Almeric presented a calm and confident appearance, will a little swagger, as he addressed the Baron and the Captain. It would do his reputation no harm to be seen at the prow of the draugr longship, of course. Capellars were feared and respected in equal measure, and this was totally on brand for the Holy Order of Knights. The crew of the Linden would increase his renown considerably, once they got back to the taverns of Clyster and spread news of his deeds. Aldred would benefit from the prestige too, with his enemies worried about what they couldn't see or understand.
Saluting the Baron and nodding to the Captain, Almeric quips. "I am not afraid, as The Pantocrator is my shield and mine whole armour. He is with me, and I cannot I fail! I was impressed at the speed and diligence of your shield wall though. Glad you recognised the signal arrows.
Turning back to the calm see, where no ship was present, Almeric grins wryly. "The Saviour works in mysterious ways indeed, His wonders to perform across the land and sea. The Blue Men are completely under my command, but will only be used in the most extreme circumstance. Besides that Lord, you know I'm not at liberty to discuss the secret arts of the Order, even if I knew what they were." Winks the knight.
"Rest assured, there are no dangers tonight. All is well. The short of it is this. We scouted the citadel as ordered, eliminated an immediate threat and returning safely with plunder. The booty is all wrapped and bundled safely, and shall remain under close guard at all times. Almeric gives the Captain a steely look, inferring that any attempt at 'checking' the treasure would be dealt with swiftly and condignly. Intimidation (ADV) = 22
Almeric turns to wave to the Retinue down the beach, signally them to approach the Linden. "The long of it can wait for a more private moment, Lord. Suffice it to say that everyone in the Retinue excelled themselves in the execution of their duties within a hostile environment. Leaving at dawn is the best course of action."
When the others reach the Linded, Almeric greets them. "Friends, take your ease, take food and drink. We will take watches to guard the booty at all times. Fell free to speak to the Baron, but I would suggest keeping the precise details of our expedition for a more private venue.. Everyone has had enough excitement for the day."
Even as the words come out of his mouth, Almeric see Fahm rush forward to bend the Baron's ear...
In the calm that follows Sir Almeric's successful contact with the Baron, Famh finds her mind recoiling like a bowstring smoothly released that snaps back precisely over the space it just crossed in loosing the arrow. While not an archer herself, their fluid grace has fascinated her all her life, long before she met Cainneach, and of course her love for him has only deepened her interest in the art. Her mind flickers like one of his arrows over all the battles they have fought together, remembering how true to the mark he shot. And he's certainly bagged her heart with a single shot from those handsome eyes that guided his arrows so well, she reflects with a secret giggle. She manages to bottle it up inside, as she's only just beginning to realize how distracting she is to him in perilous ways as well as good ones, and wants to be cautious until they've had a little more time to work out appropriate times and seasons between them. Having been reminded of their relationship, however (as what does not these fays, let's be honest ... ) she takes the chance a moment of peace affords to indulge in her favorite sport of Cainneach-musing until one particular tenderness rises above the rest to catch her breath with sudden emotion. She turns to him with her heart in her eyes.
"Cainneach ... something ye said along the way, it's taken me until just now ... oh, my 'neach leannan ghraid, do ye love me THAT much, that ye'd face the Aos Shi for my sake, after all ye've been through at the hands of strangers who were naught more than human?! If I ever had had any doubts about having chosen the right hero to love, I am full answered now. Don't blush so, dearest Cainneach, ye're far more a hero than you let yourself know, and I think all our friends here have known you long enough to know it's not just my love for you is speaking there but the simple truth too.
And I'll stand by ye to the end, and try and prove myself worthy of that love. I only wish I had more to tell ye that we could go on! When I hear the Good People in my mind, it's not always the same voice that I hear; and sometimes it's no more than a prompting in the heart. I didna even ken it was the faeries at first, only that if I didn't listen some misfortune would happen I could have avoided if I'd but heeded that voice... ... In those early days I thought it was prompting from that Holy One I've always believed far too great to be contained by any human faith, but the ... feeling was somehow different.
In any case, sometimes a feeling comes that I can trust. And one just came to me that might be a bit of a comfort. I think ... I think they want to teach me a magic that can help me begin to learn how to change my body by my own choice. Not so fully that I could change all the way back from an ... elkification, not at first. That's too great a power for me to be able to control until I learn more of this magic within me.
Whoever's speaking to me among the faeries now, I don't think they have the power to stop the strange things happening either; but they say it's ... not always. That I'll have had something turn to good fortune that was meant to turn bad, sometime before that, and that this is the way the world rights itself ... not with ill fortune all the time, but that I have to cast the knucklebones again and abide by whatever lot comes up. There IS a way I can have a little more control over it than that though, it's just that ... we need to learn a lot more, and I need to grow a good bit more, ere then. So I value your offer at its full worth, Cainneach, and it's but fair to let you know how great a task it may be. When it comes time to begin, though, we could do worse than trying to learn who my faerie grandsire was. My mother never wanted to speak of it, of course, but the steading I was born in was just at the head of the Black Lake on the outskirts of Brymstone. There's the Bodach that mothers used to scare their babes with tales of, his lair was supposed to be nigh there; but there's the ruins of an old Madhir stone circle cloe by too, and all sorts of faerie ridings and skirlings were told of in the hearthside tales concerning that place. Always with a dark glance askance at me, mind, but I was used to that and it got no worse until I started growing from girl to woman. And I had no time after that to stop and think that maybe one of the faeries I'd heard of as a child was far closer kin than I knew.
In any case, among those we know right now Myrrdin is the most knowledgeable about these matters. And I see Sir Almeric beckoning us forward, so right now it seems all roads are leading us Baron-wards."
After walking forward with the rest of the retinue, Famh recounts her version of events to the Baron until just before the moment Fergus touched the staff; then she stops and lowers her voice until only he can hear. She does not discount Sir Almeric's advice, but she feels there are some things the Baron must know immediately. "We found something evil there, my Lord ... something accursed. We were able to contain its evil, and Sir Almeric has entrusted me with that part of the spoils we found until it can be delivered into Myrddin's hands, but I fear to entrust it to any other. It's a powerful and ancient evil that whispers temptation in the mind and ... I'm just a simple Thulish girl, so its not that I'm any great saint but ... I was in the second rank and the least busy at the time , and I think the Voice of God took that opportunity to send a vision to warn us. I saw a pale serpent falling down from the moon and burrowing ... but since we've already terrified everyone by the manner of our return, perhaps it would be best if I saved the more troubling details for the ears of your -- private council as Sir Almeric suggests?"
Cainneach was glad to be off the ship and away from the menacing Jarl and his crew. It sailed smoothly, to be sure, but even that pleasant contrast from their soaked time on the Linden was more unnerving than anything else. Their placid passage through the choppy seas made Cainneach feel as though he were on a voyage somewhere between the realms of the living and the dead. He was heartened by the company of his hound, his friends, and, of course, his newly anointed love, but despite any subsequent claims on the matter, Cainneach didn't feel terribly heroic. He would fight for all of them if called to, but would rather avoid conflict if possible.
That extended to their current situation, in a hopefully benign faceoff with the Baron and his men, who were understandably wary. What with their arrival in the supernatural longship and its silent, dramatic departure, he felt lucky that the Baron hadn't assumed the signal arrows to be a ruse and all of us possessed by whatever malevolent forces must have inhabited the abandoned fort. Instead, they stood there, tense, with Thatch shifting from one foot to the other and Ori glowering at Almeric as the Capellar strode confidently forward. Always forward, always confident, that summed up Almeric pretty well. Cainneach stood with one of his hands reassuringly gripping Famh's and the other nervously clenching and unclenching the hilt of Vallandar's longsword. The odds of this erupting into combat seemed pretty long, but best to be prepared.
Thankfully, the exchange between Almeric and the Baron goes well enough. Cainneach keeps his mouth shut and tries to take in all that was said, filing it away to be deciphered later. In the meantime, he and the others will mind their cursed treasure and continue to look after one another, in case the Baron's men decide that this ragtag band that now also cavorts with dead Mercanians is no longer to be trusted.
True to form, the calm brought about by the Baron's acceptance of our party back into their camp is punctuated by another of his beloved's expositions, this time on her interactions with the fey. Cainneach listens intently, struggling to imagine what it must be like for Famh to have the influence of these capricious, powerful beings loom over every incantation and, indeed, over her every breath. At least it sounded like they might be trying to help her, rather than to just play tricks on her. I guess being one of their own, however remotely, must bring some benefit to balance out the agressions she's had to endure at the hands of we mere humans. Cainneach finds himself sighing sadly at those thoughts, but catches himself and hopes that Famh doesn't interpret his exhalation as a sign of boredom.
There IS a way I can have a little more control over it than that though, it's just that ... we need to learn a lot more, and I need to grow a good bit more, ere then. So I value your offer at its full worth, Cainneach, and it's but fair to let you know how great a task it may be. When it comes time to begin, though, we could do worse than trying to learn who my faerie grandsire was. My mother never wanted to speak of it, of course, but the steading I was born in was just at the head of the Black Lake on the outskirts of Brymstone. There's the Bodach that mothers used to scare their babes with tales of, his lair was supposed to be nigh there; but there's the ruins of an old Madhir stone circle cloe by too, and all sorts of faerie ridings and skirlings were told of in the hearthside tales concerning that place. Always with a dark glance askance at me, mind, but I was used to that and it got no worse until I started growing from girl to woman. And I had no time after that to stop and think that maybe one of the faeries I'd heard of as a child was far closer kin than I knew.
In any case, among those we know right now Myrrdin is the most knowledgeable about these matters. And I see Sir Almeric beckoning us forward, so right now it seems all roads are leading us Baron-wards."
Ah, finally we get to the actionable part! Cainneach is stirred and heartened! His mind was previously whirling about in the miasma of all he doesn't comprehend about the Aos Si, trying to fill in the gaps with the new information Famh has provided. Yet here we have direction, something to seize upon and act. After Famh returns from her discussion with the Baron, he responds simply, "That sounds wonderful, leannan ghraid, let's learn more together! I'm quite sure I can track them, whether in Fenring or back in your steading. Or at least get us close enough that the Aos Si will have to take notice. You need to know these things, who your ancestors were, how you're connected to them. And they owe you the lessons you seek, you've paid for them all your life. For my part, I know I'm only human, but I believe my time in Fenring with Dru has put me in touch with the slightest bit of their magicks, if only through communing with nature. I hope I can convince them of my love for this land, that I can champion their cause in that way. If I can be of use to them and keep one of their children safe, perhaps they might bolster my connection to the land, to them, and to you. I don't fear them, Famh, especially not with you and Dru's spirit at my side. In any case, I think you're right in that we should consult Myrrdin, if you trust him in such matters. I'll go to the maps, try to learn the lay of your steading. Now this is something to look forward to after our duties here are fulfilled!"Cainneach hugs her, then finishes, "Now let's make sure we all get through this. Can't be starving to death on this beach!"
