The main hall of the keep.

Continued from link to a message in this game

Wulfsen swept Sileas off the floor and into his arms. His heart pounded in his ears.

Sileas slid her arms up around his neck. But as much as she wanted him to carry her off, there were a few more responsibilities to take care of. "We can't go off, not yet," she whispered. "There's the celebration yet. We're expected to be in attendance."

Wulfsen sighed and reluctantly set Sileas down. He wrapped his hand around hers. "I wish I was a farmer, a carpenter... something less responsible."

"I sort of think the feasts and celebrations, while smaller in scale, are expected at all weddings. After all, friends and family would like to celebrate our happiness with us." She leaned against him. "But, we'll have all night."

"Night is so far away." Wulfsen wrapped an arm around Sileas to draw her closer. People were coming up to him, congratulating them.

"May I please leave the hall to fetch the feast from the kitchen?" said Dyfrig plaintively.

"Someone's left a magical barrier lying around..."

Bai had been nodding off when he heard Dyfrig.

"Why can't you leave- oh hell." Bai ran over to the barrier cutting off the hall from the kitchen. "Damn it! I must have spread the wards to thin on the east wall and chanted too much on the corners. So the barrier is inside the wall. Lovely, just great. Wonderful beginners mistake. I may as well let the innkeeper set the wards." Bai struck his forehead with the heel of his hand.

Swearing, he paced along the barrier to see if there were any gaps that could be made into a narrow path to the kitchen. He discovered a small gap on the stairs.

"You have enough room for someone pass up thin loaves of bread... Yeah, a real royal banquet, bread and water from the vases- oh bugger." The barrier neatly divided a flower arrangement in half. Hopefully no fool tried moving it before he took the wards down, otherwise they'd slice a finger off when the glass broke, as it was the ward was holding it in place. A bee that had been sampling the flowers had his foot stuck in the barrier. It buzzed in confusion.

"Well I hope there isn't a scullery maid down there stuck in the barrier." Bai mused, staring at the floor as if trying to see into the kitchen. He had sealed the top of the barrier, and sealed the bottom somewhere underground below the cellar.

"This is what comes of setting up a barrier with no sleep and having an innkeeper distracting me." Bai grumbled. The thought of pushing this wall of the barrier a few feet further east was daunting.

"They are wed now... why not drop the dratted thing?"

Dyfrig was normally easy-going. The one thing that really annoyed him was any interference with his food.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 6):

"I know. Maybe they will take pity on us and let us leave late afternoon," she said. She somehow managed to hug her parents as Wulfsen held on to her.

In reply to Dyfrig (msg # 9):

"Great way to invite demons to a party." Bai fumed. It was the vows Bai had been worried about, demons loved to corrupt vows like that. But he didn't want demons at the feast either.

In reply to Sileas Spenser (msg # 10):

"Pity would be letting us be alone now." Wulfsen said.

"Dyfrig went to a lot of work to put this together. At the least we should enjoy the food. I don't know for certain if anyone called for entertainers."

"I hope not." Wulfsen said. He had waited a long time to be married to Sileas. He wanted to be alone with her. It seemed like there was always someone with them.

As Lek watched Sileas and Wulfsen, he felt envy and depression weighing him down. He would never have what they have. His shoulders slumped.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 14):

"I do and I don't. I would love to dance with you, but on the other hand, I would probably embarrass you horribly. I never really learned how," Sileas admitted with half a shrug.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 15):

Millie was as miserable as her brother. She hung back toward the rear of the hall. She was happy for her cousin, but wondered for not the first time why she would never have a love of her own. She sank down on a chair and stared at her lap.

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 16):

"I would just be happy to have you in my arms." Wulfsen said.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 17):

Lek spotted his sister and made his way over to her. He sunk into a chair next to her.

"I wish Pinja could be here." He said.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 18):

"That I can arrange," Sileas smiled.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 19):

"I know," Mille said softly, still not lifting her head. A teardrop hit her skirt. "I'm happy for Sileas, but I wish I was anywhere but here."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 21):

"Me too." Lek said unhappily. "How is Pinja doing today?"

