A New Year at the Pea Pod

[Ararg]

"Yes, Svenstown still perches happily atop its cliffs." Ararg thanks Fionn for his welcome. "And I couldn't find myself in finer company!" he says as he takes the hand of each man in turn. "It is an honour to meet you all."

Finally, he turns to Quatlu. "Did I hear aright, that you've been hero-questing? I am doubly impressed!"

[Quatlu]

Quatlu nods and smiles at Ararg's enthusiasm and replies, "Yes indeed, you are in the company of adventurers from the Great Temple of Orlanth, part of a group of brave souls who banded together to take on the Hero Plane. We gather together here at the Pea Pod each season to reflect and enjoy each other's company, as well as talk about what's going on."

[Ararg]

"I hope to be a worthy addition to the company," Ararg says. "There is so much to do, arriving here in Boldhome. I also fully intend to join the temple of Orlanth temple here, as I did at home. As a laymember to begin, until I have settled into a regiment, then I hope to become an initiate."

He turns to Rufus and makes a halfway decent attempts at a proper salute. "And sir, thank you so much for your message. I intend to purchase the rank of Thane and will work dilligently towards earning a promotion and making you proud, sir!"

[Quatlu]

Assistant Priest Quatlu nodded and smiled as Ararg addressed his future commander, and the attempt to show respect to Baron Rufus. He's going to do well in Mularik's Company, Quatlu thought to himself, and will be a fine addition to the worshippers of Orlanth. We shall have to watch his progress to make sure he is both guided and encouraged. "Solid thinking, lad. I think joining the Great Temple of Orlanth as a Lay member while first concentrating on establishing yourself in the regiment is a wise decision, Ararg. That way you won't be over-burdened with simultaneous and mandatory drills and cult services. Every man also needs some time with the ladies each season to maintain proper perspective, eh gentlemen?" He smiled at his compatriots.

[Ivarenna]

Ivarenna entered the Pea Pod.

"Greetings everyone!"

She introduced herself to Ararg. "Welcome to Mularik's Company, or Rufus' Roughnecks as we like to call it. I expect that Rufus has already told you the rules. Do you know what company you'll be joining? I know 3rd Battalion has a couple of vacancies."

She turned to Jorl! "How fare you?"

"Can't complain, m'lady, thank you for asking. It's not everyone that does. What can I get you?"

"A bowl of your nutritious soup of the day, please Jorl."

"Of course, m'lady. Coming right up."

Ivarenna turned to Quatlu and Erik. "Gentlemen, how goes the prayers and sacrifices for the safe return of Julian from the hero-plane? Have the priests conducted an Augery yet?"

[Quatlu]

Quatlu saw Baroness Ivareena enter the Pea Pod and a broad smile crossed his face. "Welcome to our evening rituals, Baroness. I'm glad you could join us." He pulled up a chair for her and motioned for Jorl to refresh the drinks. When asked about the preparations for the return of Initiate Julian, Quatlu said, "I have petitioned the Chief Priest to have the Great Temple contribute to the planned offering, but at this point I still not have heard their decision. I also paid a call on his companion and requested that she contribute, but again, no decision has reached my ears. At this point, with the donations made by his loyal Hero Quest companions, we have an outstanding chance of succeeding in our prayers to bring him back to the Material World. Any further contributions from the Temple and Harmeleenrios will no doubt continue to improve the success of our collective prayers."

[Ararg]

Ararg sits back, satisfied by the excellent pea soup and marvelling at the company he has found himself in. His quick eyes dart from speaker to speaker and a wide, beaming smile fixes itself upon his face.

[Ivarenna]

Quatlu saw Baroness Ivareena enter the Pea Pod and a broad smile crossed his face. "Welcome to our evening rituals, Baroness. I'm glad you could join us." He pulled up a chair for her and motioned for Jorl to refresh the drinks. When asked about the preparations for the return of Initiate Julian, Quatlu said, "I have petitioned the Chief Priest to have the Great Temple contribute to the planned offering, but at this point I still not have heard their decision. I also paid a call on his companion and requested that she contribute, but again, no decision has reached my ears. At this point, with the donations made by his loyal Hero Quest companions, we have an outstanding chance of succeeding in our prayers to bring him back to the Material World. Any further contributions from the Temple and Harmeleenrios will no doubt continue to improve the success of our collective prayers."

"That all sounds promising, Warlord Quatlu!" responded Ivarenna and continued, "I will head over to the Temple later to check on progress. I wonder what caused him to become separated from the rest of us. Perhaps the Lunars were interfering in our quest?"

[Erik]

"We must hope that the gods return Julian to us." agreed Erik. "But should they not - well we may need to consider a rescue attempt next month". He turned to Ararg with a smile. "Well young Ararg, you will be welcome to Mularik's Company for the Summer Campaign. And you will also be welcome to join a rescue party for our missing comrade - if it proves to be needed!"

[Quatlu]

Quatlu nodded as Erik spoke about Julian's rescue, saying, "Yessir, if the prayer fails then we can most certainly try a rescue attempt. I am interested in hearing what news Baroness Ivareena can dislodge from the senior priesthood of the Great Temple. It brings to mind the previous situation with Baron Rufus when the Lunars captured him. We were ready to go with a rescue plan in the event the ransom attempt failed, but the enemy accepted the coin and released our Baron Rufus back to us." he paused and took a drink from his mug and added, "It is a blessing from Orlanth that our company of adventurers stands firm on honorable foundations which permit us to support each other, no matter the situation. I am proud to call each of you Sword Brothers and Sword Sister."