My eyes light up as we see friends and a feast being prepared.   " we get to have a good time and then recover from our hangovers in our own beds.  This gate is really welcome right about now.. " Caesar looks suspiciously at the crowd searching for any threats.  

I frown at Rachel's comments, "Not to bring down the party, but this area is not the safest place in the world, please hold back by at least a little. It would be a real shame for things to end because half the party was too drunk to respond to a raid of some sort."

I turn to address the group as a whole, "That said, I wanted to congratulate you all, this past mission was in some ways more sensitive and difficult than any fight we've been in, but we pulled it off. We have a working peace, and room to build a true alliance. That is one hell of an accomplishment. Thank you."

Never one to over indulge, I shrug and say "That's fine by me, since I've a lot to think about with our next steps and my relationship with this local God. While I do love food, this place is too uncertain to get wasted, even at the best of times. The next time we go out to be ambassadors, however, we need to bring more cash!" I grin. Later on, after everything is packed away and ready for the trans-spacial jaunt (with the Alarm stone in place, as well) I enjoy the feast, keeping an eye on the edges of the encampment for any threats, Ariel an ever-alert eye in the sky nearby.

Spot, Listen Grant 18,  16

Spot, Listen Ariel  4, 16

As the feast is readied and the tables all set up you all soon are seated and the feast begins.  For those that are watching the area around the feast you will see guards moving about just inside the tree line keeping a good eye on things.  As the feast winds down things are packed away.  It is not long after that when a gate opens up and you can see the bridge that crosses the small river ahead of you.  On the bridge itself is the Lord with a retinue of guards awaiting your arrival.  You can see Lywenta off the the side maintaining the gate as the party waits for the prince and his guards to set through.  Two guards from the lord have stepped through to show the prince and his guards it is safe.  Soon the Prince steps forward and through the gate to be greeted by the Lord and his advisors.  Soon they are moving towards the stronghold itself as the rest of the people by the outpost steps through.  As less and less people are about you see Kelvin making sure everyone is through before the guards that are coming out of the trees protecting everyone steps through.  Kelvin is the last one through before nodding to Lywenta and she drops the spell closing the gate. 

Herschel is able to chat with the Lord for most of the afternoon and be shown around the area.  There is some impressive fields of crops as there are many more farmers here than other crafts men but the numbers here are slowly growing.  It is after the evening meal that the lord excuses himself and heads to his private quarters.  A bit later he emergers in fine regal robes of purple and tells you that soon he has to meet and Ambassador from the eastern kingdom.  He does tell you that those who have came here before you will be returning too.  If you wish to meet them.  Soon others join him some half elves in armor as a guard company is ready.  There is a large man with red hair in full plate armor and two ladies on wearing black robes and one wearing red robes indicating that they use magics.  Soon the lord leads everyone out of the stronghold and down the road that leads North.  As you near a bridge over a small river you can see a very large pool of water to the right side that is almost full of water.  Soon the lady in the red robes moves across the bridge and prepares a spell.  You can see that the road dwindles quickly to just a trail after the bridge.  Soon a crack appears in the air by the red robed half elf and soon it widens into a large gate.  Beyond the bridge you know see a large body of water and some people standing there waiting.  Soon two guards step through and then a half elf with five guards around him steps through.  After stepping through the Lord takes a step forward and then the half elf steps forward and the meet.  The half elf bows before the lord and says.  "Your Majesty I am Srathan from the kingdom of Fetha here to be your Ambassador between our two nations.  I hope that our two nations will work well together for common causes."  The lord bids him welcome and soon they are talking together as the lord leads the party back towards the stronghold. 

Near the back of the group as it passes through the gate, I lead my horse, still expecting our adversary to make an uninvited appearance. With a sigh of releif as the gate closes without incident, I ponder on my development of PTSD here in such a primitive setting. Shrugging, I start to head with the party back to our quarters. Herschel will see an Earth average man,  bright green eyes behind glasses and thick, dark brown hair, wearing an immaculate breastplate of dull metal, a chain coif tossed behind his head and an overly large sword with it's hilt sticking up behind him. Two fast moving rocks orbit his head non stop and various pouches and gear hang off his person, a single bracer, a single glove, an anklet, as well as even more miscellaneous, random crafting supplies poking out of saddle bags on the horse. Seeing a new face, I nod and smile "Hi! I'm Grant. You a new hire for our Lord Douglas?"

Seeing that security is reasonably well taken care of, I'll have a seat with Thalica and enjoy the meal.

After the prince and his retinue steps through the portal, I gladly step through myself, eager for my duties as political representative to be over. I'll stand off to the side, waiting for the Lord to finish with the prince, expecting that he'll want to speak with us shortly.

That's when I spot the man in Earth clothing. Another arrival? Interesting.

Herschel spots a group standing out from the rest, all of them wearing cloaks with stylized symbols suspiciously like the Dire Wolf of House Stark. One of them, a dark skinned elf with pale hair and a mithril breastplate approaches him.

