Post by Fehu Isa on Dec 22, 2008 7:23:36 GMT -6
Lady Kessa: The door pressed open enough to admit her,a nod of acknowledgement given the guards posted outside, as well as the pair who stood within, her arms laden with the leather-encased books from the docks. Red-cheeked and windblown, the brightness of her eyes was blinked away in the encasing warmth from the long fire. Coppery brown braids twisted up into a capture of combs at the crown of her head, her steps quick through the length of the hall looking about at those gathered. "Comfort. Tea when you've the moment." She spoke to the tousled bondmaid currently in the midst of pouring mead for the dining jarls at their table. Dropping the books, she adjourned to the next room only so long as it took to get pen and ink, then dropped down into the backless seat beside the High Seat, opening the topmost ledger and going over the sums.
SagaciousMalice: ::The Lar Torvis broke over the treetops from the east, shining its golden rays upon the world below. Trailing the coast, a lone serpent ship with black hull and crimson sail approached what appeared to be a settlement, village even. Eryk was quickly notified not only of dawn's break but the discovery ahead. Too many years had he spent away on his unintended journey, and already the evidence of such was beginning to mount. He quickly arose from his slumber, arguably the only thing to make him come to his senses quicker would be the heat of battle. He traveled center along the benches, uttering words of greeting to the oarsmen as he made his way to the bow of the ship. His ax was momentarily left where he awoke, though as always was his long sword amongst other weaponry still on his person. Dark eyes squinted to garner a better view of what they approach, and finally he came to a decision:: Display the white shield ::He called to his back, to which a few of the men acquiesced, letting it be clearly visible upon the mast. Towards the stern he went to recollect his ax and the rest of his regalia, placing about his shoulders a cloak of purple, ensuring the rings of gold and precious gems were on his fingers, the talmit across his brow. His large weapon found itself secured to his back, as was his tradition. Now, it would only be a matter of time between wind in the sail and the rhythm of the oars before they came within hailing range. So, he once again moved to take his place at the bow::
Lady Kessa: The sound of the jarls eating, drinking, enjoying brief companies of the milling bondmaids were like the wind in the tems, loud, but easily overlooked when ones mind was elsewhere. Faintly a light thunk sound and a smell of humid sweetness announced to her thoughts that her tea had been brought. Barbarian habits died hard and in this hall, tea was made like she had done in her younger days in another place. Hardly the most wicked of defiant acts to deities to whom she held neither allegiance nor respect. The sound of horns brought every head up, and all thought of stew or stolen kisses were lost in the unified rising of those two hundred who were gathered. On the docks, the ship had been spied, and the next pealing notes told of the white shield's visibility. Settling back down, though more subdued, the jarls concentrated on finishing their meal before returning to duty and relieving the next wave. From the shallow docks, kept so to prevent any but the lightest serpent from a proximity where invasion was easy, the torches were lit, a crackling line begun of wind-whipped flame in pots from the docks up the hill toward Tyr'Odal, the main hall and home to the Warden of Tem Reach forest reserve, highest Jarl of Fehu Isa, and general over-seer of everything, Franz Castellan. Alert, but not showing any ill will, the men would stand in something between 'welcome' and 'what the hell do you want?'. As the last pot was lit, the man who'd carried the torch informed the guards of the hall, who told Jarl Ivan, Franz's right-hand man, who would tell the Mistress of the hall if it became obvious she'd be having company.
SagaciousMalice: ::The serpent he commanded at present was forty benches long, not his largest, but by not necessarily a small craft. The shallower the water, the slower his approach, soon ordering the sail to be struck, giving him more command of the vessel's approach, though it be more strain on the oarsmen for a short time. Soon enough, they drew the oars inboard as they approached the dock. The Jarl respected the relative distance that he was received with at first. Not uncommon it was that villages warred with each other, politics and all that mess. Truth be told, his facial expression reflected much the same in return. His dark eyes were cold, his beard of great proportion, braided in some areas as was his long hair. A man of solid stature, even amongst his kin, his demeanor and poise spoke of a thousand battles. His voice called to the nearest man, carrying well with a bit of a scratch commonly associated with one who had experience with bellowing orders:: Greetings. I am Eryk, Jarl of Tyrsgaard. To what village and hall have I traveled to?
Lady Kessa: As the craft crept closer, there were subtle changes to the outpost, most unseen. It was the wary urt that lived longest after all. When the voice called out, one stepped forward, his own answer called out. "You have set your oars toward Fehu Isa. Tyr'Odal Hall is where you will be welcomed." It was a strange place, to be still, by the map, in the Southern places of this world, but its populace, its Warden, its goal was emulation of the Northern world. The wind was bitter, and all about the docks were well bundled, but still he could see many of them were armed too well to be the workers who unloaded the ships come in trade. Quiet words, visible as the silver pass of breath, were spoken and one of the men behind the tall ruddy-faced man at the dock's end gave a curt nod and turned, walking away, speaking again until word would be given to Ivan at the Hall to expect the arrival of company who, outwardly at the moment, did not seem to earn inhospitable treatment. The woman doing the books was at last notified and with a nod of her own, she rose to tend to overseeing the preparations.
SagaciousMalice: ::Any man foolish enough to mount an aggressive stance would be a fool and short lived at this point. A firm nod of acknowledgement passed from him to the man with whom he was conversing before he turned and gave a few words to one standing behind him. It would be three men who disembarked with him as the others stood up and stretched a bit, relaxing as they saw fitting. One perhaps quite noticeable feature about the Torvald who made his way in lead towards the land was his hair. It had been marked with the silver common to age. Now, this may be simply because of his daughter, along with the distinguished lines of his facial features, though likely there was another explanation. No doubt, he would be shown the appropriate way to the hall. In the meantime, he surveyed the area, taking an inventory of sorts of his surroundings. The chilling wind was refreshing, and savored it he did::
Lady Kessa: The jarls leaving, Kessa pitched in with the bondmaids to clear the tables, sweep the floor, lay fresh rushes and feed the fire. The air was painted with the scent of needle tree oil and the richness of the kitchen's offering. The men leading Eryk toward the hall were fairly open and conversational, inquiring over such things as the location of Tyrsgaard, and how the seas had been on his journey. The Hall was a hub to the spreading of the outpost. Homes of wood were set in long lines with plank-work running between them to give a spot to walk when the muddy season came, which was very often here, as it rained or snowed here daily it seemed. From the homes around the hall, the buildings grew more dispersed toward the docks, the clinic, warehouses, storehouses, shops and the like. The stoneworker's marks were still evident in the cut pillars and stairs leading up to Tyr'Odal, proving it was not an old Hall. The doors opened and the fair haired Jarl Ivan Bondrider stood. "Jarl Eryk of Tyrsgaard. I am Ivan, second to Jarl Franz Castellan, Warden of Tem Reach Reserve." He lifted his hand toward his shoulder in greeting, then out to be taken. The group would be shown inside and the doors closed to shut the bracing wind outside.
SagaciousMalice: ::He welcomed the conversation in passing. Though generally formal and solemn during first encounters, or in unfamiliar territory, he was certainly not antisocial. He shared a story or two about the weather, the largest fish they caught, and those types of things. Even if he was not favorable to talking small, it was a crude tool of breaking the ice sometimes. Upon the reception of Ivan, he gladly accepted the offered hand and followed with a clap to Ivan's shoulder with his free hand. A respectable, firm grip he gave:: I am pleased to meet you, and I thank you for receiving me, unexpected as I am. ::He subsequently released Ivan and proceeded to follow his lead. Ah, the fresh wood smell, it brought him back a good twenty or so years as he looked about::
Lady Kessa: The bondmaids of Tyr'Odal were like puppies in a shop window, all wriggle and pent-up energy still leashed at the moment. Comfort, Fire, and Sweetness moved at last toward the Jarls with bright smiles and hands waiting to be of use in fetching drink or hanging cloaks or any other thing that might be desired. Shameless indeed, but that was their lot and they were happy. Behind the table of honored guests, beside the High Seat and thankfully changed into a clean dress, the far from imposing figure of the Hall's mistress stood. Reddish brown hair was sleekly pinned up, her blue eyes keen as she looked over the guests. There was little sign of her condition yet, being a woman of curves and flesh to begin with. The ring of keys hanging against her hip glinted as she stepped round the table and gave a faint dip of her chin. "I welcome you, Jarls, to Tyr'Odal. Sit..." She motioned to the bench across from the High Seat which was for honored guests. "Drink and eat if you have want. I am Kessa, companion to the Warden."
