Post by Fehu Isa on Dec 19, 2008 8:18:34 GMT -6
Lady Kessa: There was no outward sign of affliction to any untrained eye. Subtle hints remained, but she doubted they were surprising. Seated upon the backless stool beside the High Seat, a bowl of broth and a half-picked-to-death loaf of bread ignored for the moment in the casting of a Solitare spread. The cards she'd made for Franz all those hands past now had a mirror set, though drawn with a little less... venom in the casting of the face cards. It passed the hours for her in her confinement as dice did for many of the Jarls.
Acheron Sinis: The door of the hall was swung open and Herrold walked in...Quickly closing it to keep the cold out and the warmth in. He hung his cloak to the peg near the door and walked in more.."Tal.." he called out to any there..
Lady Kessa: Lifting her eyes, she smiled faintly and stood. "Tal, Jarl Herrold." Her smile unhidden, she motioned toward the bench across from her. "If you've wish, do feel free to sit and warm yourself." Lowering back down to her seat, nimble fingers began to undo the cards and stack them into a single pile again.
Acheron Sinis: He smiled and did just that. After all...he did live there too. He sat down let out a breath. The fire was good.
Lady Kessa: "All is well, I trust, so far as the world beyond Tyr'Odal?" Pinning him again with the honest scrutiny of her soft eyes, running over him to judge if there were something amiss.
Acheron Sinis: "The world is shitty. Always has been...Always will be.." he said in honesty.
Lady Kessa: Chuckling quietly, her head shaken, she laid the cards aside and moved her cooled broth closer. "I have never thought so, but I do not argue, Jarl. I will allow that what makes trash for one is treasure for others." She had to be optimistic. It would be too horrible to be otherwise in her condition. "Is there any particular spike in the .....shittiness, or just the general status quo?" Even now, warm mead in a dark verr horn trimmed in gleaming silver had been acquired and Comfort's ample frame was scampering over to hold it up into his taking with a warm smile just for him. -d
Acheron Sinis: He looked to her with that never failing charming smile of his..."Same ole same ole..." he took the horn offered to him...And gave a nice hearty slap to the girl's bottom in reward...With a wink to add to that smile.
Lady Kessa: "Ah, then it is a level I do not have to worry over." Her laughter subtle as the spoon rose up to her lips. "mmm." A sound to pause conversation, not to show the deliciousness of the broth. The crack of palm to jiggling flesh and a subtle squeal of joy from the bondmaid drove Kessa's lids to dip and her eyes to roll upward in a bemused moment of some personal thought.
Acheron Sinis: He drank down some of that nice warm mead...And then he looked over to Kessa with a smile.."Havent seen much of you lately...You are well I trust..?"
Lady Kessa: When Comfort had risen and strolled away, rubbing her backside more to draw attention than to soothe any pain, the question could be answered.
Acheron Sinis: He eyed the slave as she moved away with a grin...then looked back to Kessa.
Lady Kessa: "Not well, no." A bit of bread plucked away from the loaf and dipped into the broth. "If it is to be this way every time, Franz may have only one heir so hope it is a son." She let a smile show though, to prove that though the first trimester of her pregnancy had been hell on Gor, she would do it for Franz a thousand times if he wished it.
Acheron Sinis: He nodded and took another drink..
Lady Kessa: "But I am worlds better of late. He's very... " She wrinkled her nose. "Very protective. I am hale, and though I may have... small patches of troublesome digestion, I will survive." She leaned her forearms on the table, looking direct at Herrold. "Tell me what I have missed? Franz is not keeping me in the dark by any means but... well, sometimes I fear he may sugar-coat things or perhaps keep the worst from my knowledge for sympathy's sake. You are not held back by feelings of care."
Acheron Sinis: "Well...We have a new Magistrate...And he claimed my near daughter Sasha.." he kind of looked away at that.. "..He seems a good man though.."
Lady Kessa: At this news, she studied Herrold's expression and attitude even more than the hearing of the words. "I had heard that we had a Magistrate, but not that he had taken claim of the Lady Sasha. He must be a good man indeed if he lived long after this claim." She chuckled gently and reached out, giving his hand a squeeze. "I am sure that he will care for her well. You know that she is thought of with great affection by all of us, and even if you were not here, Odin forbid it, that any tears on her part would be repaid doubly to whomever hurt her."
Acheron Sinis: He smiled a little..."Well....I kicked his ass before he claimed her...there is a respect between us...I suppose. And he paid the bride price...Honoring her ...Me...I think all will be well.."
Lady Kessa: Nodding with agreement, she turned her attention to the soup bowl for a few ehn. Her appetite was back, though she was a bit afraid to indulge it fully just yet. Wade before swimming, as it were. "I am told we're hosting men of Port Kar." Yes, she was horridly prejudiced since she'd seen few good men in that city, though she'd not met the Captain Primarus or any of his group.
Acheron Sinis: He nodded..."Indeed we are.." he prefered to keep his thoughts to himself for now about them...Reserving judgement until he got to know these men a little better... After all...he himself was part Karian by birth. He had speant half his life growing up in Kar and growing up in the north.
