The next course does include roasted pheasant, as Kendick had said earlier.  However, there are also pigeons and quail, while the centrepiece is a  roasted goose.  A servant stands ready to carve and serve the meats.  The course is accompanied by a selection  of roasted vegetables, and a light red wine.

Once the food had been served and the staff had mostly cleared out to prepare for the next course Domitius replied to Kendrick. "I hope Lord Henry stays out of the war when it starts, if he doesn't then I may end up fighting against you my friend.  Rostland is where I grew up and my family all the way back to Taldorian times have lived here.  As for those firebrands, he gives Alisa a wink "Many of them are my friends, indeed I would be with tnem now if I had not entered Lord Henry's service."

Alisa's eyes widened in dismay, once Dom made the remark about possibly fighting Kendrick.   Reactively, she made Acavna's symbol with her free hand, to ward off ill occurrence.

"Friend fighting friend...that's a terrible thought! Such is the hell of war."  She shook her head.  "Issians have a history of feeling entitled, and taking what they want.   And Rostlanders are prideful, and defiant.  And so, there will likely be killing...when a compromise could fairly easily be reached, if either side was interested."    She shook her head again.

"I hate the thought of this war.   Because it is so unnecessary."   She put a hand on Dom's arm.  "Aye, it's easy to imagine you as a Firebrand. But please remember; songs and speeches about war are far more romantic than the ugly reality."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

Dom placed his other hand on Alisa's,  "I do not look for war, it is the poor and innocent who will suffer most. I have seen what happens in the raids of the centaurs along our borders and it will only be worse if the Issians come south. he pauses "I have prayed to Iomedae for guidance, but I do think even she knows which way the winds blow.  I do not think she would like to see me beating on one of her Paladins though." he grins and winks at Kendrick.

"In all seriousness though Brevoy has always been a Rogarvian nation and with their disappearance I do not believe it can hold together."

In reply to Domitius (msg # 99):

Kendrick stiffened as Domitius remarked on the possibilities of war. He was certain of his priorities, but it would be one wrought with challenges. "Domitius, it would pain me greatly if I saw you across the battlefield. Do not even make a jest of it. My oaths... and yours as well to Lord Henry weaves a tangled web, if we are called from multiple factions. However..."

He paused in mid-sentence as Alisa and Domitius made their remarks....................

"Loyalties and oaths." Kendrick lifted his cup. "Let's not test the bonds of friendship this evening. War should be avoided and oaths must be kept." He drained the cup and quickly poured another.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:23, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

Mikki smiled as Brother Florin leaned in to take a closer look. Her brought her shoulder closer to Florin's face. She breathed in deeply, "Yes, I work for Sir Kendrick." She leaned in closer to Florin, "Between you and me, I'm not too devoted in Iomedae. He's a bit too stern."

"Yeah... I mean, let's not talk of such things tonight, if we can help it.  The problems will still be there tomorrow... and it strikes me that we're going to be needed in Midmarch more than the front lines, if it comes to that.  If the east gets up to war, who's going to be watching the west?  There are still threats out that way- Numeria, Pitax, and who knows which way our new friends out west in Bogside and Drelev are going to jump.

It's like watching a pickpocket work a street-corner bard show- when everyone's engrossed in the performance, nobody's paying attention to anything else, and before you know it, you're missing your valuables and the thief is long gone.

This would be the perfect time for Irovetti and his bunch to start trouble, now that they figure no reinforcements would be forthcoming.  Besides, didn't some Pitaxian already make a scene at the last of Lord Henry's little parties?  Forget north and east- if you're looking for trouble, I'd look west."

She'd been making short work of the food presented- making sure to sample the wine, of course- but felt the need to speak up.

The next course comes in two waves, first a small dish of heavily chilled fruit water - so cold that it is mainly ice crystals.  Cold and somewhat sweet it cleanses the palate before you are served the Taldan public school classic of School Mess - meringue, soft fruits and cream all mixed together.  A  sweet white wine is served  to complement the sweetness of the meringue in the dessert

"Alright, I'm consoled," she said to Domitius and Kendrick.  "You're both men of honor and wisdom."    Regaining some of her good mood and humor, she winked "Some of the time."

To Kiera- "Mm. That's insightful. You've a point. And by the Defender, Irovetti is the last tyrant whose rule I'd want to live under. If I had to daily look at the sort of sculpture that I hear fills Pitax, I think I just might blind myself."

She tasted the chilled fruit water after it was served.  "Huh -  I think I like that."   

Florin smiled at Mikki's words and whispered back, "I look forward to discussing it further with you in the days to come."

He settled back in his seat next to Mikki's but he reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze beneath the table, too.

---

Listening to Dom, Kendrick, Kiera and Alisa discuss the threats that might lie ahead gave him plenty to think about while desert was being served.

"I hadn't thought about possible trouble with Drelev in the west if Midmarch and Drelev somehow end up supporting different sides in a civil war.

"But surely Pitax wouldn't just come straight at Midmarch? We are way over to the northeast, whereas Drelev and the Iron Wraiths' lands are immediately north of Pitax. I would be surprised if Pitax wouldn't attack there first, even if that unwelcome fellow from Pitax did say Midmarch is land he claims belongs to Pitax and he was upset that we have banned the worship of Hanspur and that we will not acknowledge their River Freedoms. We must certainly acknowledge the potential threat from the River Kingdoms but if Midmarch is attacked from that direction I think it wouldn't just be Pitax but a larger alliance involving many of the other River Kingdoms as well.

"I don't know what sort of relationship Lord Henry has with Baron Drelev but that will be one more thing for him to think about when we report back after this trip."