SagaciousMalice: Well met, Kessa, I'm sure you've been told already, but I am Eryk, Jarl of Tyrsgaard, these are fine men, among my best, but they are not Jarls. ::He looked to Yngvar, Bjorn and Halvard:: ...yet, anyway. ::This caused an amused chuckle to filter through before they all took a seat. Despite his older appearance and the age in his eyes, he seemed to have an underlying vivacity. Forever was there a thought behind his gaze:: Water first, I think ::he said, lifting his hands out a bit to accent the purpose of the request::
Lady Kessa: She smiled softly and gave a nod of acquiescence, moving to take back her stool beside the High Seat, Ivan standing behind her and to the far side. The girls scampered off and returned within a few ehn with both a pitcher and several turned wood mugs. One girl held the mug and the other poured. Eryk being served first, and then his men. All the while, Kessa studied her companion's guest. She had not seen grayed hair in a long while. It suited him, and did not make him seem a whit less than any other man. Shaking her head, she smiled to herself, dragging her thoughts from wondering over the cause. "I must offer apology if you sent word of your intent to visit and find we are a bit taken unawares. Not that you had to send word, by any means." She laughed softly, prone to good nature. "I only wonder if it is business or pleasure which brings you to our Hall, Jarl Eryk?"
SagaciousMalice: eh ah ah ::He said as the bondmaids began to pour water in the small vessels:: Water for the hands, maids, mead for the belly. Well... ::he looked to Kessa:: At least that's the unspoken rule in my hall. ::It was at least an attempt at humor. Eryk's tended to be rather dry and morbid. So, at least the first crack was only one of the two:: Quite bluntly, Lady, had I known this settlement existed, I would have sent word. I am traveling to my hall now, it's nearly the farthest up any man would dare take a ship in the icy waters, along the coast near Ax Glacier. So, to answer your question, neither but perhaps a bit of both in the end.
Lady Kessa: The girls laughed and turned, moving off with whispers between them and Kessa, for her part, blushed, which did not occur very often. "It is a fine rule, Sir. I will have to implement it as many of the men here come from fishing and could use the washing." Her head cocked as he continued, basin and cloths with heated water brought back, the girls making themselves available. "You are welcome, in the end. The outpost has been here for a long while, though it is only within perhaps half of one year that it has been in the possession of my companion. He ...aquired it from the last warden and devoted himself to making it a place where he may both find and cultivate honor. It is still being built, but each day seems to brighten our populace with fresh faces." Such knowledge was common, and anyone who gave more than a passing inquiry could learn as much from anyone who they did business with or hosted as guests. "I have never seen so far North as where your hall lies, but I imagine it must be both beautiful and terrible."
SagaciousMalice: I see ::He commented with a slight nod of thought, about the acquisition:: This Hall, it seems, was built recently, and likely I've passed by whatever used to be here without second thought all these years. ::He replied, placing his forearms to the edge of the table and folding his hands together for comfort:: Yes, both beautiful and terrible. Suffice it to say, the remote location makes battle with the kurii quite frequent in comparison to other places. It is a burden my family has carried for many generations.
Lady Kessa: The man who had held the wardenship before Franz was a drunkard who chose to let the outpost wither while he sucked down paga and kanda in Port Kar. His loss was Franz's gain. The mention of kurii brought her to sit straighter. "I have little doubt you would. Being so far to the north, you must. I am not envious of your position, and thank you, and your family, for their bravery. I count myself lucky that we are so far to the south. We've troubles, of course, as all do, but thankfully kurii seem to be thin on the ground here. Too many fine men of Torvaldsland to get past before they ever showed hide or hair here." She shuddered despite herself though, as she'd heard horrible stories of the kurii. In her head they were something between yeti and dragons with a little vampire thrown in. Big, hairy, scary monsters that she would never want to see.
SagaciousMalice: It is... ::he paused for a moment in thought, looking upward and to the left with a bit of a squint. When he had collected his thoughts, he returned his gaze to the woman:: the gods' will where I am. I do the best I can with what they grant or deny me. ::He sat up a bit straighter:: I have more than enough... supplies and otherwise prestige to look after my village with little worries in that regard. So, as long as I have men that will stand to my right, left, and behind me, my Hall will always stand. And, I have no doubt that should I fall, my son will carry the ax of my forefathers as I have.
Lady Kessa: At the mention of his son, her hand shifted in her lap, moving to set against her own stomach, thinking of the passing on of this Hall to Franz's heir someday, hoping that day was distant. "I would never hint even that you did not have enough to look after your village, Jarl. But I offer what we may share if you have desire for addition to your stores." She did not doubt his capacity to care for his people, but still, it was polite to offer. "If you can remain until nightfall, I am sure that Franz would be most honored to meet you, Jarl Eryk." He was striving, for his own part, to do right by his people and his land. Horns of mead were carried out and held by the quiet bondmaids who were like the table. Useful and silent in the midst of the conversations of free people.
SagaciousMalice: ::So he had been so absorbed in the conversation that he missed the basin in front of him. He first rinsed his hands and dried them off before passing it to the next man. He, in turn, took the horn of mead from the maid closest to him, drinking deeply. His men, in no particular order followed suit, and chose to talk amongst themselves as his conversation with the woman continued:: I would be honored as well to meet him, and thank him personally for the hospitality of his Hall.
Lady Kessa: Again, she nodded. "His Hall is open to you. What you need, you have only to request." She sat back a bit, lifting one hand to brush away a loose bit from her cheek and secure the strands behind her ear. Turning her head, she gave a look upward to Ivan, who was relaxed and that helped her mood. She was not yet expert in keeping herself aloof and playing the role of Mistress of the Hall. But though she was afraid she'd muck up something so greatly her ignorance would betray her, she had to keep a smooth and placid look outwardly. Letting the quiet rise, the wind outside keening against the walls and roof, the smoke drawn up and out from the fire that blazed in the center of the rows of tables and benches, crackling in the comfortable silence. Most men were not fans of small talk, and she did not force it upon them, allowing that they would enjoy the mead and those who bore it far more than her prattling. Business was something she was comfortable with, but it was Franz's duty and not her own to speak of such things. She had done what she could and offered respite and welcome. Beyond that, she wasn't sure if the ice were frozen enough to support any heavy conversation.
SagaciousMalice: ::It is true that the Jarl's woman held a great amount of prestige or power within the Hall, though there was fine line where business between men was business between men. Usually, that happened when the scope of conversation led to large scale trade or otherwise important matters affecting communities, and even then it was more of a leader to leader than just man to man:: So, do you have a sort of crafting specialty?
Lady Kessa: "The outpost or myself?" Her lip in the faintest curl of amusement set as she turned her eyes to him again. "The outpost, of course, has myriad offerings in that vein. We have a very healthy verr population. Horns and wool as well as milk and cheeses and meat. We are, as you no doubt saw on your approach, still in those messy throes of a village's birth." She did not think of Tem Reach as being 'crafting'. And though she'd jested, she doubted he gave any thought to her own handiworks.
Il Amara lI: Amara'd awakened and dressed herself before leaving the ship. It felt good to put her feet on solid land again, and her butt not on the seat of a wagon. They'd been traveling for more than two years. She smiled as she bowed her head in a quick dip of greeting before she was ushered in through a door that closed behind her. Obviously a northern woman, the tall figure unraveled to reveal the golden blonde hair and fair skin as cloak's hood and cowl set loose the radiance from a face that was a little too pretty, delicately beautiful for her height and buxom stature. Showed the place where Eryk had gone, she stepped inside silently.
SagaciousMalice: Tyrsgaard mostly deals in lumber, I have two outposts. The one not far from here supplies most of what we need for my village and trade with other Torvald communities. Another on the Lydius river exports to southern cities mostly. ::He nodded for a moment in thought, taking another drink of the mead:: Tyrsgaard itself is great for getting away from the rest of the world when you wish it. It's also a location to test a man's mettle against the kurii, obviously. Your companion and some of his men may be interested in collecting some trophies of their own. ::Talking of his home, his demeanor lightened a bit, and he proceeded:: With the harshness of its location in contrast, Tyrsgaard is paradise within my hall. We work hard, fight hard ::"fight" was accented with a single drum of his fist against the table:: and so we enjoy ourselves to the fullest when the time comes. ::His eyes turned towards the newest entry, taking just a moment to view before he lifted to his feet, and took a step from the bench:: Greetings, Amara. This is Lady Kessa, Mistress of Hall Tyr'Odal. Kessa, this is Amara.
Lady Kessa: Politely, she inclined her head at the entrance of the woman, but did not divert her attention from the man speaking until he had finished. When he'd spoken of his outposts and their bounty she smiled graciously. "Yes, there is no doubt that it must count the peace of quiet amongst its charms." The slamming of the fist onto the table made her twitch in surprise at first, then chuckle to see him more animated. Then turning as he made introduction, she stood and bowed her head, the weight of the comb-bound braids shifting faintly. "Welcome to Tyr'Odal Hall, Lady Amara." She'd glance toward the bondmaids and sent Sweetness to attend to the lady with a cowed demeanor and more than obvious dislike of having to leave the men's side for that of tending a woman.
