Everything seems to be happening so fast, now. Over the next couple of days more supply ships dock and unload and a small village is starting to grow before your very eyes. If you get too near the work, you will get pressed to join in and help. Before long every one of you has been passed hammers, buckets of nails - or even a side of beef to take to the cook fire.
Because of your status, you are not pursued when you decide to down tools, but you get too close again and you will be roped in to help with something.
In the evenings there is always a meal and few flagons of ale around a camp fire r two - but generally everyone goes to bed early, except for the duty guards, so as to be ready for another full day on the morrow.
Three days later, Earl Richard arrives again. This time his entourage is smaller, but more purposeful, and a banquet is again called to celebrate his arrival. While the banquet is prepared he calls you in for a debrief and listens intently to your story of the island. As well as his normal cadre or advisors, an unusual woman, with dark waist length hair and armed with daggers, stands behind him. "My new body guard" he comments casually. At the end of the interview, he sends one of his officials to collect the treasure you took from the keep for inspection. They take the Shield, hand axe, the small golden thing on straps, and Kerim's glowing eyeballs away.
Tables are arranged outside - around a large fire pit and the cooks work all afternoon and evening to make a superb banquet. Perhaps more surprising, to you, are the seating arrangements. Rolf and Elsbeth are both accorded places on the top table. Right at one end of the top table - but still on the same table as The Earl and his other leaders. Kerim, Callum, Mandrake, Madelyn and Peter are seated one table down and the rest of the party are pulled together on another of the main tables. Meeleek and Corellan are included on the table with Ravn, Yuri and Zhiri.
The other man from Meeleek and Corellan's ship is included on the high table, next to the Earl himself.
There is good food and ale for everyone. And entertainers galore. One of the star turns is a Halfling who performs a complex comedy-juggling act, using apples.
At the end of the meal The Earl stands, bangs his tankard on the table for silence and then climbs up to stand full square on the table itself.
"Thank you all." starts the Earl, arms held aloft, to the cheers of the crowd. Since you have been here you have worked well. I was amazed to see how quickly you have progressed with building Giantsferry for us. This feast is partly to honour those achievements.
It is also to welcome Ragnar Hafheim, he indicates the new man who arrived on Meeleek and Corellan's ship, who will be the new Torif of the Giantsferry you are building. I hereby appoint him a squire in the Order of the Sword Reforged, as reward for his past deeds and in anticipation of his future service." Earl Richard's Page ceremonially presents the small pin of office to the un-surprised Ragnar.
"Further more, it is to welcome The Honourable Branna of the Branches, Squire in the Order of the Great Saga, who will build a new chapter-house for the Order for us at the foot of Hen Caur and the Lone Sea Rock. He replaces Squire Archibald as the Order's representative in Galinia. Archibald returns to Angasa with our thanks for his work, and with this small token to remember his time here by. The Earl unclasps a small silver bracelet from his arm and passes it to a Page to carry along the top table to Archibald. Archibald stands and bows theatrically to the crowd and then to the Earl, a broad smile on his face, as he secures the bracelet around his own arm, before seating himself again.
"This feast is also to recognise the services of Rolf Leifson and his companions who have once again aided me by securing Tas Bardon, which will be my new home in Galinia." A loud cheers erupts at this, although its not clear quite whether the cheer is for Rolf and his companions, or for the fact that the Earl will soon be settling into his new dwelling in Galinia. Again he indicates to the page, who walks around the party handing small leather bags to each of the members, in turn. "This is just a small appreciation of the good work that you have done for me over the last few days. Please accept it with my thanks." This time the crowd's applause is clearly for the party members, and Earl Richard encourages the crowd's appreciation by waving the crowd on from his tabletop. "Rolf's men also found a number of strange artefacts in the ruins. An ancient shield and axe that they took from the corpse of a would be grave robber, the glowing eyes of a metal monster and a talisman which is rumoured to impart strange powers to any item it is attached to - and is a relic of the old Galinian Order. I think it appropriate that Rolf has the honour of those items - to keep or allocate to his followers, as he sees fit." and the page appears again. This time with companions as they bear the magical items, all newly polished and on velvet cushions, and place them on the table before Rolf.
As they retire again, a large dark shadow passes in front of the stars, and there is a slight murmur from the assembly, before the Earl continues.
"But," he continues, "It is time to allocate the next duties, as we develop this new land. You good people," and he indicates the general crowd, " will soon be able to build your own homes and farms and get o with your own lives again. We will intend to build a second settlement on the other side of the Loch, to be known as Southferry. And Dana, He turns to a woman on the second table down," I would like you to arrange and build that for me. You are hereby appointed a Squire in the Order and Torif of Southferry." The page moves across to a very surprised Dana, and presents the official symbol of the order, as the Earl stands on his table grinning and orchestrating the applause for the embarrassed woman.
