The Heartwood
Talesan’s Village
Amber Inn
The Month of Scholar

Cesare, Kadri, Mikal and Bekkah

The three Jvrillians shared a look between themselves, with the younger two ending up looking to their elder.

“Done.”

“Done.”

“Done.”

As for the later part, Horace blinked, looked once and then sat back.

“Gah. Put that away! So that’s what was starting to stink!”

He shook his head, though not in a dismissive way.

“Take that to a Hunter and get it cleaned and polished. The skull might be an appropriate trophy but as it is it’s right likely to cause folks to be frightened or disgusted rather than be impressed.

“And folks would be asking where you got that, since it ain’t any critter that has been seen in these parts.”

Before an explanation could be made, however, the innkeeper’s wife spoke up. Which was a good thing; it made sure the little group kept the spirit of Khorall Larsen’s request as well as its spoken intent.

“And laddie, if’n ye are expecting to make any decent way between now and sunset ye better pack things and start doing instead of talking, ja?”

Ari’s gaze landed first on Bekkah. Because there was the rub. Bekkah was not just any voice; she was a lady of Aterra. She was also the Lady of the High Tarn, whose reputation definitely preceded her. And she was also an Imperial Lady and if she wished could ask for the proper title of Dama, if she were so disposed.

Not the person, at all, that one was brought up to disagree with.

“Ye promise to look after her? Especially …”

She let her gaze slip from the Priestess to her companion, to the lad of a more questionable reputation.

“… when it comes to handsome laddies who might not exactly hurt her but definitely take advantage of both her contrary streak and wanderlust?”

To her daughter, specifically, she added,

“One condition, Twls Arisdotter. When ye get to the Watch you tell Broke to look after you. Because I asked, ja?

“Donnae make me have to come out and drag ye back if I find out ye did nay speak with Broke. Because I will find out, ja?

“If’n ye can do that, ye probably need to pack up and say thine partings to Fa and Dydd.”

In the end both Ari’s and the Khorall’s words proved correct. By the time matters were settled dusk came quickly and their first night was indeed spent in a farmer’s field. Of course the destrier that had been outside the Amber Inn was gone when they left, having belonged to the Citadel’s swordmaster.

Horace, Donnik and Nevvie remained behind as requested. Horace still had serious misgivings about the interview matter, again noting its possible impact on both the quality and number of potential recruits. They did say they would say in the village for at least four weeks – four marketdays – before they themselves made their way to Waverider’s Watch.

All that said it was not a direct route to the outpost. They did have one stop to make on the way there.

The Farmer’s Compound was exactly that. Three small farms, in the shadow of the Forest. In truth, though, it was only two farms; the third was a smithy, consisting of a single small home and then an open pavilion beneath which was sheltered the fires and forges of metalworking.

One farm was definitely a dairy farm, and despite rumors and words to the contrary the cows seemed all very content, fat and happy. Well when they weren’t being herded by a family of small black and white ruffs. Somehow, this close to the Dirkwood Barlibert definitely seemed to be making a fairly decent living.

And yes, they would eventually learn that every single cow was indeed named Daisy.

The middle arm, however, was the one that truly anchored the compound. While the home itself was mall and cozy there were several sprawling barns and open corrals. And then there were the Mikailsson horses. At first glance they seemed to be crusaders, that rough and ready breed that was the mainland’s jack-of-all-trades. But Kadri could tell, there were other influences in these critters. They looked as strong as a full sized destrier and definitely housed a war horse’s spirit. Their confirmation betrayed an even rarer bloodline – not just a hint of Amber breeding, but from the coveted line of not just any Family – one whose fine lines she could not help but recognize. There was Terilaquel blood in these horses.

Kirill Mikailsson was a fairly old man; he had to be, to have children the age of Katshka and Zakariyya. He looked at the missive that they had brought form Tieg Larsen – actually he handed it to his daughter to read – and just nodded; already looking across his herds for possible candidates.

There was no missus Mikailsson; just a simple stone beneath farther off a weeping willow, that somehow, every day, had a small bouquet of fresh flowers set next to it.

The first week of training was odd; they learned nothing about fighting. It was all about taking care of one’s horse; simple things they were already supposed to know. That and basic riding skills, things they were already supposed to know.

“Cor … at least that Dandy rapscallion stopped complaining after the first day.”

It was Kadri, naturally, who understood first. She could see it –in every motion he made; how he approached the horses, every touch and every word, as if he didn’t need magic to understand them. He knew when they were having a good ay, when they weren’t, when they were hurt, when they were just being ornery. And he knew the difference between breaking a horse in and breaking its spirit.

And when he rode the ring, she could see what he was teaching.

That there was no horse, there was no rider. There was only horse and rider; a matched set, a team … but more than that. Companions. Partners.

Now she understood what her Fathers were trying to breed. They were trying o make a Horsemaster. Yet here, here it had happened somehow by accident.

Even those – like Cesare and Bekkah – who were not looking to be cavalry, benefitted from these lessons.

The second week they taught their horses what it was like to be in melee; how not o be surprised at loud noises, how to walk on treacherous ground, how not o be afraid of blood or another horse banging into them.

Kirill watched as Mikal got dragged halfway across the training ring before a whistle ended the panicked run.

“Always remember that this is a horses natural way of handling trouble. First, to run away. It is not an easy lesson to teach to have them trust you before the instinctive need to flee.”

The third week, their last week, they learned the basics.

“Don’t worry. Fa old me not to hurt you that badly.”

It was Katshka and Darkmane who faced those that wanted to learn to fight from horseback. The first lessons were ones of balance; how to actually use a sword and lance without unseating one’s self. After that was mastered it was doing so while your horse was in motion … and by the end of the week it was the task of striking while in the saddle, while in motion, and actually having your horse go where you want it to.

Of course the horse farmer’s daughter had an edge. She may have been a silly backwoods spirit cultist … but the spirit she followed was Lloshad, Father of all Horses.

Kadri:

Over that time period Kadri watched carefully, asking questions and commenting - complimenting them on their horses and horsemanship. It was good to be around people who 'understood'. She had that bond with Lisica - creating it with others - that was key. Nonetheless, she participated fully.

Mikal

He nods to the three Jvrillians and enters the contractual binding agreement with them, clasping arms with each one.

Once they arrive at Mikailsson's farm he focuses on learning what the man has to teach, recognizing someone who knew what he was about right away.

He accepts the horse, a solid black, 17 hands high, letting it get to know him just as he gets to know it. Learning to become a team with it, as well as learning the new weapon of Lance and how to use his broadsword from horseback.

During the evenings the first week he found some solid oak wood and fashioned for himself a new shield, his old one having been smashed to bits by the lizards. He reverently repaints his emblem upon it, the "Bleeding Rose". He makes a second shield as well, one for use from horseback, as a horseman's shield and a footman's differ. The former being longer and more oblong.

He appreciates the practice, and the skill of Katshka, and does not mind in the least the many times she unhorses him during jousts, knowing every lesson learned on the practice field is worth a life in the field.

At first he feels a bit sad for Talia, so he makes sure to spend a lot of his time not practicing with her. However he knows that good warhorses do not usually make for good riding horses so he expects to still be riding his mare quite often, likely more than 'Nighshade', the name of his new warhorse.

As the training comes to an end, he thanks Master Mikailsson, as well as his daughters, Katshka and Zakariyya, and he inquires about the process of sending others to be trained on a semi-regular basis for the near future.

(OOC - Wolf - assuming the warhorses are ours to keep from the Khorall, as well as the training. Will still need to obtain more mounts for the Troop as it grows from Kadri's Clan, and have them trained, here I presume. Since you didn't specify, not sure if it's a stallion or a gelding. If I have any of this wrong let me know.)

Bekkah

There was no smile of triumph or anything like that from the Lady of Attera. She simply nodded.

"I will keep her away from harm of all kinds. And she will work. If she thinks this is a way to get away on some grand adventure to simply ride horses and sleep under the stars then she'll be in for a rude awakening."

She then turned to Twyls.

"And know this girl, you will do as your told or I'll have you tied to a horse and sent back home. I don't want to ever have to go looking for you."

"Are we in agreement?" she asked already knowing the girl would give her word.

CESARE

At the Inn before they leave, he grins in good hunour at a mother's concern for her daughter in male company, Rhoni have a reputation for 'loving and leaving' the lassie, whether deserved or not. In truth she is in no danger from him but he does think this might be a good venture for a girl already full of wanderlust. And he likes her. Certainly she could be a good addition.

So they set out for the farms.

He is delighted to get more training on the horses. What he lacks in knowledge he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and natural balance. One step closer to his ambition to own his own horse one day. And during the three weeks he does for a bond with his mare, a dappled grey called Storm. And she certainly had spirit. Maybe too much for such a beginner? But he is determined, takes his falls,always gets back on and e eventually reach an understanding, maybe those long soft murmurings in Rhoni?

He also spends time talking to the locals. He is conscious that he has yet to find d a place for himself in support of this Troup. He can talk to folk. He can fight after a fashion, probably more use with his crossbow now. He can forage and cook. And he can find his way, even where there are no roads. He can also scout but is not sure how much of that will be required. So finding out about the area, its inhabitants, it's dangers could be useful for the future.

The Heartwood
Talesan’s Village
The Farmer's Compound
The Month of Scholar

Cesare, Kadri, Mikal and Bekkah


Zak Kirillsson is many things, but a daughter he certainly isn’t. Nor was he to be the one for thanking; while he seemed to share his Father’s gifts he was much more proficient with his gitar and the crafting and collection of songs.

Perhaps it was her bond with Lisica that got Kadri more than her fair share of attention. Both the master and his apprentice called her out several times and she would always be the one woken first and let out of the barn last; and not for the combat training either. Indeed the Horsemaster just shook his head at the thought of sword and shield work for the slight lass – Katshka would have taught her to race, how to safely navigate a broken field, how to teach Lisica to want to win for her … and how to properly thank their mounts for their hard work.

Though for the Amber Princess, Darkmane was still an oddity, a very very strange horse. He was a simple crusader; definitely one of the lass’ father’s line. But he was smart … not just horse smart, but – it seemed – as smart as a certain black unicorn and was as prone to mischief with a similar strong personality.

Bekkah’s time was quietly spent; as a Lady of Atterra she had no need for such martial training. She did, however, have a new ward to watch over. Twls – of course – had agreed to each and every one of Bekkah’s commands … even if they weren’t fun. Every now and then that would get a Twlish grouch for a moment or two, because she was a feisty one at that. It would never last long however, because no matter how many times Bekkah told her different, for the young lass this was still a Great Adventure.

Well ... until they got to the Compound. Then, after a disturbing discovery, she made a very loud comment and the only comment to get a wince out of the elder Mikkailsson.

“Aiiigh! That should nae be moving! I donnae care ‘ow good ye are at talkin’ to horses, if’n ye donnae know ‘ow to work a kitchen, stay in tha barn! MEN!”

Cesare was able to make the rounds of the compound.

The most conversational was, of course, Barlibert the farmer.

“And this one’ Daisy, and this one’s Daisy and that one, well, she’s named Daisy. What, cannae ye be able to tell them apart?”

He would often join Mikail as the sun set, sharing a flagon of something with the horse trader. After the first week he’d share the mystery drink with the Rhoni. It was just water! Well, water flavored with lemons. It was made by Barliburt’s wife. Now she was a scrawny but tough woman and eminently practical. She was also able to explain her husbands tendency to exaggerate the stories about his herds and how they were the favored meal of the Forest and Forest critters.

“My husband? He’ a loon.”

On the opposite side of the spectrum was the Smith. Now he was a big, burly man, twice the size of Cesare and seemed more akin to a boulder than anything else. First was that he seldom spoke. In fact the entire time at the compound Cesare never heard him speak a single word. Second, he did nothing fast. His movements were slow, very slow. Though not undetermined or lazy – each movement was sure and planned and steadfast – it was just that he was in no rush, as if was more important to do even the simplest task correctly as opposed to doing it swiftly.

His drink was tea.

His dress was just as dull and pragmatic except for the pendant he wore – it was a simple silver star on a silver chain. It was finely crafted and very similar to he one Cesare saw Dazi wear. And while he was always alone, on his porch and in his small home’s main room, there were always two chairs, two settings at the table and two cups for tea on his porch rail.

As with all things, however, the time at the compound came to a close. The small troupe certainly now knew more about horses than when they arrived. They also had more horses. Only two could be considered warhorses – two of the Mikailsson sturdy crusader line. The others, in accordance with the Khorall’s letter, were carters – really only good for hauling wagons or pulling a plow. Mikal was also correct. Just because they had new horses did not mean their own riding critters were no longer needed. Carters had a horrible gait and the ones with destrier training were not meant for casual use. Indeed, remembering back, Dandelion Koromov and her folks all had two horses. One for riding and one for fighting. Most Jvrillian cavalry troops could not afford such a luxury and thus Mikal was off to a very good start.

They then turned their attention to the east and continued on past the compound.

It was, to be admitted, an uncomfortable feeling, to be riding towards and along the Dirkwood rather than away from it. It was a malevolent place to be sure. One night they had to run from hungry bears, the hawks would threaten their meals, the howling of the wolves in the wood would send shivers down all their spines and even the local rats were bolder than normal.

Until, several day’s later, they rounded a small copse of spooky trees and saw the tiny hamlet before them.


The Heartwood
Waveridr's Watch
The Bridge
Attaday, the Third Day of Yrick

Waverider's Watch was a strange and odd place.

On could count the number of buildings in the small village on one hand, exactly. Three Farmhouses, the Mill and the Watchtower.

They approached the village from the north and it was tucked right up next to Forest. The closer one got the more distinct the path became, until there were the traditional bare stripes of packed earth signifying cart traffic. That path ran a stones throw from the Forest – well if one was a little child that could not throw stones very well. Opposite the path was a huge single rock outcropping. It was at the least eight to ten people high with a path cut a cross one face, where the stone was carved into a series of stairs. Getting a horse up there would be problematic. A single tall watchtower held the top of the outcropping and from its flat crenellated top a very faded and tattered banner flew. It used to be deep purple and it bore the laurel and star of House Korie.

A single person could be glimpsed, silhouetted atop. Though he seemed to be lounging instead of watching.

The tower had a moat. Or rather a small creek with delusions of grandeur, which wrapped around the tower and then filled the millpond. The spring that fed the creek and the height of the rock was sufficient to power the big mill wheel, which made a comfy creaking and grinding sound day in and day out. This was also the only Mill seen since Talesan’s Village so it - rather than the watchtower - was the heart of this small place. It had a gabled roof with a small dormer in it. A girl sat in the dormer window, enjoying the late afternoon air.

At the base of the rock the mill creek ran into the Blackwater River. It was crossed by a simple wooden bridge. At the moment this is where the little group paused and once across they would be in the small, small, small village proper. From here they could see the last and most distinctive village construction.

A twelve foot high picket fence that ran along the edge of the trees, ostensibly to keep the Forest and its denizens in check.

Whether or not it actually made a difference, that they would have to find out.

Because there were other, more immediate issues.

This place was small.

Tomorrow would be Marketday.

There was no inn, no smithy, no commons house, no place to corral a string of horses and certainly no structure large enough to house a troop of Jvriallians.

It was a secluded and secret retreat to be sure.

But it was also, it appeared, to be a do it yourself fixer-upper.

Mikal

He sits atop Talia, Nightshade on a lead behind him and takes in the place. **Well, we wanted small and out of the way. We got it.** He thinks to himself.

He glances at the two people in sight, one atop the tower the other in the gable silently.

He then turns to Kadri, Bekkah, and Cesare. "We're going to need some tents......"

He hopes they have a wagon here. They're going to have to send it on numerous trips to get supplies. At least they have the horses to pull it, thanks to the Khorall.

Looking at the nearby forest, he is grateful that at least wood will be plentiful. They have to build a stable at a minimum. The men can sleep in canvas tents, but the horses have to be better cared for.

He wishes Darian were still here. He had hoped to have her become part of the Troop and, with Cesare, to lead the foragers, trackers, and scouts. He wants the Troop to be self-sustained and not to depend on looting the locals as many of them do. Not only does he know how that is for the locals livelihood, but he wants people to work with him and to be happy when they see his men, not afraid.

For now they're ok. It's just 4 of them. But once men start arriving, they will need to be fed. And several thousand men, a number he aspires to reach eventually, will consume a lot of food.

In any case, with no stable they'd need a picket line, but they have to get started.

"......, and an ax."

Cesare

He is looking around much like Mikal, assessing the place.

"Agreed and a bit more besides. Long term a forge would be good. Shall I go see what we have here whilst you tell the people who we are?"

He slips down off his horse, easily throwing one leg over Storm's neck and sliding lightly to the ground, looping the reins over his arm for the moment.

Mikal

"Good idea", he replies to Cesare. "While you're looking around, see if there is a good place for the troop to camp. A place with some shelter and access to water." Considering the mill and stream that shouldn't be hard.

Then turns to Kadri. "Perhaps you had best tell them who you are and what we are about?"

Glancing finally at Bekkah he adds, "Let us know what you will need for an infirmary. We'll add that to the list for the first supply run." After all, he's been in training camps before. Bumps, bruises, broken bones, pulled muscles, and even worse are commonplace.

Cesare

"Will do."

He tethers his horse and starts towards the nearest building, lists of items needed and desired running through his head.

Keeping busy, that's the trick to life. He misses Darian and Longtooth but has to respect her decision to stay with Daxia as hopefully she does his to go with Mikal. As a group they achieved a lot, he has yet to see if this venture provides as much. Still there are advantages, plenty to do, learning to ride and a chance to meet up with other Rhoni. Life could be worse.

Kadri

"I thInk to start, we should talk perhaps a one, maybe two hundred. I can't believe I would ever talk like a money monger but - my estimate is that is the number we could support in the short term without stretching our resources too thin. Perhaps get that seed started and see where things take us, yes?"

She pauses to smile crookedly.

"Telling them who I am - that should be an interesting conversation to have."

Mikal

"Well, once we start taking contracts the revenue issue should be less, but I can work with a couple of hundred to start."

He glances at the two figures in sight. "Perhaps start with the girl?" he suggests to Kadri.

[[ooc note: If you are going to approach and talk to one of the hamlet's inhabitants, please post that you are, who you are talking to (and how you get there) and what you say ... otherwise the weekend post will be ....

" ... you ride off the bridge and enter the town."]]

(OOC - Felt it was most appropriate for Kadri to do so so Mikal is waiting.)

Bekkah

"The usual. Bandages, alcohol ... I could accompany whomever was going for supplies if needed."

"Twyls, if you know how to setup tents, then help with that, otherwise help with the horses."

"For now, I'll go visit the farms here. Offering aid if needed, could help."

And with that, Bekkah headed towards the nearest of the farms.

<I will, I'm just visiting my brother niece and nephews so it will be tonight after they go to bed)

Kadri walks - or rather glides - towards the girl, and plasters a smile on her face.

"Ahoy, good afternoon to you, perhaps a word?"

Waverider’s Watch, The Mill
Attaday, the Third Day of Yrick
Late Afternoon

The dark-haired lass in the far-off dormer window seemed to study the woman below for a moment but said nothing. Although her head was still visible, her attention had turned to something below the sill of the window. After a few moments, she poked her head out the window again — looking over the entire group — then shook her head before disappearing.

Keiko
Waverider’s Watch, The Mill
Attaday, the Third Day of Yrick
Late Afternoon

Many long minutes later, the door to the mill opened above them and an older woman looked out for a brief inspection of the party. It was another set of minutes before the dark-haired youngster stepped out and made her way carefully down the rough hewn steps to the level of the party.

As she descended, they could see at first that her tunics were brightly colored and her black hair hung loosely around her shoulders, reaching nearly to her elbows. By the time she neared the last step, the red blaze in her hair was obvious, and the trim of her overtunic could be seen as multi-colored embroidered patterns — some were vaguely familiar perhaps, though most were simply geometric shapes.

It wasn’t until she reached the ground and stepped closer to Kadri that she could see that the girl’s eyes were a bright, clear violet. She was about the same height as Kadri, too... and although she was diminutive and slender, she did not give the impression of someone who was at all frail.

“I am Keiko,” she said, introducing herself because that was the polite thing to do. “You are to go to the Tower. Jerris, Mikkie, and Thomas will know what to do with you, I suppose.” She looked at the horses... quite a lot of horses. “They might have some thoughts on how you might secure your mounts and keep them from being eaten by the Forest.”

Keiko shrugged as though the fate of their horses was not something she needed to consider. Then she glanced toward the setting sun. “Missus Miller serves dinner promptly as She sets and will not adjust her schedule simply because I am dealing with daft strangers. So if you have some questions that can be answered quickly, please state them. Otherwise, I will bid you a good evening.”

She paused... which current to choose in this moment?

“And if you should come to the market tomorrow, have a care for your... manners.”

Perhaps it was a trick of the light, perhaps it was just their imaginations, but the girl’s violet eyes seemed to flicker from the woman in front of her to the large man who appeared to be their leader and then back again... all in less time that it would take someone to blink.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Attaday, the Third Day of Yrick

Cesare, Kadri, Mikal and Bekkah … and Keiko

The small cadre rode off the bridge and into the village.

Though that felt like a misnomer; it was hard to enter any locale that was so small that after a few more steps one would be leaving it again.

The stairs being not equine friendly and the passage of an Imperial Colonists with Disabilities Act still an Age or two in the future, Kadri either had to leave Lisica at the base of the run to climb up to the mill or the girl had to come down to her. The latter was the case and the girl who met her at the base of the stairs had not just a word but a whole lot of handful of them, offering a concise but valuable introduction to this small place.

Beyond, the tower sat behind its wannabe moat, overlooking fields to the south and the Forest to the north. It was stone construction; grey and homegrown. There was a small building huddled against its base, made the same way with a roof made from curved clay tiles. Kadri was watched by the shadow atop the tower, in a very relaxed manner – even if the silhouette had stood and walked to the crenellated edge. He leaned against the stone tooth … one arm momentarily reaching for the sky.

A very very definite …yawn.

Both Cesare and Bekkah, both heading for the nearest farm and thus both arriving at the same place.

Not that there was much difference. The three farmhouses were built of stone and sod, nooked up against the base of Waverider’s Rock. As opposed to the fancy tower above their roves were a thick thatch. They were trimmed in tile – in fact what looked to be a short fat cooking oven sat out of doors close by.

Cesare could easily see there was no place where thousands could be mustered here. That would require not a village but a town. The farmhouses were sheltered from the weather between the Rock and the Forest, but each house was only a stone’s throw away from the next and then you were in the fields again. Now the fields stretched as far as one could see if one looked south – vegetables grown closest with grain then reaching as far as one could see. Water there was in plenty; the millstream was crystal clear and the wide Blackwater was right behind them. The only problem with the Blackwater, of course, would be territorial disputes with the local fish.

Now the farthest farmhouse had a corral of sorts. It currently held two horses, one quite ordinary, the other quite large and lethargic. A few more could fit. A man was hanging a pair of buckets on the corral posts for the two horses. The temperate climate of he area was betrayed by a second small open structure tile roofed and built upon fieldstone piers. A handful of cows lounged here.

When they wrapped on the door a doughty farmer’s wife answered it. She looked a little surprised, as she wasn’t expecting her neighbors today, her husband and lads were out in the fields and Marketday was tomorrow and the courier to the Keep had left three days prior. Thus she eyed these newcomers both suspiciously and with a big wide black frying pan held behind her back.

“Huh.”

She considered the only logical explanation for strangers showing up at her door.

“You folks lost?”

This place was indeed definitely a do it yourself fixer upper.

Mikal

Walking the horses forward, he stops in front of the mill to wait for the girl. As she arrives, he listens to her comment then dismounts, holding Talia's reins. It is his place to announce Kadri, so he will do so.

"My name is Mikal D'Allynne, Keiko. It is a pleasure to meet you. This", he gestures towards Kadi, "is the Lady Kadri djinn Khayriyah djinn Terilanquel al'Korie. Wife of Lord Dominic Korie, youngest son of the Khorall and mistress of these lands."

He glances up at Kadri on her horse and winks, then leans in towards Keiko, adding sotto vocce, "She prefers Kadri."

He steps back, nodding towards the quickly retreating Cesare and Bekkah. "Those good folk are Bekkah Yurisdotter, a Mistress of Attera and our associate Cesare, and this is Twyls, of Talesan's Village."

Keiko
Waverider’s Watch, The Mill
Attaday, the Third Day of Yrick
Late Afternoon

She looked for a moment at the tall man, unblinking, her hands crossed demurely at her waist. She then blinked once and observed dryly, “Dressed as she is, it is obvious your companion serves the Lady Attera.” Then Keiko shook her head, almost sadly.

“Such short names,” she said, her lilting accent placing her origins far back in the Black Mountains. The northern end of the Black Mountains... perhaps even beyond the Imperial city of Trundle-on-the-Hill.

“Keiko kha'Chiyo kha'Masuyo kha'Tsukiko kha'Chouko khal'Nakano Hoshiko. Keiko is acceptable... or Keiko of the Nakano Family, if you prefer formality and have no understanding of the Rhoni people.”

Her gaze moved once more to Kadri. “A story is told with your name, at least. I have heard many good words about Lord Dommy. I have not heard of you.” If nothing else, Keiko was blunt. “Are you here because you have annoyed the young Lord’s father? Or perhaps you are personally bringing word to Thomas that his services are again sought after in Talantal? Although, being a man of many talents — as he is sure to tell you — you might find some way to employ him yourself.”

The young woman shifted her weight, graceful as a dancer, as she gestured back the way they had come and looked at Twyls. “Talesan’s Village? Well, perhaps we might exchange tales of our Seas... it would interest me to know how the Sea of Opals differs from the Sea of Pearls, and how they are similar.”

Cesare

"Not lost, no."

He smiles pleasantly, this will likely be an unwelcome change for these people and so he should try to smooth the way forward.

"These are Lord Dominic Korie's lands I understand. His lady wife is here to look things over. I am currently looking to see where our horses could be accommodated and what additional supplies we may need."

Bekkah

She gave the woman a radiant smile.

"No dear lady, my name is Bekkah Yurisdotter and this gentleman is Cesare. We've come to this village with some others and my reason for knocking on your door is simply to see if anyone here might be in need of healing. Whenever, I'm out in the country, I find it's the best way to get out and meet the real people of the land."

Kadri:

"I think that in the end I have both annoyed and pleased the Khorral Korie; However that is neither here nor there to my reasons for being here. I am afraid also that I am here because I am not supposed to want to be here, therefore the place interest me. I am here because being away from matters of state and the machinations" of power that go with it that are a daily reality in Talantal much pleases me. I find myself much more at home with the people out here than in Talantal's great halls. I am here because I do have a small project in mind, and a place such as this seems potentially a good place to work on my goals. And if your Thomas is as talented as you say - then most certainly he interests me. And if my name is too short - "

she grins and winks -

"I could lengthen it to please. Many a time mother made me repeat my longer name, my lineage back many, many fathers."

Mikal - with Keiko and Kadri

His eyes flicker with interest at the mention of 'Rhoni' and he can't help but glance towards Cesare curious to know how he will react. He's been looking for other Rhoni for a while.

He listens to Kadri's reply with a small smile, having anticipated that she'd not be offended by curtness and honesty.

"Well, I will leave you two ladies to chat then", he says once it is clear daggers aren't likely to be drawn. "I should check in with the Guards, the horses need to be taken care of, and there's lots of work to do. "

He glances around the small group of buildings. "Lots of work....."

Keiko
Waverider's Watch, The Mill
Attaday, the Third Day of Yrick
Late Afternoon

Keiko listened to the words of Dama Kadri, hearing more the way her words rippled the currents than the specific words themselves — though these were not in any way ignored.

Any project, however great or small, that threatened her new friends could not be a good thing. It certainly would not be a good thing for her friends. And since these new folks brought the potential for chaos with them, Keiko would have to watch their activities closely, and consult her Cards more often than she might in other circumstances.

She snorted at the woman’s penultimate comment.

“Thomas is neither mine, nor is the assessment of his skills an observable truth... except that he does write most prolifically.” Keiko shrugged. “Thomas is his own man and I merely report the essence of the opinion he has of his skills.

“And your name is your name. Speak it as it pleases you, for only you can say what importance is to be placed on your many fathers.” The young woman returned the grin and wink with a mischievous smile. “The Amber Families place as great an importance on family lineage as the Rhoni — or such has been my observation and conclusion from the tales brought back with those who have traveled far and wide across the World. I have never found the reliance on paternity to be especially sensible, but all creatures of the World have their ways of being in the World. Rhoni ways work for the Rhoni. Amber ways work for the tribes of the Plains of Kaa. The same can be said, I suppose, for the Imperials, the Nobles, and for all folk.”

She had noted the glance Mikal made in the direction of the two companions who had made their way toward the farms... noting it, that was all, but it was interesting. But she gave him a harder look when he spoke of work to be done.

“Have a care for what you do, Mikal D’Allynne. The balance here is a delicate one and there are many currents to ride in this place — some will prove less auspicious than others.”

Glancing toward the west, Keiko shook her head. “Now is the time for dinner, not chatting.” She looked at each of them in turn before adding, “Tomorrow is Marketday.”

Storm... it had been the last Card she had laid out before leaving her tiny room.

“It would be improper for me to advise you to remain in the tower. But I will ask that you tread lightly through the currents if you venture out. These folk are my friends... all of them.” Then she shrugged again and smiled. “Missus Heatherson does make meat pies that make the excursion worth the effort of walking so carefully among the many currents.”

Then she turned to head back up the many stone steps to the Mill’s entrance and her waiting dinner.

She, of course, would be at the market the next day, and not only because it was something she had come to enjoy each week. Renyard had said that a plant had been found that might — and he strongly stressed the might — provide the right pigmentation for a more delightful shade of yellow that she sought for her Cards.

[OOC I believe Cesare is out of earshot currently ]

[This is my belief, as well. Keiko just figured Mikal was looking in the direction of the little farmhouses.]

(OOC - Yes.)

Mikal - with Kadri and Keiko

"You sound like another companion of ours, unfortunately not present. She was always warning me about actions and their impact on the future."

He turns and looks directly at the large and foreboding woods, then turns back to Keiko.

"But those kinds of actions are not for today. Lots of preparation to do first. Good day Miss Keiko. In a place this small I expect I will see you again."

He turns and leads the horses towards the base of the tower.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Attaday, the Third Day of Yrick

Cesare, Kadri, Mikal and Bekka

“Horses and supplies?”

The woman crossed her arms.

“That’s a fair number of critters ye ‘ave there. If he’s feeling generous and the weather stays nice, Ruri Heatherson might allow thee to rest them in ‘is cow barn.

“As for supplies, well …t’e morrow ain’t our Marketday. So donnae you be bothering folks. Wait until Restday and you can trade with the outlyin’ farmers and what few merchants t’e come through here.”

She returned her attention to Bekkah.

“Hurt? T’ats right kind of thee to be askin’. But nin … not at t’e moment; just thine everyday cuts and bruises. Sometimes we get a hurt One on Marketday but usually t’ey are t’e ones trading medicines to us. Otherwise, if’n you obey t’e One Rule an’ stay away from t’e Forest t’ere’s nae much ‘appening ‘ere to be getting’ hurt.”


And so it went …

The dairy farmer – Ruri Heatherson – was kind enough to trade an evenings help in the kitchen for a night’s shelter for their horses. Thus Twls was accounted for their first evening in the small hamlet.

That allowed the remainder of the group to make their way up the switchback stair to the watchtower. They were following in Kieko’s footsteps, though only figuratively. It had taken a while to settle the horses in. They passed her mill when they reached the top of the rock and then climbed the last stairs to make it to the watchtower at its very – for lack of a better word – peak. Yes the tower was tall, very tall, and commanded an excellent view of the surrounding territory. Its banner was worn and tattered and the Korie Noble Guard atop was so lazily ensconced there probably was no hope of tempting him down from his perch.

But that did not mean it was a very large place; all in all it suitably matched the size of the village it looked over. When knocked upon the door was opened by an average looking guardsman; well a guardsman only by reputation; he was not wearing any armor or even a sword and the only thing that betrayed that he was indeed a Korie liegeman was the heraldry on the worn surcoat he had thrown over a rather plain set of brown and darker brown tunics.

“What do you … oh. Thomas, are we expecting anyone from anywhere?”

Looking past, the door opened to a single room – which held a small fireplace where meals could be cooked. The fireplace was flanked by a pair of bunk beds nooked into the thick walls; the tower was obviously understaffed by one at the moment. One wall was lined with shelves, for food stuffs and other domestic items … the other was for four armor stands, four personal guardsmen’s chests and a rack for spears and swords.

In the center was a table with four chairs.

An arched opening looked through to the base of the tower, a single room with a stair spiraling up the perimeter wall. There appeared to be some unkempt bookcases and a handful of small chests which surrounded an equally small round table. Here sat, amidst a pile of parchment and vellum, the third guard, one who was furiously writing with quill and ink. He was a thin and dour looking sort, in tunics of green and brown, with straggly hair and a sharply cut face.