Cainneach joins the rest of the party and helps establish a fire near their treasure, then sets up camp before grabbing some food and drink. "So, how do we want to divvy up the watch? I'll take whatever shift no one else wants. It's the least I can do for shirking my litter carrying duties." The last remark is given sheepishly, accompanied by an apologetic nod to Ori and Thatch, and undoubtedly followed by a playful elbow to the ribs from Famh. Salt lays happily at his feet, gnawing on a leftover bone from their dinner.
Almeric helps Cainneach to build a fire a short distance away from the ship. After 'putting the fear of 'The Pantocrator' into the sailors, by arriving without warning in a Draugr Longship, it was best to give them some time and space to recover their focus and complete repairs to the Linden. Keeping the booty away from the sailors was a good move too. The temptation of 'lost gold' might be too great for some to resist. It was not a good idea to tell the crew they were carrying 'cursed' treasure either, as this could break morale completely, so it was probably best to keep things on a need to know basis and state the boundries clearly, which Almeric had done with the Captain.
"I will excuse myself from the treasure guard. My place is by Aldred's side, offering close protection to our lord whilst travelling abroard. We have much to discuss among ourselves, but do not have the luxury to unpack it all here. Rest assured, as soon as we are in a safe, secure and private setting, I want to conduct a full mission debrief." As if to signal the unspoken topics of discussion included, Almeric looks at Fergus, then his gaze moves to Fahm and Cainneach and finally kisses his own signet ring.
"I would like you to think about the Retinue, what you like and don't like. What you would improve and what you would change. I have but one request. Please keep any discussions quiet and private among yourselves. I do not want to unsettle the sailors, or Aldred, any further. Nothing is set in stone and you are all free to choose your own fate."
Almeric will then take a repaste of food and drink and join Baron Aldred.
As Sir Almericwalks back to take his place of duty and honour by the Baron's side, Famh takes Cainneach's hand. "Now doesn't what our knight's asked of us blend nicely into what we were just talking about?," she says with a wry quirk of her mouth. This particular one is a gesture he has only seen from her recently, as part of the 'growing Famh': able to see the humourous side even in a situation where very little is funny. "Looking at what the past's been, to help us decide our course now. And that blends in nicely too, since it's among this little group of friends that our love has blossomed, and one course that lies before us two is to stay with them yet. I think it might be the best course."
"We're children of Thuland, surely, but what we've seen of her in our lives surely more resembles Karvala's tower than it does the heavenly isles of Hy Breasail our old legends tell of. And if we stay in Albion, well ... ," she looks around to make sure no sailors are listening and again lowers her voice until only the retinue can hear, "Sir Almeric and the Baron have treated us well; and the common word says the Baron's a just, reasonable man. But the land's ruled by this King Hadric that Alais told me of. She couldn't say much, of course, but what she 'didn'tsay' fits well enough with things I've learned since from the talk of cottars and other such folk who had naught to lose. That he's not a bad king exactly, but a weak one, which is even worse. He does little to control the men about him in the South who are bad, they say. I think we're safest where we are; and by a happy chance, Baron Aldred's lands are just south of Laird Erek's. So whenever we do seek out my grandsire, it should be easy enough to go. There might even be a regular trade route between Brymstone and Aldred Castle for those that know it, and we could have saved a deal of trouble if I'd only found it out, come south and taken service tending his flocks while I waited for you to come join me. Only it wouldn't have been any more pleasant for you, po ... leannan." From the quick blush that rises in the midst of her final words, Cainneach thinks she realized, just barely in time, that it might embarrass him to be called 'poor dear' in front of everyone; especially in the melting tones he imagines she would have been likely to utter it at that particular moment. She grins sheepishly at him a moment before the sight of the fire just beyond him brings her attention back to more immediate matters. "But lets all get more comfortable before we talk any more. That wind sweeping down from Cape Calogon is freezing; and I have no idea where that limpet stew went because I'm suddenly so hungry I could eat an elk!"
<--- &&&%%%&&& --->
(Damian_May: as the DM and, I suspect, someone well qualified to give such permission, I would like to ask to be allowed to post a JPG screenshot in this thread of the map of Ellesland from the original DW sourcebook that I have a PDF copy of; just so everyone has a more equal chance at knowing some of the basic geography. I could add to it, it you wish, arrows and labels showing the general direction of other places that have been referred to such as Mercania and Krarth.
I'll check first to see if that's the map you have in the campaign log. and edit this remark out at that time. If you see this, I forgot to check or ran out of time on public internet; and apologize if its a duplication of work you've already done which I'm asking for here.)
Cainneach has a pretty good idea, but can't say with certainty, that Almeric cast a meaningful glance toward him and Famh when speaking of a 'full mission debrief'. What is a 'full mission debrief' anyway? Must be something he learned in the Capellars. They sure have a fancy way of speaking, a parlance all their own. And what complaint might Almeric have with him and Famh? They had both contributed admirably to the exploration and survival of the abandoned and very cursed fort. Oh well, it's fruitless to speculate on what thoughts are running through the mind of the Capellar. Cainneach did have at least one suggestion, though. "Personally, I wouldn't mind spending less time out on the sea. And if we do have to continue after our current little jaunt, maybe heading south where it's a bit warmer if we're going to have to be soaked! Oh, and let's maybe not sail on ol' Almeric's ship of the dead if we can avoid it. Right? Maybe we can make our way on some of Thatch's stellar horses instead. I know you must agree, Ori!" He looks with a smile to his companions for support.
(Famh makes the case for continuing their service to the Baron et al while nimbly avoiding embarrassing him too much ...)
"Aye, what ye say is likely true, for better or worse. If we survive this journey, there are more perilous places to try to make a life than in the company of a noble, and the Baron seems a decent enough man, and shrewd. And I don't want to leave our friends. But I don't understand what you say about this King Hadric. If he's so weak and unwise, then how has he remained the king? Wouldn't the other nobles oust him? If he doesn't command their respect, why do they follow him? Does that have something to do with the True Faith? I'm sorry I have so many questions, but I guess I didn't spend much of my time as a member of House Dayne mingling with the townsfolk or trying to learn the customs of Albion. I know the lands out to Clyster well, and west throughout Fenring Forest, but the people here I still don't get. It's a far cry from what I remember in my village in Thuland."
Famh sighs. "I don't know. That was one of the places where Alais would begin thinking she'd said too much and change the subject. But I got the feeling its the same old sordid story it is the world round, that the lairds have the king's ear and the ones closest his seat have wrapped him 'round their fingers. But if you think of it, how could a treacherous Baron like the one that tried to use Sir Beorn against ours stay in power if the king were strong?"
"In any case, I think Sir Almeric said he means to find a way to release the draugr's souls after we're done with our present journey, so I'd hope that for a while at least there'll be no need to concern ourselves with the intrigues of courts and kings. From what even the old tales tell of politics, I think I'd rather deal with the dead. At least they're comparatively honest. They scare the fewmets out of you and make no bones about it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric presented a calm and confident appearance, will a little swagger, as he addressed the Baron and the Captain. It would do his reputation no harm to be seen at the prow of the draugr longship, of course. Capellars were feared and respected in equal measure, and this was totally on brand for the Holy Order of Knights. The crew of the Linden would increase his renown considerably, once they got back to the taverns of Clyster and spread news of his deeds. Aldred would benefit from the prestige too, with his enemies worried about what they couldn't see or understand.
Saluting the Baron and nodding to the Captain, Almeric quips. "I am not afraid, as The Pantocrator is my shield and mine whole armour. He is with me, and I cannot I fail! I was impressed at the speed and diligence of your shield wall though. Glad you recognised the signal arrows.
Turning back to the calm see, where no ship was present, Almeric grins wryly. "The Saviour works in mysterious ways indeed, His wonders to perform across the land and sea. The Blue Men are completely under my command, but will only be used in the most extreme circumstance. Besides that Lord, you know I'm not at liberty to discuss the secret arts of the Order, even if I knew what they were." Winks the knight.
"Rest assured, there are no dangers tonight. All is well. The short of it is this. We scouted the citadel as ordered, eliminated an immediate threat and returning safely with plunder. The booty is all wrapped and bundled safely, and shall remain under close guard at all times. Almeric gives the Captain a steely look, inferring that any attempt at 'checking' the treasure would be dealt with swiftly and condignly. Intimidation (ADV) = 22
Almeric turns to wave to the Retinue down the beach, signally them to approach the Linden. "The long of it can wait for a more private moment, Lord. Suffice it to say that everyone in the Retinue excelled themselves in the execution of their duties within a hostile environment. Leaving at dawn is the best course of action."
When the others reach the Linded, Almeric greets them. "Friends, take your ease, take food and drink. We will take watches to guard the booty at all times. Fell free to speak to the Baron, but I would suggest keeping the precise details of our expedition for a more private venue.. Everyone has had enough excitement for the day."
Even as the words come out of his mouth, Almeric see Fahm rush forward to bend the Baron's ear...
The Captain is deeply cowed and Almeric feels there will be little chance that any of the sailors will venture remotely near either the companions or their haul for some time.
In the calm that follows Sir Almeric's successful contact with the Baron, Famh finds her mind recoiling like a bowstring smoothly released that snaps back precisely over the space it just crossed in loosing the arrow. While not an archer herself, their fluid grace has fascinated her all her life, long before she met Cainneach, and of course her love for him has only deepened her interest in the art. Her mind flickers like one of his arrows over all the battles they have fought together, remembering how true to the mark he shot. And he's certainly bagged her heart with a single shot from those handsome eyes that guided his arrows so well, she reflects with a secret giggle. She manages to bottle it up inside, as she's only just beginning to realize how distracting she is to him in perilous ways as well as good ones, and wants to be cautious until they've had a little more time to work out appropriate times and seasons between them. Having been reminded of their relationship, however (as what does not these fays, let's be honest ... ) she takes the chance a moment of peace affords to indulge in her favorite sport of Cainneach-musing until one particular tenderness rises above the rest to catch her breath with sudden emotion. She turns to him with her heart in her eyes.
