Rumor Archive 3 January 2014 - March 2014

bbarchive <#>/<type> Prints an archive of the board suitable for logging.
Type can be 'html' 'wiki' or 'plain'

You can set up the FUN_FIND_ALTS method on the bbpocket to list a players' alts (DB#'s) so messages will automatically be marked as read on all alts.

See also: +help bbconfig, +help bblock (contains expanded help for locks)

==Rumors (Tue Apr 01 09:52:14 2014)==

Temple turning a nobleman away
Temple Closure
Moving Out?
Mobile Priesthood
Bleaching in Faith
Gods and Kings
Gods and Kings: On the Other Hand
Odd Greenshire Nobles
Disquiet Among The Lions
Many for one
Quietly, one morning
Tyrel in the Taverns?
Not So Upstanding
Black No More
Dockside talk
Assassination Attempt!
Desperate For An Answer
Finger Isles and Mobrin Chests
Of Anger
Dangerous Whispers
Not Another One…
Guards of blue
A score and four
Beach Disturbance
Tristis Sonata
The Scrolls have returned
Along Sutherland Street
Men of white
Royal wanderings
Suite sounds
Music to lunch by
A Dawn Of A New Day
The temple
The Lady and the Bard
Gossiping Grooms
Mourning Tarts
Another attempt?
A woman and No Guards
Clergy Housecalls
A Raven Sent Forth
A New Shop In The City
Feast from the sky
Greenshire haps
Trading Secrets
He what?
Just Vivid Imagination?
Ships return
That's How it's Done!
Love and Marriage?
Married with children?
Cricket pies
Bloody Men
More ships…
Welcome to Sutherland!
Of Sand and Men
Sailed away!
Lanny's
Dysfunctional Family
Captain my Captain
Heading Out?
Talk of the hunt
Looking For Lessons
Temple Vigil
Bleacburn Burns!
Forrester Woes?
Nimue's New Suit
Most Eligible Bachelors
From Sutherland to Darfield
Late Night Call
'Hunting' Trip
Bought And Paid For
New Duties?
Baking Baking Baking
The storms of spring
Tournament Day One
Return from the Isles?
And the bards have sung…
A Requested Pause
Who's in charge?
Old Men As Knights
Tournament Host's Misconduct?
Public Dishonour Only Means…
Excitement of the Joust
Of Cowardice and Turncoats
Swords did swing
Will the show go on?
Dancing and Betrothals?
Tournament's End
You'll never believe…
Bookstore of Repute
A Knight Displeased
What a way with women.
Closed
Discord at home?
But who's the father??!
Mistake on the Lake
Emo Poetry Contest
Lakeshire, Sutherland, and Greensh
Maid Assaulted!
Eldest Son Returns!
Finally, A Squire
Garden Views
The Good Grace of Charity
Haravean lodgings
The murder of music.
Reactions Of The People
The first salvo?
Clever Callem
Heartless
A lowborns toast to the nobles
Frosty Reception
Kincaids… At It Again
One Last Tradition
Crazy Foreigners
Did you hear?
The Great Defender
Uproar near Caerwyn
The Bawling Bard
Saucy Strumpets of Stormvale
Gone again!?
Bad news never alone?
Let's Go Fly A Kite!
Royal Wedding
Skirmish on the borders
Ever dutiful…
Cleanup
Whatever we can do
Disgraceful Performance
Black Magic Woman?
Meanwhile, In Laniveer…
Left out in the Infirmary
In honor of the king.
GUARDS!
Shoulda Hired The Lead Coin!
Word of Mouth Advertising
A Bet
God Sent
Where's Our King?
In the time of chaos
Maelstrom?!?!
Prince to a King
Waiting in Purgatory
New In the Bookstore
Preparing for a party
Busy as bees
Dancing On Graves
Through the halls
The things heard while emptying ch
The Fool's Court
Hotting up in the Infirmary
Faster Than A Raven's Wing
A Child's Laughter
When silence falls
So…if we all have weapons…
Death in the family
No happiness allowed
Haunted Haravean Street?
Crazy sailor tries sailing on land
The war is on!

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 06 2014)

A nobleman brings a marriage contract to the temple and hands it to a priest. "I need this contract blessed."

The priest looks at him and simply says. "We are not blessing any noble marriage contracts, or taking noble confessions, nor will we enter the castle." The nobleman and his guard are then escorted out of the temple by the temple guards who are well armed and armoured.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 07 2014)

The temple doors are barred. None can enter, but those priests and priestesses.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 07 2014)

"Hurry up! The Princess said to take -everything- of hers."

"Everything? To her old room? Why?"

"I don't know but I bet it's something about the Prince bathing with the maids!"

*giggle* "Wasn't me, but I sure woulda bathed with him. All I get is orders to get out."

*Sigh* "Me too. Also heard he's been cavorting with the Priestess over at the temple an' now they're locked up in there thick as thieves, leavin' the poor princess here all alone."

"Well, get on with it, get the stuff and take it back! I don't want to be here when the Prince comes back and finds she's moved out!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 07 2014)

Although the Temple doors are closed to all but clergy, they are practically swinging with the priests and priestesses moving in and out. This morning, the now easily-recognizable Priestess Luna Latea led a large wave of her peers from the Temple into the commoner areas of the city, poor and rich alike. They were escorted by Temple guards, who split off into smaller groups with their holy charges.

This unprecedented mass filtering of clergy into the city leaves a huge wave of gossip in its wake. People share and compare notes and theories on what occurred, spreading ideas like wildfire.

"Why d'ya think they're not helpin' nobles?"
"Heard they aren't having /any/ contact with nobles."
"Only helping us? Is this what Sess decreed?"
"Heard it was a different reason."
"…argument with the Crown Prince."
"…boxes his guards had in the temple."
"…he borrowed the scrolls?"
"I heard the priests talking to each other, saying Prince Tyrel /stole/ the scrolls!"
"Eight save us all!"
"They're not angry with us."
"I'm joinin' the Temple guards! They're callin' fer able bodies with pure hearts. Figure mine's pure 'nough."
"…priests giving us special attention."
"He healed m'son, he did."
"She took my confession right in my home!"
"…comin' every morn ta teach our whole street how ta read!"
"…taught the wee ones while I cooked."
"…helped me sister birth her twins!"
"…settled an argument for us."
"…brought us clothes."
"…prayed for me."

Whatever is going on between the Temple and the nobility seems to not hold at all true for commoners.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 08 2014)

Given the latest happenings at the temple and folks hair turning white, common women have been clamoring to try and attempt to bring their hair to the same color of stark white with bleaching agents, flaunting new locks out and about, though word of hair loss is rampant amongst the more zealous of women, hair breaking and just snapping off when touched.
But one must do what one must in order to show their faith! Or so the saying goes within the city.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 08 2014)

"The nerve! How dare the Prince barge into our Temple and steal our things?"

"He ain't stolen 'em, he's protecting them."

"From who?!"

"From whoever - clergy seem to lose those things an awful lot, and the Kilgours got a close connection with Sess himself."

"Whattaya mean?"

"Didja forget already? Weren't even a year back that King Callem proclaimed hisself King of Laniveer, and everyone knows Sess visited him that day and gave a blessing. Doncha remember?"

"Yeah - I think I do, now that you mention it. But it was Tyrel what took the scrolls."

"The Kilgour son, you idiot, and Callem's heir by man's laws and the Gods'. And now the clergy turn their backs on the Kilgours. Them that Sess has proclaimed as our leaders in this world. Them as only want to protect the temple and the words of the Gods."

"Well - that don't seem right to me."

"Me neither. And I tell you what else - once the winter thaws and them Lannys start marching in to slay my wife and babe it'll be the Kilgours I'll be lookin' to."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 08 2014)

"Yeah, so that's why he had the right of it!"

"He's the heir to the throne, but the King's still alive, isn't he?"

"I dunno, they say he is, but with his son actin' like he's on top now, maybe not."

"Then they woulda crowned him already, mud-fer-brains. Think!"

"Hmm… yeah, okay. Then why's the Prince doin' somethin' the King's allowed ta do? And why ain't the King said nothin' fer nor 'gainst i'?"

"Maybe… maybe he /can't/ say nothin', if ye catch m'drift."

"How d'ya mean?"

"I'm sayin' maybe the Prince doin' somethin' ta his dear ole da to get him outta the way so he can try ta take over early."

"He is cold as a fish, I'll give ya that. Maybe yer right. Keepin' the King down, but not out so nobody'll look too close at what he's been up to."

"Right, just outta the picture fer a while so the Prince can get away with anythin' what suits his fancy."

"Wait, so if Sess blessed the King hisself and the Temple, then the Prince done somethin' bad ta them both…"

"Ye know what? I hear them Finger Isles are real nice this time o' year…"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 08 2014)

"Hey then, you see all that commotion this evening?"

"You know I wasn't on duty. What commotion are you talking about, then?"

"Well, first it looked like that whole family of Greenshire Lords just up and bolted. The ones with the apple trees on their banners? Kurgans or somethin' like that. They rode out just a couple hours before nightfall with a buncha their armsmen and took off like they'd just stolen all the Queen's Tarts…."

"Funny. So what of it?"

"Well, it -was- funny, 'cuz that younger Lord…the Knight. He had his sister on his horse with him, even though they had another horse with 'em. She kinda looked like she might be fightin' 'im, but they were all laughing up a storm…the old man, the Knight…even her too! Queer folk them Greenies. But there's more."

"My wife is from Greenshire, idiot. Get to the point."

"Yessir, sorry…Just a couple hours later, the Haravean Count, his sisters, and a bunch of -their- men went takin' off in the same direction, and they was all merry makin' too. Especially them pretty ladies…sounded like they was havin' a laugh at their brother."

"So where'd they go?"

"Headed north, by what I heard. Haven't come back yet."

"So a bunch of laughing noblemen riding off is a "commotion" now? Maybe we ought to assign you to the City Watch so you can see what a real commotion is."

"Hey now, I guess it wasn't all that. Just strange, is all."

"Well, wife or not, Greenshire folk -do- have a funny way of doing things at times…"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 09 2014)

The word going around the ranks of the Kilgour guards and staff is that Rowena Stewert was stripped of her rank as Ambassador for Laniveer by her brother who not only decided to announce the decision in front of the Crown Prince and his sister, Princess Roslin, but also declared himself Ambassador. Demoted to adviser, Rowena left the throne room angered with not even the arrival of Ciarrah enough to soothe her ire. With the tension this will surely cause between the two Laniveeri siblings, one has to wonder if any rift this might cause can be repaired or if their familial bonds will be severed for good.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 10 2014)

"Now, hold on - ye be telling me thet the Gods only be pertecting us common folks cuz ev' one o' them nobles?"

"Well you /heard/ what them's sayin' that there Prince done did?"

"I heer'ed it; but I aint done seen it. And sides, the Gods, iz they gonna go punishing all of us iffen one of us did somthin' like that too?"

"Well, they could. They're the Gods."

"No, I ain't believing dem Gods is that petty - even if they do some weird things sometimes.'

"Well I'z thinkin', if they was gonna go punishing Nobles, they'd done go punish the one as they's upset with and not all de others who ain't done nothing."

""You think?"

"It's like a Mama punishing all her kids cuz one done stole some cookies. A loving mother aint gonna do that. Twenn you and me, I'm thinking there's somethign else done going on besides fighting over pertecting scrolls"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 10 2014)

Words have been slow to filter out, but it would seem that a number of days ago, the Kundari that had stayed at the Castle departed in the morning, quietly setting the course back in the direction of their desert homeland in the west. Few people know why, but there's rumor that there was something that had happened back home that got all of them to pack up and head back home.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 10 2014)

"Hey, I hear the Crown Prince has been touring taverns buying folks drinks!"

"Yeah? I hear he's been locking folk up what've been speaking against him."

"I hear he's been trying to find that brothel that ranger were tearing up."

"I hear you all sayin you hear a lot, who says these things?"

"Well, I'm sayin he were over at the Riverview Inn not more than a few minutes ago."

"Where'd you hear that?"

"I'll kill you, you know that, right?"

— Reply by Tyrel at Fri Jan 10 13:25:57 2014 —
"You know what I just heard."

"Yes, so stow it."

"But…"

"No, I've no time for you and your hearing, now get gone before I box your ears."

"But…"

"I don't care who you've heard saying what about who."

"But…"

"That's it, I'm fetching my cauldron, hitting your head with a pan is more likely to damage the pan."

"But…"

*Door slams and cookware can be heard being thrown about.*

"Damn fine woman you've got there."

"Oh, aye."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 10 2014)

"I guess them Royal Rangers ain't all so high and mighty then."

"What ya talking about there Fred?"

"Well apparently one of the Royal rangers made it hard for a one of the brothel wenches to walk all night."

"Yer kidding me, I thought he was more upstanding then that?"

"I heard it with my own ears, ya shoulda heard that little blonde thing enjoying herself. Oh if only I was younger."

"Ya couldn't have done that if ya were younger."

"Ah shut up and eat your gruel, guess we oughtta leave the plundering to the younger men."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 10 2014)

"Did ye see the Duke of Sutherland? He's not wearing black no more!"

"Really? I thought he was in mourning for the death of his sister'n all the rest of his kinfolk?"

"Yeah, but ye cannae marry if ye be in mourning."

"That's right! So he's put off the black now he's betrothed."

"Yep. Won't do him no good though."

"Why not?"

"Them Priests 'n Priestess's aint bless'n no weddings for nobility."

"Yeah."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 11 2014)

Word has it from the stevedors that the Admiral's flag ship, the Lady Aoife, and several other ships of the fleet are making ready to sail. Their destination is not yet publically known, but with the ending of the days of darkness many are speculating that this might be the first move in the latest campaigning season against the Lannivers.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 11 2014)

Heard first around the castle, and then spreading quickly through the servants of the Kilgour and filtering out to the servants of other visiting nobles, a rumor that Lord Elisen Stewert, imprisoned guest of the Kilgour, was found by a guard poisoned. He was laying on the floor in his own vomit, they say, with an empty tea cup beside him. A tea cup containing tea brought by Princess Roslin's apothecary, meant for Rowena to drink. This just a day after Lord Elisen removed his sister from being Ambassador, much to the Kilgour Princess' distaste.

Did the Kilgour's finally make their move against the Laniveeri heir? Or were they simply unable to protect the ambassador nobles? Will the Laniveer heir survive? What will happen now to the peace talks?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 11 2014)

Looking for answers to a question that came to mind, Draventa was seen going into the Laniveer Suite after almost being turned down by the guards who were posted outside and told not to let anyone in. The Moniwind Princess did not look like she should have been on her feet and only goodness knows what kept the poor girl upright. She was allowed entry however although her maiden, like everyone else, was made to wait outside.

