Gull's Landing

[Rex]

Bryne

"As to my brother and his approval, I can not say. When the betrothal occurred we were all undercover in the middle of dealing with a group of bandits my brother had sent me to deal with. Thus we didn't have much time or inclination to discuss fine details. We planned on meeting back up at my brothers. I know him well, we have always been close and I am sure he will view the match as a positive one."

[Darithe]

Mave

Mave's amber eyes sparkle, though it is hard to read whether it is from joy or anger, glancing from her father to Fallow, "Folke, calm yourself. You cannot expect an arrangement made betwixt two lords without their children's consent to be binding after so long. If you feel anything for me, you will accept the situation. Athan and I, formed a kinship facing life and death and such a bond is not lightly formed. Sit and eat with us please and quell your anger." Doing her best to act the part she has written for herself.

[Revenant]

"Well there you have it then," Lord Gallowhawk states unequivocally, "A bond is made but not yet sealed. Adwin, I'm afraid vows must not be spoken...at least today. And Mave you are free to go as you please, so long as you find your way to the tourney...and your true love of course. For we too are going to make our way to the tourney so that we may bear witness to your blessed nuptials. Lady Bryne, consider yourself part of our family during your stay in the Landing."

Macree mutters under his breath though loud enough for Mave and Fallow to hear as well as Bryne, "Until its falsity is proven." Folke who has continued to stand says, "Excuse me please milord but my appetite has soured. I too will be at the tourney and meet this so-called rival for my affections. And if he proves unworthy, I will claim what is mine by rights. I have need to speak to my father of these developments." He then looks to Macree. Macree rises and states loudly, "I'm afraid I must tender my resignation milord. It seems Sir Fallow and his family has pressing need of my services." And with that the two leave the table and room.

Lord Gallowhawk doesn't appear surprised at that but continues his meal, stating, "It seems we have an opening for Captain of the Guard. If none of you are interested in the position that is? Perhaps I should speak to the dwarven fellow or his pledge about it." The meal continues as Sigismund mentions to Malaguerre about the group needing some items identified. The elder wizard remarks that he would be happy to help his companions in such a task.

[tristenc]

After they have left. Goodness... some people seem to make an impression everywhere they go. I must confess, I am somewhat relieved that Macree has resigned his position tonight. I fear he was having our inn watched... and may yet be plotting something against the events tonight. she muses aloud.

Blinking she sits up straighter. Oh dear... did I say all that aloud? she blushes a little. Surely there aren't... those sympathetic to Macree or fallow in the guard, are there?

[spanningtree]

Thena

Keeps her cool at the small outburst, thankful she does not need to plant the wine pitcher in the side of someones skull. She puts it to its intended use and pours herself another glass and then offers to top anyone off near her. I will join you at the tourney Mave, Tempus wills the accompaniment.

Musing to no one in particular: With such an abrupt departure... one has to ponder where Macree's allegiance was for tenure with the Gallowhawks... Digging into the food before her: Lady Gallowhawk, the feast you have presented is excellent, my thank to you and lord for having me.

She will raise her glass to Malaguerre when he indicates his willingness to identify their plunder.

[Rex]

Bryne

When alone with her companions.

"We need to get word ahead to my brothers, who have not met yet and one does not know of the existence of the other."

[Darithe]

Mave

Relieved the two (Fallow and Macree) are now gone and seeing she has pleased her father with the potential match (false though it is), Mave visibly relaxes. She manages to enjoy the feast despite the thoughts that she has dug herself further into a new hole after exiting another. "Macree was undoubtedly a spy for House Fallow. All the more reason to sever our bond," she looks to her father and mother hoping they agree.

[tristenc]

And quite rude and crass, as well.

[The Bindoner]

Ruskin whispers to Wilwarin, "Let us go, this is a common thieves' trick. They will only draw us into the darkened alley and we will find ourselves set upon by the villain and supposed victim alike as well as any associates they have hidden there." He looks to Wilwarin his eyes wide with fear, "We have seen the place, let us be off before it is too late." He takes several steps back in the direction of the inn, hoping she will follow.

