"How did you find the ride down here from Restov?  Did you encounter any problems on the way?" Ferdinand asks before taking a sip of hispunch.

"The ride was certainly not bad. We encountered some goblins, but nothing too incredibly dangerous."

"I should hope not.  The roads are all patrolled,  and since  Lord Henry and his people cleared out the bandits down here, everything is a lot quieter." Ferdinand says with a sense of satisfaction, as if he had cleared the roads himself.

In reply to Sir Ferdinand Ledkno (msg # 39):

Gwair chuckles. "I certainly am glad that everything was cleared by Lord Henry."

"Indeed." Ferdinand agrees, as he finishes his drink.  "Good to see you, young man.  I how everything works out for you down here.  But I need to go and find my daughter now.  Have a good day." and with that he makes his way back towards the nursery corner.

Moved down the thread.

Sir Ferdinand  stops as Adoven approaches him.  "Hello there. I think you must have seen me when I was congratulating the mothers and saying hello to the newborn.  Or maybe back at the big parties in Restov, but I don't think I am related to anyone who lives down here." Ferdinand replies cheerfully.  "Oh, and I spent a few days at Oleg's in the early days of the settlement.  However, I am Ferdinand Ledkno, from Restov."


OOC: I was looking in the wrong place.

Adoven nods. "perhaps I'm remembering you from those days. Is yours a Merchant family, or more a military one?"

"Horses, m'boy.  Horses.  We run the best stud in Restov.  The best trained horses in the region, chosen by all the best people.  Although young Zorah might be able to give us a run for her money when she is set up." Then he relents slightly, "Cavalry.  We all do our time in the cavalry.  What about you?" he says leaning forwards slightly.

Adoven shrugs. "Scout, mostly. i and others have been exploring the outlying areas, dealing with threats and forging alliances. I'm Adoven,  co-owner of V&A shipping. Just opened up a Sword School in the Modern tradition. I am looking to add local offices in Mivon and Restov, so perhaps I might visit your ranch."

"if you wish to, although we are a few miles outside Restov." the knight responds.

Adoven asks "do you also sell draft horses for Heavy loads?"

"Yes.  The best are trained for war, but every animal that we raise is trained for work in the area they are best suited.  So donkeys, mules, draft horse, riding horses, fine palfreys, warhorses -  we have them all."  Sir Ferdinand seems very proud of his family stud.

Sir Ferdinand leaves to join his daughter in the Nursery area, and the crowds start to thin as the party draws to a close.  A slight altercation breaks out between Lex and tansy, two ex-adventures turned traders, and a corpulent man dress in courtiers finery.  However, he smiles, apologizes to smooth things over – and then moves away to chat to someone else.

A group of newcomers, dressed neatly in greens and browns, and looking uncomfortable in the company, kook up – but then return to their quiet conversation as the noise dies down

Andalon is still circulating through the gathering, greeting people he knows and introducing himself to those he doesn't recognise. It is not long before he comes to the group of newcomers who favour the woodland colours of green and brown.

"I don't think we have met before. My name is Andalon de Lebeda. I am a priest of Abadar and Chancellor on the Tusk Town Council. Greetings and welcome to this happy gathering."

"Err.  Hello Sir.  This is a very nice party." One of the men says, stepping forward and making a small bow.  However, it looks somewhat awkward, as if he isn't particularly practice in the art of bowing to nobles.  The others  nod enthusiastically and sketch similarly uncomfortable bows.

"Yes, this is to celebrate the naming day for our three youngest and newest arrivals," he explains. "But perhaps you are even newer arrivals in town. I am sure we can make you welcome. Tell me a little about yourselves, your names, where you are from, what you do for a living, that sort of thing."

Still smiling.

The spokesman twists his hat in his hands, "Duma sent us to build a new village, and Lord Henry has said we should go west from Ironkeep and find somewhere to build out there."

"Well in that case you are certainly very welcome here today," Andalon responds warmly. "Come with me and I will introduce you to some of the folk here and I will see whether there is anyone still here from Iron Keep today. It would be a wonderful opportunity to introduce you to them if you are going to be neighbours."

He will guide them towards the biggest group of friendly faces and start making introductions, hopefully learning the names of the newcomers in the process. He also quietly beckons over one of the people serving as drinks-waiters at the party and arranges for liquid refreshments to be provided.

After a time, Adoven shows up with a warning for Andalon."Amongst the visitors we had today was a corpulent nobleman who apparently is from Pitax.  He claims all these lands belong justly to Pitax.  And he is a Hanspur worshipper as well. He was well-nigh behaved, but there was a small altercation with Tansy before I spoke with him. I do not know if his being here portends anything, but I thought it best brought to your attention."

"The fat man you were talking with? Thank you, I will remember him in case we see him again. Perhaps we should ask someone to keep an eye on him in case he is up to mischief?" Andalon suggests.

"Anyway, while you are here I would like to introduce you to some of our new friends who have joined us here today. Adoven, these are some of Duma's people, who will be starting a new settlement in the Narlemarch Forest west of Iron Keep."

Andalon then takes advantage of the opportunity offered by their unwelcome visitor, by explaining to Duma's people about the laws set out in the Midmarch Charter, that the River Freedoms have no place here, worship of Hanspur is banned because one of his rituals involves drowning an innocent travelling companion, and to guard against potential future attack from the River Kingdoms south of Midmarch. Any contact from the River Kingdoms or Hanspur worshipers should be reported to Midmarch authorities as soon as possible.

The spokesman twists his hat again as he speaks, "No sir!  We are all goodly followers of Old Deadeye.  We are waiting here for Loy, who will be our leader and his good lady Laticia.   She, is a priestess of the Stag God herself, and Loy knows the ways of the forest as well as many.  That is why they were chosen to lead us.  Duma said he made that promise when he spoke to your Lord Henry."

PM

PM

Andalon smiles again.

"Excellent. I shall look forward to meeting Loy and Laticia when they arrive. Please tell them they are welcome to come and introduce themselves to the Tusk Town Council whenever it is convenient for them. We have a number of priests and followers of Erastil already in the smaller settlements around the Narlmarches, so I am sure you will find a warm welcome there too."