Brannon seems exhausted - his nerves and the strain of managing politics in a new land suddenly coming to the fore as he finds time to relax. He divides his time between prayer, and study in Cene's library, as well as taking a great interest in the history and architecture of Ereworn. He asks anyone who will listen about how far the Selentines made it into the country, and whether there are any ruins worth exploring. Time and again, though, he goes  back to the texts on Fengris and Rimfax, reading every little detail. It is clearly playing on his mind...

"Thank ye, Smith Sammell. I will return when ye finish work today to clean and glean the chaff from yon iron workhorse." Caith replies in poetic courtesy.

She glances towards Alphail, smiles and says "May the work go well." and leaves a jug of ale covered with a clean cloth beside him before she leaves, the rich aroma of hops and herbs rising from it despite the cloth over it.

Caith goes to gather library lore amid a different sort of dusty workplace, for all the smell of fresh herbs and rich spices is beginning to accumulate in one corner of it, page on page of the lore she deems safe to pass on to anyone well versed enough in reading to know.

A second copy lies safe in the scrollcase on her belt, as there is no greater gift she can think of in her lore to leave to her kin that satisfies her oath to her teachers as well.

That done, she seeks out Diarmuid, and asks a complex question of him in simple words "Did ye ever fear the Man ye were, when ye were the Black Boar Of the Woods, or the Boar's return when ye were a man again, or are ye both Boar and Man in the one skin, and nay afeared of either?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:33, Wed 13 Nov 2019.

Diarmuid looked at her carefully, " When I was the Boar I was running from sorrow with a fractured mind.  The Boar is still here but there is understanding....I go out to the wilderness regularly...the Boar is Diarmuid.  There is no need for fear."

"There may be nay need for it, but I am still afraid..." Caith admits in a whisper "...I am She Who Bites Wolves Back, aye, but this is a bigger wolf than those I have ever called to me afore."

She stares at Dairmund intently, as if she seeks to see the future in his surface, then shrugs as she concedes "Nay matters, I guess. A wolf is a wolf, no matter how large, and them I ken well enough to work with better than I did in times past."

The hedgewitch bows and says in pensive but hopeful tone "Ye have given me more to think on than I had hoped for, Dairmund Of Castle And Forest, and I thank ye for your hard won wisdom."

Information Brannon finds:

- The Selentines settled in Ereworn for a little over the amount of time they were in Ereworn.
They expanded Ereworn Town into a small city and to supplement the fort there created a redoubt in the mountains on the site of an older fortress. It is now Castle Ereworn.

- There are Selentine ruins scattered throughout the country, the majority around Ereworn town reclaimed by Gallows Wood.

- He also realises it will be Spring Festival in Glissom very soon.

- Of Rimfax and Fengris he determines that Rimfax was possibly once a god of fertility and the harvest, dragged into service of the Stalking Oblivion in the ages before written record.  The black-clad priests of Rimfax were perhaps once druids themselves but had regressed even past the point of the Servants of Shadow he knew back home.

- He comes to the conclusion eventually that worrying bout Fengris is like worrying about death, or a storm or old age...

Leofwyn spends a lot of her time in the gardens, or in the library with Caith, helping to fill any gaps or give any other translations that she's heard in her travels. She also brings out a book that she's been carrying with her, which includes a small pressed flower inside.
"This is one of the first flowers that I pressed by myself when I was still a wee one. These flowers grew all around my house - but my mother didn't have the heart to tell me that it was actually a weed." She laughed and put the greyish blue flower on the table. "But you can see that it is a rather good way of preserving the plant in a way that allows you to see it's structure, even if it does lose some of its colour,"



When she wasn't in the garden or library, you could find her exploring the grounds of the castle, stopping to pet any animal that crossed her path. Never seeming to be in too much of a hurry, she would stop to make conversation with anyone else not in a hurry.

One afternoon she bumps into Usopi on his way to the training area.