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 20):

Wulfsen grinned back at her.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 22):

"She wasn't awake yet when I left to attend to Sileas. Probably not well though. She knows there is a wedding, and has nothing but bad memories of her own."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 23):

"Shall we head toward the feast?"

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 24):

"I wish I could help her somehow." Lek said. "All I do is scare her more."

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 25):

"What feast?" Wulfsen asked. The tables were bare, not so much as a crumb of food.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 26):

"I know. I don't know that anyone can help her. At least, not without her wanting help."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 27):

"That's odd. I've been smelling cooking all morning, making my stomach rumble. Maybe Dyfrig was waiting for after the ceremony ended to bring it out?"

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 28):

Lek wiped away another tear. "I should have protected her."

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 29):

"Maybe someone should go to the kitchen." Wulfsen said. "I'd be happy with stale bread and water but the guests probably expect more."

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 30):

"I doubt there would have been anything you could have done, even if you had been trained. Jack nearly killed Uncle Shawn when Jack came after me." Her voice dropped to a whisper. She hadn't told anyone, not even Lek, about that. And she'd sworn Uncle Shawn to secrecy.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 31):

"I see Dyfrig over near Bai, so I don't know what's going on. There seems to be some sort of confusion."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 32):

"Jack came after you?" Lek asked.

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 33):

"Why is he looking so angry? Should we be worried?" Wulfsen asked.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 34):

Millie nodded. "Uncle Shawn happened to stop in and managed to deflect him, since Jack was very angry still from Uncle Shawn and Uncle Aron keeping him from Pinja when he first arrived."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 35):

"Probably. At the very least, we should go find out what's going on."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 36):

"I should have killed Jack. Got him when he was being held in the cell." Lek said. "So many could have been spared."

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 37):

"I have a feeling that I won't like this." Wulfsen said reluctantly. "Let's get it over with."

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 38):

"You're not a killer, Lek. It's not in you. And if you did, then you would be no better than Jack."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 39):

"No doubt." She slipped her hand into his larger one. "Let's go."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 40):

"I'd never hurt anyone the way Jack hurts women." Lek said, his neck growing red.

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 41):

Wulfsen unhappily walked towards the cook and hedge wizard.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 42):

'OH, that's not what I meant. I meant his violent, murderous ways," Millie said, turning red herself.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 43):

Sileas threaded her fingers through his, her thumb brushing over his knuckles.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 44):

"Everyone would have been better off if he died in his cell." Lek said. "Next time I meet someone like him I won't give him a chance to hurt someone again."

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 45):

"And here's the bride and groom." Bai said. "Take your pick; Safety and no food, or feast and risk demons invading the hall. Your idiot uncle distracted me when I was preparing the wards so the kitchen has been cut off."

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 46):

Millie gasped. "Lek! You cannot act as judge, jury and executioner!"

In reply to Bai (msg # 47):

Sileas looked at Wulfsen and then Bai. "We can't stay in here forever, Bai," Sileas whispered. "Can't they be reset outside the keep?"

"The barrier is just around the Hall, it was supposed to include the stairs down to the kitchen so they could bring the food up." Bai shoved his hair back from his face. "I can try pushing it so they can get down to the kitchen but there's a good chance of the barrier collapsing if I push on it. I was hoping to keep it up until your wedding festivities were over so a bunch of demons wouldn't come in causing mayhem..." He though for a moment. "It would be easier to make a big hole in the floor and have the food brought up through that."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 48):

"Someone should have with Jack. We already knew what he was, what he did, what he wanted to do. Instead of executing him he was just held in a cell until he got up and caused even more pain. We would have been better off killing him right away." Lek's eyes teared up.

"How long will it take you to reset your wall of force?" asked Dyfrig, who was thinking about the feast that was ready to be served.

