Feast at Winterbourne Stoke

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn stood at the feast. Though he was trying his hardest to hide it, he was the epitome of a nervous young lord at his first feast. Rodric probably noticed it as did others who knew him...Cedwyn was going to attempt to be flowery.

"My lords and ladies. Brother knights! My thanks to you for coming to my humble hall in this our feast of celebration," Cedwyn paused for effect, "We celebrate the summer of battle! We celebrate turning back the Saxons!  We celebrate the good fortune of Winterbourne Stoke in this year. We celebrate His Lordship Earl Roderick!"

Another pause, and he continued, "We honor our brothers-in-arms, but especially Sir Amig, who taught many of us well. We honor those who have gone to God in His Glory."

"But especially, we honor his Lordship, for without his generous offer none of this," Cedwyn spread his arms, indicating the feast, and the obvious changes happening to Winterbourne Stoke, "would have been possible."

"And now, we honor our ultimate Lord," Cedwyn bowed his head, "God above. Heavenly King of All. Grant us thy bountiful goodness. Bless our homes and hearths. Bless our children and wives. Grant us a bountious harvest and gentle winter. Shelter us from the ice and wrack. Grant us strength of conviction and arm to cast out the Saxon horde. In your Name, we pray. Amen!"

[Orate failed...roll of 9. Greater than 5. Will take a random roll for wife trolling]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: I need to know what skill you're going to troll with. You have a few options. Courtesy works, as does Dancing. Romance and Flirt are great choices (for theme, not necessarily skill), buy you could also use Dancing. You could also use Hunting (in the form of bragging) though the DC targets would be higher. Women in this game aren't usually that impressed with boasting.

Keep in mind the skill you use has an impact on the rest of the world. Not necessarily a bad thing, but the skill you use to find a wife will impact the impression others have of you in knightly society. For example, someone who flirts their way to a wife will be perceived differently than someone who woos her with poetry, and that would be different that someone who wins a wife through Courtesy.

As for Ken, the roll is random, but I'm using the skill you use to attract a potential mate as a means of getting more than one opportunity. Do well with whatever skill you choose, and you may have more than one option.]

[Cedwyn]

[ooc: courtesy]

[GM Craig]

The dinner Cedwyn had prepared is nothing compared to the Earl's Christmas feast, but it is very well done, with exotic foods shipped in. He's clearly hired extra servants to be able to hands the large crowd that now dines under the canopy outside on the manor grounds. Braziers are lit to ensure the evening chill does not dampen anyone's spirits. Several minstrels and jongleurs provide quiet entertainment while dinner is on. It is a good meal, and the best one either Cedwyn or Rodric have eaten since being knighted. Cedwyn seems to have impressed the powerful of the County, with several of the important knights stopping by to clasp his shoulder and say a few words.

As the meal winds down both Rodric and Cedwyn, the Earl's command on their minds, start eyeing the crowd for eligible ladies. As the dinner starts to break up, and the minstrels switch to livelier music to encourage dancing, the party breaks up into knots of conversation. Both of the young knights attempt to impress the ladies with courtesy and manners. Rodric is somewhat successful, and appears to make an impression with two of the ladies present. Cedwyn, however, appears to live up to his family's reputation for courtesy, and as the dancing starts has a crowd of young ladies hanging on his words. Rodric cannot help but be impressed at his friend's smooth manners.

[splitting to your private threads for a bit.]

[GM Craig]

The evening wears on. Cedwyn notices his friend is spending significant time with the young beautiful daughter of the esquire Cedrych, a servant of the Earl who was elevated for some service to the family. They seem to be getting on well, and Cedwyn watches as the father and Sir Rodric shake hands, apparently having come to some agreement.

Other eyes watch the exchange as well, some approving, some disapproving. While such a union would not be particularly advantageous for Sir Rodric, it is not awful either. And the beautiful young Habren is certainly a pleasant sight.

As the evening wears on, Earl Roderick rises and thumps the table before him.

The crowd grows quiet, and the Earl surveys the crowd.

