feast.  Why that was remains a mystery as she does not usually seem to enjoy others’ company.  In fact, thinking back, it was only during that one break that she really seemed to be in high spirits.

Returning to where he found her does not seem to spark anything in Arianwen’s demeanor.  Not happiness, sadness, apprehension, nor other obvious emotional response.  It is almost as if God is uninterested or not yet ready to show Sir Garym the way forward.

Garym realized a short time before the summer campaigns that he should enjoy the time that he had with Lethe because many knights did not return home after going to war. Garym feared that his pride was stealing away the gift that Lethe had brought to his life.

The days were dwindling down to the time when he would have to leave. He had Budfannon bring a scribe, so that he may write letters to the ladies that had brought joy into Lethe's life.

To: Countess Fiona of Hereford, Lady Ellowyn, and Lady Ariette

I thank each of you for the joy that you brought to the Lethe as I have come to call her. She has been a guest of my manor for two seasons. Many of her abilities of memory and communication lost due to some terrible curse. I have swore I would end whatever affliction that has befallen her, but so far I have been unsuccessful in solving this mystery.

I am hoping after the arrangements could be made for Lethe to spend time in your presence once again. In the short time Lethe has been my guest, I have not seen her smile as much as the night of the feast in your presence. I truly wish to bring her that joy again.

Sir Garym of Woodford


Garym pays the scribe for his work, and arranges for the letters to be taken to the three ladies.

Fall 516 - Quest for a Cure

Sir Garym and Arianwen return to Woodford.  After spending some time putting things in order, Sir Garym is ready to go.  Arianwen seems particularly apprehensive, especially as they head back to the place from whence she escaped.  It seems that she senses what is to come and is not happy about it.

The Countess suggested bringing a gift to the King, preferably silver, which is prized among the Fae.  Something in the 1£ range, although it does not seem to matter very much what it is.

As they approached the stream, "Stay close as we enter the stream, and fear not because I will protect you, and this nightmare shall be over. You will be free to resume your life, and at last the mystery of your name shall not elude me."

Garym dismounted giving his horse to Budfannon. He pulled his shield strapping it to his back. He took out the small silver circlet that he planned on giving to the King of the fae to put in a his large pouch. He offered his hand to Lethe as he begun to walk backward into the stream where Lethe was found.

It is odd to walk backwards and Arianwen grips Sir Garym's arm rather tightly, apprehensively, even.  As they get to the middle of the stream, the air seems to almost shimmer and the pair find themselves walking forward, somehow.  The trees that had turned colors and littered the ground with leaves were suddenly green again, a vibrant, surreal green.

The buzz of insects and chittering of small animals is replaced with very musical sounds, like tiny bells ringing or a pan flute being played softly.  Sir Garym notes the small lines of white stones that border the path and they head off into the woods, crossing roots and rocks, twisting and turning this way and that.  They come to a small stream and the stones can be seen beneath the clear water and occasionally passing over a rock that protrudes above the surface.

After about half an hour, the pair come across a fair maiden, her foot caught in a trap a little way from the path.  “Oh thank goodness,” she cries, “I was not paying attention to where I was going and caught my foot in this trap and can’t free myself.  Can you help me?”

Upon seeing the maiden, Garym steps in front of Lethe. He has heard that the Fae were notorious tricksters, and he would not have Lethe fall prey to such. Still, he was obligated to help the Maiden even if there was a possibility that it was a trap.

Garym steps up to the maiden while examining the trap to see how best he could help. "I am Garym of Woodford. I will help you. While I take the trap of look at me. Listen to my words."

Garym knew that there was a chance that removing the trap would hurt badly. He needed her to focus on him as he did so.

As Sir Garym moves to leave the path and help the maiden, Arianwen grabs his arm, pulling it violently, her eyes wild with fear.

He backs up slightly. "A trap, or is she a Fae thus you are scared of her?"

He studies the Maiden once more looking for clues of what Lethe is afraid of. He is torn by his duty to aid the Maiden, and his loyalty to Lethe. "I travel with one that is wise to your ways reveal your true self or be gone."

Sadly, communication is not one of Arianwen's strong suits at present.  However, if she was in fact here before, perhaps she knows something about the dangers of this place?


"Oh good Sir, whatever can you mean?" the maiden mewls plaintively.

"I am sorry. I will send help. I was told that if I stray from path I will not be able to help either of us." Garym hated himself for what he had to do, but he had one mission that he had to accomplish. Heart heavy; he continued down the path hoping that he had not damned himself in the life to come.

As he walked away; "Please God forgive me."

With a huff, the young lady turns into a fox and saunters off.

The pair continue along the path as it continues to wend its way through the forest, over hills and around trees, occasionally across streams with iridescent fish.  As they walk along the music seems to be getting louder although the origin remains indistinct.

After a time, they come to a fork in the path with the little stones going off to left and right.  Arriving at the crossroads, Sir Garym spies a small person half-a-foot tall, sitting on a large toadstool.

The little man smiles and bow before intoning, "Ere I split myself in two, always tell the truth I do.  But once I double before your eyes, one side tells truth, the other lies.  A single question to either one, then my magic is all done."

With a nod, there are now two identical copies of the small man.

Garym was not the best at riddles, but he had actually heard this one. When Garym was young; a scholar came to the Earl's court. To prove his wisdom the wise Scholar had ask a similar riddle. Once none of the Earl's men could answer; he offered the answer that Garym was now asking the one on the right. "If I were to ask your brother whether you always tell the truth, what would he say?"

The reason that was the correct answer was that the  scholar explained was the one thing known was that the liar would lie about his brothers answer. Garym barely understood the riddle, but he was glad that he witnessed the answer now.

"Why he would say that I always lie," the little man on the right announced before, with a whoosh, the two disappeared.

"We will take the right path. If he was the liar; he would of claimed that his other side would say he told the truth always since all he could do was lie." Garym continued to lead Lethe towards where he believed the King was. Secretly, he feared that he had made a mistake, and he was leading both to their doom.

Although it is unclear as yet whether or not he is leading the pair to their doom, at least Sir Garym appears to have chosen the correct path.  After a few more twists and turns, Sir Garym and Arianwen arrive in a glade.  The place is best described as 'otherworldly.'

The King, for that is clearly what he is, looks like a teenage boy with perfect skin and features.  However, he literally radiates power.  It is almost difficult to look at him for long without being forced to look away.  He sits upon a throne that appears to be a large leaf growing out of the side of a magnificent oak tree.  Beside him sits an equally perfect young girl, adorned with leaves made of precious gems and silver.  She also radiates power and is clearly the Queen.

All around the glade are faeries of assorted shapes, sizes, and colors.  Faerie knights and maidens can be seen everywhere, jousting, dancing, singing, or eating.  Sprites and pixies dart about on gossamer wings, brownies and dwarves run about among the trees.

As the humans arrive in the glen, an almost palpable silence seems to spread out from them like a wave.  All becomes silent and still.  Even the music, which had grown in volume, even if its source remains a mystery, is now gone.

From across the glade, the King's voice resonates, "Sir knight, I am King Aelrindel.  I see that you have brought back dear Arianwen, who spurned our hospitality."  He indicates a cage made of branches hanging from a low limb, "please be so kind as to return her to her cage and we can discuss your reward."

Arianwen, for her part, is shaking and doing her best to hide behind Sir Garym.

Garym drops to his knee in a formal bow. "Your Majesty, King Aelrindel, I am Sir Garym of Woodford, and my direct fealty is sworn to Robert, the Earl of Salisbury. I come for no reward. Instead, I have come to offer a gift, and ask for a boon. Though, I fear that its is far to simple for such a magnificent King."

Garym pulls out the circlet, and to offers it to the king. "I would ask for hospitality for myself, and since the Lady Arianwen is under my protection she would receive the same hospitality."

A trio of hand-sized pixies fly over, take the circlet, and bring it to the King, who admires it with a critical eye.  Smiling, he raises a hand, "rise, Sir Garym.  I accept your tribute and grant hospitality to you and Lady Arianwen."

He strokes his chin, sizing up the young knight, "although I doubt she is much of a conversationalist.  Perhaps we could bargain for her?  Or perhaps a game or contest?" he suggests.

Sir Garym gets a check in Courtesy.

Garym rises up from his bow giving an respectful nod of his head. He goes to Arianwen taking her hands them in his grasping them firmly. He whispers her name once savory the sound of it in his ears, "Arianwen."

He gives her an assuring look before turning back to the King. "I have come to learn what I can of the Lady Arianwen. I seek to restore her ability to communicate, and remove whatever is blocking her memory. Once done; I plan on returning lady to the realm of man so that she may return to her home if that is her wish."

Garym waves his hands in gesture to illustrate the vastness of the King's realm. "King Aelrindel, you are a mighty King. The Lord of a Kingdom grander than most men can imagine. I ask you to grant this boon in a demonstration of your greatness. I can not bargain with her freedom for it is not mine to give. I am simple knight there is little I can offer that you do not yet have, but I will do whatever you deem as fair for this boon."

Pursing his lips, the King nods slowly, "I admit that I find the Lady's company entertaining but I suppose that I could release her if you were to do me a small favor."

"There is an item," he explains, "a boar spear to be more precise, that was taken from my realm many years ago and I would like it returned."  He has a mischievous grin.  "It is called the the Spear of Twlc Mochyn."

"If you return the boar spear to me, I will release Lady Arianwen from the spells that inhibit her, restoring her to her normal state and I will see you returned to your own lands," he offers.

"One does not normally smile in humor when one has lost something they value. Powerful King Aelrindal, I am a man that enjoys a good laugh. Perhaps, you could share that which makes you grin such." Garym would like to be as he described, but most that he has known would describe him as overly serious. He has tried to be more jovial, but he finds the task arduous.

Garym grinned and smiled briefly like he knew something more. His tone more confidant than ever. He knew he needed to be courteous, but he could not seem weak. "An interesting task that you have offered me, but the Countess Fiona told me to be sure of all details on any bargain that is struck. I sensed from her that the art of the deal is a very important aspect of your society. Also, that the foolish bargainer gets that which he bargains for. So I will ask questions to clarify the deal. Who and where do I retrieve the Spear from?"

Garym knew he had to be very clear on what he would say next, or the King would have power over him. "When the Spear is retrieved; King Aelrindal you promise that you will immediately remove any spell that inhibits her, restoring her to her normal state. You will release all claims on her or myself. Finally, when these tasks are done you will release from your hospitality returning Lady Arianwen and myself to my lands."

The King nods, still smiling, "well the answer to your one question is the answer to another."  He points to a path leading out of the glade, "follow that path and you will come to the Kingdom of Twlc Mochyn, which is ruled by King Baedd.  The spear rests on the wall above his seat but he does not know of its power."  He gestures and a trio of pixies flit off to a nearby tree and return carrying a banner, emblazoned with a truffle, which they drop in front of Sir Garym.

"If you carry that banner, the knights of Twlc Mochyn will have to accept you as a guest and you will be able to travel freely through their lands.  They do not think much of men, normally," he explains.  "When you see what happened to the knights, you will understand my little joke," he says, chuckling.

Cocking an eyebrow at the mention of Fiona the King notes, "had I known you knew Fiona perhaps we could have bargained for her."  Shaking his head he reconsiders, "though I doubt she would allow anyone such control over her, pity."

"When the Spear is returned to me; I promise that I will immediately remove all spells that inhibit her, restoring her to her normal state. I will release all claims on her and you. Finally, when these tasks are done I will release you both from my hospitality and allow Lady Arianwen and yourself to return to your lands," he says, solemnly.

"King Aelrindal, your words of promise are like music to my ears, but in the tradition of your people let us repeat our promises upon Oak and Ash and Rowen Tree to bind us to this bargain" Garym was thankful for the guidance that Fiona gave him. When this was done he would need to find a way to thank her.