Lady Kessa: She looked him over again, reading what she could, which wasn't much. Annoyance at that making her 'hrmmm' a moment and return to her broth and bread. She trusted Herrold in regard to honesty at least.
Acheron Sinis: He looked over to her again...Drinking his mead. Herrold was always honest. If he didnt want to lie, he simply said nothing. In this case, there was nothing to lie about. Truly...he could not yet judge the new arrivals.
Lady Kessa: "Franz and I have been talking about perhaps a bit of amusement to break up the chill dark nights. Soon enough it should be the winter solstice. Perhaps a few days might be devoted to celebration and ... amusements and feasting and the like. Have you any opinion as to what might be pleasant to indulge in?"
Acheron Sinis: His brows raised and he had that...Smile...and he looked away... "Well....Nothing I could rightly indulge in without consequence.." He smirked..
Lady Kessa: "Other than that." Her smirk was not haughty offense at a hinted ribaldry, but jovial speaking of awareness.
Acheron Sinis: "But...There were spars mentioned...I might participate in that.."
Lady Kessa: "Spars. Yes. There was that. And other contests. Mead drinking... to see who can hold the most without falling over. Archery or axe throwing and ... bondmaid contests as Odin knows they would enjoy the diversion as well."
Acheron Sinis: He smiled as he looked to her and listened.."Cant drink to a stupor...No.." he smiled. That was not permitted to him. He would be insane to do such a thing. He was an Assassin.
Lady Kessa: She chuckled. "Oh, well some cannot bear to lose control of themselves and others, well, they relish it greatly. One must cater to the varied tastes of the Jarls, even when one is their hostess and not their... well." She chuckled anew and with her tongue flicked at the edge of her lip to sweep away a crumb of bread. "So you think it would be ... diverting? The whole thing, not just the drinking I mean."
Acheron Sinis: He smiled. "Very diverting...So long as tempers do not prevail.."
Lady Kessa: "We'll keep a hole cut in the ice of the pond for anyone whose tempers run too hot. A dunking should drive any contention from their spirit." She nodded once, as punctuation. Looking left and right, she leaned in again. "As to fevered tempers, I would hope you've no person in mind who might be worried over?"
Acheron Sinis: He chuckled. His smile was wide as he looked to her and listened. He then drew his fingers to his beard as he thought to that. "There are two I can think of...Khor...and that...What's his name...Leonidus..?"He smirked a little..."Them....And I would keep an eye on the Magistrate...The quiet ones are those we should be leary of.."
Lady Kessa: As he thought, she finished her broth and nudged the bowl aside,only half aware of Comfort's presence removing it, as she was not the real reason the kirtled fleshpot had sauntered over for. "Yes." A slight edge to her words at the names he gave. "As to the Magistrate, it is to him one would expect the weighty mantle of keeping order is set. So, he is disallowed to be trouble." As if she could do such a thing, but she said it with a half-born grin to prove she was jesting. "I have not met with the man Leonidus, though I have heard a bit of him from those whose council I have been keeping." This was not only Franz, but the bondmaids and free women whose tongues painted rumor and conjecture. It was hellish to know so little. "Jarl Mathyus is not returned yet with your ships?" She did not think he had, but still, she wasn't the pinnacle of awareness these days.
Acheron Sinis: "the Magistrate is still a man...and he is a northsmen at that.." He looked away again..."No...Not yet.."
Lady Kessa: "Well, it must be terribly annoying to have them put into his hands. He is a good man, but..." She leaned closer again. "There is lack in his nature which gives me pause, now and then." She didn't want to speak ill of one of her companion's men, but... honesty was still her nature, even if she buffered it now and then.
Acheron Sinis: He let out a breath...he was a patient man...he would wait it out for now.
Franz Castellan: ::he had been out on the ice doing a spot of night fishing, but he had decided to come back to the hall, a catch of fish slung over his shoulder on a string, as well as the pack on his back::
Lady Kessa: "Your family is well?" Sitting back and folding her hands in her lap. "Your Lady's company is a blessing, I assure you. Advice may be free but it is also priceless." The door opening drug her eyes from Herrold and she stood up, Comfort scampering from her spot toward Franz to take the fish if he wished it, and to welcome him properly. Such urges like a barrel of eels twisted, and she nodded politely his way. "Tal, Franz."
Acheron Sinis: "Well...We lost a daughter and gained a son...Evens out.." He looked over to the door now as well..
Lady Kessa: Sinking down from weakened knees she nodded again toward Herrold to prove she'd heard him, though silence now held her tongue.
Franz Castellan: ::he was slightly wobbly having taken a bit of ale with him to keep out the cold, well that was his excuse:he stuck his fishing stuff in the corner of the hall out of the way and pottered over to Kessa and Herrold:: Tal Kessa::he grinned at her slightly wobbly::
Acheron Sinis: "Tal, brother.."