Equally mysterious is just what was said to Rowena but whatever it was it spurred the Laniveeri into action. A demand to have Prince Elisen's mattress taken from his bed and brought to the infirmary was made and it was clear that Rowena was not going to take no for an answer.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 11 2014)

"You know that foreigner… no not that one, the pirate one…"

"Now, there ain't no proof he's a pirate… but what about him?"

"He was seen leaving that book shop, run by that young lass… the one that don't know who she is… no not that one, the other one… the one that wears grey a lot… anyway… he was seen leaving there late and carrying stuff."

"It's a shop. Maybe he bought stuff. I think ye just like spreading stuff."

"This was round after she closed… and them chests didn't look like they had books in them. He went straight to his ship… that big one… no, not that one, the other one… anyway, he was hurrying off to his ship real fast."

"Well what do you think they had in them if not books?"

"I don't know rightly… but something not good. Maybe that lass is helping him… I mean I hear his people might be hooking up with Laniveer."

"Ye need to just stop talking. Ain't no way that girl has done anything wrong. She's a sweet thing… Good thing I saw her later, or I might think he did something bad… nah.."

"Wait… whatcha thinkin… come on girl…see if I ever tell ye anything again."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 12 2014)

A snippet of some Courtly Gossip:
"He was angry with the Duke Sutherland. The two of them were growling like rabid dogs at one another in the hallway, something about dowry rights and roads. Then they up and stalked away in different directions. I heard the Duke Sutherland call him a grumpy old bastard."
"It was bound to happen. You know I had heard that his daughter was one of the Duke Sutherland's prospects. It probably hurt his pride, especially after he made that council meeting all about him, I hear."
"I don't think he made that about himself, but he was entrapped and knocked down a knotch in front of everyone."
"Could be."
"So anyway, I hear he left the city for a few days and rode to the march of his army."
"He didn't return to Lakeshire?"
"I'm not sure. I just heard he rerouted his soldiers. Everyone's talking about it."
"Then how come this is the first time I heard about it?"
"I don't know, probably because you don't really keep up with everything."
"I try. I'm listening now, aren't I? So where did these soldiers go?"
"Where do you think? To -his- northern border."
"Interesting. I wonder what it means."
"We'll find out, soon enough."
"Hrm. And what about that knight, what's his name…"
The gossip floats to other topics.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 14 2014)

"Fer safety, my arse! That's what them Temple Guards is fer."

"Yeah, but then didn't stop him."

"'Course not! It's sacrilege to shed blood in the Temple. 'Sides, they wasn't gonna attack the Crown Prince."

"Seems like he wouldn't have minded it, since he had all those guards with him. Like he was looking for a fight."

"Who is he ta tell the Temple, the ones the Eight set as keeper an' protector o' holy things, what ta do with scrolls Sess Himself gave?"

"He's the guy with more soldiers, that's who. Still, wonder if Sess is going to get involved again, seeing as how it's his present that was stolen."

"Havin' soldiers don' make i' righ'. In fact, makes i' more wrong ta use them 'gainst peaceful holy people. He's jes' a bully with nothin' better ta do than scare the Temple so bad they had ta close for fear he'd attack 'em."

"You know what they call a bully with a crown, right?"

"He ain' got a crown yet, that's the point! But wha' do they call 'im?"

"A tyrant. Tyrel the Tyrant."

"Got a nice ring ta i'. Jes' don' say i' too loud."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 14 2014)

"Did ya see that ship that came about last night?"

"What? The Lord Admiral already back?"

"No ya git. This be a ship I ain't seen before. A big Galley."

"What you two going on about?"

"Henric was just going on about some ship he seen come in last night."

"Oh that, saw it this morn. One of them Skingaard ships. Not a bad piece of work that was. Ain't that styling fer a time. But then it was flyin' that flag of their Royals."

"Oh Light, don't be tellin' me…."

"Seems it might be the case."

"What might be the case?"

"Keep up, Henric! Another one of them Dip-lo-mats."

"And I seen they sent a runner up ta the castle. Bet we'll be seeing 'em soon enough."

"Think they'll have any pretty girls with 'em?"

"For Light's sake, Henric, just shut up."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 15 2014)

"Hey, Salty, were ya down by the docks yester' ta see the…"

"Damn straight I got an eye full of that. Seemed a right Princess that the Crown Prince was welcoming."

"But did ya saw them two flanking her like they were guards or something."

"Way I hear it, them two girls /are/ her guards."

"But…they're, like ya said girls. Should be proper guards, men. Ain't right that putting girls ta that task. Especially ones looking like that. Ya see them dresses they were wearing? Half naked, I swear. Not even a descent cloak covering 'em up."

"Oh, I saw. Fine sight to. End up froze ta death if they keep on like that."

"Fine by me, I'd be more than happy ta help warm 'em. Especially that one I saw going ahead first."

"As if she'd let ya, not that she likely has a clue to how ta use that sword proper. Probably all just fer show. Still seemed ta have some sprit."

"Ain't like you'd have any better chance. I do like my women feisty and could give her a few sword lessons while helping warm her up."

"Keep on dreaming! And get back on to getting that cargo into the hold."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 15 2014)

"I thought they were goin to storm the temple, so serious were they looking."

"Well the didn't, they just waited at the door for a time then returned to the castle."

"What do you think will happen now?"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 15 2014)

First on the scene of a disturbance at the shore, City Watch had been patrolling the area and came across a large group of men fighting. With their assistance, seven nondescript men were killed and after all was said and done, three Kilgour guards and Serah Temple perished as well. There were four survivors of the small battle including three Kilgour guards and a large, bulky man who was bleeding profusely from a broken nose. City Watch has him locked down.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 16 2014)

In the darkest part of the night music can be heard echoing down into the castle courtyard.

— Reply by Tyrel at Fri Jan 24 05:52:12 2014 —

One, once loved was taken away
Once, one's heart was tempted to stray
Gone away to the sea
She departed from me
One, once loved was taken away

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 16 2014)

In the middle of the night, and with little explanation, the Sacred Scrolls have been secured back deep within the Temple. The guards, the ones assigned by the Faith, have returned from Darfield as well, wearing new armors and carrying new castle-forged weapons. For the inconvenience, apparently. The details are still uncertain, and no official communication has been released, as of yet.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 16 2014)

Along Sutherland street, in the afternoon, a gaggle of children running around eating bread, one girl gets caught by her mother, the other children just scattering.
Mother: Girl, what are you eating!
The girl hands over a bread teddy bear face. At one point in time it had both ears, and resembled this.
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7e/6c/c1/7e6cc15449262bbd0baa0d35a6d1526f.jpg
The Mother looks at the girl, who just points to the Shire Bakery. "Gave away whole trays."
The two go home.
(There is a new display case in the Shire Bakery, visible through +detail case/animals. Doug has no idea why Ray has done this.)

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 17 2014)

In the wee morning hours in the castle courtyard…

"Blood and ashes, what is all that over there?"

"What?"

"That. Them. Over there along the shadows."

"Oh them, more of them snowmen."

"Again? Ain't anyone got a right handle on the kids doing this?"

"Ain't heard that anyone has rightly caught them at it."

"You'd think someone would have seen 'em. There are just so many of them."

"You would think, wouldn't ya."

"It'd take time to make 'em. And kids ain't known fer being quiet about it."

"All true there. But what's you problem with 'em. Find 'em a touch amusing myself."

"Just kind of odd, the way they just seem ta appear. Especially after these fresh snowfalls."

"Ain't odd at all, surely just some kids having a bit of fun."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 18 2014)

Whispers, wondering - the Queen had left with a contingent of Guard and handmaidens to head out for a walk in the dark of night, with winds howling and snow flurrying.

Servants speak of the Queen having been crying, trying to force a smile when caught, though quite clearly upset. Insistent on heading out, wanting to get out into the clear cold air, needing to get out of the suffocation of the castle walls.

When morning came the Queen had still not returned, horses her group had taken found wandering, some having made it back to the castle, others roaming, nary a sign of any of those who had left with them.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 18 2014)

Late in the night the upper hall of the castle is a calamity of loud voices and curses. None of it seeming to end. A few of the words that carry cannot be ignored, for over the course of the evening some ring loudly and they do not seem happy.

AROOOOOOOOOOO ARRRRROOOOOOOO

DAMNIT! Mandrik! Go do something about that!
What would you have me do?
Tell them to shut that beast up!

AROOOOOOOOOOO ARRRRROOOOOOOO

Gods! What in oblivion! Do you hear that?
Of course I hear it, ya dolt. I've heard it before but…Damn Never this loud or late or continuous

AROOOOOOOOOOO ARRRRROOOOOOOO

AHHHHH!!!! I'll never sleep like this! Go say something, Andril

Pftt, I think not. That bastard burns people. Anyways, pry just him and his new bride scaring the mut

AROOOOOOOOOOO ARRRRROOOOOOOO

The baying continues long into the night. With nothing stopping the half hound half mastiff.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 20 2014)

"There you are, Marz, been trying ta find ya fer half the day."

"Oy, Feric, what ever for?"

"Ta find out if ya were at that inn yester day near lunch. Know ya like the place. A couple of us are trying ta figure which bards were there."

"Heard that did ya? And aye, I was there. Weren't exactly bards though."

"Not bards? Who else would be playing? Especially like that? Was the best thing I've heard in months, years. Figured it had ta be a new pair in town."

"Weren't. Was that blonde thing who's been staying her and get this, a noble. Kilgour rightly even. Just struck up after lunch. Should have seen Harin, even got him smiling. And ya know how nothing makes him smile. Thought his face might break if he did."

"You're pulling my leg, right? Which one of them could play like that?"

"Swear it, it were. Ask any of the boys, there were enough of them guards around."

"Frogs balls. How are we supposed ta here that again if it were?"

"Don't know. Rightly don't. But be hoping for it myself. Damn finest thing ta be heard that was."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 20 2014)

Cometh the break of dawn, shall roar the tears of Mobrin, for her Queen has gone.

News travels fast - The Queen, is dead. Emotions of sorrow are expressed in sobs by those who loved her. Emotions of relief are expressed in silence by those who didn't. And for others who feel no inclination of love or hate in her passing, the acceptance of her departure and perhaps a guided prayer.

Details are vague about her passing. Some who live on Kincaid Street and others who were docked in the ports of the City along the beach have more to speculate about than most. Here are some of what is spreading like fire through the city and lands of Mobrin:

"Washed up ashore. All of 'em. More than one, aye. Drowned like a fish out of water."

"Murdered and laid out for the King all pretty like. Was those foreigners again, I bet."

"That noble fella, I don't rightly know who he be, jus that be dressed up all with those fancy tunics. He be wakin me up with his shouts. Surrounded by knights he was. And dead bodies. A lot of 'em. Could have been some kind of skirmish."

"There was a bunch of commotion honey, but you know how men are after late nights in the boarding house. I thought nothing of it until I saw a handsomely wrecked man carrying someone. Looked harder and saw the pale skin, dead skin you know. I didn't stick around after that. Not my business."

"A few wagons were rolling by with caskets. I couldn't tell ya how many caskets there were, my guess, at least ten. Royal guards escorted the wagons so I couldn't get much closer."

"The beach was locked down for the better part of the morning, couldn't get in or out of Kincaid street. Noble type people coming and going, the King for sure."

Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 20 2014)

The temple is open to the nobles now and priest and priestesses are now taking confessions and blessing marriage contracts. They are also willing to take confessions and perform their duties for the nobles.

Sorry I thought I had posted something of this nature. -Dair

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 21 2014)

"Still ain't believing our luck."

"I know, right? I was with ya on figuring we'd not be hearing a duet like that again."

"Figured we were just in luck with that bard coming around. Always a good show that one."

"Still can't believe she came back and actually gave into his challenge."

"Wonder if she would have if the Voice hadn't been there. Heard he asked for it."

"Don't care why that Lady played. Just glad she did. Ain't ever heard any able ta come near the level of that bard before."

"And the two of them ta gether, that flute and lute. Thought the other was something. But last night. By the God, still got that song in my head."

"Thought I was the only one. Think there is any chance they'll play ta gether again?"

"Don't know. Doubtful it'd be again any time soon though, ya know."

"Ya, I do."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 21 2014)

"Did you see that, she came in here like she owned the place and the took Count Haravean's horse. The groom assigned to the horse did not even argue. Just saddled him up for her," A groom for another house says with a shake of his head.

one of the lower grooms shrugs his shoulders. "Funny, hope the count will not need his horse. But I would not worry since it looks like it was her and the voice and they left the castle at a fast pace for this late at night. I wonder where they are goin?" The Kilgour groom pipes up. "Something about the docks!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 21 2014)

Word begins spreading that during this week of mourning, the Shire Bakery is giving a Queens Tart out with every purchase, and periodicly plates of them will be handed out at the Bakery door to the general public to anyone who happens by.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 22 2014)

"Things have gone right upside down in Stormvale lately."

"What are ye prattling on about this time?"

"Did ye see that group went from the docks to the palace in the wee hours this morn?"

"What group?"

"They was all off that ship, the one from the Isles. They was carrying that Ambassador fella it looked like. Carried him right into the palace."

"Oh by the light, nobles and ambassadors is falling like flies."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 22 2014)

In the night one of the nobles woman returned to the castle without guards. The guards detained the woman and were said to have given her a lecture. The woman told the guards the best guard is a guard that cannot be seen. She then pulled rank and left. Some say it is the Royal Healer herself.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 22 2014)

Clergy Housecalls

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 22 2014)

Although the Temple has been open to all for several days, some small groups of priests and priestesses brave the weather, in day and night shifts, to continue making the rounds to businesses and homes. They offer all services that do not directly require presence in the Temple. There is always at least one Temple Guard with them.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 23 2014)

It has been said that Rowena Stewert has sent a letter home via raven sometime early this morning. Must've been something important as she asked for the fastest bird to be used as courier. Whatever she had to say must've stirred her up something awful as she looked like she had a maelstrom brewing within her. Poor girl looked like she didn't know whether to cry her eyes out or scream in anger. Hopefully the weather will be on her side and the letter will arrive safely.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 23 2014)

There is a new shop in the city by the name of Kilpatrick Arms, located on Forrester Street. As the name states, it is one that specializes in weapons and not just swords and daggers but bows and arrows as well. It's going around that the married couple have newly arrived and wasted no time getting set up and are almost ready to accept business.

