Well not really a bar, various waiting staff are happy to hand out glasses of punch.  There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions available.
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:56, Fri 22 Mar 2019.

"Oh! I don't... I'm not noble or anything. No need for Lady's or titles. If our little experiment down here pans out, who knows what the future will hold. But for now, just Zelona is fine." the druid replied with a smile, then listened to Safiya speak of her time over the last few months. "Ooh, that sounds wonderful, living by a waterfall. Very kind of you to help them settle up there!" She nodded to Safiya's questions, "I've been very busy up at Oleg's trading post. I've set up a nice little woodcarver's shop there, that is doing a pretty brisk business of late with all the building and such going on throughout the Midmarch. I'm going to expand my mercantile efforts up there in the future I think, and then we'll see."

Zelona smiled at Kendrik when he came up to the women, though she blushed a bit at the complement on her looks. "Ser Kendrik, you are too kind" she said, obviously unused to both the formal wear and compliments. "A drink would be lovely! And yes, congratulations on your appointment as Marshall. What a great honor, but one well deserved I think."

OOC: figured I'd move Kendrik/Safiya conversation here? if not right I can move this response anywhere!

One of the servants holds out a cup of punch, ready for anyone to take.

Kendrick took two cups of punch and handed one to Zelona. "I look forward to seeing the settlement at the waterfalls. I'm sure it will be a pleasant retreat." When their attention turned to his new appointment, "Ahh yes. It was a surprise actually. But the responsibilities aligned with my personal views quite well. I would like to see the settlements, cities and its people live in harmony. And laws bring harmony especially to those that follow the letter and the spirit of the laws."

Safiya smiles at Zelona. "Well, to be honest, I just picked the closest place to Brevoy I could find for them to settle. I figured it's the safest place for them to be, and it does have it's charms, though the constant hum of the waterfall takes some getting used to. I am glad your business is booming as well. Perhaps some day you can open a shop at the falls as well. You as well, Ser Kendrick. I am glad the council had the wisdom to appoint you in charge of defense. This place is far from tamed yet."

A striking man, middle aged (40s) but tall and well-built still, wearing a black Military rig with Dragon's up the lapels makes his way across the marquee.  "Mr Winters? I wonder we might have a word?" he asks politely.

However, he continues without really waiting for a response.  "Cyrus tells me you have recently made a Vow of Service, so I have brought you a gift to help celebrate.  While Nugget isn't the prettiest horse i we have on the ranch, he is one of the best.  We have left him at the manor in  Ringbridge and you can collect him from there, next time you go that way.  We hope you care for him as well as we know he will care for you.  Don't we Alex?" he says, resting his hand briefly on the shoulder of the young woman next to him.  Only about 18 years old, she is well muscled and wears a simple green dress that sets off her bright ginger hair.

"Yes?" Kendrick responded to the query with a quick nod to Safiya and Zelona. He turned to the speaker, "And you are?"

-------------

Kendrick smiled as he learned of the gift from Cyrus, "Please tell the Knight Commander that I am most grateful for his gift. I will drop by Ringbridge in a few days. Perhaps he will be able to spare a few minutes for me." He smiled and bowed to the young woman by Ferdinand's side.

The man looks amused by the mistake, although his daughter gasps and her eyes open wider in either shock or surprise.  She is just about to speak when yhe man lays a hand on her arm, to quieten her.  "Its alright Alex." he says before turning back to Kendrick and answering his original question.  "I am Sir Ferdinand Ledkno, and Nugget is from my ranch by Restov.  My daughter, Alex, has helped rear Nugget from a foal, and oversaw a lot of his training.  She is a little disappointed to see him go.  But we all, including the horses that we spend so much time training, have to make our own way in the world." he concludes with a caring glance towards his daughter.

"Pardon. Please excuse my mistake." Kendrick responded to Sir Ledkno. He smile grew broader when he learned that Alex as the man's daughter. He gave the father a respectful nod before he turned to his daughter, "Thank you for the precious gift. I will be sure to take care of Nugget. I'm sure that he has been well trained." He turned back to the father, "Perhaps, I may visit your ranch in Restov in the summer so that your daughter and Nugget may visit each other?"

Zelona smiled at Safiya's explanation on how she chose that location for a new settlement, "I hope that my business ventures will be that successful to open craftsmen and shops over Midmarch, but let us take one season at a time. For now I'm joining the council at Oleg's to help it grow apace."