Franz Castellan: Ah..Herrold..Tal old chap::he unslung the string of fish and waved it about in front of them::look at this haul ::he moved over to her and kissed her on the forehead::
Acheron Sinis: "Hmmmmm...Is that what's for dinner..?"
Lady Kessa: The swaying fish were dodged by Comfort who slid round Franz's back and out of the way. "Such bounty." A smile on her lips. "Comfort, take them to the kitchen." She jumped at the kiss, as Franz's lips were cold. The shiver that drove gooseflesh to her wool-covered arms was not a token of cold though. "Warm yourself." She purred it, unintentionally inflecting it with the emotion her companion stirred.
Franz Castellan: ::he unclipped the horn from his belt, important things first and he handed the fish then to comfort::who held her nose at it and carried it off::
Acheron Sinis: He could smell more then that fish even at that distance from his stand near Kessa..
Franz Castellan: ::he walked rather unsteadily to the fire and stood with his back to it::he had been all day and most of the night on the ice::
Acheron Sinis: And the slight wobble gave Franz away too..
Franz Castellan: So..::he smiled brightly::how are you all ? ::he tried to hide the slur in his words:
Acheron Sinis: "You heard about Marius and Sasha...yes..?"
Lady Kessa: "Better." She had smelled the drink, but he was a man, and could do what he pleased. She did not demand anything from him. Watching him though, lest he fall into the fire and singe his backside, she would let him speak with his friend uninterrupted
Franz Castellan: ::funny though..how one can always find the way home and indeed the front door after a couple::Hmm..?
Acheron Sinis: "Marius claimed Sasha."
Franz Castellan: :he would wink at Kessa then::Oh...delightful. perhaps..we could have an excellent feast to celebrate
Lady Kessa: "Perhaps, if they wish ..." she looked between Herrold and Franz. "Their joining might be another..." She paused, shaking her head. " My Own.... you are as ever, the holder of my thoughts before I can even speak them."
Franz Castellan: ::yes, he had to admit he was that good at that:: So..you look..peeky Kessa ::he squinted at her then through double vision, he could more or less see two of everybody at this point::
Lady Kessa: "I was just speaking with Jarl Herrold about the coming Winter Solstice and ... the few hinted conversations we've had about having ... spars and contests and a feast... " She smiled at Franz. "I am well enough, Franz. Though you are welcome to assure my health if you find it will soothe you." As her digestive pyrotechnics were not really conducive to romance, now that they had ended she was in a mood.
Acheron Sinis: He remained quiet as he looked away to the fire.
Franz Castellan: Ah then perhaps Sasha can take a look at you. I will arrange it ! :he said with gusto as if he was about to charge the ramparts of some foresaken building::
Acheron Sinis: He looked over to the two of them..
Lady Kessa: "If you think it wise." She'd chuckle and shake her head lightly. He was a sweet fool sometimes, but she'd not ever speak it aloud. Drink was not a good friend to him. It stole the iron from his nature like a magnet pulling shavings across the table.
Franz Castellan: ::he would smile to Herrold::you are quiet old chap. you missed good fishing
Acheron Sinis: He shrugged a little.."Havent seen those Karians around...what do you think they're up to...?"
Franz Castellan: Probably not used to the cold, holed up I should imagine
Acheron Sinis: "Mmhmmm...Maybe.."
Franz Castellan: Or plotting. I just think they have had enough of Port Kar. I have no desire to ever return
Lady Kessa: "Men of Port Kar are always plotting." She knew that was true, and both insult and complement. "If they find hospitality and are treated with respect, they may be unsure how to deal with it at first. Patience, perhaps, is best?" Phrasing it as a question so to allow that she was not telling them what to do.
Acheron Sinis: He nodded as he listened to them..
Franz Castellan: It did occur to me they might plan a take over...But then they might just want a peace from the madness of Kar
Acheron Sinis: He too was by nature, a plotting man as well....But he didn't do so to stab others in the back...Well....Not unless contracted to...
Franz Castellan: I could always send a barge of wood down to Kar with some men to find out what's going on. Trace back their steps
Acheron Sinis: "not so many decent Karians around...Who knows...Maybe they are decent enough men.."
Franz Castellan: To be fair, he seemed a decent enough fellow
Acheron Sinis: "Yes...He seemed so."
Lady Kessa: "The best is to follow the advice of 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. Until you know which they fall into, for certain, then it is good to keep them near and involved on a peripheral level. I will do what I can to engage their women. Introduce them around to the ladies of the city and the sights that appeal to feminine tastes."
Acheron Sinis: "good idea.." he smiled with a nod to Kessa..
Lady Kessa: "One of many I keep for special occasions." She chuckled, self-depricatingly. Turning her gaze to Franz, looking him over with a gaze that was unique. It was too possessive to be a bondmaids and too adoring to be free. Hungry for his company and closeness.
Acheron Sinis: He was watching Kessa as she looked to Franz...he recognized that look. Sometimes he saw it in Gilda..