"Or can you extend the existing one so that I can fetch the feast? What is this perceived threat anyway?"

Dyfrig wasn't sure that there even was such a thing as a demon. And anyway, didn't they have guards to protect people within the castle... which itself had walls. That should keep any bogey-man out.

"Resetting the entire barrier can take hours. I can try pushing the barrier to include the stairs but that could cause the whole thing to collapse." Bai said. "It's to keep out the demons that would love to pee on the main course. If your main course is free of demon urine the wards are working."

In reply to Bai (msg # 50):

"I don't think there is enough room for a whole, the people and the tables." She glanced at Wulfsen. "Should he just drop the walls? Can your men hold back magical trouble?"

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 46):

Millie grew worried. It was one thing for Lek to kill someone in self defense, or to protect another. It was quite another to sound so...bloodthirsty. "Lek. You've changed."

"I could make the hole right here." Bai said. "Only servants come to this part of the hall, and we're right above the stairs here."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 55):

"If I have it's for the better." Lek said. "I knew Jack was bad, I had a good idea of what he had done, I knew where to find him. But I didn't do a thing about it. I should have."

Millie wasn't at all certain she liked this change in Lek. He was becoming a completely different person from the brother she knew and loved.

Lek's eyes glistened. "I hate what Jack did to Pinja. Nobody should suffer like that."

"I know and I agree." Millie let out a small sigh and clasped her hands. She couldn't imagine what the delay with the food was. She wanted to get the reception over and back to her room.

Lek wished he could just leave too. He wanted Sileas and Wulfsen to be happy, but this whole thing was miserable for him.

Aislyn glanced over at the twins, then turned to Nelek. "Nelek, our children are miserable. Should we maybe speak with Lysistrata? I think she is still matchmaking."

Nelek frowned. "Didn't she throw herself at your father when he tried to get her to match Aron with someone?"

"Yes, she did. I think she truly loved him. I often wondered if he should have given her a chance. She may have made him happy, unlike Mama." Aislyn glanced at the twins again. "It makes my heart hurt seeing them this way."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Wed 19 Sept 2018.

"I know." Nelek said, rubbing Aislyn's shoulders. "I guess we can have Lysistrata try."

"I will go see her tomorrow then. I didn't see her here...I don't believe Sileas knows her."

"She seems to be keeping to herself." Nelek said.

"If you can make a hole so that we can fetch the food..." said Dyfrig.

"I don't think any demons have pissed on the feast... but right now, it's outside your wall of force, so if such being exist and they have bodily functions, they could have."

"The kitchen is directly below us. The stairs are cut off but not the kitchen." Bai made a large circle on the floor with his staff and rocks began coming out of the floor and neatly piling on the floor beside the hole. There was a sawing noise and a neat circle of wood came from the hole. Bai looked down into the kitchen.

Dyfrig went to peer down the hole.

"I suppose we could improvise some kind of lifting mechanism to get the food up... has anyone got some rope?"

Part of his mind wanted to gibber at this flagrant display of magical force, but his more practical side was taking over.

Sileas clutched Wulfsen's arm. She hoped the floor around the hole would remain steady. She glanced around to make certain her family and friends were safe.

"I'm done." Bai sunk into a chair. He wanted to crawl into bed but this was the best he could get.

Wulfsen looked down into the kitchen. "Maybe we can use the sashes from the curtains..."

Dyfrig called down the hole.

"Are you all right down there? We shall have to pass the food up through this hole. Have you some rope you can throw up? There may be some in the scullery..."

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 71):

"Maybe the men can use their shirts to make a rope and sling to bring the food up." Yehudit suggested to Sileas.

Sileas sighed and shook her head. "I suppose they could, but the knots would have to be really secure to support the weight. A solid rope would be much better."

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 76):

"Unless you brought rope..." Yehudit said, eyeing one muscular wedding guest.

"Why on earth would I bring rope to my wedding?" Sileas replied with exasperation. "What we need are steps."