A shadow passes briefly oever the King's face but then he laughs out loud, "well played, Sir Garym.  I have enjoyed our little sport."

He then intones, "When the Spear is returned to me; I promise that I will immediately remove all spells that inhibit her, restoring her to her normal state. I will release all claims on her and you. Finally, when these tasks are done I will release you both from my hospitality and allow Lady Arianwen and yourself to return to your lands.  This I promise on Oak and Ash, and Rowan tree."

Unless there is anything further, Sir Garym is free to follow the indicated road, leaving the lovely Arienwen for the time being.

Before leaving; Garym walks over to Arianwen. He once again clasps her hands with his. "Dear sweet Arianwen. I must leave for now. I shall return with what the King requests, and these nightmares shall be done. I ask that you simply wait for me trusting that my return shall bring an end to your ordeal."

Garym turns to the King once more giving a silent salute, and than he proceeds down the road. As he goes he unfurls the banner so that the men of King Baedd me would give him free movement through their lands.

Sir Garym walks along the road for quite a while.  The leaves at some point turned back into their autumnal colors and littered the earth.  As he is walking along, a pair of huge boars step out of the woods in front of him.  The boars are notable in that they are standing on their hind legs, are dressed, and can speak.  They are wearing chainmail and cloaks, and each bears a coat of arms.

The larger of the two asks, "who travels the road of King Baedd, and what is your business here?"  Sir Garym spots other such boars in the woods around him.  Sir Garym gets a check in Awareness.

Garym at first starts to reach for his sword, and than hears the mention of King Baedd. Seeing the human like boars; Garym understands King Aelrindal's joke. He realize this would not be as easy as he thought. How does one ask a boar for a weapon that was designed to kill boars?  The difficulty of the task should not of surprised Garym considering that the King was willing to reward him for the return of Arianwen. Succeed or fail the King gains.

"I am Sir Garym of Woodford. I travel under this banner of free passage. I ask to meet with King Baedd under his noble hospitality."

Noticing the banner, the boarish knights request a moment and three of the boars talk among themselves.  As the boars argue, Sir Garym overhears some of the words.  A large, reddish boar says in a thick Irish accent, 'I tell you men are dangerous, forces of nature, like wild rivers or mountains.'  After a bit, the largest boar, who originally spoke, says 'he bears the banner of the truffle couchant, we are honor-bound to grant him hospitality.'

Finally, the boars inform Sir Garym that, as a guest in their country, he is honor bound to visit the king's keep, known proudly to them as Twlc Mochyn, to pay his respects to the crown.

Six boars then step up and introduce themselves at the large boar's signal.  The largest boar introduces himself as Sir Gwyllt, younger brother to the KIng; his coat of arms is a truffle at a slightly different angle than that on Sir Garym's banner.  He explains that it is a truffle sejant.  The second in command is Sir Gwyddel, the redish boar with the Irish accent; he carries arms of an acorn, also at a bit of an angle.  He explains proudly that it is an acorn rampant.

The other four knights are Sir Hau, son of Gwyllt, carrying the arms of truffle on a bend; Sir Pleth, second son of Gwyllt, carrying the arms of truffle regurdant; Sir Rhigol, carrying the arms of cabbage couchant; and finally Sir Hopgefn, carry the arms of three truffles.  All of their arms are painted red on grey.

The boarish knights lead Sir Garym, as guest, to King Baedd's keep.  They notice Sir Garym's own insignia and ask about it, seemingly amused  and rather patronizing toward someone who they feel appears to be play-acting chivalry.

Garym followed the boars to where ever they would lead him. He answer their questions about his heraldry explaining that his family are considered some of the best horsemen in Salisbury. He needed to know more of the boars ways. Fiona's advice had guided him through the bargain with King Aelrindal, but not knowing much about King Baedd would make things difficult. "I know little of the powerful King Baedd. Tell me what is he like."

The boarish knights lead Sir Garym to a massive keep within the woods.  The forest grows right up to the walls, but it is an impressive structure all the same.  It is quite clear to Garym that the place was built to accommodate men, not boars.  Tables have had their legs cut off to better suit the boars.  Chairs are found broken in the wood bins, kindling for the fires.  Yet, the boars claim that the keep has been their home for generations and do not care for the suggestion that it was built originally for men.

Sir Garym is shown fine accommodations and invited to refresh himself in the great baths as a guest of Sir Gwyllt, after which he is welcome to enjoy the keep and grounds until the great feast at noon on the following day.  He is reminded to take the time to get the standard gift for the king.

Sir Garym is told that the King is a great boar, he truly exemplifies the ideals of chivalry: Energetic, Generous, Just, Proud, indulgent, and Valorous.  He also learns that the baths are a relaxing and social place, and thus he assumes a good place to learn more about Twlc Mochyn.

Garym was impressed by the keep, but he kept having a feeling that there was something more that he was missing.  He was in a land of magic and curses. The boars seemed to be beings of pure chivalry, so the possibility that they were lying seemed unlikely. Could they be under a curse much like Arianwen that had changed their true form to that of Boars.

Garym kept his eyes open for any art that depicted man versus boar as he walked to the baths to meet Sir Gwylit. He wondered if any of the Heraldic devices had links to ones he had studied. "Sir Gwylit, the hospitality that you have shown me demonstrates the greatness of your King. Where I come from a king is often judged not just by his acts of chivalry, but by the enemies that he has faced. I am sure that King Baedd is a great warrior king. I would be very interested in hearing of the glorious deeds of King Baedd and the knights of Twlc Mochyn."

Nothing anywhere depicts men, although the place certainly seems to have been made for and by men.  Of course, King Aelrindel did suggest that he had something to do with what happened, so who knows?

Sir Gwyllt explains that the proper gift for such an occasion is a truffle, which are found easily in the woods.  Not to do so would be an insult to the host.  HE and the other boars go on at great lengths about the King's many victories as well as their own.  It quickly becomes clear that either the boars have single-handedly cleansed the British Isles of man and beast, or they are exaggerating a wee bit.

Sir Garym arrives at the baths . . . the mud baths.  The bath house is beautiful and richly decorated, at the end of which is a huge (three stories high) machine of polished springs and gears, like a giant clockwork.  This, the boars explain, is what churns and cleans the mud, making the bath exceptionally refreshing.  The mud baths are in two rooms, one for males, one for females.  They vary in depth from one end to the other.

The boars strip and begin wallowing in the baths.

Garym listen to their tales of glory amused and inspired. He was fairly certain that they had not done all that they had said, but even a small percentage was more than he had done in his life. As they told him of what a proper gift was; Garym realized that they would better know how to find one than him. "Good Knights, after our baths I shall go to find a truffle worthy of your King. Perhaps, you would like to join me in the search."

Garym had no true desire to go into the baths, but hospitality dictated that he do so. He stripped down from his clothes, and waded into the mud.

The mud squelches as Sir Garym enters and he can feel it running in between his toes and . . . other places.  With some effort, he manages to maintain a neutral expression on his face.

The boars settle in and tell unbelievable tales, trade gossip, and discuss mundane trivialities.  Sir Garym has problems following a lot of the conversation as it goes over the knight's head or he misses important details due to a lack of familiarity with the individuals or because of cross-talk.  However, he does manage to learn that Foneddig, daughter of Sir Rhigol, is very much enamored of Sir Hau.  The pair care about each other a great deal but Sir Hau's father, Sir Gwyllt, does not approve of the young boar maid.  The lovers would be very grateful if Sir Garym managed to assist them in sitting together at the feast.

Sir Garym also learns that a joust is a one-on-one combat without horses.  A joust for love is to first blood.

Sir Gwyllt is willing to hunt truffles with Sir Garym this afternoon.

"I will try to help you as best I can in arranging both of you sitting together. In my land, our Queen has started what she calls the court of love. My liege, Earl Robert, is one of the officers of that court. I believe it is my duty to help in any quest for love. I thank you for going a in search of a truffle with me." Garym could feel the mud going into places mud should not go.

At length the wallowing and boasting are over and Sir Garym and the boars depart the baths, with Sir Gwyllt promising to come get Sir Garym in an hour to hunt for some truffles.

Sir Garym returns to his accommodations, and tries to clean up somewhat . . . from the bath.

Once properly attired, he and Sir Gwyllt head off into the woods in search of a gift for the King.

(OOC: To be clear, Foneddig is the daughter of Sir Rhigol, one of the four 'lesser' boars.  Sir Hua, who mentioned the whole love affair to Sir Garym, is the son of Sir Gwyllt, brother to the King.  Sir Garym needs to somehow convince Sir Gwyllt that the pair should be allowed to sit together or that she is a suitable match for his son.)

As Garym and Gwylit moved towards the forest;  Garym told what stories he knew of the Queen's new court of love. Garym made it clear that he was amazed that King Baedd and his knights already embraced the tenants of love. Garym wanted to get a feeling of Sir Gwylit's attitude towards love versus tradition.

Sir Gwyllt thinks this is all just some odd manish attempt at emulating boarish culture gone wrong.  The point of marriage is to align families and strengthen alliances.  This is what happens when women get too much influence over policy.

With Gwylit's words the reason behind marriage; the rudiments of a plan were forming. The Earl was the Marshal of the Court of Love which was a position that was much respected. As the Marshal; he had an obligation to uphold the decrees of that court. Garym wondered if that court had been formed here, and if not if he could use the King's generosity and pride to help it be formed. Then all he needed to do was get the court to rule that love trumped tradition. Than Gwylit would be honor bound to uphold the tradition. Especially, if Gwylit was its Marshal. Much to complex Garym thought, but within the thoughts were possibly seeds that could grow to bear fruit.

He knew that he had to return to the task of Truffle hunting perhaps an opportunity would present itself as the feast drew closer.

Sir Gwyllt explains how to find truffles, where they are frequently located, what they look like, and such - granting Sir Garym a plus to find them.  The pair go off in search of the delicacies and due to Sir Gwylit's advice, Sir Garym finds a couple, although Sir Gwyllt himself comes back empty handed.

Sir Garym gets a check in Hunting.
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:38, Tue 28 Nov 2017.

Garym was glad that Sir Gwylit had came with him. He did not want to blow his only opportunity to make a good impression on King Baedd. Still, he had promised Sir Hua would of tried to arrange the lovers to sit together. "I do not think I have told you why I now travel the land. I am on a quest for a woman I that I love. I never thought much of love. I saw truly little purpose in it. I may of even feared love thinking that it would weaken me. Strangely, I have found that in this weakness called love I am stronger and a better man than I ever thought I could be. I understand now why I am a warrior. It is not for the glory, power, and fame it brings, but it is for the one's I love. When this quest is over; I am not even certain that she will love me, but I do know I will be changed by the experience for the better. I seen your son, and he is in love. This love will give him a fire that will bring greater glory to your family. Tonight at the feast, let the two sit together. Sitting together does not mean marriage, but by doing so you will see the strength your son will gain. One day, I believe he may be as good a man as you, but to get there he will need the opportunity to experience for good and bad."


Sir Gwylit had been a good friend to him. He could not allow him to leave empty handed. Garym offers the larger of the two figuring size mattered. "It would be wrong for me to take both truffles when you have none. I never would of found the gift without your help."

The boar knight listens to Sir Garym’s tale and although at first seems rather dismissive of it he appears moved by the knight’s story.  When offered the ‘spare’ truffle, Sir Gwylit accepts it with an appreciative nod.  “Thank you Sir Garym,” he replies.  “I will think on what you said.  Perhaps I should reconsider,” He says thoughtfully.

Anything else before the feast?

Garym had enjoyed his time with Sir Gwylit; he felt that he had laid the foundation for a friendship. He was not certain how he would approach the King, but he was uplifted by the success he had with Gwylit.

He prepared himself for the feast to come. He feared that he would be in for another shock like the baths because he had seen hogs on his demesne eat. He knew no matter what happened he could not let his cultural bias show through.