Franz Castellan: ::he noticed it as well, but he was a little bit drink sodden for complete recognition..to him it might have been the look Helga once gave him of..you bastard, coming home late, out at all hours how dare you ^crash bang wallop* he hoped it wasn't the case and besides it was uncomfortable sleeping in the barns with the bosk::
Lady Kessa: "Comfort." Who had returned from the kitchen, fish all dealt with and the smell washed from her hands. "Bring the Jarl some hot tea and honeyed bread." She knew that food was better taken before the drink, but no doubt he'd let his belly go empty save the drink too long. Heavy lashes obscured her eyes as she looked down at the table. She was aware that they had company and while she was not immune to the usual sharing of thoughts that made Franz and herself so well matched, she did like Herrold's company as a friend and did not wish him ever to feel a third wheel
Acheron Sinis: He quietly looked away...
Franz Castellan: ::if he was honest he would much rather take Kessa to the furs although he would never say it aloud for fear of making her blush with his language::
Acheron Sinis: He swallowed down the last of his mead and set it to the hold on the table. Herrold never felt like a third wheel there. He was very comfortable there.
Franz Castellan: So old chap...would you care for some hunting tomorrow..and I mean of the tabuk kind
Acheron Sinis: "Sure.." He grinned..
Lady Kessa: "What do you hunt tabuk with?" She did not know, and hated ignorance more than she ought perhaps. "I know some are good with bow and arrow and others lose to women..." She smirked and did all but fake an innocent whistle.
Acheron Sinis: "Crossbows are best.." he looked to her..."And if you know where a few have been...traps are better.."
Franz Castellan: ::he nodded in agreement::definitely the bow. I suppose you can spear them, but only up close when nearly finished
Lady Kessa: "I see." She nodded faintly. "They're not too dangerous are they? I mean.. all animals are dangerous when they're in fear of their lives, even urts, but ... I've no real cause to sit and worry, have I?"
Franz Castellan: Kessa my sweet, not at all::he smiled brightly:: I am always careful:::he lied a bit then::
Acheron Sinis: "True...then you're taking a hell of a chance with a spear.." To him, a crossbow was best. Right in the head...Or the heart. Usually...he aimed for the eyes...Nice easy entrance to the brain.
Lady Kessa: Her smile took possession of her mouth,eyes glinting. "Always careful, My Own. And you'll have good company to see you return home to us without any great injury." She'd nod to Herrold's words. "I trust you know well how to make it quick and as painless as possible." Though she was fond of meat, she did not like thinking of some animal suffering long painful throes of slow death.
Acheron Sinis: Herrold was good with the long bow and the crossbow...and his best kills were in the eye.. Even human kills. "I definitely do." If the beast...Or human was still wiggling around after a good sinking into the eye...the blade to the throat always came in handy. Acheron never liked human or beasts to suffer. Usually his kills were quick.
Franz Castellan: ::he would chuckle then, to him meat was meat and an animal for food, he held no sentimentality on the subject::
Lady Kessa: "A handy fellow indeed." She looked from Herrold to Franz. "And keep him from indulging too greatly, if you would, so he does not fall down a ravine or the like?" Jestingly said, but still with a hint of seriousness behind it.
Acheron Sinis: "Well...My rule is...No drinking while hunting.." And he was serious.
Franz Castellan: Except fish, but mainly because they are slow moving
Acheron Sinis: he chuckled.. "Fish...well...that's different...so long as you dont drink and fall through the ice.." He looked to them..."But I have been on hunjar ships...I've seen foolish men drink while hunting the hunjers..and get pulled into a water grave.."
Franz Castellan: I have heard of this yes :he nodded and had to agree::
Lady Kessa: She bit her lip. There was such an urge to tease but she swallowed it when Herrold mentioned the men who had died. She set the tea and honeyed bread in front of the High Seat and pointed for Franz to come sit down and fill his mouth with something useful.
Franz Castellan: ::he would sit then of course, next to Kessa...he would reach to eat the bread and drink the tea to wash it down with. Eventually ..the mix of drink and bread and tea and warmth..and of course pleasant conversation with Kessa and his friend would..well..he would unintentionally drift off, the sound of their voices more or less rocking him to sleep::
Acheron Sinis: He grinned looking over to Franz...he stood and then moved him up and onto his shoulder... "Lead the way, lady Kessa...So I can put your man in his furs."And that was what he was doing...Carrying him over his shoulder and following her to their room.
Lady Kessa: Watching him fall into dozing, she rolled her eyes and when Herrold plucked him up, she stood and lead the way to the room, the length of the Hall traversed. "So much easier if you can just pick him up and put him there. I have to use bait." She chuckled as she lead into the room, turning the lamps up and stoking the fire so he could be doubly warm. Once he was in bed, she covered him up with a woolen blanket and leaned down to brush his hair back from his brow. "Such an angel when he's sleeping."
Franz Castellan: :he began to ..snore::
Acheron Sinis: "Mmmmm...Arent they all.." ~PLOP~He let him drop onto his bed.. "I'll let you do the honors, lady.." he grinned and stepped out of the room... he didn't care to see his friend naked.