Then he continues. "Branna already has instructions from his Order to build his new house, and Madelyn Thorne-Black, has been detailed by her order to assist him." he looks across to the party's Paladin and salutes her. "Thank you for your help so far. May your time with Branna be happier for you that some of the services you have rendered for me so far.
Edwy and Segovax will be building new settlements at Dinaenis and, I believe they have decided to call the other one, Failtey. Jen Jensen will be busying himself with building a new settlement back in the hills. The first of our villages away from the coastline, and a very special land mark.
Rolf Liefson. You are charged with recruiting a patrol for the coast road and securing that trade route over the next few weeks. Kerim Alkani, I would like you to establish that route as best you can - but I would be most pleased if you could do it in a way that that leaves you free to establish new trade routes inland later. You will, of course, receive favourable terms on any new routes as per our previous arrangements." and he smiles broadly at the two of them and waves his hand expansively.
"Elsbeth Treverii, Your Uncle Segovax has a small job for you and has asked that you attend him in Dingaic. Please go with our thanks and convey my best wishes to your Uncle.
We will provide rooms for you and accommodation for your staff here at Giantsferry as it is completed.
Mandrake Underroot, as my herald you must establish patents for all these new members, and if truth be told, all the old ones too. I don't think we have done any of the paperwork since its inception.. It make even be appropriate for you to travel to the Holy Isle itself to establish the proper procedures.
Peter Gasgano, you will establish my library. You will investigate and catalogue the papers you found in Tas Bardon and incorporate them with the books stored in my villa in Angasa, which will arrive soon. You will also act as my chronicler, and detail the development of Galinia as it grows.
You two, as direct members of my court will be accommodated in Tas Bardon its self.
Callum mac Aonghas, you will be accommodated in the same house as Rolf, Elsbeth and Kerim and will also be considered a member of my court.
He turns to Yuri, Ravn and Zhiri. My thanks to you as well. Accommodations will be found for you in the new Giantsferry as well, should you choose to stay with us.
OOC : You can talk, collect any items you need for the Hiatus, share out treasure etc
Peter listens intently to the The Earl's speech and smiles proudly as their exploits are mentioned again. *Hah* he thinks to himself *I might not be the warrior - but my deeds are certainly getting reconised by my Lord ....*
However, the moment is spoiled as the shadow passes in front of the stars, and Peter's mind darts back to the missing cow at Mistaton and previous sightings of this mysterious shadow.
But he livens up again, as the Earl continues, and positively glows when he is mentioned by name, assigned rooms on the island, and is recognised as part of The Earl's court.
Finding quarters set aside for him, Rolf spends a bit of time settling in. He sets aside his weapons and armor and faces the world with but buckskins and dagger. It's a strange, lifting feeling to be free of the encumbrances. Being the sort he is, he gladly steps in to help, limiting himself to hauling things to and fro. And when the food was made available, Rolf did his share of the eating and drinking.
After Richard arrives, Rolf recounts the story of their findings on the island. He didn't bat an eye at most, but he'd rather Richard not have claimed the shield and the glowing eyes of the monster. Still, a man will have his own way in his own house. Rolf has time to see to his appearance before the feast, bathing in a secluded pool and scrapping the stubble from his cheeks. He takes his place next to Elsbeth, asking after her health.
As attention is brought to Rolf and the others, he blushes a bit. He'd never taken to being the center of attention and just being around such a throng was more than enough for him. He accepts the small leather bag with a kind word for the page. He then turns to Richard and sketches a brief bow. He is rather surprised as Richard mentions their findings and passes them to him to do with as he will. That's quite unexpected. As Richard moves on, Rolf sighs silently as he realizes that he'll have some time to reflect on the choices.
When the feast is over and Rolf gets the chance, he draws the others about to discuss the matter of the treasures. "Well, what shall be done with these?"
With the announcements and revelations, Elsbeth is surprised. Even as Rolf takes his seat beside her and asks after her, it is obvious that the druid is preoccupied with other thoughts. Clearly, she is elsewhere.
When Rolf speaks, she finally finds a voice. "I'm not sure," she replies uncertainly. "To be sure, I had but little to do with them, and they seem to be of your world, not mine." Her statement of such is almost regretful, as if she feels an outsider.
"Callum and ye did fight bravely, as did Madelyn and even Ravn. Mayhap one of ye would have the will to have such."
