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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 - 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."