A New Year at the Pea Pod

[Quatlu]

Warlord Quatlu Carasilson walked up to his favorite tavern, the Pea Pod, and was delighted to see that Proprietor Jorl had just reopened the place. He opened the door and stepped inside, with the smells of mama's cooking wafting out throughout the dining room, and there was Jorl, wiping glasses behind the bar. As he spotted Quatlu, a big smile broke out on his face and he came scurrying up to Quatlu and shook his hand, "Welcome back, Master Quatlu, welcome back indeed. All of Boldhome is talking about the successful Hero Quest. Please... take your usual seat by he fireplace and I'll get you a nice tot of hot grog, eh?" Quatlu gave him a firm and friendly handshake in return, and then walked over to his favorite table, hung his cloak on the wall peg and took his seat. It was good to be back here again, as like all shops, the Pea Pod had closed completely during Sacred Time. It was the favored watering hole for many Orlanthi, especially the group of stalwart adventurers who had successfully completed the "Arming of Orlanth" Hero Quest. He hoped to see many of them here today, in fact, now that the city was reopening to trade. He sat back in his chair and sipped his grog...

[Erik]

There were definite signs that spring was well and truly here as Erik walked through the streets of Boldhome towards his favourite little tavern. The housewives had opened the wooden shutters on their windows and taken down the thick, heavy, winter drapes designed to keep the bitter cold out of their homes during the long, dark, freezing winter nights. Instead lighter curtains were hanging and in window boxes and flower tubs the spring bulbs had sent up green shoots, some of which were coming into flower. The fruit trees in the little square outside the Pea Pod were in bud and the blossom season was not far off. Chirping birds were flying up to the eaves carrying wisps of horsehair and dried grass to build their nests, sometimes breaking off to strengthen their bonds with brief bouts of mating. Not unlike humans reforging bonds on return from campaign or Heroquest thought Erik, fondly remembering his own recent, very welcome home.
He pushed open the heavy door and entered the homely little bar. Despite the spring season Jorl still had a small fire lit in the hearth to keep the chill from the room. Erik was pleased to see his friend Quatlu had arrived before him. He ordered a couple of mugs of hot grog and a plate of spicy sausages and took his own seat.
"A toast to springtime" said Erik as the two raised their mugs. "I trust your welcome from Darra was as warm as mine from Yealla. I know the ladies are looking forward to Tarkala's Spring Love Feast and showing off their new dresses to welcome the season. What are your plans for the rest of the month? I know you intend to lead a ceremony in the 3rd week (congratulations again on your Temple promotion), and I would welcome your guidance as I plan to lead a ceremony myself the following week. I am fairly confident that I know the ritual, but any tips on pitfalls to avoid would be useful. I especially wish for the ceremony to go well in memory of our fallen comrade Ondurga".

[Quatlu]

His face broke into a warm smile as Quatlu's friend and Sword Brother Erik stepped into the Pea Pod. The two men toasted the springtime with fresh mugs of grog, and the Warlord smiled at Erik's question about Darra's welcome home celebration. "Her embrace was indeed very warm and welcoming, and made a fine memory to carry with me on campaign later this year. I know she is looking forward to Tarkala's Love Feast, and I find myself eager to see her new outfit. She never never, ever disappoints." He took a swig of grog and continued, "And I should be honored to stand with you when the King ennobles you for your bravery and contributions to the Kingdom." Jorl brought over some of Mama's fresh baked meat tarts as a snack for the men, and Quatlu helped himself.

Quatlu continued, "After Tarkala's Love Feast, I shall be at the Great Temple for the remainder of the month. I will attend the ceremony in Week Two for services by Chief Priest Vadath Anngson, and will do my best to assist him with the ceremony as I am able to help with any liturgical support actions that need to be done. In Week Three I will lead the ceremony in my first service as Assistant Priest, and in Week Four I shall attend your first ceremony as a Wind Lord, to honor Ondurga and to offer you my assistance, if needed, to help this to be a sterling success for all the faithful. I shall be ever nearby to smooth the way, but I have absolutely no doubt that your performance will be flawless and inspirational." He then went into a few of the little intricacies of the Orlanth ceremony which would be helpful to Erik, as he wanted his friend to make a fine impression on the attending clergy.

[Rufus]

Rufus strides in, as is his wont, orders a pint from Jorl but with a brandy chaser as well. Then he goes to his friends - raises his pint in salutation "Here's to Julian and his return" - then he raises his brandy glass, "and here's to Ondurga - a sad and terrible loss, we will remember our fallen colleague." Rufus drains the glass in one go.

Rufus has been profoundly affected by the hero quest - to be actively involved in the Orlanth story heightened with the great risk involved would affect even the most insensitive participant.

