As the days went on it soon became obvious to the retinue that Sir Almeric and Lady Alisas courtship had become official, and what little time he spent away from her was in meetings with Duke Carnasse and Baron Aldred.
Duchess Carnasse also checked in with Famh on the status of her betrothal when she caught Famh during one of her daily shopping trips for retinue gifts.
Ori had a number of meetings with Sir Almeric where he began to get the distinct impression that he was being slowly pressured into taking up Sir Almerics role.....until on the sixth day he was called to meet with Baron Aldred.
" Ori, Sir Almeric has spoken highly of your level head and measured disposition both in the field and society high and low. My old friend will be remaining here in Beltayne as my representative.....and for other reasons.", he smirked slightly and glanced at Sir Almeric. " I cannot knight you in the current climate but I am in need of a Gentleman Armiger. With this position I give you leave to levy taxes over a single cattle holding north of Market Cross."
Thatch spent time roaming the streets of Beltayne and came across Michael more than a few times, on a couple of occasions extracting the young man from some dangerous situations of his own making. Michael plied Thatch with questions about his and the retinues activities and at the end of the week offered Thatch a coffer of 100 florins as payment for his assistance.
Cainneach spent the days either with Famh or prowling the Keep and Beltayne itself, one night while walking the corridors of the Keep the imposing form of Sir Mary suddenly appeared out of nowhere from behind a storeroom door, she didn't see him in the shadows between torches as she moved away towards her quarters. After a few minutes Lady Margie emerged from the same door and headed directly upstairs to her quarters. At the feast it had been rumoured that there was ill feeling between the two of them......
Vardi was back at work in the forge trying to decide the next stage of her life, Ori had been checking in with her and even offered the dance she had not had at the feast but she had declined stating there was no need. She worked on the metal from the Fachans flail managing to craft a number ( 3) items from the strange metal. ( 3 Adamantine items are created)
Famh finally collected all her gifts and brought the others together to present them, she also spent time studying with the Keeps bards and historians trying to learn what she could of the new path she felt called toward.
Fergus retrieved the coffer key from Famh as the cursed items would be remaining in Beltayne and informed Ori that he was unable to discover anything more about the ' gift' that had been left for him.
Tana had made a number of potions to assist with healing, and passed one to each of the departing companions wishing them the best.
( Everyone may Level Up)
The retinue would be leaving for Ellesland in two days time accompanying Baron Aldred back to his homelands.
Ori, dumbfounded by the idea of himself being anything more then a retired carny, now being offered to be a Gentleman Armiger to Baron Aldred is more confused then ever. He turns to Sir Almeric looking for a good justification to be unable to accept. He couldn't say no, but how does he accept? He knew his way around a beer hall and a good scrap, but he knows no proper decorum or have any experience with anyone in such a position. What would he be responsible for now? Cainneach would be no help, he's more backwoods then even Ori, Thatch might be able to tell him a thing or two but how much did he see in his times in the stables Fahm talks about things way over Ori's head, maybe that means she was his best hope of figuring out what to do next... Ori was realizing that he was accepting internally that he was going to accept. What have you gotten your self into now. Ori turns his attention back and holds his big hand out Baron Aldred, he knew that probably wasn't proper but Baron Aldred had to know who was dealing with too. After traveling all this way and whatever Almeric had been saying, Baron Aldred probably wouldn't be suprised.
"Alright, it would be an honour."
Ori would seek Sir Almeric out to ask all the details of what this new position would entail and what it would mean for the retinue as they currently stand. "I sure hope you know what you're doing, between your new honor and mine, we are a very different predicament then a few weeks ago. I felt safer getting my head rang by the giant flail, Aye?"
Ori would gather the old retinue together and tell them of the new title given to him by Baron Aldred. He would explain the plan for Sir Almeric to remain along with Tana and Fergus. "Now the rest of you are free to do as you wish, continue with me back to Ellesland with the Baron, or remain here with Sir Almeric, hell no one's forcing any of you to be here so that is your other option, Aye?" Ori doesn't really expecting any to depart but would understand. But then for the wild card, Vardi.
(ENgineered_Beard: here's what Google has to say about the title of gentleman armiger.
A "gentleman armiger" refers to . Historically, the term "armiger" first meant an armor-bearer, but it evolved to signify someone, like a squire or later a gentleman, who was granted the right to display heraldic arms.
Historical and heraldic meaning
Armor-bearer: In the medieval period, an armiger was an attendant who literally carried the arms of a knight.