Acheron Sinis: On this day Herrold had gathered up thralls to go into the forest to the designated area for wood chopping detail. When he returned, he had walked into the hall with thralls following, stocking the wood pile for the great firehearth and also bringing wood into the kitchen for the cooking fires therein. Herrold placed his heavy winter cloak to the peg by the door and then sniffled in from the change of temperature.. He casually looked to the main of the hall to those he did not know. Nodding his head in greeting. Thralls of course, were never permitted to remain within the Hall and as soon as their work was down, they filed back out to their pens.
Lady Kessa: The sound of footfalls drove attention to shift again and she smiled. "Good day, Sir." She nodded to Herrold. "We've guests. Jarl Eryk of Tyrsgaard and the Lady Amara. This is Herrold, who is friend and confidant to the Warden." Settling again, she found her cold tea and sipped just to ease her parched tongue.
Il Amara lI: "Greetings, Eryk." she smiled as he towered over her upon his rise to his feet. Her smile was pure radiance as it turned upon him, then to the woman. Her chin dipped at the introduction, a smile given. "Greetings, Lady, and thank you." she hadn't meant to interrupt. But there was only so long that she could stay aboard that ship. "Tal." she nodded to the new figure as she put herself at Eryk's side, where she'd been constantly on their trip. Long story, good enough for a cold night around the fire sometime. The slave was treated to a smile upon her approach, and the whispered words for a warm drink as she settled herself down to readjust the heavy drape about her shoulders.
Acheron Sinis: Tal, lady Kessa..." He gave a nod of greeting to her and then looked to Eryk as he was being introduced. "Tal, sir....Lady.." A nod again to him and then to the lady Amara. He moved to stand by the warmth of the fire as he regarded them.
SagaciousMalice: ::He switched the horn to his left hand, leaving his right free. The Jarl was clad in a purple cloak, wore rings of gold and precious gems, and talmit across his brow. Other than that, he wore the traditional seasleen trousers, shirt, and boots common to Torvalds. His hair had more than just traces of silver within, and his face contained the distinguished lines associated with aging. His eyes were steady as he neared the other man and offered his hand, palm mostly up in greeting:: Greetings, I am honored to meet you Herrold.
Acheron Sinis: Being half blood to the torvs and half to karians made it easy to blend within those there. He was a bit unkept with his hair, a fur hat to his head. Fur vest over a long sleeved tunic and thick leather pants with boots. He looked nothing of his caste of Assassins. And well it should be. There was reason for it. With word of Assassin Hunters on the prowl, it was better to look of the ordinary, then to stick out like a sore thumb on display for the likes of such insane men. Keen dark eyes stayed to the man as he smiled politely to him. Taking his hand as he greeted. "An honor to meet ye as well, Eryk.."He gripped firmly to the man's hand, meeting only the strength issued out...Then released his hand.
Lady Kessa: Sweetness bowed low and turned, whipping back the unbound length of her hair as she jogged out in a flutter of bleached wool and strawberry blonde. As introductions were made, a heated concoction of tea and fruit juices was ladled from one of the smaller cauldrons heating over the kitchen's fires and post haste was carried out to Amara, held to her easy taking with respectful attitude. "If you are hungry, Lady, I am aware there are pastries made just this morning." She knew there were because she'd had them made. The first third of her pregnancy over, she'd found the appetite that had been denied to her by illness.
SagaciousMalice: ::And it was likely good that he did not flaunt his caste. The Jarl was about as fond of Assassins in general as he was about worshipping the Priest Kings. His grip was equally firm, and so respectful to the other man. After he released, his own dark shade of cold eyes remained upon him:: Will you have a drink with me? ::He gestured to the table as he began just a couple paces sideways in the direction::
Acheron Sinis: Even had Acheron...Known to others now as Herrold worn his caste attire, he rarely flaunted such. He had earned the respect of many in his former identity as Papo. "I would like that." He smiled to him in sincerity. He moved then to one of the large tables and he took a seat.
SagaciousMalice: ::He resumed his previous seat, leaving a place for Amara to his side, and sitting mostly across from Herrold, well the name he knew the man by:: Tell me Herrold, do you enjoy mead?
Il Amara lI: "Thank you, but no." there was a warmth about her, even while polite as she took the heavy cup from the slave, then gave a small signal that that was all. Steam reached her sensitive nose and told her that there was no alcohol in it. Damn. At least Mara could fix t hat easily enough. And she did so before the mug's bottom even touched the table's top.Yet she watched Eryk out of the corner of her eye as he settled. She put herself beside him, that close proximity make all the difference in her, it seemed.
Acheron Sinis: "I do...Very much...Just as any other man of the north would.." he smiled. He could use the warmth mead would provide on the inside. Outside...In the cold, it was at least 10 degrees...And there was a wet to the air, and clouds overhead that seemed heavy with threat of snow.
SagaciousMalice: ::He turned to look towards Amara for a moment, still talking to Herrold, of course:: I don't think this Lady does so much. ::looking back to the man, he gave just a slight elbow nudge to Amara before he looked back to her:: You realize I'm going to... help... you acquire the taste when we get to Tyrsgaard, right?
Acheron Sinis: His dark eyes drifted to Amara as Eryk spoke of her, then his attention moved back to the man before him.
Lady Kessa: "You are quite welcome, in all meanings of that phrase, Lady Amara." She noted the jesting between the jarl of Tyrsgaard and the woman, a slight arching taking hold at the corners of her mouth.Blues flicked to Herrold only for a moment, then back to her own tepid tea sipping at it and letting her mind turn about the things that remained on her 'to do' list when her duties as hostess were at an end for the day, or at least were put on pause. Her quiet was not unpleasant, simply withdrawn for the moment as conversations drifted around her.
Il Amara lI: Mara didn't tend to hide her expressions so well. And, even now, pale sky blue eyes sparkled as they lifted to the man beside her. "Oh, you're going to wait that long?" An innocent enough retort. But it almost held a dare in it, one of Amara's "famous" dares, in fact. While she held her warm mug in her left hand, her right tucked beneath his arm, long fingers curling round the rough dense cloth that covered the thick appendage.
Acheron Sinis: He relieved a tankard of mead from the girl offering it out to him. He preferred it in a tankard rather then a horn most of the time.
SagaciousMalice: ::Eryk wasn't so picky about the vessel, many times it was situational. Celebrations, it was almost a requirement for horns, since they either had to be drained or passed on to the next man. He finished the last bit from the vessel he had, and exchanged it for a full one from the maid who came. Lifting it towards Herrold, he said simply...:: To fellowship.
Acheron Sinis: Well...Herrold did not like to be overly pestered by the maids who liked to drape themselves on a man. He simply liked to relax without so many refills. Of course he didn't drink as much as others would. He lifted that tankard and lightly clanked to Eryk's horn..."Fellowship."
SagaciousMalice: ::He seemed not to react much to Amara's hand. Either he didn't notice, or it was welcomed. At any rate, he met the connection of vessels with a slight movement of his own before he drank. Speaking of drinking, this would be an opportune time for him to remember the last time he got completely smashed. It involved way too much mead and a drunken talk about... the birds and the bees... with his daughter. OF course, intoxication only made it a much more blunt discussion, but she seemed to handle it well::
Acheron Sinis: In many ways it was good to be viewed as an ordinary man. Less stress weighed upon him. Better to think on his future plans. Plans that would eventually take him to those Assassin Hunters. He took a swallow of that warmed sweet mead and then he set the tankard down to the table.'
Il Amara lI: That was a conversation that she'd gladly missed. Not because of her lack of knowledge of the birds and the bees, but because Eryk tended to have a rather blunt way about him that tended to be quite alluring, or off-setting to women. Amara happened to be more than quite fond of the big man. And that she'd dared to put herself in such close proximity, and that he hadn't told her to remove her hand from his arm was a sign of easy familiarity. She was content enough to sit and listen, the mug brought to generous lips from time to time.
SagaciousMalice: ::His eyes shifted briefly to Amara, followed by the turn of his head:: And yes, in Tyrsgaard I have absolute control over the supply, so more at my disposal to help you with this.. mead problem of yours.
Lady Kessa: From without, a small masculine figure, a thrall of the clinic stepped into the hall, prompting a sigh from Kessa. Rising to her feet, she lifted her hand to stem any masculine surge to follow suit. "Please, Sirs. Drink and enjoy the hospitality of our Hall. If you have any need, Ivan or Herrold will no doubt be happy to help until Franz returns from his duties.
Acheron Sinis: He glanced over to Kessa..
