Late Earth at the Pea Pod

[Quatlu]

The old, weathered door came into sight at last, lit by the lanterns hanging on the door posts of the Pea Pod. It was like seeing an old friend again, and Quatlu Carasilson smiled as he opened that door, entering into the pleasant and casual surroundings of this most welcoming pub. The proprietor, old Jorl, spotted his regular customer and hurried over to bid him welcome. "Good evening Jorl", Quatlu said as he walked over to his regular table and hung his cloak on a wall peg by the fireplace. "Have I miss any of the company by my late arrival?" Jorl smiled warmly and replied, "No sir, Master Quatlu, none but your good self has graced my establishment this evening." Quatlu ordered a tankard of ale and a basket of mama's fresh corn muffins and butter to imbibe while he waited.

Early Earth had been a grand season in the great scheme of things, following in the wake of a successful campaign against the Lunars. He was now happily married to Darra Ulisdaughter, having wed her in the traditional ceremonies surrounded by the laughter and camaraderie of good friends and family. Orlanth and the gods had smiled on the joyous proceedings, and he was now free to begin his own family story with the lovely Darra. To add to the gaiety and celebrations this season, two of the Pea Pod's own Orlanthi regulars, Lt Warlord Harold and Lt Warlord Torben, both good and honorable officers, had been ennobled by the King. These high honors were also built upon by the Great Temple of Orlanth, which raised both of these same Initiates to God Talkers. Drighten Erik had likewise been promoted into the ranks of the Assistant Priests to serve Orlanth in the Great Temple of Boldhome. And to top it all off, the Baroness Ivarenna had successfully given birth to a strapping baby boy, whom she had named Valerian Ivareenason. "Praise mighty Orlanth", Quatlu said giving humble thanks, "for his blessings richly bestowed upon his loyal and faithful worshippers." He sat back with a contented smile on his face and sipped his ale, to await the arrival of some of his fellow warriors and good friends.

[Torben]

"Sir, Lieutenant Warlord Sir" came a voice from outside the door, followed by a loud knocking. The sudden noise roused newly ennobled Baron Dungshuvler to his senses, awakening him from the pleasant dream he had been enjoying about his future planned visit to the Temple of Uleria. He'd dozed off at his desk, surrounded by various campaign maps and orders for the coming season back in Boldhome.

"Yes, who is it and what's all the noise"?

The door opened to reveal the somewhat perspiring face of Thane Margor Cubson, Regimental Duty Officer for the week. Taking a brief moment to wipe a hand across his brow, the young Officer threw a salute to his senior and quickly addressed him.

"Sir, news from the local establishment known as The Pea Pod. Apparently a couple of our Ten-Thanes were sharing a few ales inside it when they overheard your name. That Quatlu Carasilson fellow, you know the Bvt. Warchief, Brigadier of the Guards Brigade, Warlord of the Royal Foot Guards,
Asst. Rune Priest of Orlanth, he of the Colymar Tribe...that one....well he was saying something about, and I quote, 'Two of the Pea Pod's own Orlanthi regulars, Lt Warlord Harold and Lt Warlord Torben, both good and honorable officers, had been ennobled by the King'....yes, that's what has been relayed to me by our Ten-Thanes so I thought I should let you know straight away".

"By the Gods, you were right to do so Thane Cubson! Me, a regular at the Pea Pod!! I've never stepped foot inside the place in my life, in fact I've only ever been there the once, that time when I'd just arrived in Boldhome and was cold and hungry, I remember peering in through the windows and marvelling at the fine foods and drinks being served. I was about to go in when the owner, a large red jowly faced man, told me to 'sod off' as the tradesmens entrance was at the back and I needed to go that way! Bloody cheek of it, but I was new then, a mere former latrine pit digger, unaware of city life".

"Yes Sir, but times have changed for you now Sir, haven't they! A Baron, Lieutenant Warlord, Aide to a Lord etc I bet he wouldn't send you around the rear these days".

"Hmmmh....I guess not, but I'm still intrigued as to why such an important man as Quatlu Caralison would mention me and believe I was a regular at the place? Curious, still perhaps I should take it as a sign and maybe, at last, I am getting to the stage where a Dungshuvler like myself can actually get to sit at the same table and socialise with such greats? Right, Thane Cubson, be a good chap and go and fetch my best regimental uniform and a few bags of lunars out of that formidable money chest in my room, it's time for me to see if I can go and join the Pea Pod Regulars"!