The feast begins with a grand procession of all of the guests into the hall, in the order of how near they are seated to the King.  The guests each place their gift in a basket by the door.  As Sir Garym enters, he notices a spear on the wall behind the King's head.  Sir Garym is seated at the second table, along with several of the boars he first met in the woods, except for Sir Gwyllt, the King's brother, who is seated at the head table.  Sir Garym notices that Sir Hau is seated next to a female boar, whom he assumes is Foneddig.  Sir Hau gives Sir Garym an appreciative smile.

The feast is of eight courses: clover salad, crushed acorns in a truffle sauce, boiled cabbage, acorn stew, corn and acorn mush, fresh cabbage leaves, apple sauce, and finally truffle jelly.  The boars go at the food with complete abandon, occasionally stealing from each others' plates in spite of the seemingly endless quantities available, often complementing each other on how they've grabbed more than their share.

How does Sir Garym respond?

Garym was not certain what to think at first, but he assumed that much like certain lords being fat to show that their kingdom was wealthy. So he emulated the behavior of taking the food from the knights plates closest to him.

Although not taking things to quite the same level as those around him, Sir Garym manages to fit in passably, at least to the point that no one remarks on his less-than boarish behavior.

Throughout the feast, boar knights ask the King for a chance to boast of their deeds.  This includes knights at Sir Garym's table.  They tell wild and impossible stories, including false stories of how they first met Sir Garym.  This includes accounts of how combat ensued and Sir Garym was defeated or even killed.  No one in the hall seems to take any notice of these obvious lies, which are met in fact with cheers.

Sir Garym can request a chance to Orate, should he please.  If he decides to, please lay down a pleasant yarn for us.

Sir Garym stands taking a larger than life stance. He knew that his tale needed to be larger than life. Only then would he have the credibility to speak to King Baedd. He would need to pretend he was more like Sir Dalan. "I have traveled the lands of man, fairy, heaven and hell. I have fought monsters so terrible that other knights have given up their armor and arms becoming farmers versus facing these creatures. Yet, I never did I have a battle of such note that the Bards will forever sing until the day I met the Knights of King Baedd. Each knights were twice the size of the size of any knight I ever fought. I warn once to not step cross the line for I travel where I will, but the brave knights crossed the line advancing forward. I warned the knights that if they drew their weapons death would be in the air. They drew their weapons. I warned them one last time to leave and live, but they would not leave. The battle ensued they fought like an army of hundred against me. Yet, I stood bloody and worn, but they did not look any better. The battle lasted for almost a day. Neither they or I willing to die. The Knights of Baedd called out for a momentary parlay saying that the most mighty King Baedd was having a grand feast, and their duty required that they show their loyalty to their King since this battle could take several days. They offered me hospitality, and the names of Sir Gwylit, Sir Gywnddel,  Sir Hau, Sir Rhigol, Sir Hopgefn, Sir Pleth and of course their most noble foe Sir Garym forever were etched into the annals of war for this valorous deeds from these brave knights. When babies are born in the future; they will be considered blessed by taking the names of these heroes."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:26, Thu 30 Nov 2017.

The hall is filled with applause for Sir Garym's wonderful story.  Sir Garym gets a point in Orate and a check in Proud.

After the final course, the King proclaims it to be time for entertainment.  A number of tables are removed to reveal a large circle on the floor with a truffle painted at the center.  The circle is 30' in diameter.  A huge boar proceeds into the hall and sits at the end of the King's table.  The boars sitting with Garym lean over and explain that this is the King's champion wrestler, Sir Godidog.  The King asks if there are any challenges.  The hall fills with noise and some challenges are made.

The fist challenger the King accepts is a young boar who declares, "if I should beat your champion, I will win a seat at your table during the next feast."  The first match begins.

The basic idea is to shove your opponent out of the ring.  The opponents start in the center of the circle and make opposed STR rolls.  The winner gets to roll his damage, for every point rolled over his opponent's SIZ, he moves his opponent 1 foot.

Sir Hau asks Sir Garym if he think that he should challenge Sir Gwyllt for the right to court Foneddig?

Garym turns to Sir Hau shaking his head with a smile. "I would not yet. I would demonstrate that you are a man in every sense that your society deems. Be glorious in your father's eyes by being the best you can be. When this is done; Sir Gwylit will see that you are worthy of any decision you make. But, today show your bravery by challenging the Champion."

Sir Hau seems a little unsure of himself on this account, especially as the King's Champion is huge and quite an accomplished wrestler.  However, he seems to take some courage from Sir Garym's confidence in him.  "What should I ask for should I win?" he inquires quietly.

"Does the King have a Queen? Ask that Foneddig be made a Lady in Waiting. Do not lose heart. Few have been hurt wrestling like this. Stand tall and brave. Know that your deed will impress your father if you show courage." Garym said his words for Hau, but he needed them as well for the Champion was a beast.

"The King is not married," Sir Hau replies a little glumly.

"Ask to made one of the King's personal Guards. In my land this is a position of great respect."

Sir Hua nods, takes a couple of deep breathes, screwing up his courage, and rises when the third challenge is completed.  "Your Majesty, King Baedd, if I should beat your chosen champion, I will take a position as one of Your Majesty's personal guards for the next season," he intones in a loud voice.

There are some cheers from the crowd and the King grants the knight's request.

Looking a bit small compared to the King's champion, the large boar strides to the center of the circle.  When the signal is given, both Sir Hua and Sir Godidog launch themselves at one another with a thunderous crash.  Sir Garym is quite sure that either blow would have sent him flying across the room but neither of the combatants so much as moves.  They hurl themselves together once more with similar results.  On the third collision, Sir Godidog hits Sir Hua but Sir Hua overpowers the larger boar and sends him back half-again past the edge of the circle.

There is a great deal of cheering among the boars and Sir Gwyllt positively beams at his son.  More challenges follow as does more food and acorn wine.  Soon the King will retire, anything else for the feast?

Before the end of the feast; Garym goes to Sir Hua to speak. "My friend, I am proud of you. You fought what seemed to be unbeatable odds for your love."

Garym face darken as he thinks about Arianwen's plight. "I have a love as well. This is why I have traveled here. She has had a dark enchantment placed upon her, and your King is the only one that can help me. I am hoping that you would ask your father to help me arrange a formal audience with the King."

Sir Hua pats the knight on the back, "I would be happy to, Sir Garym.  I owe you a lot for your advice and assistance."

Sir Hua talks to Sir Gwyllt who manages to chat briefly with the King before he leaves.  Sir Hua returns and explains, "the King will grant an audience tomorrow at lunchtime."

The King rises and departs and soon thereafter, the other guests file out as well.

What, if anything, would Sir Garym like to do prior to his meeting?

OOC:

Sir Garym wanders the castle for a while, admiring the artwork, which, oddly, is fairly crude and misshapen, as if earlier works were torn down and replaced with newer works that did not quite fit the space.  Outside the main keep, there is a small, disused chapel.  The interior appears to have been gutted, pews shattered for firewood, tapestries removed, and stained glass windows shattered.

Garym realizes for now he would have to forget the mystery of the boars origins. He needed to concentrate on tomorrow's meeting of King Baedd. He needed the Spear for Arianwen, and than perhaps with it returned the Boar King and his subjects would return to normal. Spells and enchantments were much to much for Garym. He looked forward to the simply life and death struggle of killing some Irish.

The night passes uneventfully and in the morning, Sir Garym is treated to a lovely acorn-infused breakfast.  Soon enough it is time for his audience with the King and he heads to the same room in which the feast was held and the king is in the same chair, with the spear on the wall above him.

After introductions are made the King inquires, "what brings you to our fair land, Sir Garym?"

"I am on a quest. A fair damsel has had foul enchantments placed upon her which has stolen her memory and her voice. I have found a way that these enchantments can be removed, but it depends greatly on the famed generosity of King Baedd." Garym swoons slightly at the memory of his love. For months, he did not even know her name, but upon hearing it for the first time was like hear the heavenly chorus. How sweet her voice must be, and maybe if Garym was worthy she would whisper his name.

The King smiles, pleased by the compliment, "my knights speak well of your, Sir Garym, a rare accomplishment for a man.  While we have had men enter my kingdom from time to time, none have behaved so well.  I will certainly endeavor to assist you for so noble a quest," he replies.

Sir Garym gets a check in Courtesy.

"I have been told that if I bring the Spear that hangs above your Throne back. The enchantments will be removed from Arianwen. I have little to barter with save my honor in saying that King Baedd and his noble knights have made a friend that they may call upon when they are in need." Garym takes to his knee putting his hand first to his heart and then in the air as salute to the proud King.

The King gives Sir Garym a stern look, thinking this is some sort of joke, for how could that useless old spear be of use to anyone, much less worthy of a quest?  However, he is quickly swayed by the knight's clear earnestness.

"Welllll," the King begins, "that is an heirloom that has been in the family for generations," he lies smoothly.  "But seeing as your quest is a noble one, I suppose that I could part with it for 3 truffles."

Sir Garym gets a point in Honesty.

"King Baedd, I thank you for this. I will return with the truffles." Sir Gwylit had shown him how to fine truffles, and without his teaching Garym knew that he would of failed in his quest.

The King takes down the Boar Spear of Twlc Mochyn and hands it to Sir Garym, telling him to leave the truffles with his castellan when he has obtained them.

Sir Garym spends the afternoon hunting and perhaps because of Sir Gwyllt's advice, the strength of his Amor for Arianwen, or pure unadulterated luck, he finds three truffles almost right away.

Sir Garym gets a point in Hunting.

Dropping off the truffles with the King's castellan, Sir Garym appears to have accomplished his task for King Aelrindel.

After giving the truffles to the Castellan; Garym sought out Sir Gywlit and Sir Hua. He wanted to give his farewells to them. He was uncertain if he would ever find their land again, but he wanted to know that they had made a friend in him no matter where he was.

When he was done with his farewells, he started to make his way back to the land of the faeries. He was fairly certain that he could find his way back to Arianwen by traveling the route he had come.

He hoped that maybe by bringing the spear back to King Aelrindal would not only free Arianwen, but also save the boars from their curse. He wondered though if that would be a blessing or curse after so many years living as they have.

The boar knights say their farewells and pledge their friendship, should they ever meet Sir Garym in the future.

The knights heads back up the road from which he came, bearing the prize he sought.  After walking for a while, the spear begins to glow slightly.  This is incredibly odd and perhaps before finding Arianwen, this would have been cause for dropping the cursed item and fleeing.  However, after the strange and incredible events he has witnessed, and knowing that the spear is the key to unlocking Lady Arianwen's tongue, he trudges on.

He begins to notice, however, that the spear begins to fade again until it seems 'normal' once more.  After walking a little ways, it occurs to him that this might mean something.  Turning around, he notices that the spear begins to glow faintly once more.  Retracing his steps, the glow seems to intensify and then start to dim.  He turns in a circle and notices that it seems to glow brightest when pointed toward a large oak tree off to the right of the original path.

Heading in that direction for  a while, he notices that the tree does not seem to be getting closer but he is definitely moving and the spear appears to be glowing more.  After half an hour, the tree appears much closer and now Sir Garym can see the white stones lining the path.  Turning, they seem to go off the way he came, skirting trees and going over a small brook he didn't cross.

Sir Garym follows the path, careful to remain on it, he soon hear distant music and soon enough finds himself in the Faerie King's Court once more.  A pair of sprites flits over, circling the spear and then zooming off in different directions.

Approaching the King, Sir Garym bows and presents the spear.

The King smiles, "you have done very well, Sir Garym, I hope that you enjoyed my little joke?"