Lady Kessa: She chuckled at the snoring and walked Herrold out, stopping at the door. "You are a good man, Jarl Herrold. Thank you." She did like him, as a person, even before she'd been obligated by freedom. "I will see he gets some rest."
Acheron Sinis: "Not a problem.."
Acheron Sinis: The door of the hall was swung open and Herrold walked in...Quickly closing it to keep the cold out and the warmth in. He hung his cloak to the peg near the door and walked in more.."Tal.." he called out to any there..
Lady Kessa: Lifting her eyes, she smiled faintly and stood. "Tal, Jarl Herrold." Her smile unhidden, she motioned toward the bench across from her. "If you've wish, do feel free to sit and warm yourself." Lowering back down to her seat, nimble fingers began to undo the cards and stack them into a single pile again.
Acheron Sinis: He smiled and did just that. After all...he did live there too. He sat down let out a breath. The fire was good.
Lady Kessa: "All is well, I trust, so far as the world beyond Tyr'Odal?" Pinning him again with the honest scrutiny of her soft eyes, running over him to judge if there were something amiss.
Acheron Sinis: "The world is shitty. Always has been...Always will be.." he said in honesty.
Lady Kessa: Chuckling quietly, her head shaken, she laid the cards aside and moved her cooled broth closer. "I have never thought so, but I do not argue, Jarl. I will allow that what makes trash for one is treasure for others." She had to be optimistic. It would be too horrible to be otherwise in her condition. "Is there any particular spike in the .....shittiness, or just the general status quo?" Even now, warm mead in a dark verr horn trimmed in gleaming silver had been acquired and Comfort's ample frame was scampering over to hold it up into his taking with a warm smile just for him. -d
Acheron Sinis: He looked to her with that never failing charming smile of his..."Same ole same ole..." he took the horn offered to him...And gave a nice hearty slap to the girl's bottom in reward...With a wink to add to that smile.
Lady Kessa: "Ah, then it is a level I do not have to worry over." Her laughter subtle as the spoon rose up to her lips. "mmm." A sound to pause conversation, not to show the deliciousness of the broth. The crack of palm to jiggling flesh and a subtle squeal of joy from the bondmaid drove Kessa's lids to dip and her eyes to roll upward in a bemused moment of some personal thought.
Acheron Sinis: He drank down some of that nice warm mead...And then he looked over to Kessa with a smile.."Havent seen much of you lately...You are well I trust..?"
Lady Kessa: When Comfort had risen and strolled away, rubbing her backside more to draw attention than to soothe any pain, the question could be answered.
Acheron Sinis: He eyed the slave as she moved away with a grin...then looked back to Kessa.
Lady Kessa: "Not well, no." A bit of bread plucked away from the loaf and dipped into the broth. "If it is to be this way every time, Franz may have only one heir so hope it is a son." She let a smile show though, to prove that though the first trimester of her pregnancy had been hell on Gor, she would do it for Franz a thousand times if he wished it.
Acheron Sinis: He nodded and took another drink..
Lady Kessa: "But I am worlds better of late. He's very... " She wrinkled her nose. "Very protective. I am hale, and though I may have... small patches of troublesome digestion, I will survive." She leaned her forearms on the table, looking direct at Herrold. "Tell me what I have missed? Franz is not keeping me in the dark by any means but... well, sometimes I fear he may sugar-coat things or perhaps keep the worst from my knowledge for sympathy's sake. You are not held back by feelings of care."
Acheron Sinis: "Well...We have a new Magistrate...And he claimed my near daughter Sasha.." he kind of looked away at that.. "..He seems a good man though.."
Lady Kessa: At this news, she studied Herrold's expression and attitude even more than the hearing of the words. "I had heard that we had a Magistrate, but not that he had taken claim of the Lady Sasha. He must be a good man indeed if he lived long after this claim." She chuckled gently and reached out, giving his hand a squeeze. "I am sure that he will care for her well. You know that she is thought of with great affection by all of us, and even if you were not here, Odin forbid it, that any tears on her part would be repaid doubly to whomever hurt her."
Acheron Sinis: He smiled a little..."Well....I kicked his ass before he claimed her...there is a respect between us...I suppose. And he paid the bride price...Honoring her ...Me...I think all will be well.."
Lady Kessa: Nodding with agreement, she turned her attention to the soup bowl for a few ehn. Her appetite was back, though she was a bit afraid to indulge it fully just yet. Wade before swimming, as it were. "I am told we're hosting men of Port Kar." Yes, she was horridly prejudiced since she'd seen few good men in that city, though she'd not met the Captain Primarus or any of his group.
Acheron Sinis: He nodded..."Indeed we are.." he prefered to keep his thoughts to himself for now about them...Reserving judgement until he got to know these men a little better... After all...he himself was part Karian by birth. He had speant half his life growing up in Kar and growing up in the north.
Lady Kessa: She looked him over again, reading what she could, which wasn't much. Annoyance at that making her 'hrmmm' a moment and return to her broth and bread. She trusted Herrold in regard to honesty at least.