“Is one of them a lady? They’ve been shipping these chests down all regular like, marked for a Lady Korie. I suspect they are lady fancies and correspondence or maybe even some jewelry – because they rattle – that her Lord doesn’t want kept up in grand, grand Talantal for personal political reasons. I have written thrice now, asking if they need me to report back their safe arrival personally … but I suspect duplicity and the Seneschal not being shown my just and logical letters.”

Introductions were made; the one who answered the door was Jerris, Mikkie was the one relaxing above and Thomas was the scribe, a point made very apparent when Kadri was introduced.

“Lady Korie! Oh fair and wise and compassionate Lady Korie. As your noble gaze can most certainly tell, I am a true scholar, a stalwart guard and most loyal liegeman … who … quite certainly the victim of some cruel mistake. As you can see …”

He handed her a stack of letters.

“ … as you can see my hand is most excellent, my observation skills superb, my accountings and numbers impeccable, my insights and manner of thinking quite and imminently logical, and each one of those respectfully requesting missives sure proof that it was a mistake to post me here, that in doing so is a tremendous waste of Noble Korie resources and that I should – by all humble rights – be returned to serve in the City of Talantal.

“Please take these to your Lord, my dear Lady, so he can see the truth of these words and return me to the city of Five Rings!

“I have been sending these letters ever since I have arrived and am worried that they are not reaching their destination!”

The chests, upon observation, appear to be Kadri’s allowance and had been sent down by Lord Tray. They should be sufficient for the small sized troop she had predicted; perhaps a bit smaller if hiring costs needed to go up. Money, at the least, should not be a problem if matters were kept to a proper scale and thrifty manners.

Sleeping space was a problem; solved by some being banished to the out of doors this night. Not that there was anything hard about that; save the schlepping of gear from the Heatherson farm up the stairs to the top of the rock.

Perhaps over the next few days they could determine better arrangements; but that would have to be by their own conjuring and endeavors and not dependent upon the kindness of rangers.

[The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Cesare, Kadri, Mikal and Bekkah … and Keiko

The sun broke over the mountains to the oddest sight.

From the rock they could look down upon the hamlet. Three whole buildings, all set against the stone cliffs and all on the same side of a single faint trail. The trail was easily seen, running from the bridge at the west and heading off to somewhere eastwards.

Across this makeshift road was the Dirkwood Forest and the picket fence.

The one person who was able to claim the fourth bunk did not have a good night. It seemed that Thomas’ many talents included that of snoring. Very loudly.

As the sun rose towards noon the locals from the outlying farms could be seen arriving for market – most walking in, some pushing a barrow or pulling a small hand cart. There were even a couple ox pulled wagons filled with sacks of grain and a couple that were horse drawn – obviously merchants. Where there is a market one will always find the followers of Marrennen.

But it was strange.

They all stopped a couple hundred yards or so outside of Waverider’s watch – as if trading today was somehow distasteful. What they did was send only one member of their family, a younger son or a Marrennen apprentice, to set up a small stall on the path between Forest and farmhouses.

And then they waited.

They finally got settled, a pensive atmosphere covering the area, about midway between sunrise and noon.

It was a little bit later that their … customers … arrived.

They drifted in from the Forest. First one, then another further away, then another and another and another, flowing from the Dirkwood like a mist or swirl of leaves. They were similar in that they all wore similar rough, patchwork leather cloaks that hid their identity and appearance. Even beneath the hot sun their hoods ere pulled up and forward, casting their features in impenetrable shadow. The hems of their cloaks fell all the way to the dust, with huge bell shaped sleeves that also covered their hands.

They came in three sizes.

There were bigg’uns and lillil’uns and really lillil’uns

They rarely spoke, trading by mostly pointing and nodding. Two bigg’uns drifted through the small odd market like overseers, pausing here and there, as if shepherding these strange folks and helping to facilitate trade.

One bigg’un appeared about halfway up the stairs. This one had a very long sword hung over their back, definitely watching over the mercantile activities.

What was even more disturbing was that this bigg’un wasn’t alone. This one had companions. Companions which haunted the perimeter of the village, circling both town and market.

Keiko
Waverider’s Watch, The Market
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Although she slept well, Keiko noted as she slipped out of bed prior to Her rising that Mikkie had probably left the tower’s door open just a bit again — for even from her room in the Mill, she could hear the echoes of Thomas’ prodigious snoring. It was a powerful skill, that was certain. There were days such as this when Keiko wondered if Thomas’ greatest offense to the grand folks of Grand Talantal had been to snore so loudly as to rattle pans and pots in the kitchens. Likely not, of course, but the image brought a smile to her face.

Of course, it wasn’t something she’d ever mention to Thomas — or anyone, really — because he didn’t seem to find as much humor in life needed to appreciate it.

As the sun peaked over the Forest, Keiko contemplated the nature of the World and the currents that brought her here to see this sight. Many had been the times she’d watched Her setting beyond the Forest, but this was still a new enough experience that it was a delight. She knew it was her imagination, but sunrise seemed to come in sadder colors this far away from the Black Mountains. Yes. It was just a fanciful thought.

After breakfast, she returned to her room to watch the market being set up. Missus Miller seemed a bit grumpier today than her usual gruffness, and Keiko thought it best to let the Miller say anything that could be said to ease his wife’s newest sharp edges. Likely the newcomers set her a bit on edge. Hadn’t she been rather gruff when Keiko had arrived? And hadn’t they come to a more peaceable understanding?

She still didn’t quite understand the Marketday market but, in a general sense, it all seemed to sit well enough with her. No doubt complete understanding would come when it did.

She smiled — well, grinned, actually — when she saw the first of the lillil’uns drift from the Forest and, tossing her own cloak around her shoulders, she carefully made her way down the ladder again to the kitchen.

“Going to the market, Missus Miller!”

She neither expected nor received a response... she was just being polite. And besides, Missus Miller knew that on Marketday, Keiko was more often than not spending a penny on one of Missus Heatherson’s meat pies rather than returning here for lunch.

She picked her way down the steps, stopping a step above the Guardian... and even then, Keiko was hardly as tall as the Guardian’s shoulder.

“New folks.” She clucked her tongue against her teeth. “The Cards warned of many currents, and chaos, too.” Keiko looked at the great sword and nodded. “I remember the rule. It’s a good rule.”

She left the Guardian to watch over the market, catching glimpses of the others every now and again. Something about them... Well, she remembered her second Marketday here.

She was happy to seen Renyard and Lady and the others. Keiko had a new question for the Questioner, one she thought was simple... and one that she would likely discover was anything but simple. She wasn’t sure if most of Renyard’s questions could ever be answered... not really. But he did propose some interesting thoughts. And then Keiko would spend her free time thinking about some of those interesting ideas. Once, she had even managed to get a piece of paper from Thomas — not his special vellum on which he wrote his very important letters, of course — and had set out shapes and colors that seemed to be a tiny part of an answer to one of Renyard’s many questions. She wasn’t sure the drawing would ever be complete... not any more than his questions would have final answers.

But it was pretty!

A Rhoni cloak was not nearly as concealing as those the Forest Children wore, but there were some small similarities. When she had first arrived, she had interpreted the One Rule in a way that caused her to leave her daggers tucked safely in her pack... but it didn’t feel right to be without them. She hadn’t actually had to use them since leaving the Caravan — except that one time when the unpleasant bird had tried to take her trail jerky. She’d had the feeling the bird was laughing at her as it flew off. And maybe it was. But she kept her jerky.

She moved among the lillil’uns, greeting them and conversing as they might choose. She did not press her own conversations with them but engaged them as best she could. After two handfuls of weeks, she did understand them most of the time. Sometimes she didn’t. Even then, it was interesting... for she would admit to her ignorance and the individual she was conversing with would seem to shrug, as though her understanding was not something to be concerned with at that time. Sometimes, Lady or Renyard would just be there to explain, to help with her learning and understanding.

“A good day to you, Renyard,” Keiko said. “I have a new question for you today! I have come to understand your customs to some extent but accept that I may never fully understand. My question is regarding names.” She gestured to all the Forest Children around them. “Is it acceptable to know individual names? I have come to recognize some individuals’ cloaks... there is Triangle Shoulder Patch, and Blue Left Side Rectangle, and Intricate Zigzag Hem.” She grinned. “Fanciful names such as these can be as thought-provoking as your Guardian’s name, for I have often thought of the work that would be needed to create such an intricate hem pattern.”

Keiko looked toward the tower and then in the direction of the three small farms, wondering about the newcomers... hoping that they would wait for tomorrow’s market to do whatever trading they needed, and suspecting that they would not. Should Renyard have questions regarding them, she was not certain she would have any answers.

She looked back in Renyard’s direction. “It is respectful to address one as they prefer to be addressed, is it not? Oh! Unless that is not your custom, in which case, I will be pleased to better understand you and your friends in this small way.”

Cesare

As beds were short.. and the spare bed in the guardroom was unsuitable for Kadri, Bekkah and Twls, and he know Mikkal would be sleeping near to Kadri, he volunteered to take it. He thought it might produce some camaraderie or some information maybe.. but alas it only produced the most infernal noise he had heard for a long time. So in the very early hours of the night, he crept out and found a corner to sleep in where at least the noise was more distant.

This morning he is out early, watching the folk here start to go about their business, drawing some water for Twls and considering the forthcoming market. He suspects most folk will attend if they can and figures this would be a good time to investigate the river and see if he can find a private spot to wash of the trail dust downstream of the settlement.

Mikal

After settling the horses in, and thanking Master Heatherson for the kindness, he journeys with Kadri and Cesare to the top of the tower. He introduces himself and the others to Thomas and the guards and lets Kadri speak with Thomas regarding the crates that have been delivered and the communications back to Talantal.

In the meantime he looks out at the forest from the tower's top, and inside at the equipment available and it's conditions, knowing that you can tell a lot about the quality of a soldier by the condition he maintains his gear in.

He chats a bit with Jerris and Mikkie about what they've seen from the tower, what they watch for, and their daily routine. He expects that, with this land being assigned to Kadri, and he being Kadri's "Commander of soldiery", for lack of a better term, that these men fall under Kadri's, and thus his, command. However for now he isn't going to push that and leaves it unsaid. At least until he has a better feel for the situation here or Kadri chooses to enforce her authority.

As Cesare expects, barracks are no place for Kadri to sleep so he sets something up outside for her and himself and leaves the remaining bunk to Cesare.

Since it's been a long day, and Keiko warned about disrupting things during Market Day, he waits to start organizing things more than this.

In the morning, he rises early as usual and after checking on the horses and helping with breakfast he spends the morning sorting and organizing the things they brought with them and anything that was shipped here from Talantal.

He takes some time up on the top of the tower with Jerris and Mikkie as well. As the merchants arrive and stop outside of town, he asks the two men about it, since it is a curious thing and not like any Market Day he has experienced before.

When the cloaked creatures emerge from the forest he glances at the two men curiously, looking for their reaction, though he can't help but grip his sword hilt and look at his crossbow. However he remains on top of the tower watching, and waiting for a response, since the two men did not react to their appearance.

Kadri:

"Oh wise and clever Thomas my friend - it is indeed a crime and a travesty that your talents have been so sadly wasted and that is a crime that I quite intend to see an end to - but I have need of you right here. Also, oh wise and clever Thomas, it would be wise and clever of you indeed to not talk to me as if I were some other manner of being than human. Lady Korie I can deal with if you must. But apart from that I expect you to just talk to me. Your first order of business is to use your exc llent accounting skills to set up a ledger for these funds so I may best know how to spend them. "

She smiles winningly.

She sleeps well through the night: she can sleep almost anywhere - and in the morning watches - and observes - the merchants with curiosity and waits for an answer to Mikals question.

Bekkah

She'd visited each farm to offer her help if needed. [ooc: She would have visited the mill and tower as well, but we'll ignore that for now]

The next morning, market day as she'd learned, she woke early as she usually did. There was nothing more relaxing then early morning prayers as the sun first appeared in the sky. Even with eyes closed, Bekkah felt the immediate warmth on her face and she opened her blue eyes, greeting the sun with the same smile she offered all friends.

With a quick meal in her, she saw that the market stalls had been set up. Setup in a strange manner, still it was a market. Then she saw the denizens of the forest arrive to her surprise. Being who she was, believing the best of all, she did not run away in fear, she continued towards a market stall, to inspect it's wares at the same time as one of the forest people approached.

She was clad in her usual white robe, and clearly held no weapon of any kind. Her blond hair shone in the morning light and she had a bright smile on her face.
[ooc: Okay, let's see if we can get this party started ]

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Cesare, Kadri, Mikal and Bekkah … and Keiko

“Aye I can do that …”

Thomas answers the question with a despondent sigh.

“But I could do it better in Grand Talantal, aye? Where I would have access to all your ledgers and records and speak with the exchequer himself. Would that not be more to your benefit, Lady Korie?

“Speak the word and I shall return there to best serve you.”

Jerris simply shook his head and sat next to the cooking fire. He stirred the stew and in a grouchy manner, grumbling about having to wait an extra day before he could replenish their wares.

He was especially grumpy after being interrogated by Mikal, reminding him that this is indeed a punishment duty, a banishment for having committed a social rather than a martial faux pas.

“Forest. Fence. Fish.”

That pretty well summed up all that could be seen from this tower. The nearby Forest, which was a dark and foreboding presence; one could feel it upon the air like a contagion. There was a saying about nothing good coming from the Dirkwood, and this close it was something very easy to believe.

“And the fence is off limits at least one day of the week, that was made right bloody clear to us.”

After the last the guardsman glanced at the empty bunk before returning to his simpler tasks.

Up on the tower to Mikkie was comfortably sprawled. He did not rise when Mikal made his way through the trap door. He was quite comfortably set up; a crate had been hauled up to serve as a lounge chair. A small flagon, a plate of bread, one meat pie and a block of cheese speared by a dagger sat next to him on a half keg table.

He begrudgingly spoke about the Marrennen, the local farmers and Marketday, and that they stayed outside the hamlet on the week’s fourth day, sending in only an apprentice or a lesser member of the family to trade. He did not elaborate, but presumably on the morrow they would enter the Village properly to trade with each other, the here farmer families and have their grain ground at the mill.

“It may not be right, them kind taking over this place come Marketday, but that’s just the way it is.

“Might as well enjoy a perfect summer day. Better than the alternative … actually better than most alternatives.”

Cesare’s quest is a little more interesting. The problem, of course, was the river. The Blackwater cut through the Tarn just to the west of the rock but the bank was a washout about ten feet straight down. That and there were odd critters on the bank below. They looked like fish but they had pulled themselves up on the river’s rocky edge and they were using their spiked fore-fins to move themselves – to walk – along the single row of stone that lined the base of the steep bank.

They came in a horde, slipping in and out of the water and they followed below when Cesare walked along the river’s edge above. They eyed him.

They eyed him as if they were considering what to have for their morning meal.

Luckily, they didn’t seem to be able to climb very well.

Now if Cesare meant the mill stream, that was far safer. It fell from the top of the rock in a small crystal clear and cool fall into a tumbled pool at the rock’s base. Bathing here would be both unwise and against Rhoni custom – a bucket had been set up on a simple wooden lever for use to draw out water for drinking and cooking. Several of he merchants were taking advantage of the fresh water, haling buckets for their use from here to their camp just beyond the village’s border.

Bathing would happen further downstream.

While the stream wasn’t much between the rock and the Blackwater there were some places where one could sit its the edge and relax. In these places the water was about a foot or two deep.

Bekkah, however, went to market.

The market stalls - such as hey were, being mostly big wheel barrows of the back of a cart – were simple affairs. Most had a farmer’s harvest of vegetables, fruits and cheeses, things that obviously could not be found readily in a Forest. Finished goods, like bolts of rugged cloth, buckles and other tinker’s wares were also out for display.

Two of the Forest’s denizens had paused before one farmer’s daughter, who looked more than a little nervous. One was a lillil’un, in a rough patchwork cloak hat had an air of being slightly newer than the others. The second one was a bigg’un and one that moved with a sure and very sophisticated grace.

Both were completely concealed within their cowls and they were very careful to keep their gaze down, their identities concealed. The lillil’un was hesita, moving a bit awkwardly, like wounded thing. It’s attention seemed to be on a wheel of cheddar that was set on a plate.

“Go on.”

The words from the bigg’un were soft and feminine, encouraging. The lillil’un didn’t say a word, but what it did do was extend a bell shaped sleeve in the general direction of the wheel. The farmer girl nervously replied, as if she were talking to something unpredictably dangerous.

“You want a piece?”

The lillil’un’s cowl ducked, as if somewhere inside a head nodded.

The girl held out a small box.

The lillil’un’s sleeve moved forward again, to half cover the box. Within it’ shelter there came a clink clink and when the lillil’un pulled back a couple odd, barely recognizable coins had been let behind. Swallowing a bit girl sliced out a fair sized wedge and pushed the plate forward. The sleeve slipped forward again and this time when it pulled back he cheese had vanished.

The bigg’un knelt next to the lill’il’un as if listening to someone speaking very quietly. After a moment the bigg’u stood.

“This one says … thank you.”

A little to the side, in the shade of the Rock and beneath the stair bound bigg’un’s gaze the Rhoni girl from yesterday was talking to another bigg’un. As cowled and as secretive as the rest of his … clan … his voice was rough, gravely and odd but definitely masculine – perhaps even aged.

“You arrrre a bold one arrrre you not. To have a question for the questioner.”

The bigg’un did not look to Keiko but instead watched the awkward afternoon’s trading.

“Our names are not very imaginative. They are simple. They say what we are. No more. No less. At best our role or task set to us. Markers to distinguish one from another.”

He was then silent for a long while.

“Blue Left Side Rectangle”

His arms crossed.

“I believe she would find that a wonderful name.”

Again he was silent.

“A question for you. Three is an important number upon The Heartwood. Three things in the world have names. People. Places. Things.

“Of the three, which would never imagine that someone might care enough to give them a name?”

Any answer might have to wait. Because as the lillil’un stepped away from the cheese cart that turn almost caused a tumble into a certain Lady of Atterra. It was a rustle, a sudden chaos of movement that could only be described as panic.

A blink … a blink and the dynamics of the market had changed.

Bekkah was ringed.

Five lillil’uns now were circled about her, each one perhaps five feet away. The soft spoken bigg’un stood behind one of them. The one on the stairs stirred, suddenly rising straighter, taller, significantly more alert.

From the village’s perimeter two other bigg’uns slowly started to spiral in.

Keiko
Waverider’s Watch, The Market
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Keiko watched Lady and the lillil’un begin their transaction before turning toward Renyard again.

“Bold?” She chuckled. “Oh, perhaps. Inquisitive is what my brother would say, though the elders might have used the word bold once or twice. A week.”

Nodding at his explanation, Keiko did smile just a bit. A gift of a wonderful name! That surely was a reason to smile.

Ah, and now came Renyard’s question, which she considered for several moments... it was a weighty question, with an answer that was not at all as obvious as some might think.

She had been about to answer when the whole atmosphere of the market changed in less than a heartbeat.

Keiko didn’t move at all, standing as still as her companion as he whispered his words to her.

Chaos! And all she could do was ride the waves... She picked one and then relaxed.

“They know me. I will face the Imperial on their behalf. I will not break the One Rule. There is no need for harm to come to anyone.”

Slowly, as if she was a leaf riding a gentle breeze, she moved from Renyard’s side. Looking up toward the Guardian, Keiko tapped her breastbone and nodded... I will help. It went without saying that she would not break the rule, for she had made that promise many weeks ago.

She murmured softly to the Forest Children as she moved almost as easily as they did, her cloak pulled in tightly around her slight body... now a foamy crest of a wave that was aimed at the Atteran.

“Fear not, my friends. I will stand between you and the Imperial.”

She wasn’t sure she could ease their fear of this stranger, but she could try to restore the harmony, the balance of the market. Keiko paused for a heartbeat at Lady’s side.

“I will take her away, yes, yes? No need for fear, for she will come with me. Some things must be, so that other things will not be.”

Keiko stepped forward then, and the wave came to rest in front of the Lady of Attera. The Rhoni girl noted that the Atteran was hardly taller than the Korie Dama – and so hardly taller than herself – but she was an Imperial. And apparently, that was the worst thing to be.

“Lady Bekkah, I presume. You must leave here with me. Now. You will not argue. You are causing disharmony that may turn to chaos if you stay. So you will come away from here. Slowly.” She unfurled her cloak enough to point with one finger at the end of a slender arm toward the rock. “There. Stay close. Keep your eyes on me, please.”

Then Keiko turned and nodded to the lillil’uns. “I am taking her away. Please, please... finish your marketday.”

The Rhoni had to trust that the Lady of Attera would follow as instructed. If her Cards were going to continue telling her the same things over and over... well, trust needed to start somewhere. This was a lot of trust to place in a stranger who so thoroughly frightened her friends, but Keiko stepped forward slowly – the first step hesitant, as though testing the waters, but the rest more sure and steady. Almost as if each step was part of the Dance... all grace and precision and purpose.

When she reached the place near the rock where she could look up at the Guardian, Keiko knew that one could see the echoes of fear in her expression. But Keiko trusted the Guardian. When she turned to face the Atteran, her lips were pressed tightly together and violet eyes flashed with an instant of anger that was not necessarily meant for the Merciful One before she gathered her cloak tightly around herself again... and just looked at the Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter.

Cesare

He watches the creatures just as they watch him, trying to work out if they are hostile, good eating or something he could co-exist with. Unable to reach a conclusion, he looks at them enough to be able to describe them to someone else and decides he will ask back at the settlement.

Returning he investigates the other water supply but concludes that this one is not for bathing. A little frustrated he looks around at the mill to see if there was a local he could talk to.

Bekkah

Suddenly, she was surrounded. She'd barely noticed it. She did not fear them. She believed completely in her Goddess. So fear of pain or even death never entered her conscious thoughts.

She turned in a circle and her features darkened. Again, not in fear or anger, but in sadness. What she felt was inexplicable. Well not quite inexplicable, but impossible. She made no sudden moves, her arms remained at her sides.

She hadn't even noticed the one named Keiko approaching her. She heard her words and the strained tone beneath them. She did not understand the reasons why she spoke to her like this, but she knew this situation was far from ordinary, at least ordinary in her experience. So without a word, or a backward glance, she followed the girl.

When Keiko looked into her eyes, she saw the intense sadness in Bekkah's eyes.

"Is there nothing I can do to help them?" she said barely keeping her tone from breaking into a sob.

Mikal - with Jerris, then Mikkie

"And what dire deed did you perform to be sent here?" He asks Jerris companionably.

Upon looking out from the tower's top and getting the curt reply from Mikkie, he follows his gaze to the empty bunk, taking the man's meaning. However with forest denizens among the village he wants to be certain.

"You had a companion who was killed? By those of the forest?" His glances strays to the forest denizens now engaging with the locals, wondering why they were allowed here if they were dangerous.

At that point he notes Bekkah among the cloaked ones, and suddenly surrounded. He takes up his crossbow, knowing he cannot run all the way back down in time, but not willing to stand by inactive if she is threatened.

He sees the village girl, Keiko, enter the circle and speak to Bekkah, and then the two of them walking slowly out together and he lowers the bow, turning back to Mikkie. "Are they dangerous?" He finally asks the question aloud.

Keiko

Keiko shook her head and then looked over at Renyard and sighed.

His questions... this situation... and the famous Bekkah Yurisdotter... Oh, the Cards had far more than hinted at the multitude of possibilities here and the potential for Chaos! But this?

She sighed again as she looked at the Atteran.

“You are helping them by being away from them. They fear you. You might not believe that any in this World would fear you, but these Children of the Forest do. And if they are frightened, then the Guardian... Well, it is known that the Ladies of Attera do not intentionally harm others, and your name is known to many of the Rhoni. But even curiosity can be harmful here.”

She shook her head, bowing her head slightly and thus hiding her features for a moment behind her cascade of dark hair, the red streak catching the light and showing off its vibrancy.

“I am still learning to be a friend to them. But I know that directness is best reserved for the Guardian, for Renyard, for Lady. The lillil’uns are...” Keiko looked up again, her eyes now reflecting more kindness. “They are a people who are unlike any I have met before. They are a people who are unlike any I have heard of in any of the Rhoni stories. I think you may have never met people such as these either. To help them, you must first come to understand them.”

But then Keiko’s eyes glinted with a sadness of her own. “You are an Imperial. They fear Imperials. To them, Imperials are Death. It does not matter that your Attera is the antithesis of Jagnar. It does not matter that Attera’s mercy tempers Hastur’s justice. It does not matter than Attera grants her daughters the ability to heal what Rames’ sons have hurt.

“Imperials are Imperials. The Forest’s people know only that Imperials are Death. Not life.”

The young Rhoni shrugged again and looked over at Lady and the lillil’uns... her friends.

“I think... perhaps... you might help them if invited to do so. If you show that you are not someone to be feared. But that is not something to be accomplished in a single afternoon. And perhaps not ever.”

Shaking her head once more, Keiko breathed out something that might be considered a chuckle.

“The Cards said nothing of an idealistic healer who wants to heal all the hurts of the World... unless one construes that quest as chaotic.” She looked sidelong at Bekkah and smiled. “I will give you the same advice I gave the leader of your company, one Mikal D’Allyne... have a care where and how you step through the currents.”

Keiko’s smile grew to something that looked very much like fondness as she watched the lillil’uns settling down now that the Atteran was not among them.

“Riding the waves, moving with the currents of the World... this is much safer than trying to move crossways to them and drowning. It might not always be easy, especially when so many currents are converging.”

She tilted her head, remembering stories from her younger days that were told by the eldest of the elders about those who knew how to see which wave, which current might be most advantageous. These strangers could certainly use someone like that to keep them from walking off a cliff into a deep ravine in the middle of the night. Oh, well. If the Cards were right — and they not played tricked on her in many long years — she had some role to play, even if it was only for as long as these strangers stayed at Waverider’s Watch.

Today, she prevented the One Rule from being broken. It had made a famous Lady of Attera unhappy. It was all about choosing which currents and which waves to ride.

Bekkah

She kept looking back at where she had been as she listened to Keiko.

"And what would mark me as an Imperial? The white robes. I carry little in the way of insignias. Do I smell differently than the average farmwife?"

"I would help them if I can. Can I be of service to the others? And what are they exactly. There is an unnaturalness about them. They have suffered greatly."

Keiko

“Surely, the robes worn by the healers are an indication of who you are. I cannot say what other signs they might see or hear or smell or taste from the air.” Keiko could only shrug. That might be a question Renyard could answer for the Atteran, but she certainly did not know.

“What are they?” Keiko’s voice was sad and made Renyard’s question all the more poignant. “Do you not mean, my Lady, who are they? As for an answer, they are the Forest’s Children. The unnaturalness you see in them is balanced by the unnaturalness they see in you. They are who they are. You are who you are.

“Perhaps they have suffered. Have we all not suffered in some way? But only they can say how great their suffering is for them.”

Keiko looked over at Renyard, tilting her head in a way that was a question and then looked at the ground near her before looking in his direction again. It was her best approximation of asking if he would care to join the two of them in their discussion. But then she smiled at him. After these many weeks, he would know this was most definitely an indication that she would be quite pleased to speak further with him.

The Rhoni looked at the other woman, studying her as she would not study the people of the Forest. Her hair was golden, much like Fate’s... and for an instant she wondered how her far distant kin fared. But the blue of her eyes was something like a gem... or even the color of a few of the Thousand Towers. The healer’s distress was real, although it might be misplaced. Again, Keiko had only been among these Forest Children for... oh, not enough time at all!

“I think, my Lady, that when you are in a current taking you in a direction you do not wish to go, fighting it only brings more distress to you. The current does not care.

“Perhaps you might wait until you know that they need your services before grieving that you cannot give them your healings.” Violet eyes were shuttered with long black lashes as Keiko blinked. “I do not share the messages of my Cards with those who do not wish to know. Is this not similar? We each have gifts, but if the gifts are not seen as such then is it not best to reserve them until they can be appreciated?”

Bekkah

She listened, looking back over her shoulder at the small beings who had seemed to resume their tasks. Finally, she held the younger girl's gaze.

"I suppose I can see your reasoning. I am just so trained to ease the pain of all when I can. It goes against everything I am to do nothing. But for the sake of peace in a place, I clearly do not understand, I shall keep my distance." she added with a gracious smile.

"And thank you for your aid. I did not get the feeling they would have tried to hurt me, but I would not have wanted to distress them either."

She moved to a bench and sat down, crossing her legs to watch the strangers who had come in from the forest. There was a definite look of sadness upon her features.

Keiko

Once more, Keiko shook her head.

“I understand that your training, that the very essence of who you are, leads you on a path to bring healing to anyone you meet. But have there not been times when you had choose who to heal? What to heal? If a man came to you with a sore foot but you saw a malformation of his face... would your first thought be to change what has been part of him his whole life, or would you wait for him to tell you of his wound and then heal his foot so that the injury would not become so grave as to take his life?”

The Rhoni looked across the space of the market — seeing the individuals she had come to recognize, seeing some who perhaps had not ventured out of the Forest in the time she had been here, seeing all of them as part of the community of the Forest Children.

“I do not see the pain that you see,” she said softly. “I see people who are different from any others I’ve meet in the World, but does that mean their difference is painful to them? Perhaps it is. But is it a pain of the body that can be healed? Or is it a pain of the mind or the heart, the things that even Attera cannot heal? If they have not requested the easing of their pain, is it right and proper to ease it without knowing whether it is a healing that is in the best interest of the individual and the community?”

But then she shrugged. “I do not think they would have hurt you. They fear you, yes. But it is the Guardian who might have had to intervene. That would not have been good.

“I have come to like these folk. If I aid you, then I aid them as well. And, if I am allowed just a small amount of selfishness for a moment, by aiding both you and them, I do not fear that my welcome here will be revoked.”

She turned to the healer. “I have been welcomed here and it means a great deal to me. Except for the past half year, my life had been my Family’s Caravan... traveling, meeting other Families, trading.” Keiko smiled sadly. “I was never alone. I was never on my own. It is usually the sons who walk through the currents of the World. When I came to this place, I found a very different community than the Caravans.

“Different, Lady Bekkah. No worse, no better... merely different. I walked softly, I watched and learned. The Miller and his wife have accepted my presence in their home. The guards in the tower tolerate my questions — some with better humor than others, and I will admit that there is a strange sort of peace to watch the Forest be itself while sitting with Mikkie on his parapet. The farmers and their wives and sons and daughters accept that I am here. They know that Rhoni come and Rhoni go, especially here at the end of the Forest Path.

“But my heart was touched with gratitude when the Guardian said that Renyard had looked in whatever way he has of knowing things and pronounced that I was allowed to stay in the village.”

Keiko sighed softly. “Different is only different. If there is no reason to attach meaning to the difference, why would anyone bother? And perhaps — if you, too, walk softly, watch and learn — they might come to know that Imperial does not mean Death. At least not from you.”

The currents were many today. Keiko had seen unexpected things. She had learned more about the Forest’s Children from Renyard. It would be interesting to see what her Deck had to say about the waves she chose to ride today and the lessons learned.

“It is my custom, when the lillil’uns have completed their transactions, to fetch a meat pie or two from Missus Heatherson. They are quite good. Would you care for one as well, Lady Bekkah?”

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal … and Jerris and Mikkie

Mikkie could not help but smile as Mikal moved up and down and up again, traversing from Jerris in the main room to his tower top perch. The two Guardsmen had very different opinions and natures.

“I arrested a merchant for skimming off the tax roles …”

Jerris looked both dour and harshly put upon.

“One that happened to be the High Seneschal’s second cousin’s brother in law. And to add insult to injury, when the first of the chests arrived we learned that the High Seneschal got himself chased out of the Keep. Fat lot of good that did me.”

He looked to the empty bunk.

“Kerry Sharpeyes, one of the Brother from up the Duchy Cathedral. Came down to investigate irregularities in our taxes … seems some of our trade is done with pennies that ain’t seen the light of day since the Imperial landings. Coins are coins as far as I’m concerned, it’s not like folks toss them in the sea or something, right?

“Well being a good Hastur, he weren’t too happy about not being able to go to market, nor that the kin from the woods claim this place once a week.

“So on the third Marketday he was here, he said to blazes with this kind of heresy and went down to see what matters was all about.

“Seems he got himself caught in a scuffle over who got to buy the best of ma’am Queeg’s strawberries. He tried to get one of them to look him square wise, not hiding like some thief or Jagnarian assassin. He felt a lesson was in order, on how to pay proper respect to an Imperial in Imperial lands beneath an Imperial watch.”

Jerris returned to his stew.

“Guess that broke their one bloody rule. Seems right hypocritical, we can’t break it, but they go no qualms about ignoring it themselves.”

He focused his attention at the stew pot.

“They dragged what was left of Lord Kerry into the Forest. It took three of them, cause he weren’t in one piece any more.”

When Mikal returned to the top of the tower he was able to watch the drama at the market unfold. The guard just shook his head as he saw the mercenary take his aggressive stance.

It was too nice a day here in the middle of nowhere, for that sort of thing according o this particular guard or so it seemed.

But he did answer the question.

“Dangerous? Nin …

“They are dangerous, vicious, brutal, unyielding, uncommunicative and you don’t want to be caught breaking their One Rule, cause they don’t have reckonings or court here and their sense of justice is a mite draconic.

‘The One Rule?”

He pointed to the bigg’un standing on the stairs.