"Cainneach ... something ye said along the way, it's taken me until just now ... oh, my 'neach leannan ghraid, do ye love me THAT much, that ye'd face the Aos Shi for my sake, after all ye've been through at the hands of strangers who were naught more than human?! If I ever had had any doubts about having chosen the right hero to love, I am full answered now. Don't blush so, dearest Cainneach, ye're far more a hero than you let yourself know, and I think all our friends here have known you long enough to know it's not just my love for you is speaking there but the simple truth too.
And I'll stand by ye to the end, and try and prove myself worthy of that love. I only wish I had more to tell ye that we could go on! When I hear the Good People in my mind, it's not always the same voice that I hear; and sometimes it's no more than a prompting in the heart. I didna even ken it was the faeries at first, only that if I didn't listen some misfortune would happen I could have avoided if I'd but heeded that voice... ... In those early days I thought it was prompting from that Holy One I've always believed far too great to be contained by any human faith, but the ... feeling was somehow different.
In any case, sometimes a feeling comes that I can trust. And one just came to me that might be a bit of a comfort. I think ... I think they want to teach me a magic that can help me begin to learn how to change my body by my own choice. Not so fully that I could change all the way back from an ... elkification, not at first. That's too great a power for me to be able to control until I learn more of this magic within me.
Whoever's speaking to me among the faeries now, I don't think they have the power to stop the strange things happening either; but they say it's ... not always. That I'll have had something turn to good fortune that was meant to turn bad, sometime before that, and that this is the way the world rights itself ... not with ill fortune all the time, but that I have to cast the knucklebones again and abide by whatever lot comes up. There IS a way I can have a little more control over it than that though, it's just that ... we need to learn a lot more, and I need to grow a good bit more, ere then. So I value your offer at its full worth, Cainneach, and it's but fair to let you know how great a task it may be. When it comes time to begin, though, we could do worse than trying to learn who my faerie grandsire was. My mother never wanted to speak of it, of course, but the steading I was born in was just at the head of the Black Lake on the outskirts of Brymstone. There's the Bodach that mothers used to scare their babes with tales of, his lair was supposed to be nigh there; but there's the ruins of an old Madhir stone circle cloe by too, and all sorts of faerie ridings and skirlings were told of in the hearthside tales concerning that place. Always with a dark glance askance at me, mind, but I was used to that and it got no worse until I started growing from girl to woman. And I had no time after that to stop and think that maybe one of the faeries I'd heard of as a child was far closer kin than I knew.
In any case, among those we know right now Myrrdin is the most knowledgeable about these matters. And I see Sir Almeric beckoning us forward, so right now it seems all roads are leading us Baron-wards."
After walking forward with the rest of the retinue, Famh recounts her version of events to the Baron until just before the moment Fergus touched the staff; then she stops and lowers her voice until only he can hear. She does not discount Sir Almeric 's advice, but she feels there are some things the Baron must know immediately. "We found something evil there, my Lord ... something accursed. We were able to contain its evil, and Sir Almeric has entrusted me with that part of the spoils we found until it can be delivered into Myrddin's hands, but I fear to entrust it to any other. It's a powerful and ancient evil that whispers temptation in the mind and ... I'm just a simple Thulish girl, so its not that I'm any great saint but ... I was in the second rank and the least busy at the time , and I think the Voice of God took that opportunity to send a vision to warn us. I saw a pale serpent falling down from the moon and burrowing ... but since we've already terrified everyone by the manner of our return, perhaps it would be best if I saved the more troubling details for the ears of your -- private council as Sir Almeric suggests?"
Famhs rather fervant divulgence to Baron Aldred brings a perculiar expression to his face, his eyes first meet Almerics and then they meet Famhs, " I thank you for your news, Ingen."
He casually turned his head as if stretching, his eyes active despite the seeming relaxed movement and he gave a slight smile as he nodded her leave.
Cainneach was glad to be off the ship and away from the menacing Jarl and his crew. It sailed smoothly, to be sure, but even that pleasant contrast from their soaked time on the Linden was more unnerving than anything else. Their placid passage through the choppy seas made Cainneach feel as though he were on a voyage somewhere between the realms of the living and the dead. He was heartened by the company of his hound, his friends, and, of course, his newly anointed love, but despite any subsequent claims on the matter, Cainneach didn't feel terribly heroic. He would fight for all of them if called to, but would rather avoid conflict if possible.
That extended to their current situation, in a hopefully benign faceoff with the Baron and his men, who were understandably wary. What with their arrival in the supernatural longship and its silent, dramatic departure, he felt lucky that the Baron hadn't assumed the signal arrows to be a ruse and all of us possessed by whatever malevolent forces must have inhabited the abandoned fort. Instead, they stood there, tense, with Thatch shifting from one foot to the other and Ori glowering at Almeric as the Capellar strode confidently forward. Always forward, always confident, that summed up Almeric pretty well. Cainneach stood with one of his hands reassuringly gripping Famh's and the other nervously clenching and unclenching the hilt of Vallandar's longsword. The odds of this erupting into combat seemed pretty long, but best to be prepared.
Thankfully, the exchange between Almeric and the Baron goes well enough. Cainneach keeps his mouth shut and tries to take in all that was said, filing it away to be deciphered later. In the meantime, he and the others will mind their cursed treasure and continue to look after one another, in case the Baron's men decide that this ragtag band that now also cavorts with dead Mercanians is no longer to be trusted.
True to form, the calm brought about by the Baron's acceptance of our party back into their camp is punctuated by another of his beloved's expositions, this time on her interactions with the fey. Cainneach listens intently, struggling to imagine what it must be like for Famh to have the influence of these capricious, powerful beings loom over every incantation and, indeed, over her every breath. At least it sounded like they might be trying to help her, rather than to just play tricks on her. I guess being one of their own, however remotely, must bring some benefit to balance out the agressions she's had to endure at the hands of we mere humans. Cainneach finds himself sighing sadly at those thoughts, but catches himself and hopes that Famh doesn't interpret his exhalation as a sign of boredom.
There IS a way I can have a little more control over it than that though, it's just that ... we need to learn a lot more, and I need to grow a good bit more, ere then. So I value your offer at its full worth, Cainneach, and it's but fair to let you know how great a task it may be. When it comes time to begin, though, we could do worse than trying to learn who my faerie grandsire was. My mother never wanted to speak of it, of course, but the steading I was born in was just at the head of the Black Lake on the outskirts of Brymstone. There's the Bodach that mothers used to scare their babes with tales of, his lair was supposed to be nigh there; but there's the ruins of an old Madhir stone circle cloe by too, and all sorts of faerie ridings and skirlings were told of in the hearthside tales concerning that place. Always with a dark glance askance at me, mind, but I was used to that and it got no worse until I started growing from girl to woman. And I had no time after that to stop and think that maybe one of the faeries I'd heard of as a child was far closer kin than I knew.
In any case, among those we know right now Myrrdin is the most knowledgeable about these matters. And I see Sir Almeric beckoning us forward, so right now it seems all roads are leading us Baron-wards."
Ah, finally we get to the actionable part! Cainneach is stirred and heartened! His mind was previously whirling about in the miasma of all he doesn't comprehend about the Aos Si, trying to fill in the gaps with the new information Famh has provided. Yet here we have direction, something to seize upon and act. After Famh returns from her discussion with the Baron, he responds simply, "That sounds wonderful, leannan ghraid, let's learn more together! I'm quite sure I can track them, whether in Fenring or back in your steading. Or at least get us close enough that the Aos Si will have to take notice. You need to know these things, who your ancestors were, how you're connected to them. And they owe you the lessons you seek, you've paid for them all your life. For my part, I know I'm only human, but I believe my time in Fenring with Dru has put me in touch with the slightest bit of their magicks, if only through communing with nature. I hope I can convince them of my love for this land, that I can champion their cause in that way. If I can be of use to them and keep one of their children safe, perhaps they might bolster my connection to the land, to them, and to you. I don't fear them, Famh, especially not with you and Dru's spirit at my side. In any case, I think you're right in that we should consult Myrrdin, if you trust him in such matters. I'll go to the maps, try to learn the lay of your steading. Now this is something to look forward to after our duties here are fulfilled!"Cainneach hugs her, then finishes, "Now let's make sure we all get through this. Can't be starving to death on this beach!"
Cainneach joins the rest of the party and helps establish a fire near their treasure, then sets up camp before grabbing some food and drink. "So, how do we want to divvy up the watch? I'll take whatever shift no one else wants. It's the least I can do for shirking my litter carrying duties." The last remark is given sheepishly, accompanied by an apologetic nod to Ori and Thatch, and undoubtedly followed by a playful elbow to the ribs from Famh. Salt lays happily at his feet, gnawing on a leftover bone from their dinner.
Cainneach volunteers himself for first watch and Fergus for the second, musing it will give him time to catch up on his records and notes......
Almeric helps Cainneach to build a fire a short distance away from the ship. After 'putting the fear of 'The Pantocrator' into the sailors, by arriving without warning in a Draugr Longship, it was best to give them some time and space to recover their focus and complete repairs to the Linden. Keeping the booty away from the sailors was a good move too. The temptation of 'lost gold' might be too great for some to resist. It was not a good idea to tell the crew they were carrying 'cursed' treasure either, as this could break morale completely, so it was probably best to keep things on a need to know basis and state the boundries clearly, which Almeric had done with the Captain.
"I will excuse myself from the treasure guard. My place is by Aldred's side, offering close protection to our lord whilst travelling abroard. We have much to discuss among ourselves, but do not have the luxury to unpack it all here. Rest assured, as soon as we are in a safe, secure and private setting, I want to conduct a full mission debrief." As if to signal the unspoken topics of discussion included, Almeric looks at Fergus, then his gaze moves to Fahm and Cainneach and finally kisses his own signet ring.
"I would like you to think about the Retinue, what you like and don't like. What you would improve and what you would change. I have but one request. Please keep any discussions quiet and private among yourselves. I do not want to unsettle the sailors, or Aldred, any further. Nothing is set in stone and you are all free to choose your own fate."
Almeric will then take a repaste of food and drink and join Baron Aldred.
Fergus watches Almeric head back to the Baron and reaches into his bag to regard the silver-bound skull for a moment, he gives a slight wistful smile then tucks it back into his bag as if embarassed.