Lady Kessa: A pleasure to have met you, Lady Amara. Jarl Eryk. Sirs." Nodding to them in turn before she fixed the scrawny thrall with a sharp look of 'I'm on my way!' and bustled to collect her cloak and pull it over her shoulders, following him out to her stupid appointment with the physician.
Acheron Sinis: "Of course.." he nodded..."Be well, lady Kessa.."He smilded to her and then returned his attention to the other man Eryk.
Il Amara lI: "And you, Lady Kessa." she responded, though she pushed her shoulder against Eryk's arm. While she was a tall woman, she wasn't nearly as big as the man beside her. Her hand gave a quick squeeze to his arm, and a bit of laughteraccompanied it as she leaned up to him. "Who says that I have a problem with it? Unless you count that I cannot drink nearly as much of the stuff as you can. Then again, I don't know of anyone who can." Wasn't that the truth? The man could outdrink a dozen pirates.
SagaciousMalice: ::He nodded to the woman in departure:: Thank you again for your hospitality, Kessa. ::up went the horn to his lips, taking ye another slow drink. His eyes squinted as he stared at the wall, obviously in deep thought for at least a few moments even Amara spoke:: I almost feel like getting drunk and going for a swim. I bet the water would feel all needles...
Acheron Sinis: "Are you enjoying your stay here in Fehu Isa..?" he asked him..
SagaciousMalice: ::He was brought back to reality by the question:: Yes, it's still early on, but so far I am enjoying myself well. I look forward to meeting the...Warden? ::He believed that was the title related to the man::
Acheron Sinis: He smiled with a nod.."Yes...The Warden." Though he could not understand why Franz selected such a title. "The hunting and fishing is good here."
SagaciousMalice: I must admit, it's... a bit odd that title, though it's not for me to judge. ::He gestured about with the horn in his right hand:: The hall, serpents... I expected him to be called "Jarl," the same as me. ::He nodded in response to the hunting and fishing comment:: So Kessa told me, and also about the verr. Tell me, Herrold, when was the last time you hunted Kurii?
Acheron Sinis: "One would think...Yes. Franz was always a...Strange lot...But over all, as long as I have known him, he is a good and fair man. Even given his eccentricities." He then looked away at the mention of those smelly, talking beasts...At least on his part the ones he knew of..."About...Ohh...Four...Five envars..'He didn't hunt them so much as he would walk into them attacking others...And just could not stand idily by without doing something about it. The last time he had...he had his skull cracked open. It had been a long time indeed since he ran into them...
SagaciousMalice: Ah, well, shortly after the cold...er season passes, we usually hunt them in packs. Anywhere from three to five at a time. I will talk to... Franz and perhaps he would come join us along with others of the Hall
Acheron Sinis: "I'm sure he will want to join in on a hunt.."
SagaciousMalice: ::His words were only halted by the necessity of more mead down the hatch:: I've almost died at least three times during those hunts. The worst part about that is being kept within my chambers and recovering, not being able to move, not for threat of reopening of wounds, but rather having those healer types nag me to death for doing so.
Acheron Sinis: He smiled to him. He did not promise his own presence there, but there might be the chance he would join in. He drank down a swallow as he listened to the man make account of his near death experience with the beasts. He chuckled.. "That is the worst part...Yes.."
Il Amara lI: A sidelong glance was made, though she had to tilt her head well aside to find his face while he spoke of hunts and hairy beasties. Her beautifully generous mouth pulled up at the corners into a mischievous smile.
Acheron Sinis: The worst indeed for Acheron, was regaining his speech after so near fatal an injury.so much for heroics.
SagaciousMalice: ::He lifted the horn once again to his lips, tipping it up, further and further until the last drop was extracted:: Mead! ::He called towards the kitchen. This, of course, was commonplace in his Hall. An experienced: student of war, tactician, navigator, oarsman, and all the other related facets, he was all of these. He was also, admittedly, an alcoholic. Well, at least when he was in either familiar or what would be deemed "friendly" environments. Rarely did he indulge whenever he was in cities southern or when hunting and the like. So, one could suppose that made him a prudent alcoholic::: Keep watch on the horn ::He said to the maid who exchanged the horns with him, empty for full once again::
Acheron Sinis: Ordinary killers would have moved on perhaps...Perhaps. After all, why involve one's self in unnecessary fights? But Acheron was never an ordinary killer. He was one who saw balance in his caste work. And if a man did not deserve to die, then rightly, he would intervene....At least in the case of Kurs taking a meal out of humans.
Il Amara lI: "You'd probably be best to line them up" she advised the slave with a knowing smile. Hell, just how many vessels of the stuff had she herself run to get for him? She patted his arm lightly, understanding well his thirst.
Acheron Sinis: He had not even finished half of his tankard. The mead he swallowed down already warming him.
SagaciousMalice: ::Well, understandable. The whole the enemy of all humans is my enemy because I am human(oid)? At any rate, he was working on his 4th... 6th... 5th.. horn? Ah, they were big and he lost count already. That's all that mattered, aside from when the mead ran out. That's by and large the only time that he was an angry drunk::
Acheron Sinis: But he did so love the north. Having been raised there half his life. He was born in Port Kar but hated it there...His father was torv and during the cold seasons to the time of spring would have him there in the homelands..
SagaciousMalice: So, tell me Harrold. What is your specialty around here? I'd imagine you hunt, but what else? ::Okay, so he still left a good portion in there. The amount the horn contained was greater than what his mouth could hold at a given moment. So, he held the vessel towards Amara:: Ah ::he said, swallowing down the mead:: Versatility is... important very much. I am sure teh Warden is glad to have you in his hall. ::He nodded a bit, as if agreeing with himself:: Herrold, I believe I may need to... ::he lifted his hand and waved it a bit lazily at the side of his own head:: Sleep a bit of this off before I meet the Warden. Do you have accommodations, by chance?
Acheron Sinis: "Of course.." He stood to his tall stature...Not quite as tall as most there, but the blood of them ran in his veins.."This way.."
Il Amara lI: She knew that he was getting "there" when he started to lean one way, then along before it got really noticeable, he switched and leaned the other. He was about getting there now when she peered up at him. Her pale eyes danced with mirth. Taking his horn from him, she set her own cup down as she stood slowly, the heavy wool of kirtle and shawl falling in thick folds around her tall, ripely-curved figure.
Acheron Sinis: He waited for the two of them to stand and he would lead them down to the end of the lodge near his own accommodations. The safest place in the Hall indeed.
SagaciousMalice: ::He took a few moments to stroke through his beard, and a few more just for good measure. Something about stroking one's beard when drunk had an interesting sensation about it. Placing his hand upon the table, he slowly lifted one foot out,turned about halfway and lifted the other. Using the surface as a brace, he lifted his body up, steadying himself along the way. He took his time, and maintained his own balance fairlywell, though for good measure placed his hand on Amara's shoulder. Ah, see? Free women did serve another purpose other than squeezing out a kid or two:: Let's proceed.
Acheron Sinis: He silently, patiently waited. He smiled and nodded..Leading them down to the other end of
the lodge.
Il Amara lI: Even that other purpose she'd not succeeded at. Yet. She watched him, her lips pulled to an ear-to-ear grin. She'd not even think of leading him, or even making it seem like she was. See how smart the blonde was? "Yes, Jarl." she addressed Eryk properly for his station. No, Amara was no slave, but she knew her place in society. With him standing on his own two feet, she waited til he began moving behind the other man before she would, keeping herself at his side to form a bracing point for his equilibrium.
SagaciousMalice: ::No doubts, they would follow at whatever pace deemed necessary and proper in direct proportion to his BAC level towards the assigned quarters for him::
Acheron Sinis: For a tall man...His foot falls were light. Not at all heavy. Barely making any sounds. When they reached the end of the Hall...Herrold showed them into their sleeping quarters.
SagaciousMalice: ::Eryk was quite bluntly incapable of any form of stealth at this point in time::
Acheron Sinis: All was quite simple and humble there. But the bedding was large and accommodating. Plenty of furs and blankets for warmth. And little did the man Eryk know...But he was parked right next to Acheron's room.
SagaciousMalice: ::Well let's hope so, because if it was a twin sized, Eryk would probably go angry drunk. Like trying to park a Greyhound in a compact car parking spot::
Il Amara lI: Amara didn't try for stealth. Nope, she liked it when Eryk knew just where she was and watched her getting from point a to point b. That was half of the fun. Reaching the door, she'd let Eryk enter first. If the bed was twin in there, Amara would likely get mad. And she wasn't even drunk. Dammit. But she'd wind up either sleeping on the floor or on top of him. And he snored. -d-
Acheron Sinis: Acheron was always well aware of his environment. No harm would fall on these guests. "If you need anything...There are maids close at hand...Give a shout.." He smiled.