After discussing with the others about their hero quest experiences, the subject changes to the coming month's plans.

Rufus will attend Tarkala's feast and bring along Daraea as well. I think I will be getting my attire from Grumbold's "Silks and Sapphires". The rest of the month is unplanned but attending a ceremony for Ondurga is something he would like to do. Rufus intends to stay in Boldhome until campaigning season.

He picks up on Erik's recommendation that a newcomer to Boldhome be allowed to join Mularik's Company. Rufus says Ararg would be welcome to join the best magical regiment there is in the army.

[Erik]

Erik has been musing on his upcoming first ceremony at the temple of Orlanth as a leader. "Part of the ceremony can involve my praising someone worthy, or condemning someone unworthy. Now, had she survived, I think I would have praised Ondurga - and I shall give our late sister an eulogy. As it is, I wonder whom amongst the Heroquesters to praise. Quatlu, you led us well and victoriously, Rufus, you also did well, as we all did. Yet we have all been rewarded in some way, save for young Torben. Therefore I think it best to remind the faithful that all have a part to play in our service to Orlanth, and initiate Torben was not found wanting. He did not have to volunteer for this dangerous quest and yet he stepped forward when the call was made. I shall therefore single him out for praise in my sermon."

[Quatlu]

Quatlu listened to his friend Erik as he spoke of the coming ceremony and the recent Hero Quest, nodding in agreement as he shared his thoughts with them. He agreed that Ondurga might have warranted a mention, but her role in the Hero Quest would best be handled by Erik's eulogy. But when he brought up Initiate Torben, a broad smile broke out on the Warlord's face and he nodded in agreement. "That is a splendid idea, Erik. He knew it was a very dangerous expedition, but never faltered in volunteering and playing his role in the success of the Hero Quest. It is fitting that you would mention his efforts in the exploits of the entire team, and bring him to the attention of the entire temple. I am hopeful that we are also able to bring back Initiate Julian from the Hero Plane at the outset of Early Sea season, which would then close out the record of this epic adventure. A toast to Initiate Torben!"

[Ararg]

A slight young man with quick eyes comes into the Pea Pod. His clothing is of good quality but well-worn and much patched. He looks around, curiously, then heads to the bar and asks Jorl for a pint of his winter porter.

Once served, he heads to an unoccupied table, sits, and takes a long draught of beer. He looks around the tap room again, this time - perhaps - his gaze lingers a little on the gathering of Quatlu, Erik, and Rufus.

[Fionn]

As the slim figure of Fionn comes through the door, his face brightens at seeing his friends returned from the Heroquest. "Warlord Quatlu, my congratulations on your fortitude this Sacred Time. With the success of your quest, the work I have put in at the Military Academy, and the two of us on the general staff, this Summer looks like being a good one for Commerce investors! Ondurga was indeed a sad loss to Boldhome, but she died in a good cause, and that is the best any of us can hope for in the end; I hope there will be a good turnout when you commend her to Orlanth".

A movement catches his eye, and he turns to see the newest customer. "I remember you from the Balkoth lands, don't I? Arag - no, Ararg. Come and have a bowl of Jorl's famous pea soup, and meet some of those who will be at the front. The Pea Pod knows neither rank nor Charisma; a stout heart and loyalty to Sartar are all you need to join the Boldhome heroes. Now, sit down; stands Swenstown where it did?"

[Erik]

"Fionn, that reminds me. Whilst I have improved my battle skills thanks to the recent Heroquest, I feel I need to study a little more. Are you planning on running courses this month at the Military Academy? I was thinking of studying in the 2nd and 3rd weeks, and I could use some of your expertise, although I realise that the course of study will need to contibue for some months".

[Quatlu]

"Ah, Fionn, good to see you again", Quatlu says as he extends his hand for a firm handshake, "and thank you for your congratulations. The Hero Quest was indeed a success, though not without a price. Initiates Julian and Ondurga were both lost to us, though Julian may yet be recovered when we pray for his return at the outset of the season. Wind Lord Erik plans to do a memorial ceremony for Ondurga in Week Four, when we will all remember her and mourn her untimely passing."

As the newcomer approaches the table, Quatlu smiles at the young man and stands to welcome him with an outstretched hand. "Well met, young Ararg, and please do take a seat. It was not all that long ago since all of us at this table were also new to Boldhome, with stars in our eyes and great aspirations in our hearts. I understand you are seeking a post in the most elite magical regiment in the Kingdom, and so my man, good fortune smiles upon you this day, for here sit before you the Warlord and Lt. Warlord of that august regiment". He then introduces Baron Rufus and Erik to Ararg, and reseats himself at the table to take a swig of his drink.