Alorin

Seeing his large barbarian friend prepare to lead Beef down into the nearby clearing, Alorin Messages Moz, saying “Back me up on this if you can!”

He then turns to Angus and says, “There’s something you ought to know; El just told me that there’s someone on horseback just ahead of us on the road. And apparently, they were talking about going to challenge someone to a duel. And how he’d just steal the sword if they weren’t around. Kinda reminded me of that silver sword up near your house on the cliff. We might wanna catch up to them rather than waiting to rest.”

(Deception: 13+2=15)

Rivyre first mutters a quick payer, "Flame, pray that I may proclaim my words clearly, as I should!" (Guidance: 2) She then moves over to assist Alorin to try & break Angus free of the fey trap.
She tries to keep him still long enough for him to comprehend her words, "Nuada's champion would never fall for such an obvious trap & act of cowardice. Her devoted guardian of her blade would seek justice against the abomination that would resort to such a dishonorable tactic!" (Persuasion: 19+2+2= 23)

Seeing such a well-made campsite and feeling the ache in his bones from the rather stressful recent nights, Angus drags the sled off the road and begins chopping it up into firewood.
"Tis a shame to dismantle the old thing, it served us well, didn't it Beef?" Angus gives her a scritch around the ears. Timber, now jealous, yips at Angus who kneels and pets both at once
"Has all this beauty been here this whole time? If I'd have known there was a place this idyllic, I'd have made an effort to explore some. We've a long road ahead and we'll have to push ourselves if we are to intercept Sir Lorn in time. I think its best if we rest early."

Valanthe stops in her tracks and slowly turns to stare in disbelief at Moz and Rivyre "Are you two actually agreeing on something?!" Her mouth agape and her brow furrowed in utter incredulity that Moz and Rivyre could agree on anything other than what colour the sky is (and even that would likely result in an argument over the exact shade).

She looks around and takes in the setting: the buttery sunshine, the comfy-looking logs, the agreeable friends, the lonely fire pit... "This place is AMAZING!!" she exclaims. "What if we rest just here - next to the camp? Really, you know, really be in this place for a bit. Maybe that guy on that horse could join us, Alorin, eh? Probably better than fighting over a sword."

Valanthe looks back at Moz, expecting him to agree with her perfect compromise of a plan.

Rivyre turns to Valanthe & Moz, "Yes, a rare day indeed. Be that as it may, both of us are natives the Faerie Realms & we know exactly what this trap is & what it's meant to do to unsuspecting & unfamiliar travelers of these roads. Moz, is right that 'Nothing is as it seems here in the Faerie Lands' & this place does not conform to the normal rules life. You must always be on your guard & senses open to the whims of the tricksters that live here, & there are many!  She pauses for a moment, "Alorin is also right that staying the main path ensures your safety." Rivyre mutters another spell & her voice booms w/ a commanding authority & intimidating tone (Thaumaturgy, Adv. Intimidation= 18), "I know you trust Alorin & Moz more than me, so LISTEN TO THEM if you don't want to be trapped here for the rest of your life!"


Rivyre turns her attention back to Angus, "Angus..., my friend. You trusted me in the past to safely lead us through Faerie Roads after we fought the undead that nearly killed you & Beef. Trust me now like you like trusted me then! WE CANNOT STAY HERE! I can command you to obey if you force my hand. But, PLEASE..., don't make me do that!" (Persuasion: 19+2= 21)

Wait... she's right... Rivyre and I are agreeing! And didn't she just say I was right?.......oh my god .... ooh my god......Have I been enchanted?.... no I couldn't be..... I wouldn't be fooled by such an obvious trap..... That camp site does look nice..... and those logs do look comfy.. NO ... Get a hold of yourself!  From the point of view of the others, Moz's face squishes up like he is having a massive brain freeze and then he suddenly slaps himself hard across the face. " Ow... right then." fixing his jaw and shaking his head "Sorry about that."

Grabbing Valanthe's hand again and pulling down so that they are eye level. "Trust me on this one. This is a trap, and a rather one cliché one at that." patting her on the the cheek. "Our adventures have just began . Let's not end them so soon. Besides, who else is going to laugh at my jokes." Moz says to her. (Persuasion: 19)

Turning to Alorin and Angus."I don't know Alorin you think Beef could catch up to a horsemen? Surely they are too far ahead." Moz says in a slightly over the top voice "And I think I heard them say something about Nuada's steward being a girly man?" (Deception: 12)

"Well, if you say so Moz... but I think it's you or Riv who might be under something's spell..." Valanthe says reluctantly as she lets Moz lead her away.

Ahead on the dirt road, the group suddenly hears a dull rhythmic clopping, coming closer. A braying call rings out over the staccato of hooves.

"Steward!" it cries. "Steward! Have at thee!"

Though his companions give reasons to press on, Angus gives Moz an unamused look. 

Only lies from his mouth. Alorin has yet to do me wrong, but he still walks with that Fool. Rivyre also agrees with them however. Mayhaps there is--
Angus's ruminations are cut short as he hears the approaching hooves. He quickly rises to face the oncoming challenger, his arm a hands breadth away from the haft of his weapon.

