Late Dark at the Pea Pod

[Erik]

Jorl was plumping up the cushions in his bars inglenook and rehanging the strands of hops over the fireplace. Minor jobs, but his Inn had been unusually quiet of late. So he was very pleased when the door opened and one of his regular customers, the Drighten Erik, came into the bar. He was wearing a warm cloak, suitable for the recent drop in temperature,
"Welcome" said Jorl. "Are the rest of your group expected?"
"No idea" came the reply. "I think everyone is busy preparing for the Royal Feasts or they are off to annoy the Lunatics. Grumbold is probably desperately getting his workers to get all the Court Robes that have been ordered finished in time. Just hope he finishes ours, our Yealla will be on at me for not placing the order earlier. But for now, I want a mug of your hot spiced cider and a toasted teacake. And to sit and be able to relax for a moment."
"Congratulations, by the way" said Jorl, carrying over the warm mug of cider, delightful aromas of spices wafting from it's brim. "I am glad that the Lady Yealla finally said yes." "So am I!" answered Erik with a wry grin. "But now, with 3 weeks of Royal Feasts and a Temple Ceremony to prepare for, I also have to prepare for a pre wedding party and the wedding to plan for Early Storm. So I have notified everyone about it, and I am hoping that the Storm Cloud Inn will be able to cope. I would have liked to have had the pre wedding party at the Pea Pod, but I don't think everyone would fit! Nor would you have had enough Pea Soup."

[Julian]

Regor sends a note to teh pea pod, “So Sorry my friends, i miss you but I have been busy and lately confused. I hope to meet some or all of you soon. Over a pint of pea soup?!”

[Quatlu]

Quatlu walked briskly into the Pea Pod and shut the door behind him to shut out the cooler air that entered with him. He looked around and saw Erik, smiled and waved at him. "Evening Jorl", he said to the jovial owner. "I'll have whatever my friend Erik is having, and keep them coming." He walked over to their usual table, doffed his cloak and took a seat to chat with the forthcoming bride groom. "So, it seems you managed to catch the illusive Yealla at last", he said as he took a sip of the cider. "Well done sir, well done indeed. My congratulations to you, and my best wishes to you both for a long, happy and fruitful life."

With a sip of cider, Quatlu remarked on the forthcoming season at Court. "You and the other peers are going to have your hands full this coming season. Those three full weeks engaged in Court activities is no laughing matter, and adhering to proper protocol and high manners may be trying for some. I wish you and Yealla all the best."

He nibbled a bit on the hot teacake and approved it's delicious flavor, then said, "I apologize as I won't be able to be there for your wedding in Early Storm season, but perhaps Darra can attend to represent us. You are a good friend and I treasure our long friendship. A toast to the bride and groom." With a clink of the mugs and a shared smile, Quatlu continued. "I'm sorry I won't have you and Baron Rufus for the stint of campaigning in Early Storm season, but you'll be engaged in the battle of sexes instead of battles with the Lunars. I was delighted to have Baroness Ivareena agree to bring her battalion, though, to make it a Guards Brigade outing. We'll end up the year as a full brigade and hopefully give the Lunars a good thrashing."

[Ivarenna]

Ivarenna had been fast asleep at a table in the corner of the Pea Pod but somehow her name being mentioned rouses her from her slumbers and she sat bolt upright.

She stood up and wandered over to join Quatlu, Julian and Erik's table, asking Jorl in the meantime to bring over a boiled egg.

She addressed Erik: "congratulations again. This is such fantastic news, and I am so sorry to miss the ceremony. But duty calls."

Then to Quatlu: "My battalion is ready to set out. We will wait for you at the Northern Gate."

[Quatlu]

Quatlu smiled at the statement by the Baroness Ivareena, raised his mug and stood carefully to his feet. "My dear Baroness, let us drink to our victory over the Lunars and a successful campaign", he said with a firm, steady voice. "We shall see you and your battalion at the Northern Gate then. I will dispatch a runner to you when the Royal Foot Guards depart the barracks."

[Quatlu]

After a runner from Brigade finds Quatlu at the Pea Pod, he delivers a note to the Brigadier. Quatlu reads the note and dismisses the warrior, who salutes and leaves. "My dear Baroness, I am informed by the Brigade HQ staff that if I order part of Mularik's Company to the field in my capacity as Brigade Commander, then all of Mularik's Company must go. As this would upset too many apple-carts and incur the wrath of many people I highly esteem, not to mention disrupting the wedding of my friend Drighten Erik, I must modify my original order to include only the Royal Foot Guards. I trust you ordered your battalion to the Front in your Early Storm orders?"

[Ivarenna]

My dear Brigadier,

I have volunteered both myself and my battalion (the 2nd) to the front. So all is in order.

We probably could have asked Livud Foralastsdaughter to bring along the 3rd Battalion as well. Perhaps next month!

kind regards

Ivarenna

[Julian]

Julian attends the Pea Pod with trepidation: He has to face his commanding officer in a duel, dire warnings have been stressed that the rules must be obeyed and he has never fought one before. (Though he has trained).

He buys a round from Jorl and seeks a quiet corner to think, consider his rise and the support of his friends.

When he sees them he tries to hide his concerns and sees their sang froid as the standard he must achieve. He talks about the upcoming Roayl Feast.

He will answer folks questions but will scrupulously follow the laws relating to duels and thus bring honour to Orlanth, his regiment and his hope of advancement at the front.

Cheers everyone!

[Selena]

Selena comes over clutching a mug of Jorl's famous mead.

"Though I know you all by repute, I thought I had better introduce myself formally. This month I join the ranks of Orlanth, and next, Gods willing, we uphold the honour of Sartar and Orlanth in battle. Waes-hael !

[Quatlu]

Quatlu looks up at the newcomer, examining her and listening to what she says to the group seated around the table. He smiles warmly and says, "We welcome you to the Great Temple of Orlanth, Selena, and wish you well. Have you chosen a regiment to join for your first foray at the Front? We have many connections that might give you assistance in your quest."