Acheron Sinis: He looked over to her again...Drinking his mead. Herrold was always honest. If he didnt want to lie, he simply said nothing. In this case, there was nothing to lie about. Truly...he could not yet judge the new arrivals.
Lady Kessa: "Franz and I have been talking about perhaps a bit of amusement to break up the chill dark nights. Soon enough it should be the winter solstice. Perhaps a few days might be devoted to celebration and ... amusements and feasting and the like. Have you any opinion as to what might be pleasant to indulge in?"
Acheron Sinis: His brows raised and he had that...Smile...and he looked away... "Well....Nothing I could rightly indulge in without consequence.." He smirked..
Lady Kessa: "Other than that." Her smirk was not haughty offense at a hinted ribaldry, but jovial speaking of awareness.
Acheron Sinis: "But...There were spars mentioned...I might participate in that.."
Lady Kessa: "Spars. Yes. There was that. And other contests. Mead drinking... to see who can hold the most without falling over. Archery or axe throwing and ... bondmaid contests as Odin knows they would enjoy the diversion as well."
Acheron Sinis: He smiled as he looked to her and listened.."Cant drink to a stupor...No.." he smiled. That was not permitted to him. He would be insane to do such a thing. He was an Assassin.
Lady Kessa: She chuckled. "Oh, well some cannot bear to lose control of themselves and others, well, they relish it greatly. One must cater to the varied tastes of the Jarls, even when one is their hostess and not their... well." She chuckled anew and with her tongue flicked at the edge of her lip to sweep away a crumb of bread. "So you think it would be ... diverting? The whole thing, not just the drinking I mean."
Acheron Sinis: He smiled. "Very diverting...So long as tempers do not prevail.."
Lady Kessa: "We'll keep a hole cut in the ice of the pond for anyone whose tempers run too hot. A dunking should drive any contention from their spirit." She nodded once, as punctuation. Looking left and right, she leaned in again. "As to fevered tempers, I would hope you've no person in mind who might be worried over?"
Acheron Sinis: He chuckled. His smile was wide as he looked to her and listened. He then drew his fingers to his beard as he thought to that. "There are two I can think of...Khor...and that...What's his name...Leonidus..?"He smirked a little..."Them....And I would keep an eye on the Magistrate...The quiet ones are those we should be leary of.."
Lady Kessa: As he thought, she finished her broth and nudged the bowl aside,only half aware of Comfort's presence removing it, as she was not the real reason the kirtled fleshpot had sauntered over for. "Yes." A slight edge to her words at the names he gave. "As to the Magistrate, it is to him one would expect the weighty mantle of keeping order is set. So, he is disallowed to be trouble." As if she could do such a thing, but she said it with a half-born grin to prove she was jesting. "I have not met with the man Leonidus, though I have heard a bit of him from those whose council I have been keeping." This was not only Franz, but the bondmaids and free women whose tongues painted rumor and conjecture. It was hellish to know so little. "Jarl Mathyus is not returned yet with your ships?" She did not think he had, but still, she wasn't the pinnacle of awareness these days.
Acheron Sinis: "the Magistrate is still a man...and he is a northsmen at that.." He looked away again..."No...Not yet.."
Lady Kessa: "Well, it must be terribly annoying to have them put into his hands. He is a good man, but..." She leaned closer again. "There is lack in his nature which gives me pause, now and then." She didn't want to speak ill of one of her companion's men, but... honesty was still her nature, even if she buffered it now and then.
Acheron Sinis: He let out a breath...he was a patient man...he would wait it out for now.
Franz Castellan: ::he had been out on the ice doing a spot of night fishing, but he had decided to come back to the hall, a catch of fish slung over his shoulder on a string, as well as the pack on his back::
Lady Kessa: "Your family is well?" Sitting back and folding her hands in her lap. "Your Lady's company is a blessing, I assure you. Advice may be free but it is also priceless." The door opening drug her eyes from Herrold and she stood up, Comfort scampering from her spot toward Franz to take the fish if he wished it, and to welcome him properly. Such urges like a barrel of eels twisted, and she nodded politely his way. "Tal, Franz."
Acheron Sinis: "Well...We lost a daughter and gained a son...Evens out.." He looked over to the door now as well..
Lady Kessa: Sinking down from weakened knees she nodded again toward Herrold to prove she'd heard him, though silence now held her tongue.
Franz Castellan: ::he was slightly wobbly having taken a bit of ale with him to keep out the cold, well that was his excuse:he stuck his fishing stuff in the corner of the hall out of the way and pottered over to Kessa and Herrold:: Tal Kessa::he grinned at her slightly wobbly::
Acheron Sinis: "Tal, brother.."
Franz Castellan: Ah..Herrold..Tal old chap::he unslung the string of fish and waved it about in front of them::look at this haul ::he moved over to her and kissed her on the forehead::
Acheron Sinis: "Hmmmmm...Is that what's for dinner..?"