"I am sorry to say my humor is not as sophisticated as yours, King Aelrindal. I have done what you ask, and I have fulfilled my part of the bargain that was sealed by an oath on Oak and Ash, and Rowan tree. I ask one thing, King Baedd and his people were once men. I am curious how did they come to their fate to live as boars." Garym knew he should be rejoicing at the success of his quest, but he was greatly sadden that he could not help the boars that he now declared as friends.

The King chuckles, "well, then I suspect that you are not going to find my other little joke amusing either," he notes with a mock disappointed look.  "Well," he goes on, "it can't be helped."

King Aelrindel indicates a tree off to his left and an Angel steps out from behind it.  At some level, Sir Garym realizes that this is Arianwen but she has been transformed.  Despite his best efforts and those of his household, the girl always looked a bit disheveled and the clothing provided never quite complimented her.  The beautiful woman who now stands before Sir Garym is the most incredible creature he has ever seen.  (Technically, a couple of the Ladies at Court are more attractive but not to Sir Garym.)  Her skin is fair and smooth, like fresh cream, her hair billows out in a long cascade and she almost literally glows.  Her clothing is that of nobility and she has the air of one.

"As promised," the King exclaims before noting, "I will allow the lovely Lady Arianwen to explain my second little joke."

There is something quite clearly wrong, however, when Sir Garym looks at Arianwen.  There is something blacker-than-black, hard to see as it looks almost like a tangle of Nothing.  It wraps around her head in a series of strands.  As King Aelrindel accepts the spear, a trio of pixies take it and flit off, the black 'thing' untangles itself and turns to smoke, drifting away on a slight breeze.  Arianwen gasps and then recovers, looking around her as if for the first time.  Her eyes narrow as she sees the King and soften when she sees Sir Garym.  The King begins to laugh.

"Sir Garym," she says urgently in a voice used to give commands, "we must away from this place.  Say nothing.  Follow my lead," she says before turning to the King and bowing as she backs out of his presence.  Although her words are businesslike, her voice is smooth, like the sound of the ocean.

Once out of the glade, she sets off at a run, moving quickly and not slowing, stopping, or talking.  Any attempt by Sir Garym to speak is cut off immediately with a gesture.  The path forks several times but she always chooses a branch without breaking stride.  As they run along they can hear the echos of the King's laughter.

After what must be at least an hour, during which Sir Garym begins to tire but pushes forward rather than look weak in front of Arianwen, they come at last to a familiar stream and she runs and jumps across it without slowing.

Once across, the world reverts to normal once more.  It is hard to tell but based on the foliage, it appears that a month or so has passed.  Away to the South a bit, Sir Garym catches a glimpse of their horses, a tent, and fire, although he does not immediately see his squire.

Arianwen turns to face Sir Garym before prostrating herself before him.  "Sir Garym, thank you for releasing me.  I owe you an incredible debt.  I do not know what you did but it must have been heroic if King Aelrindel agreed to release me," she proclaims.  Looking up she says, "I do not know much about what happened since I first escaped and you found me, it is mostly images and fragments of memory, but I will try to answer what questions I can."

She is currently kneeling at Sir Garym's feet.

"Please do not kneel to me. I have done only what is required of me by my oath as a Knight of Salisbury. I am confused about what has happened. Think me not simple, but the ways of magic is foreign to me. Can you tell me who you are, and what he meant by his second little joke?" Garym was gaze fixed on her as though a spell had been cast on him. He was fearful of her words to come. The fear was not like any he had felt when facing life and death.

The lovely young woman laughs, and it is like birds singing to welcome the coming of Spring.  "Such modesty, Sir Garym.  A thousand men in your position and not a one would have done what you did for me.  I remember enough to know that."  She seems very much like she is holding back tears as she goes on, "I was trapped a long time and had little hope of ever seeing my family again.  But I found a way out, except that the King placed a guise on me and I could neither understand nor make others understand me.  Then you found me and took care of me," her voice falters and she is silent a moment collecting herself.

She rises to her feet once more before saying, "I am Lady Arianwen, daughter to Baron Marshlew of Bod Dynol.  I know nothing of the King's joke, I never heard a word uttered from the time you brought me back to the King's realm until just now."

Sir Garym has never heard of Bod Dynol but it sounds like someplace in Cambria.  Maybe in Orofoise or Galvoie?

Garym wondered when she was taken; he wondered if her people still existed. There were crazy tales that Garym would not of believed before this quest about the strange lands of the Faerie.

"Lady Arianwen, I will escort you back to your land. We must stop at my manor to obtain a horse and additional gear." If, King Aelrindal's joke was that he would be a stranger to her the joke was a cruel one. He had dreamed of this moment, but now that it was here he was uncertain what to say.

The pair head over to the small encampment where they find Sir Garym's squire.  Budfannon explains that they crossed the stream six weeks ago and he has been camped out here ever since, awaiting their return.  Sir Garym gives Lady Arianwen a spare cloak while they wait for Budfannon to pack up and then they head to Woodford.  By the time they arrive it is starting to get dark.

A room is made up for Arianwen and a feast prepared.  The Lady looks at everything with new eyes.  Despite having spent six months here, everything seems to be a discovery to her.  She often makes comments indicating she is just remembering something that happened previously in a specific room or with a certain object.

After dinner, the pair sit by a roaring fire and Arianwen tells her tale:

"As I mentioned, my father is Baron Marshlew of Bod Dynol and I have an older brother, Sir Gwraid.  My brother is married and has a couple of young boys, Baeed and Gwyllt.  Meanwhile, I was engaged to be married on my 20th birthday to the Count of Hereford," she beams at the recollection.  "It was an excellent match and my father was very pleased to be allying with one of our Southern neighbors and a powerful one at that.  I was rather impressed with the Count himself, who was a good and popular leader, a rarity to be sure.  However, six months before our wedding, a demon hog began to ravage the countryside and our men, brave as they were, could not kill it.  We sent a request for help to High King Uther but got no reply.  My father was terrified that if the Count found that we could not deal with this menace he would call off the wedding, so he sought out a soothsayer who told father that 'only a noble knight who recovers the Boar Spear of Twlc Mochyn can slay the hog.  Bravery and love combined are the only path to victory.'  My brother and the best of our knights went off in search of this boar spear but never returned."

"After a few months, my father sought the advice of the soothsayer once more in the hope of getting my brother back" she explains.  "The soothsayer told my father that I must journey to the Other Side and only I could get the Faerie King to release my brother and his men, for they were under his glamour.  My father, of course refused.  He could not jeopardize my marriage and the alliance that it would create, even if it meant the loss of his heir."

"So, two nights later, I sneaked out of the castle and sought out the Fae.  It was a long and arduous journey but at last I found a path to King Aelrindel's domain and there I pleaded for the release of my brother and his men.  I struck a bargain, a bad one it seems, and somehow traded myself in perpetuity for the release of my brother and his men.  They had come to the Court and been coaxed into eating and drinking with the Fae and could then never free themselves of the place.  One of the King's Court then married the Count," she notes bitterly, "and to top it off, I found out later that after being released, my brother stole the Boar Spear of Twlc Mochyn from King Aelrindel, who cursed him and our whole Barony.  I am not sure of the particulars but he laughed about making him 'King of the Pigs,'" she frowns ruefully.

Her eyes glistening with tears, she looks remorsefully at Sir Garym, "so you see my noble knight, you have wasted your valor and compassion on a worthless little girl who destroyed and cursed her lands.  I am not so sure I want to go back, knowing my reception."  She gives Sir Garym a strange and unfamiliar look before breaking down in tears and hiding her face.

The look was . . . well, hard to describe.  Sir Garym thought about it for a while before coming up with a similar look he had seen at the Pentecost feast after he was first knighted.  Sir Perin had danced with Countess Fiona, who had then spoken with Duke Jonathel, and then a couple of young knights had gone up to the Countess.  They had that look.  A sort of, 'I'm not worthy to even talk to you but you are the most amazing person I have ever seen' look.  Obviously this was something completely different though . . . right?

After a few minutes, the Baron's daughter pulls herself together and finishes her tale, "after a long time I found a way out of the Kingdom, which is when you found me.  However, King Aelrindel laid a hex on me that prevented me from understanding or being understood by mortals."  She shrugs and is silent once more, looking a bit miserable and ashamed.

Garym listens to the tale much of what has been said he had guessed already. Time was different on the other side. Young Budfannon had stayed loyal waiting for their return.

Garym wished that he could isolate Arianwen from such pain, but there was no way that he could hide the truth from her. King Aelrindal truly was a cruel beast. Garym had wished he had simply used the powerful spear to destroy the monster.

Garym girded his hard for it would surely break as he would have to deliver such painful information to the woman he had fallen for. "Oh sweet Arianwen, I see not a worthless girl before me, but a noble, brave angel that sought out to help her family. You did not destroy your family. You did not take the spear from the other side that was your brother, but even he did no wrong for what choices did he have. He like you had to act for the good of your family and kingdom. King Aelrindal's cruelty knows no limit. He had your family play a little game for his amusement, and I in the short time I was on the other side have learned that mortals are not meant to play these games with the fae."

Garym paused for a moment to allow what he had said to take effect. The quest itself was easy compared to what he must next do. His voice trembled as he sought strength to tell her. "You have been so strong so far. I need you to be even stronger now. When we came out of the other side. Budfannon told us that 6 weeks had passed, but I only experienced a week or so. The year is 516. I believe that many years have passed since you first entered."

Again, he paused knowing that what he must say was almost to cruel, but his honor dictate that he reveal the fate of her family. "I have met your brother's children. I am honored to call Sir Gwylit my friend, but King Aelrindal spoke true when he said he made Sir Gwraid the King of Pigs. He curse them changing them into Boars that were very man like. I hope by the return of the Spear that the curse was broken, but we must travel to where your Kingdom was to determine their fate. Once again, your family needs you. I need you, and ask that you will travel with me."

The young(?) Lady is a bit of a mess.  A lot of conflicting emotions, combined with shock and it is all a little much for her to process all at once.  What is clear however is that she is appreciative of Sir Garym's thoughtfulness and earnestness, even if she thinks he is letting her off rather easily.  The fact that she lost 25 years is a shock and that her father and possibly her brother are dead, and likely most of the people she knew, is disturbing.  The fate of the Barony is also quite shocking, even if not wholly unexpected.  Although she does not really want to return to it, she says, "I owe you a great deal, Sir Garym, and even if I did not, I would follow you anywhere and do anything you asked."

Not long after, she retires for the evening and it is several days before she is able to process everything at least enough to be able to function somewhat normally.  She explains, although Sir Garym has mostly figured this out, that Bod Dynol is in Galvoie a bit North of Hereford.  It is at least a week's journey.

Anything else Sir Garym would like to find out from her before heading to Bod Dynol?

"Arianwen, I know that much has happened, but we together will do all that we can. Sleep now, and soon we will travel to your home." Garym struggled leaving her. All he wanted to do was stay sitting with her to wipe away every tear from past that she must had shed. Unfortunately, he could not yet escape into the fantasy world he had created for himself and Arianwen.

He called his young squire; praising him for his loyalty and progress. He had him seek out the troubadour and the Priest perhaps one of two had hear stories about Bod Dynal. If, they did not have any answers; he would travel to Sarum hoping one of the Earl's court could tell them what they knew of the lost Barony.

Garym had a theory that the Kingdom remains, but the enchantment caused the forest around the castle to grow causing those nearby to simply abandon the hope that they still lived. Forests are treacherous places often where wild beasts and dark magics happen.

Sir Garym asks around locally and in Sarum but does not find much about the Barony of Bod Dynal or any rampaging pigs.  The general consensus is that it is likely located in Modern Day Wales but little else is known of it.  This was a somewhat chaotic period around the end of Uther's reign and just prior to the rather dark years that followed.  In addition, the farther north and west you get from Logres, the less is known and the more stories one hears of roving monsters, be it dragons or giants or griffons or giant pigs.  Some seem to be fanciful tales but there are plenty of actual beasts about.