(OOC - Anyone interested in buying weapons ICly feel free to +mail or page Gwenifer and/or Cillian)

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 24 2014)

A little boy, perhaps no more than six or seven years of age, was overheard by several people in the main square of Stormvale, telling a crowd that he and his family dined sumptuously on something that they had not tasted - roast raven. A crone in the crowd warned the boy that ravens often fly over the city on their way to deliver messages from the castle. He became as red as a beet and claimed that he was late and really should be going home. A lad who apprentices at the tanners shop mentioned that he had been teaching the boy how to shoot a bow and arrow, and that the boy had become quite a good shot.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 25 2014)

Word has spread like sunfire. The Count, Aldren Haravean has sent a most trusted lord from his county to arrange matters of Blackfore for him. One, Learest Marrel. A noted lord from near Corinth. It is said the man is a shrewd diplomat and famed mathematician. Some say he has been appointed baron while others rumor he is simply a good balance for the overpowering military presence there while the /actual/ Baron makes his way. One thing is for certain, the Barony is said to be running as well as one of those watches that were so popular upon introduction almost a year ago. Bleackburn itself has not seen so much activity in five years and the recent stipulations put on trade are seemingly harrying no one, for now.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 26 2014)

Although it didn't hit the headlines due to the Queen's untimely passing, there's gossip of some trade going on between a certain Mobrin Duchy and the Finger Isles. Something about secrets passing back and forth has raised many an eyebrow. The arrival of foreign two-mast ships and dubious looking shipwrights to the northern ports of Lakeshire indicates a player to some major arrangement. What secrets did the Duke have to sell to secure the knowledge of foreign shipwrights?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 26 2014)

So the guards are talking at the castle. "The Prince came back from a small scuffle seemingly fine. He went to take off his armor and there was an arrow head stuck in him. An arrow head! The nurses took care of him and he's fine but what are the odds of that." The rumor slowly circulate until the final one that goes around, "Yeah the Prince was in a giant battle and so many people died. He came home all beaten up and when he took off his armor, there was a full sword though him! He's on deaths door from it! Who doesn't notice a sword in them?"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 27 2014)

A sailor, a craftsman and a servant from a noble household of Stormvale are having a drink at the Bard's Tale, and the inevitable chat ensues.

"That redhead who used to work here, the fine young lass that replaced Lord Vuk's redhead,? you know?", the merchant starts off, after sipping pensively from his ale.

"Yeah, what about her?" the servant asks.

"She's been quite busy lately. Going here and there, carrying stuff in bundles and such. I actually saw her at the market the other day, selling some stuff to a colleague. Then at the Chocola Emporium she showed up as well. Always carrying a bundle of sorts. It was empty when she left. You know what I think? That lass is stealing from her lord! And selling his belongings! While he's in the dungeons and can't do anything about it!"

"Hmm," the sailor shrugs lightly. "I actually dunno, the Aleksy has been seen at the docks, I bet he is provisioning a new ship to go pirate hunting! As for the girl?" He smirks. "Some days ago I saw her late at night, the redhaired lass. I almost didn't notice her, as she didn't wear no fancy dress no more. Sneaking about the docks? Now, what's that supposed to mean? Has Lord Vuk kicked her out finally? I bet she did more for him than just takin' care of the household, huh? However,…" The sailor licks his lips, his gaze shifting from the merchant to the servant. "You know… I wonder what she was doing there, 'xcept maybe she is looking for a new job." He smirks at his very subtle hint, but is unable to leave it at that. "After all the house of repute is at the docks. Coincidence?"

"Why, no!", the servant contradicts, raising a brow. He has been silent all the while, holding onto his tankard as he listened to the wild tales of the other two. "The truth is,… I hear Lord Vuk is back at the Manor. He never was in the dungeons, actually. There is a lot of bustle going on about his house at the moment. They say, some servants have been dismissed. And just yesterday the Crown Prince himself came by for a call, it was clear he wanted to speak with Lord Vuk. That girl Airysse let him in, looking all tidy and gorgeous as usual."

"I don't understand… That doesn't make any sense." the merchant mutters, and the three continue to drink their ale in silence. Until the servant nods. "You two just have a vivid imagination!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 27 2014)

Those down by the coast at the morning tide were witness to the return of a small squadron of ships sailing into the bay. They're familiar hulls all of them, are led by the Lady Aoife & and all flying their pennants at halfmast. Word travels, even at sea it seems.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 28 2014)

It started in the middle of the night. Laughter. Light laughter that grew into bawdy and lewd remarks right outside the Kundari Suite in Castle Meade.

"Just you wait.." A voice, unmistakably Jadda in origin, rumbles in the hallway about Kundari women being taught what real loving is. One even deigns to play his lute while touting a ballad of how a Laniveeri isn't a man till he's let down a Kundari's hair. Musings of giving minor Lords to the Kundar once the war is over. Most of all though, there are racial slurs against the Kundari, speaking of witchcraft and superstition.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 28 2014)

*A cluster of servants gossip, as servants are wont to do.*

"So wait…the daughter of the Lakdshire Duke, marryin' some Greenshire Lordling? She can't be happy about that!"

"Yeah…big step down for her, ain't it?"

"I heard the Lady's known for bein' on the stubborn and mischief-makin' side. Maybe her father's punishing her for it now?"

"Aye, may be. Though it might be a step down for her, but it's a big step up for him, ain't it? Could be that Knight's got somethin' on ol' Duke Kincaid.

"Naw…I mean, I suppose it ain't impossible, but from all I hear Duke Kincaid wouldn't be fixin' a situation like that by marryin' his daughter off, if ye take my meanin'?

"You're all wrong. It's a love match! My sister Mathilde saw them dancing together for a good long spell at that party they held for that Greenshire Count's wedding! And Guardsman Donnel saw them come back from being out riding together just a few weeks ago, along with one of those Haravean girls and all their guards and such."

"Yeah? That what Donnel's pillow talk was about this week, Miss "Love Match?"

"Mind your tongue! We would never…"

"Sure ye wouldn't. But if it's a love match, you don't suppose the Knight and the Lady…you know?"

"Ha! Small chance of that…you know what family that Knight's from! Besides, if some fool had dishonored The Duke's daughter, he wouldn't be getting married to her. He'd be too busy learning how to breathe while tied to a stone at the bottom of the lake!"

*A bit of tittering is heard from the group before they disperse to attend to their duties*

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 30 2014)

"Yep. Been sent down to that Bakery' every morn for a week now.
"Huh? That was fast. If I's take yer' meaning.
"Oh, I think ya' do. All o' it gone by lunch.
Eatin' fer two!

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Jan 30 2014)

Rumors of nobles on the upper floor have finally picked up speed. If you are a Jaddan, or if once there was a room with an oversized cat within, it has surely found the inhabitants stepping into something in the mornings. The lowborn folk in charge of keeping the hallways are finally done with cleaning up the trackings of dog lovers as rumours of Bird's ghost and the /presents/ he leaves are circulated.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 01 2014)

Word spreads like wildfire.

"came back from the Greenshire Count's hunt"

"great Lords of Weston, Sky Forrest and Sutherand"

"covered in blood"

"callin' for his Lady wife"

".he weren't movin."

".Princess Ros had blood on 'er."

".some great boar down in the kitchens tonight."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 04 2014)

There seems to be a bevy of sea travel recently. Those down by the docks and wharf area would have seen a Longship arrive, the sleek ship with its large, striped sail gliding almost effortlessly into the area. A few large packs are brought up as the sailors get the ship ready for a brief docking. After many of the sailors disembarked, a rather green-looking red-haired man stumbled off the ship and was promptly sick into the harbor. Two large, grey wolfhounds followed and stuck to his side.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 05 2014)

For those who took ship to Sutherland and arrived today, welcome! A procession of Sutherland knights on horseback, rangers, and administrators came with carriages to greet the arrivals. Luggage is offloaded. Most guests are taken into Trueborn city and will be lodged at the Boar's Head Tavern. Lodging and meals for invited guests compliments of the Duke. Princess Draventa and Crown Prince Tyrel Kilgour, Lady Nylie and Lady Elisabeth (Royalty and Roslin's family/servants) have the option to lodge at the towers up at Trueborn Castle.

Please see Sutherland OOC post on the OOC bboard!)

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 06 2014)

Down in Sutherland….by a beach…not far from the docks….

"What the blazes is that over there?"

"Over where?"

"Down there on the sands? Don't remember that being there…"

"Eh…what is it?"

"Looks rather like…well…a small castle."

"Out of sand?"

"Yeah….got a moat, towers and everything, looks like there might have been men to but that wave is already washing things back into place."

"Think someone actually came along to do that? Or that….."

"Don't even think that. /Someone/ must have done it. All these new folk coming around."

"Yeah, you're right. Probably just some children who got bored."

"Looks like the tide is making quick work of it though."

"Good. We best get moving. I hear the inn's offerings are improved with all them noble folk about."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 07 2014)

Two nobles engage in a conversation while enjoying a cup of chocola at the Chocola Emporium.

"One of the ships in the harbor has left with the early morning tide - the one that's called Sweet Revenge. On board Lord Vuk Aleksy, it seems, with the crew from his former ship that he lost during those recent diplomatic troubles at the Finger Isles.", says a distinguished looking elderly lord as he scratches his beard pensively.

The other man, a younger fellow, a nephew or son even of the noble, judging from the similar hawkish nose, raises a brow. "Oh, really? I thought he was to be executed for treason? wasn't he? Wait,… this doesn't mean he's sailing to Sutherland, to that wedding of Princess Roslin?" He shakes his head incredulously.

"Obviously not," his uncle replies, sipping pensively from his cup. "And I doubt he is to attend the wedding. I'd rather think the Crown gives him a last chance to redeem himself. Maybe to kill some Lannies and capture some prizes? It would serve Mobrin more, than gawping at a severed head, staring from a pike, don't you think?"

"Oh, certainly. I understand. It would explain why that Aleksy has been spotted now and then in the harbor. But… now that you mention it… I noticed on my way here, that Aleksy Manor looks abandoned, the door is closed and the windows are as well, even the shutters."

"He has probably sold it, to pay for the ship, or even just to provision it."

"That girl, the redhead… who ran the place? What of her?", the lad inquires curiously.

"Who cares? She's still in town probably. Women on ships bring bad luck. It is known." The uncle chuckles at his nephew's curiosity.

"I do," the lad will reply, lowering his gaze, his mouth twisting into a smile. "After all, she's a comely lass."

His uncle will frown at that. "After all I heard she is just a tavern wench. No one of importance, really. And not the kind you should get involved with!" He shrugs, and they continue to drink their chocola in silence.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 08 2014)

Words overheard in the council halls of Castle Mead, men of importance no doubt.

"Yes. This is correct. He sent each away. In turn from east to west."
I was told that more arrived yesterday. Most contradictory reports."
I am prone to agree. No doubt more will be explained this evening."
I would hope so. To treat each princess in such ways. When one could be allied and the other a clear enemy."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 09 2014)

…heard 'em say that he is going to denounce his eldest!

…heard 'em say that he wants to kill him!

…heard 'em talk about exile of their own.

…heard he was getting rather cozy with his cousin.

…heard she lost her honor.

…heard he belted him.

…heard he was going to defend his rights to the princess, while chasing another.

…heard she was trying to keep him from wrecking her betrothal.

…heard there was walks in the garden with held hands.

…heard them all going to be on the same ship.

Gods Save 'Em.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 09 2014)

Rumors circulate around Sutherland some people in the tavern spreading them. Barmaid- Did you see that handsome ship Captain? I could get lost in his blue eyes. I'm almost swooning.

Barmaid 2: Yeah I saw him, he is good looking, but I seen him with that woman.

Barmaid 1: Oh yeah I sw them together, you think that's his sister?

Barmaid 2: *laughs* no! that's not his sister, not with the moon-eyes they've been making at each other and the sighs when one leaves the inn!

Barmaid 3: I heard the Captain asked someone for permission to court that girl.

Barmaids 1 & 2: Oh, so we have no chance with him? That's a shame.

Barrkeep: No! you have no chance with him now get back to work!

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 10 2014)

"Did ye see that big ship with the lady on the front looked like it left this morning…"

"And good riddance to them… nothing but pirates from the Isles… hope he doesn't come back."

"Now, now… his sailors were right well behaved and spent coin here…"

"Ya, but some of them were women and ain't nothing good come from that."

"True dat… Maybe it's best he don't come back…"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 12 2014)

The gossip amongst some of the younger ladies upon the way back from the boar hunt in Sutherland…

"Did you see how true and swift the Count Haravean's arrows were striking? To bad he's taken."

"What about the Lord Admiral? So quick and such aim! Do you think he might dance with me at the banquet. He's just so dashing!"

"If not him, what about that Sir Cian? Did you see how many hits he got in? And just how valiantly he kept on even after that boar got his leg? It was like he didn't even feel it, he's just so strong. I hope he'll be able to dance yet."

"Did you see how quick an agile the Duke was? It was like he was dancing around the boars. Getting in hit after hit and they never touched him. I never knew men of that age could still move like that. Isn't he looking for a wife?"

"I know! But Lord Leask put in such a fine display too, I saw him strike serious blows on the beasts. Angered the one awfully to jump at him like that. I never knew the beasts could jump like that. Wish he were a bit younger, does he have any sons?"

"What about how brave Count Forrester was in helping spot and keep the beasts turned back to the group when they tried to bolt?"

"I don't know how you all keep forgetting Sir Cass, took down that boar with just a single blow and saw to bringing down so many of the others too. The way he just kept going, so valiant and brave. So strong. Those arms. That's /who/ I want to dance with."

To which is followed by a chorus of sighs and echoes of "Me too" from the other girls.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 12 2014)

It seems that Eliylw is starting to look around, seeking a bard to teach her a few songs. What kind is a mystery, however, as she is being tight-lipped about the nature of the songs she'd like to learn. It has been said that she is wanting to learn them so she can serenade her beloved on their wedding night, however, but only the Light knows what is going through that pretty little red-haired head of hers.

(OOC - Tossed out as a RP hook - feel free to page me if you're interested in helping Eli!)