Zelona curstsied when Sir Ledkno came over and introduced himself. "Greetings Sir Ledkno, you are most kind to our Marshal Winters. To you as well Alex!" She added with a smile. "I am Zelona Veralia, Steward of Oleg's to the north."

"Call me Ferdinand," the man says with a smile, "No need to be formal all the time.  You are, of course welcome to visit the ranch, Kendrick, and it will always be good to see Nugget.  However, Alex may well be away.  Henry has kindly agreed to let Alex ride with his troops for a while and then she will probably swing by Zorah's place to say hello and discuss bloodstock exchanges.

Pleased to meet you ladies," Ferdinand continues as he turns to greet Safiya and Zelona.  However, something in his glance tells you that he might  be just as interested in the two as women, as he is in their professional capacity.  "I might have to swing past Oleg's on the way home now.  I haven't been there for quite a few months." The comment, and the smile that accompanies it, ares clearly directed at Zelona

Alex scowls at her father.

Zelona blushes slightly at the man's smile as she had done just a few minutes ago when Kendrick complemented her and Safiya's dresses. But again she schools herself and her face quickly.

"Oleg's would be pleased to host you. I am returning up there in a few days myself and could accompany you. We're expanding quickly, and our new bath house should be completed soon if you would care to partake while you're there. There are also many opportunities as we convert Oleg's from a small trading post into a proper town that we can discuss as we travel, Ferdinand." She smiled back at Ferdinand with her last statement. She did spare a look for Alex as she spoke, smiling a symbathetic smile her way as well.

Sensing that Ferdinand may be interested in a more private conversation with Zelona, Kendrick turned to Alex, "Would you like to visit the buffet?" He was looking forward to learn more about the young lady.

"I am afraid we still need to henry about a couple more details.  We took  advantage of a short break in the conversation to come across and speak with you." Ferdinand replies on behalf of both himself and his daughter.

"And it would be a great honour if you were to shoe me your new baths ..." Ferdinand says with a twinkle in his eye, but Alex links her arm through his and guides him away towards the naming corner and a renewed conversation with Henry.

There is one quick glance back over her shoulder,  and then they are out of conversation range.

"Well... that was certainly interesting. Luckily you got a new horse out of that Kendrick!" she said with a smile to the paladin.

"So Kendrick... or should I call you 'marshal' now?" she said with a slightly uncertain laugh. "Either way, what have you been up to recently other than Marshaling? Safiya is busy settling a waterfall and I'm busy trying to help Oleg's grow. What interests drive your passions these days?"

A few people start to leave the area.

Kendrick watched Alex and her father go. When she turned back, her green eyes seemed to shine brighter. He flashed a smile and almost missed the question from Zelona entirely.

"Please just call me Kendrick." He smiled as he felt warm for the first time. He took a sip of the punch, "I've started my own business, 'Wares and Spices' and joined with a partner to form WSM, it's a mercantile transport. I feel that every community will need the spices that I bring and of course, people will always need the basics. Do you think that Oleg or his wife would like to have a shop at the trading post?"

"Ahh, well we have Oleg's shop there already, but we are growing town. I'm sure as we expand we will need more shops up there and the WSM will be more than welcome to engage in trade with us. Unfortunately, Oleg is stepping down from the town council so that he can focus on his businesses. Fortunately you have a friend in the new councilwoman, me!" Zelona answered Kendrick with a smile. "Svetlana will remain on the council as will Magistrate Garess, but I will now be handling the town's Treasury."

And a few more people walk in.

Gwair quietly entered the tavern, taking a seat by the small group of people. "Hello there. I am Gwair. A pleasure to meet you all."

Zelona smiles at the newcomer, "Greetings. I am Zelona, Steward of Olegs. This is Marshal Winters, and our other companions is Safiya, founder of the new settlement at the falls. Are you new in town? Where are you from Gwair and who or what brings you to Midmarch?"

In reply to Zelona (msg # 21):

"Indeed, I am new. I am from the Cameron family of Rostland, from a small village there. Mostly I am looking for work for now."

"Perhaps there may be an opportunity in the near future." Kendrick replied to Zelona before he turned to the new person at the bar. He smiled when Zelona made introductions. "A Rostlander. Glad you made your way to the Midmarch."


OOC: We are not at a tavern :)
We are at a naming day celebration... but we are at a bar at that celebration :)

"What sort of work are you looking for, Gwair?