The journey was going to be longer and more dangerous than Garym thought. He feared taking Arianwen would prove far to hard. He would once again need to journey from her to become closer to her.

After speaking to Sarum; he returned back to Woodford to tell her what he had found out. He had Budfannon dress down Harbinger. His poor horse would have much work to do in the next few weeks.

He waited to after they had their evening meal before speaking to Arianwen about what he had learned at Sarum. "Little is known about your family's barony. I think have a general idea where it is, but the journey will be a dangerous one. It is better that I travel there first. Once discovered; I will come back for you."

"I think that I should accompany you," she says in more of a statement than a request sort of way.  "Even if the place and surroundings have changed, I should be able to find my way back home.  But given the time and possible enchantments, I do not know that I could direct someone else."

"Anyway," she counters, "if something were to happen to you, what would I do?  Everyone I have ever know except you is probably dead and I have no way to support myself.  Better to face the danger than wait around for news.  I have waited far too long already."

"Then you shall travel with me, and I will be your protector. Tonight, we will rest, and when our gear is ready we will travel together. Baedd and Gwylit are fine men that have done well for their people. Gwylit's son, Hua will follow in the his father's footsteps, and become a good man." Garym summoned Budfannon offering him the a helping of sweet bread and honey. Garym was fond of his squire, and broke protocol allowing Budfannon to be a guest versus a servant. He than had the troubadour to play for them before they broke to rest.

The journey is long but pleasant, as Sir Garym and Arianwen chat as they ride.  After all of the long months of silence, being able to communicate is a rare gift.  Arianwen is very personable and seems quite taken with Sir Garym.  It is sometimes weird talking with her because physically she is 20, mentally she is a mature 22, and actually she is 45.  So she often speaks of recent events that actually happened before Sir Garym was born and she knows things from hanging out on the Other Side, but then there are lots of things that happened recently to Sir Garym, like Arthur's reign, about which she knows nothing.

At length, they end up in Glouchester, which is still a few days from Bod Dynal.

Does Sir Garym want to travel to Hereford and continue north from there, or head more to the north from Glouchester?  If going through Hereford, does he want to stop in to see Fiona?  Does Sir Garym mention Fiona to Arianwen?  Anything he wants specifically to talk to Arianwen about?

Hereford was a better route to go because of recent events he was certain that he could receive hospitality from the countess and her knights. Arianwen had enjoyed the company of the Countess last time they were together. It would give her an opportunity to spend time with a woman. Also, it would give opportunity for him to thank Fiona for the counsel she had given. He needed to stop by the largest town market to purchase a proper gift for her help.

When she learns that they are going to visit Countess Fiona, the young Lady brightens, "she was the one who spoke to me at that dinner, or feast, but I could understand her," she explains.  "She mentioned your name and that I should trust you because you were going to try to free me."  She frowns, "but she spoke . . . oddly.  Like in snatches as if what she was saying to me was interspersed randomly in a bunch of gibberish."

Arianwen does not seem to know that Fiona is the Countess of Hereford, however.  That is a little awkward but Arianwen can't exactly blame Fiona for what King Aelrindel did.  Arriving at the castle, the pair present themselves and are informed that the Countess is very busy but will be able to meet with them in a couple of days.  When Sir Garym makes mention of Salisbury, the Castellan explains that he will see what he can do.  He disappears for almost half an hour but returns to inform them that he will be able to get them an audience first thing in the morning and that they are welcome to stay in the castle (Sir Garym in the common room and Lady Arianwen in an upstairs guest room).

It is late afternoon now.  Anything Sir Garym would like to do or say?

Sir Garym gets a check in Courtesy.

"She seemed to know much about the Faerie King. Perhaps, she spoke in their language, and thus you understood her. The dark enchantment most likely prevented her from relaying certain information."

After speaking with the Castellan; Garym thanked him for his liege's hospitality. The rest of the day he spent with Arianwen trying to give her a sense of normalcy in a life that had been all but normal. Garym tried to distract her from the stress of the day first by walking the landscape with her chatting about the one topic he knew about the care and raising of horses. He had a dream of one day developing a breeding herd of horses.

First thing in the morning for the Countess turns out to be mid-morning and even then Sir Garym gets the sense that Fiona got up early for their audience.  She greets them in a parlor overlooking a garden and indicates a pair of comfortable chairs in which they should sit.

The room is a comfortable one that appears to be used for actually sitting and reading or playing music or games.  It is very different from the audience chambers that Sir Garym has been in on those few occasions in which he has met nobility previously, rooms meant to impress and intimidate.  Even the Countess herself seems almost informal in her attire and attitude, as if speaking to acquaintances.

Sir Garym also notices Fiona's features have some clear resemblances to King Aelrindel that he might not have picked up before going to the Other Side.

"Sir Garym, how nice of you to drop by and it seems that Lady Arianwen has been restored, no?" she inquires, perhaps noting the change in Arianwen's appearance.

Sir Garym gets a check in Awareness.

Garym gives a bow the Countess of Hereford when rising he addressed formally addressed her, "Yes, your Grace. I have come to thank you for the aid that you gave me, or I would surely had fallen victim to an uneven trade. I have brought you this silver brooch in the tradition of giving silver to the faeries as a gift. When breaking the enchantment; I discovered the origin of Arianwen. She is the daughter to the Baron of the lost barony of Bod Dynal. We now travel seek if breaking her enchantments has allowed the return of the Barony. I met her family that were enchanted into man like Boars. They may of adopted the form, but I truly found them to be noble in heart."

The Countess cocks an eyebrow at Sir Garym's story before pursing her lips slightly, "thank you for the lovely gift, it is most thoughtful of you.  As to this Bod Dynal, is it around here?  I don't recall ever hearing about such a place," she replies.

After thinking about it for a moment she shakes her head before continuing, "no, doesn't sound familiar.  If you would indulge me with a recitation of your adventures, perhaps I could assist in some way.  I am always interested in people's interactions with the Fae and I might be able to provide some insight."

Garym told the Countess all he knew about Bod Dynal's history and location. He also told all of the tragic tale of Arianwen and her family. "I entered the stream walking backward as you instructed, you Grace. I found a path which upon I was tested twice. The first test was a maiden was caught in a trap off the path. I was tempted by my chivalric duty to aid her, but Arianwen gave caution which brought your words of counsel to mind. 'Do not leave the path.' As we left the maiden, she turned to a fox retreating disappointed deeper into the forest. The next test was a riddle. A man somehow split into two exact copies of himself. The only difference was that one always told the truth, and the other always lied. Each one stood on a different route on the fork. They told me I could answer one question. I knew by discovering which one was the liar that I would know the true path. I asked the on the right, 'If I were to ask your brother whether you always tell the truth, what would he say'.  He answered, 'He would say I always lie.' With that answer; I knew he was the honest one, and I took the his path which led me to the Court of King Aelrindal. I struck a bargain to retrieve the Spear of Tywic Moc for removal of the enchantments on Arianwen. I then travelled I believe to Bod Dynal where I met King Baedd and his Knights, They had been changed to their boar's form by King Baedd's action of taking the Spear. They offered me such hospitality that rivaled that of any King Arthur's court. I told King Baedd the little I knew of the tale of Arianwen. The King was known to his people as a generous Lord. Hearing my tale; he gave me the Spear. On return from the Faerie Kingdom; we discovered that Arianwen had been trapped there for at least 25 years."

The Countess steeples her fingers and rests her chin gently on the tips as she listens silently but intently to Sir Garym's story.  She makes neither comment nor changes expression throughout and Sir Garym finds her emerald orbs to be slightly disconcerting---as if they are searching his very soul.

She is silent for a long time after he finishes and occasionally shifts her gaze to Arianwen and then back to Sir Garym, eventually standing abruptly and dismissing the pair, her eyes blazing.  Her look literally makes the hairs stand up on Sir Garym's forearms.  But then it seems to pass as she regains her composure and forces a tight smile before saying "στέργει γὰρ οὐδεὶς ἄγγελον κακῶν ἐπῶν."  She stands for a moment before translating, "'no man delights in the bearer of bad news,' sorry, I just . . ." she shakes her head, taking a couple of calming breathes.  "Please, stay here as my guests and have dinner with me tonight, I will . . . I'll be better, I promise."  With that, she departs and a servant approaches to see to the guests' needs.

Sir Garym is pretty sure that he hears the sounds of breaking crockery from the direction in which Fiona departed.

Garym tries to play ignorant to the fact that the Countess was upset, but he was fairly certain that he had faied by the shocked expression on his face, He quickly ushered Arianwen from the hall, and awaited the evening meeting. He was curious about the words she had said, but he was certain he did not want to ask Fiona what the were the next time they meet.

Fiona arrives for dinner appearing as if nothing ever happened.  After the first couple of courses she says, "I am sorry, Sir Garym and Lady Arianwen.  I behaved quite rudely before through no fault of your own."  She takes a little time to continue, "we all have an image of ourselves, part of which is built on what we know of our parents and heritage.  Your story, if true, paints a rather different story of my ancestors than the one I grew up with."

She puts out a hand to allay any misinterpretation of her meaning, "I am not suggesting that either of your are lying, quite to the contrary, I am quite sure you are telling the truth at least as you understand it.  But the more tongues that tell a story the more skewed it can become."

"Anyway," she continues, getting back to the point, "my self image took a bit of a hit and no one likes that to happen but I still reacted rather poorly and hope that you will forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive, your Grace" Garym paused a moment to choose his words carefully. "I understand how self image is. I entered several tournaments in the last seasons. I believed myself to be a more capable jouster than I was. Let's say the reality hit me hard as I fell to the ground. It took me several days to come to grip with who I am, and who I thought I was. Your Grace, I have only one image of you which is valiant, strong and gracious woman that has aided my homeland and one I truly care for."

Garym wanted to say she aided one that he loved, but that would be to forward. He had not even said those words to Arianwen.

Arianwen nods at Sir Garym's words, "Your Grace, you were a light in the darkness caused by King Aelrindel's spell.  The only time I could comprehend anything anyone was saying, it gave me hope and the strength to carry on.  I do not begrudge you your position or that of your mother.  Without your help I would still be under that cursed spell and likely my . . . Sir Garym would be in a similar straight," she says, coloring slightly at the end.

The Countess sports a half smile and nods her thanks, "thank you for your kind words.  Although you may disagree, I feel that I owe you both for the information you have provided.  It is not often that I can learn so many things in so short a period."

Looking at the knight she asks, "Sir Garym, there was mention of a banner with a truffle on it, do you still have it?"

Sir Garym produces the banner, which has been rolled up since he left Twlc Mochyn and finds that it now sports a golden fish on a green field, rather than a truffle.

Lady Arianwen gasps, "that is my father's symbol," she announces, surprised.

Fiona smiles knowingly, "if you would allow me, Sir Garym, I will have my seamstress make this into a tabbard that you can wear.  My gift to you is twofold, first, I can explain a bit about the prophesies and second, I can help you to defeat the boar."

With a scowl she explains, "the prophesy is typical of its kind.  It is deceptive and self-fulfilling.  Without the prophesy, Arianwen's brother doesn't go looking for the spear and doesn't get captured by the Faerie King, the spear is not stolen, and Arianwen does not trade herself for her brother, and she doesn't escape and get found by Sir Garym, and he does not recover the spear in order to release her from the spell.  Because, you see, the prophesy does not relate to Arianwen's brother, it relates to you, Sir Garym."

Garym is surprised for a moment that the boar lives, but he realizes that he shouldn't be considering the amount of magic that he had witnessed during this quest. "I was told that the demon Boar could only be killed with the magic of the spear. Bod Dynal is surrounded by an overgrown forest which must be where this boar dwells. With such a fierce guardian; it is no surprise that no one has had contact with the Barony."