SagaciousMalice: Thank you again, Helord for your hosmpitality. I will see you later this evening. ::he rather hung his head instead of bowed it, honestly. But it was intended as a cordial, respectful, proper nod. And what do those famous people say all the time? It's the thought that counts! and so he entered the chambers::
Acheron Sinis: "Rest well." He smiled and then left them to their privacy.
SagaciousMalice: ::The Lar Torvis broke over the treetops from the east, shining its golden rays upon the world below. Trailing the coast, a lone serpent ship with black hull and crimson sail approached what appeared to be a settlement, village even. Eryk was quickly notified not only of dawn's break but the discovery ahead. Too many years had he spent away on his unintended journey, and already the evidence of such was beginning to mount. He quickly arose from his slumber, arguably the only thing to make him come to his senses quicker would be the heat of battle. He traveled center along the benches, uttering words of greeting to the oarsmen as he made his way to the bow of the ship. His ax was momentarily left where he awoke, though as always was his long sword amongst other weaponry still on his person. Dark eyes squinted to garner a better view of what they approach, and finally he came to a decision:: Display the white shield ::He called to his back, to which a few of the men acquiesced, letting it be clearly visible upon the mast. Towards the stern he went to recollect his ax and the rest of his regalia, placing about his shoulders a cloak of purple, ensuring the rings of gold and precious gems were on his fingers, the talmit across his brow. His large weapon found itself secured to his back, as was his tradition. Now, it would only be a matter of time between wind in the sail and the rhythm of the oars before they came within hailing range. So, he once again moved to take his place at the bow::
Lady Kessa: The sound of the jarls eating, drinking, enjoying brief companies of the milling bondmaids were like the wind in the tems, loud, but easily overlooked when ones mind was elsewhere. Faintly a light thunk sound and a smell of humid sweetness announced to her thoughts that her tea had been brought. Barbarian habits died hard and in this hall, tea was made like she had done in her younger days in another place. Hardly the most wicked of defiant acts to deities to whom she held neither allegiance nor respect. The sound of horns brought every head up, and all thought of stew or stolen kisses were lost in the unified rising of those two hundred who were gathered. On the docks, the ship had been spied, and the next pealing notes told of the white shield's visibility. Settling back down, though more subdued, the jarls concentrated on finishing their meal before returning to duty and relieving the next wave. From the shallow docks, kept so to prevent any but the lightest serpent from a proximity where invasion was easy, the torches were lit, a crackling line begun of wind-whipped flame in pots from the docks up the hill toward Tyr'Odal, the main hall and home to the Warden of Tem Reach forest reserve, highest Jarl of Fehu Isa, and general over-seer of everything, Franz Castellan. Alert, but not showing any ill will, the men would stand in something between 'welcome' and 'what the hell do you want?'. As the last pot was lit, the man who'd carried the torch informed the guards of the hall, who told Jarl Ivan, Franz's right-hand man, who would tell the Mistress of the hall if it became obvious she'd be having company.
SagaciousMalice: ::The serpent he commanded at present was forty benches long, not his largest, but by not necessarily a small craft. The shallower the water, the slower his approach, soon ordering the sail to be struck, giving him more command of the vessel's approach, though it be more strain on the oarsmen for a short time. Soon enough, they drew the oars inboard as they approached the dock. The Jarl respected the relative distance that he was received with at first. Not uncommon it was that villages warred with each other, politics and all that mess. Truth be told, his facial expression reflected much the same in return. His dark eyes were cold, his beard of great proportion, braided in some areas as was his long hair. A man of solid stature, even amongst his kin, his demeanor and poise spoke of a thousand battles. His voice called to the nearest man, carrying well with a bit of a scratch commonly associated with one who had experience with bellowing orders:: Greetings. I am Eryk, Jarl of Tyrsgaard. To what village and hall have I traveled to?
Lady Kessa: As the craft crept closer, there were subtle changes to the outpost, most unseen. It was the wary urt that lived longest after all. When the voice called out, one stepped forward, his own answer called out. "You have set your oars toward Fehu Isa. Tyr'Odal Hall is where you will be welcomed." It was a strange place, to be still, by the map, in the Southern places of this world, but its populace, its Warden, its goal was emulation of the Northern world. The wind was bitter, and all about the docks were well bundled, but still he could see many of them were armed too well to be the workers who unloaded the ships come in trade. Quiet words, visible as the silver pass of breath, were spoken and one of the men behind the tall ruddy-faced man at the dock's end gave a curt nod and turned, walking away, speaking again until word would be given to Ivan at the Hall to expect the arrival of company who, outwardly at the moment, did not seem to earn inhospitable treatment. The woman doing the books was at last notified and with a nod of her own, she rose to tend to overseeing the preparations.
SagaciousMalice: ::Any man foolish enough to mount an aggressive stance would be a fool and short lived at this point. A firm nod of acknowledgement passed from him to the man with whom he was conversing before he turned and gave a few words to one standing behind him. It would be three men who disembarked with him as the others stood up and stretched a bit, relaxing as they saw fitting. One perhaps quite noticeable feature about the Torvald who made his way in lead towards the land was his hair. It had been marked with the silver common to age. Now, this may be simply because of his daughter, along with the distinguished lines of his facial features, though likely there was another explanation. No doubt, he would be shown the appropriate way to the hall. In the meantime, he surveyed the area, taking an inventory of sorts of his surroundings. The chilling wind was refreshing, and savored it he did::
Lady Kessa: The jarls leaving, Kessa pitched in with the bondmaids to clear the tables, sweep the floor, lay fresh rushes and feed the fire. The air was painted with the scent of needle tree oil and the richness of the kitchen's offering. The men leading Eryk toward the hall were fairly open and conversational, inquiring over such things as the location of Tyrsgaard, and how the seas had been on his journey. The Hall was a hub to the spreading of the outpost. Homes of wood were set in long lines with plank-work running between them to give a spot to walk when the muddy season came, which was very often here, as it rained or snowed here daily it seemed. From the homes around the hall, the buildings grew more dispersed toward the docks, the clinic, warehouses, storehouses, shops and the like. The stoneworker's marks were still evident in the cut pillars and stairs leading up to Tyr'Odal, proving it was not an old Hall. The doors opened and the fair haired Jarl Ivan Bondrider stood. "Jarl Eryk of Tyrsgaard. I am Ivan, second to Jarl Franz Castellan, Warden of Tem Reach Reserve." He lifted his hand toward his shoulder in greeting, then out to be taken. The group would be shown inside and the doors closed to shut the bracing wind outside.
SagaciousMalice: ::He welcomed the conversation in passing. Though generally formal and solemn during first encounters, or in unfamiliar territory, he was certainly not antisocial. He shared a story or two about the weather, the largest fish they caught, and those types of things. Even if he was not favorable to talking small, it was a crude tool of breaking the ice sometimes. Upon the reception of Ivan, he gladly accepted the offered hand and followed with a clap to Ivan's shoulder with his free hand. A respectable, firm grip he gave:: I am pleased to meet you, and I thank you for receiving me, unexpected as I am. ::He subsequently released Ivan and proceeded to follow his lead. Ah, the fresh wood smell, it brought him back a good twenty or so years as he looked about::
Lady Kessa: The bondmaids of Tyr'Odal were like puppies in a shop window, all wriggle and pent-up energy still leashed at the moment. Comfort, Fire, and Sweetness moved at last toward the Jarls with bright smiles and hands waiting to be of use in fetching drink or hanging cloaks or any other thing that might be desired. Shameless indeed, but that was their lot and they were happy. Behind the table of honored guests, beside the High Seat and thankfully changed into a clean dress, the far from imposing figure of the Hall's mistress stood. Reddish brown hair was sleekly pinned up, her blue eyes keen as she looked over the guests. There was little sign of her condition yet, being a woman of curves and flesh to begin with. The ring of keys hanging against her hip glinted as she stepped round the table and gave a faint dip of her chin. "I welcome you, Jarls, to Tyr'Odal. Sit..." She motioned to the bench across from the High Seat which was for honored guests. "Drink and eat if you have want. I am Kessa, companion to the Warden."