"Wotever turns yer on." Questa mused.

Lek wanted this to be over so he could be alone while being lonely. He began collecting sashes from the windows.

"Doesn't do a thing for me at all," Sileas replied.

"That's why yer didn't brin' rope... Is yor cousin gertting ready ter hang 'imself or cop the bloody food?" Questa asked.

Sileas turned to look in the direction Questa was. "Lek?" she called out. "What are you doing?"

"Getting sashes to use to bring the food up." Lek said, dropping the sashes on the floor next to the hole. "I think it's enough."

"Excellent idea! Now, who's the best knot tier? We need them very secure so they don't come apart." She looked around the assembled guests.

Yehudit looked at the sashes. They were not very different from the sheets she used to tie together to climb out of windows to escape doing chores at the inn. Several falls into the bushes taught her the best knots. She sat on the floor and began knotting the sashes together.

Sileas blinked in surprise. It all made sense now how Yehudit managed to sneak out of the inn  all of the time. She headed over to Dyfrig. "You'll have ropes shortly."

Lek walked back to one of the windows. He pushed the drape aside so he could look out.

Wulfsen slipped behind Sileas and squeezed her shoulders.

Dyfrig found a bench to act as a platform and attached the sashes to it.

"We just need some stout fellows to haul away, now."

Sileas turned to Wulfsen. "Why don't you and Lek help with that?" She raised up on her toes and whispered in his ear, "I'd like the chance to watch you flex your muscles."

Wulfsen blushed, but he grinned too.

"Lek, come over here and help." Wulfsen called to his page.

He took off his dress jacket and neatly hung it over a chair. He loosened his collar, then removed his cuff links, dropped them in a pocket, and rolled up his sleeves. He stretched his arms and shoulders, flexing his muscles for Sileas's benefit.

Lek wiped his eyes and turned from the window. He had no appetite, but the sooner the feast was served the sooner this could all be over and he could leave. He went over and took up one end of the makeshift rope.

Sileas sat down in the chair and made herself comfortable. She smiled, watching her husband move about, thoroughly enjoying the view.

Yehudit forced herself to look away. This was her best friend's husband- not for her to look at! She knew she should not have come.

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 94):

Wulfsen winked at Sileas, loosening his collar another two buttons. He picked up the sash rope.

"Okay Lek, let's lower this slowly- don't want it to drop on someone's head." Wulfsen planted his feet and slowly pushed the bench into the hole and began feeding rope.

Lek lowered the bench slowly with Wulfsen's help. Lek had built up a lot of muscle while training so this was not as hard as it looked. His thoughts traveled to Pinja. He wondered if she was safe where she was, outside of the magical barrier Bai had set up. He wished he could protect her, that Pinja felt safe enough to accept his protection.

Sileas grinned at Wulfsen and winked back, before he and Lek started lowering the bench. She didn't know why everything always had to be so difficult, but at least this was enjoyable.

Wulfsen relaxed when someone in the kitchen rested the bench on top of a work table. He casually undid a few more buttons on his shirt for Sileas's benefit as he waited for the food to be set on the bench.

Sileas fidgeted on her chair. She suddenly hoped the feast and entertainment was over quickly.
This message was last updated by the player at 04:36, Mon 17 Dec 2018.

Raising the bench was a lot harder than lowering it- trying to keep it steady while loaded with so much food was not easy. Lek's biceps bulged against his sleeves.

"Quick- someone take the food!" Wulfsen was straining now, not flirting with his wife though she would now have a very nice view of his chest muscles at work.

Shawn hurried over, calling on his cousins, Aislyn and Aron, to help him.

Liadan touched Aron's arm. "Be careful!"

"Always." He gave her a quick kiss before hurrying over.

Lek held his end steady. He wished they would hurry.

Dyfrig smiled as he directed the unloading of the food, grabbing platters and arranging them on a nearby table.

"Excellent, thank you all. One more lower and lift and we should have all that we need to feast."