People move around, collecting drinks from the bar area and then circulating again. As the crowds start to thin, young aristocrats by the look of them, pause for a while as they sip from their glasses.  The two young men look similar, both dressed in the moderns style  with matching Mother of Pearl brooches pinned to their chests. The woman, a little older than the men, wear a low-cut dress, with an unconventional spilt up the side of her skirt, which displays quite a lot of shapely leg as she walks.  ”Oh, Tomin.” she says in a smoky voice.  ”You must come around and see my collection of elven etchings one evening.  And perhaps we could take a bottle of wine or two?”   She says laying her hand on Tomin’s arm.  Tomin leans forwards and says something quietly, as his brother rolls his eyes.

Adoven walks in, ordering two white wines, one for him, one for Viktoria.
When the bartender brings the drinbks, Adoven indicates the trio. "any idea who they are?" he asks, trying to place them.

Perception 12.
Knowledge Nobility 12.

In reply to Kendrick Winters (msg # 24):

Gwair took a long swig of his beer, finishing the first bottle as he threw down the money for a second. "What kind of work? Mostly anything, really - something where I might be able to build something on some land afterwards."

The bartender, a casual employee who works, more frequently, in some of the cheaper bars in  town, shakes his head.

In reply to Gwair (msg # 27):

"I'm sure that you'll get your chance. Lord Henry means to settle these lands." Kendrick described how the Tusk Town and the other towns were being built. "There are many opportunities for men of action. I'm sure that you'll find your place here."

Adoven thanks the bartender and exits the bar area for a short time. About a half hour later, he returns with a stringed instrument and joins whomever is already entertaining the revelers. As he performs, he watches the crowd intently, seeing who is making what connections.

"Gentlemen, Lady Safiya" Zelona said as Kendrick started to encourage the new recruit, "I fear it has been a long day for me and I have to travel back up to Oleg's in the morning. If you will excuse me I will take my leave. Enjoy the rest of the festivities, and Adoven's fine playing."

She curtsied a bit and then headed off to find her rest.

"Likewise, I think it is time for me to retire. Perhaps we will see each other when Lord Henry decides on our next course of action." Safiya also bows out of the event.

In reply to Kendrick Winters (msg # 29):

"Thank you, sir. If you know where Lord Henry is I would like to speak with him about joining the cavalry."

"Please call me Kendrick." He turned his head looking for Lord Henry. "Don't see him right now. But I'm sure he would be delighted to have you join the cavalry. By the way, I've been meaning to build a sword school with mounted troops in mind. Perhaps you'd be interested in joint venture in the future?"

In reply to Kendrick Winters (msg # 34):

"I would be glad to help with the venture, Kendrick. Thank you for the offer!" Gwair smiles and sips his drink.

"Perhaps we should discuss this in more detail at a later date. My business partner would definitely want to know more about the details before any agreement is finalized." Kendrick finished his drink.

"Good evening. It's getting rather late."


Kendrick leaves the Naming Day

Adoven returns and starts playing for his guests, however people have already started drifting away.  Abouth the only thing of interest that he notes is a corpulent man dressed in courtier's finery, whom he doesn't recognize.  The man seems to move about stopping for a few words with one group of people, before moving on to the next.

After a musical set, Adoven steps down to enjoy a glass of wine. He wanders over to the courtier and asks "pardon me, good sir. Are you new here? I don't recognize you."

"Ahh.  But I recognise you.  Aren't you the bloke who hangs around with that single mother in there?"   he says quietly with a happy smile on his face.

"I am" he says, giving a small bow. "Lady Viktoria and I have been blessed with a child. Do you know her or her family?"

"No.  Just up here seeing what you lot are up to in the River Kingdoms, in land that rightfully belongs to Pitax.  Not much good from what I can see.  Hanspur banned, the river freedoms denied.  Mark my words, no good will come of it!  The man replies, still very civilly and quietly - and the smile never leaves his face.

Adoven chuckles. "Pitax? They cannot successfully raid a city, let alone lay claim to these lands. As for Hanspur, he's the patron of smugglers. And his worshippers have a tendency to drown hapless individuals who are willing to talk to them. Little wonder that the practice of Hanspur worship is banned."

"The patron deity of the river that runs from here down to Mivon and beyond?  My, you are a brave man for a water-borne trader.  Anyway.  Good Day to you.  I must away.  Work to do, and all that." he concludes with that same soft smile, before turning away.

Adoven smiles. "In recent months I have stared down the maw of a tendriculous and faced will-o-wisps, ghosts,  and direbat ghouls. My body and soul are intact. Am I brave, or merely lucky?"

"Small fry compared to the wrath of a god." the man says over his shoulder as he walks away.