Esquire/Gentleman: The term later came to signify a person, such as a squire or a gentleman, who was legally entitled to bear a coat of arms. This status often came with a certain social standing and was particularly associated with those who served in the military or held a profession.
Heraldic entitlement: In modern heraldry, "armiger" is essentially a broader term for any person who is entitled to bear a coat of arms, though in a more specific historical context, it was often linked to a gentleman.
Modern usage
The term is still used today in contexts related to heraldry. A person who is entitled to bear arms is called an armiger.
The term "gentleman armiger" is largely a historical combination, as the legal and social distinctions between these roles have changed significantly.
"The best definition is that of 1609 by the College of Arms, which in modern English means a man who can prove that he has a coat of arms, and may be called Armiger or Esquire from the French equiere, a shield bearer or a knight in training, a member of the Gentry of Wales or England, elsewhere in Europe a member of the untitled nobility such as Adler in Austria or Junker in Prussia. One with a coat of arms but without a title, a rank between nobility and yeomanry, similar to a knight. ... "
if the play group was referred to before as the knight's "retinue" using his family name, would they now be referred to as the armiger's retinue? if so, how would the complication of the armiger only having a first name be dealt with
Yes, they would now be referred to as the armiger's retinue. The complication of the armiger having only a first name would be dealt with by using a byname or identifier in place of a surname to specify his household or retinue.
Shifting Retinue Name
The name of a retinue or household is generally associated with the person who is its current head and from whom the members draw their authority and pay. Therefore, the group would no longer be known by the original knight's family name. Instead, they become the retinue of the new armiger.
Dealing with the Armiger's Single Name
In medieval society, especially for those of the gentry (like an armiger) who didn't necessarily have fixed, hereditary surnames early on, identifiers were common. Since the character has no family name, several realistic conventions could be used in the role-playing game:
Geographic Origin (Most Common for Gentry): The armiger would be referred to by the place he was born or where he holds land (his "honour"). For example, if his name is John and he's from the village of Greenock, his full style would be "John of Greenock" or "John de Greenock". His retinue would be known as "The Retinue of John of Greenock" or simply "The Greenock Retinue".
Patronymic: He could be identified as the son of his father. If his father was named Thomas, he would be called "John the son of Thomas" or "John fitz Thomas" (using a Norman-style "fitz" which was common in Scotland). His retinue would be the "Retinue of John fitz Thomas".
Occupation/Title: Since he has a clear title, he could be referred to by his rank. While less formal for a retinue name, in some contexts, he could be "John the Armiger".
Nickname/Personal Attribute: A distinguishing physical feature or personality trait could be used, such as "John the Tall" or "John the Valiant". His retinue would then be associated with that name.
The Household Name: The group could simply be referred to by the armiger's first name, perhaps with a possessive.
The most formal and appropriate for a "gentleman armiger" in medieval Scotland would be a territorial designation. This establishes his new status as a person of substance with a place in the feudal structure.
(forgot I had a dice roll in my post, can't blame the forum gremlins for this one. So to be fair I deleted the whole post and reposting from scratch with spaces in the code till sure I'm done)
A warm and secret smile spreads across Famh's face as she marks the new invitations and courtesies Sir Almeric is receiving from Lady Ailsa with no objections raised by either the Duke or his wife; and she makes a point of carefully (Persuasion in log 15 ... with a Tides of Chaos burned to get ADV) and politely feeling out the subject when Duchess Carnasse honours her with a visit. When that lady confirms the news that the handsome Capellar has been accepted as her stepdaughter's laddie-love, Famh's smile only broadens and deepens. "I'd hoped a wee bit of tenderness might be growin' up between them.," she sighs. "They're baith good and honourable wights wi' the kindness o' Gatanades in their hearts to temper their strength; an' I grey" (imagine; suppose; guess)"they'll turn out a fine couple an' a credit tae Carnasse as much as tae Aldred. I still weel remember hou kind the Lady was before when I wis ... a little mistaken as tae her identity." A quick blush rises to the perky Brymstonewoman's cheeks at the memory, and she quickly hurries on. "Indeed, all of ye were sae kind when we first came that I'd like tae show my gratitude wi' an offer suitable tae the position of herald that SIr Almeric has honoured me wi'. I have a store ... a treasurehouse, almost, for I've loved thaim since I was a wee lassie ... o' tales and lays, chants o' cattle-liftings, wooings, deeds o' battle and honour; and it would warm my heart to be allowed tae entertain the company our last night here ere the Baron leaves for Port Clyster. In deed, a tale o' baith love and honour is ticklin' at the corners of my mind that I grey you and the Duke just might like." She smiles and puts off any questions as to details with teasing vaguenesses.
