Invitation

[GM Craig]

A messenger arrives at Falt from the Northman camp. It seems Arne and Valka are to be married before Easter. There will be a service according tot he rites of Freya, which includes fertility celebrations. There is to be a feast the next day. Lady Habren is mentioned by name, and you are both welcome to attend or refuse either or both of the events without fear of insult.

[Geoffrey]

Rodric and Habren had been discussing the daily happenings over dinner when the knight finally brought up the invitation and the letter from the Earl.  He was quite sure Habren was already aware, the woman seemed to have an eye and ear everywhere.

"What are we to do about Arne and Valka's wedding invitation?  The ceremony sounds very...pagan.  The dinner is of course a given that we will attend.  I am unsure I am deserving of attending on the Earl's behalf, but with you by my side I should hope to look less like a fool." Rodric said as he smiled.

[OOC: What is the protocol when attending a function as a representative of the Earl?]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: It's pretty relaxed. You say things like "On behalf of the Earl" and generally do your best to represent him in a good light. There is also an implied responsibility to present a gift of some description.]

She smiles. "I think you have our roles reversed. My family lacks experience at such events. But I think that hardly matters - Arne and Valka are not Cymric nobility, and seem unlikely to be strict adherents to manners and ceremony."

She considers a moment. "The pagan aspect does give me pause. I would not want your good name to be stained by association with pagan rituals. Perhaps we make our excuses for the ceremony itself? However, I have it on good authority that Merlin himself will be attending. Perhaps that might mitigate your exposure somewhat? What do you think?"

[Geoffrey]

"The letter from the Earl does state that Merlin will be in attendance.  However being pagan himself, I am unsure how much Merlin's presence would shield us from any negative light.  And if we are to represent the Earl, our attendance at such a ceremony may cast a negative light on him as well."

Rodric let out a small sigh.  It was an important celebration for Arne and Valka but the more he thought about it, the more it looked like they would not attend the ceremony.

"Perhaps if they could provide some details as to the ceremony a decision would easier to come to." he thought out loud.

[OOC: That would be the gift Merlin will be bringing or would Rodric be expected to bring another?]

[GM Craig]

[You might be Ok, but I believe the Earl did not specify? If not, then you may be expected to provide a gift on behalf of the Earl.]

[Geoffrey]

He did here.

Sir Rodric of Falt,

I hope this message finds you and your wife well. I understand congratulations are in order for a recent birth. May god bless your family, and keep your children safe.

I have recently revived an invitation to attend a wedding in your lands. As the King is in Sarum, I am unable to make an appearance personally, so you will attend in my name. It is my understanding that Lord Merlin will also be in attendance, and I shall send along an appropriate gift with him.

Give me best wishes to Arne and his new wife.

<signed> Salisbury

[GM Craig]

Ok, my mistake. You're off the hook for the gift, though you will need to present it on the Earl's behalf.