— Reply by Pith at Wed Feb 12 15:26:19 2014 —
Word is that there's a musician that hangs about the Bard's Tale Tavern that knows a fair number of songs. Never claims to be a bard, but he is a rather entertaining fellow.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 13 2014)

"Did you see what was going on at temple last evening?"
"No, I went to temple in the morning. What?
The Duke of Sutherland was there!"
"He prays too, you know. Probably settl'n things for his wedding."
"No… he was there for confession! With the Priest, 'n then they bathed him 'n put him in a long white tunic."
"/You/ saw them bathe him?"
"Of course not, you ninny. But it was done at a room in the temple. Then he laid out all his armour and weapons at the altars and took up a vigil, all night long from dusk until dawn. To fast 'n pray 'n clense himself for the wedding with all these other knights watch'n."
"Oh. Wish'd I'd seen that. In /only/ a tunic?"
"/Only/ a long tunic, aye."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 13 2014)

Word is spreading far and wide. Fast as well. The tensions in the lake that harbours four coasts of four different lands has finally come to a head. Some say that the soldiers in Bleackburn have been layed low. Some say that a Granarian ship has been burned and looted. And still some others say that the access from the sea has been closed entirely. All ships be them foreign or domestic are being turned away. One fact that holds true to all the whispers is that men have died, blood has been spilt and there seems no end in sight for the actions that have lead to a more personal nature amongst the nobles.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 14 2014)

Lady Nimue Forrester was whisked away by Count Aidan Kincaid during the wedding reception only to later return, smiling albeit falsely while eyes redden by tears could easily be seen even in the low lighting of the lanterns. When returned to the inn she hurried to her room where she was overcome by great emotion which her ladies could only speculate as being borne out of joy for the newly wedded, left with that assumption as she could not so much as speak, at first. Inconsolable, her maidens offered to bring a physician to see to her only to have such offers refused and each woman was sworn to secrecy so her family, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland and, more importantly, Duke Kincaid himself, would be spared such news.

(OOC - Feel free to have ICly 'heard it from a washer woman who heard it from a guard who…' if such gossip and whatnot is of interest and/or might be something you would like to approach me about in a scene sometime!)

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 15 2014)

"Rouse yourself, boy, this is no time to be sleeping in." The shutters are flung open letting the light and the cold air into the room.

With a startled roar the man abed replies "Who under the eight would dare w…father? What are you about?" Covers are thrown off and the young man begins arming himself, "Bandits, brigands, blighters, buggery?"

"No, betrothal, yours if you're lucky." The older man starts moving around the room indicating to the servants following him what to pack. "You're off to Darfield, there's word that Count Forrester will be looking for men worthy of his sister's hand amongst those who compete in the tourney ."
"Lady Nimue? She's pretty enough, certainly, but what's to be gained from a Forrester wife?"

"Don't be daft, lad, they may not flash much gold but a handful of their rangers would make quick work of that trouble we've been having in the north wood and I wouldn't mind the income from their coffee, tobacco and sky leaf being imported. Plus, there's the Count to think on, he's not wed."

"Alright, father, I understand, I'll be sure to pursue her favor while I'm there."

"Good boy, now remember, get the Lady on your side. The more she wants this arrangement the stronger our suit will be when it comes to negotiating with the Count."

Servants giggle with talk of similar scenes taking place throughout Mobrin.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 15 2014)

A group of ladies come together in Darfield as news of the possible enlistments in the Tourney start to trickle out to the people:

"Count Forrester… He's not wed and he's gorgeous! Is he taking part?"
"You're just saying that because he has a gorgeous title! And you want to be Countess."
A round of giggles.
"If you want to speak about titles, the Heir of Kincaid has yet to be wed either."
"The lord Hadrian? You'd have to be just out for a title to consider -him-!!"
"He is easy on the eyes."
"But from what I hear uncouth and vile."
"He's still going to be Duke of Lakeshire one day, isn't he?"
"At the moment. I hear there's whispers of his younger brother Bowen, the Crown Prince's squire earning that title."
"OH and he's just CUTE!"
"What about that Mowbray, commander of the Westernfleets? His blond hair is so divine."
"I think he's already looking toward a Haravean Lady."
"Ooh and what about some of those knights! I simply cannot wait to see them all in action. I simply might faint if one asks me for my favour!!"

Another round of giggles as they speak of many suitable bachelors and that the tourney will be a good place to fawn over them. (OOC: Yes epic fail. Woo!)

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 16 2014)

The King Callem appeared at the wedding of Princess Roslin and Duke Ronan with Ambassador Princess Nima on his arm!! What to make of that? So soon after the Queen's passing?

That's not all, Duke Aidan appeared to be escorting the Lady Nylie on his arm as well. On top of which, Lady Nylie sailed back to Darfield on the Indefatigable, Commander Arlen Kincaid's own galley, with the Kincaid family.

Weddings do always invite romances

As the world turns.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 17 2014)

In the early morning hours a guard is in the kitchen shaking his head as he drinks a small ale as he has been relieved for the morning. He is shaking his head as he talks to another guard. "Damn near had to skewer the Duke of Lakeshire last night when he tried to barge into the Voice's apartments. Only reason I did not was because the Voice's sister was there, he was ordering her about like a servant. I am not sure what was said but when they left Lady Nylie was half fainting and the Duke looked angrier than hornets whose nest had been kicked. The Voice was not happy when he gave orders that none but the King and Healers from the infirmary are to bother them for the rest of the night."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 17 2014)

Rumor holds that any lads and gentlemen still tarrying in Sutherland after the wedding are invited on an overnight hunting trip before setting out for the tourney. They are to be after no hard game but a fine evening, and quite possibly there will be more drinking and camraderie than actual shooting at bird or throwing at boar. Sorry, lasses and Ladies alike, but it's to be the menfolk only, that they might speak freely without worrying for your delicate sensibilities.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 17 2014)

"He's pretty sweet on her," the one servant smiles winningly toward a guard, "Why can't you be sweet with me like the Duke is to the Lady Kilgour?"
The guard gives a roll of his eyes, "Your family hates me enough without all the excitement of Kincaids and Kilgours involved in it."
"Don't you mean Kincaids and Haraveans? I heard it said last night that the Voice was bought and paid by the Haraveans. Perhaps he should've taken his wife's name. I'm much less trouble than that - and prettier than the Lady, herself. Doncha think?"
The guard shakes his head, "You are toeing the line m'lady."
She pats his face, "I served the Lady's rooms when the Duke had come to call. I heard that the Voice would split the entire Kingdom's alliances by going to Greenshire for a 'festival' instead of the tournament paid for by his future brother-in-law and honored by the King himself. Heard too that the Voice wanted the Duke to cancel the Tournament, just for him to be satisfied with the Duke as his sister's betrothed. Do you think you would cancel a Tournament for me?"
"M'lady, I don't host tournaments and if I did, I would not, as the good people are quite excited for it and I hope to swing a blade myself once or twice within it."
"And I would see you swing such a blade." The maid coyly bats her lashes, before she looks thoughtful, "Can such a thing be true, to have someone bought and paid for?"
"What do you mean? Do you speak of marriages?"
"Perhaps. I mean everyone knows that the Grand Admiral, that Haravean, the Voice's friend and his wife's cousin, had his eye on the lady. Do the Haraveans have some way of making the Voice's decisions fall in their favor? I mean a Duke seems better than an Admiral to me-"
"HUSH girl. If you know what's good for you, say no more. We have enough trouble as it is around here."
"But that's what-"
"Enough."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 18 2014)

A young servant slows the wheel-barrow that he is pushing across the courtyard toward the kitchen. He looks toward one of the royal guards who is heading toward the chantry. Three more guards emerge from the castle, all heading for the chantry. "Master Celbert!" the boy calls.

The first guard stops and turns. He trudges toward the young man. When the other guards stop, he waves toward the chantry. "I'll be there soon," he says. He nods and offers a weary smile to the boy. "I haven't seen you in a month," he greets.

"I heard that ye've been watchin' over that lady, Nylie Kilgour, for some time now," The young man explains. "They say that ye even went with her to Sutherland and hasn't left her side except to sleep." He glances upward to the sky. Then he adds, "It's not time to change shifts."

The guard nods again. "Aye," he confirms. "Those three were with me. Now it's back to regular duty. 'Twas an honor that the Voice himself picked us, but I'll not complain about dull night duty again."

The boy frowns and steps closer to the guard. "Some folks are telling' that the Voice is sidin' with Greenshire and intends to split the kingdom. Is that true?"

"I've heard that rumor," the guard admits. He shakes his head. "Nay. He isn't Greenshire's pawn but he doesn't trust many people now, except for his wife, and she doesn't always see eye to eye with her brother the count." Lowering his voice to a whisper, he adds, "The Voice says that the king arranged that betrothal for Lady Nylie without so much a talking to her brother." Then the guard steps backward and straightens. Returning to a louder voice, he adds, "I have two days to rest and then I'm back to watchin' the wall. I want to see how you are with your archery on the morrow."

The young man grins. "I've been practicing'!" he assures.

"Then I'll see you on the morrow at midday," the guard answers, and turns to head toward the chantry.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 18 2014)

Word around Sutherland street is that the Baker of the Shire Bakery has been really turning out a lot of food lately, though he hasn't been out in the Bakery proper as much. Doug, the man in the Bakery at the counter, confirms that Ray has been busy back there, apparently having set up a Tables game in there and playing against himself. Doug always seems to come in and notice the Tables game progressing, and Ray cooking like mad between moves.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 18 2014)

A yawn is stifled by the guard as he approaches the guard already standing watch at one of the doors not far off the hall of chamber, "Fine day, Sorn. They're gone, I hear."

The one near the door gives a firm nod before he answers, "Yeah, Henric, they left earlier this morn. Sent back to their regular duties."

"About time," comes the words after a snort from Henric. Shaking his head when Sorn grimaces. "Don't be looking at me like that. I respect the Voice and all. And they were fine men. But we were picked by His Majesty personally, and how long have we been watching over her?"

"Yeah, I know. But he's her brother, he's got…"

"Rights over his sister? Say about her well being?" The man gives another snort. "Don't make me laugh. Don't get me wrong, he should. But you know as well as I until recent he ain't tried ta look after her none. Not til them guards showed up ta join us. It's always been the King seeing she's looked after, he picked us all personally."

"I know that. When I got assigned to replace Fregles them years back, I knew well who the assignment came from. I'd been warned about that, showed to much promise they told me." The guard shakes his head. "I got sisters, and I'd want ta least be asked before something was set fer them."

"Me too. Just ain't surprised is all that he weren't consulted, he ain't ever been given say about her." The guard shakes his head before giving a nod at the door. "How is she today?"

"Been quiet, she ain't left her room since that night. Another storm coming in to, Alyxia will have her hands full. But means she ain't going anywhere again, should make it quiet enough for us."

"Springs storms have always been the worst for her. But could use a spot of quiet. I'll take over for now, go see about some food."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 19 2014)

Darfield hasn't seen a Tournament like this one in sometime! So much scandal, so many things that happened! The city of Stormvale runs amok with the rumors that come from the day's Tournaments.

"The Royal Rangers put on an amazing show! It is believed that the one, Kylan Fletcher, has scored the top marks from the Tournament Judges. Only their deliberation will decide but the city speaks already of their Champion."

"Lord High Admiral participated and was wearing a favour from a Lady! It's spoken that while he wore a favour, another had to be replaced for Lady Nylie, purchased there in the galleria by a lucky Merchant that got the sale! Of black silk to replace one she was evidently missing."

"A local Huntsman, Adlivun Soven, became the people's hero as he was sponsored into the tournament. Regardless of his performance, the small folk celebrate his name for being able to join in a nobleman's game."

"Some confusion as a Kundari Prince was allowed entry but then failed to show up, until nearly the end of the event. People weren't sure if they should cheer for a foreign Royal and did so lightly."

"There was a noble Mobrin Lady who participated in the event! Wearing a dress! She became the delight of all the young women, some wishing to be as beautiful as the Lady Haravean with her bow!"

"There's talk of a broken bow, snapped over the knee of a poor loser - that being the Heir to the Duchy of Lakeshire. The scandal was the Heir threatened his father by arrow point, as the bow was aimed at the Kincaid suite."

"There is scandal around the shots taken by Count Forrester, as foul was cried upon the field. He had made some sort of symbol on the ground before him before his shots and looked the winner. It appears he could be named Champion, yet, not without the whisper of cheat spreading."

"The charity of Lakeshire began today with Lake Fish and Bread being served to the commoners at the end of the day's festivities. There's promise of more to be had in the coming days, so the crowds could double in size. Best to go save your seat now."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 19 2014)

"It seems that Ambassador fella is back… the pirate…"

"You sure about that?"

"Well his ship there made port anyway."

"Yeah, his ship returned but ain't no one seen him."

"Well maybe he stayed on the ship? I don't know."

"I saw that manservant fella of his leave the ship with an old man, a woman and a little girl. They headed to the palace… but that Ambassador fella wasn't with them."

"Huh, wonder what's going on?"

"Don't know… you never can trust those pirates though."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 22 2014)

"Did ya hear Pith down at the Bard's thing the other night. Man does know how ta spin a song and play a beat."

"That he does, right better than that young lad. What was his name, young Squire…Kierne or some such. Man's got courage for certain, but needed some polish."

"Unlike that Royal Ranger Araltaidan, heard him pluck a string or two before, but he certianly got quite a few ta dancing and singing along with."

"Not near so much as them ladies managed ta do. Fine enough ta look at the lot of them. Could have done well with just that, but boy they could play.

"They were a fine sight, and with that song that Lady Elisabeth played, by the gods, had me wishing I had my own las of Greenshire by the end of it. Still does a bit. "

"Don't be saying that to loud, you gat your Hadie after all. Sweet woman of yours there. But not quite as sweet sounding as them two, heard them dueting at the inn few weeks past. Quite something then. And alone…they got talent. But thinking that Miss Dwyn was better, adding her song birding ta that playing."

"I might have ta be agreeing with you there, Lady Nylie was something else, the way her hands were a moving, couldn't help but moving ta that. Should have been a singing with that though. Was missing something. Wonder if she can, ain't ever heard her. Just the playing."

"Ya know, I would have figured ta have seen that bard Blian about. Make sure ta keep his title about being the best."

"Me, too. Perhaps he heard that one pair performing at the inn and figured against it. Naw, most likely he was just off in some hayloft."

The other man laughts,"Right on that one. Come on, let's go get an ale."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 22 2014)

It would seem that Lady Nimue Forrester has asked her brother to pause in the search for a man to court her. She hasn't been exactly forthcoming when asked by her ladies why she'd ask for such a thing when she's doing nothing but getting older and needing to be married off, leaving the reasoning up for speculation.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 22 2014)

"Hey Uidh, how's it been working them tournament stands?"

