Cainneach interjects, "I was fortunate to see a bit of their conversation while they were gathering themselves to flee. Beorn was definitely able to deduce that we've spoiled his treachery and they've fled west to shelter with Grisaille. Hopefully Aldred has riders that can head them off, for I don't think we're in the best shape to make pursuit."
Almeric does a quick count to see if anyone is missing (some are hiding, I presume)
"Good effort everyone! All accounted for?"Almeric sighs again at the news of Beorn's escape "Damn! Grisaille's castle is a week's travel on foot and two days hard ride. Mind you, Beorn has just had two days hard ride to get here and he'll need to rest or change horses." Almeric regains his composure and begins introductions. "Lord Aldred of Gorham, this is the Dayne Retinue, without whom I could not have got here in time, or brought Harold back to his family."
Baron Aldred gave the retinue a curt nod then liased quickly with the four housecarls, telling them to take palfreys and pursue Beorn as best they could....
"Yes lord, I am certain, let us make haste!" As they all thunder out of the Hall, Almeric fixes Alcuin with a cold stone glare!
As they approach the Gatehouse, Almeric sees the others waiting. "There is the Dayne Retinue lord, at the gate."Calling out to them, he shouts "WHERE IS BEORN?"
As the echoes of Sir Almeric's call reverberate among the outbuildings surrounding the highroad down which Sir Beorn disappeared, a liltng girl's voice rings out from the shadows among them in a Thulish accent, sounding both irritated and disgusted. "THE FEARTIE NYAFF RODE OFF THIS WAY, AND I COJLDN'T PACE HIM! DAMN COWARD AS WELL AS A COW, I WAS HOPING HE WAS GOING TO TRY SPOUTING HIS LIES BEFORE THE LAIRD! WOULD HAVE MADE HIM BRAY LIKE A JACKASS AS HE IS FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF HIS HEA.." Famh's loud voice trails off into a shamefaced confusion as she sees Sir Almeric standing in a respectful position before the Baron and realizes that the laird is in fact present, and it immediately occurs to her on the heels of that observation that he might not be terribly happy about what she did to his roads on at least two separate occasions. She finds herself fervently praying that Aldred is not acquainted with any faeries whose familiarity might give him some suspicion of the sorts of things their powers are capable of accomplishing ..,
Baron Aldred gave the retinue a curt nod then liased quickly with the four housecarls, telling them to take palfreys and pursue Beorn as best they could....
The men ran to the stables to mount up.
Almeric calls to the Baron as he move to brief his Huscarls. "Beorn has another 8 Men-at-Arms meeting him at Market Cross. Ware of an ambush!"
Addressing his resourceful, adaptable and courageous Retinue, Alemeric calls then into a huddle; "We cannot pursue. We are exhausted and have other business to take care off. The honour does not fall to us. Please take Harold to the Chapel, then report to Myrrin the Castellan. He will add you to the ledger, assign you quarters and get you fed and watered. Eat, drink, bathe, sleep and take your ease. I will see you anon."
Cainneach is mightily confused by Famh's outburst, as he had not yet seen her in such a state. Or did he hallucinate it? The obscenities, undulations of the road, the bellowing all around him, Thatch's seeming disappearance, and he and Ori somehow knocking over countless buckets and causing a general ruckus ... it all seemed incredibly unlikely and the product of his exhausted mind. And now what? Under the Houses of Aldred AND Dayne? How does one go from absolute freedom to having two lords in the span of a few weeks?
Cainneach feels an emptiness descend upon him as he trudges toward whatever bed would hold him for the night. Tomorrow, or the day after, or whenever he'd recovered from this madness, he'd figure out how to get back to the forest where he belonged.
Over the next week or so the fall out from Beorns failed plot consumes the Castle and its inhabitants.
The riders sent in pursuit were waylaid by the rest of Beorns men outside Karicksbridge, but Sir Almerics forwarning meant they were able to disengage without injury. It is reported that the entire entourage rode west likely for Grisailles lands.
The following week a small delegation was sent to retrieve Le Cloche, though Baron Aldred did not want to become too involved in what was obstensibly a family matter the crimes had been committed within his barony and because of this though technically a noble he had neither lands nor wealth to seize in reparations.....it was decided he would be imprisoned until the Dayne family arrived at a suitable punishment other than death.
Baron Aldred holds both the letters from Sir Olvar and from Sir Valor as he examines the assembled retinue, with Sir Almeric beside him:
“As for you all, you have done well and Sirs Olvar and Valor are clearly impressed by your abilities. These are hard times, there are many who seek my patronage, but I have a constant need for people who acquit themselves well in the service of others."
" You may take quarters in the garrison—report to the sergeant-at-arms Sir Frazer, tell him what I said—and we will find employment for your talents during your stay with us as long as there are no objections from yourselves or Sir Almeric.”
The companions received board and lodging as well as a small salary ( of ten gold a week) for as long as they chose to remain in Baron Aldred’s service.
Letters were drafted and sent to Baron Grisaille asking that Sir Beorn be sent back to face punishment, his brother Alcuin was jailed with Le Cloche.....which the Baron quipped may well be punishment enough as Le Cloches whining was already legendary amongst the staff and guard. Beorns wife and children were turned out of their cottage in the village and it was given to Sir Almeric to use during his stay. For his part Baron Aldred arranged for Beorns wife and family to be escorted to Clyster where her parents lived and he chose not to enact any further punishment on them abandoned as they were.