"Excuse me, Sir Usopi, I was wondering if I could bother you for some advice."

"I was looking at getting some form of armour before we all set out together, and wasn't sure who I should talk to about that. I have never had to have armour before, as I am more of a... long distance kind of person. But I have an inkling that that won't quite cut it this time..."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:18, Thu 14 Nov 2019.

With this realisation, Brannon finally lays down his pen. He glances over his notes, particularly those about the Selentines, and looks blearily at his ink-stained fingers.   "Bah." He grumbles to himself. "I am cooping myself up too much. We have more pressing concerns than the demon wolf, terrible though it is. I will let you deal with oblivion, Hearth Mother - you placed me here to deal with more earthly threats..."

To clear his head, he takes a stroll about the town and castle, sketching what he can of any signs of the Selentines. He will do his best to track down Aphail, Caith and Usopi to discuss their next moves.

"I would not mind taking a search in Gallows Wood for some of those Selentine Ruins... but perhaps it will have to wait for another time. The Spring Festival fast approaches - it is a big deal for the Temple of Flame, and I should be back in Glissom to see it. Besides, there is much I must discuss with the Hearthfather...

Sir Turren's next few days are much like those before.

Routine. Oiling and polishing arms and armour, going over kit, drilling, praying, eating... He enquires about obtaining a bow and arrows in his spare time too.

On the third day he seeks out a certain peach tree, and finds peace liberating it of it's fruit. These he gathers in whatever is available, and sets them aside for Leofwyn to distribute as she sees fit, taking but one for himself.

On the event that a bow comes to him, he will integrate archery into his timetable. Though no stranger to the weapon, he's not had need to pick one up off the red ground since his travels south. He'll familiarize himself as he may in the time given.

Usopi stopped to great Leofwyn and listened to her question. At first he was a little surprised by the question, not thinking of the woman as a combatant. Then he realized if she were traveling with them from now on she'd likely become a combatant soon enough.

He looked her up and down, thinking of what to say, "Well, I suppose if you think you'd still like to be longer distance, I'd suggest a gambeson or perhaps padded armor. I might even go so far as a mail hauberk, though at that point you'd likely begin to feel the weight of it slowing you down, which is often worse than simply having less protection." He looked her up and down once more before glancing down the corridor toward Sammell, "Perhaps Sammell might have an excess suit to sell that he could adjust to your measurments. Would you like me to accompany you to determine a fair price?" He asked.

----------



"And indeed there is the other matter Killian spoke of, the mining town north of Glissom." Usopi added with a small furrow of his brow, "Hopefully the situation is not so dire that they are already past help."



OOC - I believe what Usopi knows is; Brannon works for a secret employer, "Clan Cernach", who's family was killed by a corrupt leader. This employer wants to unseat said corrupt leader, who appears to have taken control of the local governing body through subterfuge, "The Steward and Clan Hewell". (possibly even using dark magic). Brannon and Co, are traveling around enlisting aid from other leaders, both in the areas of Glissom and without. While doing so they regularly perform good works for the small folk, and seem too decent of a sort to be sworn to madmen.

How Caith is involved, I'm not sure how much he'd know by know, since she joined after him and is not directly employed by secret boss. However, the hidden red hair, her inclusion as a Cernach clanswoman, and Brannon and Aphail's speed in taking her council have probably clued him in that something there is important.
(Though it's possible Brannon and Aphail got invested so quickly because they're all northern folk and just have a natural affinity for their own cultural signifiers, lol. )

"Oh, I would hate to inconvenience you - I can see you were heading somewhere with a purpose. You've given me some good advice to work on, and I thank you!" She turns to leave but hesitates for a moment.

"Just one more question..." she turns back to Usopi. "Perhaps you are not the one to ask this specifically... but is there someone in town that might deal in magical armour or wards? Would Sammell know of such things? For as you have no doubt gathered, physical strength is not my strong point - and so big, heavy armour would probably do me ill in the long run... but perhaps an enchantment? Something I could wear or place under my cropped cloak?" She stops talking, giving Usopi a chance to respond.

