Garym actually missed riding Harbinger. A trust between man and beast had been established. He hoped that one day soon he would learn to love Ebon Flame as much as he did Harbinger. Arianwen had been riding one of the rounceys, but that was not good. She was a lady of station, and she deserved a horse of her own. He gathered Budfannon, and made his way to the Market Square. There he knew he could find a palfrey worthy of his wife.

Friar Coombs greets Sir Gracian with a smile but one that turns sad at the news of Lady Ariette's death.  "I am so sorry, Sir Gracian.  That is an incredible loss both to you and to those who knew Lady Ariette's warmth and boundless energy," he says, placing a comforting hand on the knight's arm.

He gratefully accepts the donations and designates a portion of the morrow's sermon and ceremony to Lady Ariette.

Sir Gracian gets a check in Pious and a check in Generous.

Sir Dalan visits the encampment of his knights near the lists and spends the day practicing with the sword.

Sir Dalan gets a check in Sword.

Sir Garym and his squire wander through the stables of several merchants looking for an appropriate horse for Lady Arianwen.  Due to the number of merchants, they are offered a good deal on either a palfrey (basic riding horse, MOV: 6) or a courser (combat and hunt trained, MOV: 9) for 4£.

Note:  The four of you arrived with Sir Robert and the Salisbury knights, as well as the knights of Dover's Crossing and Stonewall.  However, only the four of you are staying at the White Tower (mainly for simplicity).  Sir Perin appears to be off with the Countess somewhere and the others are camped near the tournament field.

Garym hoped that Arianwen would love his surprise for her. His father trained him relentless to use his horse as a tool of war, but they had always been more than that to Garym. They were his first and only friends growing up. He was treated well by the other children, but because one day he would be a vassal knight he was an outsider.

He sent Budfannon to bring Arianwen to him. As she arrived; he  gesture to the Palfrey. "I wanted your opinion on her. I think she is a lovely animal."

Once she gave her opinion he smiles, "She is yours."

Sir Gracian spend time at the lists practicing his horsemanship. Gracian is all too aware of his failings as a rider and now that he ride a destrier into battle he finds it important to be able to control.

To be honest his horse actually scares him.

"Excellent." Sir Dalan tells his knights after an extended bout of sword practice. He is worn out and has to take steady breaths as he speaks but it has been a good chance to bond with the men. "Knights of Dover's Crossing, I am honoured to lead you.
 This tournament shall be our first trial together, let us make it a memorable one. The knight who does best in this contest shall carry my banner in the Irish campaign."

So saying he taps his shield, emblazoned with the panther rampant on blue - his coat of arms.

Arianwen adores the horse and lets out a joyful squeal when she finds out that it will be hers.

Sir Gracian and Sir Dalan spend the afternoon with their troops.

The group is left to their own devices for dinner and the following day is Sunday, so those so inclined attend services.  Father Coombs gives a rather touching tribute to Ariette that leaves the congregation misty-eyed but also makes everyone smile at remembrances of the vivacious young woman.

On Monday, Earl Robert has all of his knights training together in various exercises throughout the day.

Tuesday dawns and everyone has another free day to get things done, learn, explore, catch up, or not.  You will have another day or two of freedom, probably.

On Tuesday Gracian hands him squire Idres 20d and tells him to go and have fun when his duties are done and then Gracian visits the market. London is huge (or so it seems to Gracian) and the market is particularly exciting with goods not normally seen in Salisbury. Aware of the risk of pickpockets Gracian visits stall after stall talking to the shopkeepers and merchants about things like trade and taxes. He isnt looking to purchase anything specific and he doubts he will return with any goods but he is interested in the rumours and gossip from the marketplace.

Sir Dalan attends the Sunday service and like many finds the tribute to Ariette saddening, but uplifting in its own way. It seemed right that such a woman be so fondly remembered.

On Tuesday Sir Dalan also gifted his own squire Melion a sum for him to spend, then offers to join Sir Gracian in his visit to the market: "A look around the city should be interesting and it would be a confident cutpurse indeed who tangled with two knights my brother."