With Oriand the retinue:
Famh shoots a quick glace over at Cainneach, trying to guess how he is reacting to the choices Ori has outlined (Insight to guess Cainneach's reaction: 12). Though she'd been speaking so recently of the change in Sir Almeric's status, her conscious mind hadn't quite caught up to the corresponding changes that would bring about in the retinue. Warring memories flood through her mind for a brief moment, the misery of her outcast childhood swirling among and soothed by more recent and happy memories of good times on this present journey back to the land of her birth. After a long pause, she slowly speaks.
"I'll gae where ye gae, leannan ghraid. We sealed it wi' a promise last we were here; and I mean tae keep my word tae ye. But it seems tae me that the retinue is like our hame now after sae lang for baith of us wi'oot ane. I dinna see gaein' aff on our own. As tae who we stay with ... " She frowns.
"Aye, that's the harder choice when friends part. I'd think, though ... " An even longer pause ensues, and Famh's murmurings become vaguer. sounding almost at times as if she were talking to herself. "We'd be yet in service tae the Baron ... and he's named ye his forester -- as weel as bein' our knicht's chief scout. And he did say I was tae be his herald ... but, och!" Something seems to occur to her, and her e''en brighten. "In a sense we micht be yet. I coud be ORI's herald; an' as he wis sponsorit bi SIr Almeric tae be a gentleman armiger, our deits would reflect credit and honour on our auld knicht as well! And 'twould seem for ye, a ghraid, ye'd ha' mair scope to pursue your callin' oot in the field than behind these cauld granite walls." She gestures eloquently to the stone all about them, now dripping with the chill damps of the season. Indeed, she gives an eloquent shiver as if the sight made her very bones chill ... and an artful one, as she immediately follows it up by sliding very close and snuggling up to him on the bench they are presently sharing. Her eyes twinkle as she whispers in his ear; no one else present can quite hear what she is saying, but most can guess the general topic given that her right hand is twining and rubbing about a certain finger on her left. And those who were aware of the Baroness' visit earlier to our dear fiery-headed herald in training have no doubt whatever that she is discussing the status of their betrothal with him, and just possibly sounding out his feelings and thoughts as to how the timing of their wedding fits into the larger plans being discussed.
Thatch spent his time wandering around the city, oftentimes with Michael, but sometimes with Cainneach and other times by himself. He checked in on the stories of children going missing by the river and spent more than a little time in the stables and kitchen of the Duke’s estate. And nobody knew if he sometimes stopped in the halls searching for the faint smell of primrose, or would blame him if they did know.
“Of course, I will follow you, Ori.”Thatch frowns and his checks redden “Or I guess I should call you Ser, or mi’lord now? In any case, I am eager to return home to Ellesland. Not that I didn’t enjoy my time here.”he hastily adds. Thatch was, in truth, a good deal homesick despite the excitement the trip offered and was looking forward to a reunion with Shuck and rescuing the pony from the grooms he left him with. Or perhaps he would be rescuing the grooms from Shuck, the animal had not suffered to be handled by just anyone.
Ori glares at Thatch over the title talk. "Now don't you be starting with that kind of of talk. 'Ori' was good enough before, it's good enough now. I guess that is something to figure out before any new dealing cause of this, but there will be none of it from the retinue, Aye?" There was too much changing for Ori to deal with his friends treating him any differently, besides he had bigger things on his mind, the boat ride back...
(forgot I had a dice roll in my post, can't blame the forum gremlins for this one. So to be fair I deleted the whole post and reposting from scratch with spaces in the code till sure I'm done)
A warm and secret smile spreads across Famh's face as she marks the new invitations and courtesies Sir Almeric is receiving from Lady Ailsa with no objections raised by either the Duke or his wife; and she makes a point of carefully (Persuasion in log 15 ... with a Tides of Chaos burned to get ADV) and politely feeling out the subject when Duchess Carnasse honours her with a visit. When that lady confirms the news that the handsome Capellar has been accepted as her stepdaughter's laddie-love, Famh's smile only broadens and deepens. "I'd hoped a wee bit of tenderness might be growin' up between them.," she sighs. "They're baith good and honourable wights wi' the kindness o' Gatanades in their hearts to temper their strength; an' I grey" (imagine; suppose; guess)"they'll turn out a fine couple an' a credit tae Carnasse as much as tae Aldred. I still weel remember hou kind the Lady was before when I wis ... a little mistaken as tae her identity." A quick blush rises to the perky Brymstonewoman's cheeks at the memory, and she quickly hurries on. "Indeed, all of ye were sae kind when we first came that I'd like tae show my gratitude wi' an offer suitable tae the position of herald that SIr Almeric has honoured me wi'. I have a store ... a treasurehouse, almost, for I've loved thaim since I was a wee lassie ... o' tales and lays, chants o' cattle-liftings, wooings, deeds o' battle and honour; and it would warm my heart to be allowed tae entertain the company our last night here ere the Baron leaves for Port Clyster. In deed, a tale o' baith love and honour is ticklin' at the corners of my mind that I grey you and the Duke just might like." She smiles and puts off any questions as to details with teasing vaguenesses.