Shawn stood off to the side so Wulfsen and Lek could lower the bench once more.

Lek lowered the bench. The food smelled good but he had little appetite.

Wulfsen was feeling less flirtatious now. He had not expected the bench loaded with food to be so heavy and hoped he would be able to lift his end of the second load.

Once the bench was downstairs and being loaded, Xavier took off his jacket and elbowed Wulfsen out of the way, wresting the sash from his best friend's hand.

Wulfsen did not want to show weakness in front of his new bride or his subjects, so he took up the slack behind Xavier, trying to look useful.

Sileas's attention and gaze remained on her husband.

Lek hauled up his end. He hoped everyone ate fast.

Dyfrig was soon seeing to the distribution of the food.

"Is that all of the food to come up?" Xavier asked, sitting on the floor to relax for a moment.

Wulfsen flopped down on the floor. He hoped he had an easier time carrying Sileas than lifting that bench.

"Yes, thank you. Your efforts are appreciated," said Dyfrig. A novel way to ensure people had an appetite for the feast...

"Anytime," Xavier said. Pulling up the bench had been awkward, but manageable. He just hoped he had impressed some ladies.

Yehudit tried to hide her disappointment that none of the men had taken off their shirts. Wulfsen had unbuttoned his a bit, but he was married to her best friend so she could not enjoy that.

Lek flexed and massaged his muscles.

Sileas wobbled a bit and sat down on the first seat she could find.

Wulfsen got up off the floor to sit next to his bride.

Sileas reached for his hand as she leaned against him.

Wulfsen wrapped his arms around her, not noticing the food placed before him.

Sileas snuggled against him.

"Save sumfink for tonight." Questa helped herself to some food.

Sileas wrinkled her nose at Questa.

Wulfsen blushed. He unwrapped his arms, but he squeezed Sileas's hand.

Sileas let out a small despondent sigh. She was slightly chilly, and missed the warmth of his arms.

Wulfsen offered Sileas some of his food.

Sileas plucked out a piece of meat and a piece of cheese. "Mmm, this is really good."

Lek went to his Uncle Aron's table. "Uncle Aron?"

Aron looked up from his food. He smiled at his nephew. "Yes, Lek?"

"Could you protect Pinja while I'm away?" Lek asked.

"Of course, Lek."

"Thank you." Lek smiled sadly.

"Aunt Lia can help," Aron added.

Liadan paused in her eating. She shot a look at Aron, then looked back down at her food. "I will try."

In reply to Liadan Buckley (msg # 139):

Aron sighed and turned his attention to his food.

"Thank you." Lek said again, really uncomfortable now. He retreated to his sister.

In reply to Aron Buckley (msg # 140):

Liadan sighed and leaned against Aron. "I hope that boy doesn't expect me to work some miracle so he'll come back to Pinja wanting to be courted by him."

In reply to Liadan Buckley (msg # 142):

"All he asked was that I protect her. I only suggested your help because I know she's not going to let me near her."

"He has high hopes." Liadan said.

Aron remembered being  in a spot much like Lek was in. Only Pinja wasn't as strong as Lia. He couldn't see it ending well for Lek. "He does indeed."

In truth, Liadan was reluctant to talk to Pinja. She was not looking forward to what might be brought back by talking to the girl. She sighed and leaned even more heavily against Aron.

Aron slid his trencher over so they could share it.

In reply to Aron Buckley (msg # 147):

Liadan resumed stuffing her face.

"Fine, I'll take the wards down, but now that half the people are drunk this will be the best time for a demons to attack." Bai scowled and released the wards with a snap of his fingers.

A knight hurried inside. "I need Shawn Spenser to come to the gate."

Shawn barely heard his name over all the noise. He kissed Brie, "I'll be back. For some reason I'm needed at the gate. He made his way over to the knight and Bai. "I'm needed at the gate?"

"Some man at the gate claims to be your father." The knight said as several revelers shoved past him to find relief outside. The knight's eyes roved over several of the ladies' necklines.

