"I have been told that may be. It has not been part of my world for some time.

I wish you well in that hunt. Have you sent your Lady a gift from Sarkund? Have you any idea what Sarkund has that she might like?"

"I saw a magnificent glass sculpture of a rearing horse that she might like. I simply have to figure the best way to ship it undamaged. I fear I cannot carry it among my gear without it being chipped or broken. You spoke of civility in prose and ink. Is the written language more prevalent here than in other city-states? I was under the assumption that most could speak the language but do not know how to write it."

"It is what the Queen wants. Let us not deceive ourselves, the Queen's wishes will not descend to the common folk. It is enough that the Nobility is as literate as the foreign dignitaries and Merchant ship commanders from far away places.

As for the glass sculpture, I can write a note to my Aunt Odieni, she could handle finding a trustworthy and cautious courier to take the sculpture to Celbaria, should it reach her intact.

Have you any interest in plays? Operas? We have some of the best here in Sarkund and they have been here all winter, they are about to move West."

Viepho begins to tidy up, and then sits back and finishes her tea.

Rogar nods. "As desirable as city-wide literacy might be it acts currently as a barrier between the commoners and the aristocracy. You may look at me as of the latter class, but I was born as the son of a farmer. Your offer is appreciated and I may take you up on it. Right now I am learning as much as I can about Sarkund while trying to secure a residence for the people I escorted from Celbaria. As such I have duties I must fulfill before I can allow myself to indulge in self-serving actions. As for Operas and Plays I do not make a habit of attending them. Although some street performances have been entertaining in the past....."

There is a sound of running feet, then that sound turns to steps, then a knock at the door.

"Come in boy."

The Page steps in and closes he door, trying to breathe normally.

Viepho continues. "Well I have seen street performers here, and they can be amusing. The true art is in the plays, and then taken to the highest order by Opera. I hope at some point, when you have the inclination, you see an Opera of play before leaving Sarkund."

Turning to Jovisso, Viepho hands a small plate of biscuits and fills a tea cup with tea.

At the mention of the plays Rogar responds "I will endeavor to attend a Play or two. As for Operas I am undecided. Nothing sits worse on the ears than a few clunkers in a music passage."

He greets Jovisso as the lad tries to get his breathing under control

As Jovisso accepts the tea and biscuits, Rogar asks "so what did Master Gryarnocci say? Does he know such people who would care for the pups?"

"He said he did. He would inquire with those he knew, he also said he could not say how many could be taken and that he doubted all would find a home."

The Page then consumed the biscuits and tea.

"All he was interested in were the pups.  I do not know what to do about Marnieta."

Rogar shakes his head. "Can't help you there. Unless Gryarnocci knows someone who can train dogs. Master of the Stables might have use for a guard dog if Marnieta isn't too long in the tooth." Rogar offers to help Viepho with any cleaning up. He was a guest, but she was more infirm than he.

At first Viepho is mock insulted then mellows into pleasant acceptance.

"I wish you well in your exploration of Sarkund."

The older Half folk sticks something into the Pages pocket as she hugs him.

Rogar checks the sun in the sky as they emerge, trying to gauge the hour. He tells Jovisso "shall we see about that haunch for Marnieta?"

The Page brightens and the pair are off. The walk through Sarkund us again, a route only as direct as a well traveled, knowledgeable person can make it.

Peoples, animals, trade, a wide display of travelers, mariners, tradesmen, vendors, and a few constables here and there.

In due time the pair reach the Outer fate, then the Inner gate and then the Page advises Rogar that he should write a request to the kitchens, he can deliver it and then they wait for the kitchen's reply.
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:19, Wed 01 Nov 2023.

Taking a page from his journal, Rogar makes the request of a haunch of meat from the kitchens. He tells Jovisso "make sure they wrap it for travel so the blood does not stain our clothes."

"Do I ask it delivered to your room, or here?"

Being in the Inner bailey by the castle gardens.

Rogar checks the sun. "My room should be fine. Why make a public spectacle of it?"

When Rogar reaches his chambers, there is a Page, one he does not recognize waiting by his door.

"Sir Rogar, I have a summons for you to the Chambers of Seneschal di Carci of Celbaria."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:55, Wed 01 Nov 2023.