The month passes in relative peace, there are few demands made upon you and as the winter snow closes in you are all thankful for the warmth afforded by the stout walls and fires of Aldreds home.
( Feel free to detail your activities and interactions over the first month of winter within the castle as you take your leisure and recover.)
Almeric was glad that the intelligence her provided prevented any more loyal men form being killed. Beorn was a marked man now, hiding under skirts of his protector Baron Grisaille. Once bathed, fed , watered and recovered, Almeric took his ease in the castle where he could, recovering from his exhaustion. He cleaned all his weapons and armour carefully, spending time with Sir Frazer, the Sergeant-at-Arms. He was sadened by the effect of Beorn's treachery on his immediate family and slightly uneasy with his new home. Almeric will seek a young couple to employ as Housekeepers, paying them his weekly wage to run the place for him. They can even live there when Almeric is away, which is likely to be often.
(OOC = would 10GP/week be a decent wage, including expenses for 2 Housekeepers? Almeric will spend enough to maintain his status.)
Almeric goes with the small delegation to collect Le Cloche, as was his sworn and bounden duty to do so. He will write a letter to Sir Valor, telling of the behaviours of each in his retinue.
Back in Gorham, Almeric will spend much of time in the Castle, sparring with Ori, Cairnnach and Fergus, maybe with Young Almeric and Sir Grisso in their combat training? Almeric also need to improve his horse riding, and will do so whenever possible.
At quiet moments, when he thinks they are not being watched, Almeric will spend moments with Tana and Fahm. This is not because he is embarrassed or fears his reputation, but to allow for genuine converse between them
Almeric was glad that the intelligence her provided prevented any more loyal men form being killed. Beorn was a marked man now, hiding under skirts of his protector Baron Grisaille. Once bathed, fed , watered and recovered, Almeric took his ease in the castle where he could, recovering from his exhaustion. He cleaned all his weapons and armour carefully, spending time with Sir Frazer, the Sergeant-at-Arms. He was sadened by the effect of Beorn's treachery on his immediate family and slightly uneasy with his new home. Almeric will seek a young couple to employ as Housekeepers, paying them his weekly wage to run the place for him. They can even live there when Almeric is away, which is likely to be often.
(OOC = would 10GP/week be a decent wage, including expenses for 2 Housekeepers? Almeric will spend enough to maintain his status.)
Almeric goes with the small delegation to collect Le Cloche, as was his sworn and bounden duty to do so. He will write a letter to Sir Valor, telling of the behaviours of each in his retinue.
Back in Gorham, Almeric will spend much of time in the Castle, sparring with Ori, Cairnnach and Fergus, maybe with Young Almeric and Sir Grisso in their combat training? Almeric also need to improve his horse riding, and will do so whenever possible.
At quiet moments, when he thinks they are not being watched, Almeric will spend moments with Tana and Fahm. This is not because he is embarrassed or fears his reputation, but to allow for genuine converse between them
Godfrey and Edith Marsh sign on as Almerics household servants, originally from Wufulston they are willowy and sallow but pleasant enough, and thankful for their lot. He receives a letter in turn from Sir Valor and Lord Falworth Dayne commending them and giving news of home to Thatch and Tana.
Young Almeric seems quite chuffed to have someone of the same moniker staying and lends his aid in both sparring and horsemanship, Sir Grisso seems slightly harsh a task master when it comes to training for the lists but his lessons bear fruit with all of the retinue benefitting from his tutelage.
As the weeks go on Famh finds her footsteps haunted by Alais, the youngest of Baron Aldreds two children. The girl is often found watching Famh curiously from the shadows or trailing behind her as she goes about her day. She seems quite the book worm and is very studious with her lessons from Baron Aldreds castellan Myrrdin. On one occasion Famh fancies she sees a strange light in the girls eyes as she watches her....Alais approaches and places a delicate pink and brown seashell into Famhs hand....
Fergus receives gifts of parchment, ink and quills from Myrrdin to assist with his duties, the old man seems to regard Fergus with a degree of suspicion but is friendly enough despite it. One night, deep into his cups, he asks Fergus if he still has his soul....the next morning as if embarrassed he presses a small piece of amethyst crystal into his hand and grins.
Thatch takes up in the stables as well as his other duties, seeing his gift with the beasts the stablemaster gifts to him a fine moor pony who once belonged to Beorns eldest son, the cantankerous but brave black steed is named Shuck.....and has left more than a few bite-marks on others.
Ori is popular in the kitchens and laundry assisting with lifting and carrying and more than a few of the kitchen maids and washerwomen as well as one of the stewards have their eye on ' the big man', the seargent at arms, Sir Frazer....a burly one-armed knight assists him in maintaining his weapons and gifts him with a much loved and well worn breast plate of etched steel.
Cainneach finds himself spending the majority of his time stalking the borders of the South Hourla Hills with Salt the younger of the barons two deerhounds, the lanky hound seems to understand Cainneachs sorrow and listlessness and simply waits for him to come back about and continue their explorations. By the end of the month Baron Aldred releases the young dog into his keeping.