Once the School Mess is cleared away, a selection of cheeses are brought to the table, along with savoury biscuits, sweet biscuits, a bottle of port, a jug of steaming hot coffee  (that you just know has been imported from somewhere exotic) and some small chocolate squares (that you know has been imported from somewhere even more exotic).

And you are left alone to finish your meal and conversation.


OOC:  Unless anyone objects, I'll close this thread down next weekend, with a journey back to Tusk.

"Perhaps, but you shouldn't underestimate the power of hurt pride.  They've already made a stink in Midmarch, and if they're attacking here, Drelev might just stay out of it, thinking better us than them- plus if the Pitaxians are focusing on us, then they're not focusing on anyone else- and most people won't go put themselves in the line of fire for someone else.

Irovetti is more prideful and vindictive than a court full of spoiled teenage nobles.  If he thinks Midmarch has slighted him in some way, we're his prime target."

The food had been better than she'd hoped- but she'd been more impressed with the wine selection.  She'd have to see where they got their wines- after all, keeping a few bottles of good stuff back for those that could pay for it would be worth it.

Florin was already full but sampled each of the dishes with true pleasure. Relaxing at the end of the meal with a small glass of port, he studied Kiera thoughtfully.

"I hope your concerns turn out to be unfounded, Kiera. Pitax would be a formidable foe. All the more reason for Lord Henry to make sure of a good, strong relationship with Baron Drelev," he responded.

When the meal draws to a close, you return to your respective accommodation to spend the night.

Shortly after your meal out, together, Yolen calls everyone together, ready for the trip back to Tusk - again the Mule train will call at all all the same locations as on the trip here.  Nikvata's, Fort Sarenko, Newgate, Outpost, Ringbridge, Silverton  and will finally arrive a Tusk a week after it departs.

One thing you all take back with you is the knowledge that Restov and the Aldori are preparing for war - and their sights are set on claiming their lands back from King Nolesi Surtova.  Civil War is coming!

The other thing that you are all aware of, is that Restov isn't doing and deals with outsiders at the moment.  There will be no loans coming from the Bank of Restov, and Restov Council won't sanction any new buildings.  Basically, Restov is closed for new business.

It does raise some interesting questions.  Such as who will be in charge of Restov and the East when this is all over?

Brother Florin is not at all disappointed to be heading back to Tusk without any further delay. The saddlebags on his mule are considerably fuller now with the new set of clothes and the two books he has secured while in Restov. Indeed, he never lets those saddlebags out of his sight on the journey back to Tusk.

He also stays close to Mikki as often as he can, and seems to value her company almost as much as those precious books.

Kendrick rode back on his horse. He suggested that Mikki ride out in front. "Liam suggested that you need to sharpen your skills keeping a sharp eye out. You didn't do so well the last time, so this is another opportunity to practice."

Like Brother Florin, the young gentleman is thankful to be leaving Restov behind before the war that is so obviously coming arrives !  While he has achieved what he set out do, Percy fears that his efforts will amount to naught until the situation here is resolved.

Though he fears that Lord Henry will be forced to choose sides and that the war will find its unwelcome way to Midmarch.

"Yes, m'Lord." Mikki replied. She was back in her brown trousers and white shirt. It was simple, and her dagger was at her side. A large bundle was tied to the back of her saddle. "Care to join me, Florin?" She kicked her horse. She rode the horse better, but she was still far from the horseman compared to Lord Kendrick. She slowed her pace once she was about fifty feet in front of the main group.

Florin sighed sadly and shook his head at Mikki's invitation.

"I would like nothing better if we were on foot," he tells her fondly.

He pats the mule he is riding.

"Unfortunately old Tuppence here is not up to that, and my horsemanship is not worth any more than Tuppence."

It had been a, well... productive trip.  Her bags were full of things she'd been meaning to get- several of them had secured bottles, carefully packed away to avoid breakage, but others, well... contained things she hadn't even known she needed- and things that would help her get more things she needed.

If she was going to grow into her role, well... she'd need to embrace it all.

But still, all the talk of war was concerning.  But while others kept their eyes on the war, she would keep her eyes west.  She still thought the true threat would come from there.

Safiya rejoins the group for their journey south. She offers no comment on it, but it is clear the situation in Restov has her worried as well.

Alisa D'Medvyed -- on her way to being née D'Medvyed, now that she was formally betrothed -- was in very good spirits.  Though as others did she too had concerns, she was resolved to put them aside for the trip back.

Her first meeting with those who would become her in-laws had gone off as well or better than she could have hoped.  And, although it might be incongruous for a lunar priestess to have a solar surname, she would wear Solanus with honor and joy.   Of course, even if Dom's surname was Mudbunk, she'd still be blissed out about becoming his wife.

She traveled the road upon Somala -- her beloved grey mare whose name derived from an Azlant word, Somal, for moon.   She also traveled the road with a very dear friend, who was likewise up to become family...

"So," she asked of Domitius, "did you run that idea past Kiera yet?"

Domitius sat astride Argos, he looked back at the city that had been his home for many years and sighed.  It was with regret he left, his family was sure to be part of the oncoming war and he couldn't be there, not and maintain his oaths to Lord Henry.  He still wasn't sure about what he would do if Lord Henry decided to join in the war with Issia but he would cross that bridge when he came to it.

Now was a time to concentrate on his plans for the future and growing the Solanus house. He looked over to where Alisa rode and beamed a smile at her, she was the most important part of that future, there would be details to work out surely but he was confident they would be overcome.

At Alisa's question he looked across at Kiera "Let's say I have in a general way, she seemed interested.  I spoke to my grandfather about it as well, he approves said the family is getting soft and could use a little more wildness."

Back at Tusk everyone goes their separate ways, perhaps to act on their newly gained knowledge -  perhaps just to ruminate on it for a bit.

The Trip to Restov is over.