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Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 3638961" data-attributes="member: 11">InterSession #8.6– “Denouement & Decampment”: Meanwhile in Schiereiland… (Part 1 of 2)Tholem, the 11th of Ter – 566 H.E. (637 M.Y.)Telémahkos arrived in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Epithalassos-by-the-Sea" target="_blank">Epithalassos-by-the-Sea</a> just before mid-day.  After paying off a debt to a gambling associate in Floodwall, he was able to talk some sailors he met into dropping him off on their way to <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot" target="_blank">Sluetelot</a>.  He would meet up with Timotheus and Tymon (1) back in Azure the next day, and from there they would be leaving for <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Chalkour" target="_blank">Chalkour</a>.  Originally he thought he would have more time, and had sent a message to his family’s trusted servant, feeling out the atmosphere about his father to gauge if a visit back home after having so recently left was a good idea.  However, he had come to the village before hearing back, realizing that in order to accompany Timotheus north their schedule would need to be more hurried.  Markos had taken a ferry over to <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Moon+City" target="_blank">Moon City</a> the day before.Telie walked through the dock market, taking in the many familiar sights, sounds and smells. “Mom” and Ham were selling their hearty stew and buttery bread nearby, and dockworkers and merchants alike were lining up for it. The Fighting Square was being raked in preparation for some brawls likely to happen later in the afternoon when the sun was not so hot, but right now it was very hot, and Telie looked over at the Longhouse remembering the coldness of their mead. The rowdy yelps of the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Tholem" target="_blank">Tholem</a> crowd would soon emanate from there, as Tholem was pay day! However, before he could decide whether to risk a public appearance before seeing his father just to get a drink, he heard a familiar voice. “Master Briareus!” It was Mena, a long-time servant of his father’s household. He was dressed in his typical drab gray robes and sandals. A few strands of curled gray hair clung to his sweaty liver-spotted head. “What are you doing here already? I am just coming back from sending you word back!”  He spoke to Telémahkos with a familiarity that only a servant who had seen his master grow from a young boy could have.  There was even the hint of a careful scolding to it.“Mena! It is good to see you,” Telémahkos walked over, shook the elder man’s hand, giving him a warm squeeze on the shoulder. “I am a busy man. I have to head to Chalkour with Tim tomorrow. Just taking care of loose ends as we finished one adventure and now head out to the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Disputed+Territories" target="_blank">Disputed Territories</a>. How are things here? Are you well?”“You should not have come,” Mena said in his usual even and calm manner, taking Telie's arm, and leading him to the direction of the edge of the village and the trail to the Briareus manse. “Bad things have been happening… And you cannot be involved…”Telémahkos’ stomach tightened with nervousness and he stopped walking. “What is going on?”“Keep walking!” This time Mena did scold, as he yanked on Telie’s arm. “As you know, my connection to the Barrel-makers has always been because of my days working for the Herald's Guild as a… courier. . . For all their faults, the Guild was made up of Thricians - and if the bosses were Herman-landers. . . well, I did not care because I rarely if ever dealt with them. . . But now some people don't seem too happy with the Barrel-makers anymore and their squeezing of their Thrician resources dry to cover for losses due to the war on their side of Aquerra… “ (2) He sighed and stopped for a minute to catch his breath in the shade of the eaves of a house at the edge of the village. Telémahkos looked up and saw two of his father's guards sweating out in the sun at the opening through the outlying trees to the path up to the manse. The old man continued: “So in the struggle for power some people have been dying…You know accidents, bar fights, sudden illness… Nothing suspicious…Except of course, it all is… And among those killed were my main contact, and conveniently, his replacement is a loyal Coop… (3) The father of the man I had to… deal with that night. . . You know which night I am speaking of?”“Yes,” Telémahkos replied in a course whisper. His mouth dried up and his lips got stuck on his teeth as he spoke. “The Guild is bringing Herms here? (4) Is there any way to stay out of the fight?”“Not the Guild, the Coops… At least, that's the rumor. . . a few ringers to spill a little blood and show the Trumps (5) who is boss. . . But those who started to chafe and fight back, and want to drive out the Coops altogether aren't going to stand for it. . . This fight is coming. . . And it is going to be ugly. . .” Mena swallowed hard.  “There is some kind of evidence against me. This man, Kristopf, knows or suspects about the real fate of his son and has brought this information to your father…Now your father does not know the details of why and how this happened, and he does not care… The truth is…” He looked back and forth and then right into Telémahkos’ eyes. “The truth is your father is aware of my talents and contacts and has made use of them from time to time… But if this accusation becomes public there will be nothing he can do to protect me, and then the Coops will use the excuse of my coming public trial to kill me before I can rat on them…” He took a deep breath and took Telie's arm again as they continued up the path. The guards nodded their greeting as they passed. “But it gets worse…” Mena said even more quietly when they had passed them. “Your name has come up…”Telémahkos squeezed his temples and wiped the sweat off his face, closing his eyes with passing anguish. “How? Has my father heard anything?”“Conveniently… old rumors about Kristopf the Younger bragging how 'the young son of the lord' was going to let him into the House have re-surfaced… And while I have no doubt that he did the bragging, I am sure that it was to people who could generally be trusted to keep their mouths shut until they were convinced or paid to remember again… And that is why I said you should not have come,” Mena said. “Your father is furious about the accusations and the threat to his increasing business this entails. If he pushes back against the Coopers too hard, how many of his ships or caravans are going to arrive safely? And if that happens, how long until he will be forced to something about it? It would have been best if you had just stayed far away for now… But it is too late…”Almost panicked, Telémahkos let out a harsh whisper, “Let us find me a horse and I will be off!”  But then he gathered himself and added, “No, the guards saw me. I need to give a grand performance…”  He stood up straight and walked resolutely toward the manse.Mena led the way into the house and the other servants greeted Telémahkos warmly, including a kitchen wench who had warmed his bed more than once. They made their way to Agamemnon's parlor/trophy room and then Mena left to fetch him. Telémahkos looked over the various weapons and mounted animals; examples of his father's prowess.“Shouldn't you be somewhere robbing tombs and killing <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/kobolds" target="_blank">kobolds</a>?” Agamemnon barked by way of greeting as he entered the room. He was flush and sweaty, and dressed in a light toga that revealed the dark coarse hairs of his stout muscular legs. He gave Telémahkos a rough little push into a chair and then took a seat himself. “What failures are you here to whine about? Are you here because you need money or help to get out of some mess? Mena says not, but that old man would feed you his teat if you told him milk would come out…”“There is no problem, father. In fact, we were successful on the first adventure, the House split will be a modest amount of silver… but this is just the beginning. We head to the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Disputed+Territories" target="_blank">Disputed Territories</a> next and Timotheus wanted to take care of some family visit so I joined him to let you know I was doing well… In fact, I have had some discussion with the merchant <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Cornwallis+Lowe" target="_blank">Cornwallis Lowe</a>. There seems to be lots of trade opportunities down south and perhaps I can set up a new base for you down there… Is that something you wish?”“Heh. If you think you can manage it… Lowe, eh? The name is familiar. But don't go mucking around with smuggling if you don't know what you're doing… Which you probably don't… Is that all you came to tell me? Some scheme that is going to require the re-annexation of the Disputed Territories to work? It seems your instinct for quick coin is as developed as your courage. . But it matters not… Go do whatever you want down there and stay away from <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Schiereiland" target="_blank">Schiereiland</a> for a time. It looks like I am going to have to dismiss Mena over that foolishness with that intruder a few years back, and I want you gone too, so you cannot be called to testify about it.”Agamemnon’s small dark eyes never left those of his ne’er-do-well son, boring into him with contempt.Telémahkos paused, and then tapped his temple. “I have an idea! Do you think Mena would want to join the Charter as a hireling?”“Gods, damn it!” Agamemnon stood, towering over his sitting son. “THINK, why don't you! I don't know if you were dropped on your head as a child, or if being dropped on it now would fix you, but you certainly make me want to try!”  