Fiona laughs a musical laugh that seems to brighten the room slightly, "no, the prophesy only stated that the noble knight had to recover the spear, not that he had to use it to slay the boar," she explains.  Shaking her head she admonishes, "never trust a prophet farther than you can kick him."

"As to the boar surviving and the barony remaining undetected, that was a result of King Aelrindel's spell.  I think both will be quite easy to find now," she says.

"Three times you have aided me, and I have done little to nothing to deserve your boons. I know not what I can offer other than my appreciation and gratitude. I will kill the boar. Is there anything else I should know to defeat this demon animal." He was pretty good with a spear. If lucky; he could keep the boar at a distance allowing the boar spear to do its job.

"Help can come in many forms," she replies obliquely.  "As to the boar, the tabbard will protect you, once.  Use it to your best advantage and remember that even after a mortal blow, the boar will continue to fight.  Since you can no longer hurt it at that point, don't try."

Dinner concludes and after enjoying some music in one of the parlors, Arianwen and Garym bid each other good night.  Arianwen heads up to her room, while Sir Garym goes to the common room, which currently houses four other knights.  not long after arriving, Fiona appears.  The other knights give the pair some room.

The Countess stares at Sir Garym for a little while before saying, "she loves you, you know.  You should probably tell her how you feel.  The tabbard will allow Love to protect you, it has no power of its own."

Garym is not certain what to say. "I did not know. I fear that she sees the hero that saved her, and not the fragile man I am."

Garym thought about his feelings. Before Arianwen; he was a confused knight seeking advise from his Earl because he thought the concept of love was silly. Now, he was in love if the strange feeling he has had sense meeting Arianwen are any indication. "You are correct I do love her. I am not certain it is fair I tell her I love her in case I die in this endeavor, or maybe I fear the chance that she does not love me. A death far worse than any the boar could deliver."

Fiona's green eyes stare mercilessly into Sir Garym's own orbs, "then be the man she fell in love with," she replies simply.  "And tell her.  She deserves that much, does she not after what she has been through?  Better to know than for her to always wonder.  If you want to win back her Barony you are going to need the strength of her love and yours, and maybe more than that."

She hands Sir Garym an old map and shows him where Bod Dynal was located in the time of her father, tracing a path from her own County seat.  "I did a bit of research and found where the barony used to be.  It should take you a couple of days to get there.  I bid you a safe journey and successful endeavor," she turns to go but pauses and says, "I've arranged for someone to meet you," with a smile and a wink, she heads back upstairs.

In the morning, Fiona will still be very much asleep but a tabbard emblazoned with Arianwen's father's crest sits on his horse's saddle.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Wed 20 Dec 2017.

Garym saw the tabard, and he knew what he had to do before Arianwen came down. He donned it as well as putting a canvas cover over his shield. He waited patiently for Arianwen more confident then he was the knight before. As Arianwhen  walked up; he knelt holding his shield , and pulling out his sword holding it before him like a cross. "Lady Arianwen, on this day I swear this oath. I don the black shield claiming not family or homeland until we have freed yours. I have one purpose which is to kill the defeat the cursed boar while protecting you to the end of time and beyond. Together, we will meet your family, the noble King Baedd, the loyal Sir Gwylit and the fearless Sir Hua. I ride for you, and you alone."

Garym rises putting his sword away, and allowing his shield to lay on the ground. "When I found you I thought that I had found a lost angel, but the truth was that I was lost. I had little purpose other than my own grandiose dreams of glory and fame. These dreams felt hollow and empty after that day. Even now; I wonder to myself how the Father on high chose me to receive such a wondrous gift that is you. I am not certain that I am even worthy of such a heavenly boon, but I do know that with you in my life I will try to be better everyday. With you in my life I am the man I dreamed I could be"

Garym pauses for a moment stumbling over his own tongue it seems. He had never told a woman these words before, and he knew he would never tell another woman them again. "Arianwen, I am in love with you."

Lady Arianwen stands silently as Sir Garym speaks and she has a very noble look about her.  However, it is clear that Sir Garym's words touch her quite deeply.  Her eyes are moist and her voice quavers slightly as she approaches him and presses her hand to his chest, "I love you too, Sir Garym.  And naught even Death shall tear us asunder.  We will defeat the boar and anything else that stands in our way," she replies confidently.

"This, I swear," she concludes.

Garym takes her hand pressing to his lips before he speaks. He wants to say more, but the words will not come. After a few moments, he clears his head of many fantasies of the future. "Let us travel on. The Countess has said as we get closer she has sent someone to meet us."

The journey to Bod Dynol is largely uneventful.  They leave the main road onto a side path that seems quite overgrown.  Arianwen recognizes the route from her own travels decades earlier but it does not seem that the path has seen much use since then.

At length, they arrive at the outskirts of Bod Dynol, and Arianwen appears to be getting more anxious, unsure what to expect.  The road now appears slightly familiar to Sir Garym as well.  It looks just like the road to Twlc Mochyn.

Crossing the border, it is clear that something massive has been tearing up the landscape.  Fields have been rutted and buildings knocked over.  There is no sign of the inhabitants, in fact the place feels eerily deserted.

The pair continue on to the massive keep with which both are somewhat familiar.  As before, there are some houses and businesses around the outside of the keep that seem relatively unscathed.  Perhaps they are protected by archers on the walls?

Outside, talking to a few ragged-looking peasants is the Druid Diarmuid.  Looking over at Sir Garym and Lady Arianwen's approach, he waves and comes over to greet them.  "Sir Garym, good to see you again, and Lady Arianwen, I am glad to see you recovered.  Her Grace suggested that there was a story worth telling here, so I have been talking to some of the inhabitants and she was correct.  Quite a wonder how things have played out already and I have not even heard your part of the tale yet!"

Garym is anxious to continue the journey, but he also sees the wisdom of getting a good rest before venturing forth to face destiny. He suggests first that they set up camp first. After that is done, Garym sets forth telling the tale from the beginning. He considers not telling the part that angered Fiona, but he thought it was important to stay true to the tale. "That is what transpired after our talk at the feast. I am hoping tomorrow to put a end to this sad tale tomorrow. Killing the boar, and hopefully breaking last of King Aelrindal's enchantments on Bod Dynal."

The Druid listens attentively and asks a question here and there or requests some clarification.  When Sir Garym is finished, he exclaims, "very interesting!  I have met Baron Baedd and his brother Gwyllt and talked to them about their own memories.  Their tale differs from your own but in such a way as to reinforce it.  Their grandfather was Baron when a giant boar began to ravage the lands.  Their father went off in search of a legendary spear that would defeat the monster but never returned.  Their aunt also disappeared, sacrificed to the boar, which placated the beast for a time.  However, after their grandfather died, Sir Baedd took over and just recently the boar has returned and their lands and keep have been ravaged."

With a sorrowful look he remarks, "they think that Uther is still in power and that it is 595."

"When you met them; were they still under the enchantment that I spoke of?" More importantly, Diarmud had indicated that he had been through the Forest. "Diarmuid, I will take care of the boar, but I ask if you travel me that you will make sure one task is done. When, I engage the boar; you will make sure that Arianwen is safe. Do not let her interfere even if I fall. I am confidant that I can deliver a mortal blow to the beast, but it will become even more dangerous until it dies."

"No, I only just arrived and the Baron and his brother were both men.  They do not remember being boars and believe that whatever damage has been done to the furniture and tapestries was a result of the boar," the Druid replies.

He nods solemnly, "I will do what I can to prevent her from interfering."

"Then they are back." Garym was sad in a way because the friends he had made would no longer remember him. "Perhaps, it is a kinder fate that they do not know. I will leave that in Arianwen's hands to decide when and what to tell them."


Garym wandered a short ways from the camp. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts for a while. When he returned he bade the Druid to rest well. "Tomorrow, if all goes well this will be over. Yes tomorrow."

The group remains outside of the walls of the keep so as to avoid having to deal with the Baron and his brother just yet and no one leaves the keep to check on the newcomers.  The night passes somewhat slowly as the groups feels somewhat exposed out beyond the walls at night and every sound seems to jolt them awake.

In the morning, they overhear a couple of messengers who are heading inside the keep, who say that the boar was sighted overnight to the northwest, about an hour away.  It was last seen ravaging a small hamlet that was deserted a few weeks ago.

The trio ride out to the area, Diarmuid looking ungainly on a horse he borrowed from Sir Garym so that he would not fall behind.  As they leave the cover of the trees that surround the small hamlet and begin to cross the trampled fields, they feel the earth shake before something very large comes into view from around the shattered remnants of a barn.

Sir Garym has seen boars before, they are large, bigger than most men, and tough but fairly low, about the height of a large dog.  This . . . thing, is something else again.  It is the size of a horse and not one like Sir Garym's charger, more like a heavy war horse like Sir Perin, Sir Dalan, and Sir Gracian ride.  A regular boar is a serious danger to a knight, but this thing looks to be a serious danger to a group of knights, which might explain why many brave knights went off looking for some other solution.

Its beady eyes glare menacingly at the group and then it charges like a bull . . . a very big bull.  Diarmuid stares blankly at the horror, while Lady Arianwen grabs his reins and leads his horse back to the cover of the forest.

Fight, flee, or freeze?

Garym had never imagined a boar so large. He knew that he have one shot at killing this monster, but to fail would mean certain death. He had lived for a moment like this. The surge of adrenaline, and the chance to be a true warrior hero. Strangely, he did not think of those boyhood dreams. All he could think of was uniting Arianwen with her family, and ending the nightmare that she had lived for many years.

Garym readied his Lance; he feared for his faithful steed, Harbinger. This could be his last ride. He had raised Harbinger, and he was an ever present friend. He patted him softly, "Thank you my friend. Our sacrifices today will be remembered."

He placed his shield in position, and spurred Harbinger on. The moment seemed frozen in time as if he was moving in slow motion even though they were charging at high speed towards the boar.

The giant boar moves with alarming speed for something so large and even though it is large enough to attack Sir Garym directly, it seems to retain some basic boarish instincts and goes for his horse instead.  Both the boar and Sir Garym connect.  Sir Garym's horse is knocked unconscious with a major wound, the boar takes a cut along its left flank, and Sir Garym manages to throw himself to the right and roll as his horse goes down under him.

Fortunately, the boar does not corner all that gracefully and by the time it starts its next charge, Sir Garym is back on his feet, his sword in his hand and shield readied as the massive beast bears down on him.


Sir Garym, rolled 2 using 1d20.  Lance.
Sir Garym, rolled 23 using 6d6.  Damage.
Boarzilla, rolled 14 using 1d20.  Tusks.
Boarzilla, rolled 34 using 10d6.  Damage.
Sir Garym, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Consciousness.
Sir Garym, rolled 11 using 1d20.  Horsemanship.
Sir Garym's horse takes 34 - 5 = 29, takes a Major Wound, and is knocked unconscious.
The boar takes 23 - 10 = 13 damage.

Garym did not have time to lament the would to his Harbinger. He needed to kill this beast. Inspired by the Arianwen; he charged forward with reckless abandon screaming in determination. He would kill the beast no matter what happened to himself. "Arianwen!!!!!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Mon 25 Dec 2017.

The boar charges the little man but seems a little confused by its lack of fleeing.  Although it gores Sir Garym, the damage is light and appears to literally slide right around him, leaving the knight standing.  As the boar passes, Sir Garym lands a tremendous blow that staggers the mighty animal.  It is knocked unconscious by the blow but still manages to turn and attempt to trample the annoying knight.

Boarzilla, rolled 17 using 1d20.  Tusks.
Boarzilla, rolled 24 using 10d6.  Damage.
Sir Garym, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Sword.
Sir Garym, rolled 44 using 10d6.
Boarzilla, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Consciousness.
The boar takes 44 - 10 = 34, damage receives a Major Wound and is knocked unconscious.  It continues to fight for one more round.
Sir Garym takes 24 (Really?) - 10 - 14 = 0 Damage.