"Sir Cedwyn, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for a fine feast. I have dined at Winterbourne Stoke many times, but never have I had such a splendid meal here. I know there is a certain... burden... you hosting myself." There are a few laughs from the crowd. "An Earl does not travel alone, of course. But the hospitality of your house has been more than sufficient for such a worthy challenge. So thank you for your hospitality and courtesy."

He pauses here as the crowd joins in mile cheering and agreement with the Earl's words.

When the crowd quiets down, he continues. "I have been asked why I would take time away during such a busy season to visit the home of a vassal. Let me provide a universal answer to this question: Sir Cedwyn, along with Sir Rodric and the late Sir Gywn are knights of exceptional courage. Merlin himself spoke to me of their valour under conditions that would steal the heart of lesser men.  All three knights were thought lost in the battle of Mearcred Creek in service to our King Uther. These knights ended up in the clutches of a foul Saxon witch, intended to be sacrifices for magic of the blackest sort, but through the Grace of God have returned to us.

"Though I did not witness their deeds of valour, the word of Merlin is trusted by our king and I follow his example. But I would hear this tale of valour from your own mouths." Earl Roderic extends a hand to Sir Cedwyn and Sir Rodric. "My good knights, share with us the story, that it may glorify god and inspire the knights of the County by your example."

All eyes turn towards Cedwyn and Rodric as the Earl takes his seat.

[I leave it to you guys to tell the tale. Earl Roderick is giving you a command, and opportunity, to entertain the crowd. Take turns or let one of you do the telling. Feel free to ask for time to confer if you wish, but the Earl will hear the story in this public setting.]

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn gave Rodric a nod and began to speak.

"God's grace was certainly upon us. In that last charge, I saw Sir Rodric fall just before the world went black for me as well. I know not how long we were unconcious but when we awoke, our wounds were gone and we were shackled against the wall with who now I can only surmise was Merlin (though he called himself Powell). Someone must have used magic to heal us for neither our hair nor beards had changed much...so it could not have been long since the battle."

"Somehow, he had come by a key and we were able to use it to free ourselves. We used straw to hide the fact we had freed ourselves so when the guards came to take away Merlin we came upon them from behind and struck them down. We took their weapons...just some axes and a dagger and made our way out."

It was then that Cedwyn's voice took a sad turn, "There were other good men of Cymru held there as well. It is my regret that we left them in the dungeon as Merlin led us to destroy the Saxon witch."

"Her we found with a Cymric man strapped to a table for some sort of foul sorcery. Her guards outnumbered us, but they were no Knights of Cymru! With weapons in hand, Merlin fought the witch whilst we battled her guards."

Cedwyn looked to Rodric to tell the next part of the tale.

[Geoffrey]

"Battling them?!" Rodric questioned in an amused tone looking at Cedwyn.

"Only Gwynn and I were battling them." the knight first turned to Earl Roderick before glancing among the other guests.

"You should have seen this man.  There was no battle where he was concerned, he was cutting the saxon filth down like a farmer would cut wheat.  And all he had was a dagger!

Gwynn with the other dagger we had taken from the guards and was holding her own.  I on the other hand was left to a saxon axe.  A clumsy weapon I must say, that definitely took some adjusting.  Still, I am a knight, trained by a master in combat," Rodric gave a nod to Earl Roderick, as the 'master in combat' he had just spoken of.

"So the axe did find its way deep into saxon flesh.

We had felled a few of the guards when Merlin had yelled at us about a weapons rack on the wall.  To our surprise, there were a number of swords there, likely taken from the brave knights held captive in the dungeon."  The man paused as his tone became more playful.

"And our swords were likely there as well." he joked before turning more serious again.

"Now as we all know, a knight with a dagger is one thing, but put a sword in his hand...well it was all but over for the guards.  In moments all that was left was the witch...and her snake."

