Late Dark at the Pea Pod

[Rufus]

Rufus strides in (as is his wont) orders a pint and a double whisky chaser. He is clearly in a bad mood and looking to alcohol to ease his pain. "She said No! Why would she say no! It is incomprehensible! I don't understand it." He drinks deeply into his beer and then throws back the whisky. Orders another. "Well, everyone - I am going to see her again and try to change her mind. I expect everyone else to keep clear of Daraea!"

He eyes up Quatlu - "And Quatlu, there i another thing that doesn't make sense - me becoming priest instead of you. Quite wrong - I suspect that not being a noble was the issue - we need to get you a title. You deserve it - someone of your eminence should have a title or leave Boldhome - I want it to be the former."

He downs another whisky and orders another.

"And Erik," Rufus continues, even if the alcohol is starting to have an effect " You have been the best companion a chap could have. You have gone out of your way to help me and others and I am greatly in your debt. So I was upset when you left Mularik's - but I could see the city would be served greatly by you being a Member of the City Ring. Perhaps not the way I would go - but important to have someone of your decency in such an important role. "

He looks at Erik with a steely glare "But now you have resigned that important role to take up the life of a warrior - fair enough, the front can do with a man of your calibre - but you want to join the Warlocks! Why, in then name of Orlanth, why?! That regiment thinks it is a guards regiment and equal or better than Mulariks. You would have been welcome back to Mulariks - you have many friends in our company but if you turn your back on your friends, then we will defend the honour of our company. I beg you to reconsider! Come back to Mulariks! You would be welcome".

(OoC - being a brevet warchief, he is not sure regt rivalry applies to him or not)

He offers to buy Erik a drink
-

[Erik]

Erik happily accepts Rufus's offer of a drink. "A flagon of your Spring Ale please Jorl. And I am sure that we would all enjoy a platter of your cheese and cold meats".
he turns to the Brevet Warchief. "My dear Rufus, I could certainly rejoin Mularik's Company. It is, in my opinion, the best regiment in King Argrath's army, I am proud to have been a member and to have served under yourself. Which is exactly the point. The Eaglebrown Warlocks have been allowed to drift for too long, they need knocking into shape. If I rejoined Mularik's, or applied to the Foot Guards I would need to join as a Ten Thane at best. Neither unit are scheduled to campaign this summer. By joining the Warlocks as a Hundred Thane I can rise more swiftly to the point where I can follow your example and forge a regiment to be proud of, and the summer campaign will be the anvil on which I can beat them into shape. No, this will not be the easy way. But I feel it is the right way. Now let us raise a toast to the success of all of our troops in the coming fight against the Lunars. To Boldhome and King Argrath!"

[Selena]

""Many thanks for your offer", replies Selena. "As an ardent follower of the Gods, I seek to join the Eaglebrown Warlocks. I understand there are other applicants, but after recent campaigns there will be vacancies for all, I am sure. Jorl, a round of mead for my new friends!"

[Quatlu]

Quatlu watches as Rufus comes into the Pea Pod, his mood obviously rolling with him like a storm front. As the man tosses down liquor with abandon, the brigadier begins to see the source of his anger. "Some women take a little longer to come to the right decision, and I suspect Daraea is no exception, my friend", he says in a comforting voice. "She'll come around, Rufus." When Rufus mentions the appointment to Priest, he smiles a little sadly and says, "My friend, do not trouble yourself about the appointment, as you were meant to have it. I managed to clear out that Malani reprobate in any case, which will be a better thing for the Great Temple in the long run. You lead a successful Hero Quest to honor Orlanth, and are a devout follower of the storm god. Orlanth occasionally puts me in my place when I try to strive too high too soon, and I feel that this is the case in this effort to seek promotion. My turn will come when Orlanth wills it... of this I am certain." He paused for a sip of his mug, then continued, "As to the lack of a title, I also do not understand the King's decisions to deny me this honor, but I bow to his will and await the moment when he decides that my actions are worthy. Your support is greatly appreciated though, my friend. I feel it is a test of my character and loyalty, so I will stay the course and continue to serve His Majesty to the best of my ability. Perhaps this coming Fire season will see me rise to Baron."