"Fine, enough, I lucked in getting higher up. Pain ta walk 'em, but lest rowdy. Though I was servin' near that Kincaid suite. And you shoulda seen the change that came over that Duke when the Kilgour Lady came about."

"Ya mean that one I heard he sends about like some servant?"

"That be the one, but weren't at all like that. Not what I saw. He'd been a hollaring and all worked up in watching the sword contesting. Moment he found her there, became near as docile as a kitten ta sit with her."

"Ya got to be joking? That don't sound like that Duke at all. Nor what I've done heard about what happened up at the castle."

"I swear it. Saw it with my own eyes. And Geria was telling me she overheard him latter actually asking permission ta go about doing something."

"Truly? Darina swore herself on the goings on in the castle. Both of 'em can't be true."

"I only know what I saw. And there weren't no denying, she had quite the effect upon him."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 22 2014)

There are whisperings going around the tourney grounds about Sir Caswallen Maxwell. While he put on an admirable showing during the first round of the sword contest it was still easy to see those younger than him fared so much better, making many wonder if he is getting too old to fight and speculation as to whether or not he'll survive the war is starting to be made.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 22 2014)

It seems there was yet more drama and excitement at the tournament lists today. Another Kincaid, it is said, though not Hadrian this time but his father, Duke Aidan. Commoners and nobles alike speak of how the Kincaid Duke and Tournament host decided to interject himself into the final round of the Sword on Foot!

The Duke of Sutherland, Sir Ronan Crawford, cried foul. He noted that as Host, his uncle should abstain. Further, it was already two Kincaids in the final round against a Crawford, and Aidan would make it three Kincaids. Lastly the Rioga said it was dishonorable and cheating to interject himself into the final round without Aidan having qualified himself like any other man to fight and win his first round, which Aidan did not partake. The Crawford Rioga's objected was noted and Aidan said the only way he would refrain is if one of them withdrew, and so Ronan removed himself from the combat.

Anyone with ears could hear Sir Ronan Crawford say that his uncle's conduct was not of an honorable man. The Duke of Sutherland then removed himself also from the jousting competetion, saying to the Steward of the Lists that no one now could take part and expect their Host to be a fair man, not to tamper and interfer with whom might win. A good many in the crowd were /quite/ displeased with the Kincaid Host's ill conduct. The crowds are abuzz about this tournament's drama and it's been mentioned that the King should be informed, the tournament being conducted at Darfield and host tampering with the outcomes of the events unfairly biased towards his own House.

As it is, the final round of Sword on Foot was fought between Sir Cian Conwy and Squire Lord Kierne Kincaid. In /very/ short order, Sir Ronan Crawford's squire won the day with three stunning blows and won the championship! That at least pleased the Duke of Sutherland.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 22 2014)

… a duel. Whispers already spring through the streets of the possibility of the Dukes, both known for their tempers, to draw blade on one another. Will it come to that?! Honour is at stake, of course it will.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 22 2014)

"The Joust started without the Host being present. Oh sure, he appeared later on, but for a while there it looked like he wouldn't show his face! Maybe he was embarrassed about what happened the day before? Maybe he was in war council. Maybe he was busy dealing with his sons - did you hear he crashed that red head's cottage and found his son within, nude? Afterward his eldest son was seen flying from Darfield with her!!"

"Meanwhile, the only Kilgour to attend was accepting honours for both her House and the Kincaid's, it seems she's already trying to be a respectable Duchess."

"Now the action! There's a story!! There was a draw between two knights!! A draw! That never happens. They matched so evenly though and decided to salute eachother! Kerrigan and Conwy!! Sir Cian Conwy needs more practice to secure a win but watch out for him in the future!"

"Oh there was screaming today! Lord Robben Ruxton was unhorsed twice! First by his own Brother Sir Ruthgar, and secondly in a most violent way by his competitor Sir Cole Benthur!! Did you see his legs go over his head and him do summersaults in the sky?! I certainly did. His landing wasn't any good though. Heard a loud snap and he couldn't walk to get off the field, had to get help. He withdrew because of injury. Such a story!"

"Did you notice, that Duke who was crying foul and belly aching the other day, showed up at the event? And sat on the side lines the entire time? Wasn't he signed up on the list with his squire? Yeah, he was. Both scratched. I guess he really wants to show his Uncle who is Boss!"

"Sir Ruthgar Ruxton looked to be on fire and the favourite! Until Sir Shepard Kerrigan unhorsed him. He never did get his focus back and on their second tilt, which was won by Sir Ruxton, he dropped unconscious!! Only the heroism of Sir Shepard kept him in the saddle until help could come gather him to the side. He didn't recover in time to ride out and his squires scratched him. What a shame! "

"So all eyes turn to Sir Cole Benthur, who had kept from being unhorsed the entire day. Yet, in the final round, Sir Shepard got the better of him. Shepard's been winning tournaments for a while now, hasn't he? Yeah, and he sure celebrated by kissing the lips off his betrothed!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

A couple knights are talking about the outcome of the sword:

"I think he was a coward to cry foul against his Uncle. There were buy in rules for the Host, wasn't there? I mean it was set up for three at the end, it was kind of obvious what was going to happen."
"Well… I don't think it's standard… but then I don't really participate in many tournaments."
"Well, I would've welcomed the challenge not griped about it. He's show his cowardice."
"I'm more concerned about how easily his trust is swayed in people. Wasn't his Uncle his biggest supporter? Look how fast he turned his back on his alley!"
"That's a good point. I don't want to fight alongside him and his men if they're so easily turned. What's going to happen during battle if the armies he's fighting against aren't completely honourable in his eyes? Is he going to turn and fight with the Laniveer?"
"By the Eight, I hope not! Yet, how can we trust he won't? Wasn't there talk of him turning against us before? Something that earned him the Princess because he griped about that too?"
"Right right, he had to be convinced to stay loyal with a royal. So I'm not surprised he'd be quick to fling his alleys honour in the mud."
"If it were me, I'd rather the Duke that stands behind his men and won't let them go on the field into unfair battle than the one who bitches and moans about being outnumbered. What's he going to do in live battle? Cry like a baby about it if he gets surrounded?"
"And let his tears shield him."
"To the bravery and honour of Kincaid!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

While most word that comes out of the sword on foot is about the interactions and tension between the Duke of Lakeshire and Duke of Sutherland, there was actually a far bit of sword play and action that went upon that have been overshadowed by this 'greater' gossip.

The first round pitted Sir Caswallawn Maxwell, Sir Shepard Kerrigan, Lord Squire Kierne Kincaid, and Lord Benedict Eberlin against one another. There were many a swooning woman pulling for Sir Maxwell in this round, though while they were not disappointed by his fine display and efforts, many were surprised and impressed to see that it was the Lord Squire Kierne who came out as the winner in the end of this round. Causing many an eye to turn his way. Though not all were turned, for there was quite the show yet to be had as Sir Cass took to stripping away his armor at field side, oh how many a woman and girl did swoon at the sight.

Called to the field for the second round were Duke Ronan Crawford, Lord Hadrian Kincaid, Lord Robben Ruxton, and Sir Jarvice Stormguard. Long did the battle last between the men, though the Lord Hadrian was the first to yield, it was quite the impressive display that the Ranger put up against veteran Knights causing many a whisper and new looks from several Ladies. Many began to wonder in awe at the strength and stamina of Lord Robben has he withstood quite the onslaught from Duke Ronan and Sir Jarvice. But in the end he fell and so did Sir Jarvice, leaving Duke Ronan as the one to continue on to the finale.

Within the third round it was Sir Cian Conwy, Lordship Charles Leask, City Watchmen Allyn Rhenfeld and Prince Conall Aberdeen that were called to the field. While many were keen to see what the Aberdeen Prince was made of, and were not disappointed by his showing, the match came down to a inspiring display of skill between Sir Cian and the City Watchman Allyn. Though in the end it was Sir Cian who took the match.

Many a whisper came when Duke Aidan joined Lord Squire Kierne, Duke Ronan and Sir Cian on the field. Some called foul, some called it use of standard by rules. Whichever, it had both Dukes leaving the field before the battle began, a matter that seems yet unsettled. But what soon became clear was that while both remaining men were clearly quick skilled, the Lord Squire Kierne was the quicker of the two, evading hit after hit from ir Cian but getting in several himself. Causing Sir Cian to yield soon enough and giving Lord Kierene, Squire of Crawford, Son of House Kinciad the victory in the Sword on Foot contest.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

"Do you think it'll get called off now?"

"That what'll get called off?"

"That betrothal between the Duke of Lakeshire and the Lady Kilgour?"

"Why would it get called off?"

"By the Gods, Ethel, do you not pay attention to anything. Cause of the Duke's behavior at the Tournament! Especially being host."

"Oh that, why'd that cause things ta be cancelled, he was just evening out the field and calling up that rule allowing him the privilege ta do so."

"That's not the way I hear of it, that Duke of Sutherland took right exception, calling it dishonorable and he'd be taking it straight up with the King."

"Well then, I wreckin' it don't matter what we be thinkin' about it of it all then."

The other woman stammers in exasperation," But…"

"Honestly! If it goes ta the King, it'll be his say. Though be a right shame if it went that way, I hear that Duke is right sweet on her. And quit looking at me like that, back off with you. They're waiting on that tea."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

"There was no music?"

"That's what I said, the Crown prince of Tanara and that Skingaardian Princess were dancing without a sound. Saw it with me own two eyes, weird nobles I tell ya, even the ones I serve are as weird as a Mobrins."

"Wait ain't he betrothed, so what was he doing -in- her suite dancing with her?"

"Maybe he ain't betrothed no more, it's been forever an he still ain't married."

"Oh honestly who knows with them nobles, weird I tell ya, they're all just weird."

"That's what I said!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

"Can you believe it? This must surely have been one of the most wild tourneys Mobrin's seen in years! It had it all! Underdog victories, scandal, injuries on the jousting field, and even some romance! Even the naming of the champions was something to see!"

"You speak true, by the Gods. First Count Forrester conceded the archery contest to that Royal Ranger Kylan Fletcher. What a chivalrous gesture by the Count of Sky Forest! That Ranger looked like someone'd just slapped him 'fore he went up to claim that bow!"

"Then the bard's contest! Can you believe he picked that harlot over his own betrothed?"

"Might want t'mind our tongue. She's a -bard- now and the way that Ranger was lookin' at 'er, he might put an arrow in your eye from a league away if he 'ears you talkin' ill! 'Sides, Lady Nylie was gracious…seemed like she was cheering just as enthusiatically as anyone for that common girl."

"Yeah yeah…as much a surprise as that was, don't think anyone was expecting ol' high n' mighty Duke Kincaid to make a big ol' public apology to the Duke Crawford! Said he was at fault for what happened and everything, then gave the Duke's squire the most magnificent lookin' axe I've ever seen to present that Riogan Duke with!

"Ha! Yeah, right before that squire near made a fool of himself clingin' to Duke Kincaid like a babe, but I suppose he -is- the squire's uncle, an' the Duke just laughed about it before givin' 'im that marvelous blade. Poor kid looked like he was worried he was gonna trip and lop his own head off sneakin' down off the stand with both those weapons in hand, but good on 'im! He'll surely earn his spurs soon after this performance!"

"And then it turned out that the Joust champion ended up the full Tourney champion as well! But as pretty as that suit of armor he won is no doubt goin' t'be, he got a much better prize when the Duke announced he was t'be married to his daughter…practically overnight if y' know how long it takes to travel to Lakeshire from Darfield!"

"Who woulda figured it, a -Greenshire- Lord marryin' the daughter of -the- Lakeshire Duke? I thought the two 'Shires was at each others' throats? Somethin' about ships bein' sunk and men bein' imprisoned?"

"Beats me, them Nobles ain't exactly forthcoming about their thoughts on such things. Gods, for all I know all this to-do with Greenshire and Lakeshire is just to put them filthy Lannies off their guard, thinkin' we're at each others throats. Maybe even the ruckus with Duke Ronan and Duke Kincaid, too. Or even those stories of the Voice and Duke Kincaid bein' near fit to kill each other. Seems like there might be an awful lot of mendin' goin' on all the sudden."

"Reckon the King might've said somethin'?"

"Aye maybe…or maybe he didn't need to. He didn't show up for any of th' tourney events, after all. If all this fightin' amongst ourselves weren't no put-on, Maybe Duke Kincaid took that as a sign that it was on him to make the apologies and try t' set things right."

"Huh…well, seems like he's tryin' at least. Guess we'll see what Duke Crawford, the Voice, and Count Haravean think of it all."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

"Mavis, you ain't gonna believe what I saw?"

"What are you gabbering about Maude?"

"I swear I saw his Majesty dancing around with his infant daughter wearing one of the Queen's old dresses. Poor dear man."

"Now Maude, that is near treasonous talk there."

"I swear it Mavis, I saw it. It was him and everything."

"Well you shouldn't go passing that about. Besides the poor man has a lot on his mind… losing the Her Majesty and having the wee Princess to deal with by himself… And those lads of his and their troubles. It could drive a man to drink… or wear frilly dresses I suppose. He's still the King so no jabbering about. Back to work."

"I swear it was him… though didn't think he'd fit so well in the Queen's dress…."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

Whispered conversation amongst a couple of old harpies
"Come here, Oh this is good."
"Whaat?"
"Ye know that Scribe, pretty blonde thing, runs Adventure Books?"
"Ya, course."
"Got a guest. that nice wandering Minstrel, plays down the Taverns way. Been stayin there, wit her."
"Nooo. Ooo nice little thing there."
"Shaddap. Other morning, the Baker across the way, goes to the bookstore, ya? IThere for a few minutes, then storms out, all fire eyed and steaming head angry."
"The baker. Angry?"
"Shaddap. Out follows little pretty miss Scribe, all tearyeyed, calling "I'm Soooorrryyy." At the Bakery after he went in. Then goes back inside."
"Shaddap! No, oh that's rich. no, can't be."
"Well what else? She were gettin her dough kneeded in the mornin and her instrument strummed at night!"
*Dissolves into cackling laughter*
"Well, sounds like the Baker is done wit it. Oh pity, such an old tune. Wandering minstrel in the spring time, honeyed music, fired blood, and by fall?"
"She's large with child and he's playing in Weston answering to a different name?"
"It's not even surprising anymore is it?"
"A shame, seemed like such a nice girl. Guess you never know what kind a body really is."
"Just make sure your man don't take up 'Reading' any time soon."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 23 2014)

There have been whispers around certain circles about how Sir Cass Maxwell is entirely displeased about how the sword on foot went down before the final round of the contest had a chance to get underway. It is hard to guage how hot his ire burns, however, as most attempts to engage him in conversation have been met with grunts, growls and even reactions bordering on open hostility. One did happen to catch Cass mumble something that sounded like he should just offer to take care of it himself, whatever that means. Whatever it is a case of, it probably is a good thing he's been distracted with the business of acquiring a squire, otherwise he just might wind up being a handful.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 24 2014)

Warren yawns and stretches, "Gods, what hour is it?"