With Oriand the retinue:
Famh shoots a quick glace over at Cainneach, trying to guess how he is reacting to the choices Ori has outlined (Insight to guess Cainneach's reaction: 12). Though she'd been speaking so recently of the change in Sir Almeric's status, her conscious mind hadn't quite caught up to the corresponding changes that would bring about in the retinue. Warring memories flood through her mind for a brief moment, the misery of her outcast childhood swirling among and soothed by more recent and happy memories of good times on this present journey back to the land of her birth. After a long pause, she slowly speaks.
"I'll gae where ye gae, leannan ghraid. We sealed it wi' a promise last we were here; and I mean tae keep my word tae ye. But it seems tae me that the retinue is like our hame now after sae lang for baith of us wi'oot ane. I dinna see gaein' aff on our own. As tae who we stay with ... " She frowns.
"Aye, that's the harder choice when friends part. I'd think, though ... " An even longer pause ensues, and Famh's murmurings become vaguer. sounding almost at times as if she were talking to herself. "We'd be yet in service tae the Baron ... and he's named ye his forester -- as weel as bein' our knicht's chief scout. And he did say I was tae be his herald ... but, och!" Something seems to occur to her, and her e''en brighten. "In a sense we micht be yet. I coud be ORI's herald; an' as he wis sponsorit bi SIr Almeric tae be a gentleman armiger, our deits would reflect credit and honour on our auld knicht as well! And 'twould seem for ye, a ghraid, ye'd ha' mair scope to pursue your callin' oot in the field than behind these cauld granite walls." She gestures eloquently to the stone all about them, now dripping with the chill damps of the season. Indeed, she gives an eloquent shiver as if the sight made her very bones chill ... and an artful one, as she immediately follows it up by sliding very close and snuggling up to him on the bench they are presently sharing. Her eyes twinkle as she whispers in his ear; no one else present can quite hear what she is saying, but most can guess the general topic given that her right hand is twining and rubbing about a certain finger on her left. And those who were aware of the Baroness' visit earlier to our dear fiery-headed herald in training have no doubt whatever that she is discussing the status of their betrothal with him, and just possibly sounding out his feelings and thoughts as to how the timing of their wedding fits into the larger plans being discussed.
Cainneach- is taciturn as always but seems not displeased by the reformation, he does look toward the bundle of gifts Famh has gathered.
Thatch spent his time wandering around the city, oftentimes with Michael, but sometimes with Cainneach and other times by himself. He checked in on the stories of children going missing by the river and spent more than a little time in the stables and kitchen of the Duke’s estate. And nobody knew if he sometimes stopped in the halls searching for the faint smell of primrose, or would blame him if they did know.
“Of course, I will follow you, Ori.”Thatch frowns and his checks redden “Or I guess I should call you Ser, or mi’lord now? In any case, I am eager to return home to Ellesland. Not that I didn’t enjoy my time here.”he hastily adds. Thatch was, in truth, a good deal homesick despite the excitement the trip offered and was looking forward to a reunion with Shuck and rescuing the pony from the grooms he left him with. Or perhaps he would be rescuing the grooms from Shuck, the animal had not suffered to be handled by just anyone.
Thatch found little more than rumour regarding the missing children unable to pin down whether there was truth behind it or not, he found no trace of primrose except on the final morning when one had been placed on the windowsill when he woke. He began to pack for the journey home.
Ori glares at Thatch over the title talk. "Now don't you be starting with that kind of of talk. 'Ori' was good enough before, it's good enough now. I guess that is something to figure out before any new dealing cause of this, but there will be none of it from the retinue, Aye?" There was too much changing for Ori to deal with his friends treating him any differently, besides he had bigger things on his mind, the boat ride back...