Tanatari spends a lot of her time in the kitchen garden chatting with Gallis, the cook who is rather knowledable about herbcraft though more of the culinary applications than the medicinal or....other....toward the end of the month she gifted her with a gold ring featuring a cluster of polished tormaline, " This was my mothers, but my fingers are too swollen and pained for me to wear it any more...you should have it."
Ori was always good working people, working his way through crowds for seemingly no reason then talk people and for people to talk to him. He size keeps him from being sneaky and unable to move through a crowd unnoticed. So instead he found being obviously in a room and being close to the center of attention, no one asks why you are in the room to begin with. Ori is noisy and protected of his compadres. Going pasts the stables on his way to sparing or always finding his way to the kitchen (well he does like the grub as much as the attention and being able to keep his eyes and ears on his friends).
Ori was surprised at the gift from the old cuss, even more surprised the chest piece almost fit, well closer then Ori would have expected. Ori had the armor dressed up to make it work for him. Ori also is big on outward appearance and tries his best to polish and paint up to be a bit more showy.
As the month progressed, Almeric will spend some private time with each of the retinue, in turn. This could be as part of their routine activity, inviting them riding and having each to a private diner at his cottage, prepared by Mr and Mrs Marsh. This is to get to known each better, build some mutual trust and respect.
( OOC - Any mechanical advantage for training on horse and foot for a month?)
Tana finds comfort in the herbal smell that wafts through the air with each visit to the kitchen garden, trading spare whisps of knowledge with Gallis while working alongside him the the homey expanse of space. She finds herself touched by his gift, sliding the polished ring onto the middle finger of her left hand with a careful smile – hand pressing lightly into Gallis' shoulder in gratitude.
When not bustling about in the kitchen garden, Tana ventures to the stables, finding a similar comfort surrounded by the noble creatures and an old companionship with Thatch. She opts to not distract from his work, simply nodding a head to him in greeting before petting down the various mares and stallions housed in the vicinity. When learning of Shuck, Tana grins delightedly at Thatch – deciding then and there to try and get a few lines from the steed in hopes of knowing the creature better for the potential journey ahead.
She reacts just as delightedly when she first meets Salt at Cainneach's side, bending down to pat the young deerhound with a soft smile. She attempts to commune with the dog as well, asking about it's day among other tidbits of information.
Thatch spent his time at the Castle recovering from their cross-country trek and getting stronger. He drilled with Ori and some of the men under Sir Frazer’s command, sharpening his skill with his shortswords, sometimes even wielding two at once. Many of the men at arms marveled at his ancient gladius, still in fine shape despite its age, but Thatch refuses to part with it or share the story of how he came by it. Most would not believe it if he did share.
He spends time getting to know his companions a little better. He asks Cainneach and Tana about woodcraft; their trip through the forest and dell inspired him to learn what he can of the forest and wildlands around the castle from them both, and he encourages Cainneach to stay with the companions a little longer if he talks of returning to the wood. He talks with Famh and Fergus of their experiences in far away lands and is more than a little interested and wary of Famh’s fey connections.
He visits the blacksmith, replacing his sack of ball bearings and the iron pot that was damaged in Vallander’s tomb, using gold from his weekly wages to pay for the replacements. But he spends most of his time in the stables, working under the watchful eye of the stablemaster. He was surprised and grateful at the gift of the moor pony and spends some extra time with Shuck, brushing him and sneaking in a carrot from the kitchens from time to time.
As the month progressed, Almeric will spend some private time with each of the retinue, in turn. This could be as part of their routine activity, inviting them riding and having each to a private diner at his cottage, prepared by Mr and Mrs Marsh. This is to get to known each better, build some mutual trust and respect.
( OOC - Any mechanical advantage for training on horse and foot for a month?)
( Thats kinda what the level up is....I'll probably drop diff. slightly on horse related animal handling checks.)
Fergus gladly takes a few days to recover from the perilous cross country trek. He attends sparring with the others to ensure his knife work did not get rusty and build on the teamwork with others in the event of future combat. That said, he did not attend as frequently, often avoiding Sir Almeric's cottage the following day in order to recover!
He sought out Myrrdin and was happy to assist him. He gratefully accepted the writing supplies and did what he could to earn his keep. He attempted to draw as much information from the old man as possible regarding the surrounding areas, politics, anything that might be useful for the group's future plans. Used to being under suspicion, it in fact padded the level of respect Fergus had grown for the wise elder who also treated him fairly. A cold shiver ran down Fergus' spine that night when Myrrdin asked him of his soul and was grateful when the old man passed out shortly after. Fergus accepted the crystal respectfully and would often gaze into it's violet depths before falling asleep back in the garrison.
Fergus enjoyed spending time with the others when he could. Speaking quietly when they gathered, he would often talk animatedly when one on one.
He enjoyed talking to Thatch, happy to answer any questions about Port Clyster, though would change the subject if they started to dig a bit deeper into his way of life there. He had started to grow fond of horses and would ask Thatch many questions on stable life and advice on raising them. He would occasionally run into Tana while visiting the stable and offer some friendly banter though respectful not to distract her for too long as she was clearly there to visit the animals. Fergus remembers vividly the interaction she had with Harold's horse and while he cannot understand the type of magic that surrounds her, he feels it is the opposite of what burns within him and is concerned about contaminating it.
