Conversations at the Pea Pod

[Quatlu]

As the day began to wind down, Quatlu made his way from the Great Temple of Orlanth through the streets of Boldhome to the Pea Pod, a small, nearby restaurant he enjoyed. He often came here after services to savor the convivial atmosphere and the delicious smells, and especially Jarl Anderson's wonderful split pea soup. As he walked inside the door, he saw Jarl, the proprietor, sweeping the floor and greeted him with a smile. "Good day to you, Quatlu, and welcome." He quickly finished his sweeping while Quatlu took a seat at a four top near the fireplace. Jarl soon arrived with a frothy mug of ale and said, "What's your pleasure this evening, master Quatlu? Mama has some of her fresh baked rolls to go with your soup today." Quatlu looked up at Jarl and said, "I'll have a large bowl of your split pea soup and a basket of mama's rolls, if you please", he replied and sipped his ale. "But I may have some company this evening, so hold off on the soup for a bit." Jarl bobbed his head up and down in agreement and smiled, then disappeared into the kitchen. Quatlu then settled back in his chair, sipped his ale, and watched the door from his seat by the fireplace... and waited.

[Julian]

Julian Sartarvutsun, forlornly wanders the town. He’s feeling as if his decision to come to Boldhome was a bad one that could lead to the Front. But folks in the Great Temple of Orlanth said that was tantamount to suicide…. He has been at weapons training and is hungry. So when he sees the Pea Pod sign and breathes in the delightful smells of cooking he decides (not much of a decision) to go in. He might earn a crust waiting at tables as beggars cannot be choosers or he may meet people who can direct his progress in this strange and difficult place.

Anyhow he pop’s in and looks about. He spots the owner and overhears him talking to a chap he’s sure he saw in the Great Temple. However his stomach is rumbling and he stands inside just warming himself …….

[Rufus]

Postcard to Quatlu from the front

Greetings from outside the village of Too Far.
And perhaps it is too far for we have met with scant success so far. However, I hope the campaign will work out well.

But as I consume military rations, I fondly remember the soup we had together and hope all is well with you. Should I return successful from the front, I would certainly spend time at the Orlanth temple to give thanks and perhaps we could meet up there.

In the meantime, I wish you well.

[Quatlu]

Sword Brother Rufus,

Thank you for your message from the Front. I shall offer prayers to Orlanth on your behalf in the Great Temple this month, so that you might experience victory and return home to tell us of it. Fare well, Sword Brother, and may Orlanth guide your destiny.

[Ararg]

Ever appreciative of a good meal at an affordable price, Jarrek is no stranger to the Pea Pod. Money has been much on his mind of late, the money-lenders being notoriously short of patience and sense of humour.

As he enters the smoky interior of the eatery he notices the nervous figure of Julian Sartarvutsun but passes him by and approaches the table where Quatlu has positioned himself.

"You're the Colymar Ten-thane with the unpronounceable name, right? I recognise you from the temple. Are you eating? May I join you?"

[Quatlu]

As Quatlu sits by the fire, he sees a new Orlanth Laymember who attended the ceremony this week. He stands by the entryway as if trying to decide to brave the interior or return outside. The poor sod looks hungry and lost, but he is a new Sword Brother none-the-less. So Quatlu waves his hand to get the man's attention and calls out jovially, "Over here friend. Come sit by the fire and warm your bones." He catches the eye of proprietor Jarl and signals for another tankard of ale.

As he does so, another figure enters the Pea Pod, whom he knows from other Temple services. The man confidently strides over to his table and asks if he is the Colymar Ten Thane who attended the ceremony just finished. He stands and extends his hand in welcome and replies, "Aye, that's me, Quatlu Carasilson." He responds to the man's next request and says, "I am indeed about to sup on pea soup and mama's fresh rolls. Join me please, Sword Brother. What is your name?"

[Harold]

As the Streets of Bold home, seeking inspiration Rewolf Harkigson’s perambulations , aided no doubt by his nose, not to mention the rumbling stomach led him to a fine establishment of the “Pea pod. ”As he entered this fine place, noting the fresh straw on the floor. His attention was caught by one of the Patrons of the establishment, who sat nursing a rather splendid black eye. As the landlord brought his beverage, Rewolf heard him ask
“ Flipping heck Andreas what on earth happened to you?”
The poor man took the flagon & held it to his bruised face before answering
“Well Jarl, there are things, you just can’t explain , take this morning for instance, I went into the Cow Shed to milk Maisy me cow, had sat down all nice & comfy. When suddenly she put her hoof in me pail , so I thought, what’s to do? I took out me boot lace tied it round her leg & tied it to the side of the stall. Then I carried on milking, but I be damned if a minute later the other hoof landed in me pail, so I took off me other boot lace, & tied up her other leg. . I thought it was all sorted so I sat down & started again, but then her tail started hitting me in the face, what was I to do? I thought a bit them took off me belt tied it round her tail & then as was reaching up to tie it to the rafter. In that moment, that very moment, My trousers fell down & the wife walked into the Shed, believe Jarl there’s some things you just can’t explain….”

Rewolfs mind returned once again to his pondering, as follower of Yelmalio, he felt himself drawn to the Sun Dome Templars, but he wasn’t sure how where or when to apply or did he need to announce his intentions?
He wondered if he asked around if anyone could advise him?

[Ararg]

Jarrek takes Quatlu's hand and grips it with a firm shake of confidence. "Well met, Brother Quatlu. Is that a Colymar name? I'm Jarrek Garson of the Kheldon, ten-thane of Golgotti's Company. I've seen you around the temple, good to make your acquaintance and especially good to do so over the pea soup and rolls they serve here!"

[Quatlu]

Quatlu accepted Jarrek's firm handshake and smiled back at him. "Well met indeed, Sword Brother. Have a seat and rest a spell." The two men assumed their seats, and Quatlu tried to answer the man's question. "It is not a family name, no sir. My father's wife did not want my father to bestow a family name upon me at my birth, so a strange name was chosen from among the travelling merchants that visited the manor. It was meant to be a slap in the face to my father, but as I was his only son, he acceded to her wishes with my personal name, but gave me his name and an allowance. He was blessed only with daughters, you see, with only poor Quatlu to carry on his seed. Father loved my mother too much to simply abandon us, and while I am not officially recognized, I carry my father's name proudly and will make something of myself to honor him."

[Quatlu]

With the laymember of Orlanth standing hesitantly by the entry way, and Jerrek now properly met and seated beside him, a new man entered carrying a spear. His appearance was threadbare but he stood poised as an honorable warrior, bearing the runes of Yelmalio and a hungry look in his eyes. "Jarrek", Quatlu said as he noticed the new stranger, "there's a lost soul with a hungry stomach loud enough to scare off a rock lizard. Tonight we can share a meal and good company among warriors, eh?" He stood again and called to the newcomer, "Hail warrior of Yelmalio. Come sit with us to share the fire and our good company." Looks like Jarl's going to have a busy night, he thought with a grin.