Almeric and the Baron speak of plans for the upcoming meeting with Duke Carnasse and what would be involved and who would attend, there is also frank discussion of the various threats to Baron Aldreds rule, family and life and finally a brief though informal request to Almeric to represent the Barony to Laird Erek Langsward of Brymstone some time in the following year in hopes that if things grow truly dire a strong alliance with the two main powers of coastal Thuland will give certain enemies pause.
As Sir Almericwalks back to take his place of duty and honour by the Baron's side, Famh takes Cainneach's hand. "Now doesn't what our knight's asked of us blend nicely into what we were just talking about?," she says with a wry quirk of her mouth. This particular one is a gesture he has only seen from her recently, as part of the 'growing Famh': able to see the humourous side even in a situation where very little is funny. "Looking at what the past's been, to help us decide our course now. And that blends in nicely too, since it's among this little group of friends that our love has blossomed, and one course that lies before us two is to stay with them yet. I think it might be the best course."
"We're children of Thuland, surely, but what we've seen of her in our lives surely more resembles Karvala's tower than it does the heavenly isles of Hy Breasail our old legends tell of. And if we stay in Albion, well ... ," she looks around to make sure no sailors are listening and again lowers her voice until only the retinue can hear, "Sir Almeric and the Baron have treated us well; and the common word says the Baron's a just, reasonable man. But the land's ruled by this King Hadric that Alais told me of. She couldn't say much, of course, but what she 'didn'tsay' fits well enough with things I've learned since from the talk of cottars and other such folk who had naught to lose. That he's not a bad king exactly, but a weak one, which is even worse. He does little to control the men about him in the South who are bad, they say. I think we're safest where we are; and by a happy chance, Baron Aldred's lands are just south of Laird Erek's. So whenever we do seek out my grandsire, it should be easy enough to go. There might even be a regular trade route between Brymstone and Aldred Castle for those that know it, and we could have saved a deal of trouble if I'd only found it out, come south and taken service tending his flocks while I waited for you to come join me. Only it wouldn't have been any more pleasant for you, po ... leannan." From the quick blush that rises in the midst of her final words, Cainneach thinks she realized, just barely in time, that it might embarrass him to be called 'poor dear' in front of everyone; especially in the melting tones he imagines she would have been likely to utter it at that particular moment. She grins sheepishly at him a moment before the sight of the fire just beyond him brings her attention back to more immediate matters. "But lets all get more comfortable before we talk any more. That wind sweeping down from Cape Calogon is freezing; and I have no idea where that limpet stew went because I'm suddenly so hungry I could eat an elk!"
Famh and Cainneach sit watch and eat and talk while the others sleep.....the grey-black ocean swells crashing and the calls of sea birds overhead....
Cainneach has a pretty good idea, but can't say with certainty, that Almeric cast a meaningful glance toward him and Famh when speaking of a 'full mission debrief'. What is a 'full mission debrief' anyway? Must be something he learned in the Capellars. They sure have a fancy way of speaking, a parlance all their own. And what complaint might Almeric have with him and Famh? They had both contributed admirably to the exploration and survival of the abandoned and very cursed fort. Oh well, it's fruitless to speculate on what thoughts are running through the mind of the Capellar. Cainneach did have at least one suggestion, though. "Personally, I wouldn't mind spending less time out on the sea. And if we do have to continue after our current little jaunt, maybe heading south where it's a bit warmer if we're going to have to be soaked! Oh, and let's maybe not sail on ol' Almeric's ship of the dead if we can avoid it. Right? Maybe we can make our way on some of Thatch's stellar horses instead. I know you must agree, Ori!" He looks with a smile to his companions for support.
(Famh makes the case for continuing their service to the Baron et al while nimbly avoiding embarrassing him too much ...)
"Aye, what ye say is likely true, for better or worse. If we survive this journey, there are more perilous places to try to make a life than in the company of a noble, and the Baron seems a decent enough man, and shrewd. And I don't want to leave our friends. But I don't understand what you say about this King Hadric. If he's so weak and unwise, then how has he remained the king? Wouldn't the other nobles oust him? If he doesn't command their respect, why do they follow him? Does that have something to do with the True Faith? I'm sorry I have so many questions, but I guess I didn't spend much of my time as a member of House Dayne mingling with the townsfolk or trying to learn the customs of Albion. I know the lands out to Clyster well, and west throughout Fenring Forest, but the people here I still don't get. It's a far cry from what I remember in my village in Thuland."
When Cainneach turns to Ori he sees the big man has already fallen asleep, tired from his herculean efforts rescuing the sealion...
As the night goes on they draw to sleep and Fergus is woken and takes his watch, staring out into the night with an almost unblinking gaze, he looks back up the beach towards the ruins and that singular dark tower, mutters something to himself and waits out the dawn.
The next morn comes and before the sun has risen the crew are up and breaking camp, the pitch and cladding is checked and declared safe and they make preparations to depart....
When Almeric and Aldred are alone, they have the opportunity to discuss the main aim of the mission in some detail, the Baron's secret diplomatic mission to Duke Carnasse of Beltayne. Aldred had always said that he would do all the negotiating alone and in secret with the Duke and Almeric only wanted to know the basic time frames of this mission. There were only a few weeks before sea would be treacherous and unnavigable. Laird Erik Langsward had been mentioned in passing, being another possible member of this East Coast Alliance. Now Aldred's plan was beginning to reveal itself, as well as Almeric's place in it.
Almeric knew that the Dayne Retinue where quite unique in their particular set of skills. Nobles dealing in Noble business was not one of them. It was very wise for Duke Carnasse to be greeted by Aldred, alone , in peace and in secret, to be able to engage fully encouraged the diplomatic process. For Aldred to turn up with the full Retinue could be seen as very aggressive and it would not take much for an awkward incident to occur in any of the Retinue spoke out of turn. Nobles did not generally appreciate the socially mobile, free members of society, who had opinions and expressed them openly. Almeric chuckled as he remembered how Fergus had exposed Beorn as the boorish brute he is, when they had first met. Duke Carnasse obviously appreciated the subtle approach, the light touch. Gentle is the hand that rocks the cradle. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
They discussed Beorn the Traitor, of course, Baron Grissaille, Earl Montombre, Ulric the Sorcerer, as well as any other threats, obvious or perceived. Almeric eluded to a 'plan' for Beorn he has been hatching. It depended on whether Aldred wanted the traitor dragged before him for public judgement, or whether summary execution of sentence would be acceptable? Almeric shared the first part of his plan with Aldred, to use the Draugr for the last time, releasing them from their curse and allowing them eternal rest. Assuming Beorn was still hiding under the skirts of Grisaille in Scardic Castle, Almeric believes the Draugr can row their dragon ship the hundred miles from the sea to Scardic Castle. They could row straight across the Coronach Marsh, which would be in flood due to the spring bore tide. The plan was bold and the very last thing Beorn or Grissaille would expect. The Draugr were a formidable enemy, and could easily capture kill Beorn, assuming he was in the castle at the time. Alternatively, a capture could be attempted, but this would present many difficulties. This would be a significant strategic set back for Grissaille too, successful or not, the assault would cause him to calculate what he doesn't know and what he can't see, from now on. Only myself would be exposed. The rest of the Retinue could wait in Axbridge, should they be required.
Almeric outlined their theory concerning the ancient citadel they had scouted. The Temple of the Blue Moon posed a strategic threat to the East Coast Alliance and need further investigation. Any immediate tactical threat had been dealt with, but there were forces at play beyond their knowledge and power. Almeric strongly advised a visit to the Abbey of St Rocheval, Meore, to report this and seek council. Almeric was sure the Capellar's would have the knowledge and expertise to deal with this, at very least in the mid term.
Aldred has inferred that Almeric and the Retinue might remain in Brymstone, while Aldred continues on alone to Beltayne as discussed. Almeric's job would then be to discuss an alliance between Laird Erik Langswerd and Baron Aldred, as part of an East Coast Alliance. Almeric needed to know his negotiating power, what he could give and what he could not. Although he could be subtle and persuasive, the whole Retinue presented a much more intimidating prospect. Presumably Laird Erik responded to demonstrations of power, which would be an easy job for them.
When Almeric and Aldred are alone, they have the opportunity to discuss the main aim of the mission in some detail, the Baron's secret diplomatic mission to Duke Carnasse of Beltayne. Aldred had always said that he would do all the negotiating alone and in secret with the Duke and Almeric only wanted to know the basic time frames of this mission. There were only a few weeks before sea would be treacherous and unnavigable. Laird Erik Langsward had been mentioned in passing, being another possible member of this East Coast Alliance. Now Aldred's plan was beginning to reveal itself, as well as Almeric's place in it.
Baron Aldred sucked on the inside of his cheek as Almeric laid out various schema to kill or capture Beorn, though it obviously rankled him to be using the dead in such a matter he could not fault the efficiency though he did voice some concerns regarding collateral damage from the sepuchural reavers...though Grisaille and his eldest son are undoubtedly involved fully with Beorn based on intelligence gathered he has concerns about his own reputation among the people of both his and the neighbouring Baronies if it becomes known that he summoned an army of the dead to lay waste to the family, staff and commoners of Grisailles keep.
Aldred nodded about the fallen fortress, it sounded like Sorcery and that was not his bailiwick, he did advise Almeric to loop Myrrdin into any correspondence so he could keep abreast of things.
Aldred corrected Almeric and stated that the mission to treat with the Laird of Brymstone would be undertaken in the coming Summer......if at all.
He clapped Almeric on the shoulder and retired for the night.
Famh yawns and stretches ... but her arm can't move far without being stopped by a shoulder she would instantly recognize now even if she were freshly waking from the sleep that in most cases is eternal. She had accompanied Cainneach back to the fireside when they'd gone off watch and started to happily chat with him; he assumes it was about their future together, but he isn't sure as she pulled an Ori on him at that very moment, falling asleep in mid-syllable and lolling against his shoulder in a slumber so deep he hadn't the heart to wake her even to get her across the brief distance that modesty still imposed between their pallets.
Now, waking in the chill grey of dawn and finding herself by his side, she huddles closer again. "Morrigan's teeth, but it's cold! I'm glad the watches have kept the fire well banked, leannan, but do you think they might want some help collecting driftwood to build it up again for breakfast? You must be as stiff in the joints as I am. I'm sorry I kept ye sitting up all night like that, the whole day must have caught up with me all on a sudden!" She smiles at him.