Ori noted the retinue was smaller now only him, Thatch and the Thulander betrothed....he still had no notion of what Vardis plans were and whether or not he should seek out new members when they returned to Ellesland or not....
Vardi did make the helmet he requested with a bemused expression, " Yer likely to get a twinge and a half in yer neck if someone hits one of the horns.....but you'll certainly make an impressionat first sight."
(Sorry for my much more prolonged than expected absence. The number of plates I'm spinning these days is about as many as I can handle, yet still more keep popping up! I'll try to be more responsive to the story as it advances.)
In the course of conversations with the retinue over the preceding days, Cainneach made a point to relay his observations made throughout the city and keep. It was a marvel to him that a relatively small area could support all of the ongoing intrigue without collapsing into absolute chaos. In the forests he haunted with Dru, there wasn't half as much going on, but it was all the two of them could do to keep themselves in one piece. Here in Beltayne, however, most folks seemed to carry on without much difficulty. To recap, the rumours/news he'd collected included:
People mutter that a brothel employee was seen with a priest near the Guild of St Alban.
One of Duke Carnasse children is involved in a clandestine affair.
Three ships out of Katorheim have been lost in the past two weeks.
More children have gone missing near the river.
Someone sighted a giant in the hills far to the north.
Duke Carnasse has captured a foreign spy and local traitor.
One night while walking the corridors of the Keep the imposing form of Sir Mary suddenly appeared out of nowhere from behind a storeroom door, then after a few minutes Lady Margie emerged from the same door ... it had been rumoured that there was ill feeling between the two of them.
Of all of these, the missing children were a great worry and the giant certainly seemed interesting. The proximity of these to the wilds outside of the unnatural confines of the keep and the city walls granted these two a large portion of their appeal, and Cainneach was generally keen to avoid the sordid, and distinctly unnecessary, offences people constantly perpetrate upon each other. Of course, in their current roles, that was often unavoidable. In any case, it seemed that the best he could do with this information at present was to relay it to Almeric and let the besotted Capellar send it up to the Baron or Duke if anything needed to be urgently addressed.
The forester's mien had taken a sullen turn after a few days in the city, as did that of his beloved hound. There wasn't much hope that he could reasonably stay in this place, or likely any city, for a prolonged period, as alien as it felt to him. It was heartening, though, to see the rest of the party getting on so well. Almeric was like Cainneach had never seen him. The ease with which he fit in with the other noblemen was not surprising, but the obvious affection between he and Lady Ailsa was refreshing to see. Cainneach enjoyed the time spent with Thatch, whose concerns in Beltayne seemed to be closer to his own. Their investigation of the missing children was not fruitful, but at least it got them out of the city proper for a spell. Famh, of course, was certainly busy between her newfound interest in a role as herald and whatever other little quest was occupying her mind so thoroughly. Cainneach didn't fully understand the place of the filidh in the courts of Albion, or how what little he remembered from tales of his youth would intersect with whatever it was exactly that Famh was aspiring to, but he was certain she would be good at it and endeavored to be supportive.
And there was Ori, the newly anointed gentleman armiger. He was clearly the right choice to lead the group forward, regardless of what armiger meant. So much protocol in these dealings. Following Ori and the Baron back to Ellesland made sense. Cainneach could return to his newish home in the Baron's forests. He knew how to do that job and there was always work to be done. Then, if the retinue's collective talents were needed, Ori could gather them and forge the path. They now had a wealth of collective experience to fall back on, perhaps even enough to do something remarkable.
Maybe if things calmed down for a spell, he and Famh could finally be married ... oh dear, that's what she's going on about, isn't it? I get lost in my own head sometimes and she just goes on and on without much prompting. He did dearly love her, though, and was thankful for any measure of her affection. Cainneach placed one arm around her and laid the other hand on hers, hoping to be reassuring of his continued interest in their future together. They would have plenty of time during the travel home to discuss plans. She knew that he was only interested in a simple, earnest ceremony, asking for the blessings of the old gods. He knew that Famh would want something a touch more formal to please Gatanades and his traditions. In any case, Cainneach had been carving a wooden ring for her, though he wasn't sure it would be befitting a herald. All of this was so complicated ...
Cainneach removed his hand from Famh's and found himself petting poor Salt. The two of them had grown even closer, stuck together in the claustrophobic bustle of the city. Cainneach had run him outside the walls when he had the chance, and the hound lent his nose to the search for the missing children. If Salt couldn't find them, then there was a good chance the story was a fabrication. Yes, the two of them would be a formidable team!