Usopi nodded his understanding as she made to leave, but raised an eyebrow at her question. At first he wasn't sure of an answer, and stroked his chin a moment.

Finally he spoke again, "Perhaps Sammel might know. I have found it difficult to know who holds knowledge of magic and power lately. However, he suspected me of embellishment when I described the snake woman. Caith might know the concept and theory of magical enchantment, though she seems more focused on works of an herbal nature. Cene seems the best source of magical information, as well as knowledge of which locals might be of further help. However, I have never seen the creation of magically enhanced equipment, only found such items in ruins and battlefields. It may be something possible only for the most skilled wielders of magical forces."

Caith looks intently at the flower, then smiles as she says "Another wolf in flower. The old empire's invaders called it Lupine, and 'tis a good source of food if ye have the knack of washing the bitterness out of the the bean seeds. Toast and pound to make a fair flour of them..." then grins as she adds "...One woman's weed is another woman's breakfast."

-------



"Aye, nay know how long such an archeological investigation will take, and we travel by foot, nay swift steeds..." Caith says in practical thought "...But if ye think there be something of interest on the way? I'd nay mind a quick look about them myself."

She suggests "I'd consider getting a pony, or a string of them, but the big lads would never manage with their stirrups dragging on the ground. Still, would make a difference in carrying supplies with even one pack pony, and they could act as another set of eyes and eyes to warn of predators on the prowl."

The hedgewitch cannily observes "I ken ye are eager to be back in Gliss for the Spring Festival, and it would be taken amiss if ye were nay present for it, Hearthwarden Darrow. I am most eager to have a word with the Hearth Father myself, and no doubt Lady Leofwyn would be most interested to see such ancient rites herself, but there's a certain man needing to be paid his finder's fee in Hallowhall first, aye?..."

------

On her way from the smithy, Caith notes another familiar face, and greets the carpenter from the road cheerfully, then asks him "How goes the work? Ye have a moment to spare for a small commission? There's a thing I have need of, a small flat lidded wooden box, hinged like scallop shell. Nay big, small enough to fit in a hand or a cloak pocket." as she passes over a scrap of paper with a diagram on it.

She goes out in search of beeswax after that, a plan in her mind taking shape...
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Fri 15 Nov 2019.

" Easy done, missus.  I'll have it for ye tamarrow, oak is ok? I've a nice bit that'll do well for that."

" Two silver?"

"Aye, 'tis well suited to the task I have in mind for it." Caith replies in cheerful agreement, then offers "Two silver now, and another one for your trouble to join them if ye can have it ready by tomorrow morning?"

" Easily done."

Deise, Sir Uthen, Sir Turren and Leofwyn

You all receive a missive under your door marked with your name and sealed with the Kings sigil.

' To ( Your Name),

I ask a request of you not as King but as Shepherd of the people and lands of Ereworn.  I ask that you put aside your labours here for the time being and accompany Hearthfather Darrow and his companions back to their homeland of Glissom. For two reasons I ask this; to determine if there is anything untoward occuring in the higher echelons of Gliss Society especially the royal court and also to provide them secure escort to their homeland in repayment for the service they have done our people.

Take with you this letter that acts as Royal Writ identifying you as an Agent of the Court of Ereworn and ensuring that you are to be treated as my representatives.  I expect it to take some time to arrive at a certain conclusion but would ask that some word be sent back to me of your progress within the month.

My Thanks and Regards,

Your Majesty King Corbin Elvaron.'

"Ye have yourself a bargain then, Master Carpenter." Caith replies, smiles and goes in search of beeswax.

On a stall rich in the aroma of honey, she finds what she seeks, and an elderly man with a most curious veiled hat hung on one of the posts of the striped brown and ochre yellow faded woolen awning above him.