Often this would drive him to seek out Famh in order to discuss their magic and compare their experiences with it. Cainneach was harder to find due to his ranging but Fergus would offer a friendly conversation whenever their paths crossed to see how he faired out in the woods. When he tried to pet his new companion, the hound growled and teeth bared. Reassuring Cainneach it was something he had experienced all his life he sadly leaves the dog alone. While doing the rounds with Myrrdin, Fergus would bump into Ori and wager on their next spar or round of drinking.
In the evenings, Fergus would visit Sir Almeric in his cottage for a drink to catch up on the day before heading back to his bunk in the garrison. Fergus found himself more at peace then he has ever been before despite the roiling presence deep within growing stronger.
As the month progressed, Almeric will spend some private time with each of the retinue, in turn. This could be as part of their routine activity, inviting them riding and having each to a private diner at his cottage, prepared by Mr and Mrs Marsh. This is to get to known each better, build some mutual trust and respect.
( OOC - Any mechanical advantage for training on horse and foot for a month?)
( Thats kinda what the level up is....I'll probably drop diff. slightly on horse related animal handling checks.)
Sir Grisso seems slightly harsh a task master when it comes to training for the lists but his lessons bear fruit with all of the retinue benefitting from his tutelage. . . .
Cainneach finds himself spending the majority of his time stalking the borders of the South Hourla Hills with Salt the younger of the barons two deerhounds, the lanky hound seems to understand Cainneachs sorrow and listlessness and simply waits for him to come back about and continue their explorations. By the end of the month Baron Aldred releases the young dog into his keeping.
Cainneach does spend some time with Sir Grisso, to at least get a better idea of wielding the fine long and shortswords that he's acquired since joining this crew. It is difficult to find time for this, but he manages to achieve some proficiency that should serve him well. Cainneach doesn't mind the gruff, direct style of Sir Grisso, as he's learned from his life growing up in Fenring Forest that skills must be acquired as quickly as possible in order to stave off the myriad dangers out in the world. The intensity helps pull Cainneach's mind away from the confusion and lingering sadness wrought upon him the past few months as he's been ripped from his previous life and lost friends along the way.
In performing the duties associated with his role as Forester, Cainneach attempts to be diligent and to learn them all, but some aspects come more readily than others. Tracking and harrassing would-be poachers and other ne'er-do-wells is second nature, as he and Dru had done the same while ranging in Fenring Forest. Negotiating timber sales, however, was something of a mystery. He appreciates the value of occasionally thinning areas for the health of the forest, but intentionally removing swaths of trees is antithetical to his beliefs. Cainneach hopes that his "revisions" to the arrangements of the previous Forester were acceptable, but as he doesn't particularly enjoy this part of the job, he doesn't worry about it too often. Rather, he spends most of his time mapping and cataloguing the state of the grounds in the Baron's and Lord Dayne's lands. This is largely done in pure self-interest, as he very much enjoys the practice and spending time alone in the forest once again. Cainneach does try to keep the reports in a manner that will be useful to the noblemen, however, having some pride in his work.
As for the "gift" from the Baron, the young hound Salt, Cainneach was bewildered, then perturbed, then ultimately resigned that this beast will apparently follow him wherever he goes. Having been on the run and then in hiding for nearly all of his life, Cainneach generally thought of animal companions as unnecessary burdens to be avoided. From what he learned, though, these particular hounds were prized in the kingdom, and Salt did turn out to be a quick and eager study and of some use, once Cainneach decided to do more than simply keep him fed enough to survive. He has the distinct impression that losing or allowing the beast to come to harm would be strongly disapproved of by the Baron. The two range far and wide and both seem fitter and happier for it.
During his time in the wilderness, Cainneach experienced some surprising developments. Naturally, he practiced his archery skills, improving steadily, especially with access to the Baron's training grounds and bowyer. While tracking a troupe of brigands in the deep brush, he found himself able to make shots that surpassed any he had previously made, both in accuracy and damage. Cainneach experienced a heightened feeling of focus and determination that he felt could not be purely natural. Similarly, on another occasion Cainneach had ventured into a poorly mapped area of particularly dense and sombre forest in which even his finely honed orienteering skills failed him for a time. Low on rations and quite fatigued, he awoke after a brief rest with a handful of berries that he had surely not picked while asleep. He and Salt each sampled one and found themselves immediately restored, with a small scratch on Cainneach's hand spontaneously healed. These relevations were both curious and startling.
While in the village, Cainneach makes sure to see his companions. Famh and Tana were of great use in helping to explain his newfound abilities and Cainneach found that, with their guidance, he is better able to manifest and control the small magic he has gained. They are unsure of its origin; perhaps it was a gift from beyond bestowed by Dru, or maybe Morkaan had taken notice of him. Whatever it is, this gift they shared helped to strengthen their bond and to lift Cainneach's spirits. Cainneach enjoys hearing about their learnings as well, and keeps a keen lookout for herbs useful to Tana while traversing the Baron's lands. He only shares their locations with the two, lest they become overharvested. Cainneach would like to cross paths with Fergus more often, but the young man seems to be very busy, and embarrassingly for Cainneach, Salt has a stubborn aversion to the scrivener. The hound was almost always of a pleasant temperament and Cainneach is vexed by his inability to settle Salt in Fergus' presence. Naturally, Cainneach runs into Thatch often, as he requires a horse for longer journeys and finds that those under Thatch's care are always in great form. Cainneach also was somewhat surprised to find that he enjoyed the times when Thatch or others would accompany him for the purpose of learning something of his craft. Thatch is a quick study and already an expert at the quiet maneuvering that much of the Forester's work required. As for Ori, the large, jovial man is never hard to find (often the opposite, hard to avoid as he is seemingly everywhere!) and always amusing. Cainneach wishes he could feel the same ease as Ori apparently does when around groups of people.