Gus considers for a few then answers, "Half past the second, why?"

"You think he's coming back down anytime soon? I was thinking I'm ready for another round." Warren waves towards him and two of the girls saunter over.

"Get along then." Old Gus instructs, "He said we were on our own so long as we're back by dawn. He bargained for a night, and I've not known him to accept less than full payment."

Warren snorts, "Payment? He told the girl she had an accent and took her upstairs."

Old Gus grins, "Yeah, I'm so proud of him I could burst."

Warren chuckles, "Yeah? Wonder if that would work for me." He looks to the girls who already have their hands out for payment. "Suppose not."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 24 2014)

After the owner of the bookstore heard the recent circulating rumors, people whisper how she kicked out everyone from her shop and locked the door behind them, putting a sign in the covered window.

CLOSED!

It is the first day the bookstore has been closed since its opening several months past and looks to not be opening again in the near future.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 24 2014)

Reports of loud shouting coming from the Mowbray Manor in Stormvale though not what the details were and the girl Emma being carried away by healers circulates through the streets of Stormvale. What happened? Why? No one is saying anything, but could someone have been having a fight?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 24 2014)

Scandal, scandal! A lionhound dam of high pedigree has given birth to several bastard mongrels within the grounds of Darfield Castle! Come ogle the half-breed puppies as they grow and see if you can figure out which of the local mutts has done this fine lionhound lady wrong.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 25 2014)

Rumors fly now. Some say that the Count has all but left Blackforge abandoned and the entrance to the Lake is now free for any Pirate who wishes access. While some others yet say that the inspections have increased in their ferocity. In general folks of the sailing variety seem to be more on the mark and a common one with them is that not only are Lakeshire ships allowed free reign but the Count actually /gave/ Duke Aidan a War Galley!

— Reply by Harmon at Tue Feb 25 05:37:34 2014 —
Meanwhile…in the sane corner of the lake.

Sky Forest folk dangle their feet off their flat bottom boats and wonder what all the ruckous is that's causing their bobbers to bob with no fish biting? Straw hats are pushed back and heads are scritched.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 25 2014)

"What is it with all the lords suddenly thinking they can write poetry?"

"I know, I've taken to wearing a cloth about my head and claiming a toothache."

"What's that?"

"Well take those turnips out of your ears and maybe you can hear me."

"What?"

"Oh, Eight save me, here he comes…"

Broken heart in darkness descended,
Through twisted passage the way wended,
Until at last it did behold,
A glorious goddess, beautiful, bold,
And by her smile, my heart was mended.

— Reply by Harmon at Tue Feb 25 15:27:36 2014 —

Brevity is the soul of wit,
Truly sir? Then best you quit.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 25 2014)

Two soldiers talk idly in a tavern over a couple of pints.

"Them poor Lakeshire bastards."

"How do you mean?"

"When the war comes is what I mean. Won't have a prayer."

"Lakeshire fields some of the finest soldiers in the land."

"Aye, but who'll guard their flank? No Greenshire man's going to bleed for a Lakeshire one. And now Duke Kincaid's gone and pissed off the Sutherland ponies too. At this rate, by the time the war starts, all them Lakeshire fellahs will be standing off on their own."

"Gods above, I'm twice as glad to be fighting for Weston, now!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 26 2014)

"Be careful now, and don't drink anything he offers you."

"Anything who offers me?"

"Never you mind, just, don't drink anything."

"Why not?"

"Well I heard one of the princess's maids was poisioned by…well, best not to say…anyway, while she was fainted away he had his way with her."

"No."

"Yes, I heard it from the prince who was telling…oh, well never you mind, you just be careful what you drink."

"Yes, mama."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 26 2014)

Two handmaidens walk side by side talking about what they had just seen.

"Did you see? The eldest Lord has returned to Lakeshire!"

"Oh, he's so handsome too. I hope he comes to pay me a visit!"

"Shhh, you'll get a bad reputation!"

They both giggle.

"Did you hear? He was calling forth some Lake Rangers to assemble at the castle! He had some kngihts with him but he sent them back away! And they didn't sound pleased about it!"

"I wonder what's going on in Lakeshire?"

The two walk off still gossiping.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 26 2014)

It has been several days since Sir Caswallawn Maxwell has been seen, the commoner knight prety much a scarce sight since the last round of the sword on foot concluded. At first there was talk of his having left for Sutherland, too angered to stay in Darfield a day longer, but he has suddenly returned to the city proper with a squire in tow. The boy, seemingly named Laddie as that is what Cass calls him more often than not, seems to be ten years old and scrawny as a scarecrow, the boy in need of a good meal or ten. Who the child is and where he came from is anyone's guess.

-—New activity since 11:54:06 AM-—
<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 26 2014)

"Did ya see that Knight was from Skingaard was out in the gardens?"

"Ya, fine looking man that one!"

"Damn fine, think he's got someone already?"

"Ain't heard anything, ain't seen him with anyone either."

"Did ya also see how that Princess was eyeing after the Lord Admiral?"

"Weren't she the one dancing with the Aberdeen Prince the other day?"

"Ya, heard she was. But why were ya looking at her any? Especially when there was such a fine exotic Knight?"

"Weren't him I was looking after, was the Lord Admiral!"

"Well then! Ain't bad looking that one."

"Think we'll be seeing either of them in the practice yards soon?"

"We can only hope!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 26 2014)

Who in Stormvale could forget the woes of local scribe Heathcliff Olearch, who lost his home and fortune in a fire some years past?

Now rumor holds that word of the commoner's misfortune have arrived at the ears of the contingent of Kincaids currently established in Darfield Castle, and that the family has not only provided the distraught man and his wife with some funds to rebuild the tatters of their lives, but have also taken in their recluse daughter, who was badly burnt in the fire, to their family's service as a handmaiden.

Truly theirs is the good grace of charity.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Feb 27 2014)

'Yep, seen him with a whole pack o' kin. Took up the entire inn. That one north o' the city a'ways.'
'Oh? I'd heard Fretter say some woman came into that old musty lodging house, soutern tip o' town. Said she'd rented ten rooms for the Count. Was supposed to arrive two days from now.
'Hymm, come ta' think of it… A good number o' men-at-arms was at the tavern. Spoutin' off about bein' a few days ahead. Sayin theys would take up residence at the keep.'
'Well, that is doubtful with the current state of things.'

Granarians in Lakeshire city?!?! If there is an inn apparently they are staying there. Though, their actual presence has been seen by few…Or something…

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 01 2014)

In the streets of Lakeshire, murder most foul. Tune has been tortured, beat brutalized, lyrics languish and tone traumatized.

My sweet darling Tessa, with eyes so bright
Come dance with mem with footsteps light
Come dance with me, this moonlit night
My sweet darling Tessa, with eyes so bright.

The song is repeated often throughout the streets of Lakeshire as a roving band of good natured hooligans drink, laugh and sing away the evening.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 02 2014)

From the people:
"Murder."
"Kundari plot to steal the throne."
"The Kundari are taking advantage of our distraught King."
"It ain't right. She's barely cold in her grave. Didn't he love her?"
"Maybe the whole lot of them were poisoned! That'd make sense if the King himself poisoned her, as there was no investigation about her death, even if they say it was drowning! Person can drown on poison easy enough."
"We'll have a Foreign Queen on the throne. She'll give away all the land to the Kundari!"
"Queen? Ha! more like Dowager Queen….King shows his face so rarely he may as well be dead anyway…"
"Bet the Kundari will try to get any children she has with 'im named Heir…there'll be trouble, I tell you."
"Wasn't our Queen Laetitia from Lakeshire? I hear they mourn their loved ones for a year there! The Duke himself mourned his own wife for 2 years! How's the Lakies going to handle this news? Better yet, how's the Duke going to handle it?"
"What about Sutherland? Weren't they attacked by Kundari and them Crawford's slaughtered at their hands? Is that why the Crown sealed the Duke up with a Princess, to shut him up so this marriage can go forth?"
"Poor Queen Laetitia. We'll drink to her yet and see this Kundari witch burn!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 02 2014)

So, you know those troubles between Greenshire and Lakeshire?

& Yeah, everyone has, what of it?

Well, Our Sarah was saying she'd seen a couple of them going at it, right proper fight she reckoned.

& What some drunken bar fight between armsmen?

Nope. A Haravean and a Kincaid she reckoned, apparently not all of them are off wedding chasing.

& Really? What happened?

She reckons the Kincaid won by a country mile, made it look easy she said, hardly a worth calling it a fight at all for how long it lasted.

&Well, here's hoping all their other disputes as settled so quick.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 03 2014)

"My lord, the people are revolting."

"Don't worry, the spring rains sluice off the worst of the filth by summer the are just ugly and smelly. "

"My lord, I think they are upset over the new Queen. "

"Whatever for? The King's decision was a masterful one. He has secured an alliance, arranged for a queen who will never be a threat to his rule, and acquired a pretty little exotic to warm his bed."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 03 2014)

"Ain't got a heart at all, I'm telling ya."

"I know, marrying his son off again so quick, didn't even give him time to mourn the loss of that wife and baby of his proper."

"Bought off that one Duke with his own daughter, wonder what else he promised to get that support."

"Trying ta buy the other Duke off with his cousin and Gods knows what else. Heard she'd been near matched with another."

"Betting that'll be called off now, heard there is quite a ruckus in them parts over him disrespecting their own like this."

"Ain't surprising though, got ta have a heart ta mourn."

"But all them songs about…"

"…their love? Ain't gone a season and he's getting himself someone new ta warm his bed? Seems them tales were just a farce."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 03 2014)

Folks walking about or near the docks may have heard two men, from Greenshire no doubt with their accents. In the loud and drunken way that common folks use they are shouting.

Ha! Now one o' our own lords 'el be bedding a Kincaid! At this rate that Drogan el' be fuckin' a Kilgour!
WHOOOO! That's right! A Kundarri is 'bout to be, why not a Granarian!?!
Ha! Ain't that right! If a Kundy can, they'd lay wit' anyone!

The man now undoes his trousers and begins to empty his bladder into the lake. The two begin to laugh loudly and 'woop' when the fellow falls face first in, mid-stream. The other rowdy drunkard laughs and undoes his own breeches, relieving himself in the general direction of his mate.

Have a toast! To lady Lynette!

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 04 2014)

"Did ya see, all them Kilgours at the wedding, even the Voice, but not a sign of the King himself!"

"Course not, he sent 'em all ta the wedding so not a one would be around ta keep him from his announcement."

"None of them Kundari either. But the Voice was there! Surely you've heard how he and the Duke don't get along."

"Course not, but didn't ya notice how his sister was with him not the Duke fer near all of it?"

"I saw, and the cold shoulder she was giving the Duke to. Heard she left right after he tried talking to her."

"Really? Guess maybe there be truth ta that the unrest be extending to trouble there too."

"Bet her brother only come ta see her fetched home."

"Ya, you're probably right there."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 04 2014)

"Killing eachother…"
"What do you mean?"
"The Duke's in the infirmary… along with Duke Crawford's squire, you know, the one that won the sword on foot in the tourney, Lord Squire Kierne Kincaid? Both, reckon to be in the infirmary."
"What in the depths of Oblivion happened?!"
"Guess they were fighting over honour again. I hear Duke Crawford stormed away after seeing Duke Kincaid, and then that Squire come along to duel his Uncle, as Crawford's champion!!"
"No way!!"
"Truly. It started a huge scuffle in the courtyard! All the knights were fighting one another! Even Crawford's female ranger was battling with one of the Conwy's! It was insane!!!"
"They were literally trying to decapitate eachother."
"Reckon they just got war fever?"
"Could, but I reckon it's just part of being a Kincaid."
"Killing eachother?"
"Yeah. They've no one else left to fight."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 05 2014)

Man: "You're sure about this?"

Woman: "Of course I'm sure. It's tradition. Don't tell me my brave knight is afraid of a little water?"

Man: "Normally? No. In the middle of an early spring night while the lake is swollen with melted snows? Perhaps a bit. I can't exactly fight frigid water with a sword and shield."

Woman: "*Giggle* You followed all the other traditions for my father. This one you can follow for me, won't you?"

Man: "Using that look is entirely unfair, I'll have you know. But I didn't follow those traditions for your father, I followed them for you and I'm glad of it. I just didn't think the rest of them were quite so…chill inducing. *sigh* All right then…I'll not sully our wedding night by denying you the first thing you've asked of me. *Amused* Well…the second, I suppose."

Woman: "*Pause for blushing* Good. Now let me help you out of this robe…we only need be in the water for a minute or two. Long enough for the Guardian to see."

Man: "Right, just a minute or two. This is insane, you knoOOOOO! *SPLASH*"

Woman: "*Laughter*"

Man: "*sputtering, then words spoken breathlessly* Treachery! And Gods this is cold!"

Woman: "Well, it's only proper my brave husband should test the water for MeEEEEEK! *SPLASH*"

Man: "Shouldn't have stood so close to the edge, dear wife. You never know what might reach out and grab you."

Woman: "C-c-cold!"

Man: "I warned you. Keep moving, though, it'll keep you warmer. Or I can just come over there and…"

Woman: "*Pause* Mmmm. Yes, that's much better."

Man: I think we're in agreement there, my love. A couple of minutes you say?"

Woman: "Yes, but if you keep that up I might lose track of time….

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 05 2014)

"You see those two Skinnies sparring in the yard today?"

"What, that woman with the tattoo and the sword and that knight that's so pretty I didn't know which one was the woman? Yeah, I saw 'em."

"Ain't seen anythin' like that in a while. Almost looked like they were dancing, and no padding! Bet that Knight was regretting that choice when she broke that sword over his head."

"Ha! No doubt. Thought I'd never be able to take him seriously after that, but he came back strong after a short rest. Took the wind right outta her sails when he landed a good one on her side."

"You reckon there's something going on there?"

"What, between the knight and the woman? Maybe. They seemed friendly enough."

