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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Seravin" data-source="post: 1075460" data-attributes="member: 6783">A Small BreakIt was a fine summer night that graced Parlfray Keep.  A gentle breeze came in from over the west wall and only a handful of stars were obscured by wisps of clouds.  Jola, the silver moon, was nearly full and lit the courtyard with her presence.  In about another hour Fon, the red moon, would be chasing her across the sky.Despite the moonlight the two guards escorted their guests across the courtyard with brightly lit lanterns.  They knew these visitors from before and weren’t sure whether these guests would be welcomed or thrown out.  The old Count had not been happy to have his young son escorted back by the retired Imperial Scout.  Shortly they were past the courtyard and within the keep itself.From there it didn’t take long for the two guards and their five guests reached the great doors of Parlfray Hall and the senior of the guards looked back at his oddly confident charges.  Perhaps they were confident in the gifts they were bearing.  Shrugging at their apparent unconcern he turned and banged the door’s clapper, loudly, three times on the door.  He paused and then grabbed the door ring and pulled.  The old door moved smoothly on its well oiled hinges, with only the timbers of its frame creaking softly with age.“Milord!”  Called the senior guard as he stepped into the doorway.  “The people you were expecting have finally arrived and ask for audience with you and young Lyntern.”The old Count’s reply was muffled with age and distance, but the guards had all learned to listen well and he could see the Count’s gesture well enough.  Stepping aside, the senior guard waved the five people through.  “Enter.”  He bade while ushering them through.  Kellron nodded to the guard as he stepped past him into the great hall. This hall was certainly larger than the one in Broken Spire Keep.  The Parlfray family had evidently decided to make their newer keep larger when they rebuilt. Ashimar followed the paladin inside, followed by Jallarzi, Kestral, and Panther.  With a mixture of confidence and respect the five made their way before Count Parlfray.The Count sat at the head of the table, apparently nearing the end of the evening meal.  To the Count’s right sat Lyntern.  Between the two only Lyntern seemed excited to see the five friends.  For his part, the Count looked over the five companions with grim determination as they made their way up the left side of the table to stand only five feet from him.The Count dabbed at his lips with his napkin as the group approached and when they stopped he took a sip from his wine glass.  His eyes met each persons and grazed over Kestral’s bundle of furs.  His eyes eventually settled on Ashimar.  “I seem to recall you promising that you would bring my son back to me. ”  He paused a moment and then continued.  "You didn't.  Now you are here almost a week after my son's return."  Ashimar bowed.  “Our apologies my lord.”  He spoke.  “We were running out of time to get Lyntern back and there was still much to investigate.”  He nodded towards Lyntern.  “We figured Kupier would be able to keep him safe.”“Hmph.”  Sniffed the Count.  “That’s all very well, but according to Kupier the old keep was cleared when he left.  Surely you could have come back and returned at your convenience.”Kellron stepped forward and bowed.  “We might have my lord.  But we were not sure if more of the bandits would return and make off with valuable intelligence.”“Hmmm.”  The Count seemed unconvinced was starting to listen.Seeing that, Ashimar spoke up.  “Sir, with your permission we have something to present to your son.”The Count’s eyes looked at the bundle of silver furs in Kestral’s arms and then to his son.  “Very well.”Ashimar grinned and looked at the young man.  “Lyntern Parlfray, please step forward.”  So asking, he and his companions stepped back to form a half circle.Curious, Lyntern wiped his hands, pushed back from the table, and stood up.  He quickly made his way around his father to stand in front of Ashimar.  “You held your ground and you followed orders.  I’d be proud to work with you again.”  So saying, Ashimar took a half step to the side to allow Kestral to move up.Ashimar continued to speak as he unfolded the furs in Kestral’s arms.  “You may recognize these furs from the bed of the priest we killed.”  He smiled briefly.  “That priest had good taste, for these pelts were well preserved.”  Finally he unwrapped the bundle to reveal an imperial style long sword in a plain leather sheath.  Ashimar grasped the sheathe with both hands and presented the leather wrapped hilt to the young man.The young man was grinning wide with excitement and pride.  He grabbed the proffered hilt and drew the sword with a single, clean pull.  The metal of the blade rang with a pure tone.  The blade had been made in the old style, with faint etchings decorating the length of the blade.  Despite its apparent age the blade was still brightly polished.  It was still obviously a working sword for the steel tang wrapped in copper had several nicks in it.  The blade gleamed orange under the torchlight of the hall.“This is one of the blades we recovered from Broken Spire Keep.  Jallarzi and Panther both affirm that it is enchanted.”  As Ashimar spoke, Kestral stepped forward and laid the furs on the table.  “The sword and the furs are yours for your help.  We would have had a much harder time without you.  Thank you.”Ashimar was not normally a man of elegant words, but this plan was his and he wanted to see it through.  Kestral had coached him on the words, and she Panther, and Kellron had done their best to enhance Ashimar’s words and performance.They succeeded.  Count Parlfray couldn’t help but puff his chest out a bit at the honor done to his son.  It was a princely gift and given without asking about taxes or such.  When the five companions left the keep the next morning, they left with the goodwill of Count Sandior Parlfray.</blockquote>

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