Finally, there is Almeric. As with the other nobles he dealt with in his role as Forester, Cainneach generally avoids him as much as is practically possible, relying on lower level functionaries to aid in carrying out his duties. Nobles in Albion seem to have both similarities to and differences from those few he could remember from Thule and Ereworn, but he could never seem to feel comfortable around any of them. Cainneach supposes he must be thankful for the wage and lodging provided by the Baron and the Daynes in exchange for his labours, but the cost is the freedom to do whatever he pleases. When he is finally cornered into meetings with Almeric, Cainneach keeps the discussion related to his work as Forester and is attentive and polite, as much as he knows how to be. However, he remains puzzled by the contrast between Almeric and his brother, Valor, and the nature of the Knights and their Crusades. Why anyone would adopt a faith that compelled them to do such things was beyond Cainneach's understanding. And Valor was quiet, thoughtful, yet valiant, while Almeric is certainly brave enough and gives a care for those around him, but seems to simmer with an anger and energy that was unsettling to the quiet woodsman. A strange man to be attached to, but this is where Cainneach finds himself for the moment. At least nothing more dangerous had arisen between the Baron and his would-be usurpers . . . yet.
Almeric does a quick count to see if anyone is missing (some are hiding, I presume)
"Good effort everyone! All accounted for?" Almeric sighs again at the news of Beorn's escape "Damn! Grisaille's castle is a week's travel on foot and two days hard ride. Mind you, Beorn has just had two days hard ride to get here and he'll need to rest or change horses." Almeric regains his composure and begins introductions. "Lord Aldred of Gorham, this is the Dayne Retinue, without whom I could not have got here in time, or brought Harold back to his family."
Baron Aldred gave the retinue a curt nod then liased quickly with the four housecarls, telling them to take palfreys and pursue Beorn as best they could....
The men ran to the stables to mount up.
As the echoes of Sir Almeric's call reverberate among the outbuildings surrounding the highroad down which Sir Beorn disappeared, a liltng girl's voice rings out from the shadows among them in a Thulish accent, sounding both irritated and disgusted. "THE FEARTIE NYAFF RODE OFF THIS WAY, AND I COJLDN'T PACE HIM! DAMN COWARD AS WELL AS A COW, I WAS HOPING HE WAS GOING TO TRY SPOUTING HIS LIES BEFORE THE LAIRD! WOULD HAVE MADE HIM BRAY LIKE A JACKASS AS HE IS FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF HIS HEA.." Famh's loud voice trails off into a shamefaced confusion as she sees Sir Almeric standing in a respectful position before the Baron and realizes that the laird is in fact present, and it immediately occurs to her on the heels of that observation that he might not be terribly happy about what she did to his roads on at least two separate occasions. She finds herself fervently praying that Aldred is not acquainted with any faeries whose familiarity might give him some suspicion of the sorts of things their powers are capable of accomplishing ..,
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 calls to the Baron as he move to brief his Huscarls. "Beorn has another 8 Men-at-Arms meeting him at Market Cross. Ware of an ambush!"
Addressing his resourceful, adaptable and courageous Retinue, Alemeric calls then into a huddle; "We cannot pursue. We are exhausted and have other business to take care off. The honour does not fall to us. Please take Harold to the Chapel, then report to Myrrin the Castellan. He will add you to the ledger, assign you quarters and get you fed and watered. Eat, drink, bathe, sleep and take your ease. I will see you anon."
OOC = a LONG REST awaits!
Cainneach is mightily confused by Famh's outburst, as he had not yet seen her in such a state. Or did he hallucinate it? The obscenities, undulations of the road, the bellowing all around him, Thatch's seeming disappearance, and he and Ori somehow knocking over countless buckets and causing a general ruckus ... it all seemed incredibly unlikely and the product of his exhausted mind. And now what? Under the Houses of Aldred AND Dayne? How does one go from absolute freedom to having two lords in the span of a few weeks?
Cainneach feels an emptiness descend upon him as he trudges toward whatever bed would hold him for the night. Tomorrow, or the day after, or whenever he'd recovered from this madness, he'd figure out how to get back to the forest where he belonged.
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Baron Aldred holds both the letters from Sir Olvar and from Sir Valor as he examines the assembled retinue, with Sir Almeric beside him:
“As for you all, you have done well and Sirs Olvar and Valor are clearly impressed by your abilities. These are hard times, there are many who seek my patronage, but I have a constant need for people who acquit themselves well in the service of others."
" You may take quarters in the garrison—report to the sergeant-at-arms Sir Frazer, tell him what I said—and we will find employment for your talents during your stay with us as long as there are no objections from yourselves or Sir Almeric.”