SagaciousMalice: Well met, Kessa, I'm sure you've been told already, but I am Eryk, Jarl of Tyrsgaard, these are fine men, among my best, but they are not Jarls. ::He looked to Yngvar, Bjorn and Halvard:: ...yet, anyway. ::This caused an amused chuckle to filter through before they all took a seat. Despite his older appearance and the age in his eyes, he seemed to have an underlying vivacity. Forever was there a thought behind his gaze:: Water first, I think ::he said, lifting his hands out a bit to accent the purpose of the request::
Lady Kessa: She smiled softly and gave a nod of acquiescence, moving to take back her stool beside the High Seat, Ivan standing behind her and to the far side. The girls scampered off and returned within a few ehn with both a pitcher and several turned wood mugs. One girl held the mug and the other poured. Eryk being served first, and then his men. All the while, Kessa studied her companion's guest. She had not seen grayed hair in a long while. It suited him, and did not make him seem a whit less than any other man. Shaking her head, she smiled to herself, dragging her thoughts from wondering over the cause. "I must offer apology if you sent word of your intent to visit and find we are a bit taken unawares. Not that you had to send word, by any means." She laughed softly, prone to good nature. "I only wonder if it is business or pleasure which brings you to our Hall, Jarl Eryk?"
SagaciousMalice: eh ah ah ::He said as the bondmaids began to pour water in the small vessels:: Water for the hands, maids, mead for the belly. Well... ::he looked to Kessa:: At least that's the unspoken rule in my hall. ::It was at least an attempt at humor. Eryk's tended to be rather dry and morbid. So, at least the first crack was only one of the two:: Quite bluntly, Lady, had I known this settlement existed, I would have sent word. I am traveling to my hall now, it's nearly the farthest up any man would dare take a ship in the icy waters, along the coast near Ax Glacier. So, to answer your question, neither but perhaps a bit of both in the end.
Lady Kessa: The girls laughed and turned, moving off with whispers between them and Kessa, for her part, blushed, which did not occur very often. "It is a fine rule, Sir. I will have to implement it as many of the men here come from fishing and could use the washing." Her head cocked as he continued, basin and cloths with heated water brought back, the girls making themselves available. "You are welcome, in the end. The outpost has been here for a long while, though it is only within perhaps half of one year that it has been in the possession of my companion. He ...aquired it from the last warden and devoted himself to making it a place where he may both find and cultivate honor. It is still being built, but each day seems to brighten our populace with fresh faces." Such knowledge was common, and anyone who gave more than a passing inquiry could learn as much from anyone who they did business with or hosted as guests. "I have never seen so far North as where your hall lies, but I imagine it must be both beautiful and terrible."
SagaciousMalice: I see ::He commented with a slight nod of thought, about the acquisition:: This Hall, it seems, was built recently, and likely I've passed by whatever used to be here without second thought all these years. ::He replied, placing his forearms to the edge of the table and folding his hands together for comfort:: Yes, both beautiful and terrible. Suffice it to say, the remote location makes battle with the kurii quite frequent in comparison to other places. It is a burden my family has carried for many generations.
Lady Kessa: The man who had held the wardenship before Franz was a drunkard who chose to let the outpost wither while he sucked down paga and kanda in Port Kar. His loss was Franz's gain. The mention of kurii brought her to sit straighter. "I have little doubt you would. Being so far to the north, you must. I am not envious of your position, and thank you, and your family, for their bravery. I count myself lucky that we are so far to the south. We've troubles, of course, as all do, but thankfully kurii seem to be thin on the ground here. Too many fine men of Torvaldsland to get past before they ever showed hide or hair here." She shuddered despite herself though, as she'd heard horrible stories of the kurii. In her head they were something between yeti and dragons with a little vampire thrown in. Big, hairy, scary monsters that she would never want to see.
SagaciousMalice: It is... ::he paused for a moment in thought, looking upward and to the left with a bit of a squint. When he had collected his thoughts, he returned his gaze to the woman:: the gods' will where I am. I do the best I can with what they grant or deny me. ::He sat up a bit straighter:: I have more than enough... supplies and otherwise prestige to look after my village with little worries in that regard. So, as long as I have men that will stand to my right, left, and behind me, my Hall will always stand. And, I have no doubt that should I fall, my son will carry the ax of my forefathers as I have.
Lady Kessa: At the mention of his son, her hand shifted in her lap, moving to set against her own stomach, thinking of the passing on of this Hall to Franz's heir someday, hoping that day was distant. "I would never hint even that you did not have enough to look after your village, Jarl. But I offer what we may share if you have desire for addition to your stores." She did not doubt his capacity to care for his people, but still, it was polite to offer. "If you can remain until nightfall, I am sure that Franz would be most honored to meet you, Jarl Eryk." He was striving, for his own part, to do right by his people and his land. Horns of mead were carried out and held by the quiet bondmaids who were like the table. Useful and silent in the midst of the conversations of free people.
SagaciousMalice: ::So he had been so absorbed in the conversation that he missed the basin in front of him. He first rinsed his hands and dried them off before passing it to the next man. He, in turn, took the horn of mead from the maid closest to him, drinking deeply. His men, in no particular order followed suit, and chose to talk amongst themselves as his conversation with the woman continued:: I would be honored as well to meet him, and thank him personally for the hospitality of his Hall.
Lady Kessa: Again, she nodded. "His Hall is open to you. What you need, you have only to request." She sat back a bit, lifting one hand to brush away a loose bit from her cheek and secure the strands behind her ear. Turning her head, she gave a look upward to Ivan, who was relaxed and that helped her mood. She was not yet expert in keeping herself aloof and playing the role of Mistress of the Hall. But though she was afraid she'd muck up something so greatly her ignorance would betray her, she had to keep a smooth and placid look outwardly. Letting the quiet rise, the wind outside keening against the walls and roof, the smoke drawn up and out from the fire that blazed in the center of the rows of tables and benches, crackling in the comfortable silence. Most men were not fans of small talk, and she did not force it upon them, allowing that they would enjoy the mead and those who bore it far more than her prattling. Business was something she was comfortable with, but it was Franz's duty and not her own to speak of such things. She had done what she could and offered respite and welcome. Beyond that, she wasn't sure if the ice were frozen enough to support any heavy conversation.
SagaciousMalice: ::It is true that the Jarl's woman held a great amount of prestige or power within the Hall, though there was fine line where business between men was business between men. Usually, that happened when the scope of conversation led to large scale trade or otherwise important matters affecting communities, and even then it was more of a leader to leader than just man to man:: So, do you have a sort of crafting specialty?
Lady Kessa: "The outpost or myself?" Her lip in the faintest curl of amusement set as she turned her eyes to him again. "The outpost, of course, has myriad offerings in that vein. We have a very healthy verr population. Horns and wool as well as milk and cheeses and meat. We are, as you no doubt saw on your approach, still in those messy throes of a village's birth." She did not think of Tem Reach as being 'crafting'. And though she'd jested, she doubted he gave any thought to her own handiworks.
Il Amara lI: Amara'd awakened and dressed herself before leaving the ship. It felt good to put her feet on solid land again, and her butt not on the seat of a wagon. They'd been traveling for more than two years. She smiled as she bowed her head in a quick dip of greeting before she was ushered in through a door that closed behind her. Obviously a northern woman, the tall figure unraveled to reveal the golden blonde hair and fair skin as cloak's hood and cowl set loose the radiance from a face that was a little too pretty, delicately beautiful for her height and buxom stature. Showed the place where Eryk had gone, she stepped inside silently.
SagaciousMalice: Tyrsgaard mostly deals in lumber, I have two outposts. The one not far from here supplies most of what we need for my village and trade with other Torvald communities. Another on the Lydius river exports to southern cities mostly. ::He nodded for a moment in thought, taking another drink of the mead:: Tyrsgaard itself is great for getting away from the rest of the world when you wish it. It's also a location to test a man's mettle against the kurii, obviously. Your companion and some of his men may be interested in collecting some trophies of their own. ::Talking of his home, his demeanor lightened a bit, and he proceeded:: With the harshness of its location in contrast, Tyrsgaard is paradise within my hall. We work hard, fight hard ::"fight" was accented with a single drum of his fist against the table:: and so we enjoy ourselves to the fullest when the time comes. ::His eyes turned towards the newest entry, taking just a moment to view before he lifted to his feet, and took a step from the bench:: Greetings, Amara. This is Lady Kessa, Mistress of Hall Tyr'Odal. Kessa, this is Amara.
Lady Kessa: Politely, she inclined her head at the entrance of the woman, but did not divert her attention from the man speaking until he had finished. When he'd spoken of his outposts and their bounty she smiled graciously. "Yes, there is no doubt that it must count the peace of quiet amongst its charms." The slamming of the fist onto the table made her twitch in surprise at first, then chuckle to see him more animated. Then turning as he made introduction, she stood and bowed her head, the weight of the comb-bound braids shifting faintly. "Welcome to Tyr'Odal Hall, Lady Amara." She'd glance toward the bondmaids and sent Sweetness to attend to the lady with a cowed demeanor and more than obvious dislike of having to leave the men's side for that of tending a woman.