Wilwarin

You are probably right. It is what I thought, too.

And yet, I cannot ignore the possibility that there is some poor wretch in real need. Are you willing to investigate? If we are cautious.

The big danger is getting trapped in the alley. Perhaps, if you stay on watch at the street while I go in, we will dissuade them from triggering any ambush?

[Revenant]

"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." ~ Mark Twain

Just desserts

Fallow and Macree make their way to the stables, walking past Torvik and Kade. Fallow remarks, "I will make them pay for their actions, that I promise you Macree. Once we are free of this accursed town, I will send word to my father." Macree snickers and says, "Of course milord. The bitch will pay for her slight to you."

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"Do you think your father, did not know he was a spy?" Lady Gallowhawk smiles sagely and looks to Thena, "You are most welcome Sister. I am glad you and Mave travel together, perhaps some of your wisdom will rub off on my frequently unwise daughter."

Lord Gallowhawk looks at the guards still standing stiffly in the room, "I doubt Macree earned much loyalty from my men. Most certainly they were just following his orders. And as to Fallow's little hold over us, I don't think anyone outside of the king's court will care your mother has elven blood in her family tree. And with an alliance borne of love our and our families joined with the Valshires, I fear it not even there. The King is a friend to us and an old comrade so I doubt it will matter at all to him."

The servants bring it the final course, a bowl for each guest of pears cooked in a sweet red wine mixed with mulberries.

Malaguerre nods to Thena and raises his glass in toast, "To new love and new friends."

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Ruskin is obviously ill-at-ease at the idea but nods in agreement, "I'll wait here and keep watch." And with that Wilwarin enters the dark alley. What would be dark to most is more easily discernible to Wilwarin's elven eyes. She can make out shapes in the midst of the alley, two it appears...a large bearded man of about six foot and a smaller woman who cowers below the big man. She is weakly crying for help but this immediately stops when Wilwarin starts down the alley. "Help me," the woman says as she rises dagger in hand, "Help me by handing over all your coins love." She can see her clearly now, a young woman in her twenties with a silver chain hanging from a ring in her nose that dangles loosely and is attached to her left ear. "I'll be takin' that sword too girl," the big man says in a gruff deep croak of a voice, "If your lucky that's all we'll take." Wilwarin hears movement somewhere above her. She also hears Ruskin call out from the end of the alley, "We've got company."

[tristenc]

Niserie claps gently at Sr Lord Gallowhawk's admissions of no dissent nor love lost in the ranks of Macree or the Lord Fallow. Then, prithee my good lord, may all speak candidly among those still assembled here? she asks, for all the world like a pre-teen asking for a helping of sweets. And yet, something in his remark disturbed her deeply.

Good Lord Gallowhawk, though I have tread this land with a certain amount of... freedom these last few decades, I wonder at your statement... Nis pauses, cheeks reddening at the idea (though possibly from anger rather than shame) Does the King's court truly object to... My people so strongly that it is a lever to pry upon such accomplished lords with; even by dent of spousal proximity? She attends the response most interestedly.

To the Lady Gallowhawk sne smiles and clutches gently at her hand if socially permitted. Dear lady, I did not know you were versed in the Vagary tongue as well! How splendid! she grins. Dear me, would it be too scandalous to invite m'lady tonight to the carnival fair of the nomadic Vagary outside of town? I assure you, myself, dear De'ath here and some others plan to travel there in attendance this eve. Perhaps it is within your schedule to join us? she prompts

When Malaguerre toasts, she raises her glass as well, but says naught; the currents of her mind running deep in distraction.

Nis tries her best to contain the outright indignance, but her mind wanders to their companion. To her newfound party-members she frowns. And Wilwayaisawen... she searches the faces of those gathered. Where is our ally tonight?

==
Sorry, not trying to play some 'screen-hack' player vs pc knowledge but when it comes to Elven Heritage: as it is being discussed and there is only one other member of the party that Nis knows is Elven, and Wilwaren is obviously not here presently... Her suspicions would dent towards Fallow and Macree.

though it is likely far too late to help her...