His big meaty fist pulsed as he squeezed his hand tighter and tighter, but he did not strike Telémahkos. Instead, he paced around the room, panting to let his purple-faced anger pass. “Actually, you had better hope these plans you are trying to make pan out, as we might be needing that income if everything goes as badly as I think it will. Gods damned <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Herman-lander" target="_blank">Herman-lander</a> thieves! Look, I don't want to see your face until I can actually trust to send you to do things for me… Difficult things… The kind of difficult things I long ago asked Mena to prepare you for when I thought <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Lineage+of+House+Briareus" target="_blank">Philo and Jason</a> would be taking over for me and you would be doing something else useful for this family… Now it seems I have to hope you learn to do both… Or else wait until your twin brothers are old enough to do it…”“Alright father, I will do what I can… I… uh,” Telémahkos stood, but his eyes never left the floor.  He continued in a low defeated voice. “I think I can become great with the blade… I will make… I can help with coin. I am sure of it and… and we will see what else needs doing once that happens.” Agamemnon only smirked, his body language making it clear their meeting was over.“I only wish to see Paulien before I go. I will seek a servant. Good day, father.” Telémahkos did not even try to shake his father’s hand.  He left the room, and out in the hall he swore, “I will never return here as long as that man lives…”------------------------------------A little later, after finding a washroom where he could weep in private, Telémahkos washed his face and then summoned a servant to bring him where he could find Paulien, his sister-in-law; Bleys’ sister.In a large sunlit parlor, Telémahkos found her sitting on the floor and playing with her children in a very unself-conscious way.  She was tall and thin, and had sharp, almost severe features framed by straight thick black hair.  She still looked youthful despite being nearly ten years older than him.  Her unusual looks gave her an indefinable beauty.  Also present was the light-haired and voluptuous Agatha, his stepmother. She was only a couple of summers older than he was, and quite lovely.  She sat in her chair with a paper fan as she watched the twins scamper around knocking over Spiro wooden soldiers.“Telémahkos!” Agatha was exuberant when she saw Telémahkos, standing and hurrying over to hug and kiss him. Menaleaus, his younger brother began to cry, toddling over to grab his mother's leg possessively, while Paulien carefully tried to extricate Andrea’s hair from the claws of Nestor who was clearly already developing a cruel streak. Paulien looked up at her brother-in-law with a weak smile.After some pleasantries and greeting the children, he asked Paulien to accompany him for a walk through the nearby orchard. “Your brother has given me a note for you and the shade is long enough for us to escape the heat.”“Oh, of course, Telémahkos… I am glad my brother still thinks of me. It is too bad he could not come with you on this visit.” Paulien’s voice was smoky, deeper than most women’s, but with a delicate mellifluousness.  She stood and asked one of the nannies to watch the children. Agatha gave her a jealous glare and then planted a soft kiss on Telémahkos cheek close to his mouth.  “And how long will you be here? I do hope we get a chance to catch up and you can entertain us with tales of your adventures…” She said to her stepson.“Unfortunately, not very long, but I will be back to chat,, Telie replied, offering his arm to Paulien as they leave the room. As they walked out to the orchard he began: “I wanted to let you know that I wish to take my responsibility to you and your children more seriously. I am not sure yet what this will entail, but know that I think about you and your children and plan on making sure you are always given what you need…” Telémahkos spoke with an awkward cadence ending his speech suddenly to wait for a reaction.“Are… Are…are you asking if I would like to marry?” There was awe in her voice. “I mean, I understand the sentiment and it is honorable for a man to take care of his brother's widow… But we hardly know each other and I am not sure where this is coming from… I would have to think on it… Though it would provide me and the children with a more stable place in the household…”Telémahkos’ eyes open wide and he stammered. “Ahh! We both know how rash I am. Let us take a first step and not even consider that yet as I am going to be away for a while anyway. Know this, though… I consider you like a sister and even if I were to marry another you would have place of honor in my household, and I would make that bond legally binding so as to relieve you of worry. If I make anything of myself I will fulfill my brother's obligations one way or another.”“So, you aren't asking. . . “ Telémahkos could not tell if that was disappointment in her voice.  