Back at the Pea Pod…

[Julian]

At the Pea Pod:

Julian attends the Pea Pod, his head spinning with the news that he may be appointed Baron! He is secretly “chuffed to mint balls” as his destitute family would say!
He enters and greets Jorl, the landlord, the rest of the staff and the clientele as he looks about for any of his friends.

“Landlord!” He cries, “Your finest wine for my friends and I ….. Oh and a beer for everyone else….. and snacks! Lots of snacks!!”

“I should tell you that I may be granted the title of Baron at the forthcoming Royal Feast. In fondest hopes I would enjoy this moment with you all!!”

He sits, slightly shocked by his success alongside his friends sipping good vintage wine and reflecting on his luck! He knows that his friends have made that luck possible. So he decides to swear an oath of friendship with Quatlu who has been a totem in his rise! May Orlanth protect Quatlu!

He discusses the Prospects of the Royal Feast with Quatlu (if he is able to attend) and promises his future support to the gentleman who has made his own rise possible. He is bound by honour to his mentor.

Julian takes advice from the folk he knows during his “party”.

[Quatlu]

With a cold wind whipping the ends of his cloak, Quatlu Carasilson made his way to the Pea Pod for a nice hot toddy and some light vittles before he headed home. He stepped into the establishment and quickly shut the door behind him, then greeted the proprietor with a big smile and a hearty, "Greeting Jorl!" He looked about the room and saw his friend and Brigade Thane, Julian Sartarvutson, seated at their usual table and he waved as he caught his friends eye. "I'll have a mulled wine, Jorl, heavy on the cloves as usual", he said as he moved to shake Julian's hand. "Good to see you, my friend", he said as he took his seat, "and what fabulous news that His Majesty will ennoble you this month as a Baron!" He raised his mug for a toast and said, "Well done, Julian Sartarvutson, a fine and well deserved addition to the Court of our beloved King."

When Julian informs him of his plans to swear an oath of friendship at the Royal Spring Feast, Quatlu is touched by the sentiment and replies, "I will be at the Feast with Darra, and would be honored to exchange an oath of friendship with you before the Queen, Julian. You are a fellow member of the Colymar tribe, and have risen steadily up through the ranks with a bright future still ahead of you. You have been a loyal, fearless and constant companion season after season, and I could not ask for a better friend. May Orlanth take you forwards and upwards in society." He then sat back and drank with his friend, and at an appropriate point mentioned, "You know the Brigade Thane position is scheduled to be filled this season. I hope you will apply, as you have served honorably and effectively, and selfishly I would like to keep you in that post. Please do apply, Julian."

In discussing the Royal Spring Feast, Quatlu said, "We are required to present a flower in a ceremonial basket at the Feast in Week Four. Do you know which one you will choose? Red for love, White for peacemakers and Green for those who will attempt notable deeds. I thought about showing a Red flower, but the only one I wish to flirt with is my beloved Darra." He took another sip of mulled wine...

[Erik]

Erik shook off his cloak as he entered the small, but very welcoming, tavern that was the Pea Pod. He was in time to catch Quatlu's remark as he made his way across to his friends table. "Well said" he remarked. "I am of the same opinion - I intend to wear Red, but I will spend the evening flirting with Yealla. The other thought was to wear Green and to pledge to undertake a Heroquest next Sacred season. That however is something I already planned to do, so it would seem a mockery to make a big scene about it"
He paused as Jorl arrived. "A flagon of spring Ale for me and refills for my friends. And some cheese and biscuits to nibble." "Quatlu, I agree with you about Old Ada Yelasdaughter , she really should have retired years ago. But she has served Orlanth well over the years and deserves to go with dignity. I will mention her in my service in the first week of Early Sea and thank her for her years of devotion. As for the rest of the month, I have 2 Ring Assembly meetings before the Queen's Spring feast. Goodness knows when I will have time to get down to Grumbold's and be fitted with my new clothes."

[Julian]

Julian is happy to be in the company of his friends and hearing of their enlightening conversation. Now he sups quietly and considers: Should I go a Hero Qusesting (Only just survived last time) or stay and cement his achievements and friendships?

[Julian]

Julian is happy to be in the company of his friends and hearing of their enlightening conversation. Now he sups quietly and considers: Should I go a Hero Qusesting (Only just survived last time) or stay and cement his achievements and friendships?

[Erik]

Erik turned to Julian. "You are right, Heroquesting is perilous. Which is as it should be - without great danger there can be no great glory! But that is not to say that it should not be planned for. It helps to be high in the Temple Hierarchy. As Chief Priest, I can clear some more of the less able of the Assistant Priests, those who have been promoted too high for their skills. Would you care to be an Assistant Priest? I believe you will be eligible for such a promotion in Late Sea, is that correct?"

[Julian]

Sir, I mean, Eric! Yes. And a hundred times yes!! I would be delighted to become an assistant priest, and yes, it is my understanding that I would be eligible for such a role in Late Sea.

I am humbled and yet proud that you would consider me for such an important position.

[Ivarenna]

It is raining heavily as Ivarenna approaches the Peapod. She enters and hangs up her coat by the door. She appears a little tired as the recent heroquest proved quite arduous.

She greets her friends Eric, Quatlu and Julian! She is looking forward to seeing them all at the Spring Feast and asks them what they will be wearing. She congratulates Julian on his forthcoming ennoblement. She thanks Eric for his strong leadership on the Hill of Gold. She orders a jug of the finest Clearwine for everyone and proposes a toast to the fallen Erinestra.

She finally settles down at a quiet table to work on her poem for the feast, sipping meanwhile at a warm bowl of green pea soup.

[Erik]

Erik gladly raises his glass in a toast to the late, much missed, Erinestra. "My Lady, my congratulations on your recent promotions in the Temples of Ernalda and Orlanth. I do not envy you the amount of Temple duties you have let yourself in for! I hope I left my office, now your office of course, of Assistant Priest in the Great Temple of Orlanth tidy, and that you will be very happy there. Let us toast your promotion and, I hope, the forthcoming promotions of Quatlu and Ararg this coming month. Julian, you need one more month before your next step up. Let us all vow to be loyal servants of Orlanth and his Temple!"
The toast drunk Erik continues "I look forward to hearing your poem at the Queen's Spring Feast. We will now let you sit quietly and invoke your muse, to, I doubt not, great effect" Once Ivarenna had settled herself Erik gently asked Jorl to ensure her glass was refilled whenever required as he, Quatlu and Julian continued their conversations in comradely comfort.

[Rufus]

Rufus, as is his wont, arrives late for the celebrations. He is though, on an emotional high. The recent heroquest has energised him - his devotion to Orlanth is palpable. The title of Stormhand granted during the quest has given him a something to live up to. He expresses his determination to advance in the cult and to serve Boldhome. He announces that he will be supporting Torben and Aararg as they advance in the cult. He will attend the ceremony led by Erik in week 1.

He is looking forward to the feast. This is the time he declares - now is the moment! Though what he is contemplating is not explained.