Early Earth at the Pea Pod

[Quatlu]

In the fading light of afternoon, Quatlu left his prayers at the Great Temple of Orlanth and walked purposefully toward his favorite pub, the Pea Pod. Campaigning was now concluded and the Army was back home for the harvest. The Army had achieved success against the Lunars, and though he was not yet completely healed, it had been a rewarding campaign season for him as well. Now he was back in Boldhome with his beloved Darra, and together they had decided that this month they would formalize their union with a wedding. It looked like the marriage festivities would be performed in weeks one and two, with an extensive guest list of fellow Sword Brothers and Sword Sisters. It was an event he had thought about often during the campaign, and now it would become reality. As he entered the Pea Pod, Quatlu saw Jorl the proprietor and he grinned broadly at the portly inn keeper. "Ah Jorl, you are a sight for sore eyes, my friend. Set me up with a tankard of stout, will you, and a basket of mama's fresh baked goods? I'm in a mood to indulge this evening and relax." He took his seat at the table by the fireplace to await his tankard and, he hoped, the arrival of his friends and comrades in arms.

[Erik]

Erik felt relieved as he left the Offices of the City Ring. Paperwork had, inevitably, built up whilst he was on campaign. Fortunately, his superior Gahyakt Lonislallason, had engaged a team of clerks to deal with the routine matters. This allowed Erik to clear the more urgent paperwork from his desk in an afternoon although he would need the rest of the season to catch up completely. He was glad that Gahyakt was supportive of his military career. He was a good role model if Erik decided to try to become a Ring member himself.
This evening the city was fairly crowded with the returning troops celebrating their return from the successful campaign. However, as he was glad to see, the small square in front of the Pea Pod seemed only half full with no signs of rowdy behaviour. Most of the soldiery seemed to prefer more raucous entertainment.
He entered the tavern to see that Quatlu had already arrived. "Greetings Goodman Jorl" he called. "A flagon of chilled cider for myself, and another stout for Quatlu here. And bring a platter of your cured meats and cheese with some pickles. I have been thinking of Mother Jorl's tangy mustard chutney all summer - now to see if it is as good as I remember".
Sitting down in the accustomed corner he greeted his friend. "It's good to be home is it not? That was a tough summer's fighting and thank Orlanth it was successful. I will be leading a service in the first week of this month and I will call on our cult brothers and sisters to honour our heroes, especially those who fell in battle. I regret that this will prevent my attendance at your party, but Yealla and I will certainly be at the actual ceremony in the 2nd week! And then we will need to travel to Dunstop for the Royal Feast. This will be a busy month indeed!"

[Quatlu]

As Drighten Erik entered the Pea Pod, Quatlu smiled and stood to greet his old friend and fellow Sword Brother. He nodded at Erik's words of praise for mama's cooking, as he knew he himself had also thought of the excellent vittles this establishment produced. "Yes indeed, it's truly good to be back in Boldhome and to enjoy the comforts of civilization again. This was a very bloody campaign, but we've weathered another season fighting the Lunars and are both sitting here to tell the tale."

He took a long swig of stout and wiped his mustache and beard clear of the foam, then said, "I'm sorry I will miss your ceremony in the Great Temple, Erik, but the time remaining to wed my loving Darra grows short, so I hope you understand my missing your service. I know it will be a moving tribute to the fallen this past Fire Period. With the recent announcement of the Royal Feast in Tarsh, I must also cancel my plans to attend Fionn's advanced tactics class at the Academy. I hope he will offer additional opportunities to attend his excellent discussions next month."

A bite of a pickle and a swig of stout, then he added warmly, "I am glad to hear that you and Yealla will be attending our wedding in Week Two. It would not be the same without you two there." An idea then occurred to Quatlu and he added, "Which reminds me, old man, since we will all be heading off to Dunstop for the King's Autumn Feast, may I suggest that we all ride together and enjoy the travel time in good company? What do you think, Erik?"

[Erik]

Erik swiftly concurred with his friends suggestion. "Your words have merit, as usual, Quatlu. Kordros island might be freed from the Lunar Yoke but there may well be stragglers around from the Lunatic armies making travel hazardous. It would be wise for all guests heading to the King's Feast to travel in company to and from Dunstop. But, whilst we are in Tarsh, we can show our ladies some of the sights. I especially wish to show Yealla the great Temple of Ernalda at Heruvernalda. owever, We could also visit some of the battlefields where so many of our swordbrothers and swordsisters fell, to honour their great sacrifice".
Erik took a good pull at his flagon of cool cider and continued. "But to happier thoughts! I must arrange for new outfits for Yealla and myself for your wedding and for the Royal Feast. I plan to use Grumbold's fine emporium. I fear I cannot enter Erinestra's shop whilst she has the stigma of coward hanging over her. I had thought better of her, I am shocked at her actions. Hopefully she will redeem herself before too many more months have passed."

[Quatlu]

Qutalu nodded and replied, "There is truth to the saying that there is safety in numbers, and with our ladies along with us, we must do all we can to protect them during the trip there and back. Perhaps we should extend an invitation to travel in our party to all our friends attending the Autumn Feast. I also like the idea of visiting the battlefields in the area to honor our fallen." A long pull on his tankard and a satisfying smile, then Quatlu said, "I started shopping at Grumbold's when he joined the Royal Foot Guards, and I have always been pleased with the results. He has always treated me fairly, and never disappointed. As to Erinestra, I too was surprised by her poltroonery, and I hope she will act with honor to clear her name."