“Go ask that one. It’s their rule after all.”

Down below, by now, the tension seemed to be dissipating. Bekkah had been pulled to the side and by all appearances was in conversation with a Rhoni girl. Slowly the Forest folk returned to their trading and the two bigg’uns spiraled back out to their hamlet encircling perimeter.

The one on the stair was standing a touch more relaxed.

Though another of the bigger Folk had decided to drift towards the Rhoni lass and the Atteran. What they were speaking, of course could not be heard by Mikal or anyone up on the watchtower.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko … and Renyard

The fish, on the rocks ten feet below, did not look very appetizing. They seemed oily, covered with odd sores and welts and sickly patches of scales.

And not of a temperament that would allow for peaceful collection to become someone else’s meal.

Looking towards the mill Cesare would also view the end of the market drama. A Rhoni girl was talking to Lady Bekkah and one of the forest folk was approaching the two of them. A pair of bigg’uns was hauling a set of large sacks up the stairs, obviously bound for the mill to be ground to flour. So there was, obviously, a miller up at the mill to do such tasks.

Unless he approached, overhearing their conversation would be difficult. However, Keiko and Bekkah could definitely hear the words of the cloaked one when he finally made it over to them.

“You are asking the wrong question, high and lowside healer.”

This bigg’un seemed familiar with Keiko spoke, a leather covered shadow haunting the two women.

“It is not a matter of how can you help us.

“It is not even if we need your help …”

This one’s words were ragged and almost hoarse; it was definitely an elder’s voice.

“So let me ask you.

“Are you just seeing symptoms again?

“And if so, what manner of poison hides not in a goblet of apple cider, but within a Forest?”

Presuming mikal went towards the big'un on the stairs, Kadri for the moment follows him.

Keiko

“Renyard,” she said as the elder Forest Child approached, “this is Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter... as I suspect you have somehow already divined,” Keiko added with a note of humor in her voice. “Lady Bekkah... Renyard, he of the many questions.”

She listened carefully to the question Renyard had for the Atteran. It was not Keiko’s question to answer, of course, but hearing it and contemplating it was not outside the bounds of propriety. She did know that Renyard’s questions ought to be considered carefully for at least three or nine or twenty seven handfuls of heartbeats — and sometimes even for days!

“Renyard asked of me earlier a most interesting question as well,” she said almost as an aside to Lady Bekkah. “As one who has accepted the boon of many of his questions, I would offer you a gift to accompany Renyard’s query...”

This time, Keiko’s smile was warm and friendly. Joy could be found in learning new things, even when riding uncertain waves.

“It is good — even pleasant — to consider his questions for longer than one might think usual. Even weeks later, a deeper understanding of the World is often seen through the lens of what some consider riddles.”

She tilted her head as she regarded the Atteran for a moment, then tilted it to the other side as her gaze settled somewhere in the vicinity of Renyard’s shoulder.

“Your question to me earlier is one that might be as a swift-flowing river, and the answer a journey in itself.

“I have never been to a place that seemed to care whether it had a name or not. I have never encountered a thing that minded what it was called or whether it was named anything at all.”

Her eyes narrowed a bit in thought as she studied his shoulder.

“As a beginning answer, I might say that only people have this sort of imagination you mentioned... and people who are not seen as people by others might not have ever imagined that someone might care enough to give them a name.”

She pursed her lips as she looked up at the Guardian, across the market as many of the Forest Children gathered around Lady, and then at the Forest edge itself. Looking at Lady Bekkah and considering the question asked of her, Keiko nodded as she faced Renyard again.

“It is a deep current, yet it moves slowly. I have much to think about.” She looked then at the lillil’un she thought of as Blue Left Side Rectangle.

She only appeared to be lost in thought while the Lady of Attera had the opportunity to give Renyard an answer to his question — or not.

Bekkah

She showed no fear as the large guardian approached. She looked up at him as he spoke, his voice resonating through her body with its low tones. He spoke in riddles, and before she could say anything, Keiko spoke.

Finally, she turned back to him and bowed her head to the big man.

"Renyard, it is a pleasure to speak with you. It seems you know of me already somehow. So you know I meant no harm. I simply wanted to check out the wares for sale and greet the people of the forest. It is as natural to me as it is for a horse to run."

She thought about his riddle.

"I'm sorry. I am not nearly as wise as some. I fear, I've been told on countless occasions that I take an unrealistic view of the world. Perhaps, that is true for I do not look at the world like a fighter would or a merchant. I don't see sides, I see people. And pain. And where I see it, I wish to bring mercy."

"As far as your question. I suppose you're saying that I could cure the symptom but the actual cause is so great in magnitude that it would quickly restore the poison?"

"And if that is what you are telling me, then I see a dilemma. I still wish to help, but perhaps a person I help would be even worse off when they returned to the forest. And I would not wish for that."

Then she gave him a bright smile looking up at him again.

"Or I am nowhere near the truth you wish me to see for as I said, I am but a simple servant of my Lady."

Cesare

He pauses, studying the scenes all around him. He can tell their are undercurrents here, it seems that Bekkah may have stirred one. The warning of the girl, Keiko, had been mentioned to him last night and he had no desire to upset any balance that existed here. He is the interloper here afterall.. and as usual. It is a role familiar to him.

So he does not turn to go further towards the mill. He watches for a moment until Bekkah seems to have been safely extricated and the eddies start to settle.

The other thing he wants to do today is to talk to Keiko. He is guessing she is Rhoni and the first he has met since leaving his family. He wants to know more but that predisposes that she is willing to talk to him. She may not be. However, observing her as he has been, it does seem that she is keen to talk to others.

Not quite the time or place, so he heads back towards the settlement, avoiding those visiting the market, to find a place to sit and observe at a distance and wait until Keiko returns.

Mikal - (with Jerris and Mikkie, and NO he is not running up and down stairs to hold these conversations. If you want them to be done separately, one by one, let me know. Will go talk to the guy by the stairs once finished talking here.)

He listens to Jerris and Mikkie's answers, nodding in agreement with Jerris' actions. "It is not always easy to do the right thing." He replies. "And sometimes good deeds are punished. Still, it lets one sleep well at night."

When Jerris talks about the Forest Denizens killing the Hasturian, he grunts in some surprise. **So, they just let them do what they want then? Killing a man over an argument about strawberries?**

"Was it reported back to Talantal?" Mikal finds it hard to believe that a report back to the Imperial Cathedral about the death of a Hasturian investigator would not have brought some sort of response.

A related response from Mikkie brings a similar surprised grunt. "I thought these were Talantal lands? Do the laws of the Duchy not apply here?"

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal … and Jerris and Mikkie

"That's pretty much the jist of it ..."

Jerris tasted his stew and then moved to collect three sets of bowls and spoons.

"And I am sure Thomas reported it to the keep in his missives, documenting it as yet another reason why he shouldn't be here. That said, this is the wrong end of the mainland laddie, so what happens here happens here. The Duchy of Talantal is like a sleepy bear. Slow to movement but I suspect when they make up their mind about this place it'll come down hard as a sledge.

"Whether or not that happens in our lifetime, however, is a completely other question."

On the tower top, Mikkie leaned back and laced his fingers behind his neck.

"They are Talantal lands. Just remember whose, though.

"As for the Forest Folk ..."

The guardsman just shrugged his shoulders.

"Their elders would be the first to remind you they aren't exactly Imperial Citizens."

Mikal - with Mikkie

"No, but they are on Imperial lands where Imperial law applies. Especially laws against murder."

He returns the shrug, after a moment. "Not that I am so good at following those laws myself, but still, there are some lines we do not cross without repercussions."

Bidding Mikkie a good day he says, "Perhaps I will go talk to the one you pointed out. I don't suppose he has a name?"

Whether he gets a name from Mikkie or not, he moves back to the base of the tower and heads across to the one by the stairs. He decides to leave his crossbow, swords, and shields behind, this being Market Day, and he not wanting to provoke. All he carries is the Rhoni Dagger Cesare made for him on his belt, though he is wearing his armour.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal … and Others

"Well actually that's a matter of debate ... whether or not they have names. They have things they call themselves, but its not like they are names ...

"But really, you should look at Marketday as another Restday. Not many places in the world you get an extra day to sit in Her light."

This left Mikal to return down the tower steps and then cross the Rock. As he left the building Kadri fell into his wake, now both of them bound for the steps which lead from these heights to the village below.

The bigg'un in question was about a third o the way down, on one of the intermediate landings. It was a well chosen place; it had a good view of the hamlet and market, a decent view of the lands to the west and of the stairs continuing upwards.

The cloaked Forest Folk was obviously turned to oversee the market affair. That said, it was Kadri alone that noticed the slightest shifting of this one's hood, perhaps betraying, in a subtle manner, that this guardian was now aware they were being approached from above.

Kadri moves alongside Mikal and subtly nuges him and murmurs.

"That one in the cloak overseeing - he knows we are coming."

Keiko

From her spot several paces from Renyard, she noted that the slightest rustle seemed to go through him. Or maybe she imagined it. It still worried her — there were so many currents that someone could get lost in them. She looked up at the Guardian and saw Dama Korie and the Jvrillian coming down the stairs. Almost involuntarily, she took a step back, coming as close as was polite to Renyard, wrapping her cloak around herself more tightly as she did so.

She had to wonder why it was that the Nine Arrows card came so quickly to mind as she watched the group’s leader walk down the stairs. And her eyes widened.

That was odd... he was no Rhoni, but he had a dagger that was clearly of Rhoni design. She blinked and stifled a gasp. That was so... wrong. Who would even do something like that?!?

“So much chaos,” she whispered. She wanted to consult her Deck... but she suspected it wouldn’t say anything different than it had said already. So many currents... chaos...

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko … and an occupation of Forest Folk


Mikal and Kadri made their way to the stairs and took the first two or three steps down as a a matter of course. They were still well above the hamlet and also above the Guardian on the steps. That they were spotted was a bit disconcerting but expected; the cut of stairs was well visible along its entire length.

Even to those clustered near its base – Bekkah, Keiko and the Forest Folk they are talking to. The rest of the kin, bigg’uns and lill’uns, milling along the worn path and shepherded by one particular bigg’un, went about their trading. It was the best of their wares the carts and baskets had on display, which was both curious and disturbing. It would seem the Forest Folk got the best pickings … and tomorrow’s secondary market would be the leftovers.

Kadri and Mikal would also see Cesare pause – not entering the village in respect for the Market traditions. Yet with trio near the base of the stairs he was also prevented from returning up to the Tower.

The two above had to first descend the stairs halfway to reach the Guardian. As they got closer the cloaked one did not seem to acknowledge their approach. Kari, however, was still very sure they had been noticed.

What happened when they reached the Guardian’s landing would thus be up to them.

The same held for Cesare; if he held beyond the border of conversation, that was his choice to make.

Meanwhile the bigg’un, called Renyard by the Rhoni lass, continued his conversation with the two women. He addressed Bekkah first, after carefully considering her words.

“And what if I were to tell you, Healer, that while the former has more truth in it than the latter, both might be accurate. The second is more a matter of pragmatics. The first is a better understanding of what the path you have crossed.”

His raspy voice was companionably toned. He was beneath his Guardian’ gaze, so of course he felt safe and secure.

“I think it is more than a matter of mere understanding.”

He looked to the Forest, the market and his kin.

“I could offer a narrative. But over the years I have travelled – and I have seen the sun rise over the Dawnview Temple, cooled my feet in the waters below Sherman’s Keep, walked the shadows of the Alley that runs through the heart of Trundle-on-the-Hill - I know that my words would not be believed.

“A best they might be heard, they could even be considered, but they would not be felt, they would not be known.

“A swordsman could explain what it means to be pierced by a dagger, but until it happens to you, you never really know what its like.

“Lady Bekkah, you could explain to an apprentice the joy and worth it is to bind another’s wounds. But until that apprentice does so herself, how could she really know how it feels?”

His dark shadow faced hood turned towards the Atteran.

“So I ask my questions.

“Because the path they lead you is the only way you’ll actually find a meaningful answer.”

It was a little while more before he returned his attention to Keiko.

“I know you want to return to your Cards, to test the depths of the currents here. And I know when you lay them out the same ones are always turned over. You should be more concerned that the Cards may be cuffing you like a wuffess her cub; of course the currents run deep at Waverider’s Watch, any child should be able to figure that out.

“Are you searching for a Truth?

“Maybe you have already touched on it.

“And the question is a very different one. If you know something to be a Truth, should you run from it?”


[[OOC Note: Keiko may have to backup to her previous post to understand Reynard’s comment in context!]]

Cesare

He sighs. Both directions currently seem inadvisable, so he makes himself unobtrusive and sits down cross-legged to observe the day and wait until the way is clear.

Mikal - with Kadri and cloaked one

He nods slightly to Kadri's observation but continues down the stairs without hesitation. Coming around a bend in the staircase he stops 2 or 3 steps above the cloaked person, at a tactical advantage just in case, and with Kadri behind him, also just in case.

He pauses a moment to see if the cloaked figure will acknowledge their presence and then, "Your pardon. I wondered if we might speak?"

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko … and an occupation of Forest Folk

The cloaked figure did not turn, but their stance was certainly balanced. The hood shifted, just a bit, the slightest bit towards the ones approaching. From beneath the hood came a rough, almost gravelly voice, low and with a definite rolling of certain consonants.

The voice nagged, at the edge of memory. It was a voice they had heard before.

"Speaking is allowed."

Mikal - with Kadri and cloaded one

(OOC - Wolf, a voice, i.e. specific person, they'd heard before or an accent they'd heard before?)

He glances out over the area taking in the view the figure had, then looks back. "I've heard mention of something called the One Rule. I wondered if you might tell us what and why that is?"

Bekkah

She listened to the guardian's words. Nothing ever seemed straight forward from him. Puzzling through his words, she was guessing that he was suggesting she go into the forest to determine his meaning for herself. She didn't know that their path truly lay that way.

Keiko

She glanced over her shoulder for a moment, taking her eyes from the potential drama above them, and nodded to Renyard.

“Truth comes in many guises — comforting or burning or a puppy teasing one to seek even more Truths.”

She looked back up at the Guardian.

“No, Renyard. One should not run from Truth. But sometimes it is best to approach it cautiously.”

Lady Bekkah called out to those above then, moving the currents in another way. Keiko relaxed just the tiniest bit and she sighed softly.

“I think this is a Truth to be approached in the middle way... not timidly, not foolishly headlong. It is the way of...” She tilted her head, considering how best she might put a voice to the vague sense she felt.

And then she smiled, addressing Renyard but still looking at the Guardian.

“It is the way of meeting, perhaps, one’s betrothed for the first time... trepidation, excitement, worry, peace, and every other thing one might feel when meeting a stranger about whom you know little, but with whom you will spend many years riding the waves.”

She looked over her shoulder again at Renyard... well, at some point on his chest, anyway.

“You are not Michi, of course. But you are very much like Grandfather in the way you speak. The newest visitor to the market today reminds me of my youngest sister in their hesitancy and then determination.” Keiko sighed out a soft chuckled. “Your Guardian, however, is unlike any I’ve ever met.

“The Truth here is complex. It almost demands the seeking of further Truths.”

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko … and an occupation of Forest Folk

The two words spoken to Mikal identified the Guardian.

"No fighting."

The rough voice, the unseen features, the cloak and sword. It was that warrior from the Amber Inn, weeks past, that very uncomfortable night when they had also met Horace and his two companions.

The one called Broke.

"You aren't at the Inn any more. At the Watch, you will be following it."

Mikal

"I see", he replies. "Might I ask whose rule this is? I do not recall being told of it by those who rule these lands when we were back in Talantal. I am sure I would have remembered."

(OOC - Wolf, as I recall when we met in the Inn you said he was a Jvrillian. Is that correct?)

[[OOC Note - I just went back and triple checked. I said Broke was a swordsman; not a Jvrillian. Swordsman would be a reasonable presumption. Broke was also as careful there as here when it came to keeping one's face and identity from being discerned ... IC reply at lunch ... ]]

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko … and an occupation of Forest Folk

"It's my rule."

The cloaked figure kept their head low, slowly turning to face the two on the steps above. And here being higher was a definite disadvantage - it was even harder to catch a glimpse of the face within the cowl's shadow.

"Together we agrrrreed that it was a pretty good rrrule and that was that."

The cowl tilted.

"Do you have a problem with it? Is it too long? Too complicated? Does it not have enough herrrebyes orrr thee and thous and forrrrsoooths? Is it too harrrd to rrremember? Is it too hard for you to rrremember?

"Do you just like hurting folks?

"Or do you just hate it when someone stands up to you and says ...

"... no."

From below there were two additional responses. The bigg'un that was overlooking the trading snickered. The one that was speaking to Keiko offered a simple observation.

"Truths are rarely complicated. Folks delight in making them so.

"Here is a truth.

"One cannot rule the land.

"It is a gift borrowed from our children."

Keiko

Keiko nodded at Renyard’s Truth.

“We know this Truth. Live and learn and love now. But care for the World that the children will walk.” She nodded in the direction of the Forest. “Someone did not understand that Truth.”

She then smiled sadly. “Yet, without the misunderstanding of such a basic Truth, would we be here together in this place today... living and learning together?”

She stood quietly for several moments, considering the circumstances that had brought her here to this place... what she knew of the events that had led to those circumstances... and finally shrugged. Ultimately, the World’s tenuous balance between Chaos and Order was maintained.

Looking up at Broke and the newcomers, she was fairly certain that she understood why Lady had snickered. The One Rule was a good rule, and Broke’s speaking of it was eloquent.

“Truths may not be complicated, Renyard, but possibilities can be. They often are. And my Cards only point toward Truths in the language of possibilities.

“These currents still tip toward Chaos.”

She shook herself from these heavy contemplations and turned once more to face Renyard.

“I would like to know more of your people. The one Lady was helping today... it was a teaching day? It seemed so. And was that one a youngling or just one new to the adventure of the markets? I was reminded of my youngest sister while watching the transaction.”

Some days, Renyard presented most of the questions... heavy ones for Keiko to ponder. Some days, Keiko peppered him — if a handful of questions could be considered peppering — with her own questions in her attempt to walk in harmony with the Forest’s Children. Today appeared to be one of the days when questions were equally traded.

These, the days of many questions, were some of Keiko’s favorite days.

Mikal

He grunts, then turns to head back up the stairs, pausing a moment after a stair or two climbed, turning back, saying in a very soft but hard tone. "No. I just hate it when people act like moronic assholes, or presume they have the authority to make rules for others, whether those rules are good or not. Quite presumptuous, and more than a bit arrogant."

He shrugs. "But moronic assholes tend to be like that."

He had far too much of people like Broke who thought they could tell others what to do and how to act growing up. It cost him his family and he won't stand for it. Bullies, whether cloaked in the coats of Royalty or in a cloak to hide their face are all the same. Besides, his actions in the inn to which Broke referred prevented violence. If the man is too dull-witted to see that, well, he'll never be able to convince him.

He heads back up the tower.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko … and an occupation of Forest Folk

Turning, Mikal returned up the stairs, climbing past the Mill to the watchtower.

Below the guardian maintained their stance, still as stone; giving Kadri leave to offer a retort if she wished. Otherwise it would be a return to post, overseeing the very strange market below. If anything, the guardian's poise seemed a touch more nonchalant after the Jvrillian stormed off.

Below the altercation was definitely witnessed. The bigg'un overseeing the market nodded its hood towards the steps before moving to aid another transaction.

"Is the coin not fair? Then here ... show her what else you have to offer"

Renyard made a simple motion towards the guardian before returning his attention to the Rhoni and the Atterran.

"Could it be a case where Law creates Chaos, little Card Reader? Is such a thing possible?"

The bigg'un elder turned his cowl towards Bekkah.

"Is part of your confusion that why we are ... may force you to ask questions about who you are? Whose tragedy hides along the shores of the Blackwater? We have seen Imperals come and go through here.

"Only once have they done us any good.

"Are we fools for hoping that lightning might strike twice?"

"Can you see where others cannot, Lady Bekkah?"

He then raised his head, and if anything, there was a snort. His voice was lighter, certainly a bit bemused, when he spoke again to Keiko.

"Yes. Haven't there been many first times for you? Once they get over their shyness, our Small Kin tend to make the best traders. Don't you think coming here and bartering to be a matter of merit and trust?

"And today the Small Kin learned another lesson.

"That you don't need to draw steel to thoroughly defeat someone."

Bekkah

"What you describe is the reason for so many wars and fights. Both sides have history of attacks and betrayals that they're both ready to attack first. But that has always been the way of it, I suppose." She said with a resigned sigh.

"Although, I would like to know if Imperials that follow my Lady have ever wronged you or your kind. I can imagine them turning their backs on you, but not harming you. But I don't suppose any have been alone with your people." she said thinking out loud.

"Well, if I can do no good here and I cannot go to market, then I shall at least go check on the horses. They seem to instinctively trust me." She said with a smile.

"I bid you a good day sir. If I can be of service to you, please just let me know." she said with a cheerful smile that was so normal on her face. She gave him a moment to say anything if he wished, then she'd head down to the stables.

Keiko

Currents rippled and softened as the drama above played itself out. Knowing where to step into the World’s currents and at which point to take that step was not something the Rhoni were taught... it was just the way that they simply were.

And then Keiko actually chuckled at Renyard’s first question in this stanza.

“Of course, such a thing is possible. And might certainly be the case here where Law has created Chaos.” She tilted her head once more to one side, considering the balance of Order and Chaos, Chaos and Order... and just where Law might fit in that balance. Perhaps Grandmother had a more profound reason for sending Keiko out into the World than the Elders Council had... well, for suggesting her over any of the other Card Readers among the Families.

“Law can create Order or Chaos. Rather, those who hold to the Law can create either. The Law itself, I suspect, might generally be neutral.”

There was something about Renyard’s question to Lady Bekkah that struck a chord in the Rhoni lass. Now was not the time, here was not the place to spread out her Cards. But there were things she wanted to know... all because of what might be seen as a simple question, and the appearance of a quiet, humble healer. Her response, too, was... intriguing. And she had a way with horses? Ah, and didn’t that just send thoughts of her brother through her mind, causing her to smile!

And being used to Renyard’s reactions to some of her more obvious questions — obvious to him, and not necessarily so obvious to her — she merely nodded.

“More firsts than I can count, Renyard, and I hope to count many more before the currents reunite me with my Family and Caravan. I have seen on other Marketdays the skill of the traders. I am here because my elders believed there was merit in sending me into the World. They trusted me to be in the World as I should be in the World.” She shrugged. “Should it be different for your people?”

Then she glanced back up toward the Guardian for a moment and the ascending Jvrillian.

“Well, perhaps it might be different, for not all walk the paths of the World in the same way. But I have seen you and your people each week and think...” Her brows narrowed as thoughts came together in a new way, and then her expression cleared as she nodded once more. “...I think we are more alike than some might think, despite our differences.”

Violet eyes sparkled with humor as she added, “And such a fine lesson it is to augment the excellent nature of the One Rule.”

Kadri:

She pauses slightly before following.

"As fine or not as the one rule may be, the problem is often the one ruler. And sometimes the one speaking the rule is the one which makes it complex not the one who is to follow. Mikal would not have drawn steel in the inn unless steel had first been drawn - would not have offered harm unless harm had first been no offered - and any other implication is besmirching of an honorable man. "

Her tone is somewhat genial, definitely controlled, but with a slight edge of cold to it.

"The insults and implications are an unnecessary addition to the weave of light and dark. For keeping the peace insulting those there is a poor way to do it when merely answering the question would seem to suffice. A further question would be this: who are you, and who are 'we'? I know your name, but a name is after all just a name."

"I take it to mean that the other rules or implied rules mean that interacting with those below in the market is a bad idea?"

She belief ly surveys the market below, noting anyone or anything seemingly of interest, eyes lingering briefly on Bekkah, Cesare - and anyone else of interest.

Whatever his answer, unless it was one which invited further reply her next move would be back up he cliff to talk to Mikal - because while Broke indeed was somewhat of an asshole, sometimes you had to let the assholes break against the shore like a seaside wave and dissipate and move past them.

She could see that she was going to be stuck being the diplomat.

Mikal - with Kadri (OOC - Assuming Broke doesn't bother replying and Kadri joins Mikal)

As Kadri comes around the bend in the stairs she finds Mikal waiting for her, with a small grin. "Thanks for the support, though I have found when dealing with idiots that a convincing argument is wasted. It's like arguing with the tide. Either he is trying to be purposefully antagonistic or he truly cannot understand that my actions in the inn prevented violence. Still, there was no call at all for the insults. I am glad I left my weapons up above or we'd have had a test of his rule right off."

He continues up to the top with Kadri, to be out of earshot of Broke.

"So, it brings up an issue. He has no standing with the Khorall and it is illegal to create, and to enforce, laws on Imperial lands if you are not an Imperial official. It makes you a bandit, not to mention a bully."

He glances over the parapet to the scenes below.

"And I really detest bullies. I am reminded of Jakal Montague."

He sighs.

"It also bring up the question of whether he was the one responsible for killing the Investigator of Hastur. If he was, or he was involved, he is a criminal and will be a wanted man by the Khoral's Imperial agents. At a minimum they are going to want to question him, if and when they ever send someone else out here. We certainly don't want to be accused of harboring a criminal. Even interacting with him puts us in a dangerous place."

He glances down again, then picks up and belts on his Darksteel sword and Main Gauche.

"We need to talk to Bekkah and Cesare, and if that one", he nods towards where Broke is on the stairs, "will be armed them I will not be unarmed. At the moment he is too unpredictable and possibly a murderer."

"Unfortunately there is no way to go down other than past him, so stay to my sword arm side for safety when we near him, please."

"Ready?" He says to Kadri.

Please realize that that the Forest Folk will be responding to Kadri's first question ...

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Foret
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko … and an occupation of Forest Folk

First, an Atteran's questions needed attention.

“Have your sisters ever wronged us?

“That is a very hard question to answer. Is the withholding of mercy simply turning away or is it a wrong, Lady Bekkah? If someone was to be executed for simply walking beneath Her light, is there not complicity when one turns their back as the axe is brought down?”

“Is telling a sword of Rames that we should be destroyed not a wrong because it was a man’s blade that did the cutting?”

The elder one’s cowl dropped.

“And yet we still hope that there might be one who is willing to see where other have chosen not to. If the horses are of more interest, well, to tell the truth, we understand.”

Keiko got a different manner of answer.

“Some things that are common to one people … are a matter that must be earned by another.’

By then Kadri has descended far enough to be heard, closer to the Guardian and those below than Mikal had been. Renyard tilted his head up, just the slightest bit, as Kadri spoke.

“Who am I? I am Renyard. I am our elder and most traveled of the Forest Folk.

“Who are we?”

His shoulders rose and fell, rustling the leather of his concealing cloak.

“Well it does start with Broke. Because it was Broke’s idea. Lady and myself, we thought it was a simple and fine thing. The three families here? They did not want to let us trade, until we told them the rule. When they realized it protected them as well as us and that we were willing to enforce the rule … they thought it was a very good and acceptable rule. The three guardsmen atop, they are fine with the peace it brings. Less trouble for them. The merchants may not like us much, but they are willing to send their apprentices here knowing that if they follow the rule, they won't be harmed and it’s a fast way to fill their cash boxes.

“The free Forest Folk? If they don’t agree to aide by it they are not allowed to come to Market.

“A bloke by the name of Tieg Larsen likes it, else he wouldn’t let Broke come to the Village for goods that can’t be gotten by wagon or farm.

“Oh … and one more fellow.

“A young rake. He really liked it. I think you know the lad. A rapscallion by the name of Dominic Dominie Korie.

Bekkah

His word stopped her.

"Yes, I believe it is wrong. At least when not in a battle then definitely so. Healing ones enemy so that they can cut you down makes no sense, but when the fighting is at an end, then I would lend my Lady's blessing on any."

"And I would stay any sentence that had no merit."

"That is what I was taught and my Lady has always blessed me when I have asked for her aid, so I believe I do her bidding as she would wish."

"As far as the horses, well they trust me." she said as she began to turn.

Keiko

In Renyard’s comments to both Dama Korie and Lady Bekkah, Keiko learned yet more specks of information about the Forest’s Children. Her conversations with Mikkie had shown that he approved of the One Rule, for it allowed him more time to sit in Her light and contemplate... well, whatever he contemplated. He was an excellent companion if one wished for enough quiet to hear the World.

But it was the Atteran’s final words that puzzled the young woman.

“Wait,” she said softly as she watched the healer start to turn away again. “I would ask you a question if you don’t mind, Lady Bekkah. A clarification, really.

“You say that the horses trust you, and I cannot find sense in the thought that they trust you and no other in your group. I would conclude, then, that you are saying you do not believe the people of this community trust you.”

The expression on her face — one of confusion and concern — made her look even younger than she was.

“I would not presume to speak for others or ask for your thoughts regarding any but myself.” Keiko shook her head. “But... but why might you think I would not trust you? You serve the Lady Attera. One of your sisters eased my Grandfather’s suffering in his final days. Another of your sisters healed my brother’s hand just last year when we all feared he would lose the use of it.”

Her violet eyes held a wealth of sadness.

“I cannot even speak for other Rhoni, save perhaps my Family’s Caravan. But we have always considered ourselves most fortunate when we encounter one of Lady Attera’s followers. Why would I not trust you?”

Keiko was truly perplexed. She understood that Renyard and his people had reason to distrust Imperials, although she did not know the history of that distrust. But even the Families that avoided the others of the Imperial Court held no such animosity against the Ladies of Attera.

Bekkah

"No, no no. I certainly didn't mean to imply that you do not. Far from it. I sense that if I were to reach out and touch you, you would not pull away. Even the farmers I spoke to seem to implicitly trust me. In fact, almost everywhere I go, I am usually welcomed. And I have traveled to many parts of the land. Farther than most of my sisters. So I admit, the problem is more mine than the forest people's. It is not something I am accustomed to."

"I had not even remotely expected my involvement in market day to bother anyone. For anyone to be afraid of me, strikes me deeply. I can only imagine their past. And I suspect that even my imagination does not measure up to understand their past."

"I need time to reflect on this. And again, I apologize if my words were misleading."

Keiko

She sighed and her smile return.

“Oh! I see now. Yes, that was silly of me to not take the whole of your experiences into account. But...” Keiko looked around the market, noting the smooth transactions that were happening now that things seemed to have settled down. She glanced once more over her shoulder at Renyard before looking the Atteran in the eyes.

“But you are not harming or alarming anyone while you stand here. Why go?”

Keiko laughed lightly. “Perhaps I’m being selfish in my desire to speak to someone new. The miller is not a talkative man. Missus Miller is a busy woman. The tower guards are not a wealthy source of good conversion, and Renyard here asks more question than I do. And Broke? Well, Broke is Broke. Some weeks I bring the Guardian a meat pie, other weeks I watch and observe the little ones until the Guardian has slipped away.

“But you have travel far and wide! Oh, to hear new tales of some of the places my Family’s Caravan has not visited!” Her smiled grew more delighted. “My brother was married at Midsummer. Our Family was to meet his wife’s Family near Bordertown. Have you been there? What is it like? Is it really as enormous as Trundle-on-the-Hill? And have you been to Dawnview Vale? Is it truly as beautiful as Kh’Lhy’Ra?”

Keiko definitely gave the impression of one who would listen attentively to every tale the Atteran told of every place the healer had visited... a young woman with the insatiable curiosity of a child.

Kadri:

She pauses after the answer and nods, briefly.

"Things to consider then, Reynard. If you will excuse me - I have friend to attend to before returning."

She does not, however, address Broke again directly, as he had not answered the question.

She then turns and moves up the cliff to Mikal

"A moment and something to consider, Mikal - no man owns your honor but you. No man can besmirch it but you. It lives here."

She taps his heart.

"And nothing that man can say changes that one bit. You are a good man, one of the best I know - with a bit of a temper, you have to admit. "

She grins widely.

"It might not be the proper time to indulge it. We need to observe. Watch. Learn."

"As to the theory - I am not sure that the status quo shuld be quickly upended; I have the impression that this arrangement has been that way for some time, and that implies that it had at least the tacit approval of Dominie, who - while scattered and sometimes seemingly a bit random is no fool. As for the dead imperial - I will not theorize until I know more. I need to talk at the market, talk to the others, talk to Thomas - once we know what we know and know also what we do NOT know - then, Mikal, we will be in a position to act. You know well that I am not one to shy away from upending tradition ... but I need to know what I am upending, and being uncouth does not in itself make a murderer. That in mind, let us visit the market - I have feelings that there will be much of interest there. Information before action. But if Broke speaks again - perhaps, for now, let me do the speaking yes?"

She gives him a light elbow, a grin and a wink.

Mikal - with Kadri (OOC - Kadri's reply seems to imply the earlier conversation was had and this is a follow-up, as it includes elements of that back-and-forth, so we'll go with that. This is said SOFTLY, only to Kadri.)

"Dominie giving tacit approval might lessen the offense, if he did indeed give such approval. It is common knowledge Dominie manages these lands, the one below putting Dominie's name in his mouth does not mean such approval was given. Don't you find it odd that Dominie would allow you to travel here, allow us to travel here, without mentioning that these Forest Folk not only were allowed to be here but that there was this giant swordsman who enforced his own special law? Surely Dominie would have warned you so you didn't run afoul of him?"