"I know Papa wanted to be here for the ceremony but he didn't think he would get here in time." Shawn took off at a run toward the gate.

The knight sidled up to a young brunette who looked sad. "Hello beautiful, dance with me."

Millie blinked in surprise. Then she rose from her seat, deciding it was time to live a little. "Certainly," she said, offering a shy smile.

The knight smiled and led her to the dance floor. He held her close as he began to dance, he had good rhythm. "My name is Edgar."

"I am honored to meet you, Edgar. My name is Millicent, but my friends call me Millie." Thankfully she was not totally useless at dancing because she was used to dancing in her room, even though she was alone."

"Millicent is a lovely name." The knight said, spinning Millie around.

Lek sat and drank wine. He rarely ever drank so he had no tolerance, and was drinking quite a lot in his depression. He watched Millie dance with a knight, trying to be glad that she was having a good time.

Wulfsen nuzzled Sileas's neck.

"Do you think we can slip off now?" He whispered.

In reply to Random Knight (msg # 157):

Millie blushed ever so slightly, enjoying the dance and the sensation of being spun around the dance floor. "Edgar's a masculine name."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 159):

"I hope so, or I might fall asleep on you," Sileas sighed softly.

Edgar grinned, his perfect teeth glinted. "I am a very masculine man." He said, then his right hand rested on Millie's backside.

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 161):

"I had best get you to some fresh air to wake you up!" Wulfsen said urgently, standing and scooping Sileas into his arms.

In reply to Random Knight (msg # 162):

"Oh look, Millie has a dancing partner." Nelek cheerfully told his wife, not seeing where the knight's hand went.

Millie reached behind her and took his hand, moving it back up to the center of her back. "You may well be, but you have not earned the right to be so familiar with me yet."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 163):

Sileas grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You probably should."

In reply to Nelek (msg # 164):

Aislyn looked over and smiled. "I don't remember ever seeing that young man..." her expression changed. "Did you see where his hand was? He had it on her backside!"

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 165):

"My hand must have slipped." The knight said, not apologizing, continuing to dance.

In reply to Aislyn Gerthrim (msg # 167):

"What?!" Nelek was on his feet in an instant and heading towards the dancers.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 165):

Lek had not missed that. He tried to set down his wine glass but missed the table. He got up and staggered towards the dance floor. No one treated his sister like that.

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 166):

Wulfsen carried Sileas out of the hall and headed towards the tower. "How's that fresh air reviving you?"

In reply to Random Knight (msg # 168):

"It must have." Millie didn't want to make a scene and ruin the night for everyone, so as long as he behaved for the rest of the dance, she wouldn't make a fuss. But then she saw her father and brother heading their way, not looking happy. "I...I should go," she said, trying to slip from his embrace.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 171):

"Wonderfully," Sileas said, rubbing his cheek with her palm. But then she stiffened. "My grandparents are here," she stated as the group approached. "And they don't look happy."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 172):

The Knight tightened his hold on Millie's hand. "Why? The song isn't over yet."

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 173):

Wulsen guiltily set Sileas on her feet before he remembered that they were married now. He squeezed Sileas's hand. "Hello." He greeted.

In reply to Random Knight (msg # 174):

"Because my father and brother are heading this way, and they appear angry. I don't want to be the cause of a scene." Millie tried to pull her hand back. "And you're hurting me."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 175):

"Wulfsen," James said in greeting, his voice serious. "We need to talk, but you need to gather the rest of the family. Things aren't good in the Capitol."

Xyla stepped around in front of the Spensers. "Wulfsen," she said with tear-filled eyes.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 176):

"You're old enough to decide what you want to do." The knight loosened his grip but didn't let go. "I'm a knight."

In reply to James Spenser (msg # 177):

"What happened?" Wulsen felt his heart sink. His eyes widened when he saw his sister and reached for her. "Xyla!"

