Scotley said:
When the servants bring breakfast Verrick inquires of the servant, "Pray tell me good fellow, what has the Dame planned for her guests today after the religious observances have taken place?" He then studies his spell book a bit in preparation for the day’s activities.
The servant, a pleasant young woman by the name of Kaleen (who looks to have had some elf in her blood, by the slight curves of her ears and shape of her eyes) says “
Today is a day or relaxation and reflection my lord. After the morning services, you are allowed to do as you will. Most people will be relaxing after their long journeys to get her. There will be a banquette this eve hosted by the Dame, but most festivities get started tomorrow… mostly a number of troubadours are going to be performing a number of plays, epic poems, some art will be dedicated I believe. Tomorrow night there will be a grand ball and banquet… it is all so exciting my lord”
Scotley said:
Verrick dresses and takes part in the rites to Pelor doing his best to remain attentive. He then looks for a place to make appropriate observances to Fharlanghn. He takes special care to pray that Defrel finds his way again. He also prays that he will find this journey to Minaryn Castle to be a successful one. Once his private observances are complete he goes looking for friends--new as well as old.
After the services, Verrick is allowed to wander where he will through out the Minaryn Castle, impressed by the size. He notes a number of magical runes have been embedded into the outer walls to resist various forms of energy (fire, cold, acid, etc) and that it would take powerful magic indeed to break the walls quickly. It must have taken a number of years to set this in place…
wysiwyg said:
Lorien goes about gathering a basket of fruits, cheese, cold meat, and wine. He places a sheet to sit on as well. He dones his armor and takes his sword with him as an extra precaution.
"I'm off for the morning Verrrick. I should be back sometimes this afternoon. Good luck in the tournemant."
He then saddles Avalon and goes to pick up Arianrhod.
Arianrhod meet Lorien down at the stables, changed into a pleasant blouse and riding pants and boots. She smiles shyly and says “
I hope you don’t think me to unlady like, for I never learned to ride sidesaddle a proper young maiden is expected.” Her horse is a well breed and good looking grey mare, with a black mane. It seems very well behaved and gentle, and quit small compared to Avalon.
Riding out into the countryside, the area surrounding the castle is mostly farmland with some small wooded areas here and there, with streams and brooks and little ponds dotting the area. The two of you have a pleasant ride and stop at a small brook for lunch. Afterwards, you ride deeper into the rolling hills to the east of the castle for some miles, enjoying each others company and the mild early summer day. The sun is pleasant, the wind mild….
As you are preparing to head back, Arianrhod points toward the southeast and asks “
Lorien, what is that…”
Looking in the direction she is point, over another grassy hill, Lorien spots a plum of thick black smoke rising up from beyond. He then spots a number of ravens or crows circling the area and disappearing back behind the hill…
Someone said:
Norbac twists in his seat while all the, for him, overly long and complicated religious ceremony despite his willingness to not offend anyone, repeating to himself how all the temple´s decoration and rich dresses could have been used to something useful. ¿And how pay and work for that in the end?
Anyway, after the ceremony he improvises a prayer to the rest of the good gods and other specially for Trithereon, as he uses to do every morning.
After the service, Norbac is relaxing and reflecting by himself for some time, when he hears someone say “
My lord… I… execute me if you would… I wish not bother to you, but…” glancing across his should he sees' that it is the young Rheenee girl from the day before. Her eyes are downcast and she seems very nervous… fidgeting with her dress and stepping back and forth. She says “
I am so very sorry to interrupt you my lord, but I must speak with you… last night… last night I had a terrible dream. I… I was not sure if I should tell you or not, but I wish to warn you… sometimes my dreams… they have meaning my lord. Most do not believe them but... well I will just tell you…
“Last night I saw you and your friend who I read your cards yesterday. You were standing in a line with four other people, two to each side, on a field. Facing you were four figures that I could not make out, and yet turned my blood to ice with fear… the two in the center I could not make out… the was much darkness about them, but the other, two on each side I could see… pieces of them… one was a shadow of darkness who carried a black staff with hurtful runes etched into it and a red ruby ring upon his left index finger. The… thing next to him, was a woman, or maybe a spider… maybe both I do not know. On the opposite end there was short man… or something I could not really make out any features, but he carried a short blade that was full of hate and filth… dripping black incur and death I sensed in it. The last was a huge hulking… think… while it walked on two legs it was more beast then man… and there was a rage contained within it that I have never felt before…”
“I do not know who these six where my lord, but they will oppose you… you and five companions… a balance I suppose, yet danger and death is all that I feel… I… I am sorry… there is something… something dark and dangerous moving again in the world, and you and your friends have been chosen to oppose it…”
The girl then retreats back into the castle, even before Norbac has a change to reply…