"Besides that, if we assume Broke does have some sort of a deputization from Dominie to be the Imperial "Police" here instead of the soldiery, again that's something you'd think would have been mentioned. The fact it was not leans towards it being something Broke imposed on his own and the locals go along because it happens to benefit them. It implies Dominie doesn't know."

"As to the Hasturian Investigator that was killed, the rule is supposedly 'No fighting'. He was killed either by Broke or at his direction, since Broke is the designated custodian of the 'No fighting' rule. He is responsible for that death. I see no other way to parse it, even if the Hasturian started a confrontation. And I am certain the Hasturians would definitely see it that way."

"It is also, at best, a breaking of Broke's own rule, and at worst murder. Not to mention there's a 'No Fighting' rule that is enforced by killing? Really?"

"As for his unprovoked personal insults and inability to understand what actually happened in the inn", he shrugs, "well I will follow your lead, of course, and not confront him about it. However I will not have anything to do with him. He is a bully and a moron. No better than Jakal Montague."

Kadri:

"For the moment, Mikal - I will not parse it at all until I know more. Believe me, if Broke broke his own one rule - then somehow it will have to be dealt with. But I want more to go on than implications, as so many things in my life recently have been much more complicated than they appear, even when they already appear complex."

A pause and a tilt of her head.

"I don't really like him either, but you need to also understand that my 'power' here is somewhat limited and in reality lies in Dominie - yes I am a Korie by name - I am also a woman, and pushing is likely to lose me what power I have. I must step carefully here. If I start just throwing weight around and upsetting the apple cart I will lose all chance of turning this place into something usable for our longer goals. Do you trust me Mikal? If I find true evil here rather than boorishness do you think that I will let it go on, whatever its form?"

She places a hand on his arm and looks up into his eyes.

"Trust me, Mikal, while I search out the whole truth - I hope I have earned that much. It is very important to me that I have your trust, because frankly I'm scared as hell of being in a position where I am responsible for other people - and there is just about nothing I would like better than to run and hide. I keep getting the crawling feeling inside which I have to tamp down that I am entirely inadequate to the job. But I can't do that. I can't run. Not now. I need a touchstone - a home base. You are it. I trust you with my life - do you trust me with this?"

Mikal - with Kadri and then Kadri & Reynard & others

A nods in agreement with all that Kadri says, and an answer.

"I trust you with my life, else I would not have agreed to lay it down for you." A simple statement, full of confirmation.

"And I trust you will find out the truth, in the way you feel is best. But know this about me. I have nothing. I am nothing. Other than my reputation and what people think of me."

"I also appreciate your comments that I am a good man, and I believe myself to be such. I have worked very hard my entire life since my family was taken and died to build a reputation as a good man. A man who help others who are downtrodden and need it."

He glances at Broke briefly. "Besmirching that reputation with false innuendo is just about the most deadly insult a person can do to me. It is as close to unforgivable as things can get."

"But, yes, you can deal with Broke. However I will not go unarmed in the face of a volatile potential murderer, and I'd advise you to keep your distance whenever yo do deal with him."

"So, now, rather than spend the day atop the tower as I had planned, we can show the Forest Folk what the result of unprovoked antagonizing of people by their appointed 'Guardian' has done, and how he has increased their risk with his stupidity. Though naturally I'd not harm anyone lest they threatened me or my friends."

"Shall we?" He heads back down the stairs with Kadri, moving past Broke, pausing only to ensure Kadri can make it past him safely. He wears his armour, sword and main gauche, as well as the Rhoni dagger, though he isn't touching any of them.

Upon reaching the ground, he moves towards Reynard to answer the man's comments a few minutes earlier.

"I am Mikal, and this is the Lady Kadri", he leaves it to Kadri to offer her full name if she wants to. "Peace is always welcome, regardless of how much your man above tries to create anger. Anger is typically the precursor to fighting, so perhaps you might suggest to him that he change his ways?"

"Peace is already the law, so the 'Rule' is a bit unnecessary, but if it contributes to peace little harm is done. As long as it applies to all." He casts a meaningful glance at the stairs where Broke is.

Keiko

Even in her eagerness to hear of lands beyond those where she had traveled, Keiko did not forget who and what she was. And so she noted the descent of Dama Korie and Mikal as they passed Broke and approached Renyard. How could she not? He was standing right beside her.

She looked toward the Jvrillian when he finished speaking. “You...” She was almost able to ignore the presence of the Rhoni blade, his words were so astounding. “What...?” She shook her head in confusion and looked up at Broke, then to the closer Forest Child’s chest.

“This is a test, yes? Broke does this to everyone? I know I am often unsure about the Small Kin, this is true. And so I wait for the proper way to address each, as asking such a thing might be considered rude. Ah! And here I am, once again using my own mores to interact with you. I have so much still to learn, Renyard!

“But...”

Then she stopped and looked at Mikal. She blinked once and then once more before looking up at Broke.

Then Keiko lifted both hands to cover her mouth to stifle her giggling. In the process, her cloak fell open just enough for others to see a few of the inner leather panels and her two daggers. While not of the traditional Rhoni design, they were well-made weapons meant for fighting. It was unmistakable from the way they were worn that if Keiko did, indeed, know how to use the daggers that she was a two-handed fighter.

After a heartbeat or two, the Rhoni lass lowered her hands and crossed her arms over her waist — as if to stop all the laughter from bubbling out — and she looked at Mikal again.

“I think it might be difficult to tell a man such as Broke to do anything at all, Mikal D’Allyne,” she said with laughter in her voice. “Broke may not be one of the legendary Dayalans of whom the Rhoni still sing, but she is certainly not a man!”

She looked at Renyard again. “But does the One Rule actually bring peace? Ah, so... now it is again my turn to question the questioner. What is peace but a concept to embrace?”

Keiko faced Mikal and Lady Kadri again. She spoke earnestly now, her mirth tucked back to an appropriate place. “How can one say that a concept is a law? Peace is a feeling, it is a way of being... perhaps. It is something that exists between Order and Chaos and even, at times — or so it is said — within each of them. Peace is something that one cannot find until one stops seeking it... like the currents of the world, it simply is. Or like a wave, it is not.

“It is not a thing that man can dictate for or against. Oh, certainly, Imperials and Nobles might say this thing or that thing is their law... but is that peace? No, no... it is merely Order. And Law.”

She shrugged then. “The One Rule allows all here at the market to experience a measure of peace if they wish to experience it. The One Rule allows Order to reign over Chaos while the Forest’s Children exchange their goods with the people of this small village. This is good. It can be seen as peace if you wish.” She tilted her head to one side as she looked up at him. “The feeling of peace is one I have known for much of my life. No law has put it there. It is always with me...” She smiled a bit sadly then. “...though sometimes I must seek it more diligently while not seeking it when the currents bring Chaos to reign over Order.”

Kadri:

"Lack of violence is a good thing, on that I think we can agree. I would also say that my knowledge regarding this place and its inhabitants is woefully underdeveloped at the moment - as unfortunately Dominie was unavailable to fill me in before I came."

Mikal

"Yes, peace has many definitions. You speak of only one. I speak of another. You speak of peace of the spirit. My peace is simply a surcease of violence. Violence, one against another, is already against the law. No man may fight with another without risking being arrested by the watch, and even possibly being questioned by the Imperials."

"Violence of one nation against another, one Duchy against another, Imperial versus non-Imperial", he shrugs, "that is diplomacy and beyond simple law."

He looks between Reynard and Keiko. "If Broke's insults and antagonism is a test, he should reveal that to those he tests. Else his actions and words strain his own One Rule and make it less likely to be followed. Unless, perhaps, he revels so much in violence himself that he yearns for one to break the rule so he can intervene?"

He shrugs again.

"Rightly or wrongly, that is the impression he gives. It is usually best to be a model for the behavior you desire others to follow. The behavior I just experienced was detestable."

Kadri:

"She gives. Although, yes, I have some annoyance with Broke's needling."

Keiko

She listened to his words and tried her best to understand them. Perhaps this was the Chaos suggested by the Cards — this attempt at communication.

“I speak of peace... not specific to the feelings in one’s heart or being, not specific to an application of Law.” Keiko looked at Mikal quizzically. “It is as if I spoke of rivers, yes? There are many! But rivers are moving water within the bounds of their riverbeds. Does the water move slowly or swiftly, is there little depth to it or deep hidden places? Each river is different, and one river can be different from moment to moment — and so in this way each manifestation of peace is different. What is peace today might not be peace tomorrow.”

But then she shrugged. Few saw the world in the way the Rhoni did. Just as she should not make assumptions about the Forest’s Children based on her heritage, she should not interpret his words from that place either. It was difficult, however, to understand the wave he rode.

“I do understand this lack of violence you speak of, although I think I might not call it peace. But our languages are different even when we speak the same one, for language is infused with the learnings we have found. I have not lived your life and you have not lived mine, and so...” She nodded, coming to a slowing of the current. “Yes. It would seem a reasonable thing that we might disagree on the great concepts and the words used for them.”

However, her brow furrowed at his mention of insults by Broke. “I meant Broke’s... ah, how is it said in Colonial? The perception of her essence? Your assumption that she is a man because she carries a sword? This is the test I meant. I have no knowledge of her words to you, but Broke is Broke.” Once more, Keiko shrugged. “I have not seen her enact violence upon anyone in all the time I have been here.”

Glancing at Broke and then Renyard, Keiko looked at all the Small Kin that Lady was beginning to gather back into a group to prepare to return to their home.

“Do you see the lillil’un there with the intricate hem? One day, two Jvrillians came with one of the merchants. They threatened that one. Even I, from my height on the rock at the mill, feared for the small one. Broke and the other guardians simply...” She looked back at Mikal. “...they simply stared down the swordsmen, who fled as if being pursued by Eastern hunters and their fell beasts. They were not touched.

“And yet they fled.

“So was violence done that day?

“No. Violence was prevented that day.

“I have not asked the question of Broke, but perhaps now I will when the opportunity arises... if only to know that I have understood some small part of her nature correctly. I do not think she likes violence at all, Mikal. I think she first spoke the One Rule to prevent violence.”

She gestured at his weapons, then indicated her own. “That we have weapons — you and I — means that we understand there is violence in the world. I would prefer never to use my daggers for anything beyond a threat to any who might think to harm me. I would prefer that they are seen only as a symbol, a sign that I am not a helpless damsel.” Then she sighed. “But there are times when the currents rush in such a way that there seems to be violence with each wave.

“It makes me sad that you have formed such an impression of one I have come to admire. Perhaps time will allow you to know Broke as someone more complex than the pronouncer of her One Rule.”

Keiko nodded toward the Guardian. “She keeps all these in the market safe, just as you keep Dama Korie safe. And, as Renyard was kind enough to inform me, her temper is less smooth when her fast has not yet been broken.”

She held up a hand as she smiled. “Do not think that I am apologizing for Broke, for I am only saying that all of the World is complex... and most especially the people who inhabit it.”

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko... and an occupation of Forest Folk

“Reflection is good, Lady Bekkah... but I would, as it is my nature, ask whether or not you have to do so alone?

“And if there are gaps in your knowledge that might answer the questions you have... how will you seek them out?”

Renyard added his words to the Rhoni’s as Kadri and Mikal continued down the stairs, past the Guardian, to reach those gathered, and engage in reasonable conversation; at least reasonable when defined as not having to call up or down a set of stairs to do so.

The first response given the newcomers came from the Forest Folk’s elder. If there was any reaction from his kin or change of stance, it could not be seen past shadowed hoods or behind the fall of long cloaks.

“The Lady Korie? It is surprising to see you this far from your native home and your adopted home. We have hearrrd about your courtship and marriage, and found it most interrrresting.

“When it comes to anger, I think that the young Korie Lord has spoken well on that subject; it would be certainly unseemly for me to rrrrepeat what you, as his wife, already must know. As for the rest...”

The shadowed cowl nodded to the Rhoni lass.

“...young Keiko has the gist of things. Perhaps her explanation is rich; does it not seem that she has an innate recognition on how the world moves around us? If you wish I can simplify.”

Belled sleeves folded together behind his back. He looked up the stairs.

“Broke, do you want to address the first matter?”

From above just came a snort.

“Fine... fine... fine...”

Gathering himself up, the shadowed cowl turned toward Kadri.

“Lady Korie, I apologize for my language. As Keiko noted, our guardian is not, as assumed by your man, an asshole.

“She is a bitch.”

Renyard did not, however, let matters tarry on such a clarification.

“For her second point, Keiko touches matters again accurately. If all this were a test, would not the better question be not if it were a test at all, but what were the conclusions drawn? I am suspect that is a question with many answers.

Again, the elder did not tarry.

“The last point that the Rhoni lass has correct is the one regarding law.

“Peace has never been the law of the land. In the First Age, it was power; those who had it made the rules. The Second Age followed the customs of nature; if one was being cynical, it was eat or be eaten. Those with a more enlightened point of view taught that folks who had a closer relationship with nature would have a more successful life than folks who did not.

“This is the Imperial Age.

“The law of the land is not peace. It is Order.

“In the maintenance of that Order, not only is violence is a matter of course, it is sanctioned. Never forget that the Imperial court is a strictly defined hierarchy.

“Lady Bekkah is an Imperial Lady. If she wished someone to be killed or beaten, her word is an actionable proclamation. Only another Imperial can lay charges on her. If a Noble wishes to beat a commoner, they may do so without fear of the Law. If a commoner beats a serf or a slave, that is fine too. Then come Pagans, Witches, Easterners and Sorcerers... traditionally in that order.

“Why do we know this so well?

“Because my kith and kin are the caste below Sorcerers.”

The Forest Folk elder shrugged his shoulders, the leather of his cloak rustling.

“But we all understand the rule of Order and Law is a sword that cuts both ways.

“We have a law. While it will not stop anyone from hurting us, it does provide us a modicum of protection if we find need to defend ourselves.

“You have been told our One Rule. We ask that you remember that today is our Marketday. What you do now is, as always, your choice.

“In truth, I hope your stay is an enjoyable one.”

Kadri:

" in truth I do not care which appellation is used, male or female - it is behaviour described - not that which lies betwixt the legs. Moreover, aside from where the reality of it imperial and noble life forces it to be so - which are regretfully many - there are really very few ways i personally care . Your kith and kin are people - and with that inherit all of the good and bad of that condition. I will thus treat with you and yours accordingly - fair enough?'

Mikal (OK, lots of stuff to reply to, will try to get it all in the right sequence)

Listening to Keiko first, he shakes his head. "I did not presume.., she was a man because she carried a sword. I have spent many months in the company, and employ of Dayalans, more than one of whom I call friend. A title I do not give lightly."

"No, I called her a man as she is larger than any woman I have ever met. Larger than most men in fact. And her voice is that of a man (Wolf - if her voice was that of a woman it wasn't mentioned, and would have been a clear give-away)."

"As to the concept of non-violence and Order", he turns to include Reynard in his response. "I submit they are one and the same. Violence is a lack of order. Peace is order."

He glances at Broke. "It is true that those of higher station often feel entitled to visit violence on those they believe to be below them, and if those of higher station are in power they will often create Law to codify their ability to do so without consequence. Yet that too is not the violence of which I speak."

"Your One Rule would not stop a Khoral from whipping a farmer here who gave offense, if he should decide that such punishment was appropriate. Were he here, with an army. Knights of Rames and Hasturian Inquisitors. I doubt even telling him of it would garner more than laughter."

"No. Such violence is enshrined in Law, but it is not Order."

"The violence I speak of is between one man and another. Equals, as you and I are. I use the term 'man' generically here. It includes women. No man should be able to visit violence on another without repercussions. Were I to beat one of the soldiers in the tower unconscious, I should be subject to arrest, whether they were Imperials or not. Were I to beat one of the farmers here it should be the same. Were I to beat one of you, unprovoked, it should be still the same. I say should, as often there are exceptions made. But again, that is not Order, even if it is Law. Law and Order are not the same thing. Order is absolute. Law changes with the wind."

"I know this as I have spent my life upholding Justice and Order, often at the expense of Law. I have supported the farmer against those who felt they had a right to abuse him, and who had the Law on their side."

"I have met, and befriended Easterners and Coverners while at the same time fighting demons and Sorcerors. It is not what a person is called that makes them what they are, it is what a person is", he taps his chest, giving Kadri a quick wink. "Inside. And how they act. How they treat others, especially those with less might than they."

"Might does not make right, and Law does not equal Order. I have learned this lesson many times during my life."

He normally would have been more careful talking about Easterners and Coveners, but he has no concerns that any of those he is speaking with here are a risk. Kadri shared his experience, the Forest Folk are certainly not going to go running to the Hasturians, and Keiko has clearly befriended them.

Keiko

She let Mikal finish what he had to say, although she shivered at some of his words and pulled her cloak tightly around herself again. It was not the chill of the day that caused the sense of icy cold around her, but his words...

Violence is a lack of order. Peace is order.

And she stood silently for a heartbeat... two heartbeats... before speaking.

“Your pardon, Mikal D’Allyne, but I have seen the order of violence. I have traveled many places and have even spent much time in the city of Kh’Lhy’Ra. The Thousand Towers are a beautiful sight to behold.”

Keiko closed her eyes and whispered, “If you simply look on most days, you would see only the beauty and not the Chaos within the Towers. But the violence of some days...” She shook her head. “...there is a very precise order to the violence. You might think that banners simply hung from the towers... unless you knew that another prince had found another mistress lacking in some never-to-be-known way.”

When she opened her eyes again, their violet color was more pronounced than before. A trick of the light, perhaps.

“If you count among your friends the merchant prince of the Family Hythanian...” She simply stared at him for a moment, lips pressed tightly together. “Well. That is one thing.

“If you count among your friends a lost daughter of a great prince...” She took a single ragged breath. “Well. That is another thing.

“I have lived in the East and do not count any as my friends. Our Family has traded with them. My elders felt it wise for me to not read the Cards for any but the most insignificant inhabitants of the city. Of course, now they...” She paused and swallowed. “...they have their own...”

The light had not been playing tricks, for it was now evident that Keiko was holding back tears.

“All Rhoni are kin! I am sure that your Eastern friends can tell you of my kinswoman’s fate!

“Oh, so orderly! So violent! She of the Violet Eyes will not have peace until she dies. Did your Eastern friends tell you what that means?”

Shaking her head, Keiko took a step back... away from the newcomers. Why did she feel safer with the Forest’s Children than an Imperial Lady, a Noble Dama, and their guardsman?

“Which of us is more naive?” she asked softly. “You speak of an idealized world that should be, but is not. I live in the World I see and touch and hear and smell and taste. I live in the World and I travel with the currents. I see that all things come and go. You insist on absolutes... Order, Peace, Violence, Chaos.

“All things change. The currents change. The stream I dipped my hand in yesterday will not be the same stream I dip my hand in tomorrow — even if I kneel on the very same rock in the very same way. For the stream itself has changed.

“Nothing... absolutely nothing that you perceive can be counted on to be a certainty. Not beyond the moment in which you perceive it. All you can know with certainty is who you are.

“Do not try to impose your vision of what you perceive and what you believe on others, for then you are you better than the princes in their brightly colored towers, no better than the Imperials who sit in their fancy castle in Trundle, no better than the Nobles who sit snugly in their keeps... and all around them people like me, people like my friends here, people like the old grandmother I met who still practiced the ways of the Coven... we are hunted. At best, we are shunned.”

Keiko wasn’t quite angry... that was a difficult thing to do. But she was certainly frustrated. She looked up at Broke when she spoke next.

“The One Rule is a good rule. Here, at the edge of the Forest that some call Dirkwood, we see no Khoralls. We see merchants and their guards. We see the Miller and the farmers and their wives and their sons and their daughters. We see the Forest’s Children... the Guardians, the Small Kin, the Questioner, the lovely Lady Peaceful.

“The One Rule lets all be safe and at ease on Marketday. Except the elders, the merchants. They are just plain silly folk.”

She took her gaze from the Guardian on the step above and returned it to Kadri and then Mikal.

“Why can you not simply accept what you see here, that this is a good thing? It is no less good just because it was Broke who first spoke the One Rule. All have agreed to abide by it. So why swim upstream? You might be in a cross current against Broke, but that does not mean that the waves that were created by the One Rule don’t bring stability to this place.”

Keiko sighed heavily and looked at Renyard. After a blink of her eyes, one corner of her mouth quirked up in the beginnings of a smile. “Lady Peaceful. I have only heard her called Lady, but I hope she does not mind that I think of her that way. Like the Lady Healer...” She tilted her head toward Bekkah. “...she brings to mind kindness and makes me want to smile.”

She ducked her head and peeked out through black and red hair the fell across her face when she looked at Bekkah.

“I would still like to hear of your travels, Lady Bekkah. Perhaps you have been to places that cousins have not visited and so could not bring back stories. Every story of a place in the World that had no story before... these are treasures.”

Kadri:

"The friend from the east, Keiko, fled the east. Fled the tall towers and the princes who war when they are bored. Fled being a sacrifice. Is now dedicated to the lady Aterra and I will hear nothing against her even by implication - she has lost and sacrificed and I would do the same for her without pause."

She says without rancor, then raises up a hand.

"Enough of philosophy - I do accept that here and now the One Rule is the One rule and its continuance, for whatever reason is best. If it works then it works and Kadri would add her blessing of it to that of Dominic. Keiko - I may have been born to Terilanquel and later married to Korie, between I lived in a small room under the stairs at the in need nd worked keeping an eye on warehouses. I have questions of course - but they are only that - questions, if I am to spend much time here I have need of some knowledge of things which went before - including things that have happened which could disrupt what you have going here if left unchecked by attracting entirely the wrong sort of attention here."

She places a hand on Mikal's arm in a 'hold, for now' - please -' motion, and again looked at him. His passions ran deep. She understood that. So did hers. So did all of her brothers and sisters back home - but for the moment it was the time and place for placid waters.

Her head cocks to one side.

"Also if you wish I can tell stories in addition to Bekkah of my travels. Of the plains of Amber for example - of the seas of grass and the whispering wind and the horizon only bounded by the sky, and sun, by moon and storm. I have been told by some that I can spin a good yarn when I put my head to it, if the folk here have desire for tales."

Keiko

A single, simple nod was the reply to Kadri’s information about the Eastern friend of theirs.

“So. You know the daughter of the great prince,” she said quietly. “She is safe.”

The Rhoni paused for barely a heartbeat as implications fell into place.

“We did not know. I fear the princes know...” That no Rhoni — save for one — remained in the Eastern lands was a current too treacherous to ignore. “I think you have misunderstood me Dama Kadri. I am well acquainted with that daughter’s role in maintaining the greater balance of the World. The Cards have told of this for a generation or more. That the currents led my distant kinsmen to change the movement of the waves to enable that safety? It says more than anything you could tell me.”

She seemed to relax ever so slightly.

“The Imperial Lady Attera can do little to protect her. That she now follows that path is...” Keiko sighed. “It surely points to why Madoka of the Homura Family would sacrifice herself.” She bit her lip; saying more would be improper. Gaija should not know so much of the Rhoni ways. “I hope you have surrounded her with more protection than her position as a follower of the Lady of Mercy and Compassion. On this side of the Mountains, that may be enough to ensure her safety.

“Those of the East do not care and do not fear the wrath of the Young Gods, the Imperial Court.”

And yet, did her Cards not show her that this place — Waverider’s Watch — was of significance? The Dragon still slept; it had not awakened to find itself reversed. It gave Keiko some hope, a small measure of peace.

She had her own waves to ride, and it would seem those waves were caused by the currents here. Rhomanishkah al’lhahrhonsha al’khylyrishkatsarinish had far different waves to ride. Keiko could only hope that the Fates were kind to the daughter of a terrible prince. She, too, should know some peace in this life.

Finally, she shook her head and chuckled. “Many stories are told of the Plains. Your Fathers do not like visitors and yet certain Families seem to be drawn to the place.” She shrugged and smiled. “I would like to actually see the horses running... but the stories of them are told so well that I can almost imagine it.”

Mikal (OOC - occurs to the first reply, prior to Kadri's response, and prior to Keiko's reply above)

He listens with a frustrated look on his face to Keiko's reply. So much of what she said is the same as what he said. He said the One Rule was fine, only that he felt it was redundant.

So much of what she implied he said, is simply wrong. He said people are what they are inside, not what people call them and he never said he wished to impose anything on anyone. In fact he told her he had fought for the exact opposite.

So much else is philosophical nonsense; Who cares whether the river runs over the same rock it did yesterday, as long as one can drink from it without being arrested by some lord who created an arbitrary law saying it belonged to him?

Or just incorrect. He has spent his life experiencing violence. He knows how inherently Chaotic it is. There is nothing, nothing Orderly about it. Anyone who has been involved in large scale, violent, battles would laugh at the concept that they represent Order.

What she speaks of is the use of violence to support Law. That is completely different than the inherent aspect of Order. Order is calmness, tranquility, things she said herself just a few minutes ago, and has nothing to do with Law, which is an arbitrary, man made thing.

He is about to reply when he feels Kadri place her hand upon his arm, so he lets her speak.

Kadri:

"Just Kadri will do. At least here, you need not call me anything else. And I think. - that perhap there is much talking and little listening going on from all angles, and people not understanding what is being said. Let me try again. People are people, whatever their title - and while the world as is might not feel obliged to treat them that way, I do. Kadri of the Terilanquel, a line on a breeding chart to be matched to another line, Kadri of the Korie or Kadri the girl who lives under the stairs at an Inn and watches warehouses are all most importantly Kadri. Mikal is Mikal, whatever else he may be - and blood or accident of birth make them no less people. I do not care that your people of the forest are viewed as lowly. Surely I don't view myself as belonging above them by nature. Peace is good. Order is good. Law is men imposing their own views of order on the world - law is only connected to order to the degree it supports it. When law supports chaos, law IS chaos. Violence is chaos.

[ooc: I know this should have been well before the others came down. If it messes with the flow too much I'll delete it]

Bekkah

She laughed at the girl's enthusiasm. It was a sweet laugh, not a mocking one.

"Yes to all of it. I've spent a good amount of time in Bordertown and Dawnview Vale and every little village anywhere near there. We can talk more of these places and I can answer all of your questions one at a time." she said still smiling.

To Renyard, she nodded.

"My Goddess is always with me. I always feel her presence, but the solitude helps me focus myself. But I suppose I can do so later." she said watching their friends approach from up the path.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko... and an occupation of Forest Folk

The Forest Folk elder reached up and adjusted his cowl, hiding from Her light and casting his features into an even deeper shadow. He turned to Keiko and quietly asked,

"If one were to take that view, shouldn't it follow that the violence of Chaos is life .... and the peace of Law, death?"

He looked straight at the Rhoni lass as he continued, acknowledging the obvious.

"It is, however, truth, that the balance of this place is between Law and Chaos. Order, peace, violence, good, bad, right and wrong ... are all qualities that can be assigned to both. In the end you are correct, it only matters in that we walk in the real world which has aspects of all. It is our choices that set our own consequences, be you Forest Folk or an Imperial Prince. Would you agree with that, Window?"

The cowl turned to look over the elder's shoulder, back to the Amber Princess and the Jvrillian.

"What that means is that today it is our Marketday. Tomorrow it will not be. Would repeating myself have any impact? But I will offer again ...

"What you do now is, as always, your choice. In truth, I hope your stay is an enjoyable one.”

Renyard returned his attention to the Lady Attera,

"Later is always better for solitude. Lady shall manage the ending of our trade and we are within Broke's territory. That usually secures a profitable day for our neighbors and the merchant apprentices.

"Would you mind if I joined your conversation?"



Always with the questions.

Cesare

He still sits watching everyone. He is aware of tensions within the group containing his friends and has been wondering if his presence would add to or reduce them.. or maybe have no effect at all?

He is part of the group though, he should at least show solidarity.

He rises to his feet in one fluid motion and wanders over to the group to see what is happening.

Mikal

He nods toward Reynard. "And my hope is that your Market Day is a peaceful one."

Kadri:

'Likewise - and perhaps a hope that I might find a touch of drink and food here if such is to be found - because I find myself somewhat famished."

Mikal

"Speaking of which", he says to Reynard, "the next time you come for Market Day perhaps you would bring some local food? I hear the food here is very good, but I enjoy trying new things. I would pay, of course."

He notes that the Forest Folk are buying things from the Merchants, but none of them are selling anything.

Keiko

She inclined her head, almost bowing to the elder. So few any longer knew the term Window, and even fewer understood the relationship between Windows and Witches. That might have something to do with the fact that there were so few Witches. The stories from generations and Ages past of Windows and Witches working together... they were just that. Stories.

“I would agree, al’khal’drash’nashten.” She smiled then at the elder and added, “Eastern is a language for great embellishment. I would normally call someone who is wise and teaches the younger ones simply... Uncle.” Her eyes glimmered with merriment.

She found it amusing and delightful that Renyard, too, wanted to learn of the places Lady Bekkah had traveled.

“I have heard the most contradictory stories about Dawnview Vale,” Keiko said almost shyly to the Atteran. “The stories of other places are consistent and thus more believable in their consistency. But this valley of Dawnview! Do the snows truly tower higher than two or three caravan wagons? Is it true that the spring and summer flowers bloom in every imaginable color? And do the people there really wear clothing to rival the Rhoni in their colors? Oh, I have even heard that the Nobles wear tunics of a design that seems impossible to sew, and that they are called ‘gowns’. And that the lake there is bluer than the most vibrant blue ever seen in Kh’Lhy’Ra!”

Keiko giggled. “I have seen the Black Mountains at their northern peaks and traveled through many of the passes. I have visited the great and fearsome city of Trundle-on-the-Hill. But I have never seen such a place as that told in the stories of Dawnview Vale.”

Bekkah

She couldn't help but be drawn into the young girl's enthusiasm.

"Well I was born there and of course that was a very long time ago." she began with a smile.

"But all that you've heard is true. The snows don't get that high every year, but it has happened and it was the best winter ever for a little girl and her sister to play in."

"The flowers and dresses fight for the attention of all who visit. It is something to behold for sure."

She thought about what Dazi used to say about her eyes and it changed her smile to a sad one as the thought made her miss her younger sister. Especially since she'd only recently been reunited with her.

"Ahh, the blues of Sapphire lake. The color as the sun rises is truly spectacular. I've not seen many places that rival it."

Keiko

“Oh, to see such colors! I might need to ask Blue Left Side Triangle to find berries and leaves and roots and bark to make pigments for colors that cannot even be described!” Although she smiled, she did note the Healer’s change of expression. “She found a type of leaf with which I am able to make the most glorious yellow pigment I have seen.”

Then Keiko stretched out a hand toward Bekkah — not touching her, for she had become accustomed to the ways of the Forest Folk very quickly — and allowed it to linger as a sign of...

Well, with strangers, one might never guess. But the Rhoni meant it as an offering of comfort.

After a heartbeat, she pulled her hand back into the confines of her cloak.

“Something has brought sadness to your eyes, Lady Bekkah. Have I said something to bring you sorrow? Please, tell me what it is so that I might avoid that current in the future.”

Bekkah

"No, you did nothing."

"Many years ago, I left my young sister behind to apprentice to my order. And then for years, I traveled from village to village, lending what aid I could. Only recently did I happen to run into her again. I've missed her so much. We've written to each other over the years, but it's nothing like being in each other's company again. And really before we had a chance to simply sit and braid each other's hair we had to move on and her duties took her elsewhere. I just miss her already. I just hope it isn't years again before I see her again."

Keiko

She regarded the healer for a moment before closing her eyes and sighing.

“I understand, at least in part. I have an older brother who has always been... the best of all things a brother can be. I have three younger sisters, and the youngest is not even a handful of years old yet. I miss them so much.”

Keiko opened her eyes again and smiled softly. “It has not been much more than half a year since I left the Family’s Caravan, so I cannot even imagine being away from them for many long years.” She hesitated, and... and rather than the first thing that came to her mind, she asked, “Would you tell me of her? Is she, too, a healer like you? I know that I feel better, just a bit, when I tell Missus Heatherson about my family. She listens and she laughs at the funny stories and tells me I will see them again someday, even though we both know that might not be true. She is comforting, though. Perhaps your heart will smile again just to speak of your sister.”

And was it not better to know the right question to ask the Cards before speaking to them? Oh, yes... always! With the little she knew at this point and in this current, Keiko knew that the Cards would just laugh at her.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko... and an occupation of Forest Folk

As he walked away, the Forest Folk elder shifted his hood so he might turn halfway back and look towards the bottom of the stairs.

"I have been told that Mother Heatherson's meat pies are very good. If you are lucky, she may have one or maybe two left after our purchases. As for our own food, you may ask Miss Keiko about our customs; she understands them. That said I believe you would find our company too distasteful for an enjoyable meal."

Beneath their guardian's watch - one on the stairs, the other lurking the Village's perimeter - the strange Marketday continued. While they had seen a single transaction in coin, that was not the only case. Good were also bartered back and forth, usually in the form of small pouches that bulged or bundles wrapped in a thin skin of suede. Sometimes it was the leather or suede itself. In most cases, however, it seemed a pre-arranged transaction; as if a request had been made and the forest items were now being delivered.