She hesitates, then looks Rolf in the eye. "I'd be needing to tell that I was plannin' to leave 'ere I was called. I need to be goin' away, mayhap to the Druid himself." She shakes her head. "I've learned from all about that I'm but a girl in a world I'm little understanding.' Like like the bonny lad Callum said, I'm but a lass."
She runs a hand through her auburn tresses. "What I'm sayin' is that I'd be goin' away and findin' m'self. I don't know what will happen. But..." She pauses, looking at Rolf, then over at Madelyn, her eyes sad. "But then I'm hopin' I'll be welcome back..."
"Of course", replies Madelyn, eyes downcast. "But I have been re-assigned to help Branna. I don't know how long I will be there, but you will always be welcome to visit." She looks first at Elsbeth with a small, sad smile and then across to Rolf.
For some reason the black headband seems to stand out more today, against the shine of her helmet, than it it has done for the last few days.
During the two days till the banquet, you all get to know Meeleek and a quiet and reclusive young man. He does not talk much, but try to be as helpful as he can, though menial labor is not his strong side, using his Fist of Stone spell as often as he can.
After the speeches are over, Meeleek approaches Peter and bows deeply. " Hello, Peter Gasgano. My name is Meeleek El’Whakhad. If you please, I would like to offer you my aid and assistance in your works as chronicler and librarian for the Earl, for I posses both knowledge of languages, the divining ability of Magic and a deep thirst for learning more of this land and past. It would be my honor to learn from you."
Edgar, of course, shares a place of honour at the second-highest table by the simple expedient of remaining on Mandrake's shoulder when everybody takes their places. He is strangely subdued during the meal, perhaps due to the lofty company ... or more likely because of the number of strips of spiced meat (for which he is fast developing a liking) that he gobbles down, though he notices Peter's reaction to the shadow that passes o'er, if he does not comment upon it, having joined the party after Mistadon.
As a result, in an attempt to lighten the mood at the table (and perhaps it is lucky that he is no closer to the Earl and other dignitaries) when the third pin is awarded to Dana, and just as Mandrake is about to take another sip of ale, he remarks, casually, wickedly, "We'd better not stay here much longer ... if we do, I'll probably find myself made a Squire of something or other !"
When Rolf and the others gather around, after the feast is ended (or at least the formal part of it), he looks on intently - while he himself has no use for the "treasures", his interest lies in how companions will broach the matter of division ... them being a far cut above the sorts he has learned to avoid.
"Apparently I already have an assistant. I have been assigned a clerk called Rosen, who is on the Earl's staff and is already looking afr some of the documents. However, I would be glad of some occasional help ..." Stammers Peter, quite taken by surprise by Meeleek's offer.
Turning back to the others he adds "I understand that the hand axe and the shield are ensorcelled in some way - and that the golden amulet can impart its powers to another item. Apparently, it only needs fastening to the item and leaving there for an hour or so. It seems that the item itself defines the type of power drawn out of the amulet. Well, at least that's what I have been told.
Perhaps with the axe and shield we should see who can make best use of them?" He offers as a way off dividing the treasure.
A silent shadow behind the Earl during the entire procession, Selina stood in her long black dress which was snug around the top and the hips but flared only slightly in the skirts. Her long raven tresses dressed up with glitter and precious stones seemed to phase to woman little, her posture showing her as a loaded spring...waiting. But even at this attention such little things could be seen, like the subtle change in her stance every now and then that shifted her from a stoic and mysterious warrior to a warm protector, enjoying the party. Though not many could have seen, any who thought to watch her for any longer than a moment could see her eyes tracing the dark blood colored bracer on the Earl's wrist, for that it where most of her attention seemed to be. As the commendations wound down and the party wore on she seemed to fade into the background, one moment there and just a breath later gone from sight but never far from where the Earl stood.
OOC: going back a little, as I don't think this has been seen to yet, though I may have missed it :-).
IC:
When their boat pulls into the shore, Mandrake is the first to jump down, almost dragging Kerim with him and shouts to the welcoming party "Your assistance please, my friend has been injured and I have reason to believe that the wound may be poisoned."
Mandrake stays with Kerim seeing to it that he gets the attention he needs and more.
[At the banquet]
Mandrake inclines his fead to look at the raven out the side of his eyes and replies in an earnest voice "Indeed, and as Rolf is charged Sheriff of the lands of Galinia, then perhaps you could be sheriff of it's skys?". He then quickly buries his face in his bear mug lest his smile show.
[About the treasures]
As Rolf considers the shield Mandrake sees the look of puzzlement in his gaze and ventures "For my part I rather stay away from a fight and besides the carrying of such obvious items can make one a target."
Yes. Well remebered Mandrake. Everyone will be able to get all the assistance they need in the first couple of days of being ashore - and now I won't make kerim suffer from retro-active poisoning effects :) Damn!!!