More coin changes hands for honey, a dozen candles and two small rectangular slabs of beeswax, slightly smaller than the dimensions of the oaken box she ordered earlier.

OOC: Caith will make sundry purchases while she has the time at the castle, but I don't insist on playing through all of them.

I will go tote up the costs from the extensive lists, as none of her purchases are particularly expensive beyond the spices from the castle's cook.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Sat 16 Nov 2019.

"Thank you again for your time and your information. I will first seek out Sammell, and enquire with him." She inclined her head slightly, and then made her way to Sammell's workshop.


"Excuse me, Master Sammell? I mean not to interrupt, only I have a rather specific enquiry of you when you get a moment?" Leaf stood to the side and waited for Sammell to be ready.

" Yes, Miss Leofwyn? How can I help?", Sammel answered as he came over.

"I wanted to ask about some form of protection for me. Armour, yes, but maybe something simpler?"

She takes off her cropped cape and hands it to Sammel. "As you can see, I have woven fine steel into my Cape, which gives me a level of physical security and doesn't weigh me down."

"It's been enough for me in the past, but I'm thinking maybe in the coming months, it won't quite cut it."

"Do you have anything else like this that's lightweight yet protective?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:19, Sun 17 Nov 2019.

" I've a few things Miss....not mostly not custom work like this, quite pricey I would think.  Nobility perhaps."

" Ah, listen to daft old Sammel letting his mouth run away with him...pay me no mind, Miss."

" I've a maille vest ( AF 2), made for a lad, just needs a cotton vest beneath and could be well hidden under travelling clothes...and fine clothes if specially tailored. Icould let you have it in barter for that number your wearing."

" I have the makings of a plate cuirass( AF 3) from Sir Uthen and Sir Usopis damaged armour and a gambeson for under it...its slim, made for a gel or lad not one one of them beefy jousting pieces, but its still a big chunk of metal. I'd need a 100 silver to cover costs..."


OOC: Just some info.

The prices quoted are massive discounts, normally 150 silver and 300 silver respectively.

Elementalists: –1 from attack and defence for wearing a AF 3; –3 for AF 4; -4 for AF 5.

Armour worn Chance of miscast spell ( Miscast spells cost 2x MP and are rolled randomly).

AF 3 10%
AF 4 20%
AF 5 30%

"I can see you are skilled and generous - and a credit to this kingdom. I thank you for your two wonderful offers but must pass on them at this time."

"The plate cuirass looks to be slightly too big for myself - and this cape of mine holds some nostalgic significance for me, and so I am not quite ready to part with it just yet."

"I must admit that I did have something a bit more particular in mind, but until that I know that it even exists, I might keep it to myself." She smiles and takes back her cloak. "Thank you, Master Sammel. I hope to do business with you in the future."

And she makes to leave.

" Very well, perhaps next time."

Caith takes her various purchases and packs them away but for the wax slabs, then sits in the pleasant room assigned to her a while, intent on gathering her scattered thoughts, but still slightly uneasy at it's invisible cage of expected ladylike behavior.

The cruelty of the past may have been scrubbed from it's stone walls, but their history seems uncomfortably close as she sits and thinks on older, darker times.
She murmurs to herself sadly "If it worries me just thinking on the little I've heard of the place over a few days, then it can nay be helping Corbin's state of mind living in it since he overthrew the previous occupant..."

Caith sighs as she comes to the inescapable conclusion "...But he'd the King now, and where else is is a King to live? Nay here, if I were him, but must be here, as befits a ruler..." She shakes her head at such a quandary for a man in power, yet caught in a trap of the past with gilded jaws.

For the thousandth time over the last few days, her fingers stray towards the tightly bound wolfskin knotted into her girdle of hand spun woolen yarn for safekeeping, then flinch away from it.