That did not stop coin from being exchanged and indeed most of their purchases were made that way. It was not hard to discern that the amount of coin being offered was off-kilter. It seemed items for sale did not just cost more but cost significantly more than what would be paid in any other place.

Bigg'uns and lill'uns, however, seemed to take no mind, as if - for them - this was just the way the world was. There were no complaints and the haggling over prices was something carefully watched over and was always, without exception, calm and easy.

The merchants brought in finished goods, the farmers brought in vegetables, baked pastries and dairy.

For Cesare it seemed two things were now happening. The market and the conversation between Bekkah and this unknown Rhoni lass. While he had been warned against interfering with the Market, there was no prohibition to joining his comrade and another of his kin.

True to his word, Renyard himself moved to follow Lady Bekkah and Keiko. A single bigg'un would watch over Kadri and Mikal's if they decided to enter the Forest Folk's market. This one was not one of the guardians and did not open any conversation.

"Of all the keeps across the mainland, Miss Keiko, the family home of the Allaines is the only one that truly deserves the title of castle; it's simple grace rivals the chaotic beauty of the Thousand Towers and the grim command of the Trundle's haunted Citadel."

It seems that the Forest Folk elder was as well traveled as the Lady of Attera.

"On the other ...." Renyard paused. " ... hand ... there is a peace that can be seen, watching the sun sift down through a woodland canopy, upon a rock next to a crystal stream. How can one compare the value of the little creek's song and that of Dawnbview Castle? What sort of person would try?"

Letting his own path swoosh through the tall grass Renyard approached the Atteran's side. A belled sleeve rose, indicating the sky.

"Look there.

"See her light? See the sun trace her path across the sky?

"Can you prove to me that right now, at this very time, for certain, that your sister is not also looking up to Her? That this same sunlight is not being shared? You may suspect not, you may think that for this reason and that it is not so, but can you know for certain, can you?

"Isn't it nicer to look up and know that no matter how far apart, you and yours are connected by Her warmth and that she is looking up to the sun and thinking about you?"

The quiet bigg'un would finally speak at that, with the most gentle of feminine tones, very definitely a lady.

"Renyard, you have always been a hopeless romantic."

Bekkah

"Daxia, or Dazi as I call her is so special. She is strong and tough perhaps some would even call her stubborn." This last made her smile.

"Well her teachers would call her that."

"She's a Dayalan Knight. One of the finest. Of course as you might imagine, I'm more than a little biased. She has the typical red hair of our family. Something else that set me apart. She has even managed to attract a unicorn to her side. A magnificent black creature. Truly remarkable."

"Yet as tough as she is, with all the armor and her weapons and honestly all I ever see when I look at her is the little girl I used to tell stories to at night." she said wistfully.

Renyard's words made her look up.

"Perhaps she is looking at Her as well. A fine thought. One I will remember. Thank you."

Keiko

“Who would try to compare the value of one thing to the value of another thing, indeed,” she said to Renyard. “It is not the value I wish to compare. It is the learning of things I do not already know — not to say one has more value, but to understand an unknown beauty by comparing and contrasting it to one with which I am familiar.” Keiko smiled. “Until I came here, to see Her rise over the Forest for myself, I could only rely on what others reported that their eyes had seen. Now my eyes have seen this beauty for myself. It is singular, and the value of seeing such colors with my own eyes is more complex than a story can recount.” She glanced at him and shook her head. “You are tempting me into a life of traveling, Uncle. Your words might do justice to the beauty of Dawnview Castle... but what far more complex things might I learn in a journey there, and in watching Her rise over those mountains?”

Then she shook her head. “The Citadel is certainly a grim sight... although in some lights, there is a strange beauty to it, as well. Is it truly haunted, though? Some will say yes. Some will say no. The elder Readers have all said that to seek that Truth would be to invoke the Reversed Dragon.”

Violet eyes widened at Bekkah’s mention of the unicorn. “Oh, my! They are such rare creatures...

“But you smile and your eyes shine when you speak of her, as I suspected might be so. With red hair? Does that mean you are related to the Noble Allaines? Distant cousins, perhaps? Oh, it matters not! That you love her dearly is obvious for anyone to see. And that is what is important. I would suspect that her love for you is just as great.”

As she listened to Renyard speak of Lady Bekkah and her sister, the Rhoni took in the words for herself. And she smiled softly. Who knew where her Family was at this very moment? That Her light shone down on them all was a comfort. Sometimes, at night when the stars shone as brightly as twinkling gems in the sky, she had imagined her younger sisters sitting with Grandmother... looking up at the stars just as she was, as Grandmother told the stories of the constellations.

“Your Daxia’s Lady watches the whole of the world, Lady Bekkah,” Keiko said softly. “Perhaps — if you allow me a bit of poetry that cannot quite rival Renyard’s — as you both look up at Her, She reflects your love back down to your sister. I would not be one to speculate on the activities of the gods, but when we are better acquainted and if you have a desire to know the currents that move between you, I would speak to the Cards on your behalf. I can interpret what they say, and speak of the currents that flow. Alas, I am not one who sees the Paths to know how best to navigate the currents. It is why the Rhoni ride the waves... it is the only way we know to navigate the currents.”

Keiko thought it might be a good current to enter... this one that led to a better acquaintance with the soft-spoken healer. Once removed from the inadvertent discord of the market, the Lady had been most gentle and considerate in her dealings with her and Renyard.

And then Keiko chuckled at other bigg’un’s comment. “Is that not a rare trait, Lady? I have met few who speak as eloquently and poetically as Renyard does. Perhaps when my brother is a Grandfather, he will have attained such a skill. But no one I’ve met can speak both poetry and so easily flip over the coin to ask questions that dive deeply into the currents.”

She looked around at the lillil’uns. “Is the Small Kin I think of as Delicate Scalloped Sleeves not well, Lady? I do not see her today, and had hoped to speak to her of other colors that the bounty of the Forest might provide. I might lose all my hair ribbons to her and it would be a fair trade,” she said with obvious delight in her voice. But then Keiko shrugged. “There is no hurry. Next week, next month... the currents move as they move.”

[OOC: Assumimng that Mikal & Kadri are moving on to the market, if not then they would be included in his greeting too.]

Cesare

He moves close now to Bekkah, offering a smile and a nod of respect, extending that nod to the forest elder and the Rhoni girl.

"Am I intruding?"

Best to find out where he stands from the beginning as he had been observing some tension earlier. And he has no wish to start off at a disadvantage.

"I had wised to speak to.. Keiko is it?.. about the Rhoni. I know so little of our people."

He isn't sure if she would be happy to talk in a group and so gives forewarning so that she can defer their conversation or move location.

(OOC - Gypsy - Mikal was not heading to the Market. Were were asked not to do so. He came to talk to Reynard and Keiko, but once Reynard leaves he will wait here.)

Kadri is staying with Mikal.

[OOC: Assume he says hi and moves to Keiko's group ]

[OOC:

Twitch

Ahem.

Keiko is waiting on reply / reaction from the Renyard and Lady before she will speak to The One Who Interrupts.]

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Mikal, Kadri, Cesare, Bekkah, Keiko... and an occupation of Forest Folk

"That is interesting ... I wonder why Hunters showed up on a late night when I asked if it was wise to wonder why an empty citadel rises behind the Imperial palace. I decided not to press that particular question.

"And I might suggest al'ushtahl little one. Teacher. Not uncle."

He cast a glance to the soft spoken bigg'un.

"There are reasons why, and are they not the manner of reasons that are best learned rather than simply told?"

Both listened quietly as the long conversation wrapped its way hither and you, crossing from one end of the world to another in subject and following the path of the Atteran's younger sibling. Both Forest Folk, however, visibly stiffened as a harmless query garnered their attention. Finally the other - the one called Lady - replied.

"Delicate Scalloped Sleeves ... she was so happy when we found that bit of lace, her first midsummer's day."

The bigg'un slowly turned to face Keiko ... and Bekkah.

"She is not hurt. She is not ailing. But to say she is well would be a lie and to meet concern with falsehood would be wrong, as concern is a most valued treasure to our Kind. It is a rare thing.

"Something happened. That is all I can say.

"It happens to all her kin.

"We are watching over her.

"We always hope ..."

The Lady's words softened.

"... even against all odds."

Mikal

He watches for a few minutes, then glances at Kadri. "You are welcome to go take a look around. Maybe ask about what happened to the Hasturian Inquisitor. You're more diplomatic than I am and might get an answer. Or maybe buy us some of those meat pies we keep hearing about."

He looks around. "I think I will take a stroll around, Look at the Forest, the fence line, the fields. Lay out the camp in my head perhaps."

Keiko

Conversation with Renyard was always a dance — not of daggers or storms, but simply a graceful bit of gliding and leaping and turning, following the lead of his question and, in turn, spinning away with the enticement of her questions in return.

“Perhaps the thing long forgotten is best left forgotten. But as you must know, the Cards can say different things to different questioners... even when asking the same question. And truly you are a Teacher, Renyard. At the same time, you have a way of Teaching that the elder Uncles have.” She spread her arms in a shrug. “If al’ushtahl is a more pleasing title to you, I bow to your greater wisdom,” she said with a smile.

But Keiko’s smile faded at the arrival of the other newcomer. Violet eyes seemed to bore through him for several long heartbeats before she finally said, “Your words have more truth than they should, unless you were raised by the Gaija. Your ignorance brings disgrace to your Family, especially if you are the one who fashioned a Rhoni blade for a Jvrillian.

“I do not know you. It is not proper for me to speak to strange men who cannot even name their Family.”

The young woman turned her head toward Lady. The dismissal of the other newcomer was not rude — at least not by Rhoni customs. In fact, she should not have spoken to him at all. True, there were no elders here to perform proper introductions, but he might have asked Lady Bekkah to stand in that role. Or, more appropriately perhaps, the group’s leader, Mikal D’Allyne.

Keiko put the other out of her mind as she listened to Lady’s words... balancing what was said, what was not said, how it was said. And her heart seemed to skip a beat at those words, the whole of them. Although she could not imagine what might have happened to her small friend, it was enough to make the peaceful Lady’s voice sound sad and worried and perhaps, just perhaps, the smallest measure of frightened. It was enough to make Keiko feel as though the rushing currents could make this wave crash hard and heavy against a rocky cliff.

But she spoke her heart anyway... as always, riding the wave that felt the truest, the one that most honored the Cards’ communications to her.

“If a way to help is possible, I would offer what meager skills and knowledge I have. My concern is even greater than my curiosity, and I have more curiosity than is appropriate for the privacy of you and the Forest’s Children. I would not break the trust we have come to share and so I ask only this... how might I help?”

Cesare

Well that didn't go as expected.

The first reaction is one of anger. To be judged without circumstances being known, especially when he had already pleaded his ignorance, that does not sit well with him. His family name is his business. But Mikal will not thank him for creating enmity here.

He takes a deep breath, speaking to her back.

"I can see you are busy. My apologies."

He nods briefly to Bekkah and turns away, heading now for the steps.

Bekkah

She listened with great interest to the conversation between Keiko and this other Big one. She raised her eyebrows and looked from the speaker to Keiko to Renyard, but she said nothing.

They'd made it clear they didn't inherently trust Imperials and despite her saying she was a healer before an Imperial, they'd made it clear that they didn't see things that way. If they would let her help, then surely they would ask for her aid.

Kadri moves towards Cesare.

"A moment? Could I have your company perhaps?"

Cesare

He stops, takes a steadying breath and turns to Kadri.

"As you are the only one who wants it, why not?"

He waits, tension still in his body but willing to listen to what she has to say. Their group have gone through a lot together, he respects all of them.

lady

The bigg'un was quiet for a monent, then two ... her hood moving to her two companions before returning its blank shadowed front to Keiko.

" ... perhaps ... after our market ... we would not dissuade you from following."

Keiko

It was a moment to stand at the crest of a wave, knowing the wave had only one place to flow onto the shore. Here and now, it was only about finding the next current... the next wave.

Keiko nodded to Lady. “I will trust your guidance and that of Renyard to behave as a proper guest in your home.”

The young woman needed to trust her instincts now, instincts honed over a lifetime of communicating with the Cards — first the training Decks, and then her own Deck as she had painstakingly painted each Card. She turned to look at the healer.

“Please, Lady Bekkah... come with me, come with us. If there is anything, even some small thing, that you might do to help my friend, I so humbly ask that you try.”

This was a different feeling than she had when Grandfather had been so ill. He knew, they all knew, that it was his time to make that final journey. The Coverners at least understood that death was an inevitable part of life — every this is so in the World is balanced by its respective this is not. Life, death...

And this wave was different because there was only uncertainty. While a Rhoni understood that this, too, was simply the way of things, Keiko did not know if the followers of Attera knew this Truth as well.

“Please?”

Kadri:

"i need to look into some things, and I would have company, Cesare, of one I trust. Such as you. We have a mystery of a dead imperial on our hands. Your company will always be welcme."

Bekkah

"I would never turn down a request for aid, but would my presence not cause problems? It's been made clear that my station as an Imperial carries more significance than my devotion to my Lady."

Cesare

"A dead imperial? Who?"

This is the first he has heard of this. It might go some way to explaining the earlier tension. He waits for Kadri to enlighten him.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal … and an occupation of Forest Folk

It was a time for separations.

At the base of the stairs Kadri and Cesare pulled themselves aside, the Rhoni lad still feeling the hot response from his kinswoman. As their selected path did not intersect with the Market they were left to heir own devices, though the mystery of the Hasturian Eye had been, so far, seen from only one point of view.

That of the Imperial order of Law. And even then from what little they knew there was no clear answer. While killing a Noble was no something common folk were allowed to do, breaking a law brought was also binding when it came to proper consequences.

This left Mikal on his own, to depart from the others and begin his inspection of the three house and one barn hamlet. Certainly in the hamlet proper there was no room for anything but the path and the farmers. The tall rock was far too close to the Forest and while a couple buildings could be snuggled up against the steep cliffs the place would be crowded. It may be the most sheltered location but it was also the most vulnerable. From a tactical point of view it would be far too easy to block the path on the west and east and thus trap whoever was in this place between stone and Forest.

On the other side of the rock, beneath the gaze of the watchtower, the farmer’s fields stretched almost as far as one could see. There were a few scattered collections of trees, small copses no bigger than a couple houses and one knew that somewhere, out there, there were small creeks to provide water. Or well could always be dug. Grain and oats seemed to be the main crops grown here, though there were some places – at the base of Waverider’s Watch itself – where potatoes and other sundry vegetables were being grown. The most eastern fields were where the dairy cows grazed.

The picket fence was an odd thing. It was one of the few things made out of wood and it stood almost two men high. It ran in short zigzags from east to west along the Forest’s border. The wood was grey with age, spanning vertically between cross rails which in turn ran between thick posts driven into the ground. The tall boards were not tightly set, there were many places where there were gaps large enough for a person, beast or thing to fit through. The near side of the fence seemed well maintained. On the other side, however, the Forest was encroaching. There the fence was ivy covered and the low underbrush grew right up to the base. There was only a little gap between it and the woods proper; the trees were close enough to overhang the fence.

As if the Dirkwood was saying that, if it wanted, it could overgrow this man made barrier at its own whim.

But that would be assigning some manner of sentience to a Forest.

Not even a Gardener would go that far.

Though, of course, the least of all beliefs taught that spirits could manifest themselves in anything, from animals to stones and yes, trees. Good spirits as well as very bad spirits.

By the time Mikal had finished his inspection about the Village, having circumnavigated the small place, the Forest Folk market was over. The strange denizens of the wood were drifting back beneath the cursed boughs, returning as silently as they had come. The last to leave was the guardian on the stairs, following her handful of bigg’un companions.

The Rhoni lass and the Atteran were not seen, obviously out and about on their own. The Rhoni had said she now belonged here and Bekkah, well of all of them, Bekkah had the most experience in places like this and thus the chances for something foul to have occurred to her were slight.

With the last of the odd marketday traders gone the atmosphere of the hamlet definitely lightened. From their homes the rest of the families now came out, to both straighten up after this market and prepare for the morrows. From the west came the sound of hooves and the creak of wheels, the merchants who had been holding on the other side of the bridge now entering. They were in a little rush. They obviously wished to be well settled before sunset so they could begin their trading upon dawn’s first light.

Kadri:

There was a conversation with two guardsmen in the tower when we arrived. Some small bit back, a Hasturian arrived - he was informed that Marketday is for Forest Folk - and that the normal market was the following day. He was told of, so I hear, the 'no fighting' One Rule. After a few weeks, so it was said, the Hastur decided that Marketday was Marketday and went down on the 'wrong' day - when the Forest Folk were trading. He, so it was said, interrupted a trade involving strawberries - and got in a fight with the 'lill'uns' as they are called. No details, really, of the fight other than that he apparently lost was killed and the body dragged into the Dirkwood. Now, I think you can see how a killed Imperial might portend future troubles?"

Cesare

He whistles softly through his teeth.

"This is a delicate situation. Mikal wants to make good here. And I would bet there's a lot more to this than meets the eye."

He thinks for a moment, fighting his own instincts not to try to steer the tides.

"What's your plan?"

Mikal

He wanders by the fence-line, examining it closely and making a note to ask who is responsible for maintaining it. Clearly it wouldn't keep out a shy deer so having it is pointless unless it is going to be useful.

Climbing up to the bluff he looks over the farmland and grazing land. That has promise, although they might have to pay some of the farmers for trampling on their land. Put a couple of hundred horsemen here and the land they used would be churned to mud pretty quick.

Of course after they left, it would be the best fertilized land around. Hundreds of horses tend to leave that sort of thing behind them on a regular basis. But while they were here, it wouldn't be usable land.

He'd also have to see if the grazing land would support adding the Troop's horses to the dairy cows already using it.

He turns back and looks at the forest. Of course they could always cut down trees and open up space. They'll need wood for buildings anyway, and the more they use the more space they'll get. But that would take some time and require not just cutting trees but pulling stumps that could break horses legs. Stump pulling was back breaking work, as he knows from experience.

So, before assuming he'll have to pay off a farmer, first thing would be to talk to the farmers. They know the land around here best. Perhaps there's an open fields on the other side of the grazing field.

He heads down to talk.

Kadri:

"Part one of the plan is to find out what actually happened. For that, we need to talk. Find out who might have seen, who knows. Who this man of Hastur even was. I don't even have a name at this point."

Cesare

"Aye and talk to a number of folk as accounts may vary as to what happened.. the truth often lying somewhere between them."

He nods slowly.

"So where do we start? Those that live here, the forest folk or the merchants who may of course know nothing."

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal … and an incoming of Merchants

Except for the Forest folk, for they were drifting back into the haunted and very very dangerous Dirkwood Forest, there were many opportunities to talk – all that was required was choosing who to talk to. Of course, back on the top of the rock were the three Guardsmen who supposedly looked over this quiet place – Jerris the banished, Thomas the scribe and the lazy Mikkie.

Perhaps there was something to the rumor that Waverider's Watch was where those who did something spectacularly unwise were posted.

That said, Cesare had also determined the nature of this place correctly. That the balance of Waverider’s Watch was extremely delicate and there was definitely a lot more here than met the eye.

Certainly a lot more than a certain Eye of Hastur had chosen to see.

The three farmer families were coming out of their homes, to help clean up after the Forest Folk market and to set up for the regular market on the morrow. Their stalls were in front of their homes, of course.

Heatherson’s was popular as they had been selling dairy goods like cheese and such. The Barley family sold grain of course, in large sacks, which the bigg’uns had bought and then hauled up to the mill to be ground. They also ran the village kiln and had a lot of crockery for sale. Family Blackhair had sold their vegetables – in fact they had had some very large baskets already set up and waiting to be bought.

And of course someone could walk back up the stairs to speak with the Millers. Though that meant talking to a grumpy wife and a husband whose entire vocabulary seemed to be two words:

“Yes dear.”

Obviously it was a very successful marriage.

Then there were the merchants and the local farmers. Their apprentices and middle children worked by their barrows while their masters, brother and fathers now crossed the wooden bridge.

Their names were not known but what they came to barter was fairly easy to tell. There was a tinker, a seller of baked goods, a woman who sold assorted fruits, a woodcarver and wheelwright, a seller of cloths who took leather in trade, a seller of soaps and candles and last a large wagon that pulled up to the base of the stairs, to deliver goods to the Korie watchtower.

It wasn’t a matter of finding someone to talk to, there were plenty of opportunities. The true issue was not only selecting who, but deciding what you were going to ask. Both were needed in order to further understand Waverider’s Watch.

(OOC - So the farmers are ignoring Mikal?)

[[Of course not...

There are the three local farmers to chose from - Heatherson, Barley and Blackhair - some from the nearby villages - baked goods, fruits, soaps and candles and the others...

Who does Mikal choose to talk to?

Is he going to talk to more than one? All of them? If so in what order?

What is he going to ask?

What dos he say? How the question is phrased will naturally influence how it is answered.]]

See PM.

Mikal

**Well, farmer Heatherson owns the cows grazing in the field**, he recalls, so Mikal heads to the Heatherson farm to ask about other grazing lands in the area.

As he walks a small bird flies across the field carrying a stick to build it's nest and he stops still as a random thought comes to him. **Yes. That could work. It would be a tremendous advantage and do what the Wild Horde Captain recommended too. But who would train them? And which them would be best? <sigh> Celi would have been helpful right now.**

With thoughts of birds circling in his head he continues to the farmer's house. Upon reaching it he knocks on the door and waits politely for it to be answered.

KAdri:

"I think, perhaps, we might try to find the merchant where the dispute happened?"

Cesare

He casts a glance towards the traders. It would seem like the forest folk have left now so it would not cause any friction if they go in that direction.

"Do you have any idea who that is or what kind of merchant? And do you want us to stick together or start at opposite ends and work towards each other?"

[OOC Not quite sure how many there are or if they are lined up?]

[[notes that the argument was over strawberries and one of the merchants listed sells ...]]

Kadri:

"The answer, Cesare, lies in strawberries - and right there - I see a vendor that sells fruit. A place to start, yes? Let us, perhaps, buy some strawberries."

And if there is no objection, heads that way - walking, for the moment, as Kadri of no name in particular rather than with the mean of Kadri of the Korie or Kadri of the Terilanquel.

[[ thanks! this is good direction and gives me something real to respond to! it may take me a bit to get to it .. big HWD queue at the moment ]]

Cesare

"I like strawberries."

His grin signals his agreement and he moves alongside Kadri. He starts up a conversation also, not so usual for the taciturn Rhoni.

"Earlier I was exploring, looking at what options the waters have around here. I came across some strange creatures. They were like fish but had spiked fore-fins. They kept pace with me but didn't seem to be able to climb the bank. They didn't look too friendly. Any idea what they are?"

Kadri:

"I am afraid that my experiences with the open waters is limited. Out in Amber, we mainly dealt with open plains; I have never lived near the open waters, and their creatures are as much a mystery to me as any - they sound fascinating, however. As long as they are not sharks. I think I got my fill of sharks back there."

Cesare

"That encounter with the sharks may well explain my reluctance to engage with these creatures."

He chuckles. He is starting to come out of his upset and confusion caused by the Rhoni girl's reaction to him earlier. He suspects that Kadri asked him along for that reason, he is always better when he has something to do. It is good to have friends.

"I'll ask the locals when the opportunity arises."

But not the Rhoni girl he thinks to himself.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, and an incoming of Merchants

The fruit seller was carefully collecting her wares — her basket of apples, smaller ones of peaches and cherries. There weren’t many strawberries left over; she did have a little basket with cherries. Raspberries, however... she had plenty of those. It seemed that the Forest Folk had brought them out of the brambles as part of their trade.

“If’n ye be lookin’ for melons, ye ‘ave to be waitin’ till the morrow. They’s all been bartered off.”

When Cesare spoke, she cast a foreboding look towards the bridge and the river.

“Ye ain’t from these parts are ye?

“That’s tha Blackwater over there, right. Flows outa tha Dirkwood. It ain’t named tha Blackwater for vanity’s sake; the water comes out of tha wood dark as night — we donnae drink it, cause it tastes horrible an’ will make thee sick enough to ‘ave ye be askin’ to be dancin’ with Krysta. But like everythin’ else in tha Forest there...

“It corrupts.

“Tha Dirkwood corrupts tha fish just like it does everythin’ else. Makes them into those lil’ abominations... and raht dangerous they are. A bunch of them catch ye, and they will eat thee. If’n ye get bit ye, better be findin’ fresh water an’ poultices — their bite festers and if’n ye donnae get killed outright that’ll certainly get ye in tha end.

“Now, unless ye be askin’ anything else or be wantin’ some very fresh raspberries... I need to be makin’ ready for the real market on the morrow.”

As the sun was very low in the sky, it was not Missus Heatherson that answered Mikal’s questions; it was the husband, having come in from the fields. Their children were working their little table and foods, getting ready for tomorrow while the goodwife was inside making sure dinner would be ready before it got too dark to eat.

“Well first, all these lands be Korie lands, belonging to tha youngest of them, and he’s tha one who be giving us leave to set herds and plows to them.

“They end this side of tha path they do — the other side belongs to the Forest and unless you are those damned little creatures, ye go in and ye are not going to be comin’ out.

“That’s why the Watchtower Folks keep the fence in good order; nothing can stop the Forest from doin’ what it wants. It keeps the cows and swine from wandering in where they are not supposed to be n’ reminds us not to do anything stupid like tryin’ to collect firewood or picking the Dirkwood’s herbs an’ wildflowers.

“It’s why we was tole to put up with them, I suspect. There’s right valuable things in tha Forest, and they’s the only way of gettin’ them out.

“Now lookin’ the other way...”

Master Heatherson pointed to the south.

“The fields I graze prolly go out as far as ye can be seein’. Then there’s the ones under Barley’s care — most folk let him be because he sells to Rory in tha Village and no one wants to do anythin’ to upset Rory’s beer makin’. Blackhair’s fields follow the path back o’ tha village. His corn should be comin’ in soon; good eatin’ and then good for sellin’ back to the Keep.

“Get a good half day’s walk an’ ye be in open country like. McKormak ‘as his farm out there, Fergus’ fish pond is down that-a-ways as well as Old Man Ginger’s place.”

That was a fair description of lands typical this side of the Silk Creek. Most farms were decentralized, a legacy of the Witches rule from the Second Age. There were small hamlets like Waverider’s Watch that served as the market place for the farms scattered between them. Sometimes the distances were such that a farmer would only come to market once a month or even less. Waverider’s Watch, it appeared, had two things that set it apart from other hamlets. It had a Mill, and it had a source of goods not found anywhere else.

Thus, if Master Heatherson was correct, there should be open fields a half day’s to a day’s travel away that would not disturb the farms here. On one hand, such a place would be one where he could build what he wished and yet still be close enough to come to Market... on the other hand, it would not have the watchtower, the rock itself and the mill as immediate resources. Co-opting Waverider’s Watch itself would provide a tactically superior location but would also require much more aggressive means.

Mikal

"My thanks, Master Heatherson", he says. "For the warnings about the wood as well as the information about the lands hereabouts. It is not my intent to interfere with anyone's livelihood. I am a farmer's son myself. However I do expect to have a medium size herd of horses around the area in the near future and they'll need grazing lands. Perhaps I'll take a ride and see what the lands look like a half-day or so out?"

He pauses a moment. "Might you tell me what sort of valuable things those forest folk bring? I didn't think it wise to approach too closely earlier when they were here so I didn't get a good look."

"Oh, and I don't suppose the fertilizer a herd of horses brings with it would be useful for you or the others?"

(OOC - Wolf - do they know about three field farming and field rotation and such here?)

Cesare

His eyes widen as the fruit seller describes his 'fish' in more detail.

"Well Missus, I'm glad I didn't examine them any more closely. Thanks for your warnings. And I'd like to purchase some of the raspberries, they look delicious."

Kadri:

"I have perhaps interest in both raspberries and questions, if I may have both?"


She produces enough coins to account both for a good portion of raspberries and perhaps a little bit of time as well.

"You see, I am not yet a resident of these parts but shall we say that I am, perhaps, moving in. And my husband has some connections here."

[[ farming technology is part of the cultural reference files ]]

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, and an incoming of Merchants

“Then what are ye doin’ here, lassie? Shouldn’t ye be by your laddie’s side making sure he’s well, ain’t forgot his breakfast, comes home right proper-like to a good dinner and a carin’ room?”

The fruit seller brought out a pair of small baskets and as she rambled in her friendly way – well, friendly as in this was how goodwives gossip around the laundry tub – she started to set out a portion of raspberries for each of them. She did give Kadri and Cesare a look between them, pausing, considering and then blinking once.

“How do ye know he also ain’t got someone else standin’ at his side?”

She shook her head and presented the raspberries to the two of them.

“A ha’crown for each. And before ye be complainin’, it’s the same as the Cursed Ones pay; would not be fair or right to be askin’ any less, ja?

“But take me words well. If’n thine husband was lucky enough to land a pretty lass like thee, well, is he the kind to be likin’ a lovely gal under his arm even when thou art far away? Men are like that, and that’s why they all, every last one of them, need a good wife to be keepin’ them in line.”

Dusting off her hands, she looked up to the other two.

“There ye go. Raspberries...”

She looked at Cesare.

“Without a trace of walkin’ fish, I guarantee.”

She returned to her work, clearing out her wagon for the night.

“So what else do ye want to know? And be quick – She’s about to hide beneath the ocean and then the day’s all over.”

A little farther down the path, Mikal continued his conversation with Master Heatherson.

“Horses would be fine out here, as long as ye keep up thine fences. They’s too valuable to be let to wander anywhere near the Forest. Geof Blackhair might want to borrow one come spring; the ground here’s right rich in itself, but it’s also right powerful friendly.

“What do the cloaked ones bring? Nothin’ but ill omens... but after a life of them, ye get kinda used to their shadow. They pay good coin for the right to trade, so it ain’t like we are poor folk, which keeps the manor Lord happy when he comes by every now and then. The young Master don’t seem to be mindin’ them, so that means we ain’t prolly ever going to be rid of them.

“And it ain’t like we can go into the Forest.”

He crossed his arms.

“Berries and wildflowers they bring. The wives like the flowers. But that also means spices, medicines, and poultices, which we will be tradin’ to the Merchant on the morrow. The bigg’uns, especially Broke and her lot, they keep us in meat, mostly venison but the occasional bear. They do most of the leather workin’ around here, that should be obvious. And if’n we need a long timber, we sometimes arrange for them to get one for us.

“The merchants trade their pelts through us; they say Dirkwood merebeasts are even softer than those found in the fields.”

That they sold spices and medicines was an interesting tidbit. It was common knowledge that Grey – what some Jvrillians kept on hand for long night watches – was traded at Bordertown through the Hythanian caravans that ran from Bordertown to Trundle-On-The-Hill. Simply translated – medicines and spices came from the East. All medicines. All spices.

“Now once a month or so they bring a big bundle of metal wrapped in oilcloth. While we ain’t seen it, the merchants bid for it.

“We suspect it’s the last remains of all the folks who have died in the Forest. Swords and the like, maybe taken from the bodies of Prince Faast and his Imperial kin or even the vanished horde at the end of the Witch’s Age.”

Kadri:

"Ah, but at the moment my husband has business - Dominie being who he is must oft have business."

She gives a wink, taking the raspberries, giving the coin and a small bit more besides.

'Can we help you pack?'

She pops in a raspberry and continues.

"I admit to having one worry abut here - I heard one tale of a fight between one of the denizens of the forest and one of Hastur visiting - and as I heard the fight was over strawberries - I thought why rely on rumor and innuendo when perhaps one could hear what happened from one who may have seen it? And I admit much to having insatiable curiosity."

Cesare

He is content to let Kadri lead on the talking. He does grin at the fruit seller when she comments the raspberries are walking fish free. So he takes the opportunity to eat his raspberries, once he had paid for them of course.

Muikal - with farmer Heatherson

"So, no one goes into the forest, then?"

He has a nagging thought that he hasn't seen Bekkah in a while. She could be elsewhere in the village, but this place is not large enough that he shouldn't have seen her at some point as he wandered around. **Be just like her to wander off into the woods, especially if she thought she saw a hurt critter**, He muses.

At the mention of bear meat, his face wrinkles into a sour look. Bear meat is generally not good eating. Fatty, greasy, and more gamy tasting than venison. The once or twice he had it back home, when the farmers had killed a bear that had been taking cattle, his ma had had to smother it in spices to make it edible. But you took what providence provided, so he doesn't comment.

"Might I take a look at some of the medicines you've purchased, before you offer them to the merchants on the morrow? I may have need of some, and the Lady of Attera who accompanies me would probably be interested as well."

He didn't notice a large oilcoth among the items being traded earlier in the day, so perhaps today wasn't the 'once a month' mentioned, but he will keep his eye out. If they are weapons and armour, and their condition is reasonable, it would be more efficient for outfitting the Troop to clean and sharpen already made weapons and armour than forging them from scratch.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, and an incoming of Merchants

“Business? Oh, that’s what they are callin’... callin’... and did ye say thine laddie be Dominie, as in our own Korie Lord? Then, lassie, you better get right to him. He’s kind, daft – but ‘as a particular reputation when it comes to woman folk, deserved or nin.”