Famh sighs. "I don't know. That was one of the places where Alais would begin thinking she'd said too much and change the subject. But I got the feeling its the same old sordid story it is the world round, that the lairds have the king's ear and the ones closest his seat have wrapped him 'round their fingers. But if you think of it, how could a treacherous Baron like the one that tried to use Sir Beorn against ours stay in power if the king were strong?"
"In any case, I think Sir Almeric said he means to find a way to release the draugr's souls after we're done with our present journey, so I'd hope that for a while at least there'll be no need to concern ourselves with the intrigues of courts and kings. From what even the old tales tell of politics, I think I'd rather deal with the dead. At least they're comparatively honest. They scare the fewmets out of you and make no bones about it."
Cainneach listens and nods, again surprised by the wisdom of the wild lass. It was good that at least one of them had a sense of what people were up to when they weren't forthright with their intentions. He was still learning, trying to comprehend the subtleties of what goes on between men and their factions, their gods, their women, and everything else. Famh was right; the dead are simple and direct in what they want. People, on the other hand, were often decidedly less so. "You've got the right of it, I think. But that's why I stuck with wild animals and Dru as company for so long. More straightforward than most folk, and less likely to want to eat me than are the dead! I'm glad to have met you and, well, most of this lot. It's hard to imagine a false word from Thatch, Tana, and Ori. And Almeric, well, he might navigate the tricky paths with the Baron and the other nobles, but I think he's pretty true with us, even if I disagree with him. Fergus ... I wish I could figure what's haunting that poor man. It seems like a cloud follows, something that's not him, but outside of him. Oh, speaking of which, it's time to wake that fellow up for his watch."
Cainneach leads Famh back to where they sat previously, a comfortable spot near the fire where Salt currently lay. Cainneach looks at the sleeping hound with empathy, realizing they should get a run in tomorrow before they returned to the confined space of the Linden. It would do them both some good. He smiles warmly at Famh as she takes a seat next to Salt and makes herself comfortable, trying to absorb as much heat from the dwindling fire and Salt as possible. What good fortune for her to have found him. He'd scarcely known her for more than a few months, but he already found it hard to imagine not having her by his side on this wild journey. But back to that in a few minutes, he sighs.
Cainneach walks over to Fergus' pallet and kneels beside the sleeping scribe. Even in slumber, the man was restless, unsettled, his eyes flicking back and forth behind their lid and his limbs shifting in the thrall of a dream. Cainneach frowned and watched him for a few moments, not happy to have to wake him. Fergus could certainly use the rest, but then again, perhaps his sleep was not so peaceful. Reaching out to his shoulder, Cainneach gives Fergus a few gentle shoves until he opens his eyes. That empty look, like someone else was staring out at Cainneach, but only for a few moments. "Uh, Fergus, it's just me ... time to wake up and take your watch. I'll stoke the fire while you sort yourself out. Take your time." Satisfied that Fergus was sufficiently awake to commence his duties, Cainneach finds a few more pieces of driftwood to lay on the fire, expertly arranging them and coaxing the fire to spread to its new fuel. He turns back to Fergus and says, "If anything comes up, don't hesitate to wake me. I'm happy to help." Truth be told, Cainneach certainly did not wish to be awoken, as he was extremely weary, but he did not entirely trust Fergus either. Unfortunately, the others seemed even more fully passed out than Fergus had been, and the scribe had requested the watch.
Famh yawns and stretches ... but her arm can't move far without being stopped by a shoulder she would instantly recognize now even if she were freshly waking from the sleep that in most cases is eternal. She had accompanied Cainneach back to the fireside when they'd gone off watch and started to happily chat with him; he assumes it was about their future together, but he isn't sure as she pulled an Ori on him at that very moment, falling asleep in mid-syllable and lolling against his shoulder in a slumber so deep he hadn't the heart to wake her even to get her across the brief distance that modesty still imposed between their pallets.
Now, waking in the chill grey of dawn and finding herself by his side, she huddles closer again. "Morrigan's teeth, but it's cold! I'm glad the watches have kept the fire well banked, leannan, but do you think they might want some help collecting driftwood to build it up again for breakfast? You must be as stiff in the joints as I am. I'm sorry I kept ye sitting up all night like that, the whole day must have caught up with me all on a sudden!" She smiles at him.
Returning to where he had left Famh, Cainneach finds her very nearly asleep, attempting to stifle a big yawn. Cainneach chuckles as he pulls a blanket from his backpack, sits, and drapes it around the two of them. She seems about to speak, but Cainneach boldly interrupts with, "No more chatting tonight, leannan, you get some sleep. You've had quite a day!" As Famh is about to protest, she yawns again and lets her eyes close, fully asleep. Cainneach wraps his arm around her shoulder and tries to get comfortable for the night. He smiles again, fights against the veil of sleep for a few more minutes while keeping an eye on Fergus, then succumbs to his exhaustion. His dreams are strange, disjointed, a allegory stitching together elements from their adventures thus far.
When he is awoken, it seems like only minutes have passed, and one of his arms is mostly numb. It takes a few momentsto realize it's draped around Famh, as it no longers seems to be associated with the rest of his body. Cainneach yawns, then attempts to respond to Famh coherently, but his mind is not yet fully engaged. "Cold? Aye, what's happened to the fire, it was so bright when I left it! And it's okay about the ... whatever you were apologizing for ... Are you sure it's time to get up, let's just stay here a bit longer, just like this ..." The forester is unfortunately interrupted in his happily drowsy state by Salt, who forgets for a moment that he is far too large to be a lap dog and climbs onto Cainneach and Famh, licking Cainneach's face and wagging his tail all over the place.
As Ori awakes to the crew stirring and making preparations, he does his customary headcount of the those he travels with. Satisfied with concluding where everyone is/or expected to be if not with them, namely Almeric doing nobleman doings and Fergus who's on watch. He packs up his roll and ponders everything that happened the prior day, between the deadmens ship and standoff with Almeric, he'd almost forgot the staffs and where they came from also was yesterday as well. Ori wonders how well the others where able to find find good sleep after all that. Years on road traveling and odd hours performing had taught Ori to be able to fall asleep about anywhere with most any distractions, but it had taken a lot of sleepless nights to learn it, he would have to check in on the others to see how they are holding up. And then there is Almeric, Ori had sworn to follow the man and be his man at arms, now Ori had resisted following orders by not willingly board the ghostship. Almeric seems to have not taken it as anything more then being uncomfortable instead of challenging of authority but Ori also knows that might have been a way to get the crew to board the ship and will have to watch if any attitudes change with the knight now. "Hey mates, where can a fella get a have way decent meal around this camp? Hope you blokes repair ships better then you cook aye!" Best start distancing himself from the crew a bit and mingling with the rest of the ship, incase any blow back to Ori from his standoff, don't need the others catch it with him.
With a splutter and a laugh, Famh pushes herself to one side just enough to make room for Salt's large body without letting go Cainneach s shoulders entirely. "Och, ye silly beast, you were playing with a great big seal-lyon only yesterday, and now you think you're one of the Baron's spaniels that he gave Cainneach to keep his lap warm? Or did you hear us and want to help warm us both up?" She turns back to her newly confirmed and first one true love. "And his paws are all wet and sandy. He must have been digging for something below the tide line not too long before we woke."
As she speaks, she moves to scratch her shoulder and suddenly jerks her hand back to her mouth. "Aieowch!,' she yelps, sucking the side of her palm. "I forgot that. Remember those little cubicles we were searching together, and the needle I found behind a stone? I thought it must have some little glamour or other on it, as it wasn't rusted; but I got no feeling of the evil from it so I thought no more at the time. I must have just stuck it in the collar of my earasaid without thinking and then forgot all about it. I suppose I'd better ask Myrrdin if he can look at the thing whenever he has a free moment."
Thatch spends most of the evening off by himself, idly carving designs in a piece of driftwood. He did not take the opportunity to speak to the Baron, and would rather spend time with the crew of the Linden asking if they had stories of sea lions. But Sir Almeric's warning not to speak to them kept him away from the crew. He wanted to give Cainneach and Famh some space, they seemed to be getting rather close with each other and talking about their homeland. Instead he took his turn on watch and spent time carving.
The morning broke cold and clear and he drifted toward Ori and Tana. “Come on big guy, let’s get you some breakfast.”He took up Ori’s challenge and led him toward the cooking fires, wondering if they would set sail today.
As dawn broke and brought new light to the cold dark beach, Almeric took the opportunity to start afresh once more. He greeted everyone in the Retinue warmly and helped them break camp, load the booty and board the Linden. Almeric exuded his usual confidence and encouragement, doing his best to dispel the dower mood of yesterday.
"I hope the new day brings renewal to you all. During the coming mission to Beltayne, the Baron will require more and less attention from myself at various times. It maybe therefore useful for everyone if there was a Retinue Deputy, who can lead with authority in my absence. I think it would be best if you reached a consensus among yourselves, without influence from me, and inform me of your decision by the the time we arrive at Beltayne. Once we return to Gorham, this appointment can be ratified with suitable rights and privilages."
Almeric leaves the Retinue with his request and returns to the side of Baron Aldred.
With a splutter and a laugh, Famh pushes herself to one side just enough to make room for Salt's large body without letting go Cainneach s shoulders entirely. "Och, ye silly beast, you were playing with a great big seal-lyon only yesterday, and now you think you're one of the Baron's spaniels that he gave Cainneach to keep his lap warm? Or did you hear us and want to help warm us both up?" She turns back to her newly confirmed and first one true love. "And his paws are all wet and sandy. He must have been digging for something below the tide line not too long before we woke."
As she speaks, she moves to scratch her shoulder and suddenly jerks her hand back to her mouth. "Aieowch!,' she yelps, sucking the side of her palm. "I forgot that. Remember those little cubicles we were searching together, and the needle I found behind a stone? I thought it must have some little glamour or other on it, as it wasn't rusted; but I got no feeling of the evil from it so I thought no more at the time. I must have just stuck it in the collar of my earasaid without thinking and then forgot all about it. I suppose I'd better ask Myrrdin if he can look at the thing whenever he has a free moment."
As she regards the needle and a drop of her blood runs down the metal a word comes to her mind....snàthad..
As she almost involuntarily speaks the word the needle between her fingers writhes for a moment as if alive and blossoms into a sharp and shining dearg.