[Erik]

Erik listened to Quatlu's comments to Rufus. "You have my sympathy my friend, for I think I can understand what you are feeling at the moment. Remember that in my case Yealla refused me twice before accepting me on the 3rd proposal. From the depths of sorrow I was, eventually, lifted to the heights of great joy. So, please the Gods, may it be with yourself and the Lady Daraea - although hopefully without the 2nd refusal!".
Turning to Selena he continued "Selena, I am glad to hear that you are to join us in the fellowship of Orlanth. I offer my support for you to rise in the hierarchy of the Temple. I also welcome your application to join the Eaglebrown Warlocks, which I also plan to serve with. We will ride together this summer against the Lunatic foe". "Julian, you and Quatlu must face eachother in an affair of honour. I welcome the suggestion that it be to first blood, I would hate it if we were to lose either of you. Should I be obliged to face any of Mularik's Company in an affair, I shall myself fight to first blood. Quatlu, again I can offer my own experience. It took some time before His Majesty found me worthy of a title, and during that time I was obliged to defend myself against nobles who thought I had risen too far and too fast. I bided my time with what patience I could muster and I doubt not that His Majesty will reward you for your worthy service in his own good time. Again a toast - To the great Honour of the Duellists!"

[Julian]

Julian, returning from a call of nature sees Selena chatting to Quatlu and hope to join the conversation he makes his way over, ordering drinks for the table (well the folks around at the table) en route. Hello Quatlu, this is Selena is it not? Selena I am at your service. I hope you are enjoying the grog here and the food? Jorl keeps a great cellar and table!

What are you seeking here? Can I help?

And clapping Quatlu on the shoulder he sits down and says …… it’s going to be a challenging week! And smiles wanly…. Hearing the support of Erik he states his offer to stand in the place of the Great Quatlu if he is injured for all the kindnesses he has bestowed!!!

[Ivarenna]

Ivarenna nipped into the Peapod in the morning before heading off to the front.

She greeted her friends and bought a jug of ale and a cauldron of soup for the table, with copious amounts of freshly baked bread.

She also enquired if there was any interest in buying the house which she was selling, a large house in the upper quarter. A bargain with a minimum bid of just 600L.

"The auction will be closing soon so get your bids in quicky! I have left a notice about it in the market place."

She headed off for the temple of Orlanth to see if there was any interest there.

[Julian]

Welcome Selina - Julian says, how may I help you?

[Ararg]

After many seasons, Ararg finally stumbles across the Pea Pod. He has heard many rumours but never crossed the threshold before. He enters with some trepidation, will he know anyone here?

As he looks around the warm, snug he spies a table towards the back where he is somewhat shocked to see a gathering of so many of the great and good of Boldhome. Lord Erik Stargazer, chief priest of Orlanth and member of the city ring! Baroness Ivarenna Hainasdaughter, Lt Warlord and Assistant priestess of Orlanth! Baron Julian Sartarvutson, Rune Lord of Orlanth, and Brigade-thane of the Guards Brigade! Baron Rufus Bronzer, priest of Orlanth and Brevet Warchief of Mularik’s Company! Such a company! Nobility by birthright and earned greatness in abundance. He shakes his head in wonder.

And, of course, Quatlu Carasilson, Warchief and Brigadier of the Guards Brigade, not to mention assistant priest of Orlanth. Ararg already has cause, and has accepted another duel with Quatlu. He will not see the group's evening spoiled by further cause, so after a word with the man behind the bar - a request for a round of drinks to be sent over to their table - he slips back out into the cold evening and heads to The Three Suns where he settles by the fire and - with a mulled wine at his hand - he closes his eyes and smiles.