She continued: “I mean, the only legal obligation I can think of is marriage… Not that I care to dishonor Jason's name, but finding me a husband is the best way to make sure we are cared for. But then again, I worry a new husband will want children of his own, and Spiro and Andrea would suffer it. Someone who already considered them family would be the best choice.”  She stopped talking and walking very suddenly and scrunched up her face with suspicion.  “Did Bleys put you up to this?”Telémahkos stopped as well, and smiled. “All he did was show his deep regard for you and your children, reminding me of responsibilities I have not paid much attention to before. Before I forget…” He reached into his toga. “Here is his letter.” He handed it to her and continued. “I can't ask yet for your hand yet. I can only find out where you stand because I have no means to support even myself let alone a family. My father does not trust me with much at this point. And when I say legal obligations, there are agreements that people reach… nobles reach about the rights and such of the members of their household… You could have a special place in my family. I am not a traditionalist, so excuse me if this all sounds odd to you. If I find other lands for the House to rule, we will need able-bodied lords and ladies to take on responsibilities and I am sure Spiro and Andrea would be perfect for such a thing. I am sorry to speak of so many uncertainties…let's leave it at that, and I will do what I can to fulfill that obligation willingly.” He noticed her turn the sealed letter in her hands. “Do you wish to read that now?”“I would rather read it later,” She replied, still sounding a bit suspicious. “And I thank you for your concern and for trying to make plans that fit me and your brother's children. It is very noble, even if Bleys did put you up to it.”  She gave Telémahkos a light kiss on the cheek.  “When you see him, tell him he is as much in my mind as I am in his, and I look forward to his visiting as I have not seen him since the funeral…” (6)“I will let him know…” He looked at her again in the sunlight, noting that much like Lavinia, she was taller than he was, but her beauty, while very different, was no less striking. He felt overcome with the emotion of the moment. “You are a beautiful, strong woman so do not think anyone needs to plot to have someone show interest in you… Anyway, it was good to talk with you, especially since I do not have many relatives here any longer that I can speak to with… much sincerity. Out of curiosity, How does Agatha treat you and the children?” He began to slowly escort her back the way they came.“She treats me fine,” Paulien replied unconvincingly.“And…” Telie stopped and looked at her gently. “Can I ask you a terribly personal question?” “Yes?” She replied, with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.“Was love a part of your marriage to my brother? Was he a loving man?” In a quieter voice, he added: “I did not know him as well as I would have liked.”“He was in his own way…” Paulien replied hesitantly. “As with any arranged marriage, it took time for us to get to know and love each other, but he was a good man, and very driven when it came to his work… whatever that was.”“He was secretive about what he was doing for the House? Was he always having meetings with my other older brothers? Am I naive to think a House in this day and age can survive without daggers hidden behind cloaks?”“I know nothing of daggers,” She replied. “But he was often traveling on business, or seeking out some spell. More than once he spoke of adventures in a kind of off-hand and vague way, and yes, sometimes he had Philo or Demosthenes with him…sometimes not…”Telémahkos nodded and began walking slowly again, offering Paulien his arm and changing the subject.  “It is amazing how much Andrea looks like you, and Spiro, my brother. <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Isis" target="_blank">Isis</a> has blessed you.”to be continued…-----------------------------------------------------------Notes:(1) Timotheus would spend this time drinking with old caravan guard buddies and visiting the local house of ill-repute in Azure, while Tymon visited family that lived in Azure.(2) This is a reference to the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Herman+Land" target="_blank">Herman Land</a> civil war with its rebellious protectorate, the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Black+Islands+Barony" target="_blank">Black Islands Barony</a>.(3) ‘Coop’ refers to the Coopers, an influential Thieves’ Guild.(4) ‘Herms’ is Thrician slang for <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Herman-lander" target="_blank">Herman-landers</a>.(5) ‘Trumps’ or ‘Trumpeters’ is slang for the Thrician Herald’s Guild, long beholden to the Coopers.(6) There was a large funeral for Telémahkos’ three older brothers, and Bleys was excused from the Academy to attend and be at his widowed sister’s side.</blockquote>

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