Like Rolf, Kerim tastes bitterness as Richard appropriates his glowing eyes. A fairly innocuous trophy of the metal monster.
During the banquet he tries to shed this thought, hoping that a few ales might help. So distracted is he by the drink and the loss of his eyes that he doesn't even bother to weigh or count the coin in the purse.
It likewise prevents him from blushing at the notoriety, as is his usuall.
A smile half returns to him upon word that the treasures will be returned, and after this the combination of alcohol and the opportunity to do some trading put him in a friendly way.
Before retiring he seeks out Rolf, and upon finding him asks only for one eye, stating that someone else might yet benefit from the other. Holding it in his palm and bathed in it's red light he asks Rolf if he recalls what happened to the shortsword that was found in the house proper.
He explains to Rolf that it has become apparent to him that his Leather Cutlass, whilst perfect on a ship, won't stand up long to abuse against metal, particularly statues, the last added with a laugh brought on through alcohol.
He is thus looking for a new weapon, though daren't ask for the hand axe. If Rolf offers it he will test its weight and comment that it feels wrong within his hands, declining the offer.
As Rolf seems to garner little advice as to how to sort the treasures, he doles them out according to his own judgement. To Kerim, he passes the first of the ruddy eyes retrieved by the merchant from the socket of the metal beast. To Ravn, he hands over the shield of the fallen from the crypt, requiring only that the spell weaver allow Peter to study it. To Callum, he passes the talisman of uncertain enchantment for a Celt object it seems to Rolf to be and to his thought, a Celt should carry it. To Elsbeth Rolf gives the second of the glowing orbs. And for himself, he retains the small axe, offering his own to Kerim if the merchant would have it.
At Kerim's prompting, Rolf can't seem to recall the where abouts of the shortsword and to Elsbeth's unsurity, Rolf has to chuckle as he assures Elsbeth of her welcome whenever she might return.
Ravn, having sulked broodily ever since the arrival of disturbing infidels to the island before had had the chance to properly inspect and cleanse the old Gudahov, spent most of the time since then in deep contemplation in a secluded spot a bit up the beach.
A place of ancient lore and wisdom - and now Southerners are swarming all over it, claiming all manner of lands and prizes! By all the jaettir in Jotunheim, what is this coming to?
The banquet did even less to lighten his mood, considering the lowly seat he was given an insult top both himself and to the God of Kings he represents. He left the banquet early and spent the following days on his own, deliberating his allegiances - to the Old or to the New? Finding no answers, the Runecaster's mood darkened even more.
Rolf's gift, too, was a mixed blessing.
"Constable! I thank you for your gift - a good gift honours not only the giver but also the receiver. So this I must ask: Is this gift a symbol of your gratitude or is it a tool that you lend me for future uses of your determination?" He gazes right through the Constable, steel-willed inquisition penetrating into Rolf's shy heart, seemingly baring it to public exposure. "This gift you give me on condition I will accept, then, on condition: That you take it back, learn for yourself of its value, and not show me more unfelt trust." He hands back the shield. "I was born of lordly blood. But I was robbed of my heritage by the will of Odin, for he wanted me to counsel lords instead and so to that end I was bred. The gift I want of you, Lord Constable, is your ear - not your scavenger's harvest. Grant me that when you trust my word and before that - nothing else." He pauses briefly, shuddering inside at the harshness of his own words, then continues to announce his decision. "It is clear to me that this realm needs strong backs and even stronger spirits. This I shall attempt to provide by going back North and gathering people for this Landnamma. Farewell." With that, he turned and walked to the beach to look for passage.
At Ravn's prompting, Rolf feels something of a trial to answer the question. But the mage seems to resolve the situation without a single spoken word from Rolf. Taking the shield, he watches as the spell caster heads off, wondering if he'll see the man again, and unsure which would prove a boon to his mission.
Elsbeth accepts the orb with silent thanks, unsure what she is to do with such a thing. Still, she trusts Rolf's judgement, and says nothing.
At Ravn's words and actions, she stands, clearly about to say something. To those close, she visibly bites her tongue, sitting as quickly.
"Poor Laddie," she whispers. "I be knowin' how he feels..."
Edgar overhears Elsbeth's whispered comment, and turns his head in her direction to regard her ... but for once can think of no words that might comfort her, voicing a low caaark of sympathy instead.
Kerim is gone from Rolf's tent before the likes of Ravn, Elsbeth and co turn up, and thus misses the dramatics.
This is just as well for the motives of others, especially ecclesiastical, tend to be obscured to him. His mind is structured in a business like manner and has less of the concerns of the heart running paths through it.