"Can't say I'd mind gettin' beat up by that crazy Skingaard wench if she knew how to sheathe my sword properly afterwards, eh?"

"She's a pretty thing, aye, but I've seen you fight. She'd put you on the ground before you could get in a lick. She might be mad, but she fights well enough."

"She's a woman! You're cracked."

"No, I'm just old enough to know skill when I see it. They both fought as well as most Mobrin knights I've seen. Stupid not wearing any padding in a spar, maybe, but they're skilled. Doubt you would've come back nearly so fast after taking that thump to the head, either."

"Bollocks! You calling me out, old man? Let's have a go, then!"

"*Sigh* All right youngster, time to remind you why you're supposed to respect your elders."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 05 2014)

"Did ya hear that the Prince got so drunk the other night at the tavern and when some bloke started insulting the future foreign queen and the King, he beat him up!"

"What? Really?"

"Yeah, the Prince just snapped and told them if anyone insults his family or future family he'd toss them into the ocean with the sharks."

"You think he was serious?"

"Aye. He was serious. He's starting to get protective of his family finally. After all the hell he put them through with his first marriage… at least he's starting to get things right."

"Now if only he can stop drinking and beating us poor folks up for speakin our minds."

"Oh no. He wasn't mad that the bloke spoke his mind. He was mad he was insulting and, well, he said he was hateful."

"Huh…"

"Yeah. It was rather funny to watch too. The Prince even apologized to the man and made sure he got the medical help he needed and bought him ale."

"Wow. When did the Prince become a decent person?"

"Seems losing your wife and child will do that to someone. I hope his next marriage is happier."

"You know what… I do too."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 07 2014)

Overheard in a bar somewhere in Stormvale….

"Been the iron fist of peace around here, I tell ya."

"So I heard. Heard tell how he rounded up a patch of thugs and set up to rights after he caught them harassing some girl."

"I heard he's turned back not one, but two fleets of pirates this past week alone!"

"That's nothing, he took cares of /five/ pirates coming ta attack us last week."

"Heard he's even gotten the docks cleaned up. Ain't been a thieving in weeks."

"Ain't just a man of the sea that Admiral, heard he turns aside a pack of bandits seeking ta raid travelers coming in."

"Right defender of Stormvale that man is!"

"Hear! Hear! I'll drink ta that! To the Defender of Stormvale!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 08 2014)

It may take a while for news to travel overland and reach Stormvale, but early in the morning of the 22nd of Sess a great uproar is reported across the Lanniver border from the city of Caerwyn. It seems that at a nearby port, a section of the King Eldwin's fleet was wintering, only now it's mostly burning and sinking, with three carracks reported missing in the confusion. It takes a while for details to emerge, given the state of destruction of the docks, but eventually tales of 'ships out in the fog' and 'boats being rowed in' start to circulate, along with a strange tale of a ship's captain ordering her to cast off from the dock only for the man later to be found on dry land. A twin perhaps?

In other news, a small section of Kin Callem's fleet including the Lady Aoife and the Rosey Dawn, along with the flagship of the Kincaid fleet, the Indefatigable, is seen entering te bay beneath Darfield castle. Any nautically inclinded observers may also note the three rather fine looking carracks with them, ships that were surely did not depart with them when they sailed, and ship's who's names seem to be distinctly Lannivery in their leanings. All however seem to be proudly flying the colours of Morbin.

And finally. Many a dockside pub is innundated with groups of cheering, drunken sailors who's minds seem firmly set on drinking vast quantities of booze and toasting anything and everything they can think of (appat from the Kraken).

These things may be related.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 13 2014)

…sniffle…sniffle….sniffle…

"It's sad, dontcha think, seeing him in such a state?"

"Oh, aye, they said he had a lovely voice once. Pity it's gone to waste like that."

"Whatever brought him to such a state? He was gayer than a Priest on Sunday last year."

"Oh, didn't you hear? Courting has gone out of fashion, all the noblemen and women have just be bound together with a betrothal right off the bat. Not much of a ballad in that, or need for bard's."

"Well what about that Forrester fella, and his Greenshire girl?"

"Oh that was the death of it, anything happening with those two county's involved are the furthest thing from fashionable. Have you seen how their lords dress? You can barely tell them apart from their rangers and half the time you end up bowing to the knight instead of the lord…I've had my ears boxed because of that. They ought to need to wear bells or something."

"What, the lords?"

"Yeah, if it's good enough for the cat it's good enough for the lords."

"You've had too much to drink."

"I have not, you're just too ugly for beer, barkeep, find something that'll make my wife look pretty."

"I'm your brother in law."

"Find something that will make my brother in law look pretty…it should make my wife look at least tollerable."

"I'm telling her you said that."

"You wouldn't."

"I would, it'd give the bard somethign to laugh about."

"So what's he on about anyway…"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 14 2014)

"So, what do you suppose he said to her?"

"I don't know, but what do you think she offered that he didn't have her in the stocks?"

"Whatever it was it didn't sit well with that knight, he dragged her off and told her to go home."

"Yeah, and did you hear her yell about him not being her husband? As if he wouldn't have known that."

"That young one was cute though, who was he?"

"Some prince, keep your legs crossed when that one's around. They say you can taste half the women of Stormvale on his lips."

"What is nobility like that doing talking to a girl like … oh … "

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 14 2014)

"Did ya see them faces when they loaded up they horses and left town… again? You'd think Inouv was breathin' fire down they neck with the speed in which they threw belongins in they saddle bags and rode off to th' north."

"See I done told you she wasn't fit to be a Queen. First sign o' trouble and she scampers like a thief in the night."

"Weren't so, me dear. Heard 'em talkin' meself, I did. Those Laniveer royals done gone and threatened they family in the desert! 'eard it with me own ears!"

"So they gone home to protect their own?"

"Course them did. Why else would them leave a comfy position as the throne must be. 'sides, from what I hear we need 'em here."

"Need 'em? Wha' for?"

"Ever hear of keepin' friends close an' enemy closer?"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 14 2014)

According the gossip between a few of the servants at Darfield Castle, there might be more than Laniveer threats that sent the Kundari on their hasty retreat. Some say there might have been a woman involved, since they saw the Kundari Prince get a letter that upset him, making him hurry to speak with his sister before they left. Some say it was one of the male relatives of the woman that threatened to kill the Prince, some say they have no clear idea why. The matter remains that Prince Altair received a letter that upset him, and they left soon thereafter.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 15 2014)

New to Darfield and most of Mobrin, the bookstore on Sutherland Street is offering Kites for sale! The rectangle shaped brightly colored swatches of silk are selling fast as the spring brings the warmer weather. Dotting the coast lines and the fields, families can be seen running and playing together, having picnics and flying kites.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 15 2014)

Overheard in the streets of Morbin.
"Woah, did you see all those lights in the sky?"

"Yeah! Those were lanterns that they released when the Prince and Princess left the wedding."

"Oh! That's so cute! I also heard that anyone who was in attendance got a small pouch with a chocolate that could contain a pearl!"

"What about the pastries? I went into Ray's Bakery and got free pastries. He was the baker for the wedding. He's so amazing!"

"I heard the couple both looked happy but nervous. The Princess was wearing the Queen's wedding dress re imagined while the Prince was dressed as well as he could possibly be."

"Did you hear they danced in the sand under the most perfect sunset? I heard that the vision was so romantic."

"Everything must have been so perfect because even the King was smiling."

"The King was smiling as his son finally did something right, now get back to work!"

OOC: If you were in attendance, please roll to see if you got a pearl in the chocolate. For a chance to get a pearl, roll chance. If you get a Great success or higher you find a pearl. If you roll an Embarrassing Failure you find a pearl but accidentally swallow it, or drop it in the sand, losing it forever.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 17 2014)

A raven was sent from Lakeshire then to Darfield. Talk of the skirmish begins to spread around some of the people. The rumor is as follows. Laniveer attacked a small village close to the borders of Lakeshire and Laniveer. Among some of those in the battle were the Duke and his heir along with help from Kundari allies. There is a serious report from this as word slowly begins to spread through the noble house of Kincaid and to Darfield Castle that Duke Aidan Kincaid has fallen in battle.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 18 2014)

"Looks white as a ghost that one, does. Shouldn't she be off resting?"

"Likely so, but she's been helping here or running up to them healers seeing to the rest of the Royals."

"But…what's she doing?"

"What ain't she been doing? Seen her seeing after some of the wounded, bringing food, running messages. Ain't seen her stop but when one of them healers sat her down and made her eat something herself."

"But…ain't she just a musician?"

"Maybe so. You think she should just be hiding away?"

"After that? Who wouldn't want to?"

"Yeah, but she's a Kilgour."

"Shouldn't she then be…"

"If she can have the strength to be doing all that, seeing yet ta the people here as she can, do you really think you should be belly aching about it? Now get, you know they want extra patrols along the back wall."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 18 2014)

With the help of the castellan, one of the healers whose husband was hurt in the fray has organized a cleaning crew for the rooms affected by the slaughter of the night before. The task is proving to be no little thing with the bloodbath and it is taking longer than any had thought it would. Thus, all meals are being served in the Royal Dining room instead of the Great Hall, it has been opened for the guests of the castle.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 18 2014)

"Ya, the Master went storming to the City Watch after word been spread. Tears was in the big man's eyes. He done told him, free food and drink for the City Watch, till things are cleared up. I didn't think a man's beard could bristle like that!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 19 2014)

*Passed along through servants starting with those in service to an unnamed noble household in Stormvale*

"Disgraceful, truly disgraceful. If we didn't need fighting men I would think they should all be hung."

"Father? What are you talking about now?"

"The Knights of the Rioga. This current crop has been nothing but a pack of failures! The Voice and his wife kidnapped. Then the Crown Princess abducted. The Queen "drowns" while a full retinue apparently just stands about and lets it happen, and now the King left to face ten assassins by himself before falling to their blades? Not to mention Prince Logen nearly getting carved into fishbait. Damn near an army marched right into Darfield Castle. Any Rioga that were in the castle that night and still live should be stripped of their spurs at the very least. At least the dead ones gave their full measure to their duty. The living ones? Not so much."

"That's a bit harsh, Father. There had to have been traitors in the mix, and the knights of the Rioga did fight bravely slay the attackers. "

"And? The Rioga have one duty, and one duty only, and they failed. Again. The Rioga don't get absolved of that duty because there might be traitors involved. They don't protect the royal family only when the weather's nice or there's no war threatening or there's a celebration going on. Of course…that's the problem, isn't it? They don't protect the Royal family, it seems. From what I hear it was the Watch storming the castle that turned the tide, not anything the Rioga did. The Watch put up a better showing than the vaunted Knights of the Rioga."

"That's an exaggeration, and I still think you're being overdramatic. Besides, it isn't as if you have any say in the matter."

"Ha. True enough. But I'm not the only one that's noticed their recent ineptitude. I think our not-so-fine Rioga have gotten too wrapped up in fancy dark armor and a title and not wrapped up enough in doing their Gods-damned job. They may have been the finest Knights in Mobrin once, but they're a sorry lot, now. To think I'd live to see this day…."

"*Sigh* You can't expect them to-"

"Can't expect them to what?!? To do the sole duty they're sworn to? To uphold the responsibility they've been entrusted with? Apparently you're right. We can't, and neither could the King."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 19 2014)

*Overheard in a Tavern in Stormvale*

"I bet them filthy Kundari were in on it."

"What? What're you on about?"

"The Kundari high-tailed out of Stormvale just in time to avoid gettin' caught up in that business at the Castle. Awful convenient, don't ya think? They was bowin' and scrapin' to Laniveer for years. Think that just changes overnight? No, I bet they was sent here by the Lannies in the first place.""

"You're cracked. Why would the Kundari help kill the King when he was goin' t' make their Princess the Queen?"

"Maybe Eldwin gave 'em a better offer. He's still got an unmarried son, I hear. 'Sides, maybe the whole thing was a ruse to get the King's trust…get folks to let their guard down so they could help those assassins get inside. You know…send a pretty Kundari Witch to seduce the King away from the Queen…oldest trick in the book."

"How could they let the assassins get inside when they ain't even there, idiot?"

"Just cause they ain't there don't mean they couldn't have set it up! Coulda been that Witch's black magic. First she puts a spell on the King, then she "convinces" some poor servant to slip a little somethin' extra into dinner, y'know what I mean?"

"I know you're sore 'cause your Great-Uncle got killed by one a' them raids down in Sutherland years back, but this is crazy even for you."

"Call it what you want, but the Kundari ain't never been friends to Mobrin. Not then, not now, not ever. You watch, I bet we hear 'bout them signin' on with Laniveer and Jadda any day now…."

"You really need to stop drinkin' that stuff you make yourself, it's rottin' your brain."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 19 2014)

There has been some celebration in Laniveer, the citizens and nobility alike enjoyed over how Mobrin has been struck the mightiest of blows with the death of their king. Drinking over the Laniveeri victory has been commonplace, especially in the areas where cause for celebration is not easy to find, and in Castle Meade the royalty, nobility and servants all have been said to be in brighter spirits than they have been for quite some time.

But while many are joyous there is one who has been made to become distraught by the death of King Callem, that being Princess Rowena Stewert herself who has locked herself in her suite since the news reached her ears. With no one allowed in but her lady-in-waiting, Rowena has vowed not to take visitors while she pays her respects to the Kilgour family from afar, risking the ire of her family by doing so.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 20 2014)

Appeared overnight they did, on the windowsill in the corner.

The one that's been left open of late for the breeze?

Aye, thats the one. Queerest thing though. I mean, who leaves a small saucer of milk and a dollop of milk on a windowsill?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 21 2014)

The fireplaces of several shops in the city of stormvale are burning logs treated to produce flames that burn in the Kilgour colors. A young man wearing a long leather coat of curious cut is rumored to be bartering them for goods and services. Merchants in the marketplace have a small number of pine cones that when added to fire produce brief bursts of color.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 21 2014)

Guards were urgently summoned to the Council Chambers when a scream echoed through the halls that seemed to originate from there.

Talk among the guards tells of an injured Ruxton Castellan, passed out on the floor, covered in the remains of someone's regurgitated meal while the Baroness searches her wilted body. Others around the room are likewise losing the contents of their stomach all over the chamber floor.

"It was poisoning! I know what I saw!"

"Yeah, you aren't going to find an argument from me!"

"One of the Rioga locked her up in the dungeon, from what I hear."

"I heard the Count punched her in the side of the head while the Duke tripped her and the Kincaid heir threw a knife at her."