Lady Kessa: The swaying fish were dodged by Comfort who slid round Franz's back and out of the way. "Such bounty." A smile on her lips. "Comfort, take them to the kitchen." She jumped at the kiss, as Franz's lips were cold. The shiver that drove gooseflesh to her wool-covered arms was not a token of cold though. "Warm yourself." She purred it, unintentionally inflecting it with the emotion her companion stirred.
Franz Castellan: ::he unclipped the horn from his belt, important things first and he handed the fish then to comfort::who held her nose at it and carried it off::
Acheron Sinis: He could smell more then that fish even at that distance from his stand near Kessa..
Franz Castellan: ::he walked rather unsteadily to the fire and stood with his back to it::he had been all day and most of the night on the ice::
Acheron Sinis: And the slight wobble gave Franz away too..
Franz Castellan: So..::he smiled brightly::how are you all ? ::he tried to hide the slur in his words:
Acheron Sinis: "You heard about Marius and Sasha...yes..?"
Lady Kessa: "Better." She had smelled the drink, but he was a man, and could do what he pleased. She did not demand anything from him. Watching him though, lest he fall into the fire and singe his backside, she would let him speak with his friend uninterrupted
Franz Castellan: ::funny though..how one can always find the way home and indeed the front door after a couple::Hmm..?
Acheron Sinis: "Marius claimed Sasha."
Franz Castellan: :he would wink at Kessa then::Oh...delightful. perhaps..we could have an excellent feast to celebrate
Lady Kessa: "Perhaps, if they wish ..." she looked between Herrold and Franz. "Their joining might be another..." She paused, shaking her head. " My Own.... you are as ever, the holder of my thoughts before I can even speak them."
Franz Castellan: ::yes, he had to admit he was that good at that:: So..you look..peeky Kessa ::he squinted at her then through double vision, he could more or less see two of everybody at this point::
Lady Kessa: "I was just speaking with Jarl Herrold about the coming Winter Solstice and ... the few hinted conversations we've had about having ... spars and contests and a feast... " She smiled at Franz. "I am well enough, Franz. Though you are welcome to assure my health if you find it will soothe you." As her digestive pyrotechnics were not really conducive to romance, now that they had ended she was in a mood.
Acheron Sinis: He remained quiet as he looked away to the fire.
Franz Castellan: Ah then perhaps Sasha can take a look at you. I will arrange it ! :he said with gusto as if he was about to charge the ramparts of some foresaken building::
Acheron Sinis: He looked over to the two of them..
Lady Kessa: "If you think it wise." She'd chuckle and shake her head lightly. He was a sweet fool sometimes, but she'd not ever speak it aloud. Drink was not a good friend to him. It stole the iron from his nature like a magnet pulling shavings across the table.
Franz Castellan: ::he would smile to Herrold::you are quiet old chap. you missed good fishing
Acheron Sinis: He shrugged a little.."Havent seen those Karians around...what do you think they're up to...?"
Franz Castellan: Probably not used to the cold, holed up I should imagine
Acheron Sinis: "Mmhmmm...Maybe.."
Franz Castellan: Or plotting. I just think they have had enough of Port Kar. I have no desire to ever return
Lady Kessa: "Men of Port Kar are always plotting." She knew that was true, and both insult and complement. "If they find hospitality and are treated with respect, they may be unsure how to deal with it at first. Patience, perhaps, is best?" Phrasing it as a question so to allow that she was not telling them what to do.
Acheron Sinis: He nodded as he listened to them..
Franz Castellan: It did occur to me they might plan a take over...But then they might just want a peace from the madness of Kar
Acheron Sinis: He too was by nature, a plotting man as well....But he didn't do so to stab others in the back...Well....Not unless contracted to...
Franz Castellan: I could always send a barge of wood down to Kar with some men to find out what's going on. Trace back their steps
Acheron Sinis: "not so many decent Karians around...Who knows...Maybe they are decent enough men.."
Franz Castellan: To be fair, he seemed a decent enough fellow
Acheron Sinis: "Yes...He seemed so."
Lady Kessa: "The best is to follow the advice of 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. Until you know which they fall into, for certain, then it is good to keep them near and involved on a peripheral level. I will do what I can to engage their women. Introduce them around to the ladies of the city and the sights that appeal to feminine tastes."
Acheron Sinis: "good idea.." he smiled with a nod to Kessa..
Lady Kessa: "One of many I keep for special occasions." She chuckled, self-depricatingly. Turning her gaze to Franz, looking him over with a gaze that was unique. It was too possessive to be a bondmaids and too adoring to be free. Hungry for his company and closeness.
Acheron Sinis: He was watching Kessa as she looked to Franz...he recognized that look. Sometimes he saw it in Gilda..