Acheron Sinis: On this day Herrold had gathered up thralls to go into the forest to the designated area for wood chopping detail. When he returned, he had walked into the hall with thralls following, stocking the wood pile for the great firehearth and also bringing wood into the kitchen for the cooking fires therein. Herrold placed his heavy winter cloak to the peg by the door and then sniffled in from the change of temperature.. He casually looked to the main of the hall to those he did not know. Nodding his head in greeting. Thralls of course, were never permitted to remain within the Hall and as soon as their work was down, they filed back out to their pens.
Lady Kessa: The sound of footfalls drove attention to shift again and she smiled. "Good day, Sir." She nodded to Herrold. "We've guests. Jarl Eryk of Tyrsgaard and the Lady Amara. This is Herrold, who is friend and confidant to the Warden." Settling again, she found her cold tea and sipped just to ease her parched tongue.
Il Amara lI: "Greetings, Eryk." she smiled as he towered over her upon his rise to his feet. Her smile was pure radiance as it turned upon him, then to the woman. Her chin dipped at the introduction, a smile given. "Greetings, Lady, and thank you." she hadn't meant to interrupt. But there was only so long that she could stay aboard that ship. "Tal." she nodded to the new figure as she put herself at Eryk's side, where she'd been constantly on their trip. Long story, good enough for a cold night around the fire sometime. The slave was treated to a smile upon her approach, and the whispered words for a warm drink as she settled herself down to readjust the heavy drape about her shoulders.
Acheron Sinis: Tal, lady Kessa..." He gave a nod of greeting to her and then looked to Eryk as he was being introduced. "Tal, sir....Lady.." A nod again to him and then to the lady Amara. He moved to stand by the warmth of the fire as he regarded them.
SagaciousMalice: ::He switched the horn to his left hand, leaving his right free. The Jarl was clad in a purple cloak, wore rings of gold and precious gems, and talmit across his brow. Other than that, he wore the traditional seasleen trousers, shirt, and boots common to Torvalds. His hair had more than just traces of silver within, and his face contained the distinguished lines associated with aging. His eyes were steady as he neared the other man and offered his hand, palm mostly up in greeting:: Greetings, I am honored to meet you Herrold.
Acheron Sinis: Being half blood to the torvs and half to karians made it easy to blend within those there. He was a bit unkept with his hair, a fur hat to his head. Fur vest over a long sleeved tunic and thick leather pants with boots. He looked nothing of his caste of Assassins. And well it should be. There was reason for it. With word of Assassin Hunters on the prowl, it was better to look of the ordinary, then to stick out like a sore thumb on display for the likes of such insane men. Keen dark eyes stayed to the man as he smiled politely to him. Taking his hand as he greeted. "An honor to meet ye as well, Eryk.."He gripped firmly to the man's hand, meeting only the strength issued out...Then released his hand.
Lady Kessa: Sweetness bowed low and turned, whipping back the unbound length of her hair as she jogged out in a flutter of bleached wool and strawberry blonde. As introductions were made, a heated concoction of tea and fruit juices was ladled from one of the smaller cauldrons heating over the kitchen's fires and post haste was carried out to Amara, held to her easy taking with respectful attitude. "If you are hungry, Lady, I am aware there are pastries made just this morning." She knew there were because she'd had them made. The first third of her pregnancy over, she'd found the appetite that had been denied to her by illness.
SagaciousMalice: ::And it was likely good that he did not flaunt his caste. The Jarl was about as fond of Assassins in general as he was about worshipping the Priest Kings. His grip was equally firm, and so respectful to the other man. After he released, his own dark shade of cold eyes remained upon him:: Will you have a drink with me? ::He gestured to the table as he began just a couple paces sideways in the direction::
Acheron Sinis: Even had Acheron...Known to others now as Herrold worn his caste attire, he rarely flaunted such. He had earned the respect of many in his former identity as Papo. "I would like that." He smiled to him in sincerity. He moved then to one of the large tables and he took a seat.
SagaciousMalice: ::He resumed his previous seat, leaving a place for Amara to his side, and sitting mostly across from Herrold, well the name he knew the man by:: Tell me Herrold, do you enjoy mead?
Il Amara lI: "Thank you, but no." there was a warmth about her, even while polite as she took the heavy cup from the slave, then gave a small signal that that was all. Steam reached her sensitive nose and told her that there was no alcohol in it. Damn. At least Mara could fix t hat easily enough. And she did so before the mug's bottom even touched the table's top.Yet she watched Eryk out of the corner of her eye as he settled. She put herself beside him, that close proximity make all the difference in her, it seemed.
Acheron Sinis: "I do...Very much...Just as any other man of the north would.." he smiled. He could use the warmth mead would provide on the inside. Outside...In the cold, it was at least 10 degrees...And there was a wet to the air, and clouds overhead that seemed heavy with threat of snow.
SagaciousMalice: ::He turned to look towards Amara for a moment, still talking to Herrold, of course:: I don't think this Lady does so much. ::looking back to the man, he gave just a slight elbow nudge to Amara before he looked back to her:: You realize I'm going to... help... you acquire the taste when we get to Tyrsgaard, right?
Acheron Sinis: His dark eyes drifted to Amara as Eryk spoke of her, then his attention moved back to the man before him.
Lady Kessa: "You are quite welcome, in all meanings of that phrase, Lady Amara." She noted the jesting between the jarl of Tyrsgaard and the woman, a slight arching taking hold at the corners of her mouth.Blues flicked to Herrold only for a moment, then back to her own tepid tea sipping at it and letting her mind turn about the things that remained on her 'to do' list when her duties as hostess were at an end for the day, or at least were put on pause. Her quiet was not unpleasant, simply withdrawn for the moment as conversations drifted around her.
Il Amara lI: Mara didn't tend to hide her expressions so well. And, even now, pale sky blue eyes sparkled as they lifted to the man beside her. "Oh, you're going to wait that long?" An innocent enough retort. But it almost held a dare in it, one of Amara's "famous" dares, in fact. While she held her warm mug in her left hand, her right tucked beneath his arm, long fingers curling round the rough dense cloth that covered the thick appendage.
Acheron Sinis: He relieved a tankard of mead from the girl offering it out to him. He preferred it in a tankard rather then a horn most of the time.
SagaciousMalice: ::Eryk wasn't so picky about the vessel, many times it was situational. Celebrations, it was almost a requirement for horns, since they either had to be drained or passed on to the next man. He finished the last bit from the vessel he had, and exchanged it for a full one from the maid who came. Lifting it towards Herrold, he said simply...:: To fellowship.
Acheron Sinis: Well...Herrold did not like to be overly pestered by the maids who liked to drape themselves on a man. He simply liked to relax without so many refills. Of course he didn't drink as much as others would. He lifted that tankard and lightly clanked to Eryk's horn..."Fellowship."
SagaciousMalice: ::He seemed not to react much to Amara's hand. Either he didn't notice, or it was welcomed. At any rate, he met the connection of vessels with a slight movement of his own before he drank. Speaking of drinking, this would be an opportune time for him to remember the last time he got completely smashed. It involved way too much mead and a drunken talk about... the birds and the bees... with his daughter. OF course, intoxication only made it a much more blunt discussion, but she seemed to handle it well::
Acheron Sinis: In many ways it was good to be viewed as an ordinary man. Less stress weighed upon him. Better to think on his future plans. Plans that would eventually take him to those Assassin Hunters. He took a swallow of that warmed sweet mead and then he set the tankard down to the table.'
Il Amara lI: That was a conversation that she'd gladly missed. Not because of her lack of knowledge of the birds and the bees, but because Eryk tended to have a rather blunt way about him that tended to be quite alluring, or off-setting to women. Amara happened to be more than quite fond of the big man. And that she'd dared to put herself in such close proximity, and that he hadn't told her to remove her hand from his arm was a sign of easy familiarity. She was content enough to sit and listen, the mug brought to generous lips from time to time.
SagaciousMalice: ::His eyes shifted briefly to Amara, followed by the turn of his head:: And yes, in Tyrsgaard I have absolute control over the supply, so more at my disposal to help you with this.. mead problem of yours.
Lady Kessa: From without, a small masculine figure, a thrall of the clinic stepped into the hall, prompting a sigh from Kessa. Rising to her feet, she lifted her hand to stem any masculine surge to follow suit. "Please, Sirs. Drink and enjoy the hospitality of our Hall. If you have any need, Ivan or Herrold will no doubt be happy to help until Franz returns from his duties.
Acheron Sinis: He glanced over to Kessa..
Lady Kessa: A pleasure to have met you, Lady Amara. Jarl Eryk. Sirs." Nodding to them in turn before she fixed the scrawny thrall with a sharp look of 'I'm on my way!' and bustled to collect her cloak and pull it over her shoulders, following him out to her stupid appointment with the physician.
Acheron Sinis: "Of course.." he nodded..."Be well, lady Kessa.."He smilded to her and then returned his attention to the other man Eryk.