In reply to Random Knight (msg # 178):

"That's true, I am. But they also know I wouldn't choose to allow a man I just met to touch me inappropriately." Millie sighed and withdrew her hand. "And being a knight doesn't give you leave for what you did."

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 179):

Xyla hurled herself into his arms. "It's horrible, Wulfsen, just horrible. Mama and Papa are probably already in the dungeon by now."

"It'll be easier to tell all at once. Gather the family and Xavier." His mouth was set in a grim line.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 180):

"My hand had slipped." The knight said, putting an arm around Millie's waist.

In reply to Xyla De Wolfe (msg # 181):

"What? No!" Wulfsen hugged Xyla with one arm, reaching again for Sileas with his free hand. "Xavier is still in the hall." Wulfsen could not believe that tonight was still his wedding.

In reply to Random Knight (msg # 182):

"I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt on that," Millie replied.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 183):

Sileas wrapped one arm around Wulfsen and one around her sister-in-law. She was confused, but this really didn't sound good.

"I'll get everyone and meet you in the war room," Shawn offered.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 184):

"It was a slip, a pleasurable slip but still a slip." The knight smiled.

"Get your hands off her, Edgar!" Lek said, the wine making his voice loud.

"This boy is a peasant trying to be a page." The knight scoffed, obviously having not paid enough attention to what Millie said to realize that this was her brother. "You are drunk Lek, leave before you cause a scene." The knight slid his hand down to Millie's thigh.

Lek swung at the knight's face, the knight dodged and punched Lek in the throat with his free hand. Lek fell to the floor, gasping for breath.

In reply to Sileas Thornblade (msg # 185):

Wulfsen nodded numbly, not up to seeing the celebrating people now. He began to move towards the war room.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 186):

"LEK!" Millie cried out. Angered beyond anything she had ever felt before, Millie shoved Edgar hard and ran to her brother. "Put your hands on me again, and I'll break them," she hissed angrily.

In reply to Wulfsen Thornblade (msg # 187):

Sileas slipped her arm around Xyla, her mind whirring. She made a mental note to arm herself at the first chance she got. The questions she had filled her  mind, making her slightly dizzy but she managed to stay upright. Why would Wulfsen's mother and step-father be imprisoned? And why was her grandfather so upset?

"My hand slipped." The knight said, frowning. "The boy will be fine, he comes from hardy peasant stock, though he cries at the drop of a hat. He's absolutely obsessed with that whore who caused the invasion of the village, a lady shouldn't touch him, he probably has diseases from her. Step away and I'll take this ruffian outside."

Lek's wine fogged mind began to remember his training. He relaxed and caught his breath. "Are you okay?" He asked Millie, his voice croaking slightly, his hands curling into fists again at what Edgar was saying about Pinja.

Millie's eyes blazed, her hands curled into fists. "I'm fine, Lek," she said before turning on Edgar. "For a supposedly skilled knight, your hand is awfully clumsy. And I'm from the same," her lip curled, "Peasant stock he is, Lek is my twin. And you're not even worthy to speak of Pinja. She is not a whore." Millie looked to be ready to murder Edgar, if only she could put her hand on a weapon.

Shawn entered the hall and spoke in a low voice to Xavier, Aron, Lia, Aislyn and Yehudit that they were needed in the war room. He still had to find Lek and Nelek. He stopped to mention it to Bai as well. His magic might be needed.

"Hm, I shouldn't have invested a dance with you. You should have been an easy lay." The knight said. "I could have danced with another pretty girl."
Lek stood up. "Edgar, you apologize to my sister and take back what you said about Pinja. Now."
"I was only speaking the truth. I don't apologize for speaking the truth." The knight chuckled.
"Then I challenge you to a duel." Lek said.
"You're just a page boy, and a peasant." The knight scoffed. "But I'll take your challenge. I'll thrash you, you've been needing a good thrashing."

In reply to Shawn Spenser (msg # 192):

Bai was still tired and cranky. "What now?" He complained.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 193):

Millie made a fist and put all of her anger and force behind it and hit Edgar in the jaw. "I'm no one's easy lay. And Pinja's no whore." She turned to Lek. "He's not worth your energy.