As the days went on it soon became obvious to the retinue that Sir Almeric and Lady Alisas courtship had become official, and what little time he spent away from her was in meetings with Duke Carnasse and Baron Aldred.
Duchess Carnasse also checked in with Famh on the status of her betrothal when she caught Famh during one of her daily shopping trips for retinue gifts.
Ori had a number of meetings with Sir Almeric where he began to get the distinct impression that he was being slowly pressured into taking up Sir Almerics role.....until on the sixth day he was called to meet with Baron Aldred.
" Ori, Sir Almeric has spoken highly of your level head and measured disposition both in the field and society high and low. My old friend will be remaining here in Beltayne as my representative.....and for other reasons.", he smirked slightly and glanced at Sir Almeric. " I cannot knight you in the current climate but I am in need of a Gentleman Armiger. With this position I give you leave to levy taxes over a single cattle holding north of Market Cross."
" Do you accept?"
Thatch spent time roaming the streets of Beltayne and came across Michael more than a few times, on a couple of occasions extracting the young man from some dangerous situations of his own making. Michael plied Thatch with questions about his and the retinues activities and at the end of the week offered Thatch a coffer of 100 florins as payment for his assistance.
Cainneach spent the days either with Famh or prowling the Keep and Beltayne itself, one night while walking the corridors of the Keep the imposing form of Sir Mary suddenly appeared out of nowhere from behind a storeroom door, she didn't see him in the shadows between torches as she moved away towards her quarters. After a few minutes Lady Margie emerged from the same door and headed directly upstairs to her quarters. At the feast it had been rumoured that there was ill feeling between the two of them......
Vardi was back at work in the forge trying to decide the next stage of her life, Ori had been checking in with her and even offered the dance she had not had at the feast but she had declined stating there was no need. She worked on the metal from the Fachans flail managing to craft a number ( 3) items from the strange metal. ( 3 Adamantine items are created)
Famh finally collected all her gifts and brought the others together to present them, she also spent time studying with the Keeps bards and historians trying to learn what she could of the new path she felt called toward.
Fergus retrieved the coffer key from Famh as the cursed items would be remaining in Beltayne and informed Ori that he was unable to discover anything more about the ' gift' that had been left for him.
Tana had made a number of potions to assist with healing, and passed one to each of the departing companions wishing them the best.
( Everyone may Level Up)
The retinue would be leaving for Ellesland in two days time accompanying Baron Aldred back to his homelands.
Ori, dumbfounded by the idea of himself being anything more then a retired carny, now being offered to be a Gentleman Armiger to Baron Aldred is more confused then ever. He turns to Sir Almeric looking for a good justification to be unable to accept. He couldn't say no, but how does he accept? He knew his way around a beer hall and a good scrap, but he knows no proper decorum or have any experience with anyone in such a position. What would he be responsible for now? Cainneach would be no help, he's more backwoods then even Ori, Thatch might be able to tell him a thing or two but how much did he see in his times in the stables Fahm talks about things way over Ori's head, maybe that means she was his best hope of figuring out what to do next... Ori was realizing that he was accepting internally that he was going to accept. What have you gotten your self into now. Ori turns his attention back and holds his big hand out Baron Aldred, he knew that probably wasn't proper but Baron Aldred had to know who was dealing with too. After traveling all this way and whatever Almeric had been saying, Baron Aldred probably wouldn't be suprised.
"Alright, it would be an honour."
Ori would seek Sir Almeric out to ask all the details of what this new position would entail and what it would mean for the retinue as they currently stand. "I sure hope you know what you're doing, between your new honor and mine, we are a very different predicament then a few weeks ago. I felt safer getting my head rang by the giant flail, Aye?"
Ori would gather the old retinue together and tell them of the new title given to him by Baron Aldred. He would explain the plan for Sir Almeric to remain along with Tana and Fergus. "Now the rest of you are free to do as you wish, continue with me back to Ellesland with the Baron, or remain here with Sir Almeric, hell no one's forcing any of you to be here so that is your other option, Aye?" Ori doesn't really expecting any to depart but would understand. But then for the wild card, Vardi.
(ENgineered_Beard: here's what Google has to say about the title of gentleman armiger.