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Almeric presented a calm and confident appearance, will a little swagger, as he addressed the Baron and the Captain. It would do his reputation no harm to be seen at the prow of the draugr longship, of course. Capellars were feared and respected in equal measure, and this was totally on brand for the Holy Order of Knights. The crew of the Linden would increase his renown considerably, once they got back to the taverns of Clyster and spread news of his deeds. Aldred would benefit from the prestige too, with his enemies worried about what they couldn't see or understand.
Saluting the Baron and nodding to the Captain, Almeric quips. "I am not afraid, as The Pantocrator is my shield and mine whole armour. He is with me, and I cannot I fail! I was impressed at the speed and diligence of your shield wall though. Glad you recognised the signal arrows.
Turning back to the calm see, where no ship was present, Almeric grins wryly. "The Saviour works in mysterious ways indeed, His wonders to perform across the land and sea. The Blue Men are completely under my command, but will only be used in the most extreme circumstance. Besides that Lord, you know I'm not at liberty to discuss the secret arts of the Order, even if I knew what they were." Winks the knight.
"Rest assured, there are no dangers tonight. All is well. The short of it is this. We scouted the citadel as ordered, eliminated an immediate threat and returning safely with plunder. The booty is all wrapped and bundled safely, and shall remain under close guard at all times. Almeric gives the Captain a steely look, inferring that any attempt at 'checking' the treasure would be dealt with swiftly and condignly. Intimidation (ADV) = 22
Almeric turns to wave to the Retinue down the beach, signally them to approach the Linden. "The long of it can wait for a more private moment, Lord. Suffice it to say that everyone in the Retinue excelled themselves in the execution of their duties within a hostile environment. Leaving at dawn is the best course of action."
When the others reach the Linded, Almeric greets them. "Friends, take your ease, take food and drink. We will take watches to guard the booty at all times. Fell free to speak to the Baron, but I would suggest keeping the precise details of our expedition for a more private venue.. Everyone has had enough excitement for the day."
Even as the words come out of his mouth, Almeric see Fahm rush forward to bend the Baron's ear...
In the calm that follows Sir Almeric's successful contact with the Baron, Famh finds her mind recoiling like a bowstring smoothly released that snaps back precisely over the space it just crossed in loosing the arrow. While not an archer herself, their fluid grace has fascinated her all her life, long before she met Cainneach, and of course her love for him has only deepened her interest in the art. Her mind flickers like one of his arrows over all the battles they have fought together, remembering how true to the mark he shot. And he's certainly bagged her heart with a single shot from those handsome eyes that guided his arrows so well, she reflects with a secret giggle. She manages to bottle it up inside, as she's only just beginning to realize how distracting she is to him in perilous ways as well as good ones, and wants to be cautious until they've had a little more time to work out appropriate times and seasons between them. Having been reminded of their relationship, however (as what does not these fays, let's be honest ... ) she takes the chance a moment of peace affords to indulge in her favorite sport of Cainneach-musing until one particular tenderness rises above the rest to catch her breath with sudden emotion. She turns to him with her heart in her eyes.
"Cainneach ... something ye said along the way, it's taken me until just now ... oh, my 'neach leannan ghraid, do ye love me THAT much, that ye'd face the Aos Shi for my sake, after all ye've been through at the hands of strangers who were naught more than human?! If I ever had had any doubts about having chosen the right hero to love, I am full answered now. Don't blush so, dearest Cainneach, ye're far more a hero than you let yourself know, and I think all our friends here have known you long enough to know it's not just my love for you is speaking there but the simple truth too.
And I'll stand by ye to the end, and try and prove myself worthy of that love. I only wish I had more to tell ye that we could go on! When I hear the Good People in my mind, it's not always the same voice that I hear; and sometimes it's no more than a prompting in the heart. I didna even ken it was the faeries at first, only that if I didn't listen some misfortune would happen I could have avoided if I'd but heeded that voice... ... In those early days I thought it was prompting from that Holy One I've always believed far too great to be contained by any human faith, but the ... feeling was somehow different.
In any case, sometimes a feeling comes that I can trust. And one just came to me that might be a bit of a comfort. I think ... I think they want to teach me a magic that can help me begin to learn how to change my body by my own choice. Not so fully that I could change all the way back from an ... elkification, not at first. That's too great a power for me to be able to control until I learn more of this magic within me.
Whoever's speaking to me among the faeries now, I don't think they have the power to stop the strange things happening either; but they say it's ... not always. That I'll have had something turn to good fortune that was meant to turn bad, sometime before that, and that this is the way the world rights itself ... not with ill fortune all the time, but that I have to cast the knucklebones again and abide by whatever lot comes up. There IS a way I can have a little more control over it than that though, it's just that ... we need to learn a lot more, and I need to grow a good bit more, ere then. So I value your offer at its full worth, Cainneach, and it's but fair to let you know how great a task it may be. When it comes time to begin, though, we could do worse than trying to learn who my faerie grandsire was. My mother never wanted to speak of it, of course, but the steading I was born in was just at the head of the Black Lake on the outskirts of Brymstone. There's the Bodach that mothers used to scare their babes with tales of, his lair was supposed to be nigh there; but there's the ruins of an old Madhir stone circle cloe by too, and all sorts of faerie ridings and skirlings were told of in the hearthside tales concerning that place. Always with a dark glance askance at me, mind, but I was used to that and it got no worse until I started growing from girl to woman. And I had no time after that to stop and think that maybe one of the faeries I'd heard of as a child was far closer kin than I knew.
In any case, among those we know right now Myrrdin is the most knowledgeable about these matters. And I see Sir Almeric beckoning us forward, so right now it seems all roads are leading us Baron-wards."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
After walking forward with the rest of the retinue, Famh recounts her version of events to the Baron until just before the moment Fergus touched the staff; then she stops and lowers her voice until only he can hear. She does not discount Sir Almeric's advice, but she feels there are some things the Baron must know immediately. "We found something evil there, my Lord ... something accursed. We were able to contain its evil, and Sir Almeric has entrusted me with that part of the spoils we found until it can be delivered into Myrddin's hands, but I fear to entrust it to any other. It's a powerful and ancient evil that whispers temptation in the mind and ... I'm just a simple Thulish girl, so its not that I'm any great saint but ... I was in the second rank and the least busy at the time , and I think the Voice of God took that opportunity to send a vision to warn us. I saw a pale serpent falling down from the moon and burrowing ... but since we've already terrified everyone by the manner of our return, perhaps it would be best if I saved the more troubling details for the ears of your -- private council as Sir Almeric suggests?"
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Cainneach was glad to be off the ship and away from the menacing Jarl and his crew. It sailed smoothly, to be sure, but even that pleasant contrast from their soaked time on the Linden was more unnerving than anything else. Their placid passage through the choppy seas made Cainneach feel as though he were on a voyage somewhere between the realms of the living and the dead. He was heartened by the company of his hound, his friends, and, of course, his newly anointed love, but despite any subsequent claims on the matter, Cainneach didn't feel terribly heroic. He would fight for all of them if called to, but would rather avoid conflict if possible.
That extended to their current situation, in a hopefully benign faceoff with the Baron and his men, who were understandably wary. What with their arrival in the supernatural longship and its silent, dramatic departure, he felt lucky that the Baron hadn't assumed the signal arrows to be a ruse and all of us possessed by whatever malevolent forces must have inhabited the abandoned fort. Instead, they stood there, tense, with Thatch shifting from one foot to the other and Ori glowering at Almeric as the Capellar strode confidently forward. Always forward, always confident, that summed up Almeric pretty well. Cainneach stood with one of his hands reassuringly gripping Famh's and the other nervously clenching and unclenching the hilt of Vallandar's longsword. The odds of this erupting into combat seemed pretty long, but best to be prepared.
Thankfully, the exchange between Almeric and the Baron goes well enough. Cainneach keeps his mouth shut and tries to take in all that was said, filing it away to be deciphered later. In the meantime, he and the others will mind their cursed treasure and continue to look after one another, in case the Baron's men decide that this ragtag band that now also cavorts with dead Mercanians is no longer to be trusted.
True to form, the calm brought about by the Baron's acceptance of our party back into their camp is punctuated by another of his beloved's expositions, this time on her interactions with the fey. Cainneach listens intently, struggling to imagine what it must be like for Famh to have the influence of these capricious, powerful beings loom over every incantation and, indeed, over her every breath. At least it sounded like they might be trying to help her, rather than to just play tricks on her. I guess being one of their own, however remotely, must bring some benefit to balance out the agressions she's had to endure at the hands of we mere humans. Cainneach finds himself sighing sadly at those thoughts, but catches himself and hopes that Famh doesn't interpret his exhalation as a sign of boredom.
Ah, finally we get to the actionable part! Cainneach is stirred and heartened! His mind was previously whirling about in the miasma of all he doesn't comprehend about the Aos Si, trying to fill in the gaps with the new information Famh has provided. Yet here we have direction, something to seize upon and act. After Famh returns from her discussion with the Baron, he responds simply, "That sounds wonderful, leannan ghraid, let's learn more together! I'm quite sure I can track them, whether in Fenring or back in your steading. Or at least get us close enough that the Aos Si will have to take notice. You need to know these things, who your ancestors were, how you're connected to them. And they owe you the lessons you seek, you've paid for them all your life. For my part, I know I'm only human, but I believe my time in Fenring with Dru has put me in touch with the slightest bit of their magicks, if only through communing with nature. I hope I can convince them of my love for this land, that I can champion their cause in that way. If I can be of use to them and keep one of their children safe, perhaps they might bolster my connection to the land, to them, and to you. I don't fear them, Famh, especially not with you and Dru's spirit at my side. In any case, I think you're right in that we should consult Myrrdin, if you trust him in such matters. I'll go to the maps, try to learn the lay of your steading. Now this is something to look forward to after our duties here are fulfilled!" Cainneach hugs her, then finishes, "Now let's make sure we all get through this. Can't be starving to death on this beach!"
Cainneach joins the rest of the party and helps establish a fire near their treasure, then sets up camp before grabbing some food and drink. "So, how do we want to divvy up the watch? I'll take whatever shift no one else wants. It's the least I can do for shirking my litter carrying duties." The last remark is given sheepishly, accompanied by an apologetic nod to Ori and Thatch, and undoubtedly followed by a playful elbow to the ribs from Famh. Salt lays happily at his feet, gnawing on a leftover bone from their dinner.