I throw up a hand in the vulcan salute and grin as I say, "Live long and prosper Earthling. If you're looking for answers, we're the ones to talk to."

Its obvious Herschel is on guard-head on a swivel, hands and arms loose, feet poised in a perfect shoulder width dojo stance. It’s not obvious if he’s categorized anyone as a threat, but it would be a good assessment as his eyes take in your appearance in a glance, moves to the next and so forth. When you’re within arms reach his gaze focus on you.     Herschel chuckles at your greeting, but you can see behind his glasses the mirth doesn’t reach his eyes. Instead, the left eyebrow cants up and the left hand parts with the same salute. “Indeed. Peace and Long Life. Well met. And its not the answers, but in the proper questions to ask.” 

  I step a bit unsteadily through the gate and smile at the sight of home.  Seeing the newcomer from  our world I approach him as well.  " Hello stranger.  Welcome to Winterfell.  The North bids you welcome.  " Laughing I  smile at him. 

You see an above average height woman that looks to be late teens.  She is leggy and has some curves.  Mischievous brown eyes are framed by long raven hair.  She is dressed in a golden dragon hide suit of armor.  A 9 foot tall ape stands by her and glares at you.  

I look at Herschel's reaction to this place, "Well let me give a stab at guessing the more important questions."

"Don't mind the big ape, he's overprotective of Rachel here but not an immediate problem. The new kingdom here is reasonably safe. Don't piss off the locals and you'll probably be fine. In the event that you do decide its safer to bug out, we're largely surrounded by wilderness. Its crossable, but dangerous and full of mean critters. Pack a good go bag and a good weapon. South is unclaimed lands up to and including an arctic region. To the west is a very nasty nation ruled by a sadistic tyrant. Friendlier kingdoms exist to the east, but there's a marsh in the way I wouldn't recommend. Safest path is probably north to the inland sea, and then hail a ship going east."

"No, this is not a dream or hallucination. Yes, this is a world very different from our own, and overall it is considerably more dangerous. Yes, the magical shit you've probably been seeing is very real. No, I'm afraid we don't know who or what is responsible for our being abducted. Yes you're stuck here for now, sorry. We have a few promising ideas on how to maybe possibly get home, but we're a long way off from being able to test them. On the plus side, you might have noticed a few beneficial changes to your age and physical condition. Also, if you have not already, you'll probably soon be getting some help acclimating to this place in the form of new skills."

I put my arm around a young woman in dark green and brown leather armor, "Aside from Ceasar and Thalica here, everyone in this group is also from Earth. Rachel and I popped in about a year ago in local time, the others were more recent." I reach up to thumb my pointed ears, "Oh, right, if you were wondering, I decided to go native a while back and drank a magic potion. In any case, you don't have particular reason to trust my word yet, but I'll vouch for them anyways, they're good people. We've fought together for some time now and I trust them all. My name is Jason, this is Grant, Jonathan, Susan, and Travis."

"That get most of the important stuff out of the way?"

"Welcome to the twilight zone Hershel my name is Travis. Oh and all that shit you may have played in D&D is definitely all real here. Once I was on earth next thing I realise I'm looking at a couple of blonde haired Elves straight out of middle earth it seems. Then handed me this book looking like a cross between a bible and some mystical works. Then find out I'm not the only one abducted from earth. I can read all this shit not any language I've ever known before. Can cast spells again just like in D&D and make some good alcohol," he said with a slight chuckle.

Nodding at Jason's synopsis of the details, I add "If you haven't yet experienced the 'Quickening', it may help you to know that it usually is something that amplifies some quality or abilities you already possess, to the umpteenth degree. In my case, it enhanced my natural Jack of Trades leanings into something far more extraordinary. I've developed a magical talent to enhance every skill I try my hand to, with sometimes astonishing results. It's a bit of a shock, when it happens."

"Secondly, all of us here were involved on a D&D site called BordeGlobal, where we were gaming in play by post - how about you?"

"Thirdly, what year was it when you left, and what recent events have happened?"

While listening to the synopsis from everyone, I will maintain my loose stance but shift to a neutral facial expression opening eyes wide and maintaining an unblinking stare at Caesar, head canted to the right slightly. Knowing a bit about primates, I’m waiting to see his reaction.

Depending the reaction, I’ll get around to answering questions. ‘Lets see-its July 2020. I wont bore you with political crap unless you have specific questions, but will just say that with all of the stuff going on, being ‘here’ is most likely the safest place to be. Oh yeah, The Chiefs won the Super bowl and Pat Mahomes is now the highest paid QB in the NFL.’