The companions received board and lodging as well as a small salary ( of ten gold a week) for as long as they chose to remain in Baron Aldred’s service.
Letters were drafted and sent to Baron Grisaille asking that Sir Beorn be sent back to face punishment, his brother Alcuin was jailed with Le Cloche.....which the Baron quipped may well be punishment enough as Le Cloches whining was already legendary amongst the staff and guard. Beorns wife and children were turned out of their cottage in the village and it was given to Sir Almeric to use during his stay. For his part Baron Aldred arranged for Beorns wife and family to be escorted to Clyster where her parents lived and he chose not to enact any further punishment on them abandoned as they were.
The month passes in relative peace, there are few demands made upon you and as the winter snow closes in you are all thankful for the warmth afforded by the stout walls and fires of Aldreds home.
( Feel free to detail your activities and interactions over the first month of winter within the castle as you take your leisure and recover.)
Almeric was glad that the intelligence her provided prevented any more loyal men form being killed. Beorn was a marked man now, hiding under skirts of his protector Baron Grisaille. Once bathed, fed , watered and recovered, Almeric took his ease in the castle where he could, recovering from his exhaustion. He cleaned all his weapons and armour carefully, spending time with Sir Frazer, the Sergeant-at-Arms. He was sadened by the effect of Beorn's treachery on his immediate family and slightly uneasy with his new home. Almeric will seek a young couple to employ as Housekeepers, paying them his weekly wage to run the place for him. They can even live there when Almeric is away, which is likely to be often.
(OOC = would 10GP/week be a decent wage, including expenses for 2 Housekeepers? Almeric will spend enough to maintain his status.)
Almeric goes with the small delegation to collect Le Cloche, as was his sworn and bounden duty to do so. He will write a letter to Sir Valor, telling of the behaviours of each in his retinue.
Back in Gorham, Almeric will spend much of time in the Castle, sparring with Ori, Cairnnach and Fergus, maybe with Young Almeric and Sir Grisso in their combat training? Almeric also need to improve his horse riding, and will do so whenever possible.
At quiet moments, when he thinks they are not being watched, Almeric will spend moments with Tana and Fahm. This is not because he is embarrassed or fears his reputation, but to allow for genuine converse between them
( 10 gp would be probably double what they would earn elsewhere. So they''d be pretty happy.)
The 10 gp/week includes all expenses and services for Almeric; victuals fitting his status, laundered clothes, clean bedding and cottage maintenance.
( Understood)
Godfrey and Edith Marsh sign on as Almerics household servants, originally from Wufulston they are willowy and sallow but pleasant enough, and thankful for their lot. He receives a letter in turn from Sir Valor and Lord Falworth Dayne commending them and giving news of home to Thatch and Tana.
Young Almeric seems quite chuffed to have someone of the same moniker staying and lends his aid in both sparring and horsemanship, Sir Grisso seems slightly harsh a task master when it comes to training for the lists but his lessons bear fruit with all of the retinue benefitting from his tutelage.
Vignettes
As the weeks go on Famh finds her footsteps haunted by Alais, the youngest of Baron Aldreds two children. The girl is often found watching Famh curiously from the shadows or trailing behind her as she goes about her day. She seems quite the book worm and is very studious with her lessons from Baron Aldreds castellan Myrrdin. On one occasion Famh fancies she sees a strange light in the girls eyes as she watches her....Alais approaches and places a delicate pink and brown seashell into Famhs hand....
Fergus receives gifts of parchment, ink and quills from Myrrdin to assist with his duties, the old man seems to regard Fergus with a degree of suspicion but is friendly enough despite it. One night, deep into his cups, he asks Fergus if he still has his soul....the next morning as if embarrassed he presses a small piece of amethyst crystal into his hand and grins.
Thatch takes up in the stables as well as his other duties, seeing his gift with the beasts the stablemaster gifts to him a fine moor pony who once belonged to Beorns eldest son, the cantankerous but brave black steed is named Shuck.....and has left more than a few bite-marks on others.
Ori is popular in the kitchens and laundry assisting with lifting and carrying and more than a few of the kitchen maids and washerwomen as well as one of the stewards have their eye on ' the big man', the seargent at arms, Sir Frazer....a burly one-armed knight assists him in maintaining his weapons and gifts him with a much loved and well worn breast plate of etched steel.
Cainneach finds himself spending the majority of his time stalking the borders of the South Hourla Hills with Salt the younger of the barons two deerhounds, the lanky hound seems to understand Cainneachs sorrow and listlessness and simply waits for him to come back about and continue their explorations. By the end of the month Baron Aldred releases the young dog into his keeping.
Tanatari spends a lot of her time in the kitchen garden chatting with Gallis, the cook who is rather knowledable about herbcraft though more of the culinary applications than the medicinal or....other....toward the end of the month she gifted her with a gold ring featuring a cluster of polished tormaline, " This was my mothers, but my fingers are too swollen and pained for me to wear it any more...you should have it."
Ori was always good working people, working his way through crowds for seemingly no reason then talk people and for people to talk to him. He size keeps him from being sneaky and unable to move through a crowd unnoticed. So instead he found being obviously in a room and being close to the center of attention, no one asks why you are in the room to begin with. Ori is noisy and protected of his compadres. Going pasts the stables on his way to sparing or always finding his way to the kitchen (well he does like the grub as much as the attention and being able to keep his eyes and ears on his friends).