The oncoming rider careens around a bend in the dirt road, nearly stumbling into the valley. A dun-yellow horse stretches its legs out to pick up the pace, dirt and stones flying every which way from under its hooves. Mounted on its back is an armored figure, but the figure jerks and shakes somewhat unnaturally, a lance held up in one metal plated hand, and a shield in the other that also holds the reins. The braying voice calls again, "Who says Nuada's Steward is a girly man? I challenge thee, good sir!" As the horse draws closer, it's still hard to tell exactly what the figure on its back is. The yellow-bronze armor, helm, and faceplate moves and adjusts to the horse's movement very oddly, indeed it seems to be all that it is, as if there's not actually a person inside the armor. You almost expect to see bits of straw sticking out of the joints like a scarecrow.

Nonetheless, as it approaches, it lowers its lance, couching it to point straight at Angus.

"Before you start a duel - or whatever this is - is it not customary to identify yourself, your affiliations, and your intentions, good Sir?", Alorin chimes in, trying to interrupt the charge before it picks up steam.

"And please try to be quieter, could you? I'd rather you didn't wake the baby.", he adds, gesturing to the child in his arms.

Rivyre turns as Angus seems to come to his senses after multiple exchanges & faces the warrior & his steed. The look of the warrior definitely has no resemblence to Sir Lorn & no identifying markings. But, Rivyre can tell he definitely looks like a fearsome warrior, perhaps the source of this fey trap, or even a servent of said trap maker. Nontheless she will try to negotiate a non-confrontational resolution to the brashness of this individual.
In a calm voice, "Pardon me mighty warrior, but my compatriot here is correct. Even we fey know it's polite to introduce oneself before you start making demands. Share your name, the truth of your intentions, & we will share ours. Much as Nuada's Steward & Champion here would relish such an opportunity to test himself, perhaps we can avoid unennessary violence."

The odd knight pulls the horse up short, the plated helm turning to look at each of them in turn. "My apologies," it says. "I thought you had already introduced me." It is looking at Alorin as it says this. "I serve the house of the Earl of Yellow, and I come to challenge Nuada's Steward!"

Alorin glances back up at the Yellow Knight, and continues the conversation, "It is a poor introduction that is not an introduction, Sir Knight. Your service does not define you, nor your intentions here today, I presume. Pray give us your name, and why you would challenge our companion. And perchance would you happen to know anything about yonder campsite?"

"I am the Yellow Knight!" the plated figure booms. "I challenge yonder Steward as a matter of honor, for he is a girly man!" He raises his lance again. The plated helm rotates awkwardly towards the campsite. "My lord's guest quarters," it says, "for your relaxation and enjoyment. Now come!" It shakes the lance.

Rivyre looks up at the armored knight & replies, "Is this truly a duel of honor, or has the Earl of Yellow been bored & looking for some entertainment? We know this campsite is an old & as Moz calls it, a 'cliche trick'  to lure unspecting & unfamilar mortals. Speak truth Yellow Knight..., we will not be goaded!" 

"I am not at liberty to answer your question," the Yellow Knight intones. "Now move aside, wench! The Steward and I have business!" It shakes its lance at Angus, and pulls at its horse until the animal rears up excitedly.

"You claim to be a knight? A fool you are! You shall address my companions with more respect than that! You claim that I am the one unfit for his station? You have no chivalry or honor yourself, stampeding towards us amidst our rest! One should treat guests traveling through his lands with the same grace he would a close confidant. Servant of the house of the Earl of Yellow, you bring dishonor and shame upon the house of your Lord this morn."
Angus quickly steps in front of the party. Trident in hand, he assumes a fighting stance and raises the tip of his trident to the Yellow Knight.
"Have at thee!"

"Far be it from me to intervene in a knightly duel", Alorin chimes in, "not to mention the fact that my friend probably wouldn't appreciate if I did. But be warned, that I am keeping an eye on this bout of honorable combat, and will intervene if you take it too far, or do something dishonorable to besmirch the nature of this duel."

"And once you are done, perhaps we can discuss the purpose of both our journeys - for it's pretty clear you were on one before you happened upon us - and the nature of yonder guest quarters."

"Ohhhhhh goodie, goodie a fight!" Moz says, clapping his hands gleefully. Grabbing a stick he draws a large circle around the combants. Stepping in between the pair he raises his hands. " Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have a real treat for you all. A challenge has been issued and accepted. I am your host and referee, Moz the Magnificent." His garish yellow motley shifting to black and white stripes.

Pointing to the Yellow Knight. "In this corner we have the challenger; The Colour of Cowards, Guardian of his Lord's Chamber Pots, The....... Yellow Knight!!!" 

Spinning around towards Angus. " And in this corner we have the challenged! Nuada's Chosen Champion, Defender of the Silver Sword, Member of the Wolfpack of Moz." Gives Angus a wink. " he's a terror with a trident, you all love him...... THE......SLIVER STEWARD!!!!!" Moz shouts and waves his wand with a muttered word, (Prestidigitation) Sparks erupt over Angus.

Clapping his hands together.  " Alright gentlemen I want a clean fight, no groin shots or hair pulling. Weapons at the ready, and Lets ...Get.... Ready.... to ... Rumble!" Moz yells stepping back to the edge of the ring.

(Moz will hold back for now and not interfere yet.)