Last Call at the Pea Pod

[Quatlu]

Quatlu was determined to have one last evening of camaraderie before the campaign season kicked off, as his Sword Brothers and Sword Sisters would soon disperse among their respective regiments in the King's Army. All his Orlanthi friends had each been sent an invitation to come to the Pea Pod for a farewell evening, and he hoped they would attend.

After spending the day ensuring his regiment was ready to march against the Lunars, he could feel the fatigue from his reduced endurance tugging at him, weighing him down. The visit to the Temple of Chalana Arroy had helped, but their healing came with a steep price. He hated to face the demands of campaign season with a reduced ability to perform on the battlefield, but just as with last year, a duel in Sea Season had cost him vital endurance. But Orlanth had smiled on him last year and allowed him to continue to lead his men without sustaining any more wounds. Orlanth willing, he would repeat his previous experience from last summer.

When he at last entered the Pea Pod with a serious mien, determined to relax and enjoy the friendship of his fellow officers, he walked heavily over to his regular seat by the fire place. Jorl noticed his customer's fatigue but determined not to mention it. So he approached Quatlu with a big smile and a hearty welcome, as usual, and soon Quatlu was quaffing a tankard of cool ale, and munching on some of Mama's hot meat tarts. He could not tarry long this night, for he determined to spend the night entwined with his beloved Darra. She could always bring a smile to his face and make him laugh like a school boy, and at the close of campaign season he would marry her and make her his for all time. Now that thought alone made Quatlu smile, and old Jorl saw the change in his regular's expression and he smiled too.

[Julian]

Juilan potters down to the Pea Pod to catch up with his friends and their friends. He enters quietly looking around as if trying to remember every detail before he leaves for the front!

He’s arranged to meet Harmeleenrios there but he has to wait for her…… so he starts with a small-beer and a chat to the landlords wife. Since his return from being lost on the Hero Plane he is a much calmer young man and is growing aware of others feelings and dreams.

He greets each regular with enthusiasm and good cheer. He asks after their family, business or (for the old folk,) their aches and pains. He studies them as if to remember every detail. One or two make the sign to their god because Julian seems extremely intense. He is - he goes to war!

He greets Qualtu and drinks quietly with him for a few minutes - recognising the debts he owes to those who recovered him from the Hero Plane.

Then pretty Harmeleenrios arrives and they sit in a quiet corner eating the very best the inn can offer. When sated they call for quiet and Harmeleenrios sings a maiden’s song for her lover as he prepares for battle. Tears are shed for her voice tugs at heart strings of many listeners and the women in the inn join in the sad refrain.

Afterward the cheering and clapping dies away as the lovely song ends Julian jumps onto a solid table and with the aid of Quatlu and the other regulars sings Jorl’s praises in a medley of tavern folk songs and the whole ensemble sing a final marching song - the marching song or the Royal foot Guards [Over the Hills and Far Away].

He tells Quatlu and Harmeleenrios that he has applied to become a godtalker at the Temple of Orlanth. Then he escorts his lover home before finishing his preparations for the front! (And may the gods preserve him and give him much loot!)

[Quatlu]

Quatlu spies Julian as he enters the Pea Pod, and notices his altered behavior. He seems more pensive and considerate, no longer rash and boisterous as in days prior to the Hero Quest. He shows great deference and attention to his lady fair, and Quatlu smiles as he drinks his ale. A good man... he thinks to himself... and one who will go far, I think. "Bless Julian and Harmeleenrios, Orlanth", Quatlu says quietly, "and help them bring forth new Orlanthi to follow in their father's footsteps."

The musical entertainments are pleasant reminders of what is ahead, and Quatlu is pleased to use his rich baritone voice to join Julian and belt out the Royal Foot Guards marching song. [Over the Hills and Far Away]. He wishes Julian well in his bid to rise in the Temple hierarchy, and he promised to use his influence to help secure the appointment. He bids the happy couple adieu as they depart, and he thinks of his own sweet love awaiting him at home. A little longer to see who shows up for this final toast.

[Erik]

As Erik approached the small square where "The Pea Pod" sat, the spring flowers well established in the troughs by the entrance, he heard singing drifting from the welcoming, open, doorway. As he entered he recognised the song, one he (and the rest of the Guards Brigade) had often heard before. "Gentlemen" he called out to Julian and Quatlu. "Can you sing Over the Hills and Far away? Well please do - as Far away as possible!"
When the laughter died down Erik called for a round of drinks for himself and his friends, along with a platter of cold meats, cheese and pickles. "Let us eat well whilst we can, it is likely to be poorer fare down on the plains near Tarsh." At least it should be warmer than our campaigning last winter - but take a warm cloak to sleep beneath, on clear nights it will be chilly out there. But let us drink a toast - to King Argrath, Boldhome and Victory!"