Ori was surprised at the gift from the old cuss, even more surprised the chest piece almost fit, well closer then Ori would have expected. Ori had the armor dressed up to make it work for him. Ori also is big on outward appearance and tries his best to polish and paint up to be a bit more showy.
As the month progressed, Almeric will spend some private time with each of the retinue, in turn. This could be as part of their routine activity, inviting them riding and having each to a private diner at his cottage, prepared by Mr and Mrs Marsh. This is to get to known each better, build some mutual trust and respect.
( OOC - Any mechanical advantage for training on horse and foot for a month?)
Tana finds comfort in the herbal smell that wafts through the air with each visit to the kitchen garden, trading spare whisps of knowledge with Gallis while working alongside him the the homey expanse of space. She finds herself touched by his gift, sliding the polished ring onto the middle finger of her left hand with a careful smile – hand pressing lightly into Gallis' shoulder in gratitude.
When not bustling about in the kitchen garden, Tana ventures to the stables, finding a similar comfort surrounded by the noble creatures and an old companionship with Thatch. She opts to not distract from his work, simply nodding a head to him in greeting before petting down the various mares and stallions housed in the vicinity. When learning of Shuck, Tana grins delightedly at Thatch – deciding then and there to try and get a few lines from the steed in hopes of knowing the creature better for the potential journey ahead.
She reacts just as delightedly when she first meets Salt at Cainneach's side, bending down to pat the young deerhound with a soft smile. She attempts to commune with the dog as well, asking about it's day among other tidbits of information.
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Thatch spent his time at the Castle recovering from their cross-country trek and getting stronger. He drilled with Ori and some of the men under Sir Frazer’s command, sharpening his skill with his shortswords, sometimes even wielding two at once. Many of the men at arms marveled at his ancient gladius, still in fine shape despite its age, but Thatch refuses to part with it or share the story of how he came by it. Most would not believe it if he did share.
He spends time getting to know his companions a little better. He asks Cainneach and Tana about woodcraft; their trip through the forest and dell inspired him to learn what he can of the forest and wildlands around the castle from them both, and he encourages Cainneach to stay with the companions a little longer if he talks of returning to the wood. He talks with Famh and Fergus of their experiences in far away lands and is more than a little interested and wary of Famh’s fey connections.
He visits the blacksmith, replacing his sack of ball bearings and the iron pot that was damaged in Vallander’s tomb, using gold from his weekly wages to pay for the replacements. But he spends most of his time in the stables, working under the watchful eye of the stablemaster. He was surprised and grateful at the gift of the moor pony and spends some extra time with Shuck, brushing him and sneaking in a carrot from the kitchens from time to time.
( Thats kinda what the level up is....I'll probably drop diff. slightly on horse related animal handling checks.)
Fergus gladly takes a few days to recover from the perilous cross country trek. He attends sparring with the others to ensure his knife work did not get rusty and build on the teamwork with others in the event of future combat. That said, he did not attend as frequently, often avoiding Sir Almeric's cottage the following day in order to recover!
He sought out Myrrdin and was happy to assist him. He gratefully accepted the writing supplies and did what he could to earn his keep. He attempted to draw as much information from the old man as possible regarding the surrounding areas, politics, anything that might be useful for the group's future plans. Used to being under suspicion, it in fact padded the level of respect Fergus had grown for the wise elder who also treated him fairly. A cold shiver ran down Fergus' spine that night when Myrrdin asked him of his soul and was grateful when the old man passed out shortly after. Fergus accepted the crystal respectfully and would often gaze into it's violet depths before falling asleep back in the garrison.
Fergus enjoyed spending time with the others when he could. Speaking quietly when they gathered, he would often talk animatedly when one on one.
He enjoyed talking to Thatch, happy to answer any questions about Port Clyster, though would change the subject if they started to dig a bit deeper into his way of life there. He had started to grow fond of horses and would ask Thatch many questions on stable life and advice on raising them. He would occasionally run into Tana while visiting the stable and offer some friendly banter though respectful not to distract her for too long as she was clearly there to visit the animals. Fergus remembers vividly the interaction she had with Harold's horse and while he cannot understand the type of magic that surrounds her, he feels it is the opposite of what burns within him and is concerned about contaminating it.
Often this would drive him to seek out Famh in order to discuss their magic and compare their experiences with it. Cainneach was harder to find due to his ranging but Fergus would offer a friendly conversation whenever their paths crossed to see how he faired out in the woods. When he tried to pet his new companion, the hound growled and teeth bared. Reassuring Cainneach it was something he had experienced all his life he sadly leaves the dog alone. While doing the rounds with Myrrdin, Fergus would bump into Ori and wager on their next spar or round of drinking.
In the evenings, Fergus would visit Sir Almeric in his cottage for a drink to catch up on the day before heading back to his bunk in the garrison. Fergus found himself more at peace then he has ever been before despite the roiling presence deep within growing stronger.
Hahaha worth a shout!