In reply to Bai (msg # 194):

"I don't know yet, but it sounds like there's trouble coming."

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 195):

"Why, you little slut!" The knight said, clutching his chin as he sat on the floor. He glared at Lek as he regained his feet. "Rapiers, the garden, tonight, fifteen minutes."
Lek glared back. "I'll be there."
The knight leered a Millie's neckline, scoffed something about perfect apples being wasted and walked out of the hall.

In reply to Shawn Spenser (msg # 196):

"Are you just making up stuff to upstage Sileas's wedding?" Liadan asked suspiciously.

Shawn shook his head. "Never. Mama and Papa arrived, with Wulfsen's little sister in tow. Said there's trouble in the Capitol."

Liadan swore. "C'mon Aron."

Shawn made his way to catch up with Nelek. "Nelek!"

Nelek spun around. "Shawn, my son just challenged a knight to a duel! The man is enormous!"

"Millie, could you find Difyr or Aalyssa and send her to the garden? Edgar won't think to do that. I need to get my armor and real rapier." He gestured to the ceremonial sword on his belt, it was useless in a real fight. He headed out to his room off of Wulfsen's quarters where he had all his gear packed up to travel tomorrow.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

In reply to Nelek (msg # 202):

"A duel? You're both needed in the War Room right away. Wulfsen's request. Lek! Wait up!" Shawn called out.

In reply to Lek Gerthrim (msg # 203):

Millie nodded and started searching the hall for Difyr.

Lek knew it would be difficult to put on his armor without help, he had no time to lose. He broke into a run and didn't hear Shawn calling after him.

In reply to Millicent Gerthrim (msg # 205):

Difyr was thinking it was about time to head back to the healing rooms, to check with Aalyssa.

Millie spotted Difyr and ran in that direction. "Difyr!"

"Oh hello Millie, did you enjoy the feast?" Difyr asked.

"Oh, yes, the feast was enjoyable. At least until now. Lek just foolishly called for a duel with a knight twice is side. He asked that I have you in the garden."

"Oh dear." Difyr said, "I had better get my basket- do you know what weapons they're using?"

"I think they said rapiers. But I wouldn't put it past that other knight to cheat." Millie glared in Edgar's direction. "He thinks he's so much."

"I never expected your brother to challenge anyone to a duel, it's still hard to believe he is training to be a knight. He's just so gentle. Hopefully he is defeated quickly with no injuries." Difyr said as she hurried to her room and grabbed her basket.

Millie couldn't believe Lek had done it either, but everything in him changed when Pinja was involved. She doubted there would have been a duel had it just been her that Edgar had trash talked.

Nelek went back to his wife. "Ais, Wulfsen needs us in the war room."

"Shawn told me. I was just waiting for you."

Nelek nodded. "Lek challenged that knight to a duel, but I think Shawn can talk him out of it."

"He challenged...he what?"

"The knight kept laying hands on Millie and said beastly things about Pinja, though I think the way the knight treated Millie was enough to push Lek." Nelek said. "I'd like to beat up that knight myself."

"But Lek is so much smaller, and just started learning about fighting. And he's so gentle..."

"Don't worry, Shawn won't let it happen." Nelek said. "Let's go."

Aislyn hooked her arm through his. "All right."

Pinja was still shaking like a leaf, but she neared the hall.

Aalyssa remained near Pinja but not touching her. "It sounds like the party has quieted down."

Pinja nodded, too scared to speak. If the party was over there were probably drunk men nearby. Dangerous drunk men.

"Any sign of Millie?"

"I don't see her." Pinja whispered.

"How about we check her sewing room? Maybe she wanted to enjoy some quiet and sew for a bit?"

"Okay." Pinja said, looking terrified.

"Come along," Aalyssa said in a soothing voice.

Pinja crept after Aalyssa.