Il Amara lI: "And you, Lady Kessa." she responded, though she pushed her shoulder against Eryk's arm. While she was a tall woman, she wasn't nearly as big as the man beside her. Her hand gave a quick squeeze to his arm, and a bit of laughteraccompanied it as she leaned up to him. "Who says that I have a problem with it? Unless you count that I cannot drink nearly as much of the stuff as you can. Then again, I don't know of anyone who can." Wasn't that the truth? The man could outdrink a dozen pirates.
SagaciousMalice: ::He nodded to the woman in departure:: Thank you again for your hospitality, Kessa. ::up went the horn to his lips, taking ye another slow drink. His eyes squinted as he stared at the wall, obviously in deep thought for at least a few moments even Amara spoke:: I almost feel like getting drunk and going for a swim. I bet the water would feel all needles...
Acheron Sinis: "Are you enjoying your stay here in Fehu Isa..?" he asked him..
SagaciousMalice: ::He was brought back to reality by the question:: Yes, it's still early on, but so far I am enjoying myself well. I look forward to meeting the...Warden? ::He believed that was the title related to the man::
Acheron Sinis: He smiled with a nod.."Yes...The Warden." Though he could not understand why Franz selected such a title. "The hunting and fishing is good here."
SagaciousMalice: I must admit, it's... a bit odd that title, though it's not for me to judge. ::He gestured about with the horn in his right hand:: The hall, serpents... I expected him to be called "Jarl," the same as me. ::He nodded in response to the hunting and fishing comment:: So Kessa told me, and also about the verr. Tell me, Herrold, when was the last time you hunted Kurii?
Acheron Sinis: "One would think...Yes. Franz was always a...Strange lot...But over all, as long as I have known him, he is a good and fair man. Even given his eccentricities." He then looked away at the mention of those smelly, talking beasts...At least on his part the ones he knew of..."About...Ohh...Four...Five envars..'He didn't hunt them so much as he would walk into them attacking others...And just could not stand idily by without doing something about it. The last time he had...he had his skull cracked open. It had been a long time indeed since he ran into them...
SagaciousMalice: Ah, well, shortly after the cold...er season passes, we usually hunt them in packs. Anywhere from three to five at a time. I will talk to... Franz and perhaps he would come join us along with others of the Hall
Acheron Sinis: "I'm sure he will want to join in on a hunt.."
SagaciousMalice: ::His words were only halted by the necessity of more mead down the hatch:: I've almost died at least three times during those hunts. The worst part about that is being kept within my chambers and recovering, not being able to move, not for threat of reopening of wounds, but rather having those healer types nag me to death for doing so.
Acheron Sinis: He smiled to him. He did not promise his own presence there, but there might be the chance he would join in. He drank down a swallow as he listened to the man make account of his near death experience with the beasts. He chuckled.. "That is the worst part...Yes.."
Il Amara lI: A sidelong glance was made, though she had to tilt her head well aside to find his face while he spoke of hunts and hairy beasties. Her beautifully generous mouth pulled up at the corners into a mischievous smile.
Acheron Sinis: The worst indeed for Acheron, was regaining his speech after so near fatal an injury.so much for heroics.
SagaciousMalice: ::He lifted the horn once again to his lips, tipping it up, further and further until the last drop was extracted:: Mead! ::He called towards the kitchen. This, of course, was commonplace in his Hall. An experienced: student of war, tactician, navigator, oarsman, and all the other related facets, he was all of these. He was also, admittedly, an alcoholic. Well, at least when he was in either familiar or what would be deemed "friendly" environments. Rarely did he indulge whenever he was in cities southern or when hunting and the like. So, one could suppose that made him a prudent alcoholic::: Keep watch on the horn ::He said to the maid who exchanged the horns with him, empty for full once again::
Acheron Sinis: Ordinary killers would have moved on perhaps...Perhaps. After all, why involve one's self in unnecessary fights? But Acheron was never an ordinary killer. He was one who saw balance in his caste work. And if a man did not deserve to die, then rightly, he would intervene....At least in the case of Kurs taking a meal out of humans.
Il Amara lI: "You'd probably be best to line them up" she advised the slave with a knowing smile. Hell, just how many vessels of the stuff had she herself run to get for him? She patted his arm lightly, understanding well his thirst.
Acheron Sinis: He had not even finished half of his tankard. The mead he swallowed down already warming him.
SagaciousMalice: ::Well, understandable. The whole the enemy of all humans is my enemy because I am human(oid)? At any rate, he was working on his 4th... 6th... 5th.. horn? Ah, they were big and he lost count already. That's all that mattered, aside from when the mead ran out. That's by and large the only time that he was an angry drunk::
Acheron Sinis: But he did so love the north. Having been raised there half his life. He was born in Port Kar but hated it there...His father was torv and during the cold seasons to the time of spring would have him there in the homelands..
SagaciousMalice: So, tell me Harrold. What is your specialty around here? I'd imagine you hunt, but what else? ::Okay, so he still left a good portion in there. The amount the horn contained was greater than what his mouth could hold at a given moment. So, he held the vessel towards Amara:: Ah ::he said, swallowing down the mead:: Versatility is... important very much. I am sure teh Warden is glad to have you in his hall. ::He nodded a bit, as if agreeing with himself:: Herrold, I believe I may need to... ::he lifted his hand and waved it a bit lazily at the side of his own head:: Sleep a bit of this off before I meet the Warden. Do you have accommodations, by chance?
Acheron Sinis: "Of course.." He stood to his tall stature...Not quite as tall as most there, but the blood of them ran in his veins.."This way.."
Il Amara lI: She knew that he was getting "there" when he started to lean one way, then along before it got really noticeable, he switched and leaned the other. He was about getting there now when she peered up at him. Her pale eyes danced with mirth. Taking his horn from him, she set her own cup down as she stood slowly, the heavy wool of kirtle and shawl falling in thick folds around her tall, ripely-curved figure.
Acheron Sinis: He waited for the two of them to stand and he would lead them down to the end of the lodge near his own accommodations. The safest place in the Hall indeed.
SagaciousMalice: ::He took a few moments to stroke through his beard, and a few more just for good measure. Something about stroking one's beard when drunk had an interesting sensation about it. Placing his hand upon the table, he slowly lifted one foot out,turned about halfway and lifted the other. Using the surface as a brace, he lifted his body up, steadying himself along the way. He took his time, and maintained his own balance fairlywell, though for good measure placed his hand on Amara's shoulder. Ah, see? Free women did serve another purpose other than squeezing out a kid or two:: Let's proceed.
Acheron Sinis: He silently, patiently waited. He smiled and nodded..Leading them down to the other end of
the lodge.
Il Amara lI: Even that other purpose she'd not succeeded at. Yet. She watched him, her lips pulled to an ear-to-ear grin. She'd not even think of leading him, or even making it seem like she was. See how smart the blonde was? "Yes, Jarl." she addressed Eryk properly for his station. No, Amara was no slave, but she knew her place in society. With him standing on his own two feet, she waited til he began moving behind the other man before she would, keeping herself at his side to form a bracing point for his equilibrium.
SagaciousMalice: ::No doubts, they would follow at whatever pace deemed necessary and proper in direct proportion to his BAC level towards the assigned quarters for him::
Acheron Sinis: For a tall man...His foot falls were light. Not at all heavy. Barely making any sounds. When they reached the end of the Hall...Herrold showed them into their sleeping quarters.
SagaciousMalice: ::Eryk was quite bluntly incapable of any form of stealth at this point in time::
Acheron Sinis: All was quite simple and humble there. But the bedding was large and accommodating. Plenty of furs and blankets for warmth. And little did the man Eryk know...But he was parked right next to Acheron's room.
SagaciousMalice: ::Well let's hope so, because if it was a twin sized, Eryk would probably go angry drunk. Like trying to park a Greyhound in a compact car parking spot::
Il Amara lI: Amara didn't try for stealth. Nope, she liked it when Eryk knew just where she was and watched her getting from point a to point b. That was half of the fun. Reaching the door, she'd let Eryk enter first. If the bed was twin in there, Amara would likely get mad. And she wasn't even drunk. Dammit. But she'd wind up either sleeping on the floor or on top of him. And he snored. -d-
Acheron Sinis: Acheron was always well aware of his environment. No harm would fall on these guests. "If you need anything...There are maids close at hand...Give a shout.." He smiled.
SagaciousMalice: Thank you again, Helord for your hosmpitality. I will see you later this evening. ::he rather hung his head instead of bowed it, honestly. But it was intended as a cordial, respectful, proper nod. And what do those famous people say all the time? It's the thought that counts! and so he entered the chambers::
Acheron Sinis: "Rest well." He smiled and then left them to their privacy.