Cainneach does spend some time with Sir Grisso, to at least get a better idea of wielding the fine long and shortswords that he's acquired since joining this crew. It is difficult to find time for this, but he manages to achieve some proficiency that should serve him well. Cainneach doesn't mind the gruff, direct style of Sir Grisso, as he's learned from his life growing up in Fenring Forest that skills must be acquired as quickly as possible in order to stave off the myriad dangers out in the world. The intensity helps pull Cainneach's mind away from the confusion and lingering sadness wrought upon him the past few months as he's been ripped from his previous life and lost friends along the way.
In performing the duties associated with his role as Forester, Cainneach attempts to be diligent and to learn them all, but some aspects come more readily than others. Tracking and harrassing would-be poachers and other ne'er-do-wells is second nature, as he and Dru had done the same while ranging in Fenring Forest. Negotiating timber sales, however, was something of a mystery. He appreciates the value of occasionally thinning areas for the health of the forest, but intentionally removing swaths of trees is antithetical to his beliefs. Cainneach hopes that his "revisions" to the arrangements of the previous Forester were acceptable, but as he doesn't particularly enjoy this part of the job, he doesn't worry about it too often. Rather, he spends most of his time mapping and cataloguing the state of the grounds in the Baron's and Lord Dayne's lands. This is largely done in pure self-interest, as he very much enjoys the practice and spending time alone in the forest once again. Cainneach does try to keep the reports in a manner that will be useful to the noblemen, however, having some pride in his work.
As for the "gift" from the Baron, the young hound Salt, Cainneach was bewildered, then perturbed, then ultimately resigned that this beast will apparently follow him wherever he goes. Having been on the run and then in hiding for nearly all of his life, Cainneach generally thought of animal companions as unnecessary burdens to be avoided. From what he learned, though, these particular hounds were prized in the kingdom, and Salt did turn out to be a quick and eager study and of some use, once Cainneach decided to do more than simply keep him fed enough to survive. He has the distinct impression that losing or allowing the beast to come to harm would be strongly disapproved of by the Baron. The two range far and wide and both seem fitter and happier for it.
During his time in the wilderness, Cainneach experienced some surprising developments. Naturally, he practiced his archery skills, improving steadily, especially with access to the Baron's training grounds and bowyer. While tracking a troupe of brigands in the deep brush, he found himself able to make shots that surpassed any he had previously made, both in accuracy and damage. Cainneach experienced a heightened feeling of focus and determination that he felt could not be purely natural. Similarly, on another occasion Cainneach had ventured into a poorly mapped area of particularly dense and sombre forest in which even his finely honed orienteering skills failed him for a time. Low on rations and quite fatigued, he awoke after a brief rest with a handful of berries that he had surely not picked while asleep. He and Salt each sampled one and found themselves immediately restored, with a small scratch on Cainneach's hand spontaneously healed. These relevations were both curious and startling.
While in the village, Cainneach makes sure to see his companions. Famh and Tana were of great use in helping to explain his newfound abilities and Cainneach found that, with their guidance, he is better able to manifest and control the small magic he has gained. They are unsure of its origin; perhaps it was a gift from beyond bestowed by Dru, or maybe Morkaan had taken notice of him. Whatever it is, this gift they shared helped to strengthen their bond and to lift Cainneach's spirits. Cainneach enjoys hearing about their learnings as well, and keeps a keen lookout for herbs useful to Tana while traversing the Baron's lands. He only shares their locations with the two, lest they become overharvested. Cainneach would like to cross paths with Fergus more often, but the young man seems to be very busy, and embarrassingly for Cainneach, Salt has a stubborn aversion to the scrivener. The hound was almost always of a pleasant temperament and Cainneach is vexed by his inability to settle Salt in Fergus' presence. Naturally, Cainneach runs into Thatch often, as he requires a horse for longer journeys and finds that those under Thatch's care are always in great form. Cainneach also was somewhat surprised to find that he enjoyed the times when Thatch or others would accompany him for the purpose of learning something of his craft. Thatch is a quick study and already an expert at the quiet maneuvering that much of the Forester's work required. As for Ori, the large, jovial man is never hard to find (often the opposite, hard to avoid as he is seemingly everywhere!) and always amusing. Cainneach wishes he could feel the same ease as Ori apparently does when around groups of people.
Finally, there is Almeric. As with the other nobles he dealt with in his role as Forester, Cainneach generally avoids him as much as is practically possible, relying on lower level functionaries to aid in carrying out his duties. Nobles in Albion seem to have both similarities to and differences from those few he could remember from Thule and Ereworn, but he could never seem to feel comfortable around any of them. Cainneach supposes he must be thankful for the wage and lodging provided by the Baron and the Daynes in exchange for his labours, but the cost is the freedom to do whatever he pleases. When he is finally cornered into meetings with Almeric, Cainneach keeps the discussion related to his work as Forester and is attentive and polite, as much as he knows how to be. However, he remains puzzled by the contrast between Almeric and his brother, Valor, and the nature of the Knights and their Crusades. Why anyone would adopt a faith that compelled them to do such things was beyond Cainneach's understanding. And Valor was quiet, thoughtful, yet valiant, while Almeric is certainly brave enough and gives a care for those around him, but seems to simmer with an anger and energy that was unsettling to the quiet woodsman. A strange man to be attached to, but this is where Cainneach finds himself for the moment. At least nothing more dangerous had arisen between the Baron and his would-be usurpers . . . yet.
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