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Almeric helps Cainneach to build a fire a short distance away from the ship. After 'putting the fear of 'The Pantocrator' into the sailors, by arriving without warning in a Draugr Longship, it was best to give them some time and space to recover their focus and complete repairs to the Linden. Keeping the booty away from the sailors was a good move too. The temptation of 'lost gold' might be too great for some to resist. It was not a good idea to tell the crew they were carrying 'cursed' treasure either, as this could break morale completely, so it was probably best to keep things on a need to know basis and state the boundries clearly, which Almeric had done with the Captain.
"I will excuse myself from the treasure guard. My place is by Aldred's side, offering close protection to our lord whilst travelling abroard. We have much to discuss among ourselves, but do not have the luxury to unpack it all here. Rest assured, as soon as we are in a safe, secure and private setting, I want to conduct a full mission debrief." As if to signal the unspoken topics of discussion included, Almeric looks at Fergus, then his gaze moves to Fahm and Cainneach and finally kisses his own signet ring.
"I would like you to think about the Retinue, what you like and don't like. What you would improve and what you would change. I have but one request. Please keep any discussions quiet and private among yourselves. I do not want to unsettle the sailors, or Aldred, any further. Nothing is set in stone and you are all free to choose your own fate."
Almeric will then take a repaste of food and drink and join Baron Aldred.
As Sir Almeric walks back to take his place of duty and honour by the Baron's side, Famh takes Cainneach's hand. "Now doesn't what our knight's asked of us blend nicely into what we were just talking about?," she says with a wry quirk of her mouth. This particular one is a gesture he has only seen from her recently, as part of the 'growing Famh': able to see the humourous side even in a situation where very little is funny. "Looking at what the past's been, to help us decide our course now. And that blends in nicely too, since it's among this little group of friends that our love has blossomed, and one course that lies before us two is to stay with them yet. I think it might be the best course."
"We're children of Thuland, surely, but what we've seen of her in our lives surely more resembles Karvala's tower than it does the heavenly isles of Hy Breasail our old legends tell of. And if we stay in Albion, well ... ," she looks around to make sure no sailors are listening and again lowers her voice until only the retinue can hear, "Sir Almeric and the Baron have treated us well; and the common word says the Baron's a just, reasonable man. But the land's ruled by this King Hadric that Alais told me of. She couldn't say much, of course, but what she 'didn'tsay' fits well enough with things I've learned since from the talk of cottars and other such folk who had naught to lose. That he's not a bad king exactly, but a weak one, which is even worse. He does little to control the men about him in the South who are bad, they say. I think we're safest where we are; and by a happy chance, Baron Aldred 's lands are just south of Laird Erek's. So whenever we do seek out my grandsire, it should be easy enough to go. There might even be a regular trade route between Brymstone and Aldred Castle for those that know it, and we could have saved a deal of trouble if I'd only found it out, come south and taken service tending his flocks while I waited for you to come join me. Only it wouldn't have been any more pleasant for you, po ... leannan." From the quick blush that rises in the midst of her final words, Cainneach thinks she realized, just barely in time, that it might embarrass him to be called 'poor dear' in front of everyone; especially in the melting tones he imagines she would have been likely to utter it at that particular moment. She grins sheepishly at him a moment before the sight of the fire just beyond him brings her attention back to more immediate matters. "But lets all get more comfortable before we talk any more. That wind sweeping down from Cape Calogon is freezing; and I have no idea where that limpet stew went because I'm suddenly so hungry I could eat an elk!"
<--- &&&%%%&&& --->
(Damian_May: as the DM and, I suspect, someone well qualified to give such permission, I would like to ask to be allowed to post a JPG screenshot in this thread of the map of Ellesland from the original DW sourcebook that I have a PDF copy of; just so everyone has a more equal chance at knowing some of the basic geography. I could add to it, it you wish, arrows and labels showing the general direction of other places that have been referred to such as Mercania and Krarth.
I'll check first to see if that's the map you have in the campaign log. and edit this remark out at that time. If you see this, I forgot to check or ran out of time on public internet; and apologize if its a duplication of work you've already done which I'm asking for here.)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
(Just for fun, to see if Cainneach realizes that Almeric is referring to him and Famh. Like I said, I'm a sucker for rolling!)
Insight 6
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
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Cainneach has a pretty good idea, but can't say with certainty, that Almeric cast a meaningful glance toward him and Famh when speaking of a 'full mission debrief'. What is a 'full mission debrief' anyway? Must be something he learned in the Capellars. They sure have a fancy way of speaking, a parlance all their own. And what complaint might Almeric have with him and Famh? They had both contributed admirably to the exploration and survival of the abandoned and very cursed fort. Oh well, it's fruitless to speculate on what thoughts are running through the mind of the Capellar. Cainneach did have at least one suggestion, though. "Personally, I wouldn't mind spending less time out on the sea. And if we do have to continue after our current little jaunt, maybe heading south where it's a bit warmer if we're going to have to be soaked! Oh, and let's maybe not sail on ol' Almeric's ship of the dead if we can avoid it. Right? Maybe we can make our way on some of Thatch's stellar horses instead. I know you must agree, Ori!" He looks with a smile to his companions for support.
(Famh makes the case for continuing their service to the Baron et al while nimbly avoiding embarrassing him too much ...)
"Aye, what ye say is likely true, for better or worse. If we survive this journey, there are more perilous places to try to make a life than in the company of a noble, and the Baron seems a decent enough man, and shrewd. And I don't want to leave our friends. But I don't understand what you say about this King Hadric. If he's so weak and unwise, then how has he remained the king? Wouldn't the other nobles oust him? If he doesn't command their respect, why do they follow him? Does that have something to do with the True Faith? I'm sorry I have so many questions, but I guess I didn't spend much of my time as a member of House Dayne mingling with the townsfolk or trying to learn the customs of Albion. I know the lands out to Clyster well, and west throughout Fenring Forest, but the people here I still don't get. It's a far cry from what I remember in my village in Thuland."
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
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Famh sighs. "I don't know. That was one of the places where Alais would begin thinking she'd said too much and change the subject. But I got the feeling its the same old sordid story it is the world round, that the lairds have the king's ear and the ones closest his seat have wrapped him 'round their fingers. But if you think of it, how could a treacherous Baron like the one that tried to use Sir Beorn against ours stay in power if the king were strong?"
"In any case, I think Sir Almeric said he means to find a way to release the draugr's souls after we're done with our present journey, so I'd hope that for a while at least there'll be no need to concern ourselves with the intrigues of courts and kings. From what even the old tales tell of politics, I think I'd rather deal with the dead. At least they're comparatively honest. They scare the fewmets out of you and make no bones about it."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The Captain is deeply cowed and Almeric feels there will be little chance that any of the sailors will venture remotely near either the companions or their haul for some time.
Famhs rather fervant divulgence to Baron Aldred brings a perculiar expression to his face, his eyes first meet Almerics and then they meet Famhs, " I thank you for your news, Ingen."
He casually turned his head as if stretching, his eyes active despite the seeming relaxed movement and he gave a slight smile as he nodded her leave.
Cainneach volunteers himself for first watch and Fergus for the second, musing it will give him time to catch up on his records and notes......
Fergus watches Almeric head back to the Baron and reaches into his bag to regard the silver-bound skull for a moment, he gives a slight wistful smile then tucks it back into his bag as if embarassed.
Almeric and the Baron speak of plans for the upcoming meeting with Duke Carnasse and what would be involved and who would attend, there is also frank discussion of the various threats to Baron Aldreds rule, family and life and finally a brief though informal request to Almeric to represent the Barony to Laird Erek Langsward of Brymstone some time in the following year in hopes that if things grow truly dire a strong alliance with the two main powers of coastal Thuland will give certain enemies pause.
Famh and Cainneach sit watch and eat and talk while the others sleep.....the grey-black ocean swells crashing and the calls of sea birds overhead....
When Cainneach turns to Ori he sees the big man has already fallen asleep, tired from his herculean efforts rescuing the sealion...
As the night goes on they draw to sleep and Fergus is woken and takes his watch, staring out into the night with an almost unblinking gaze, he looks back up the beach towards the ruins and that singular dark tower, mutters something to himself and waits out the dawn.
The next morn comes and before the sun has risen the crew are up and breaking camp, the pitch and cladding is checked and declared safe and they make preparations to depart....
When Almeric and Aldred are alone, they have the opportunity to discuss the main aim of the mission in some detail, the Baron's secret diplomatic mission to Duke Carnasse of Beltayne. Aldred had always said that he would do all the negotiating alone and in secret with the Duke and Almeric only wanted to know the basic time frames of this mission. There were only a few weeks before sea would be treacherous and unnavigable. Laird Erik Langsward had been mentioned in passing, being another possible member of this East Coast Alliance. Now Aldred's plan was beginning to reveal itself, as well as Almeric's place in it.
Almeric knew that the Dayne Retinue where quite unique in their particular set of skills. Nobles dealing in Noble business was not one of them. It was very wise for Duke Carnasse to be greeted by Aldred, alone , in peace and in secret, to be able to engage fully encouraged the diplomatic process. For Aldred to turn up with the full Retinue could be seen as very aggressive and it would not take much for an awkward incident to occur in any of the Retinue spoke out of turn. Nobles did not generally appreciate the socially mobile, free members of society, who had opinions and expressed them openly. Almeric chuckled as he remembered how Fergus had exposed Beorn as the boorish brute he is, when they had first met. Duke Carnasse obviously appreciated the subtle approach, the light touch. Gentle is the hand that rocks the cradle. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
They discussed Beorn the Traitor, of course, Baron Grissaille, Earl Montombre, Ulric the Sorcerer, as well as any other threats, obvious or perceived. Almeric eluded to a 'plan' for Beorn he has been hatching. It depended on whether Aldred wanted the traitor dragged before him for public judgement, or whether summary execution of sentence would be acceptable? Almeric shared the first part of his plan with Aldred, to use the Draugr for the last time, releasing them from their curse and allowing them eternal rest. Assuming Beorn was still hiding under the skirts of Grisaille in Scardic Castle, Almeric believes the Draugr can row their dragon ship the hundred miles from the sea to Scardic Castle. They could row straight across the Coronach Marsh, which would be in flood due to the spring bore tide. The plan was bold and the very last thing Beorn or Grissaille would expect. The Draugr were a formidable enemy, and could easily capture kill Beorn, assuming he was in the castle at the time. Alternatively, a capture could be attempted, but this would present many difficulties. This would be a significant strategic set back for Grissaille too, successful or not, the assault would cause him to calculate what he doesn't know and what he can't see, from now on. Only myself would be exposed. The rest of the Retinue could wait in Axbridge, should they be required.