She then bit her tongue as Kadri continued.

“Well, considerin’ they was my strawberries...”

“Now, that’s a black tale, if’n I ever seen or heard. That Cursed One, he’d been coming to my stand for almost a year then, and pays what I asks, so he got his strawberries. Well, one day – and he weren’t sent by the Young Lord, no, but from on his own – this fancy brother all high and mighty in his Imperial Church-ness came out to investigate the tales of the Forest Kin. Now, he was never happy that he wasn’t welcome on Marketday. But he wore fancy blue robes, which meant he were from the real Church, and us ordinary folks, we got to listen to them, no matter what they say, so he came down all right and powerful, sweeping through to my stand to remind us all who ruled these lands.

“The Forest kin? He didn’t understand, and Lady was busy with a pair of new kin, and when this lill’un set down his coin and tried to take the trade, that blustery noble cuffed him a good one, yanked off his hood tellin’ him to show himself to the Court’s Eyes. And when he saw his cursedness – cause they ain’t like us – he beat him right hard and powerful.

“It was almost like he waited for Lady to be busy and all...”

She looked to the woods.

“For how wrong they are, they keep to the One Rule. The Cursed One didn’t raise a hand to the Brother, and for that, I guess he got busted up real bad, and, well, I’m glad I had turned away.

“Then it was the Hastur’s turn to not understand. He had killed a thing, ja? And Nobles can take from us whatever they wish, ja? I mean, even if the Young Master had been here, it would have just been his word against the Hastur’s.

“Broke and her lads... well... they didn’t see it that way. The Hastur tried to call on his Lord, but I guess it was what you call one of those ironies of life.

“We only have one law. And he had known it. And he went and broke it anyways.”

The fruit seller finished cleaning up her wares.

“It’s not like it’s a hard rule to remember. It’s how folks should treat each other anyways.”

Meanwhile, two other things were occurring. The Miller’s wife had come down from the rock and had dragged the Blackhair and Barley daughters together for what looked to be a tense conversation. Occasionally, they turned their attention to the Dirkwood.

On the other side of the small hamlet, Heatherson shrugged back at Mikal.

“Aye, no one goes into the Forest and expects to get out – well, unless you are one of the Forest Kin. The Young Lord, now he did wander in there once, a few years back. He actually did come out, but it was the bigg’uns – Broke and her lot – that brought him out and set him down at the base of the rock on the beginning of a Marketday.

“Prickleberry mostly; willow weed... they got things to settle a stomach when ye ate somethin’ bad, a real good poultice to stop itching when you walk through oil-leaves, a powder you can mix with wine to help bank a fever... all sorts of things.

“Where is your Lady anyways? Ain’t seen her since just after noon.”

Kadri:

"Dom and I have a ... understanding. He knows what I am, and I know what he is, and we are both comfortable with that, goodwoman. Besides, he has business abroad and I have business here."

She pauses and listens to her tale, nodding.

This both simplified and complicated matters. If he called upon his Lord Hastur for aid and his lord failed too answer that would seem to simplify some things: Hastur had judged his servant in the moment and found him wanting. Still, if it came to that Imperials were people - and if the Church of Hastur found out, or any of the imperial court - it was still complicated. Of course it was complicated. WHen was the last time anything had been simple?

"I think."

She pauses.

"That in this case I have to agree with Dominie's judgement here. But - I would say you need to be very careful with the tale. Dominie is understanding. I am understanding. I think like him. But - many will not be understanding. And it is probably best if this tale remains mostly untold - because there are some people whose attention you do not want."

Mikal

He frowns. "I have not seen her lately either, and it is not like she could get lost in this place. My thanks for the conversation, and please let me know if you have interest in the dung of several dozen horses for your crops. If so, perhaps we might trade for some herbs in the future?"

He glances back to the main intersection in the village.

"I think I might need to go find her, before she gets herself into trouble."

He offers the farmer Heatherson a polite tip of his head. "Please give my regards to your wife."

He then turns to head back to the center of the village, not that it is far.

Cesare

Eating his raspberries, he looks around the market for the Rhoni girl but in a wat that did nor appear to be more than generally glancing around.

She isn't here. He doesn't know whether to feel pleased or disappointed.

His attention returns to Kadri and the conversation. And at the end he nods in agreement to Kadri's warning. It seems that the official was in the wrong, attacking the forest folk for being different, something he can sympathise with based on personal experience. And worse, the official picked on someone smaller than himself. So a bully. That kind of concludes things for Cesare.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Marketday, the Fourth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, and an incoming of Merchants

The center of the village was not hard to reach; it was maybe twenty-five steps away. The sun was then slipping past the western horizon, casting long shadows across the village. It was both cooler and visibly darker within the shadows, hinting at the coming night. For the dairy farmer, fertilizer was not something high on his priority list, but perhaps that would be different with family Blackhair.

“We don’t tell the tale. We live out here. We don’t cause trouble with the Courts. We keep our life simple. Today was their market, tomorrow is ours.

“Only those with nothing better to do want to disturb that.”

That was the fruit seller’s answer to Kadri. It was not the most comforting way to end a conversation. Because between the East, the actual management of the Imperial churches, and any Noble court, there were far, far too many people with nothing better to do.

Cesare contemplated bullies. This was often the case this far away from civilization. It also reminded him of some odd things that had occurred in the morning. Like the fact that the Rhoni lass did not seem to be uncomfortable around the strange and fierce guardians. And that, despite their grim, dark and taunting words and their foreboding watch, he had not seen any of the bigg’uns draw steel.

If they were bullies, they were of an uncharacteristically harmless sort. Well, until one of their own got hurt.

Those were interesting questions for him to occupy his night with. The Rhoni girl and Bekkah had vanished about the time the Forest folk had. On one hand, Rhoni were a wandering folk... on the other hand, Bekkah just disappearing was a bit unnerving.

If anything, the night was quiet and hot. A salty breeze from the west made it damp and uncomfortable and difficult for all to sleep – all save Mikkie, who simply camped beneath the stars atop the watchtower.


Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

By the time all three of them – Kadri, Mikal, and Cesare – had woken, the sun had risen far enough to cast the village in a soft morning light.

At the foot of the rock, there was a significantly more familiar bustle. True, the merchants were the same, but there were more patrons, and these did not move in mysterious, odd patterns and did not wear concealing cloaks. It also appeared that whole families were out and about – not just a single representative who had drawn the short straw the day before.

The miller’s wife stood at the door to the mill, looking down on this market with a distinct glower. The only other grumbling one occasionally heard was a disappointed buyer, discovering that the best of what they sought had been sold the day before.

From the rock, the surrounding lands could be seen.

It seemed that stragglers were still inbound to the humankind's market. To the east, there was a single rider accompanied by a trio of companions.

Farther to the south, another pair slowly walked between scattered stones and creek, taking a longer, more scenic, arcing promenade around the stone and watchtower before drifting into the farmer’s market.

Mikal

Having taken his leave of farmer Heatherson he checks in with the other two farmsteads to see if he can locate word of Bekkah, as well as to introduce himself.

At Blackhair's home he again asks if there is interest in fertilizer from a herd of horses, though he wonders if perhaps the dairy cows provide enough? Still, worth asking. Trading with the families here can only bring good will.

No one seems to know anything about Bekkah, and he is now officially worried. He wishes Darian were still here, as she'd likely have been able to find trail signs of where Bekkah went, but without that looking for her would be pointless, not to mention dangerous. He just has to hope she knows what she is doing, and that her goddess will protect her.

The merchants arrived early, and while he'd like to see what they had for trade and sale he keep watch. He sees a single rider with three companions coming from the East, and then to the south he sees two others arrive.

(Wolf - do any of the people arriving look like Bekkah?)

[[ one of the group of four is dressed in whites, so that's a good sign ]]

Mikal

He focuses on the group with the single rider, looking at the one in white as they approach, holding his breath until he is reasonably certain who it is. He releases the held breath and resists the urge to run down the stairs and confront her with a 'What the heck did you think you were doing running off without telling anyone where you were going?'

Instead, hard as it is, he simply heads down the stairs to go mingle among the merchants and see what is for sale, though he does keep peeking over his shoulder at the group coming up the trail.

KAdri also heads down, this time seeking out and seeing if she can find Broke, starting naturally with the place she was last time they met. Probably not there, but a quick look was not amiss nonetheless.

She too was curious about Bekkkah: If she was one of those arriving, she woudl know soon enough,

Mikal - with Kadri

Pausing at the bottom of the stairs before heading to the merchants, he takes in the scene. A few minutes later, Kadri arrives. He turns to her and offers a greeting.

"Good morning, Kadri." He tips his head in the direction of the approaching group that seems to include Bekkah. "It seems like our lost Lady of Attera has found some new friends in her late night wanderings. I'd chastise her for worrying us all half to death, but I doubt it would do any good."

He glances at Kadri. "Did you find out anything about the Hasturian yesterday?"

Kadri:

She thinks for a moment before responding.

"Well, the short of it is that ... it would seem that Hastur himself thought that the Hasturian had it coming. Lets see, how did it go ..."

She pauses a bit before beginning.


“The one from the Dirkwood had been coming to the fruitseller's stall for, she said, almost a year at that time. Then one day the Hastur came - apparently of his own initiative - to investigate the rumors and tales of the ones from the forest. Apparently he wasn't happy with the fact that he wasn't welcome on the OTHER Marketday and pulled rank - wore his fancy church blues and started being a high and mighty twit and remind people who was in charge. Apparently the one from the forest who was buying fruit didn't really understand the complexities of the politics of the Imperial church, and as the lady was busy with a pair of other customers, he laid down his coin and took his berries in trade. Then the Hastur decided that it was a fine and good thing to hit the 'lill'un yank off his hood and told him to show himself to the Court's Eyes. And when he saw what the lill'un looked like, he apparently laid into him and beat him savagely. Apparently his victim did not fight back. Apparently those present decided that justice had to be served. The Hastur called upon the Eye to protect himself, and apparently he received no answer as his lord found him wanting in the scales of justice. It was apparently the judgement of Hastur himself that this man was an ass. The rest, you more or less know."

Mikal

He listens carefully, nodding at the end. "From that telling the man did indeed deserve punishment. Although rending a person limb from limb is more akin to torture than justice. But I am less concerned about the manner of punishment he received than the fact that those without authority to deliver it in this place took it upon themselves to do so."

He takes a deep breath. "It is dangerous, Kadri. You know, just as I do, that the Nobles reserve to themselves the right to decide punishment for crimes. It is a crime itself to usurp that power, for I suspect they fear what might happen if the commoners realize that they can hold the Nobles to task just as easily."

He glances at the approaching group, then at the market.

"We need to decide what we will tell the next Imperial who shows his face here. For all we know a Knight of Rames or another Hasturian has been sent to investigate the man's disappearance."

Kadri:

"Oh yes Mikal. Believe me, I'm thinking about it. It does help determine the direction of inking abut it, for me at least, that the God who is the very embodiment of the law in the imperial court said it was just b extension, or at least not unjust. Push comes to shove, I wonder if it is possible to get an 'official' declaration to that effect like happened with my marriage?"

Mikal

"Hmmm. Well, getting sworn statements from witnesses who saw the Hasturian call on his god and be shunned would likely help. Though whether another Hasturian would accept evidence presented by a non-follower is questionable. But it couldn't hurt."

"We might want to warn the forest folk though. Much as I find her behaviour childish and antagonistic, still Broke seems to be trying to do the right thing, even if its in the wrong way."

He waves a hand.

"Lets go see what they have at the market. Maybe if we ignore Bekkah and pretend we never even noticed she was gone it will serve her right?" He chuckles.

He strolls over towards the merchants, looking at the wares for sale.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, and a small market full of Merchants

Indeed, the market was very similar to the day before except this time it was much more lively, much more populated and yet, if anything, there was an edge to some of the haggling.

"I donnae care what ye could 'ave got for it yesterday. If'n that's the case, mebbe ye shoulda sold it yesterday. Today's today and a crown for a candle is Highland Path robbery!"

And that was indeed true; yesterday, the haggling was more along the lines of 'is this enough' followed by the laying out of more coins when necessary. Of course, a large number of folks made their way up the long set of stairs to have their grain milled. Missus Miller was still a'glowering, but she dutifully counted and managed the line before her. Thus, she probably didn't notice that what looked to be a young girl sitting in the high dormer window enjoying the warm summer view. It also meant she didn't notice the gathering of four just outside of the hamlet on the other side of the big rock, where a lass dressed very much like her missing tenant conversed with three others. One of the others was probably Bekkah, but the other lass and the study fellow with the horse were not known.

There was more than trading going on; here and there, information was exchanged. One of the Merchants had a small group around him – mostly the middle born of the surrounding farms catching up on the local news – including rumors of a new alliance between old arch enemies, the Kories and the Allaines. Here and there, folks just walked from vendor to vendor – bviously being very careful about how to spend their two coins – including a pair of sturdy men in long cloaks. They seemed to be simply wandering the small market as if it were something very quaint and provincial. As the day grew longer, another phenomenon occurred – the older sons and older daughters tended to gravitate together, often under a suspicious parent's eye. This too was not out of the ordinary. The market was often one the few days one could see and visit with those outside one's immediate family.

As for Bekkah and the suspected Keiko, who had appeared as mysteriously as they had disappeared, they seemed perfectly happy to stay at the hamlet's border... even if the horseman looked like he was becoming a bit lost in the too far to be heard but certainly appearing to be animated conversation between the young women.

Mikal

He moves from vendor to vendor, browsing casually, looking for anything of interest. At one stall he buys a small batch of sweets, haggling only briefly. However he keeps his eye open for anyone selling clothing, as his have been worn down by the road and he could certainly use something new, as well as anyone selling armour or weapons.

For the moment, Kadri follows along, looking for anything of interest - but her attention keeps drifting back in the direction where Bekkah and the others are waiting. Inbetween drifts, however, she carefully tries too listen for the gossip to see if any of it is germane or interesting - or accurate.

Cesare

He too browses the market, mostly looking rather than buying, though he might be tempted by any hot food on offer. He nods to those he knows but does not seek out anyone's company. Instead he observes and tries to get a feel for the place and its people.

Bekkah

She looked down on the young girl as she examined the flower. She wasn't sure what to make of her. A village of people that never interacted with others, would explain her strange behavior.

Then she spoke, telling Bekkah in her own way not to go to the village. That got a raised eyebrow from the Atteran, but she said nothing. That kind of reaction was as new to her as Cinnamon bread was to the girl.

She looked across the small bridge and noticed her companions at a marketday stall. She waved to them and smiled.

"Would you like to meet some of my friends?"

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, Bekkah, Keiko, Lyric, and Pietro

“...cor, who would’a thought. They ‘ave been at each other’s throats for generations; even to the point of offerin’ their youngest princess up to the Montagues for marrying...”

Of course, gossip would be one of the major trading items of a market day, with bits and pieces of conversation sifting through the crowd. If Kadri wanted to track down a particularly interesting thread, one could do so if one took an active role in eavesdropping. But for now, it was just scraps of conversation, a little bit here, a little bit there from a great variety of sources.

“...since when did Missus Miller start takin’ in boarders...”

“...well mebbe they’ll try marryin’ our young Master to their young Heiress. I been told they make a right handsome couple at the courts and all, quite sweet and even romantic. Maybe their stars have finally uncrossed...”

“...Marketday, eh? And then only on a Marketday?”

“...Aye, a Rhoni lass for the last few months. If’n ye talk to her nicely, I heard tell she read the Cards for thee. But another? Maybe she’s a niece or someone visitin’. What, you don’t believe Missus Miller ‘as relatives that could survive ‘er?”

“...but I hear he’s already gotten himself married. To one of those horse riding lassies from the Plains of Kaa.”

“Well, he has so many girlfriends I hear... one for every town along the Highland Path. Why, I heard he actually has a lass from here of all places!”

“...and where are they between Marketdays? Oh. Yes. Of course.”

“...that’s kind of scary, though, mark my words. If the Allaines and Kories are all nice, that bottles up the Montague – especially with Brockman’s becoming a ward of them both. They got little place to go... except out into the hills and farms...”

For Cesare, as the sun rose towards Her zenith, his wish would be coming true. All through the morning, there would be the hints – meat over a small cook fire, the scent of rare spices that were traded for yesterday being used today, the youngest tugging on their elders’ tunics asking for a piece of licorice, cinnamon being used in bread, and even more savory tastes being mixed into stews and thick bean based soups.

By the time for the midday meal, he could find everything from meat upon a skewer to soups and bread. There was not a bevy of merchants to choose from, however, just two. This was a small market, after all. One for the simple kabobs – and this missus, from the back of small wagon, would heat up squares of meat and vegetables to order. The stews and soups were drawn from a pair of pots in Missus Blackhair’s kitchen. She had a board set up on saw horses in front of her house where folks could sit and rest while they ate.

As for Mikal, the weapons traded here were the kind for slaying meals – knives and spoons mostly. The tinkers that sold them were also busy trading pots and pans and pierced tin lamps. One had an oddity tucked in a tall cup, at the very back of his wares and obviously not for sale – a spoon made, of all things, from a suspiciously black metal.

Clothes, however, were a different matter... a much more difficult one. He would find himself in competition with most of the goodwives and their daughters as they bartered with another pair of merchants, to purchase clothes for themselves and their family. There were all sorts of tunics – long and short, circle and keyed collar, over and under, laced chemises and some double or quarter paneled for hard work. Most were linen, and the more expensive ones had embroidered trim running around cuffs and hems. There were surcoats and breeches, too. The colors tended to be simple... browns and greens in various shades. Certain colors were hard to find – blue, white and red – probably because they were church colors had significant meaning if worn.

A bit further off, beneath the shadow of the Dirkwood Forest, the conversations both light and tense of the four most recently met had continued.

Now She almost at Her zenith and none of them had eaten since dawn. As the three had their chance to wander the length and breadth of the small farmer’s market, it became pretty well assured that the four just a little bit down the path to the east indeed included Bekkah and Keiko. They were in conversation with two strangers – a horseman and a woman.

The four had finally reached the small hamlet proper at the wagon and baskets where cheeses and some excellent looking meat pies were sold, where they might soon be facing another untested challenge – meeting Bekkah’s friends.

Cesare

Hungry already, though he had done little to earn that today, he contemplated what was on offer. Thinking he might wait until the others decided to eat, he purchases a skewer from the woman in the small wagon, something he could eat as he continued to wander.

He notices people approaching, Bekkah clearly in white at the front of the group and he raises a hand in greeting as they are still a little way off, relieved that she is returned. He wonders who they are. Not forest folk by the look of them. Then he realises that one of them is the Rhoni girl. Immediately he feels tense. Either she has taken a dislike to him or he has unwittingly crossed some unseen line. He is not sure if he cares to find out which.

He nibbles at his skewer, his eyes returning to the stall next to the wagon, though why he would be interested in lanterns is any one's guess.

Kadri looks to the newcomers, turns, and essays a bow, arms crossed and clasping the alternate shoulder. If this was the new Dama Korie she was dressed rather informally. She was also barely five feet tall in shoes.

"Bekkah, good to see you again - I think you had Mikal - and myself - no doubt Cesare concerned.

She turns to the one who was of Rames.

'Greetings, and welcome to Waverider's watch - is there anything we might be able to do for you while you are here? A fine horse you have."

She studies it for a second.

"And from the look very well cared for, and comfortable with the the one she allows the honor of riding her"

She winks.

"I am Kadri djinn Khayriyah djinn Terilanquel al'Korie if you wish to be formal. Just plain Kadri by preference. If you wish to be very formal I could make that name very long indeed, and such would likely please my mother but then we would be here all night."

She grins pleasantly.

She nods to Keiko and the other girl acknowledging them - but until she knew what sort of follower of Rames this particular man was, it would be best to address him first.

Bekkah

She gave Kadri a smile.

"Hello Kadri dear. I do feel bad about that. It was a spur of the moment thing, and I knew the guys would be worried. I will do my best to make it up to them."

She then turned to her new companions.

"Kadri, this is Squire Pietro, and this delightful girl is Lyric."

"This is one of my companions, Kadri."

Keiko

As she fell in step beside Lyric, Keiko spoke quietly to her. “If you need help to keep from being overwhelmed by all of this...” She eyed the marketplace and the people in front of them. “...please tell me what I can do, even if it is only something as simple as staying by your side and holding your hand.

“There are so many new and different things and people at the Restday market. Sometimes the tinker has so many things in his cart that I find it distracting,” she added with a smile.

Lyric

The girl with the flowers in her hair watched as Bekkah spoke with Kadri. She dressed as though she might be from a place far away. A place Lyric might never see in her lifetime. But, who was to know what awaited her on this Journey into the What Will Be though.

Kadri introduced herself with a string of names and a preferred name. It was as 'Rhymesical' and melodic sounding as Keiko's names, but the al'Korie thing struck her as it seemed as important in the hearing as it was in the saying. That was a Talantal name. This woman was part of the Imperial Nobility... somehow...

Bekkah did the introductions for both Pietro and herself and Lyric offered a modified curtsy with her head lowered. Until she knew more it was probably best to extend a reasonable amount of deference. It was a lesson learned just recently and one she wished she knew before trotting up to 'amuse' Lady Bekkah.

Dama Korie, Kadri by preference, focused her attentions on Squire Pietro and that seemed appropriate. Keiko remained by her side and spoke quietly.

"Thank you," she replied as quietly. "All is well... I was just thinking about home for a bit. It is fine though, Home was Then, Waverider Reach is In the Now. And in the Now, I want to make a good impression. I'm not sure I did that with Lady Bekkah. I don't think she cares much for me... But I don't know. Maybe there are rules I don't know about, so I will be more careful."

Mikal

He does not intend to get into any sort of competition with the locals if the availability is limited, so once he sees the press of people around the clothing merchant, he says to the vendor, "Once everyone else has bought what they want, and before you pack up for the day, if you have anything left call me over. I will take a look and perhaps buy some of the left-overs."

With no weapons or armour for sale, there is little left for him to browse so he purchases some licorice to save for later and buys a bowl of stew and some bread and finds a large rock to sit upon to eat it as he watches Bekkah, Keiko, and the two newcomers approach.

Swiping the bottom of the bowl with the last bit of the bread, he returns the bowl to Missus Blackhair's table.

Turning he can see as he was eating that Kadri had approached the group of 4, who have paused just at the edge of the first vendor's wagon and is in casual discussion.

Seeing them closer now, he can see the mounted and armoured figure appears to be a follower of Rames, and considering the conversation he just had with Kadri not more than few minutes ago, it seems awfully suspicious.

The girl with flowers in her hair is quite pretty, and much more in the "simple village girl" way than Bekkah. No matter how much Bekkah tries to fight it, her position afforded to her by her goddess makes her more than a bit intimidating.

So, licking the last of the quite good stew from his fingers, he wanders over in the direction of Kadri, Bekkha, Keiko, and the two newcomers.

It is only a few yards stroll, so he arrives fairly quickly. Nodding companionably to Kadri, Bekkah, and Keiko, he does his best to mask the worry he had felt for Bekkah the prior sleepless night.

"New friends?" He asks. He keeps a safe distance from the horse, it is not easy to tell at first glance, but if it is a trained warhorse they can be dangerous.

The newcomers can see a man in his late twenties with a short beard and longish hair. Perhaps 6 feet tall, his face shows more wear and lines than his age would normally allow, and there is a certain weariness about him, although his smile seems to come easily to his face. He walks gracefully, with the balanced gait of a fighting man.

{OOC: Poor Pietro... climbing up and down, on and off his horse... it might make most people think he's more than a little daft.}

Keiko

Keiko looked from Lyric to Lady Bekkah and back again, shaking her head slightly.

“I do not think you need take Lady Bekkah’s contemplative nature as dislike, Lyric. She was similarly quiet on our journey to the Forest Kin Home yesterday, and nearly as quiet on our return here this morning.” The Rhoni shrugged. “I have only known her since yesterday, but she has much goodness and kindness in her heart. Perhaps she simply prays a lot?”

There seemed to be more people at the market today than there had been in weeks past, though that was likely only her imagination. Unless she was looking for something specific at Missus Miller’s behest, she generally avoided the Restday market. She much preferred the market for the Forest Folk — they did not ask her to read her Cards for them as the human folk did. It wasn’t that she minded, of course; she just liked... well, not to be surprised by it all. Her Deck? Well, the Cards didn’t much care one way or the other — serious questions were given serious answers; foolish questions were given foolish answers.

And having nothing in particular to say to either Dama Kadri nor Mikal, she remained silent.

Pietro


Leading Djinni with a light touch on her reins, the squire of Rames paused when the others did and looked around the marketplace, oddly busy, he thought, for the day after Marketday.

Then the diminutive young woman greeted him with what appeared to be a formal salute and he realized she must be the new spouse of Dominic Korie he'd heard about.

Pietro saluted her in return, his right fist to the left side of his chest accompanied by a slight bow.

"I am honored to greet you in the name of Lord Rames, Dama Korie," he said with a polite smile.

"I am Squire Pietro Keir Hansson, son of Knight Marshall Hans Keurig of Talantal, but that, also, is more name than I feel like carrying. I prefer being called Pietro. And I have no current needs, but I do appreciate your gracious offer... I am just traveling in the service of my Lord the Protector."

Pietro glanced over and slightly upward at the taller man, Jvrillian, he was pretty sure. The squire was perhaps six inches over five feet with long brown hair and a slim, agile looking build. He wore a chain mail shirt with matched greaves. Hanging from his belt were a small war axe and a shortsword.

Lyric

Lyric nodded at Keiko belief that patience was in order where Lady Bekkah was concerned. That, and not to read too much into any reactions yet...

She too remained silent for a time as Kadri of the Many Names and Squire Pietro continued their introductions as though there was a formality to it. A custom or tradition perhaps?

She noted the approach of another man, less formal in his attire and in his demeanor, but he too seemed focused on the interaction between Kadri and Pietro.

Kadri:

"So what service to your lord the protector might bring you to these parts?"

Pietro


Pietro cocked his head slightly to one side and frowned in thought for a moment before responding to the Dama Korie's question.

"Why, nothing specific, Dama Korie. I am traveling the land in search of those who might need the protection of Lord Rames."

He spread his hands wide, hands up in an all-inclusive gesture.

"Not meaning to be sarcastic, but I have to be somewhere."

(OOC - PP - Just to clarify, the picture shows a horse, but Mikal is on foot.)

Mikal

He stops, standing near to Kadri, and waits politely to be introduced by any of those he knows.

He listens carefully to the exchange between Squire Pietro and Kadri. He has his own suspicions, but he's jumped to some conclusions lately and so tries not to do so here.

He is wearing a casual tunic of homespun wool in butternut, that is a bit worse for wear, and leather pants and boots made for riding. The only weapon he carries is an oddly fashioned dagger in a sheath in the small of his back.

Lyric

Lyric smiled but just as quickly glanced aside, demurring on any potential attention that might detract from the Squire's interaction with the Dama Korie.

But she inwardly approved of the response. He did indeed 'have to be somewhere'. That was what drew her smile.

While it was curious how the Dma reacted, pleasant but circumspect, Lyric couldn't help but think the Dama was none to fond of strangers herself. Lyric knew how that felt.

Further, it did seem as if the Dama was guarded in her greeting, despite having the lady of Attera in the Squire's presence. Were not all Imperial servants regarded the same? Was not the Dama married to a scion of the Kories, one of the principle houses of the Imperials?

What a lovely view. Where does that stream go? I wonder how far away the ocean is. I would like to see the ocean.

Still the smile wouldn't fade despite redirecting her thoughts and her attention.

Kadri:

"This. Is Mikal, my bodyguard and trusted friend."

She motions.

"That gentleman over there is Cesare."

She motions to him.

"Also my trusted friend."

She says pointedly, then looks back to Pietro.

"So, Pietro - if you are planning on at least temporarily making your somewhere be here, then I may as well invite you to dinner."

She motions to include the rest of them.

"The rest of you as well. I am not yet sure what I can get prepared for you as I only just arrived myself, but I am sure we can find something, even if only simple fare."

She looks over at Lyric.

"Lyric - that is an intriguing name. Is it merely symbolic, or can you also sing?"

[OOC: Please wait for me! I'm three hours behind where I used to be and I'm still at work. Thank you.]

Keiko


Keiko paid little attention to the conversation around her; instead, she looked out across the market field. She noted that the Lost Rhoni was leaning against one of the merchant’s wagons. He looked like he was going to stay there, too. She shrugged to herself. Apparently, the currents were steering her in a different direction at the moment — proper introductions would have to wait.

Well, Lady Bekkah had a promise to keep, and before Lady Bekkah could pray to her Goddess about the promise, Keiko needed to consult with her Cards.

If you can’t find the Wave, then just wait for it... and ride it.

Grandfather had liked to say that.

The young Rhoni girl looked at the healer and started to step forward, barely shifting her weight, before feeling the tug of another current.

That was passing strange. She blinked and looked around the market again. She even looked pointedly at the Forest, wondering if the Shadows there were the cause. But no... with a puzzled expression, she shook her head. However, as she looked at those around her one more time, still heedless of the conversations, it took considerable concentration to see Lyric’s pale, chestnut-framed face and feel the force of the wave that caught her when she looked at the other girl.

Keiko blinked and everything seemed so clear and obvious and harmonious that she almost laughed. Instead, she smiled as she whispered to Lyric, who appeared transfixed by the stream, “Follow me, Lyric. It’s... Harmony, balance... you are necessary. I think. For balance.” Once she had caught Lyric’s attention, she nodded and pointed to the millhouse that was perched halfway up the tall rock. “My room is up there. The view is... indescribable. In a wonderful way.”

Then she stepped to Lady Bekkah’s side and gently encircled the healer’s wrist with one small hand.

“Come, Lady Bekkah. The currents are flowing quickly. We both have questions to ask, and now is the time to begin riding that wave.”

The others — the squire, Dama Kadri, the Jvrillian — were conversing still. Assuming that Lyric and Lady Bekkah followed her, Keiko just nodded to the others as she passed and made her way up the stone steps to the mill house.

She paused at each of the landings, however, to allow Lyric a chance to look at the surrounding area. How often had she looked out over the fields and farms, the little houses, the Blackwater, the Forest itself in her first few weeks here? She’d lost count... and she still found something new to see each time. Perhaps they would have time later to speak of the differences, of the similarities, of the wonders of former homes, present homes, and journeys of walking the World.

At the first landing, she had waved in the direction of the Forest at the edge of the market field. Her friends might have guessed that all was well — for now — but Keiko did owe them the courtesy of verifying her wellbeing. Hopefully, she would see Broke tomorrow... later today? Well, at some point after Lady Bekkah concluded her contemplations.

“Later, or perhaps tomorrow, we can visit Mikkie at the top of the tower if you’d like,” she said to Lyric. “He likes to sit in the sunlight and just enjoy Her blessings. There is much wisdom in his silence. And the mill stream starts up there, too, near the tower. It always seems happy to me.” She looked at the healer then as they continued walking. “Thomas sniffs his nose at me when I say that and Jerris rolls his eyes. Mikkie at least pretends to take me seriously.”

She thought she saw movement in her dormer window, which would be odd. Oh. Well, unless she left the window open yesterday, which she probably did, so the breeze was probably making an exceptional mess.

Reaching the level of the mill, Keiko paused to survey the land once more... to give her companions a chance to look around a bit before she led them inside. The Millers had a good-sized room of their own off the mill. It was a combination kitchen and living space, clean and cozy. There was a sleeping nook off to one side with a loft for storage. There was a stew simmering in a large hanging pot on the hearth; the fire was low, but Keiko stepped over to stir the stew anyway. It was just something she did for Missus Miller. Besides, it smelled so good! It’s possible her tummy rumbled just a little. There was a fresh loaf of bread cooling on the table.

Against the wall, this homey room shared with the mill was a ladder.

“My room is up above the mill itself. It’s not really as noisy as Missus Miller made it out to be when I first arrived.” She chuckled as she walked over to the ladder, motioning them to follow. “Or maybe I’ve gotten used to it. Let me go up first... I think I left the window open, so I fear some of my pasteboards may have scattered about the room. Lady Bekkah, I think you will like the window seat.” Keiko stopped after two rungs and looked back at Lyric. “Oh. You would like it, too, Lyric. But the view is so...” She sighed as she smiled; it was a peaceful sound. “Well, even I lose track of time. You don’t mind sitting on the floor, do you?” Without waiting for an answer — yet believing and trusting that they would follow — Keiko continued up the ladder until her head and shoulders were lost to the upper reaches of the building.

Lady Bekkah and Lyric could hear her gasp of surprise and then an exclamation of elation as she scampered the rest of the way up the ladder.

“Tomomi!!! How did you get here? I’m so happy to see you! Lady Bekkah, Tomomi is here!”

She moved to the hatch in the floor to help Lady Bekkah and Lyric into her room, but the presence of the additional person already waiting in her room unmistakably filled the Rhoni with joy.



[OOC: Many thanks to Bekkah’s and Lyric’s players for allowing me to take some liberties with their characters. I did my best to be gentle! It might look rushed, but the journey from the bottom of the steps to the bottom of the ladder was reasonably leisurely (despite the sometimes steep steps, no one is out of breath). Agus go raibh maith agat, mo Wolf daor... for giving me the space to do this.]