Sir Garym gets a point in Sword.

Garym pulls back as Fiona had told him using his sword and shield to defend against the dying beast. He knows that if he is not careful that the boar in his dying death thrash can still gore him with his tusks.

The boar makes one desperate lunge at Sir Garym and would have skewered him if Sir Garym did not back up and shift expertly to the side, avoiding the savage tusks.

The boar's face digs a furrow in the ground several feet long before it comes to rest, unconscious.

Diarmuid and Arianwen remain in the forest, awaiting a signal from Sir Garym, as they know enough about boars to know that they are very dangerous.

Sir Garym gets another point in Sword and a point in Love (Arianwen).  He gets 200 Glory for killing the boar, and freeing the Barony of it and another 50 because of Diarmuid.

His horse, which will regain consciousness at some point, received a Major Wound and fumbled its attempt to remain conscious.  Sir Garym will be able to ride him once healed but he will never be a war horse again.

Garym looks back at his poor Harbinger. He walks towards the downed boar grasping his Sword in both hands. He needed to make sure that the boar did not some how survive. Taking careful aim; he slammed his sword down into the Boar aiming for his heart to deliver the coup de grace.

Once done; he quickly rushed to Harbinger. He did what little he could to comfort his friend. Stroking his mane, "Old Friend, you days of war are over now. You will go back to Woodford, and stud many children. Nothing but rest and pasture."

After comforting Harbinger, he gave the signal that it was safe to come forward. "We shat go to the castle, and inform your nephew that the Boar has been defeated. There is much that they will need to know, but I saw their chivalrous heart even when they were transformed. They will fit will in well with King Arthur's Brave new vision for the world."

As soon as the signal is given, Arianwen spurs her horse over to Sir Garym, riding quickly and effortlessly.  She is nearly overcome with emotion at the defeat of the boar and his safety.  Sir Garym is pretty sure that if she wasn't so Chaste, she would be all over him right now.  "You were amazing, My Love!" she exclaims.  "I would never have believed it possible that any could slay such a beast had I not seen it with my own eyes.  Even knowing your courage and gallantry, it seemed an impossible task."

Diarmuid takes much longer to arrive and he still looks rather pale.  It seems that he does not spend a lot of time in combat or even observing combat.  "That was quite incredible, Sir Garym.  This will be a tale long remembered throughout the lands!"

At length, Harbringer shakes himself awake and with some effort and a little help, is able to get up and walk gingerly.  He seems alright for walking slowly, so the trio and Sir Garym's squire head back to the keep.  It takes a couple of hours to arrive but they did flag down a messenger on the way.  The messenger explains that the Baron sends out riders to try to keep tabs on the boar.  When told of the beast's demise, he rides to the site of the battle to confirm and then gallops back to the keep to spread the news.

As a result, when the group arrives, it is to a joyous celebration with hundreds of people in the streets around the keep and in the central square.  There they find Baron Baedd.  The Baron, who Sir Garym immediately recognizes despite the transformation, welcomes them in as the crowd cheers.

"Sir Garym, you have done us a great service and my people owe you a debt of gratitude I doubt we can ever repay."  He looks at Sir Garym with an odd expression, "and you look familiar, as from a dream, an odd dream to be sure."

Sir Garym notices the other knights that he met as boars and they all seem to be shaking their head in agreement with the Baron's assessment and recollection.

Arianwen, who was a bit apprehensive about meeting her family, remains in the background.

"Lord Baedd, I ask you to believe me when I say that you do not owe me. Your nobility and generosity prior to this day allowed this to happen. Together, we did share a dream, or what seemed to be a dream caused by an enchantment casted by the Faerie King Aelrindal. What I tell you will seem to be a tale of fantasy, but I swear upon my honor that what I will reveal is nothing but the truth." Garym brings Arianwen forward. "This is the daughter of Baron Marshlew, Lady Arianwen. Your father was her older brother. She sacrificed herself to King Aelrindal so that this day may happen."

Garym goes on to tell the tale from the day he discovered Arian until his arrival at the Baron's castle after killing the boar. "Lady Arianwen, feels responsible for the enchantments placed on this barony, but I know now that just as our savior had to be sacrificed to fulfil the Lord's glory this to had to happen to rid the world of this demon spawned boar. The fulfillment of Prophecy. Each of us playing a vital part to make it happen."

At mention of Arianwen, a number of the older people in the crowd gasp and as she is brought forward there are murmurs along the lines of "the Lost Princess!" and "it IS her!"  Even Baedd and Gwyllt show instant recognition of their aunt and immediately bow to her.  With the outpouring of love and support, Arianwen transforms back into the Noble Baroness that Sir Garym saw for a little while on the Other Side.

As Sir Garym tells his tale the people of the Barony are transfixed, hanging on his every word.  There is laughter and gasps, hissing at the Faerie King's jokes, and astonishment at the death of the boar.  As the tale winds to a close, there is a sort of stunned silence before the crowd erupts into cheers.

At length, the Baron calls for silence and when everyone has calmed down enough that Lord Baedd can be heard, he says, "you say that without the help of others, this victory would not have been possible but you vastly understate your own part in this.  My father, Sir Gwraid, was a mighty warrior and leader of men and yet you succeeded where he failed.  In fact, you not only succeeded at his task but at reversing the price of his failure as well.  And unlike my father, who took what was not his, you have succeeded through honesty, valor, and compassion."

There is a fresh set of cheers from the crowd and it takes some time before the Baron is able to calm people down once more.  "In recognition of everything that you have done for our lands," he goes on, "I offer you my Aunt's hand in marriage and to make you my heir."

Sir Garym gets points in Honest, Modest, and Valorous.

Garym is talking to the King Baedd, but his eyes are transfixed on the beauty that is Arianwen. He walks to her dropping to one knee. "My lord, I would accept your kind offer, but in the end the choice is Lady Arianwen. I know that I love her, and she has said the same of me. Less than one year prior, I was at a feast where Queen Guinevere announced her Court of Love. I did not understand what it was, but I stand before your court a changed man by love. In honor of the Court of Love, I must ask for the hand of the Lady I love. Under the Court of Love, a Maiden is not a prize to be won, but a gift that must be given by the Maiden herself. Arianwen, you are my heart. You are the reason I was born. Just like the prophecy that I would fight the boar. Our love was foretold in the heavens above. I ask that if you would have me I would be your husband."

"Rise, Sir Garym," Arianwen replies, "for it is I that should be kneeling at your feet pleading for your hand.  Decades ago I was engaged to marry the Count of Hereford and it was an excellent match for the Barony, one that would bring an alliance with a powerful County and I felt overwhelmed by my own inadequacy in the bargain.  But now I understand what true nobility is and I feel once more unworthy of the prospect of marriage but this time to a humble knight who can lead these lands not with wealth but with courage and benevolence."

Taking Sir Garym's hands in her own she says, "I love you, Sir Garym, and I have no greater aspiration than to be your wife."

Garym was lost in the moment. He kisses her hand as the joy of her answer overwhelms him. He whispers softly to her. "I love you. I love you."

Once he has recovered from the most joyous moment in his life, he turns back to Baron Baedd. "I ask one last thing, my Lord. These are the days of King Arthur, when we shall reach for the stars! He has a vision that is larger than one man. He believes violence is NOT strength, and compassion is NOT weakness! I ask you humbly to allow me to take the words of your fealty to King Arthur. He will welcome you gladly to his court like a long lost brother."

OOC: Took part of my words from Camelot. Arthur's words after knighting the boy in final scene.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Tue 26 Dec 2017.

The Baron readily agrees and proclaims that there shall be a feast in Sir Garym's honor on the morrow to celebrate the return of the Lost Princess, her engagement to Sir Garym 'The Brave,' and the removal of the menace of the boar.

The Barony, though once prosperous, has fallen on grave times as a result of the boar ravaging the fields and the destruction of much of the furnishings and such during the Boar Curse.  It will probably take a couple of years to normalize the place.

Sir Garym is put up in the keep overnight.

Garym knows that he needs both rest and sleep. He seeks the bath chambers from his dream hoping that it is still not oozes mud. After bathing, he sleeps for tomorrows feast.

The next day, he tries to speak with the steward to see if there is any value in tusks of the boar. If there is he wants to give them to the Baron for the purpose of helping his kingdom recover.


OOC: Garym has nothing he needs to do before feast. Not certain if you want to play out or move forward pass that.

The baths are no longer filled with mud but like most things in the keep, they are not what they once were, either.  Still, it is relaxing and it helps Sir Garym to unknot the muscles in his shoulders and back.  He sleeps fitfully and prepares for the feast.

As the time for the feast grows near, Sir Garym is led to Arianwen's rooms, her old rooms, where he finds her dressed in Baronial Finery that fits her as if made for her.  If he knew more about fashion, he would note that it was rather dated but he is blind to any such concerns.  She is a vision to behold, seeming to glow with an inner light just like when he first saw her after she was released from the Fae realm.  She accepts his arm and the two go to the main hall.

The place is decorated once more with tapestries that seem to fit the spaces and depict scenes from the Barony's glorious past.  There are cloths on the tables that hide the fact that the legs were cut short and the tables are now sitting on blocks.  A fanfare sounds upon their entrance and the two are introduced to the assemblage and led to the Baron's table.

The boar tusks are trophies more than things of real value.  They have value to Sir Garym because they are symbols of his glorious defeat of the boar but anyone else that had them would just have a pair of tusks for the most part.  It is like an Olympic medal in that sense, the real value is what it symbolizes.

The Barony is not without funds, it is a matter of time more than resources.  You can't just throw some gold at a field and hope it will recover.  ;)

Garym noticeably drinks in the sight of Arianwen. Last night and now seemed more a bedtime story for children, but he knew it was reality. She was to become his wife, and he was now the heir to a Barony. In his wildest dreams; he never thought that this would even be possible, but he stood in front of one of the most beautiful women in the world. "My dear, you look lovely tonight."

As Garym let her up to the Baron's table; he scanned the court looking for those that he had met in before the change. Hua and Gwylit were his friends even if they did not remember him. Before taking his place at the table, he formally greeted Lord Baedd. "Your Lordship, I thank you for this feast."

"Well, as the guest of honor, we could hardly have it without you, Sir Garym," the Baron chuckles.

Once everyone is seated, food begins to appear and it is far more appetizing than what was served on Sir Garym's prior visit.  Sir Garym is seated between Arianwen and Sir Gwyllt and although the details are a bit more hazy for the former boar knight, he does recall Sir Garym's prior visit as from a dream.  The dream transposed human trappings and activities over boarish ones but was otherwise relatively the same as Sir Garym's own recollection of events.

After a couple of courses, musicians appear and a space is cleared for dancing.

Garym definitely enjoys the food much more than the last time he was here. He has to repress an urge to steal a morsel from Sir Gwylit as a private joke, but decides it would be best that he didn't. "Sir Gwylit, I am not certain if you remember everything, but we both learned that your son, Hua, will make you proud. He faced the King's Champion, and in doing so you allowed him to sit with Lady Foneddig."

After he speaks to Gwylit; he returns to his conversation with Arianwen until the musicians come. "Arianwen, I believe since we are the guests of honor that we are suppose to dance. I must warn you that I am not a good dancer. I fear that your people may no longer think me heroic afterwards."

Garym chuckles slightly at his own joke because he knew how poor of a dancer he was. He offers his hand to Arianwen to lead her out to the dance floor.

Sir Gwyllt ponders this for a moment before nodding and looking over at the pair, who are deep in conversation.  "Now that you mention it I do recall something like that and I will treat it as you say, thank you Sir Garym."

Arianwen laughs, "well I have not danced in 25 years so I think I am rusty as well," she quips.