Franz Castellan: ::he noticed it as well, but he was a little bit drink sodden for complete recognition..to him it might have been the look Helga once gave him of..you bastard, coming home late, out at all hours how dare you ^crash bang wallop* he hoped it wasn't the case and besides it was uncomfortable sleeping in the barns with the bosk::
Lady Kessa: "Comfort." Who had returned from the kitchen, fish all dealt with and the smell washed from her hands. "Bring the Jarl some hot tea and honeyed bread." She knew that food was better taken before the drink, but no doubt he'd let his belly go empty save the drink too long. Heavy lashes obscured her eyes as she looked down at the table. She was aware that they had company and while she was not immune to the usual sharing of thoughts that made Franz and herself so well matched, she did like Herrold's company as a friend and did not wish him ever to feel a third wheel
Acheron Sinis: He quietly looked away...
Franz Castellan: ::if he was honest he would much rather take Kessa to the furs although he would never say it aloud for fear of making her blush with his language::
Acheron Sinis: He swallowed down the last of his mead and set it to the hold on the table. Herrold never felt like a third wheel there. He was very comfortable there.
Franz Castellan: So old chap...would you care for some hunting tomorrow..and I mean of the tabuk kind
Acheron Sinis: "Sure.." He grinned..
Lady Kessa: "What do you hunt tabuk with?" She did not know, and hated ignorance more than she ought perhaps. "I know some are good with bow and arrow and others lose to women..." She smirked and did all but fake an innocent whistle.
Acheron Sinis: "Crossbows are best.." he looked to her..."And if you know where a few have been...traps are better.."
Franz Castellan: ::he nodded in agreement::definitely the bow. I suppose you can spear them, but only up close when nearly finished
Lady Kessa: "I see." She nodded faintly. "They're not too dangerous are they? I mean.. all animals are dangerous when they're in fear of their lives, even urts, but ... I've no real cause to sit and worry, have I?"
Franz Castellan: Kessa my sweet, not at all::he smiled brightly:: I am always careful:::he lied a bit then::
Acheron Sinis: "True...then you're taking a hell of a chance with a spear.." To him, a crossbow was best. Right in the head...Or the heart. Usually...he aimed for the eyes...Nice easy entrance to the brain.
Lady Kessa: Her smile took possession of her mouth,eyes glinting. "Always careful, My Own. And you'll have good company to see you return home to us without any great injury." She'd nod to Herrold's words. "I trust you know well how to make it quick and as painless as possible." Though she was fond of meat, she did not like thinking of some animal suffering long painful throes of slow death.
Acheron Sinis: Herrold was good with the long bow and the crossbow...and his best kills were in the eye.. Even human kills. "I definitely do." If the beast...Or human was still wiggling around after a good sinking into the eye...the blade to the throat always came in handy. Acheron never liked human or beasts to suffer. Usually his kills were quick.
Franz Castellan: ::he would chuckle then, to him meat was meat and an animal for food, he held no sentimentality on the subject::
Lady Kessa: "A handy fellow indeed." She looked from Herrold to Franz. "And keep him from indulging too greatly, if you would, so he does not fall down a ravine or the like?" Jestingly said, but still with a hint of seriousness behind it.
Acheron Sinis: "Well...My rule is...No drinking while hunting.." And he was serious.
Franz Castellan: Except fish, but mainly because they are slow moving
Acheron Sinis: he chuckled.. "Fish...well...that's different...so long as you dont drink and fall through the ice.." He looked to them..."But I have been on hunjar ships...I've seen foolish men drink while hunting the hunjers..and get pulled into a water grave.."
Franz Castellan: I have heard of this yes :he nodded and had to agree::
Lady Kessa: She bit her lip. There was such an urge to tease but she swallowed it when Herrold mentioned the men who had died. She set the tea and honeyed bread in front of the High Seat and pointed for Franz to come sit down and fill his mouth with something useful.
Franz Castellan: ::he would sit then of course, next to Kessa...he would reach to eat the bread and drink the tea to wash it down with. Eventually ..the mix of drink and bread and tea and warmth..and of course pleasant conversation with Kessa and his friend would..well..he would unintentionally drift off, the sound of their voices more or less rocking him to sleep::
Acheron Sinis: He grinned looking over to Franz...he stood and then moved him up and onto his shoulder... "Lead the way, lady Kessa...So I can put your man in his furs."And that was what he was doing...Carrying him over his shoulder and following her to their room.
Lady Kessa: Watching him fall into dozing, she rolled her eyes and when Herrold plucked him up, she stood and lead the way to the room, the length of the Hall traversed. "So much easier if you can just pick him up and put him there. I have to use bait." She chuckled as she lead into the room, turning the lamps up and stoking the fire so he could be doubly warm. Once he was in bed, she covered him up with a woolen blanket and leaned down to brush his hair back from his brow. "Such an angel when he's sleeping."
Franz Castellan: :he began to ..snore::
Acheron Sinis: "Mmmmm...Arent they all.." ~PLOP~He let him drop onto his bed.. "I'll let you do the honors, lady.." he grinned and stepped out of the room... he didn't care to see his friend naked.
Lady Kessa: She chuckled at the snoring and walked Herrold out, stopping at the door. "You are a good man, Jarl Herrold. Thank you." She did like him, as a person, even before she'd been obligated by freedom. "I will see he gets some rest."
Acheron Sinis: "Not a problem.."