‘My name is Herschel, but my friends call me Hersh or even by my last name Creech. I’ll answer to pretty much anything, though the Sir designation doesn’t rank high on my list-makes me feel old or dredges up memories of my father. Just don’t call me late to chow. Most casual or first time i intros use my whole first name, while my enemies...well, they don’t usually live long enough to call me much of anything Id repeat in polite company.’ All of that was said very deadpan, but immediately followed by a low chuckle. ‘And if you bought all of that last load of crap, I’ve got a huge bridge up for sale.’

’In all seriousness, I’ve noticed a few things that are very similar to all the different FRPGs I’ve played over the last 40+ Earth years. And I only just arrived-I’ve noticed my stamina is easily the same as when I graduated since I was able to slip back into a ground pounders pace-and able to keep it up too. So I’ve not experienced this quickening you spoke of. Yet. It should be interesting when it does happen.
And it’s a tad warm for the Starks wouldn’t you say? Not that Im complaining-I’d probably love being with the Dothraki or the Valyrian Dragonlords instead of the frozen North!’

Upon return to the keep, Herschel will seek out the training grounds and weapons master. He’ll ask for a set of daisho if available, or a matched pair of bastard swords if not to borrow for a time to run through sone forms. With either set, he’ll spend the first 5-10 minutes getting the feel of them, then spend another 20 min warming up then about an hour running through forms and different attacks. If any bystanders offer to spare he’ll ask for training blades or bokken before agreeing. After a good sweat he’ll ask for directions to the baths. 

"2020? It's been two and a half years!?" I reply, stopping to ask myself for the thousandth time, "Is my wife waiting for me?" Knowing that this much time has passed, the answer slips further and further from probably. This was the worst case scenario, but trying to focus on the now, "Sorry, I'm Jonathan. Paladin of Bahamut. You've at least answered one question that's been on my mind for a while now."

Ok this is for the main party sorry Herschel you will have to wait a bit.  For everything you have done getting to the eastern kingdom of Fetha and back with all that went on over there in both actual experience and role playing experience this is going to be a good dump.  You all receive 12,000 experience.  That should be enough to put Jason and Rachel to level 6 I believe.  The others well you know the drill.  Zero out your experience when you reach a new level and then add in what is left.  Make sure you update your character sheets.

  I laugh at his Game of Thrones reference.  "I hope to be a Targaryen someday. Maybe Mother of Dragons.   "I grin at this. " Unfortunately the dragons I have encountered so far don't recognize me as such yet.  "

Seeing the newcomer staring at Caesar I look at his reaction. Caesar swells his chest out and beats upon it with his huge fists. Looking at Hersh say,  " Umm.  Are you wanting to fight my friend? He doesn't respond well to that."  I step between them.  " I am a druidess. He is my guardian and friend.  Please do not antagonize him. "  

Oh for those that are looking for the baths they are in the main stronghold between the keep itself and one of the towers.  They are co-ed so seeing or being seen nude is a very good possibility.  The bath is L shaped so there is a back corner that can not easily be seen from the doorway.

As Rachel is able to level up so does Cesear.

Lol. Actually Caesar would be more likely to mimic my moves since I haven’t shown teeth or moved other than my head. Had I done an open mouth smile he would very likely have pushed her aside and then bared his teeth while thumping his chest. All I’ve done is let him know I see him and respect his ‘position/claim/property’, but I am not afraid of him.

Actually  just the act of staring is considered a threat to gorillas which he is.  They have guidelines in Africa regarding seeing Silverback Gorillas.  The main thing they state is to not stare.  

Really. Ok. I was told no facial expression that would be considered hostile, like pursing lips with furrowed brow or showing teeth...

Trying to distract from whatever was going on with Ceasar, I'll butt in a bit, "The Stark thing was something of a tribute to Ghost, a dire wolf that was Rachel's companion before Ceasar, that big furry white boy was a huge help in the early days when we were still getting used to this world. I can honestly say I'm not sure we'd have survived without him."

"Couple of other things you ought to know for what happens next. If you're sticking around here in the long run I'm sure you're incredibly shocked that you'll be asked to do something to earn your keep. We've all chosen to stick together and do the high risk high reward ranger job, but you should be able to find employment elsewhere if you wanted, plenty of need for hands around here. Carpenters, woodcutters, masons and farmers are in particularly high demand, lot of expansion going on."

"If you do stick with us, find me tomorrow and I'll get you kitted out with a good weapon some armor, and other gear. My quickening mostly involved a crash course on being a master craftsman, for items both mundane and magical. Most of the gear used by the group was made by these hands. This little one is my work as well." I indicate what appears at first glance to be a flying squirrel just now peeking over my shoulder. On closer inspection its apparent its a construct, an imitation of the real thing.

"We'll also want to get you paired up with a good horse. Any chance you know how to ride?"

---

After introductions with Herschel are over I'll keep tailing Lord Douglas for now, anticipating that he'll want a report from me when done with the prince. Later, I'll get things settled in and then head to the baths with Thalica, though we'll take advantage of needing less sleep than most and go after most others in the castle have gone to bed. The added privacy for the two of us is often welcome.