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
(forgot I had a dice roll in my post, can't blame the forum gremlins for this one. So to be fair I deleted the whole post and reposting from scratch with spaces in the code till sure I'm done)
A warm and secret smile spreads across Famh's face as she marks the new invitations and courtesies Sir Almeric is receiving from Lady Ailsa with no objections raised by either the Duke or his wife; and she makes a point of carefully (Persuasion in log 15 ... with a Tides of Chaos burned to get ADV) and politely feeling out the subject when Duchess Carnasse honours her with a visit. When that lady confirms the news that the handsome Capellar has been accepted as her stepdaughter's laddie-love, Famh's smile only broadens and deepens. "I'd hoped a wee bit of tenderness might be growin' up between them.," she sighs. "They're baith good and honourable wights wi' the kindness o' Gatanades in their hearts to temper their strength; an' I grey" (imagine; suppose; guess) "they'll turn out a fine couple an' a credit tae Carnasse as much as tae Aldred. I still weel remember hou kind the Lady was before when I wis ... a little mistaken as tae her identity." A quick blush rises to the perky Brymstonewoman's cheeks at the memory, and she quickly hurries on. "Indeed, all of ye were sae kind when we first came that I'd like tae show my gratitude wi' an offer suitable tae the position of herald that SIr Almeric has honoured me wi'. I have a store ... a treasurehouse, almost, for I've loved thaim since I was a wee lassie ... o' tales and lays, chants o' cattle-liftings, wooings, deeds o' battle and honour; and it would warm my heart to be allowed tae entertain the company our last night here ere the Baron leaves for Port Clyster. In deed, a tale o' baith love and honour is ticklin' at the corners of my mind that I grey you and the Duke just might like." She smiles and puts off any questions as to details with teasing vaguenesses.
With Ori and the retinue:
Famh shoots a quick glace over at Cainneach, trying to guess how he is reacting to the choices Ori has outlined (Insight to guess Cainneach's reaction: 12). Though she'd been speaking so recently of the change in Sir Almeric's status, her conscious mind hadn't quite caught up to the corresponding changes that would bring about in the retinue. Warring memories flood through her mind for a brief moment, the misery of her outcast childhood swirling among and soothed by more recent and happy memories of good times on this present journey back to the land of her birth. After a long pause, she slowly speaks.
"I'll gae where ye gae, leannan ghraid. We sealed it wi' a promise last we were here; and I mean tae keep my word tae ye. But it seems tae me that the retinue is like our hame now after sae lang for baith of us wi'oot ane. I dinna see gaein' aff on our own. As tae who we stay with ... " She frowns.
"Aye, that's the harder choice when friends part. I'd think, though ... " An even longer pause ensues, and Famh's murmurings become vaguer. sounding almost at times as if she were talking to herself. "We'd be yet in service tae the Baron ... and he's named ye his forester -- as weel as bein' our knicht's chief scout. And he did say I was tae be his herald ... but, och!" Something seems to occur to her, and her e''en brighten. "In a sense we micht be yet. I coud be ORI's herald; an' as he wis sponsorit bi SIr Almeric tae be a gentleman armiger, our deits would reflect credit and honour on our auld knicht as well! And 'twould seem for ye, a ghraid, ye'd ha' mair scope to pursue your callin' oot in the field than behind these cauld granite walls." She gestures eloquently to the stone all about them, now dripping with the chill damps of the season. Indeed, she gives an eloquent shiver as if the sight made her very bones chill ... and an artful one, as she immediately follows it up by sliding very close and snuggling up to him on the bench they are presently sharing. Her eyes twinkle as she whispers in his ear; no one else present can quite hear what she is saying, but most can guess the general topic given that her right hand is twining and rubbing about a certain finger on her left. And those who were aware of the Baroness' visit earlier to our dear fiery-headed herald in training have no doubt whatever that she is discussing the status of their betrothal with him, and just possibly sounding out his feelings and thoughts as to how the timing of their wedding fits into the larger plans being discussed.
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 spent his time wandering around the city, oftentimes with Michael, but sometimes with Cainneach and other times by himself. He checked in on the stories of children going missing by the river and spent more than a little time in the stables and kitchen of the Duke’s estate. And nobody knew if he sometimes stopped in the halls searching for the faint smell of primrose, or would blame him if they did know.
“Of course, I will follow you, Ori.” Thatch frowns and his checks redden “Or I guess I should call you Ser, or mi’lord now? In any case, I am eager to return home to Ellesland. Not that I didn’t enjoy my time here.” he hastily adds. Thatch was, in truth, a good deal homesick despite the excitement the trip offered and was looking forward to a reunion with Shuck and rescuing the pony from the grooms he left him with. Or perhaps he would be rescuing the grooms from Shuck, the animal had not suffered to be handled by just anyone.