Rogar tells Jovisso "all right, lad. Get a cart if you must, but take care of Marnieta." He turns to the other page. "Please conduct me to those chambers. I do not know where he is residing." He accompanies the unknown Page.

The Page walks and delivers Rogar to a door, the Page knocks and when a familiar voice speak, Enter, the Page opens the door ad announces Sir Rogar.

In an ante chamber sitting or standing are the three others from Celbaria.

Seneschal di Carci dressed in as fine a set of tailored robes as one could imagine, smiling as Rogar enters.

Minister Nacit de Musvezza, sitting, writing besieged by inks, stamps, seals, scrolls and sheaves of vellum.

Minister Cyvorn sitting patiently hands folded, looking reserved and happy to see Rogar.

There is wine and Seneschal di Carci asks that it be poured for everyone.

Sir Rogar bowed. He says " Ministers. It is good to see you all again. May I ask the happy occasion?"

After dismissing any Pages, Seneschal di Carci raises his goblet of wine.

"Gentlemen, to Celbaria, may Prosperity and Justice be ever in our hearts and may we always provide a Table for our Sister Cities."

Then a welcome, handshake and invite to sit at the table, now cleared by Minister de Musvezza.

When he next has the attention of all.

"I have received a letter from the Princess. The Princess will arrive in seven days, given weather and conditions do not turn against travel on the sea.

We have a Residence selected and payment for that residence has been made through summer into Harvesting. We will move from the Castle to the residence in these next two days so our current rooms may be prepared for the Princess and her retinue.

We have Minister de Musvezza and Sir Rogar to thank for the search and providing the attention to detail that now affords us an excellent choice of residence for these next many months."

A small hand clap.

"Any business I should be made aware of?"

Minister Cyvorn, "I look forward to moving in, I have no business that needs attention at this time."

Minister Nacit de Musvezza shakes his head and points to the stacks of scrolls and vellum.

Rogar says "I shall have to make arrangements with the quartermaster once we are in residence, and I have a meeting in my room tonight, but otherwise no."

He looks around the room. "One or two pages should be sufficient to transfer each person's belongings. Will we need any additional carpentry to expand the stables to our needs?"

Minister de Musvezza speaks up, "Yes, the house will be need some improvements, the stable there has only two stalls, Sir Rogar that will left to you to manage.

The top floor, well I will make a list

We will have much to assess and we also will need twp servants for the residence, they need be local, I am unaware of any Celbarians that reside in Sarkund."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:00, Thu 02 Nov 2023.

Rogar responds "ah yes, the Stone Mason's home. Very sturdy. I shall have to ask Master Quinon if he has recommendations for a carpenter. Tell me, Seneschal, once we are outside the castle walls, will there be an expedited method of us entering the castle on business, or will we have to wait for the Captain of the Watch to vet us?" He turns to Minister Cyvorn. "Have you chanced to see the Standing Stones outside Sarkund? I am told they are an artifact of an old religion. "

The Seneschal looks at Sir Rogar and considers.

"I do not know. As we no longer reside in the Castle, we will not have access to the Pages.
Which means we can not arrive unannounced and expect to be recognized. So I expect delays until such time as the Princess arrives, if she sends a carriage for us, that will be allowed in without delay. I suppose that all other visits to the castle will be lengthy and involve the Captain."

Minister Cyvorn seems unsurprised.

"I have not, I did not know that there were Standing Stones here.

My understanding is that they are all about the League, that there are some here is not unexpected. They are relics of the First Epoch, what I recall, they served as some sort of measure for distance."

Rogar nods. "Well then, I'd best make what arrangements and connections as I can before we are moved out. Seneschal, a question. One of the Pages that has served me is coming to the end of their service. This Page impressed me. Would I be breaking protocol in any way if I offered this Page the role of my Squire? In our Order we are encouraged to seek out likely individuals to teach our Craft and ways to, for the next generation of Knights. As this Page has no prospects after their term is done, I would make this offer."

Turning to Sir Rogar the Seneschal thinks.

"I advise caution, we are guests. There is no protocol I know that you would break, however, if there is any interest by any other noble, I would say it would reflect poorly on us as Celbarians. I would have to research more into that particular issue.

That said, you speak for your Order, taking a Squire is well within your purview."