The pair proceed to the dance floor and show off a complete lack of coordination and rhythm.  They are both laughing so hard that they nearly fall over before the dance is halfway through.  "I think we need some practice lest someone is hurt," Arianwen suggests.

There are a couple more courses before the next break.  Is there anything else that Sir Garym would like to do before the feast is over and it is time to return to his manor and prepare for his wedding in the Winter?

Before Garym leaves for Woodford, He makes sure that he tells Hua and Gwylit that even though they may not remember that they are the truest of friends. What happened before may of been while they were under the King's enchantment, but it was real. No enchantment could steal the chivalrous heart that they possessed.

On Garym's way home, he stopped at Salisbury to ask for the permission to be married. A formality, but an important courtesy between vassal and liege. He also wanted to make sure that Arthur knew of his latest vassel, so that the Baedd could properly swear fealty to the king.

Diarmuid will inform their Majesties about the Barony and there will be a little to do at the next Tournament.  Everyone in Bod Dynol considers you a close friend.

Earl Robert gives his consent and is happy and proud of you.  At least one thing went right this year, he laments.

Winter Phase 516AD

1. Roll Stewardship (@ -2 for raiding)
Critical = +3£
Success  = +1£
Failure  = -1£
Fumble   = -3£

Base income is 6£.

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 consumption (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 Garym gets a one-time bonus of 1000 glory for marrying Arianwen.

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 Garym was intimate.  No rolls this year.

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


No roll this year.






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

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

You receive a dowry of 30£ for marrying Arianwen.  She also presents you with a new horse - a Destrier, in fact.  Damage = 8d6, Move = 7, Armor = 5, SIZ = 42, DEX = 10, STR = 38, CON = 10, HP = 52.

OOC: I went back to last years Winter Phase. I found I got A steward for this coming year we never determined The Steward's skill

Stewardship of 15.

Good catch.  Let me know if I screwed anything else up.  :)

1. Roll Stewardship (@ -2 for raiding)
Fumble
Income for land 3L

2. Roll for Experience
Lance Fail
Tourney succeed
Horsemanship Fail
Sword fail
Prudent Success
Merciful fail
Courtesy Success
Awareness Success
Battle Fail
Hunting Success
Proud success
Temperance Success
Faerie Lore Success

3. Training and Practice
Squire +1 First Aid(Can squire receive check from manor's List)
Gaming +2
Awareness +2
Hunting +2

4. Compute Glory
10 Tournament Display Parade
100 Defeating Irish
200 Repelling Irish
30 Winning Side Grand Melee
25 Mingling with Boar Culture
10 Participating in King Baedd's Feast
50 Striking a Bargain with King Aelrindal
100 Retrieving The Spear of Tywic Moc
100 For removing the Enchantments off Arianwen
200 For Killing the Demon boar removing the Curse from the Barony
50 For Diarmuid recording the tale
100 Chivalrous Knight
Valorous 17
Generous 16
Horsemanship 20
Sword 17
Lance 16
Honor 16
Love Arianwen 20
Total Glory = (original Glory) 1399 + (New Glory) 2101=3500

5. Determine Upkeep and conspicuous spending
Starting Treasury 25 + 3 Income + 30 Dowry + 4 logging (No Ruination) - 3 Retinue - 1 List - 5 Reinforced Chain - 10 Rich knight - 2 Apiary - 5 sheep Herd

Ending Treasury = 36
6. Family Rolls

Scandal in Family One of my parents

During the Winter, Garym spends time with Arianwen learning more about her, and what she would like to see for the future of Woodford. He takes time to study the old maps and ride much of Salisbury because the Irish incursion into the county should of been detected much sooner, and plans put in place to better defend against a siege of Sarum. The patrols and outposts needed to be better coordinated as well as establishing hidden caches of food and supplies that could be accessed quickly and transported to where needed.

He rode to Sarum asking for permission to meet with Robert to discuss revisions to the County's defense plans.

It takes a couple of weeks, as the Earl, now married to a Princess, is busy with a variety of things, including his new wife, which seem to take precedence.  However, Earl Robert sits down with Sir Garym to discuss the knight's thoughts and plans for the County.

"Congratulations are in order, Sir Garym.  It seems that you have been very busy this last year," the Earl says with a smile.

"The year was a good year for some. I have heard that my friend Sir Gracian had tragedy strike. He like you helped me understand the new era of love which the Queen seeks. BY understanding; I was able to find the man I was suppose to be, and more importantly the woman I would love forever. If Sir Gracian 's love is like mine for Arianwen I am uncertain how he will recover. Sir Gracian is a truly great knight, so I believe he will return us somehow." Garym paused not wanting to speak anymore of Gracian's pain. The horror of what happened could happen to anyone. He needed to move on, or risk falling into a melancholy.

"I came here today though to speak to you about revamping the defense plans for Salisbury. This includes developing mobile patrols with communications protocol which would include steps to take in the case of absent check-ins by patrols and if hostiles are spotted. I think we also need to set up stores that are easily accessed in case of siege. We can also have equipment placed near the bridges to allow us to better fortify against advancement towards Sarum."

The Earl nods sagely, but it seems to Sir Garym that all of this is new to him.  "Do you really think that necessary, Sir Garym?" he inquires.  "The Irish will soon be taken care of and the Saxons do not have sufficient numbers to really trouble us anymore," he explains.

Shrugging he says, "it seems that our resources could be better spent rebuilding, rather than preparing for something that is very unlikely to occur, especially with Arthur back in London."

"I understand the need for managing the county's resources wisely. Most of these changes will cost little other than setting up protocols to follow. Others will give the county a long term plan and infrastructure that will maintain the safety that many have fought for. The idea is not to live in fear, but to remove any fear that what happen last year can happen again. This will send a signal not just to our enemies, but it will provide comfort to the populace seeing that the county has risen up to ensure that they are protected. I believe that this sense of security will have positive effects other than purely militarily. Let us send a signal to friends and enemies alike that Salisbury is not a land to be preyed upon. My Lord, did we ever think that the Irish could do what they did last year?I do not know what threats lay in the future, but I say better to face the unknown standing strong then to taken unprepared." Robert was a fine man that knew many important things, but on this matter Garym knew that he was right. Between vassal service and the calling of liegemen many of the patrol issues could be met without unnecessary hardships. It would simply be a matter of proper management.

"Well," the Earl hedges, "last summer was the result of a series of events that won't happen again.  I won't be in Salisbury with the Princess, the Irish will be subdued, our Southern border will be more secure," he spreads his arms to emphasize the point, whatever it is.

"Having mobile patrols requires quartering them somewhere, having caches of food for the patrols, pulling knights away from their lands more frequently, reducing their agricultural productivity.  Keeping extra stores available for a siege also requires additional storage of food and water.  All of which means that there is less for the people now after a bad year with a lot of bad harvests," he explains.

Garym had been week in the season past. He did not speak up against the Earl when he saw the defenses would fail. He allow other prideful knights to take the lead. He had an obligation to step up. "I understand my Lord. Let me make one last suggestion on the idea of patrols. Salisbury has many manors, and these manors are much like a spider web crisscrossing the county. Each knight could easily act as a series of communication points. Each watching out for their manors, and passing along to the other nearby manors the state of the affairs of their demesne. Each day, by the end of the night the County would have a fairly accurate lay of the lands. As we both know war is seldom conducted during the Winter periods; the stores would serve as a buffer for harsh winters serving to ensure a well fed populace, and helping encase something happens. The assumption that nothing will happen maybe correct, but better to be prepared. The preparations will serve many purposes other than defense. Your Vassal Knights will be better connected, the populace will see that your Lordship watches out for their well being even if there is a small cost, and finally news of your county will quickly arrive to the seat of the county. I believe that by implementing these changes you will become the envy of other lords, and they will adopt this grid format of defense for their lands."

"If you say," the Earl responds without a great deal of enthusiasm.  "I will tell you what, I will give you authority to implement a communication system and come up with a plan for storing food and quartering troops.  I will review it after the Pentecost tournament in London and if it meets with my approval, I will have it implemented over the summer," he offers.

Sir Garym gets a point in Battle.

"Thank you my Lord. I will work on the details with my steward as well as yours to get a realistic estimate of costs and available resources. I will have all it ready by London. I look forward to presenting Lady Arianwen formally to the court Pentecost tournament. I hope that you will have some time to meet her nephews, Baron Baedd and Sir Gwylit." As Garym spoke about his new wife; he wondered if he was spending to much time away instead of spending it with her. What he was doing was important, but nore important was the time he spent with her. He needed to finish his business her, and rush to her side.

"My Lord, with your permission. I should should return to my home. Much to do unless you have need of me for something else."

"No, Sir Garym, I have nothing else I need of you.  However," he looks around to make sure that no one is eavesdropping before continuing in a whisper, "it seems that your tale has made it to The Queen's attention and she might be pushing to get you to fill Sir Lamorak's empty chair at the Round Table."

"Such an honor. I would of course accept. I had thought to petition the Queen pledging myself to her Court of Love, but I should enough of such talk I have found that what is suppose to happen does. The Lord provides that which is needed. I have been given much." With that, he gives an informal bow, and leaves to do the final work with Robert's staff for his defensive plans.

When done, he rides hard back to his Woodford and more importantly his love. He tosses to the reins of his horse to Budfannon then runs to the main manor house. Seeing Arianwen, he takes her into his arms lovingly. "Arianwen, I am home, and I missed you so much."

Arianwen is happy, as ever to see Sir Garym return and returns the hug fiercely.  "Did you have any luck with Earl Robert?" she inquires.

"He was reluctant at first, but he has agreed to let me make preparations for several parts of the plan, but we talk about that later." I just want to spend the rest of the day and especially the night with you. I have been distracted wanting to set this defense grid up in Salisbury when I should of been focusing more on you." Garym holds her amorously kissing her hard. In the back of his mind, he could not forget the loss that Gracian must be feeling now. He felt selfish, but he thanked the Father that it was Gracian and not him.

He swooped her up into his arms carrying her to their bedchambers. All he wanted to do was to hold her forever in her his arms. Caress her soft skin as his hands massaged her perfect form. He fiercely pushed the door open as he fell with her to their bed laughing impishly all the way.

Fade to Black ]

---

After waking from their lovemaking, Garym stroked her hair gently as she slept until she woke. "Good morning my love. I will go and bring you some breakfast if you like. Oh yes, I should tell Robert told me that the Queen campaigning on my behalf to take Sir Lamorak's place at the King's Round Table."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Tue 16 Jan 2018.

Arianwen is of course delighted for Sir Garym, once the significance of the Round Table is explained.  Like many everyday things, there are still gaps in her knowledge.  "I hope that will not mean that you are called away from me for long periods," she laments before noting, "I am rather looking forward to this tournament, and feast, however.  A chance to see and be seen," she smiles.

Garym wanted to lie, but he couldn't. Arianwen was to important to Garym for him to deceive her. "If I am chosen, I fear there would be many obligations that would fulfil much of my time. The Round Table is the highest order of Knighthood. It is dedicated to the principles of Chivalry. The Knights are often call on by King Arthur to quest. Their motto is that 'Might does not make Right.' It is the new way thinking that King Arthur wants his vassals to adopt. A noble obligation to provide for those that one leads. The Knights also gather to discuss and debate laws of the land. I believe Arthur's dream is make all of his kingdom's lives better. I.... No, we would be part of that."

"Well," she exclaims, "I suppose we better make the best use of the time we have together then."  It is a long, but not unpleasant, morning.

Getting to spend time with Arianwen and being able to communicate is a daily blessing to the the young knight.  Whole worlds seem to open up.  They talk about plans for the manor, ride, talk, sing, dance, and just enjoy getting to know one another better.  At length, it is time to head to the Pentecost feast.  There is a sense of excitement for both Sir Garym and for Arianwen, as both foresee momentous events occurring at the feast.