Rodric paused here turning things back over to Cedwyn.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn's tone turned sad again as he continued, "Sir Gwyn, valiant and brave Sir Gwyn, had been struck down by then. Sir Rodric and I were separated by falling debris of the fight between the witch and Merlin. He struck at the snake; I, however, could strike at the witch!" he ended with a note of defiance in his voice, standing tall and broad with his arms upraised, his body tense like about to join battle

"I made a prayer to God to guide my hand and leapt across the room as Sir Rodric struck the snake with his cold iron. The witch gasped in enough pain that she did not notice me and I struck as hard and true as my strength allowed. My blade pierced her black heart and she fell to her knees," Cedwyn nearly roared triumphantly, "She began to try and curse me but just at the moment, Merlin's snake leapt across the room. I almost had no time to duck afore it slammed into the witch, cleaving her in twain!"

Cedwyn visibly relaxed now, "But the danger remained. Merlin's magic had sealed the doors of the hall but the Saxons were trying to beat down it," his cadence slowed and his tone became regretful, "Sir Gwyn had fallen. Merlin and Sir Rodric were both spent. I nearly so. We had little real choice. We could face the Saxons and die or leave and live. There was nothing we could do for our countrymen, held in that foul place," Cedwyn's shoulders slumped now in defeat.

"Being of the most health, I gathered up brave Sir Gwyn's body and we followed Merlin down a corridor. It was the same one we had entered by, but it was not the same. Merlin led us to a door and we went through...to King Uther's tent!" Cedwyn's voice carried the shock and surprise that he'd felt on that day...uncanny as the experience had been, "Yet when we looked behind. There was no door; only the curtains of His Majesty's pavillion!"

"As for me, I still possess that blade and will pass it down to my son. Forever shall it be known as Witchbane, God's grace having shone upon us in fighting that foul creature."

He nodded to Rodric for any details or information he'd missed.

[Cedwyn]

[orate failure...rolled an 11 against a skill of 5]

[Geoffrey]

[orate roll result 18 vs skill 10. Failure.]

[GM Craig]

The two knights do a fairly good job at retelling the tale. Both Sir Rodric and Sir Cedwyn stumble over there words here and there, which detracts a little from the tale. However, the subject matter is fairly dramatic, so you have an appreciative crowd. The crowd is particularly appreciative when Sir Cedwyn mentions Witchbane.

When the approvals have died down, Earl Roderick rises once again. "Sir Cedwyn, I thank you once again for a lovely evening. Alas, I must make an early start in the morning, so I must retire." To the rest of the company, he adds, "I bid you all a good evening." You are about to escort the Earl to his quarters when Hadyn appears at the Earl's elbow.

"My lord Earl, it would be my pleasure to show you and your party to your rooms."

Earl Roderick smiles at Haydn. "Thank you, squire. That would be acceptable."

The room rises as the Earl departs the pavilion. Once he is gone, Sir Cedwyn is kept busy saying good night, as numerous other guests make their good-byes and head to their camps. Sir Amig in particular takes a moment to clasp hands with both Cedwyn and Rodric, pride in his eyes as he looks at the two of you. "You must let me see Witchbane ere I depart, Sir Cedwyn," he says with a smile.

In a matter of minutes, most of the guests have departed. A few remain - too drunk or happy to turn in quite yet. Cedwyn notices the Lady Habren and her father have remained behind, and the lady's eyes often turn to Sir Rodric. The most notable individual still at the feast is Lady Elaine, a member of the Earl's party who seems to have not left with him.

[Anything you guys want to do? It's a good time for quiet conversation if there is anything the two of you wish to discuss.]

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn came over, wine in his left hand and put his right over Rodric.

"Sir Rodric. She is a fine lass."

[Geoffrey]

A small smile came across Rodric's face, but it was obvious he was keeping a bigger one at bay.

"Indeed she is." he replied.

"And what of you?  You managed to attract quite the crowd.  I was sure I even saw you leave with one for a while."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn shrugged.

"Lady Ysbail was interested but not terribly. It may yet work out. Perhaps I will see her again at the Earl's feast."

He nodded towards the Lady Elaine.

"And the Lady yet lingers. Odd."

[Geoffrey]

"I have no doubt you could fan the flames of her interest if you chose to.

You certainly capture the attention of many quite easily." he gave his friend a smile before glancing over to Lady Elaine.

"I to think it odd.  But if the rumors are true, she may prefer the quiet.

Perhaps she would enjoy your company."