OOC: only fair to try to weave all things together



Lyric

At the speaking of the High Tarnan girl's name, her self-imposed exile was shattered. No more could she feign amusement in things about her after the Dama had called her.

Given name, she met Dama Kadri's inquiry with a direct meeting of the eyes. Her own pale blue eyes were like two pools of water. The shade of them was not brilliant and hardly noteworthy in the ways light might play against some blues but, rather because of the paleness of this shade, light seemed to get lost in hers. It made her somewhat captivating in a sense, because people often tried to read deep into the soul of a person through their eyes. Lyric's eyes were a song and story all their own...

She bowed slightly in deference but unfamiliar with the proper protocol for greeting the Dama of a Korie noble. When she spoke, there indeed was a lyrical quality to her voice. She spoke in measured tone and cadence, almost lilting in the Highside Tarn accent.

"It is my Name and what you hear is what it means. I have been told that my gifting is my voice and so my name means Voice. I would like to believe I can sing well enough to amuse those who spare the time to listen. Perhaps later you might spare some of your time to listen as well?"

Mikal - with Keiko, Bekkah, Kadri, Lyric, Pietro, and a not too distant Cesare, then without Lyric, Bekkah, and Keiko

He tips his head in acknowledgement as he is introduced. He listens to the girl's reply, smiling. "For myself, I would love to listen, if you are willing to share." She seems a bit distracted, but she is the first girl he's met who looks like she came from the same simple background as he did since Celi.

He is about to say more, but before he can do so Keiko takes both she and Bekkah and heads off.

**Odd,** he thinks, suspecting it has something to do with whatever happened in the forest.

"Ladies." He says as they pass by, with a short bow. **I guess time for talk will have to be later.**

He turns back to the Squire and Kadri. Kadri has just invited the Squire for dinner, which is probably wise, in addition to polite.

He adds, with a wave towards one of the farmhouses. "The farmhouse there has a stable. Our mounts are there. I think they'd be able to hold one more."

He then points up to the tower atop the hill. "You are welcome to find a spot to sleep and store your gear in the Watchtower. I can't promise a bed", he pauses a moment, glancing at Cesare and recalling the night before, "oh, I think there might actually be one available in the tower."

Kadri

"I have been told that I have a passing pleasant enough voice for singing, albeit a mostly untrained one. I also can spin a good tale. I would very much welcome hearing you sing. If you wish, you could join us for dinner - Keiko is welcome too - and perhaps there we could all hear you sing?"

Lyric

"I am grateful for the invitation Dama Korie," replied Lyric with a slight nod of her head. "I hope I do not disappoint and spoil your evening."

And the man who was named Mikal by the Dama had also offered his willingness to be entertained. Of course, if she failed in that effort, then she likely wouldn't get another opportunity. But such was the life of a minstrel.

"You are kind to welcome me," she said to Mikal.

her eyes drifted back over to the stream and thought she might like to spend some time thinking and gathering herself before this performance took place. It seemed peaceful and a little removed.

But then the Rhoni girl then seemed struck by an idea that led her to take an action, and that action seemed to spawn an endeavor very quickly. Perhaps too quickly. Lyric was swept up in the enthusiasm and followed, as she was beckoned, to the next awaiting adventure.

Lyric cast a glance to Pietro and her expression was a bit plaintive. He was her shelter in the storm that things had suddenly become after meeting the Atteran and the Rhoni. Truth be told, leaving home was the actual storm. The Atteran and the Rhoni just intensified it upon their appearance.

"Come find me in the soon to be," she tried to whisper to him before the Rhoni's latest wave swept her under...

Pietro


Things were moving quickly - perhaps too quickly for his preference - but then again, it had been more than a fullhand of days since he had met so many strangers at once.

He tried to take things in order or as close to it as he could manage.

"You are good to be so helpful to a stranger, Mikal," he said and gave a modified, slightly toned down version of the salute he'd offered to Dama Korie on their meeting.

"And Lyric has a fine voice and she is good at telling the funny tales."

"I am sure your singing voice is also entertaining, Dama," he said to the newlywed of house Korie.

"It will be pleasant for both Djinni and I to be domiciled and granted the sustenance you offer." His gesture included both Kadri and Mikal.

Then he turned back to Lyric and the rather plaintive expression on her young face pained him. His first inclination was to follow her and the other two ladies, invitation or no, but, after a moment's reflection, he decided that would not be the... diplomatic option.

"Call out for me... or send word to me and I will be there, Miss Lyric."

Pietro watched as they left, then turned his attention back to Mikal and Kadri.

"Have you a contract with Dama Korie, Mikal?"

Mikal

"Indeed I do, Squire Pietro. I am the head of her bodyguard and look after her safety personally."

He pauses a moment, then adds, "I see you know something of Jvrillians. Our small group has had the company of a Squire or two in the past. But they were in duty to a Knight. You mentioned your father, but are you then free of all such attachments?"

He stops before continuing. "But you must be tired from the road. Why don't you dismount and we'll get you settled and still have time for you to shop the Market here? There's plenty of time to learn about each other and why we're here."

[OOC: Pietro, like Mikal, is already afoot.]

Pietro


"I have met my share of folk of your... persuasion."

Pietro paused and frowned, not particularly pleased with his choice of words.

"And, on the whole," he said, plunging onward rather than go back and correct his phrasing, "they have been of sound character... especially when following the terms of a contract."

The squire paused again and thought over how best to respond to Mikal's question. Finally he decided that simplest was best, even if simplicity did not necessarily extend to a completeness of truth.

"I am, indeed, an unattached squire who hopes one day to be worthy of my own elevation to knighthood."

Pietro glanced from Mikal to Kadri and then back to the Jvrillian with a brief stop in transit at Cesare who had been mentioned but whom he had not yet met.

"I would be pleased to do so. And, perhaps, on the way you could introduce me to Cesare there."

Kadri:

"Indeed. I trust Mikal with my life. The number of people I trust as much are very few. You have met one of them and I just introduced you to another."

She looks to his horse.

"What do you call this beautiful lady again?"

She reaches out and pauses.

"May I? I am of Amber, and horses are what we do. You should meet my Lisica as well. I will introduce you when we stable yours."

Pietro


"Her name is Djinni, named for her noble and fleet spirit, Dama Korie," he said with a smile, finding it difficult to call her simply Kadri as she had told Lyric to address her.

"And you are welcome to greet her. As one of Amber, I am sure your touch would be most welcome to her."

Pietro froze for a moment, his smile draining away and he frowned in thought as he remembered a couple of things Kadri had said earlier, things which now seemed - not suspicious - but interesting at least.

"Dama Korie, earlier you asked for my reason in coming here in a way that..." he paused, not sure how to phrase this next bit.

"Did you have some particular reason in mind for my presence in this domain of your husbands?"

Kadri:

She thought about trying to correct him again, but gave up on that fight.

"Djinni. A lovely and appropriate name. I think it suits."

She gently stroked the horse's hear and whispered to her.

"I was surprised to see you in these parts - for this is but a small domain on the edge of nothing for an Imperial. If one was looking for adventure or excitement, here - at the edge of nothing - would not seem to be the place to seek it. As for myself, I was looking to remove myself from politics for a small time. I am afraid I have somewhat annoyed a lady known as Talia. You may have heard something about it."

Her mouth quirked.

"Her relatives were stinking up the place. They had to be disinvited. But now, noone cares about them. Except, I might mention, Talia. Dominie holds this place, and it seemed like an excellent spot for some time away from the craziness, and for me to work on some personal projects."

She holds her hands out in a 'who me' pose, and smiles a foxy smile.

Every word true. There might be more truth to find, but no search would find anything she said to be false.

Pietro


"I have traveled far and wide these last fullhand of years and more," he said with a smile and a slight shrug.

"And the years and my friend, Djinni, ended up bringing me here, Dama Kadri," he said, trying a compromise on her name and seeing how it felt rolling out on his tongue.

"It seems me I have heard the name Talia and I am sure you did nothing which was not warranted."

Mikal

He chuckles. "Well, you will hear it again shortly Squire as it is the name of my riding mare. And, yes, before you ask, that was not an accident." He grins slightly. "It provided me with endless mirth each time we spoke with Talia in Talantal."

"So, come. Let us relieve you of your gear."

Assuming no one stops, Mikal leads the small group towards the stable so the horses can be introduced to one another.

Kadri
She wrinkles her nose.

'Every time I hear '''Dama' it makes me feel ten years older.'
She grins, showing that no real offense was taken.
After they make their way to the stables, she indicates one horse giving it a pat on the head.

"Pietro, meet Lisica. Lisica, meet Pietro."

The mare was small, but obviously of very good stock.

Pietro


"Then I will certainly get used to hearing that name," Pietro said with a smile to Jvrillian before turning to Kadri.

"I will try and address you as you prefer, Kadri," he said, emphasizing her name as if it took an effort to say it without the honorific.

"She is a beautiful lady," he murmured as he carefully approached the dark colored mare, holding out his fist for her to sniff in the manner of horse introductions.

"I am pleased, Lisica," he said and then slowly moved his hand up to scratch the horse's ears and then lightly slap her neck.

"This is Djinni."

Mikal

He lets Pietro greet Lisica and then introduces his own mounts. Walking over to one stall that holds a dappled mare he pats her flank and says to Pietro.


"This is Talia. She and I have been together for some time now. She is for riding. She has the most gentle gait I've seen."

He turns and moves to the next stall, which holds a black gelding. This horse is stamping it's feet and snorting a bit, which began as soon as it saw the new horse, Djinn, that Pietro brought inside.


"And this is Nightshade. He is for battle."



In the stall near Nightshade Pietro can see, in addition to the gear a trained warhorse would need, saddle, lance, and so on, there is a wooden shield, painted with a Rose, in Argent on a Sable field. Red tears drip from the rose, Dexter and around the border are the words, 'Memoria Est Vox'.

Pietro


"She has a fine face," the squire said and stroked the mare's neck, "and a good form."

Pietro turned to the stall where Nightshade was stalled.

"He looks like... power," he said, nodding at the gelding but not approaching it.

"Is this your... family coat of arms?"

Kadri:

Her voice slips into a full amber accent, and she recites a bit of verse.

"What delight - to ride upon a noble steed - who rivals even wind for speed - seems native less of earth than air - while watching all behind recede."

She smiles at Pietro.

"There is little to compare to racing horseback on an open plain, only the sky, moon and stars above, and the grass below, the whistling wind around you. All other noises disappear, replaced by only the tap TAP tap TAP of a horses hooves like rhythmic drums, beating on the soil, each beat moving through you as if it were your own heart beating. You and the horse below you, merged as if one being."

Pietro


Smiling, Pietro nodded his agreement.

"Kadri, I cannot disagree with you on that."

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, Pietro, and a remnant of Merchants

In truth, calling the structure a barn was being extremely kind. It was an open structure, a gable roof set on posts whose actual task was to merely provide the Heatherson’s cows a modicum of shelter when the weather turned bad. There was an empty space at one corner where Djinni could be tied and kept out of the sun but the other accouterments of a barn — real stalls, a bucket for water, the second bucket for oats — were missing. They shared the space with a portion of the dairy herd and in the adjacent field, there were both horses and heifers.

Missus Heatherson gave the Dama Korie a blink and a shake of her head. She said nothing, however, and quietly bustled back into her house — it would be dinner soon, and she had her commoner’s tasks to maintain.

Indeed, as the conversations and introductions continued, back at the market the merchants started to finalize their trades and gather up their wares. Some were already taking their leave, probably to ensure they were away from the Dirkwood Forest come sunset. Most of these farmers and merchants seemed to be taking the western path that led over the bridge. Only one farmer prepared to head home along the eastern trail, following in the wake of the rough-looking pair. Some of the merchants were still at their work, including those bringing sacks of freshly ground flour down the stairs from the mill.

Kadri:

"I had best inform the household we will be feeding extra. It may not be fancy."

Mikal

He shrugs. "I have no family. Not anymore. This is a personal credo, emblazoned on a shield."

He glances back to Djinni. "She is well put together. Is she Destrier trained?"

Pietro


Pietro paused in heading toward the one he had not yet met (Cesare) and the make-do barn to look at the marketday - plus one day, he couldn't help but wonder - activity breaking up. He had planned to check out what wares were being offered for sale, but now it looked like it was too late for that.

"What? Oh, yes," he said to the Jvrillian. "Djinni has been my constant companion since she was a young filly and has been trained - along with me - to be one in the fight."

He slapped his steed affectionately on the neck.

"We... we fill the gaps and shortcomings in each others ability."

Mikal

He smiles at Djinni then follows Pietro's glance to where the merchants are starting to pack up.

"Come. Lets go see if they have anything left. The one selling tunics was supposed to save me something. Besides, I've found you can get good deals at the end."

He heads back to the Market, looking for his clothing seller.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, Pietro, and a very limited remnant of Merchants

Besides the occasional shuffle of hooves and the lowing of cattle, the activities at the barn could continue without interruption. As the conversation went on the sun would drop lower and lower in the sky and more and more of the local merchants would depart Waverider’s Watch. A couple would remain; one of the tinkers and one of the food sellers – they were obviously friends or relations of the Blackhair or Barley families and would be spending the night.

On the top of the Rock, the watchtower kept its silent vigil. A single figure, a small shadow at this distance, kept a lazy watch on its top. Two others could be seen climbing the switchback steps and then walking along the path, carrying the goods they had bought this day to the small stone building tucked up against the stone tower.

The millwheel turned and turned, driven by the water cascading off the edge of the big rock. Again, Bekkah and Keiko had vanished but this time, not only had they taken their new companion Lyric with them, they had vanished to a known location. They had already been in the Mill for a good amount of time before the last of bags of flour had left, and Missus Miller shut the door, their work for the day complete.

For those at the Heatherson barn, if they continued in this manner, the night would soon fall and the next day would come all too soon. Which would be a small problem, as Pietro did not exactly know where he would be sleeping this night.

Mikal

Moving among the remaining merchants he finds two new tunics, one in sable the other in red and haggles briefly with the man but pays him a fair price.

He waits for Pietro and Kadri to finish shopping and then, once the last merchant has packed up, he says to Pietro, "Let me show you where you can sack out."

KAdri mainly works on seeing that more dinner than might be normal is fixed.

Pietro


Pietro's needs were modest. He purchased a couple of changes of underclothes and stockings. He looked at the boots available, but none of them were in his size.

"Mikal, that is a good idea. But, while I am thinking about it, can I arrange for extra grain for Djinni?"

Mikal

"Yes", he nods. "You'll have to gather it from the mill and use her nosebag. As you can see, it's not much of a barn. There's no buckets handy and the horses here just graze in the fields."

He knows that is not an issue. Anyone whose life or death depends in large part on the health of their horse is used to taking care of it themselves.

"But the mill is halfway up the cliff. Bring the nosebag with you, and your gear. Makes more sense to drop your stuff off at the Watchtower and then stop at the Mill on the way back down then go up and back twice."

Pietro


"That makes sense," the squire replied. "I have enough grain for one or two feedings left, but will be glad for the opportunity to obtain extra for Djinni."

He took the bag in which he stored the grain (not the feedbag, but just a coarse, jute-like storage bag) from Djinni's saddle and followed where the Jvrillian led.

"How long have you been fulfilling your contract to Dama Korie?"

Mikal

They walk over to the stairs and begin to climb as he answers.

"Not terribly long. Since a little before the Midsummer Council actually. Before that I was contracted to a Dayalan Starlord, and before that I spent my time taking small contracts across the Highland Path, mostly in Brockman's Holdfast with farmers and villagers, protecting them from......"

He pauses to choose the right words.

"....., those who would take advantage of their weakness. Before that I was a member of Cameron's Light Horse Troop."

He glances towards Pietro, hoping he did not offend, then rushes on and adds, "So, what about you? Did you start wandering the land right out of Squire School?"

He shrugs apologetically. "Sorry if that's not the right term. I know very little about how Knight and Squires are made."

Pietro


He glanced toward the building wherein Lyric had disappeared before following Mikal up the stairs.

"It sounds as if you have been busy. I have heard some uh... information about what transpired at that Council," he said slowly.

"Unusual... to put it mildly." Pietro glanced at Mikal, shrugged and smiled mirthlessly.

"I was in Brockman's Holdfast recently. A troubled place. That is where I heard about the unusual events..."

He paused, shook his head and chuckled slightly.

"Unusual and unexpected alliances to say the least."

"A Dayalan Starlord? I have heard of Dayalans, but have met only one."

Pietro turned toward the Jvrillian and his grin this time was warped crookedly.

"Apparently, I know very little about how Knights and Squires are made either since I have been a squire for nigh on ten years now."

"Djinni and I have been out and about for almost as long."

Cesare

He had not found anything of real interest at the market just bought a small tool to add to his smithing set and a few basic clothes items, though he did chat to the sellers. Carrying his packages, he catches up with Mikal and the newcomer.

"Hi Mikal. Saw you making some purchases. Bought anything of interest?"

He nods to the newcomer.

Mikal - with Pietro and Cesare on the stairs between the Watchtower and the Mill

"Hello Cesare. Cesare, this is Pietro", he nods towards the man next to him. "A Squire of Rames. Pietro, Cesare, one of my companions."

At the following question he just shrugs. "A couple of new tunics to replace the ones I have that have more holes than cloth and some sweets. Nothing else of note. How about you?"

Cesare

He adds a smile as the newcomer is introduced.

"Hi Pietro, travelled far?"

Then he turns to Mikal.

"Didn't we have a Squire of Rames with us before? Dean? And I bought a small tool and a few items of clothing too. Some of mine were threadbare too.. and blood stained."

The latter is said quite cheerfully.

[OOC: I'm gonna tattle on you people... hardly even remembering our delightful Squire Dean! For shame! ]

Mikal

"Yes. Squire Dean. And don't forget Squire Conrad, though his presence among us was even briefer than Dean's."

He glances towards Pietro to see if the names mean anything to him.

He nods at the second comment. "Yes. Those Lizard creatures gushed blood. The only good thing about fighting them in those water filled corridors was it washed most of the blood off before it had time to set. But mine were like yours."

Pietro


The squire of Rames nodded his acknowledgement of Cesare's greeting, taking in the man's appearance and clothing and thinking, Rhoni?

He was not sure.

"Well met, Cesare. Yes, I have been roaming the Heartwood for over eight years now."

"Squires Dean and Conrad?" Pietro frowned and searched his memory.

"The names are vaguely familiar but I am not sure. Did you know their patronymic... their father's names?"

He thought another moment.

"About how old were they?"

But then Mikal's comments registered on him and his eyes widened.

"Lizard creatures? Where did you run across such monsters?"

Mikal

His face takes on a contemplative expression as he searches his memory (i.e. as I search thru the back threads ). With Jvrillians' memories being critical to a group who doesn't believe in writing, the information soon comes back to him and he repeats it in a particular tone.

"Squire Conrad Shannon, of the Rock. We met him on the way to Cragside. And Squire Dean Marguard of Talesan. We met him on the Brementown road."

His face comes back to the present and he considers the second question. It is possible that Khorall Larsen asked them to leave because he did not want them to stir up the contention among the farmers and fishermen of the village. Were he to tell a Squire of Rames that there were abominations in the sewers beneath the village Pietro might feel obliged to flush them out, and Lord Larsen might not be very happy. That would be a poor way to repay the man for his gifts.

So he simply shrugs at Pietro. "We were rescuing a kidnapped girl and found her being held by Lizard beasts. We slew them all. I had one of their heads in a sack, but I threw it away. Bloody affair."

He glances at Cesare, hoping he understands why he is being vague.

Cesare

"And this wasn't the first time, we also found giant lizards under a temple and near a bridge.. though I still don't really understand what happened at the bridge that last night."

He had caught Mikal's glance and tries a diversionary tactic, preferring to offer truth wherever possible.

"We seem to attract trouble. So consider yourself warned Pietro."

He sounds in good spirit though, an almost teasing note to his voice.

"And I am feeling fairly hungry."

A not unusual state for the Rhoni.

"I tried one of those skewers but never got around to trying the main event."

Pietro


Pietro frowned and shrugged after considering what Mikal told him.

"Can't say that I remember either name right off the top of my head. It's quite possible, though, that both of them took their training after I was out and about, wandering the land with Djinni."

He smiled at Cesare's statement.

"I have attracted my share of trouble, too, but none of the reptile variety."

His eyes widened.

"I could eat a bite myself."

Meanwhile, Kadri has been seeing about having the repast prepared ...

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, Pietro, and a cast of a handful... maybe

Missus Heatherson’s frown would lighten, but only a little bit, as she noted that her possible guests had dwindled down to one. She looked up to the Dama Korie as Mikal lead Cesare and Pietro away, choosing to climb the stairs back up to the watchtower.

She nodded to one of her daughters, who in turn placed another setting on the table. It didn’t take much longer – about the same time Mikal paused on the stair landing – for the goodwife to turn to her Lord’s proclaimed wife.

“Well then, Dama, come join us. The fare may be too simple for thine tastes, but it’s good and filling.”

And it was – a meat pie that all shared, some roast hart brought in by the Forest Folk the day before, garnished with some vegetables and mushrooms gotten at today’s market and set out before they would spoil. Of course, there was bread, cheese and a small cask water from one of the farther streams so it was fresh, clean and even a bit cool.

“...now this was a proper Market day. I hope ye found all what thou was looking for, ja?”

For Mikal, it was a path that he had taken many times before... up the long switchback stairs, past the Mill, and to the small house at the base of the watchtower. Inside they found two men in what would at best be considered Korie informal wear, though one was at least a little more proper. This one sat at the central table writing a missive on his parchment. His surcoat was clean and bore the House colors and next to him were several more pieces of parchment covered in carefully crafted letters. The second man had two tasks. One was to make sure the big pot of stew in the hearth didn’t burn. The second task was unpacking a bushel and bag of groceries, stacking them carefully on a set of shelves taking up one wall. Hanging next to the shelves was a second Korie surcoat, this one a day or two away from the laundry.

The hearth keeper looked at the newcomers with bored speculation and offered a slightly surprised and positively droll greeting.

“Cor, I never expected one of you to be sent here. I thought you high an’ mighty types were too good to be gettin’ in trouble with the up and up back at the Keep.”

Of course, he didn’t mean Mikal... but the Squire.

Then the one writing looked up.

“Oh my, is this true? Are we are graced by the presence of a representative from the Cathedral? Certainly, you have come with a letter begging my return to Talantal, aye? If not, I have these letters surely proving that my assignment to this place was an egregious mistake! You will take them back with you, correct? Of course, you will!”

From above there came a third voice.

“Quiet down there, you are disturbing my sunset!”

The grumpy one just shook his head,

“It’s just the Jvrillian and his Rhoni. And they’ve acquired a Squire-like bloke.”

From above came a lazy response, one with obviously well-considered priorities.

“Huh.

“Is the stew ready yet?”

Pietro


The Squire of Rames followed Mikal's lead up the long switchback stairs, past the Mill, and to the small house at the base of the watchtower. He paused just inside the door to the house, allowing his eyes to adjust to the difference in relative illumination. When the hearth person spoke, Pietro's gaze moved to him and his normally pleasant expression became more reserved, more neutral.

"Pardon me, but I was not sent. I came of my own inclination and I consider myself neither high nor mighty. I would advise you to be more careful in your assumptions."

His attention turned to the other one, the one who blathered, and Pietro opened his mouth to retort but then closed it, deciding the man's logorrhea was unworthy of comment. He turned to Mikal and there was an element of incredulity in his tone when he spoke.

"Are these friends of yours?"

Kadri:


As often happened when she slipped into thinking out loud, she slipped back to a bit of a heavier Amber accent in her speech.

"'Simple fare' is much better than elegant dishes I can't even name served at a table with people half of whom I can't even stand. And 'simple fare'is much like what I ate back at the Inn. Filling food without fancy to it, but which you could go half a day on without another meal. Which tasted all the better for having earned it with your own work. But..."

She sighs.

"I guess I didn't realize that I'd be invading your own dinner to do this. There is no need to set a place for me, Missus Heatherson - and when my guests show up I will deal with them on my own. I will apologize to them and figure out arrangements. I can wield a paring knife and peel a potato if it comes to it. Done it before. Good time to think."

She bites her lip.

"I really do hate this whole noble thing, you know. Hated it the first time and I'm don't find myself any more fond of it now. Saying 'good morning' and having a soul call you by your name rather than by some title is a treat - believe me. When you put on a title it's as if you put on a mask. No one sees YOU anymore. On the plains, as a child, I was a bauble - like beads to be traded at the market for whatever it was my family really wanted. A line on a breeding chart. Escaped that, got to be normal, and now I'm right back in that noose. Now, it is expected for me to put on airs and act like a perfect ass to people who I am most assuredly no better than."

She sits down with her back against the wall and curls her knees up under her chin, her arms hugging her legs in a pose she has used since she was a little girl. Her deep thinking pose. As if she were looking at puzzle pieces scattered on the floor and trying to figure out a way to create a picture she liked from them instead of the one that came on the front of the box.

"Then there is this whole matter of the dead Imperial in the market I find out about, and lo and behold, a knight of Rames shows up. An Imperial, here. Now. A Coincidence? I don't know. But it looks to me that the folk in the market were in the right and I cannot allow harm to come to this place because of it, so I have to find out one way or the other …"

Here she slows, breathes out heavily, and shakes her head ruefully.

"... And I babble. Apologies again, Missus Heatherson. My problems most assuredly should not be yours. Your problems walk on two legs, and have beautiful smiles."

Mikal

He chuckles at the exchange. "Just met them day before yesterday. They are the garrison here, if you can call it that, though for the most part their duties seem to be writing letters of complaint", he nods his head towards the man at the desk, "cooking", he nods towards the man at the stewpot, "and admiring the sunsets", he tips his head up towards the opening above. "Thomas, Jerris, and Mikkie, in that order."

"In any case, there a free bunk in the corner." He nods towards it. "Cesare and I sleep elsewhere."

Pietro


"Ah..." he said, dragging out the syllable as he frowned in thought.

Pietro started to ask where it was that Mikal and Cesare slept but decided to refrain from asking... perhaps there was some reason the Jvrillian did not volunteer that information and had rather suggested the squire doss here instead.

He shrugged mentally, not too sanguine about sleeping in a room with the men he'd just met there, but not wanting to intrude on whatever situation Mikal and Cesare perhaps wanted to keep private.

Pietro decided to change the subject.

"So, did you intend for us to eat here or back with Dama Kadri at the townswoman's quarters?"

Mikal

"I had expected to take Kadri up on her invitation to dinner. Once you drop off your gear we can head that way."

Pietro


The squire nodded and put his gear over in the corner of the room beside the bed Mikal had pointed out.

"Then let us go eat."

OOC: I guess I need a post in response to Kadri's post at least before the three of you arrive to make things fit decently.

There were 3 of us

Pietro


The squire's eyes widened and he paused just before exiting the room and turned back to where he'd dropped his gear, having to sidestep to avoid bumping into Cesare as he did so.

"Sorry, uh... Cesare."

Pietro bent down and picked up a haversack, shaking his head slightly as he did so.

"I almost left Miss Lyric's gear here with my own," he said, realizing finally her gesture to check back with him earlier when she'd left with Keiko and the Lady of Attera.

"We'd better hurry or there won't be anything left for us to eat."

Ooc: I know, genuine typo there, sorry.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, Pietro and the Heathersons

“Cor, lassie... that ain’t the way of the world.”

Missus Heatherson did not take Kadri’s advice and not place out a setting for her. There, at one end of the table — opposite its head and traditionally the spot for an honored guest — she placed the setting for Kadri.

“Now sit. Ye can’t escape being a noble by just sayin’ so. And the day you accept that will be the day you’ll not hate it anymore. Just like I will not have someone at my table not sittin’ at it like a ruff beggin’ for scraps.”

It was interesting, and a glimpse into the commoner’s life. Her family sat, Kadri sat, but she didn’t. Her task seemed to be to ensure everyone got their meal; she did not appear to begrudge it, she merely accepted it as just the way things are.

“Bein’ Noble donnae stop the Young Master from bein’ good; he doesn’t hate it one bit. In fact, as best we can tell, he seems to enjoy it more than most.

“And he’s our Young Master because he’s less concerned about himself gettin’ a place at a dinner table than makin’ sure we all have meat and vegetables in our stew pot to be havin’ a dinner in the first place.

“And that’s why he’s not just the Young Master, he’s our Young Master.”

Missus Heatherson paused to take a sample of her own offerings, sitting next to the hearth with a small wooden bowl.

“Right now ye are still riding thine husband’s horse. When are ye going to be ridin’ on thine own?”

At the Watchtower, the discussion was very different and definitely much shorter. Jerris and Thomas watched as the two dropped off their gear and headed back down the path and past the mill. The doors to the mill were shut. Just as the three were hurrying to their meal, it was obviously dinnertime for the Millers and their guests.

Mikal set the direction and Pietro ensured that they increased their pace and were direct in their travels to their destination.

Cesare followed, the Rhoni a bit out of place in the wake of the two soldiers. If Keiko had to describe it, the young man was like a cork in a storm being tossed from wave to wave, and not in a kind manner.

Returning to the Heatherson’s farmhouse, opening the door they would find the family and Kadri in the middle of their repast. Kadri sat on one end of the table, Master Heatherson at the other. Missus Heatherson looked up from the hearth as she saw the three newcomers; one more than she had feared, though the third got an odd tilt of her head followed by a shake of her head. She scooted her children away so there was room for three more settings.

The dinner was meat pie and hart, with mushrooms and vegetables.

And finally, for dinner, the four travelers were gathered together.

Kadri took her words in relative quiet, exchanged a few more compliments on her children - and when the others arrive soon her stood and introduced them to the Heathersons.

'These are Mikal, my bodyguard and trusted friend. Cesare also my trusted friend - they have shared life and death with me and I trust them in all things. This gentleman over here who I have only just met, is Pietro, a squire of Rames, who has only just arrived here."

Pietro


He smiled and nodded his acknowledgment to the mistress of the house and gave a modified version of his normal salute to the wife of Dominic Korie.

"The food smells wonderful. Your hospitality is most appreciated."

Pietro placed Lyric's haversack against the wall where he could keep an eye on it and waited for Kadri to sit before he would take a seat of his own.

Kadri

"First appreciation to missus Heatherson and her meat pies, and the use The family table."

She nods towards her and her family.

Cesare

He smiles at Kadri and her introduction, realising that in many ways this might be an opportunity for a fresh start. So he smiles too at Mrs Heatherson.

"I have only barely arrived here but already your pies have had high praise and my nose tells me that is true."

He is about to sit down but as Pietro is waiting, he hesitates thinking maybe he should wait just a while. If this is a new start, he needs to try to make it a good one.

Pushing all thoughts of Darian behind him, he realises that part of his life is over. She was dedicated to her God, Longtooth and regaining her place as a Hunter in her clan, he would always be fourth on that list. And although he tried to be part of her life, it would have been a lie. It was not his path. The Fates had brought him here, somewhere there is a reason for that, he just has to discover it.

And with these thoughts, his burden lightens as his hunger grows.

Mikal

He offers Mistress Heatherson a short bow. "Your hospitality is more than welcome, Mistress. Indeed it has been a very, very long time since I have had the pleasure of sharing a true family meal."

(If the other family members were introduced by name, he greets them each, likewise by name. If not he simply nods politely to each one.)

Finally he turns to Kadri, aware of the present company. "Dama Kadri, Squire Pietro is settled in. My apologies, and to you as well Mistress Heatherson, for our lateness. Climbing up and down from the Watchtowwer took longer than I had anticipated."

Pietro


Pietro smiled and nodded to Cesare and Mikal as they spoke and then moved around the table to take Kadri's chair. He held it and gestured for her to sit.

"Let us sit and enjoy these meat pies which smell so enticing."

Kadri: She pauses and then smiles and takes a seat.

"Of course. And perhaps I can entertain you with some tales on the goings on at the Summer Council in Talantal from those who were there. Not everything, of course - but enough to make interesting tales, I think."

Pietro


The squire moved back to his seat, nodded to Missus Heatherson and sat himself.

"I would enjoy hearing the happenings of the Summer Council from another who was there," he said with a smile.

"So far I have only spoken with one such."

(By the by if they did give their children's name at some point she would have used them, don't know if they did)

Cesare

"And I would be interested to hear more of the area, the peoples and creatures that can be found locally. I have already made the acquaintance of some decidedly dangerous looking fishes down river whilst looking for a spot to bathe. And I understand the Rhoni come by this place on occasion? Is this how Keiko arrived?"

It is about time he focuses on his mother's last wishes. He has sidelined this part of his life for too long.

"I would ask her myself but somehow I seem to have offended her - not by intent though."

Pietro


His eyes widened as he listened to Cesare. Lizard creatures and dangerous looking fishes?

These people had definitely had more... interesting times lately than he had... not that meeting Lyric and then these people had been interesting enough, he thought, but interesting in an entirely different way.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, Pietro, and the Heathersons

The Heatherson children were no longer there to be addressed, as they had been banished from the table when the three men arrived, so they were no longer there to be greeted. They, of course, had their own chores and duties to attend to before it became dark enough that all there was left was bedtime. Kadri had caught the younger daughter’s name, Dorothea, from a previous conversation.