"Indeed it would but I have no doubt London has it's share of cunning cutpurses." Gracian answers with a grin before turning more serious. "I was glad to see you attend the Sunday service, brother. It was nice to see a familiar face in the crowd. But ... " he continues and manage to smile "... enough of that. Let us go to the market together and see what we can find. I hear there is a man there that can breath fire!"

Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian wonder through the stalls and shops that seem to inhabit every usable piece of the area in the northern part of the city.  Sir Gracian is mindful of pickpockets while Sir Dalan seems unconcerned.

They come upon a string of shops with a variety of fashions for both men and women.  Sir Dalan stops in a shop with the latest in noble clothing looking for something that  Ellowyn might like while Sir Gracian looks at a pair of boots in the shop next to it.

Sir Gracian catches a snippet of conversation that peeks his interest.  A man, clearly a noble, with a valet and a couple of guards is discussing a dress with the shopkeeper.  "I need this for the Countess by Thursday," he says, caressing the soft fabric, "I want her to have it for the opening feast, so make sure it fits."

As the shopkeeper retreats with the emerald-green silk dress, the man's valet inquires, "what about the ruby necklace?"

Nodding, the man says, "it is perfect.  It matches her fiery hair.  Have it ready to be delivered to her on Thursday with the dress."

Gracian try not to smile when he start to suspect that the good Countess Fiona has once agained lured some poor lovestruck fool into her web. He waits till the nobleman has left before he approach the shopkeeper with a friendly smile. "Good man. I could not help but overhear the conversation you just had. May I ask who the nobleman was and who the dress is meant for? I have rarely seen such an exquisite dress as the one he inquired about."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Thu 08 Feb 2018.

The shopkeeper eyes Sir Gracian critically before noting haughtily, "you have a fine eye for fabric but I am not at liberty to discuss my clients' business."  He remains standing there, watching Sir Gracian expectantly.

Perhaps a little change (10 shillings) would loosen his tongue?

Sir Gracian gets a check in Intrigue (and a point in Awareness I forgot to mention in the last post).

Garym knew the summer was fast approaching which would take him away from home most likely, so he wanted to spend as much time as possible with Arianwen. After finishing a short morning drill with Budfannon; he takes Arianwen out riding on her new Palfrey. He arranged for a small picnic lunch that they could share outside the city. When the ride was over; he planned on walking her through the White Tower viewing the Gardens and its various pieces of art.

Sir Dalan meanwhile is looking for a blue dress to match his beloved's eyes, and perhaps other apparel to complete the outfit.

"I would never expect a man of your integrity to discuss your clients without being compensated for your trouble, my good man." Sir Gracian replies with a smile and slide 20 shilling across the counter. "I have nothing but respect and admiration for your discretion."

Sir Garym and Lady Arianwen enjoy a leisurely day of riding and walking.  Taking advantage of those few precious moments they have together.  Fortunately, the mass of knights have not arrived yet, so they can still find a bit of tranquility outside the walls.

Sir Dalan is ever amazed by the price of garments.  A set of clothing of knightly materials costs 1£ and of noble materials costs 4£.  More exotic or high-end fabrics and styles are more.  Sometimes much more.  The dress that the shopkeeper Sir Gracian is talking to is holding costs around 8£-10£.

As part of his yearly maintenance, he has gotten Ellowyn new clothes but that does not mean that something special for the feast would be out-of-line.

Palming the money with a practiced hand, the shopkeeper smiles warmly and nods, "of course you understand how someone like the Dux of the City of Legions would not want his name and business bantered about."  His expression turns more serious and he whispers, "never mind what the Countess would do were I to even mention her name," he crosses himself and looks around nervously as if the mystery woman might show up at any moment.  The man is actually sweating.  He turns and hurries back into his shop perhaps worried that the very sun might give him away.

Tomorrow will be another day of training with the Salisbury knights, followed by one last free day before the tournament starts.  Is Sir Dalan buying?  Anything anyone wants to share with one another or others before our final free day?

