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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Haraash Saan" data-source="post: 3270943" data-attributes="member: 46615">Sitting perched atop a bluff, its’ blue stone walls rising dramatically from the earth, was the Castle of Baron Yorath. Beneath it sprawled the large town of Yorathton. “Sweetmeats! A tasty treat for the weary traveller”, cried a hawker as he winked at me. It was more than enough to convince me. I bought one, carefully taking the wooden stick that skewered the meat. The first bite sent me to the heavens. There is no way to compare it to the dull and tasteless rations I had been consuming on our journey. I was sure that I would enjoy my time at Yorath.The earthen road that we walked wound its way through the white-washed buildings of town to the drawbridge that lay across the castle’s deep moat. As we crossed it we were lazily challenged by a guard wearing the green and white of Yorath who was lounging against the open portcullis.Baastian introduced himself curtly. “Baastian Levillie.” His right foot repeatedly tapping the dust in annoyance at the guard’s derelict behaviour.“Ah, er, sorry sir.” bumbled the doorman as he snapped upright and brushed his bedraggled uniform down, “I did not recognise you with, um, all of these fine gentlemen.”Almost apologetically he continued, “May I ask for their names and business?”Baastian sighed, calming himself. He then introduced and vouched for us. The guard, seeing that his duty was satisfied gave us entrance to the castle. Baastian stopped a passing page boy and asked him to inform the Baron that we had arrived. He then guided us to our quarters and told us that this evening there would be a banquet that we were expected to attend. Moxadder’s eyes lit up at this news. Undoubtedly he had never been to a banquet before. I predicted that the ‘morrow would present us with a sick and bloated Fastendian.Prior to the feast our time was our own and our guide left us to attend to some urgent business.  I guessed presumed it had to do with our discoveries at Ravenswood. I excused myself from my companions and went to the cabin that Baastian had allocated to me. It was spartan in comparison with what I was accustomed to, however it was so much more than what I had had recently. My first task was to clean myself up, which after summoning a boy to provide me with hot water, I did to my greatest satisfaction. Secondly, I collapsed onto the bed to rest. It was soft and lumpy. Laster himself may have known what lived within it, but at that point I cared not. It was so much more than I had recently experienced, even if the pillow was not stuffed with goose feathers. A light rap upon my door woke me. I shook my head, clearing it of a lovely dream involving my Veiled seductress from the Convent of the Doves, and opened the door. And how glad I was that I did! A very attractive woman stood in my doorway. The flesh is so much more appealing than a dream. Her dark hair hung in a single plait over her right shoulder, resting a-top of a beautiful shimmering blue dress that reminded me of the bay at Ravenswood in the morning light. She looked at me with an appraising eye. Curling her wide mouth into a pleasant smile she queried, “Gerard d’Mowbray?”“Indeed my lady.” I bowed with a flourish, my eyes never leaving hers, “And you are?”“Timandra.” She replied, “I am the Baron’s aide. I am here to request the pleasure of you,, and your comrades,” she added mischievously, “company at the banquet this evening.”“I would be honoured, Timandra.” I answered.“Excellent.” She beamed “I will return within the hour to escort you to the great hall. I trust you have appropriate attire for the evening?” I laughed and nodded in affirmation, “But of course Timandra. I look forward to seeing you again shortly.”She smiled, excused herself and turned away. Once again I appreciated her dress, as it clung to her enticing hips as they swayed hypnotically with each step.I closed the door. Here was a challenge that I could pursue! At that moment I decided to woo the beautiful Timandra. I was sure she would make a splendid conquest.Although I had already removed the travel dust from my person and clothes, I once again took time to meticulously wash my hands and face before dressing in the finery appropriate for the court.They say that the clothes make the man, but in my case I managed to make the clothes look so much better. It felt glorious to have shed my mundane travelling attire that had been like a second skin for the past two weeks. A delicate knock upon my door signalled the return of Timandra. Unfortunately she had also gathered my companions, spoiling any immediate opportunity to be alone with her. They all looked vaguely presentable, if not comfortable, in clothing that had obviously been supplied by Timandra. Though none were more awkward though than Moxadder. The shambling mound had been transformed into a well dressed peasant. He wore clothes that he did not appreciate and it was clear that they did not appreciate him.Timandra noticed the look of disdain across my face and whispered “When one has a filthy canvas to work with, one can only produce dirty art.”We stood in the entrance to the Baron’s great hall. It was resplendent in pennants and flags bearing Yorath’s green and white. Long wooden tables ran its length. Each was well attended and laden with all manner of scrumptious delights. Roasted boar, complete with apples in mouths, legs of lamb, fruits, cheeses and of course ale were all plentiful. The Baron sat in the middle of a table at the far end of the hall. He was reading as he ate, barely noting the excitement around him. He wore a purple coat complete with white ruffles. The man certainly had taste!Timandra led us to our left, between several tables that seated various vassals, including Baastian, retainers and courtiers. Timandra took us to the lone empty table that was tucked away in the far corner of the hall. I am sure that she purposefully placed us there. At first glance my friends looked respectable, but the reality was that they were peasants. I looked at her pleadingly and whispered, “Perhaps another table for myself, Timandra?” But all I received as a reply was an apologetic smile as she walked off leaving us to enjoy the meal and each others company.Several belches around me signified that my companions, at least the majority of them, thought that the meal was excellent. Even Moxadder looked as if he had eaten his fill. After days of dried meats and stale, crusty bread I certainly appreciated the fine banquet that the Baron had provided. With our dining complete Timandra returned, with Baastian, and informed us that the Baron commanded our audience.We were led into the bowels of the castle until eventually we came to a large steel reinforced door. Timandra rapped lightly upon it and announced our arrival. A deep gruff voice called for us to enter. She opened the door and ushered us in.</blockquote>

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