[Quatlu]

When Erik spoke to the assembled merry makers, and he finished with, "... as Far away as possible!", Quatlu looked up at him with mock irritation and gave him a rousing round of raspberries. As the men returned to the table, Quatlu slapped him on the back and said with a chuckle, "I guess we had that one coming, you old rascal", then he feigned confusion and added quickly, "I mean, my lord Erik". He drank and ate and listened to Erik's comments about the Front in Tarsh, and nodded at the wise suggestion of a warm cloak to deal with the night's chill.

"Congratulations on your ennoblement... again. All this time in the King's service and he suddenly decides to make the award to you twice in as many months. What's the secret? Share with us poor commoners", he said and grinned with a wink at Erik. But when Erik offered a toast to the King, Quatlu immediately stood proudly and repeated the toast, 'to King Argrath, Boldhome and Victory!" He then drank deeply.

[Julian]

Julian replete and very happy with the atmosphere on the Pea Pod thanks both Eric, Quatlu and his own true love for their ongoing support and friendship.


He salutes his superiors with a warm smile and mentally notes to check his kit and err cloak before setting out. He then escorts his lover to her home.

[Ivarenna]

Ivarenna strode through the open door of the Pea Pod.

Greetings Quatlu, greetings Julian! Ah, Erik, greetings just the man. My congratulations on your elevation to Drighten! That was most highly deserved!

Is it true that Baron Warlord Rufus will be absent from the front this campaign season? I presume you will be acting Warlord in his absence. What is our strategy for the summer campaign? The Guards Brigade has been assigned a defensive role as I understand it.

[Rufus]

Rufus drops by - in a rush as usual.

"Just a quick drop for me as I am busy getting things sorted for this cult mission to Prax. I don't mind telling everyone that I was dumbfounded by our King's instruction - and on a personal note, somewhat disappointed. I had hoped to be leading the Company to glory on the battlefield. Still the King's wishes are paramount and I must accede to His Majesty's instructions as would all loyal subjects of Boldhome.

I have just come back from the Temple - I was there partly to seek Orlanth's guidance and wisdom but also on the matter of seeking a change in the Temple hierarchy. I happened to bump into that Asst Priest Saral that Erik was concerned about - and he was as fragrant at both ends as ever. I really do not think he advances Orlanth's cause - except that those near him call for a quick breeze to disperse the fumes that emit from this pestilent priest.

If you have time, then you may wish to drop by to support this request.

Should he vacate his position (I have requested that he be sent to the East Islands) - then my Lord Erik might seek his position and I would then be content to apply for the position thus vacated by the noble Erik. If that does not work out, then I will seek some preferment if it is possible.

Egads! How I wish I was going on campaign with you chaps - you all are distinguished and delightful company. However, there is no better person to lead the Company in my absence than Erik. I wish you fame and fortune - glory to our King and his armies. Let us drink to the success of all of us!"

[Erik]

Erik joins with the others in raising his goblet in Rufus's toast. "You have been greatly honoured by our king in his choosing you for such a mission. His Majesty has chosen wisely, I have no doubt you will return crowned by success. I will do my utmost to lead the Company well in your absence whilst out in Tarshite lands this campaign. But please leave me your clerk - I can face the Lunars, but I quake at the thought of paperwork!"
Erik called to Jorl for another round of drinks, "Friend Jorl, we will greatly miss this little tavern whilst we are away. I sometimes wish I could persuade you to join Mularik's Company as Quatermaster, but having you here in Boldhome means we have returning to the Pea Pod as a reward after months of campaign - along with the comforts of home and our lovers' arms. " He took a deep draught and then turned back to Rufus. "I must admit I had been thinking more of the coming fighting season rather than Assistant Priest Fartipants. I had thought to wait until our return to cleanse his stink from the temple, but I will put my name forward should he do the decent thing and leave. At least the fellow has a good sense of humour and a witty turn of phrase, but I feel we could find a more suitable posting for him away from the city. Perhaps we could persuade him of the need to open a Temple of Orlanth in Tarsh?"