"You'll keep a while yet..." Caith says grimly under her breath, and not just to herself "...We'll see what Lady Artia makes of ye, well away from any mortal man ye might scare out of their skin at the sight of ye."

The small grey rabbit in the wooden hutch on the table near her chews a dock leaf, and regards her warily, as unused to such surroundings as Caith is, but blissfully unaware of their impending fate. The hedgewitch changes into her stained and oft repaired  green tunic, and finishes putting her equipment in order.

After some hours work that evening before the moon it at it's zenith, the gleaming surfaces and lack of dirt and cobwebs in Sammell's smithy attest to the intensity of her labor.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Mon 18 Nov 2019.

As the day of departure for Glissom arrives, Brannon gathers together those who will be travelling with him. "We depart this morning for Glissom City. It has been some weeks since I left, and of those who set out with me, I alone am returning - the others having scaterred to undertake quests of their own. I am thererfore grateful for your company, but I must warn you that travelling with me, especially into Glissom, places you in danger. I would be fully open with everyone before we leave, so that you know the danger you are facing. I am doing this as an act of faith - to show the trust I place in you, since what I am about to tell you will be enough to see me killed and bring all I work for to naught once we are over the border."

He scratches his chin, thoughtfully, as if thinking over the best way to phrase what he is about to say: and indeed he is. "All is not well in Glissom. Dark forces are stirring - evil events taking place, and they cannot all be placed at the feet of the fleeing acolytes of the unlamented Duke who was so rightfully overthrown here in Ereworn.

"I told you that I was sent to investigate such occurences, and so I was. But not by the Temple of Flame. I serve my Goddess - the Hearthmother Brigantia - first and foremost and with every fibre of my being. I serve the Temple next, but a rot has set in among the rulers of Glissom - and I do not know if my Temple has been affected, or whom I can trust there. I do not like deceit, but I find myself enmeshed in the conspiracy of others. Our King - Durindar - has secreted himself away, has not been seen in public for years, and no one knows why. During that time, Steward Kilnded has ruled on his behalf. Well, as far as most are concerned. He keeps the nation stable, and appears to be wise. Perhaps he is genuine, but I have reason to suspect that all is not well. Kilnded oversaw the destruction of the mighty Clann Cernach, accusing them of being worshippers of Darkness. The Clann was massacred - their lands and goods distributed among their rivals."

He pauses, frowning, clearly pained by what has taken place. "I tell you this. There are Darkness Worshippers in Glissom: I have spent my time trying to uproot them! But Clann Cernach is not among them, and the dissolution of that Clann has not stopped it. If anything, it has made things worse, for I suspect that those involved in Clann Cernach's fall are themselves in the service of Darkness, and looking to cover their tracks and cement their grip on power."

He pauses again, choosing his words carefully. "Listen! What I am about to tell you is dangerous information. In the wrong hands, it will kill innocent people, and imperil Glissom City... perhaps even the world. I tell you this: Colm Cernach, Hearthfather of the Temple of Flame, son of Cernach's leaders, survived the massacre of his family, and has worked from the shadows to oppose those who serve the Darkness, and gain justice for the wrong done to his people. I have sworn myself to Hearthfather Cernach, and it was he who sent me to investigate the darkness. I know him well - I have fought alongside him, have stared into the abyss with him, and know how fervent an opponent of the Darkness and servant of Brigantia he is. Clann Cernach is the only hope I can see for our benighted nation."

He wipes his brow. "There! I have said it. I have pledged Clann Cernach's as an ally to King Corbin. He has sent some of you as agents to discern the truth of what I say. I would ask no more of you. Come with me, and discern for yourselves the truth of what is happening in Glissom. I ask only that you do not betray the secret I have given to you. It is a considerable burden, and I am placing great trust in you in giving this information."

Having delivered this speech, Brannon looks exhausted - it is clearly something that has been weighing on his mind during their time in Ereworn. His eyes scan his companions for their reactions.

OOC: /Exposition. :D