That left just Missus and Master Heatherson at the table, which was just as well as there would have been no other space for guests. From his place at the head, Master Heatherson spoke for his family.

“Me missus appreciates the fine words for her meal, and of course there could be no refusing our Young Master’s wife and those she brings with.”

The meal was good; Keiko’s compliments concerning the meat pie were indeed warranted. The meat was extremely well done, having been prepared to the head of the household’s taste and of course once cooked there was no going back. Of all the bits of conversation, it was the Rhoni’s that garnered a response and bit of advice from the dairyman.

“Well of course lad; that’s the Blackwater, and it flows out of the Dirkwood. Ye donnae want to bathin’ in that water — it be cursed, like anything that comes out of the Dirkwood Forest. Fish that walk and feed on folk, water black as night that’ll have ye sick for days, and Forest Folk that should not be... but there they are. You want to be steering clear of all of them.

“Aye... we get a caravan of thine folk through here every now and then; expect to be seein’ the fancy painted caravans just before Storms, regular like the rising and setting of the Sun, ja? But it’s never the same bunch; come from the east and ride off to the south, more like passing through than the migratin’ of hawks escapin’ from the winter mountains. As for the lassie? You’d have to be askin’ her and Missus Miller — she came down all by her lonesome, she had.”

The four could hold their own discussions throughout the meal, but like many things, they would soon come to their end. The shadow would slash dark across the land, and the horizon would become a dull gray glow. Missus Heatherson would then gather up the plates and bowls for cleaning, and if they tarried more, it would be a very dark trip back up to the Watchtower.


[[OOC Note: Feel free to continue your own conversations as you wish; unless you have other matters you wish to take care of tonight and post your specific actions for your characters, we shall be proceeding to the next day...]]

Cesare

"This is excellent pie Mistress."

If he would be paying fr it he would ask for more but he kind of feels he is already taking food from the family. Maybe he can bring something back tomorrow? Make a contribution. It is often thew Rhoni way of repaying a kindness. He smiles at her before turning his attention to the head of the family.

"Cursed water eh?"

He shares a look with Mikal. Maybe they could find the source of this 'curse'? It would seem to fit into the type of thing they have been involved in and if Mikal wants to establish a troop here then a good water supply would be a real bonus.

"So where would be a good place to bathe that would not cause any concern locally? And is there a story behind this curse?"

He turns his attention back to the last remnants of his pie, heartened to know that his people do pass through.

Pietro


The food was robust, country fare, but well prepared and seasoned with a discriminating hand, Pietro thought, and he finished his portion, sat back and belched politely.

"My compliments to the chef," he said, smiling to the Missus.

Normally he would offer to pay for such a repast, but, with Kadri Korie present, he thought it might not be diplomatic, so he made no such offer.

The squire sat forward when the talk turned to the Dirkwood, the walking, people eating fish and, especially, the Forest Folk. He'd heard vague rumors of the wood and its inhabitants, but too vague for him to take much stock in them.

He glanced from Cesare to Mikal, across to the others present and then back to the two men, the Jvrillian and the Rhoni.

An odd grouping, he thought, but of course he said nothing of the sort aloud.

"So, you are of Rhoni heritage, Cesare?" he asked the man. As he spoke, he reached up and toyed with the darksteel wagon wheel pendant he wore around his neck.

Mikal

He enjoys the meal and the conversation of simple farmer folk tremendously. It is like nourishment he did not realize he'd been deprived of and he soaks it in. The food is very good, spiced in the strong manner of typical farmers, hot, and filling.

He listens to Cesare and Pietro's comments, catching Cesare's look with a simple shrug. He understands Cesare's meaning, and inwardly agrees removing a curse is a good thing, and though it seems to be the focus of what they've been doing lately, that also seems to be more a work of fate than choice.

As Mistress Heatherson begins to gather up the dishes, he stands, takes his own dishes and those near to him and follows her into the kitchen.

Forestalling any objection, he says, "I was raised a farmer's son and my mother would reach out from her rest and spank me were I to not do my share to help."

Cesare

Whilst waiting for the farmers reply, he passes his dish to Mikal with a slight grin. When travelling and around the campfire, he had taken it upon himself to clear up, interesting to see Mikal doing so now - but it is a good way of making a good impression, something that would be useful here.

He also replies to Pietro.

"Yes I am Rhoni."

He waits to see if any further questions follow. In the past some such enquiries have been followed up with more than words, though he does not think a Squire would stoop so low.

Kadri:

For her part, between or after the other's tales, answers and questions, she does a dramatic rebelling of the midsummers council, abridged where neccesary to save the face of her new family and her old family, and in as much detail as needed to let people know the shame of Jakal and the Montague. If, through conversation, Pietro and the Heathersons seemed to have an earthy enough sense of humor, she might even throw in 'The Ballad of Jakal' to the mix.
She also surreptitiously and without calling attention tthat it, leaves some coinage on the table - and also a beautiful ty thanks for both meal and advice.

Pietro


He listened more than he talked as the meal progressed, having learned long ago that he seldom got in trouble from the things he did not say. He enjoyed the conversation from all sides, contrasting in his mind the different types of talk from the different classes of people.

"Amazing," he said, smiling but shaking his head as Kadri expounded upon the happenings at the Summer Council.

"Considering the... unusual alliances which emerged."

What the Dama Kadri said about the happenings varied little from what he had heard before he'd arrived at Waverider's Watch, primarily only differences in nuance which came from differing points of view.

When the conversation died down, he nodded to Mikal as the Jvrillian warrior took his plate and utensils and followed the missus into the kitchen area. Then Pietro turned to Cesare.

He nodded slowly, frowning in thought as he considered how and even whether he should go into details of his heritage with the Rhoni.

"In a way, so am I, Cesare," he finally said.

"I am Festival Born. Therefore, although I was not raised Rhoni, my mother was."

Pietro might note that half the time Kadri very much talked like a commoner, More than half, really. It was an odd admixture of formal and informal, common with noble, and she seemed much more comfortable, when relaxed, with the common.

SHe observes the Knight quietly.

"You seem very grounded."

She says, with perhaps a note of approval in her voice.

[[ OOCly notes that ... as pointed out by a certain lass ... having not been raised in the Rhoni caravans puts your "Rhoni" status into question. Cesare, having been born and initially raised by Rhoni guardians who later perished can call himself Rhoni, however, by being raised outside the caravan families this makes him a "Lost Rhoni". Pietro, who was raised by a good Imperial Family may have Rhoni blood on his Mother's side but should not call himself Rhoni.

Especially where aforesaid lass can hear.

Like Kisa Allaine and Dominic Korie, who are also technically half-Rhoni, Pietro is better described as "Festivalborn". ]]

Pietro


He smiled and nodded in acknowledgment of her observation.

"I try to be, Kadri. I was not always such, but I have learned many things during my years roaming the land with Djinni."

<Looks at Pietro>

<Looks at GM>

<Looks at Pietro again>

"What he said. Criminy, you'd think everyone at the Heathersons is trying to get on said Rhoni lass' bad side. Good grief. And she wants to like people!"

<Well, possibly not the Lost Rhoni, although it's not really his fault that his elders didn't teaching him proper manners.>

[OOC: I have edited Pietro's post to adjust the wording. Although he does not consider himself Rhoni, neither is he willing to just eliminate his mother's entire existence... also, he would like to know something about her people even though he realizes they can and will never be his people. Also, Pietro will not follow lockstep with everyone else's beliefs and dictates just because they think he ought to. He tends to have a mind of his own. And, as I understand it, the aforesaid lass is not currently within earshot and, therefore, should not be affronted by things she knows nothing about.]

Master Heatherson

“I am sure she can hear you, ja?”

The farmer’s reply to Pietro was straightforward and obvious. There being only one room it was nigh impossible for one bit of conversation not to be heard by another. It also meant that the hearth was where the cooking was done and the dishes were set in a bucket for cleaning and only so many folks could fit around a bucket.

“As for a place to get fresh water? Well, it’s too dark now to walk out to it, but on the other side of the rock, there’s a couple of small streams where ye can find fresh water. That’s what children are for... haulin’ the buckets come dawn. As for the cursed woods, well, as far as I know they’ve been that forever and ever, at least as long as we’ve lived here and our folks have lived here.”

Cesare

"Obliged for your information Master Heatherson."

He smiles. Enough talk of curses at the dining table he thinks, dropping the subject for now but his curiosity is piqued. He turns to Pietro at regards him for a moment before speaking.

"Are you looking for your mother?"

The question is direct but there is no hostility in it.

Mikal

"Go. Sit and relax", he say to Mistress Heatherson when she tries to compete with him for the limited cleaning space around the bucket. He finishes cleaning the first plate and passes it over to her for inspection, expecting that she won't leave until she is sure he knows what he is doing. "If you find any dirt on that I will chop firewood for you tomorrow."

He shoos her away and works at the dishes, enjoying the repetitive work of cleaning up after a family meal. Something that used to be his job, a long time ago.

From where he is he can hear the conversation and he smiles at Kadri's commentary, noting the places she cleans up the tale of the Council Meeting.

Pietro's comment bring a reply. "I am Festival Born as well, Pietro. Though I suspect it was a bit before Midwinters I was conceived. My parents were stricter than most around the Festivals" He glances around the room, noting the children have all left and adds, "there is not much else to do on the long Winter nights I suspect." He grins and returns to scrubbing.

Pietro


Pietro glanced at Mikal as the warrior washed the dinner dishes and thought about offering to help him with the chore. He felt sure, however, that Mikal would merely refuse the offer, so the squire made a mental note that, should the opportunity ever arise, he would offer to handle whatever menial task which occurred.

"No," he said, turning to Cesare when the man asked the question, "my mother is dead. She died of childbed fever shortly after giving birth to me."

Then Mikal spoke up from the far side of the room.

"There appears to be more of us than I knew, Mikal."

Cesare

"My mother is dead too."

His tome suggests this might be more recent than child birth though and after a hesitation he confirms it.

"Her last wish was that I find my father. Not an easy task as I last set eyes on him when I was a young boy.. and it is possible that he too is dead."

Pietro


The squire nodded and frowned, his expression apparently one of sympathy or, at least, concern.

"And where were you when you last saw or heard of him?"

Cesare

"I do not know. I remember a cobbled street, tall towers all different colours, thunder and lightning. I remember a beautiful woman with white hair who had a daughter in her image. My father left with the child, we in the other direction. That child was Romana."

His eyes are almost vacant as he recounts his fractured memory, something etched in his mind for so long that he can revisit it when desired. But is it true? He doesn't know. But it is all he has.

"I believe he was supposed to get the child to safety and had promised to return to us. He never did. My mother.."

He stops at that point, not wanting to go further.

Kadri:

"Yes."

She looks at him directly.

"Cesare, if he is still out there, you will find him. One way or another. Although I suspect you may not like the most immediate means to that end I see. That woman, Kieko has, it seems, at least some knowledge of the situation with ROmana. And therefore, possibly of your father, or at least perhaps some hints as to where to look."

Mikal

He looks over at Cesare as he recounts details of his family and nods. The details match the things Romana told them when they were on the road with her.

The pain of losing one's family offers him a small pang of remembrance, but at least he had the opportunity to put them all to rest when they died, and even had a chance to pay respects recently. Cesare has had none of that.

"We will find him, or what happened to him, Cesare. You know we will help you."

Pietro


"And I would be willing to help if there is anything I could do," the squire said in a quiet voice.

Cesare

"Thank you."

It affirms his decision to continue to travel with his friends. In some ways these are his family now. And the new squire seems a decent sort, though it is early days and cesare doesn't give his trust easily.

Then he looks over to Kadri.

"Yeah.. I know I will need to talk to Keiko but somehow I offended her yesterday and I don't know if she will be receptive. Still nothing to lose I guess."

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Restday, the Fifth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, and Pietro

The sun fell into the unseen sea, off somewhere beyond the western horizon.

The dishes were done, finished, as well as the meal cleared. The Mister and Missus of the house let them continue with their conversation as long as needed. For Cesare, it seemed to be both a personal and important conversation.

It was also one to which he knew many of the answers — or, at the least, that those answers might not be found here. Even if Keiko was a Caravan lass, there was probably only so much she could have heard. And now he was in the West, the farthest side of the world from where those answers might be. The East held its secrets close. The one person he knew who might know a little more was Bekkah’s apprentice, but she wasn’t here. She had been drawn away by the shadows that haunted the docks of Talesan’s Village. On the other hand, Romana should now be in the company of a Knight and the spearbearer who seemed to have made the princess her ward.

On the other hand, here is where the currents of the world had brought him. Being Rhoni, that was never a bad thing. It meant that chances were, if they had brought him here, he was supposed to be here.

Words were spoken, exchanged. Were they promises?

Only time would tell.

What was true, however, was that the sun had set, darkness covered Waverider’s Watch. At least it wasn’t a moonless night; without both Hunter and Silver, it would have been a treacherous walk up the switchback stairs.

Rameday, the Sixth Day of Yrick

Morning came with a thick fog and a cool breeze; it settled over Waverider’s Watch like a thick blanket. Only slowly did Her light burn it away, to reveal the summer fields and the village of three houses and a watchtower.

At the watchtower, Jerris had a breakfast simmering — a simple thick gruel of grains, spiced with flavors gotten at the real folk’s market. Some carrots and warm bread filled out the rest of the meal. It was a bit austere but they were, after all, guardsmen and not cooks. Kadri would be welcome for breakfast there, too, although it would mean accepting another stack of letters from Thomas. For Pietro, there were his vespers to be taken care of; this was, after all, Rameday. But vespers came before breakfast and, thus, were done in time for his own meal.

Most of the morning fog would be gone by the time breakfast was finished, leaving the rest of the day for whatever endeavors they wished.

Cesare

He is up early as usual, thinking the fog might afford him some privacy. He has the directions from the farmer last night and had a stream to follow which should mean he wouldn't lose his way, not that he ever had of course. So he sets off to bathe, intending to be back before breakfast is started.

Mikal

He wakes early, as usual, and heads to the tower. Going up to the top, he watches her rise. The fog makes it difficult, but actually gives her a soft and diffuse look as she rises that is quite nice.

Heading downstairs he greets Pietro and has a bowl of gruel, happy it is hot and filling. "My thanks for the hot breakfast, Jerris. Always a good start to a day."

Taking a bucket, he walks around behind the tower and fills it from the nearby stream, then washes himself clean.

He heads back inside the tower he dresses in his armour, strapping on his weapons.

"Can I borrow your axe?" He asks Jerris.

He turns to Pietro, Kadri, and Cesare. "I am going for a ride. You are welcome to join me, but I don't think I'll be back until supper."

The letters were acceptd with at least decent grace.

"A real breakfast. Sticks to the ribs."

She eats hungrily - pointedly sitting with and not apart from anyone else.

Pietro


An early riser by nature and habit, Pietro awoke even earlier every Rameday. He completed his devotions and then, using as little amount of water from his waterskin as possible, completed his morning ablutions.

Wearing his weapons but not his armor, he sat with Mikal and Cesare when he and Kadri arrived and consumed the plain but hearty breakfast.

"I would be pleased to join you on your ride as long as it would not offend any of the locals whom I have not yet met."

Jerris

It would take the guardsman quite a bit of looking before coming back with an axe. While the handle looked sturdy, it was dusty and looked as if it had neither been cared for nor used in quite some time.

“Here you go. We don’t get much call for it out here.”

Kadri:

"I think Lisica could use the exercise. I will join you."

Cesare

Hair still wet from his dip. he helps himself to breakfast.

"I'd be happy to go to but what's the plan?"

Mikal rarely does anything without a purpose. Cesare would never see any of his friends go out alone but Mikal already has sufficient escort, so he has a choice. But as this trek involves riding, he is always keen to get more practice, so he is more than inclined to go along.

Mikal

Accepting the axe with a curious look at Jerris, he asks the man, "I understand not cutting from the forest, but there are copses of woods the other way that should be safe. What do you do for firewood without an axe? How do you repair the fence?"

He glances at Cesare and explains. "Two purposes, actually. First, I spoke to the farmers two days ago and got a rough layout of the land to the south and east (they'd come from the West, and the Dirkwood is to the North). I wanted to ride it and find a good site for our endeavor. It could be a half-day out to find the right spot."

"My second purpose is to cut a lance or two. The training we received at Mikhailsson's was extraordinary, but unfortunately we did not come away with any lances to use. All I need is the right sapling. Not too young and not too old. Of a decent hardwood. Mikhailsson explained it to me. I can cut them down and bring them back here to shape."

"Together, those things might take all day."

He looks at Cesare closer for a minute. "Unless you'd prefer to stay here and get to know the Rhoni lass better?" He smiles.

Pietro


When Mikal had asked to borrow an axe, the squire had put his hand on his preferred weapon, the handaxe which hung from the right side of his belt, but he said nothing as he did not like the idea of someone using it to cut wood.

"I will need a few minutes to put on my armor and see to Djinni's morning feed before we leave. Oh yes, and I also need to get Miss Lyric's things to her."

He cocked his head slightly to one side, wondering about the endeavor Mikal had mentioned.

"If you do not mind, Mikal, of what endeavor do you speak?"

Mikal

He pauses a long moment, then shrugs. "I am sorry, Squire Pietro. I am not at liberty to say. We have only just met and if you were to proceed on your way tomorrow or the next day knowledge of it is not something I'd prefer left this area for a time. Besides, it is truly Lady Kadri's endeavor and thus something for Lady Kadri to decide to reveal, or not. I fear I have already said too much."

Pietro


As the Jvrillian spoke, Pietro's expression grew tight and cold, but only for a moment and, before Mikal had completed his short statement, the squire's expression had resumed its neutral caste.

"Fair enough, Mikal. It is true that you... that we do not know each other that well yet."

He glanced from Mikal to Kadri and then back to the warrior.

"Hopefully, I will be around long enough to earn your trust."

Cesare

"No, no I'll come."

Perhaps he said that a little too readily. There is potentially a lot at stake in possibly finding out information important to him but he has no wish to hear the sharp side of that tongue any time soon. His quest has waited months, another day won't matter.

And it would be good to start to make a claim on the area. He is interested to take a look at what Mikal thinks could be their new base.

Pietro


Pietro stood and opened his mouth to say something but, later, he was never able to remember what it was he had intended to say, because then he felt the ripple of force and saw the white light reflected through the room, reflected off of walls, floors and ceiling which in no way were reflective in nature.

Instinctively, he reached toward his weapons, but his hand dropped short as he seemed to recognize - at least partly - the type of force which could have caused such an overwhelming, yet nonthreatening, wave of force.

"It... it feels like the force of Lady Attera," he mused almost in an awed tone.

Kadri:

The wave washes over her, and she basis in the glow for a moment. Bliss.
After hearing Pietro's words, she looks over at Cesare and catches his eyes.

"Cesare. Bekkah. It has to be. We need to find Bekkah. This has her written ALL over it."

Cesare

He stands there stunned. Never had he experienced anything like this. It was.. majestic. It touches his soul. For just a moment he feels significant and insignificant all at the same time. Disturbing yet not unpleasant. Bekkah's healing touch has a similar quality but is only a tiny echo.

"What was that?"

These are the first words he manages to say though his tongue feels almost tied. Then what Kadri is saying sinks in.

"Bekkah. Yes. But I think she might have all the help she needs."

He pushes himself top move now, to go outside, to look to see if there is anything to be discovered.

Mikal

He is about to reassure Pietro that it is not that he doesn't trust him, as much as that Pietro indicated he was mostly passing thru and Mikal isn't sure if he planned to stick around, and if he did whether he was truly going to be a part of their group, when the interior of the tower lights up and a wave or warmth passes through him.

He simple stands for a moment, enjoying the feelings of contentment until he hears Peitro, Kadri, and Cesare's comments.

He nods agreement. "Yes, that felt like Bekkah's doing. Does anyone know where she spent the night?"

Pietro


"She left with Keiko and Lyric, didn't she?"

Kadri:

"I believe so, yes."

She looks to Mikal.

"We upend the apple cart everywhere we go, don't we?"

Mikal

He chuckles. "Bash it to bits is more like it. People are going to start becoming unwelcoming if this reputation spreads."

He nods at Pietro. "Alright. Keiko was staying with the Miller's so lets start there."

Pietro


"Yes, let us go."

The squire shouldered Lyric's haversack and followed Mikal outside.

Likewise with Kadri.

Cesare

As he is already outside looking around, he will fall in with the others on their voyage of discovery.

Bekkah

She left Lyric, Keiko and Tomomi behind and headed towards where she could see her friends coming towards her.

She actually blushed as she approached them. Being in the spotlight was not something she was used to. At least when it wasn't a situation requiring healing.

"Noticed that, did you?" she said trying to make a joke to calm herself, for despite how she looked, she was still feeling both tired and euphoric.

Pietro


The squire nodded and saluted the follower of Attera, but his expression was more than a bit puzzled.

"It would have been difficult to miss."

Pietro looked around, especially in the direction from which Bekkah had come.

"Do you know where Miss Lyric is?"

Mikal

"Noticed what?" He deadpans, with a delayed smile. "You know, if you want to be treated like everyone else you really should stop doing earth shaking things."

Kadri:

Kadr played right along with the joke.

"I understand, Bekkah. I mean, you were feeling left out in the earth shaking changes bit, although after the Tray business I have no idea why."

She says dryly.

"But isn't this overcompensating just a little bit? "

She winks at her and grins.

"Actually, what IS this? Or can you even say? I'd wager that was noticed quite a long ways away, by everyone with a pulse and probably by some without."

Pietro


Spotting Lyric moving away toward what he thought was a farmhouse with Keiko and a small person with whom he was not familiar, Pietro looked from those three to Kadri, Mikal and Cesare.

"I will be back in... well, I hope not too long a time." He gestured to the haversack slung over his shoulder.

"I need to get this to Lyric."

The squire grimaced and shrugged.

"If I am not back before you need to leave, Mikal, I am sorry, but I will try to return in time."

[OOC: Continued in the other thread.]

Cesare

"It felt.. awesome. So what momentous thing have you and your Goddess achieved here?"

Bekkah is Bekkah and a part of their group, something he has been thankful for many times. In fact he is standing here now entirely due to her. But this is on a different scale and he wants to understand what has happened. He knows it must be very important, life changing.. but how?

Bekkah

She let them each speak. She stood looking both tired and glowing. She had a simple smile on her pretty face.

"Yes, I do owe you all an explanation and an apology."

"The result you all felt were obviously not my doing but my Lady's. It was far more demonstrative than I would have expected. Although it was a large favor that I had requested of her so I suppose, I should have expected it."

"Let me back up a bit to tell you everything in order because I have a favor to ask of you all."

She looked around and there was no good place to sit, so she sat on a step, not explaining about being tired, that was probably obvious.

"Marektday intrigued me. Well specifically the forest folk. As some of you probably saw, I went to see if I could learn more and it caused quite a stir. They are quite nervous, especially around strangers. Even without touching one of them, I could sense the problem but I'll get to that in a bit."

"After Keiko removed me from the situation, I spent some time speaking with Renyard and Keiko. They began to trust me and my curiosity got the better of me and I went with Keiko and the forest folk back to their village, deep in the forest."

She bowed her head in a shameful gesture.

"I apologize for that. I should have told you where I was going and you all have the right to be upset with me. I did not think it through and I'm sure I made you worry. Again, I'm sorry but my curiosity got the better of me. Well that and I still thought perhaps I could help."

"We ventured to their village, not a trek I'd want to consider without the big ones at my side. I met many of their kind and I heard their story. Well, more correctly an incident made their story a bit more clear and they explained it to me."

"What I had senses in them is that they had no souls. This was why other Imperials had persecuted them. They weren't even considered people. But what I saw were a caring folk, a folk that were better in character than many so called real people. They cared for each other, they wanted nothing but peace. Even their One Rule was basically peace."

"They told me the whole story. They had been created, or converted from forest animals into people like versions of themselves. They'd been constructed by the Dwarves so that they would work in their mines. A dirty, dangerous task, but they didn't care if their workers died, they would just make more. But these folk refused to do the dwarves bidding and they escaped."

"So, instead of being tools for evil, they sought to try and integrate into a different life, but they were rejected by my closed minded brothers in spirit." she said this last with a disgusted and sad tone.

"I did not know if I could do anything, but I vowed to try. And that brings us to today. I spoke with Goddess and she knew what I knew and she found my plea worthy. The forest folk will never again be considered less than others in terms of worth. I had to offer a portion of myself to make my plea. But as my Lady pointed out, this is but a beginning. These folk are now better, but in a big way, they are not. They are a people under brutal overlords, treated as nothing more than tools."

She looked at each of them as she took a deep breath.

"I want to stop them but obviously, I have no means to do that alone. I need my friends."

"Mikal, I have a good feeling that I can find an army for you. I suspect that the forest folk would like nothing better than to help with this. They are smart, strong and are quite numerous."

"I will also speak to Sir Pietro. He may not have considered such an endeavor but he will help us as well." she said this last part with complete certainty. Those who understood the Imperial Gods, knew that he could not refuse her request.

"I wish, I had my sister's ability with speaking. If I did, I'd give you all an impassioned speech of righting wrongs, but I don't and I'm quite tired." she said with a small smile.

She then looked at Kadri and smiled.

"Kadri, you have good taste in a husband. He is well loved by the forest folk as he was one of the first people to help them in any way. He's quite famous amongst them. And I suspect Mouse who always seemed to be by his side will be quite stunned by my Lady's touch this day."

Mikal

He smiles at Bekkah's apology. "I will start to worry when you stop to tell me what you plan to do before you do it. That is when I know it will be truly dangerous."

He listens to the rest of the story, agreeing with what Bekkah and Attera did, but uncertain about her last point.

"So many, many questions come to mind, like are you asking us to rescue the Forest Folk from...., Dwarves? Do you, or the Forest Folk know where they are? How many Dwarves there are? How they are armed? What their mines look like? But beyond that, I am not certain I follow how the Forest Folk would help, or how they could be an army. They've taken a pledge of no violence. Are they going to abandon that?"

Kadri:

"There are many.any ways of contributing to a fight, my friend, that require no blade and no blood. These dwarves need to be taught humility. Bullies. And I have a certain opinion about bullies. One way or another, they are going to regret coming to my attention."

Mikal, Cesare and Bekkah probably well recognize by now her 'I aim to misbehave' face.

'But yes. First information. Would they be amenable to meet again?'

[[ quick question ... has the woodchopping expedition been put on hold or should I include that in my Sunday post for those in this thread? ]]

(That is MY presumption, but seems like a Zeim question)

Cesare

In his view people should be free. It is simple.

"I'll help."

He waits to see what he might be asked to do.

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Rameday, the Sixth Day of Yrick

Bekkah, Cesare, Kadri, and Mikal

For all Her power as a Deity of Order, the actual days She marked by Her passage across the sky had a distinct habit of falling out of order — or at the least, not ending the way they had been planned that morning.

Another Goddess’ touch — the bolt and wavefront that had sped to the far horizon and most probably beyond — had shattered the morning plans. From the tower to the mill to the dairy barn, it had sent the day spiraling into disruption. Kadri’s small collection of companions lost Pietro, who continued further down the stairs into the village proper in search of Lyric.

They had, however, gained a Bekkah and learned what she had been up to the last few days. And that it indeed had been all her fault. Well, not all hers. There was a certain portion of the blame that Keiko, Renyard, Lady and Broke probably shared as well.

But that the quiet Atteran had just changed the world? That was certain.

Cesare offered aid, Mikal and Kadri had questions.

It would be a discussion that would take them deep into the afternoon, atop the Rock.

If this made Mikal’s trip to the southern fields even more imperative, the questions to be answered would need to wait until evening. However, Pietro had been absconded by the Heathersons. As the sun crossed overhead, tree harvesting on the morrow started to look better and better.

Otherwise, the watchtower might be a good location to have questions answered, conversations had, and plans made.


[[...please feel free to backfill conversation as you wish... I ask that any interaction with the other thread wait until late afternoon...]]

Bekkah

She couldn't help but give Mikal her most innocent look before answering his questions.

"Well this might well be that time, although I'm hardly the one to plan anything. I think Renyard, Lady and Broke can answer some of your more specific questions. For my part, the point my Lady made quite clear is that it does little good to give the forest folk a soul, only to leave them in captivity and torment. I don't think we are looking to rescue others so much as we need to make sure the dwarves can no longer twist creatures into their slaves."

"How to do that exactly? Well that is why I'm telling you this. You can hardly expect me to do everything, I'm but a simple healer after all." she said again, looking as sweet and innocent as any maiden.

"I suggest we get with others and discuss it. If my guess is right, some of the forest folk will come to us."

Mikal

"Yes. We should be ready, with questions and answers, if they will truly come back. Although", he shrugs at Bekkah, "I doubt they would want to talk to me. Apparently Broke believes I am a sadist who tortures women and children and pulls the wings off flies."

He glances at Kadri. "Best for you to talk to them. She doesn't strike me as the sort to apologize, and I am not certain I could maintain my temper if she didn't."

Madrid:

She spreads her hands.

"I can talk, hear her out. Liking her or not, the situation Bekkah describes can't be allowed to continue. And if that needs to go through Broke, sobeit. But I'm going to need your input even if I have to be the channel of your questions.'

Mikal

He nods. "I agree. People cannot be left in bondage if we can help them. I'll give you some questions beforehand, or perhaps I can talk with the others, Lady and Reynard? They seemed more reasonable."

Cesare

"Where do these dwarves live? In the forest?"

It doesn't seem a likely location for dwarves.

Kadri:

"When it comes to tactics, Mikal - Broke or no - the questions are coming to you. You know me."

She winks and grins.

"My pretty little head is none to bright about such things."

Mikal

"Well, we need to know lots of tactical things. Such as:

Where are they?
How many of them are there, both Dwarves and Forest Folk?
How are they armed?
What does their complex look like and how can we get in?
Can we sneak in or do we have to try to get inside in disguise?
Do we even have to get in, perhaps they take the Forest Folk outside from time to time to do something and we can wait in ambush?
Even a possibly very simple solution that would allow the Forest Folk and us to not break their One Rule, can we purchase them from the Dwarves and then just free them?"

He shrugs. "I am sure other questions will spring from these but it's a start."

The Heartwood
Waverider’s Watch
The Dirkwood Forest
Rameday, the Sixth Day of Yrick

Kadri, Cesare, Mikal, and Bekkah

Like sand through an hourglass, any chance to travel out into the fields had now slipped away. The sun had traversed across the sky, now painting the western horizon as She started to set. The morrow would be good for venturing beyond the Rock to find material for lances. At the least, this was a goal they could control.

The other one they wished to talk to, the little village’s boss guardian... the only thing they knew about her was that she sometimes showed up at the Amber Inn and her only regularly scheduled appearances seemed to be Marketday. Otherwise, they knew of no other way to contact the swordswoman. Keiko seemed acquainted with her, but whether or not she could summon the guardian was something that would have to be asked.

Cesare’s question did bring up one of the darkest legends of this Age. Indeed, there could be Dwarves in the Forest. Very early — once the Imperial armies had conquered all the Noble Keeps and forced Dawnview’s allegiance — it seemed an Imperial Prince by the name of Faast Bankorpool did indeed enter the Dirkwood Forest. The stories said he did not go alone. He was accompanied by his guard — the company of a Cathedral cadre of Knights and Squires of Rames, and Brothers of Hastur, as well as a gathering of the strange, stout people known as Dwarves.

It was the only story of Dwarves on the mainland... at least, on this side of the Black Mountains. On the other side, Cesare could remember a bedtime story or two where they were mentioned as being the smiths that crafted the finest weapons for the Eastern Princes. That said, much like any tradesman on the other side of the Mountains, whether or not this was by their own will was a debatable question.

With the sun on the far horizon, that left little time to complete anything they wished to do today.

Otherwise, they would have to wait until She rose again. Even if they waited, there was a benefit to that.

It was one day closer to Marketday.

Kadri :

"We need stories and friends from the forest, and the best place, I think to get to both is Keiko. So, shall we?"

Cesare

He sighs softly. The Fates are stirring his path once again. His whole plan for the day had been other things that avoided Keiko. Not to be. He is not going to kick the winds of Fate. Kicking a wind never had any effect that he is aware of other than making the kicker look a total idiot.

He nods.

[[ OOCly laughs and smiles! "Kicking The Wind" That's going to have to be added to the HWD lexicon! ]]

Bekkah

"Things will take time I suspect. I don't have the answers you need. At worst, we can discuss this at the next Marketday. They will return for that for sure, if not sooner. Perhaps, I am wrong. Perhaps they will not wish to avenge this wrong and perhaps I have done something to change things for the worse. Obviously, I do not believe so or I wouldn't have done it, but I do not pretend to know all or see the future. I am but a simple healer."

"I would suggest that until we meet with the Forest folk, continue with what you had planned. If we need to change our plans, we 'll discuss again. I just know that one way or another, I need to see this through. Otherwise, I know what I did will have been a waste of time."

"But do not worry, I will not run off again. I need to be here if the folk arrive on a non marketday to help smooth things over with the townsfolk who will probably not understand."

"For now, I am going to do something I haven't done in quite a while. I'm going to take a nap. I am thoroughly exhausted." she said with a weak smile.