"Hah, I heard that Mowbray sailor threw a snake at her."

"A snake? Didn't hear that one."

"You know why she's saying she done it? I heard from one of the servants that Emerit Moniwid is the daughter of pirates and not a noble at all!"

*Gasp* "Does that mean that marriage she arranged between the Prince and the Moniwid Princess isn't legitimate, since she's not a legit Moniwid?"

"Means something, but I don't know what!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 21 2014)

A broadsheet is beginning to make the rounds amongst the merchants of the city, showing a man who clearly bears the eight pointed gold rawls of the Rioga, huffing and puffing, chasing after a bandit that seems to be only making the most casual of stride, happily whistling with loot slung over his shoulder. A merchant looks on, distraught. The headline reads: "Well no wonder you lost your livelihood! Lucky you didn't lose your head, too! Shoulda hired the Lead Coin!"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 21 2014)

Of the conversations circulating around the broadsheet making the rounds, one might be particularly illuminating:

"The Lead Coin? You mean those moneylending and trading types?"

"Don't let them hear you call 'em coin counters though, very proud of their 'economic contribution to Mobrin.' Apparently they can pull mercenaries out of a hat, and their…what do they call 'em, Assessors? Fancy way of saying they can do math and stab you through the heart if you don't pay up."

"They can't be all that smart, calling out a whole order of Knights like that."

"Don't be so sure. Them Rioga's the ones that failed to protect the King. And that business with the Castellan? Minute that hit the streets it seems like they had those printed and ready to go."

"Huh. Sneaky. Still, if their information is as good as their steel, maybe I should look into one for protecting my shop. If the nobles don't go up in arms about their pet Order being insulted."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 21 2014)

"Did you hear? Their wedding was supposed to be today… But it didn't happen!"
"All that mourning… and you wonder why it didn't?"
"I wonder, but I know! It's those Haravean's! And she's important now, with her brother in charge."
"Oh come off it."
"No no, seriously. It's totally a vendetta! Now with the King dead, they're taking over! Bet you we'll see all the royal council positions given over to Greenshire men. I bet you my hovel on it!"
"Your hovel?! That one down from the market street?"
"Two story it is. Worth the bet! And if you take it, I want your mule if you lose."
"Hah. Fair fair. Greenshire men ruling the Crown. Wonder what the rest of them think about that?!"
"We at least we know how one of 'em feels. He was turned away at the gates, screaming bloody murder to the men at the gates about letting him, cuz he rode through death to get there!"
"Who was that?"
"The bloody Duke of Lakeshire!"
"He's alive?! Thought he was dead?"
"Could be an imposter. Didn't look right."
"Eh eh. Wouldn't be surprised."
"Kept him out regardless. Tellin him bout a piece of paper he had to have."
"After all what has happened, the castle keeps want a piece of paper shown to get in?! Haha. Nobles. They're funny ones, aren't they?"
"Sure are. Sure are. How bout that drink eh?"
"Yeah yeah."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

Royal guards have been over heard discussing the recent events:

"Where do you think he came from?"
"Who we talking about?"
"The Priest. The one that's been tending to Prince Logen."
"Oh. Valros-Valarie-Valarius? BAH. The blond one, who looks like he's still a boy himself?"
"That's him."
"I heard he was from Sutherland. Or was it Weston."
"But he got off a Aberdeen ship?"
"Did he?"
"So, beside the fact that we don't know where he came from, when did he show up? Why is he here? How does he know the Prince?"
"Good questions. I recall him showing up the one morning when Prince Logen bellowed for a Priest and the twins went running."
"Wait, did the twins get him?"
"No. He just showed up. God sent I say."
"Why are you saying the Gods sent anyone?"
"Because the kid bloody well said something about following a star to the Prince's side!"
"And you didn't question that?"
"He was wearing robes and a golden belt. Why would I bloody well question that at the time?! This was -before- the attacks. Like I was saying, he arrived not too long ago, when the Prince was ill."
"And no one's noticed this Priest before now?"
"Reckon not. He's a Priest! People don't want to see a priest where they don't expect to find one. It reminds a guy of his sins and makes ya feel guilted into charity."
"Eh, a good point, but a lesson too. Oh, I just remembered something. Didn't someone say they saw our boy-Priest taking an assassin's blade trying to heal that Aberdeen Prince in the attack?"
"He was injured in that attack, yes. Not many weren't."
"I hear he's been up in the Prince's suite and -sleeping- there, since."
"Yes, I know he's been sleeping up there. Prince's personal Priest now."
"Ahh, lots of sins to confess I wonder? Haha."
"Or just lots of wounds, physical and otherwise. May the King rest in peace."
"Ahh, right, makes sense. Just been hearing things out of the infirmary about our mystery boy Priest showing up."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. Reckon Lord Squire Kincaid owes his life to the kid - performed some miracle surgery. Begs the question, why are you so suspicious of him?"
"Eh, something's just not sitting right. The timing. I don't know. Something."
"Ever think you have a few confessions to make yourself?
"I ought to. Nearly died back there. But still…"
"You're just looking for the next Castellan. Lay off it."
"Maybe… Maybe…"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

"Where's our King?"

"He's dead, you fool."

"Not his son, Tyrel. He should have been crowned by now! Why ain't they done it?"

"Council's ill, that's why you fool."

"So? Ain't there a priest what can do it? What's the Council got to do with crowning a King anyway?"

"Well how should I know?!"

"No King, no Council we may as well surrender to the Lannys right now. This realm is for the dogs, I'm telling you."

"Aye, leave it to the Council to accomplish nothing and be in the way of everything once again. Sometimes I wonder if folks who sit on that want us to fall apart. Useless pack of fools."

"Listen, the wife and I been talking about packing up and opening shop in some small village down in the mountains, if you and yours want to come"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

Two healers walk down the hall gossiping….

"Did you hear what the Baron told that young Lord of Lakeshire?"

"Yes! It's so sweet! Young love!"

"After everything we heard of the young Lord, I'm surprised a courtship was approved!"

But he so dreamy though!" say the second healer.

"Who is the lady though?"

"You don't know? It's Lady Emma of house Ruxton. She's so beautiful. They'll make a fine couple!"

The two walk on and change the topic about the young man who vomitted on one of the volunteers.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

A few soldiers overheard while they stand guard at the gatehouse.

"Yep' heard he took a few with him to that manor out on Haravean street. Weren't no Kincaid squire with 'em either. Word has it that axe that Duke Aidan gave me was in tow.

"Huh? You mean that mean lookin' piece o' steel? "

That's right, and he didn't have it when he were leavin' either."

"I knew they was friends. Still seems, a…bold move in ways."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

"Heard Prince Tyrel was all ready to take over and take his place on the throne but that the sickness of the council slowed it down. He got poisoned himself, along with the princess when that group of assassins stormed the castle."

"Yeah, that's old news, but what I heard as soon as he is King, he is going to demand audience with the Moniwid folks who were still in the castle and setting up an arrangement with the Magistrate about annulling the recent marriage between his son and the Princess."

*Snort* "Princess? Sounds like there's not a bit of royal blood running through them pirate veins of hers."

"You idiot. The other one. The /legitimate/ one."

"Based on what? Why would he annul the marriage?"

"Who knows? Why does any king do what they do?"

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

Down in the depths beneath the castle, a noble lady is wasting away, awaiting questioning.. or death. Or a trial? So far there have been no visitors, no questions, no investigation. The guards are speaking quietly amongst themselves, wondering if she's been forgotten in the midst of the sickness she left in her wake.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

A few people are talking about the new letter proudly posted in the bookstore. A letter from the king no less. Yes, the king that was just slain. Some murmur that it was this very deed that got him killed. Others dismiss it as nonsense. But the question remains.. where was the owner of the store from to need the letter written to her at all?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

Amid all of the dark rumors and worries circulating comes s ray of light, news that the Voice of the King himself has come to Stormvale. Although he looks weary, as if he has been severely ill for several days and might be recovering still, he has visited with various people in the city to arrange for a modest celebration at the castle. Some say that he even invited some commoners to be his guests for the evening.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

"All I know is, he ran out after sending a note back to him as sent one, along with his bow and the men, coming back with a great stag and a boar a few hours later. She an' t'others are like bees in a hive in the kitchens now."

"I wondered by it was quiet there and that cart done headed up to the castle."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 23 2014)

A party! They're hosting a party. To dance on the grave of the King! Shouldn't there be a funeral first? Or have we become just a bad as the Laniveer's in celebrating the death of our King so openly?! Rubbish.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 24 2014)

Two guards make their way through the halls around the Kincaid suite….

"Yes, the Duke of Lakeshire was pretty livid about the council worried about parties and filling titles but not worried about burying the king."

The second guard nods, "I saw that. He near bowled me over leaving in a rage. What can the voice be thinking in such a time of mourning? Insanity?"

"I don't know brother but it sounds like we may need new council members elected. Ones who will look after the kingdom needs over their own."

"I agree brother. We need more Kincaids on the council. At least they get things done!"

"I know! Oh, you see the healers that have been coming and going?"

The two continue to walk on talking about women now.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 24 2014)

When one is emptying the chamber pots in Darfield Castle, one hears interesting things when people think their voice doesn't carry. Apparently, the Crown Prince has been heard rather vociferously voicing his dislike of various things from the current council to the Knights, voiced in a temper so foul as to make one wonder how much longer some of these people may still be amongst the ranks of the living.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 25 2014)

It seems that for a few days, silence reigns in the wake of the decree that treason shall be sought out and punished harshly. Then comes a circulation of broadsheets placing an open call for acters in a play that shall be called 'The Fools Court'. On one, the art shows a donkey eared man, with noticeably oversized front teeth and a fools cap and scepter standing atop a great throne, leveling his scepter at a common man who looks up in dread. 'You have dethided to wear purple on the sixth day of the month. Thutch is treathon before the throne!' On another the same donkey eared man rides atop a peasant, cuffing him across the ear. 'Forward to Laniveer, Noble Thteed! Onwardth towarsd victory! Failure to deliver Juthtith to The Thtewerths Is Treathon!'

On the back, for those who actually are possessed of the notion, the message is simple. 'Only a Weak and Wicked Throne Fears the People.'

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 25 2014)

'Ere, you know those Haraveans are supposed to be a close knit amily and the like?

Yeah, everyone knows that, bloody clannish the lot of 'em.

Well, seems there might be a split in the ranks.

How so?

Well, our Enid, she helps out in the infiramry right. Came home last night saying she heard the Count and that cousin of his about ready to come to blades over some woman.

That cousin of his? She mean the Admiral? Ain't they still trying to hold his skull together with bandages and prayers? Surely he's in no condition to duel..

Aye him, and I dunno, but what she said. Proper ready for it they were apparently.

Wonder who the lady is, not the Countess surely?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 25 2014)

Trickling in, faster than a raven takes wing:

"I heard tell the Great White Stag was seen, rising up out of the fog, moving towards Stormvale."

"No man, it was the Lady of the Lake, rising out of the morning lake mist, looking towards the castle!"

All you all be fools - I heard tell the Great Tree of Ashenfell grew a new branch, already bearing apple buds.'

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 25 2014)

Did you hear - that child was a laying in her crib, laughing and smiling at the shadows on the wall. I swear I heard her say Ma and Da. Poor dear. never going to know her mother or father now. But

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 26 2014)

"Any word yet on where she'll be practicing?"

"Don't ya mean /if/ she'll be practicing?"

"What? She still hasn't…"

"Nope, not a note."

"Would've thought she'd have been playing last night."

"Seemed the Voice brought people in from outside for that too."

"Just been so long, rather miss hearing it."

"You ain't the only one."

"Ain't you all heard?"

"Heard what?"

"They're all broke."

"What are?"

"All her instruments."

"By the Gods! When did that happen?"

"When do you think?"

"Oh…."

"But I never saw 'em being cleaned out when…ya know.."

"It's cause they're still laying in a pile of splinters and strings in her room. Won't let anyone touch 'em."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 27 2014)

…what do we need knights and nobles for?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 27 2014)

Rumors spread far and fast. The Lady Rorey Haravean was poisoned last night in the manor in which her family resides while in Stormvale. Details on when and where her body will be laid to rest have not yet been released.

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 28 2014)

"Did ya hear? There's been another poisoning."

"I heard, over at the Haravean place."

"Heard there'd been a right party the night before."

"Really? Think it was meant for that, not the girl?"

"Likely, was a wedding from what I heard. That Mobray Captain and the Admiral's sister."

"Eh, why would anyone want ta have been messing with that marriage?"

"Don't know, can't say I ever rightly understand them noble politickings."

"Heard that there /was/ a Kilgour at it."

"That /is/ interesting. Figuring things were surely meant for that party."

"Rightly so, wonder if it'll ever stop?"

"Not soon, that brother of her's 'll be on the war path fer sure."

"Oy! Such a shame, the girl could sing like nothing else too."

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 30 2014)

People in Stormvale are beginning to wonder if Haravean Street, and even more the count's mansion, is under a curse. Someone poisoned one of the count's sisters, and within two days, a mysterious monster burrowed under the outer wall and into the garden. It disrupted the countess's tea party and almost stole one of the little girls who was there. They say that the strange creature had shaggy black and white fur. It smelled worse than a pile of rotting fish and was able to walk and run like a man! If nobles are not safe from such creatures, what will become of the poor common folk?

<HR>
 (Through the Grapevine - Mar 31 2014)

There is a new ship down at Emmits, a crazed and stubborn man for a shipwrite as he's not even had time to unveil his newest ship to its owner. When all the sudden a sailor who's been seen on the docks from time to time aiding them an can be seen standing on the deck behind the Wheel shouting orders.
Workers and sailors alike are shaking their head at the young sailor as he stands up there spinning the wheel this way and that, causing the rudder to move back and forth as he seems to be trying to sail the ship right off the DryDock and thru stormvale itself. The dark sails aren't even deployed nor is the owners sails unfurreld. Emmit himself is yelling at the man but to no avail as Emmit is soon distracted as he has the large plauques being lifted into place Aft of the ship and smaller ones on the port and starbord sides. The plaques reading…. Darkstar.
After a bit Emmits had enough as he sends up workers and sailor alike to get the deranged young man off the unfinished ship. The man see's this and decides to have a bit of sport forcing them to chase him all over the newly built Cog, before the man can be seen doing an acrobatic flip off the ship and onto a cart of sail silks before he slips off into the streets with a large grin on his face.

<HR>

The Tales of Daeren

Recent Activity

Recent Events

Recent Memoirs