[The Bindoner]

Wilwayaisawén

Ruskin is obviously ill-at-ease at the idea but nods in agreement, "I'll wait here and keep watch." And with that Wilwarin enters the dark alley. What would be dark to most is more easily discernible to Wilwarin's elven eyes. She can make out shapes in the midst of the alley, two it appears...a large bearded man of about six foot and a smaller woman who cowers below the big man. She is weakly crying for help but this immediately stops when Wilwarin starts down the alley. "Help me," the woman says as she rises dagger in hand, "Help me by handing over all your coins love." She can see her clearly now, a young woman in her twenties with a silver chain hanging from a ring in her nose that dangles loosely and is attached to her left ear. "I'll be takin' that sword too girl," the big man says in a gruff deep croak of a voice, "If your lucky that's all we'll take." Wilwarin hears movement somewhere above her. She also hears Ruskin call out from the end of the alley, "We've got company."

Wilwarin laughs to herself.

I carry no coin, and all you may have of my blade, Nacquessë, is its edge. If you desire that, come, take it.

Adopting the “Plow” or “Middle Guard” stance with Nacquessë, poised to strike at anyone approaching her, she steps rapidly backwards, out of the way of whoever is above and toward Ruskin and the open street. Against a skilled opponent, she would adopt the "Wrathful" (or "Proud Woman's") guard, but the "Plow" is more visually threatening to an untrained foe.

As she backs up, she prepares to cast Magic Missile, potentially at whoever is above her - another reason to adopt the Plow, with Nacquessë angled toward an overhead threat.

The Plow.jpg (107.8 KiB) Viewed 14581 times

[Rex]

Bryne

Bryne will hear everyone out. "You have my support as well."

[Darithe]

Mave

Shakes her head at her mother's words. Unfortunately, she knew how true they were. But best to focus on the other conversations for now, "A fair you say?" Mave's face brightens, if only to focus on another subject besides herself. "Mother we must go. It would be good for all of us. What say you brothers? If you plan to court Bryne, this would be the perfect opportunity to get to know her." not looking Bryne's way but focusing on devouring her portion of the pears.

[Rex]

Bryne

"If you want to know me that is." Bryne says with a chuckle.

"Are any of you any good with a sword or bow? The rangers are always looking for recruits ready to prove themselves."

[Revenant]

“Blood is really warm,
it's like drinking hot chocolate
but with more screaming.”
~ Ryan Mecum, Zombie Haiku

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y37wIYGCA0A

"The King is a good man, but these are bloody times," Lord Gallowhawk says as he wipes a bit dribbled red wine from his lips. "But not all of the Houses are so benign in their views, the Fallows a point to be taken." Erel who has primarily been silent during the conversations speaks up, "Fools are found where ever you go. They are not limited by station or race."

"If you can tolerate the entire family accompanying you," Lady Gallowhawk smiles as she reponds to Niserie's invitation, "along with half the town guards," she glances to her husband, "He is overprotective of those he loves. Sometimes I feel myself a bird living in a gilded cage."

Garet who has torn into his dessert like a wolf devouring prey, looks up mulberry sauce dripping into his beard, "One can never be too careful with dastardly sorts like Sister Lamentations about." Lord Gallowhawk frowns, "A boogey man or woman conjured by the small folk. I've yet to hear of one who has actually seen her."

Malaguerre frowns, "One needn't see a spider when woven webs are apparent. There are rumors of disappearances that reach even my tower." Aurens nods, "I too have heard of such occuring. I believe one of the sisters of Selune disappeared a week ago. I am just glad my daughter is far from this place, when I hear such tales."

Lady Gallowhawk says, "Such talk does little for my digestion and we've a fair to attend. More pleasant subjects please." Garet finally discovers the errant sauce in his beard and dabs at it with his napkin, "Yes can't miss the opportunity to squire the fair Lady Bryne to the festival. And I'm fairly good with a sword milady. The Knights of the Gull are looking for recruits too, perhaps a sparring match is in order to determine the mettle of each of us." He grins at her, "And perhaps a small wager on its outcome?"

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Macree and Fallow mount up and ride out of the compound leaving Torvik and Kade in their wake. They turn their horses to the east and ride out at a fast pace through the city.