Almeric outlined their theory concerning the ancient citadel they had scouted. The Temple of the Blue Moon posed a strategic threat to the East Coast Alliance and need further investigation. Any immediate tactical threat had been dealt with, but there were forces at play beyond their knowledge and power. Almeric strongly advised a visit to the Abbey of St Rocheval, Meore, to report this and seek council. Almeric was sure the Capellar's would have the knowledge and expertise to deal with this, at very least in the mid term.
Aldred has inferred that Almeric and the Retinue might remain in Brymstone, while Aldred continues on alone to Beltayne as discussed. Almeric's job would then be to discuss an alliance between Laird Erik Langswerd and Baron Aldred, as part of an East Coast Alliance. Almeric needed to know his negotiating power, what he could give and what he could not. Although he could be subtle and persuasive, the whole Retinue presented a much more intimidating prospect. Presumably Laird Erik responded to demonstrations of power, which would be an easy job for them.
Baron Aldred sucked on the inside of his cheek as Almeric laid out various schema to kill or capture Beorn, though it obviously rankled him to be using the dead in such a matter he could not fault the efficiency though he did voice some concerns regarding collateral damage from the sepuchural reavers...though Grisaille and his eldest son are undoubtedly involved fully with Beorn based on intelligence gathered he has concerns about his own reputation among the people of both his and the neighbouring Baronies if it becomes known that he summoned an army of the dead to lay waste to the family, staff and commoners of Grisailles keep.
Aldred nodded about the fallen fortress, it sounded like Sorcery and that was not his bailiwick, he did advise Almeric to loop Myrrdin into any correspondence so he could keep abreast of things.
Aldred corrected Almeric and stated that the mission to treat with the Laird of Brymstone would be undertaken in the coming Summer......if at all.
He clapped Almeric on the shoulder and retired for the night.
Famh yawns and stretches ... but her arm can't move far without being stopped by a shoulder she would instantly recognize now even if she were freshly waking from the sleep that in most cases is eternal. She had accompanied Cainneach back to the fireside when they'd gone off watch and started to happily chat with him; he assumes it was about their future together, but he isn't sure as she pulled an Ori on him at that very moment, falling asleep in mid-syllable and lolling against his shoulder in a slumber so deep he hadn't the heart to wake her even to get her across the brief distance that modesty still imposed between their pallets.
Now, waking in the chill grey of dawn and finding herself by his side, she huddles closer again. "Morrigan's teeth, but it's cold! I'm glad the watches have kept the fire well banked, leannan, but do you think they might want some help collecting driftwood to build it up again for breakfast? You must be as stiff in the joints as I am. I'm sorry I kept ye sitting up all night like that, the whole day must have caught up with me all on a sudden!" She smiles at him.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Cainneach listens and nods, again surprised by the wisdom of the wild lass. It was good that at least one of them had a sense of what people were up to when they weren't forthright with their intentions. He was still learning, trying to comprehend the subtleties of what goes on between men and their factions, their gods, their women, and everything else. Famh was right; the dead are simple and direct in what they want. People, on the other hand, were often decidedly less so. "You've got the right of it, I think. But that's why I stuck with wild animals and Dru as company for so long. More straightforward than most folk, and less likely to want to eat me than are the dead! I'm glad to have met you and, well, most of this lot. It's hard to imagine a false word from Thatch, Tana, and Ori. And Almeric, well, he might navigate the tricky paths with the Baron and the other nobles, but I think he's pretty true with us, even if I disagree with him. Fergus ... I wish I could figure what's haunting that poor man. It seems like a cloud follows, something that's not him, but outside of him. Oh, speaking of which, it's time to wake that fellow up for his watch."
Cainneach leads Famh back to where they sat previously, a comfortable spot near the fire where Salt currently lay. Cainneach looks at the sleeping hound with empathy, realizing they should get a run in tomorrow before they returned to the confined space of the Linden. It would do them both some good. He smiles warmly at Famh as she takes a seat next to Salt and makes herself comfortable, trying to absorb as much heat from the dwindling fire and Salt as possible. What good fortune for her to have found him. He'd scarcely known her for more than a few months, but he already found it hard to imagine not having her by his side on this wild journey. But back to that in a few minutes, he sighs.
Cainneach walks over to Fergus' pallet and kneels beside the sleeping scribe. Even in slumber, the man was restless, unsettled, his eyes flicking back and forth behind their lid and his limbs shifting in the thrall of a dream. Cainneach frowned and watched him for a few moments, not happy to have to wake him. Fergus could certainly use the rest, but then again, perhaps his sleep was not so peaceful. Reaching out to his shoulder, Cainneach gives Fergus a few gentle shoves until he opens his eyes. That empty look, like someone else was staring out at Cainneach, but only for a few moments. "Uh, Fergus, it's just me ... time to wake up and take your watch. I'll stoke the fire while you sort yourself out. Take your time." Satisfied that Fergus was sufficiently awake to commence his duties, Cainneach finds a few more pieces of driftwood to lay on the fire, expertly arranging them and coaxing the fire to spread to its new fuel. He turns back to Fergus and says, "If anything comes up, don't hesitate to wake me. I'm happy to help." Truth be told, Cainneach certainly did not wish to be awoken, as he was extremely weary, but he did not entirely trust Fergus either. Unfortunately, the others seemed even more fully passed out than Fergus had been, and the scribe had requested the watch.
Returning to where he had left Famh, Cainneach finds her very nearly asleep, attempting to stifle a big yawn. Cainneach chuckles as he pulls a blanket from his backpack, sits, and drapes it around the two of them. She seems about to speak, but Cainneach boldly interrupts with, "No more chatting tonight, leannan, you get some sleep. You've had quite a day!" As Famh is about to protest, she yawns again and lets her eyes close, fully asleep. Cainneach wraps his arm around her shoulder and tries to get comfortable for the night. He smiles again, fights against the veil of sleep for a few more minutes while keeping an eye on Fergus, then succumbs to his exhaustion. His dreams are strange, disjointed, a allegory stitching together elements from their adventures thus far.
When he is awoken, it seems like only minutes have passed, and one of his arms is mostly numb. It takes a few momentsto realize it's draped around Famh, as it no longers seems to be associated with the rest of his body. Cainneach yawns, then attempts to respond to Famh coherently, but his mind is not yet fully engaged. "Cold? Aye, what's happened to the fire, it was so bright when I left it! And it's okay about the ... whatever you were apologizing for ... Are you sure it's time to get up, let's just stay here a bit longer, just like this ..." The forester is unfortunately interrupted in his happily drowsy state by Salt, who forgets for a moment that he is far too large to be a lap dog and climbs onto Cainneach and Famh, licking Cainneach's face and wagging his tail all over the place.
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As Ori awakes to the crew stirring and making preparations, he does his customary headcount of the those he travels with. Satisfied with concluding where everyone is/or expected to be if not with them, namely Almeric doing nobleman doings and Fergus who's on watch. He packs up his roll and ponders everything that happened the prior day, between the deadmens ship and standoff with Almeric, he'd almost forgot the staffs and where they came from also was yesterday as well. Ori wonders how well the others where able to find find good sleep after all that. Years on road traveling and odd hours performing had taught Ori to be able to fall asleep about anywhere with most any distractions, but it had taken a lot of sleepless nights to learn it, he would have to check in on the others to see how they are holding up. And then there is Almeric, Ori had sworn to follow the man and be his man at arms, now Ori had resisted following orders by not willingly board the ghostship. Almeric seems to have not taken it as anything more then being uncomfortable instead of challenging of authority but Ori also knows that might have been a way to get the crew to board the ship and will have to watch if any attitudes change with the knight now. "Hey mates, where can a fella get a have way decent meal around this camp? Hope you blokes repair ships better then you cook aye!" Best start distancing himself from the crew a bit and mingling with the rest of the ship, incase any blow back to Ori from his standoff, don't need the others catch it with him.
With a splutter and a laugh, Famh pushes herself to one side just enough to make room for Salt's large body without letting go Cainneach s shoulders entirely. "Och, ye silly beast, you were playing with a great big seal-lyon only yesterday, and now you think you're one of the Baron's spaniels that he gave Cainneach to keep his lap warm? Or did you hear us and want to help warm us both up?" She turns back to her newly confirmed and first one true love. "And his paws are all wet and sandy. He must have been digging for something below the tide line not too long before we woke."
As she speaks, she moves to scratch her shoulder and suddenly jerks her hand back to her mouth. "Aieowch!,' she yelps, sucking the side of her palm. "I forgot that. Remember those little cubicles we were searching together, and the needle I found behind a stone? I thought it must have some little glamour or other on it, as it wasn't rusted; but I got no feeling of the evil from it so I thought no more at the time. I must have just stuck it in the collar of my earasaid without thinking and then forgot all about it. I suppose I'd better ask Myrrdin if he can look at the thing whenever he has a free moment."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Thatch spends most of the evening off by himself, idly carving designs in a piece of driftwood. He did not take the opportunity to speak to the Baron, and would rather spend time with the crew of the Linden asking if they had stories of sea lions. But Sir Almeric's warning not to speak to them kept him away from the crew. He wanted to give Cainneach and Famh some space, they seemed to be getting rather close with each other and talking about their homeland. Instead he took his turn on watch and spent time carving.
The morning broke cold and clear and he drifted toward Ori and Tana. “Come on big guy, let’s get you some breakfast.” He took up Ori’s challenge and led him toward the cooking fires, wondering if they would set sail today.
As dawn broke and brought new light to the cold dark beach, Almeric took the opportunity to start afresh once more. He greeted everyone in the Retinue warmly and helped them break camp, load the booty and board the Linden. Almeric exuded his usual confidence and encouragement, doing his best to dispel the dower mood of yesterday.
"I hope the new day brings renewal to you all. During the coming mission to Beltayne, the Baron will require more and less attention from myself at various times. It maybe therefore useful for everyone if there was a Retinue Deputy, who can lead with authority in my absence. I think it would be best if you reached a consensus among yourselves, without influence from me, and inform me of your decision by the the time we arrive at Beltayne. Once we return to Gorham, this appointment can be ratified with suitable rights and privilages."
Almeric leaves the Retinue with his request and returns to the side of Baron Aldred.
As she regards the needle and a drop of her blood runs down the metal a word comes to her mind....snàthad..
As she almost involuntarily speaks the word the needle between her fingers writhes for a moment as if alive and blossoms into a sharp and shining dearg.