Ori glares at Thatch over the title talk. "Now don't you be starting with that kind of of talk. 'Ori' was good enough before, it's good enough now. I guess that is something to figure out before any new dealing cause of this, but there will be none of it from the retinue, Aye?" There was too much changing for Ori to deal with his friends treating him any differently, besides he had bigger things on his mind, the boat ride back...
Cainneach- is taciturn as always but seems not displeased by the reformation, he does look toward the bundle of gifts Famh has gathered.
Thatch found little more than rumour regarding the missing children unable to pin down whether there was truth behind it or not, he found no trace of primrose except on the final morning when one had been placed on the windowsill when he woke. He began to pack for the journey home.
Ori noted the retinue was smaller now only him, Thatch and the Thulander betrothed....he still had no notion of what Vardis plans were and whether or not he should seek out new members when they returned to Ellesland or not....
Vardi did make the helmet he requested with a bemused expression, " Yer likely to get a twinge and a half in yer neck if someone hits one of the horns.....but you'll certainly make an impressionat first sight."
(Sorry for my much more prolonged than expected absence. The number of plates I'm spinning these days is about as many as I can handle, yet still more keep popping up! I'll try to be more responsive to the story as it advances.)
In the course of conversations with the retinue over the preceding days, Cainneach made a point to relay his observations made throughout the city and keep. It was a marvel to him that a relatively small area could support all of the ongoing intrigue without collapsing into absolute chaos. In the forests he haunted with Dru, there wasn't half as much going on, but it was all the two of them could do to keep themselves in one piece. Here in Beltayne, however, most folks seemed to carry on without much difficulty. To recap, the rumours/news he'd collected included:
Of all of these, the missing children were a great worry and the giant certainly seemed interesting. The proximity of these to the wilds outside of the unnatural confines of the keep and the city walls granted these two a large portion of their appeal, and Cainneach was generally keen to avoid the sordid, and distinctly unnecessary, offences people constantly perpetrate upon each other. Of course, in their current roles, that was often unavoidable. In any case, it seemed that the best he could do with this information at present was to relay it to Almeric and let the besotted Capellar send it up to the Baron or Duke if anything needed to be urgently addressed.
The forester's mien had taken a sullen turn after a few days in the city, as did that of his beloved hound. There wasn't much hope that he could reasonably stay in this place, or likely any city, for a prolonged period, as alien as it felt to him. It was heartening, though, to see the rest of the party getting on so well. Almeric was like Cainneach had never seen him. The ease with which he fit in with the other noblemen was not surprising, but the obvious affection between he and Lady Ailsa was refreshing to see. Cainneach enjoyed the time spent with Thatch, whose concerns in Beltayne seemed to be closer to his own. Their investigation of the missing children was not fruitful, but at least it got them out of the city proper for a spell. Famh, of course, was certainly busy between her newfound interest in a role as herald and whatever other little quest was occupying her mind so thoroughly. Cainneach didn't fully understand the place of the filidh in the courts of Albion, or how what little he remembered from tales of his youth would intersect with whatever it was exactly that Famh was aspiring to, but he was certain she would be good at it and endeavored to be supportive.
And there was Ori, the newly anointed gentleman armiger. He was clearly the right choice to lead the group forward, regardless of what armiger meant. So much protocol in these dealings. Following Ori and the Baron back to Ellesland made sense. Cainneach could return to his newish home in the Baron's forests. He knew how to do that job and there was always work to be done. Then, if the retinue's collective talents were needed, Ori could gather them and forge the path. They now had a wealth of collective experience to fall back on, perhaps even enough to do something remarkable.
Maybe if things calmed down for a spell, he and Famh could finally be married ... oh dear, that's what she's going on about, isn't it? I get lost in my own head sometimes and she just goes on and on without much prompting. He did dearly love her, though, and was thankful for any measure of her affection. Cainneach placed one arm around her and laid the other hand on hers, hoping to be reassuring of his continued interest in their future together. They would have plenty of time during the travel home to discuss plans. She knew that he was only interested in a simple, earnest ceremony, asking for the blessings of the old gods. He knew that Famh would want something a touch more formal to please Gatanades and his traditions. In any case, Cainneach had been carving a wooden ring for her, though he wasn't sure it would be befitting a herald. All of this was so complicated ...
Cainneach removed his hand from Famh's and found himself petting poor Salt. The two of them had grown even closer, stuck together in the claustrophobic bustle of the city. Cainneach had run him outside the walls when he had the chance, and the hound lent his nose to the search for the missing children. If Salt couldn't find them, then there was a good chance the story was a fabrication. Yes, the two of them would be a formidable team!
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