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"Get around her," the woman calls to the larger man before Wilwarin, "so's we can flank her." The big man croaks out, "We're in a friggin' alley, how am I going to flank her ya fool?" Both eye her plow stance warily and make no move towards her. The big man calls out again, "Wat and Fess'll be here in a sec anyway." He then shouts, "And Fiddle is above, if he's still awake."

"How am I supposed ta see in the dark, Grobbo?" Wilwarin hears from above and then her eyes catch the sight of two torches falling from above and striking the alley floor behind her. And then she sends her Magic Missile up at the unseen foe. This is followed by a grunt of pain and a loaded crossblow crashing to the alley below. As it hits it discharges it's bolt sending it flying between Wilwarin's feet and into the darkness behind her. "BOLLOCKS!" shouts a voice from above, "I'm coming down and gutting that elven whore."

Behind her, Wilwarin hears two grunts of pain. The first as Ruskin's knife strikes one of the two figures charging him outside the alley. The second as the errant bolt strikes Ruskin's right ankle. She also hears the sound of battle commence behind her as Ruskin now fights two opponents.

In addition, she hears the sound of mounted riders approaching. Fallow and Macree reach the alley just as Ruskin meets his foes. Fallow merely scowls and keeps riding but Macree catches sight of the slim elven swordswoman's form now illuminated from behind. Macree calls out, "I'll catch up milord," said as he reins his horse to a stop and dismounts. Pulling his sword from its sheath, he starts towards the alley.

[spanningtree]

Thena

Eats the pears w/ gusto: Should be quite the event by the sound of it....

Quiet and directly to Malaguerre: Would you have some time in the early morn to review the items we have recovered? I'd like to unload our burden before making the journey.

[tristenc]

Nis nods in acknowledgement and takes to heart Lord Gallowhawk's remark that "Not all Houses are so benign". She spares a knowing and acknowledging smile for lord Erel's remark, and offers him an approving smile in return.

At Lady Gallowhawk's humorous introduction that the entire family might join, Nis laughs as free and accepting as any in present company could ever have heard her. Then I should count myself lucky beyond even the number of stars in the sky, my kind lady. she beams happily at those gathered. And who doesn't enjoy a few strapping young men in attendance, hmm? she teases, aiming her eyes between Bryne and Gareth.

I must admit, I have heard there was some feral cat prowling the grounds betwixt here and there, but surely such a creature would not stalk a gathered company such as ours. Still... it might garner good will to drive off or restrain such a beast. Nis had a soft-spot for natural predators but understood the rules of the wild: you were either food... or seeking food. Such a beast would only relent if it were caged and provided for so perhaps it's instincts were satisfied. She silently resolved to keep Ducky close and out of harm's way...

Nis blushes but continues, I regret we must make a small detour at some point. I had invited a close friend of mine earlier this evening, and I simply couldn't disappoint her. Would you permit us to make exit by the West Gate in order to collect her on our way? she pleads gently.
[Working on the previous info that the West gate is where Mediphera intended to meet.]

At the agreement and/or enthusiasm of the others Nis grins quite wide. Oh Yes! It will be such an entertaining time! And even I am skilled in the reading of fortunes to a certain degree, though I am sure those at the festival are much more practiced than myself... she blushes anew.

When talk turns to the lady of Lamentations and the disappearances, Nis frowns; recalling her conversation earlier that night. There... is a presence... in this town, as of several months ago... something a friend of mine referred to as... "A Dark One".. or "She Who Walks the Depths"... My interpretation, limited though I am sure it is, was some sort of menacing occult hazard.

Regarding the wager, Nis winks at Bryne but says in the barest whisper, I know who my money will be on. She hides a quick giggle and winks at Sir Gareth, should he glance in their direction. There was no way Bryne would lose.

[Rex]

Bryne

"When we have some time I think some friendly sparing and archery practice is an excellent idea."

[Darithe]

Mave

Garet is such a hopeless flirt, she thinks. It suddenly dawns on her now that she can see past herself that Wilwarin is not here. Looking up she states, "Is Wilwarin at the inn?"