[POST EDITED]

Returning to Sir Dalan he smiles as he sees his friend struggle to find a dress to his beloved. The news about the Dux of the City of Legions is something he keeps to himself for now.

The following day he should rest and prepare himself for the Tournament but before noon he seek out Sir Imchad of Cruachu in Connacht and ask if he can provide Gracian with a tutor willing to teach Gracian the language and customs of the Irish.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Thu 08 Feb 2018.

Garym approaches the Earl before any future drilling. He speaks to Robert highlighting the strength of some of the maneuvers that they had drilled in. He also gave suggestions on how the Knights of Salisbury could fight tactically better utilizing individual skills of the knights assembled versus thinking them as similar in skill sets. Garym tries to remember that though he might have a stronger grasp of battle tactics than Robert. Robert was wiser and a more charismatic leader then Garym ever would be.

In reply to Teller of Tales (msg # 43):

Sir Dalan's eyes widen at the price, but after a short internal struggle he nods heroically. "I'll buy it."

For his free day Sir Dalan simply rests and readies himself for the tournament, taking the time to inspect his horses, his armour and his weapons to make sure all is ready.

Sir Imchad is happy to talk to Sir Gracian, who was nice enough to explain a few helpful things at the dinner a few nights earlier.  He explains a bit about the various Kingdoms in Ireland (See Game Map Group 1, force refresh if it is not Ireland).

Connacht, in the West is Irish/Pagan and ruled by Eogan Bel.  He has an army in the thousands of warriors.  It is a large and powerful Kingdom largely due to the Port of Galway.  Connacht has a long-standing and often bloody rivalry with Oriel.

Oriel, Aileck, and Meath are ruled by Muirchertach Mac Erca, the High King.  Meath is Irish Christian, while the others are Irish/Pagan.  Between them their army is a little smaller than Connacht's but has a small number of knights.

Dal Riada, Dal Araide, Dal Fiatach, and the Long Isles are ruled by Duke Galahaut and are Christian, part Irish, part Pict.  They have a smaller Army but lots of knights, as well as a lot of ships and sailors.  Pomitain, or the Island of Man, is a vassal state to Duke Galahaut, and is populated by Manx/Pagans who are aminly sailors.

Leinster is ruled by King Anguish, who is allied with King Arthur and hates Muirchertach Mac Erca.  The people are Irish/Christian and there are some knights, soldiers, and a small army of warriors.

Munster is the last of the Kingdoms of Ireland and is under Crimthann.  THey are Irish/Pagan and have an army comparable to Muirchertach Mac Erca's.

Sir Dalan has a very nice outfit for Ellowyn, who promptly shows him how much she likes it.  Maybe this will be the year he gets an heir.

Earl Robert nods appreciatively, although Sir Garym gets the sense that the Earl does not really get all of the nuance and is mostly just trusting the better tactician.

Garym was glad that the Earl was trusting of Garym's advice. He hoped that the his suggestions demonstrated the soundness of his defensive plan. At the end of the drill: He gathers Dalan and Gracian to speak. "I was thinking that we should issue a Neighborly challenge to Praetor Jonathel to provide a trio of knights that are his vassal for a challenge. The reasons are simply a signal to all that Salisbury is strong, and we three stand on the wall ready to protect it."

Sir Gracian listens carefully to what Sir Imchad explains about Ireland. For some reason Sir Gracian had never thought the political scene in Ireland would be so complex.

"Thank you, Sir Imchad, for being so kind and explain these things to me. I would be grateful if you could perhaps spare one of your men? I need someone to tutor me in your language and customs. I promise his help will not go unrewarded of course."

Sir Dalan spends a very pleasant, very private day with his fair ladywife.

"Indeed a brilliant idea, my brother!" says Sir Gracian when Sir Garym explains his plan to Dalan and him later that evening. "It is important to show all that Salisbury is strong and that our spirit is undaunted by the Irish invasion. A friendly challenge will be an opportunity for just that!"

---

OOC: Sorry Garym - I dont know how but I had completely missed your post.

Sir Dalan nods slowly at Sir Garym's words. "That is a good idea my brother."

OOC: Sorry, I missed that too!