> > > >Hue finishes his breakfast and bides his time
> > going over his gear,
> > > starting with his winter clothing.
> > >
> > > >"I'm not sure'a that song of yours. I like beer
> > an' all, but no
> > bacon?
> > > That's th' talk ov'a madman!" He twits Owan.


"Aye, lad, but 'tween bacon an' beer, I'd go with th' beer ten times
outta ten," Owan says, grinning.  "Bacon fills m' belly, but beer -
ahhh.  It's almos' a religious experience."  The corporal laughs.

> > > "Bacon, hehe." Rowan chuckles looking at Owan briefly.
> > "So lads and
> > lady, we
> > > done discussing our options?"
> > >
> >
> >
> > Hue thinks a moment and says, "Yep." Nodding, "Time for
> > action."
> >
> As the servants clear the table the door opens and Lorn and the Friar
come in.
> Pausing toi stamp the snow from his boots and hang up his cloak, the
Friar comes to the table.
> "Your man," He indicates Lorn.  "Has told me of your need for
snowshoes and winter gear.  I have arranged the loan of several pairs of
snowshoes and a draw sled."  He hesitates a moment.  "Ector has been to
see me...  I have spoken to several of our young men about guiding you.
I can not say whether any are willing... Ider has already spoken to
several."


Owan is standing when the Friar returns, and he nods his head in
deference.  "Thank'ee, Friar," he says.  "We'll need all th' help we can
get t' get to th' heart a' this mystery."

> >
> > Athamar will study spellcraft while he waits in between
> > finishing the
> > spellcasting for tonight.
> >
> > "Thank you." Athamar will look at the sheet. "That's a
> > large number of
> > people outside the walls."
> >
>
> Sir Garion shrugs, "This area is considered safe, for the most part.
Stock thieves, an occasional brigand... Most homesteads are stoutly
built. The walls of Tralee were built for the Rebellion. Its not like
the border lands, My Lord."
>


"Good thing. I have the bolts ready, Sir Knight. The light is quite
bright, and I hope it doesn't interfere with a man's aim. Still, they
will be lobbing them into darkness."

> > Hue thinks a moment and says, "Yep." Nodding, "Time for
> > action."
> >
>
> As the servants clear the table the door opens and Lorn and the Friar
come in.
> Pausing toi stamp the snow from his boots and hang up his cloak, the
Friar comes to the table.
> "Your man," He indicates Lorn. "Has told me of your need for snowshoes
and winter gear. I have arranged the loan of several pairs of snowshoes
and a draw sled." He hesitates a moment. "Ector has been to see me... I
have spoken to several of our young men about guiding you. I can not say
whether any are willing... Ider has already spoken to several."
>


Hue nods, but the Friar is clearly addressing Owan, since Lorn is his
man, so he looks interested but doesn't interrupt.

>
> > >
> > > Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back
> at Sir
> > > Garion.
> > >
> > > Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back
> at Sir
> > > Garion.  In
> > > response to Athamar, Teloran says, "As you say,
> sir.
> > > If you need me,
> > > I'll be in my quarters."   With
> this,
> > > Teloran takes his leave of Athamar
> > > and repairs to his room.
> > >
>
> > It will be early afternoon when Sir Garion returns to
> Lord Athamar.
> > With a slight bow the knight holds up a sheet of
> parchment.
> > "I have spoken with the Priest and the elders of
> Tralee. There are
> twenty seven farmsteads outside the walls. A total of two
> hundred and
> twenty nine people. Most of the hunters live outside the
> walls in the
> farmsteads. There are two, of any note, who live inside the
> walls. They
> will be coming here, to the tavern, shortly."
> >
>
>
> Athamar will study spellcraft while he waits in between
> finishing the
> spellcasting for tonight.
>
> "Thank you." Athamar will look at the sheet. "That's a
> large number of
> people outside the walls."
>
>

Sir Garion shrugs, "This area is considered safe, for the most part.  Stock
thieves, an occasional brigand... Most homesteads are stoutly built.  The walls
of Tralee were built for the Rebellion.  Its not like the border lands, My
Lord."

>
> > >Hue finishes his breakfast and bides his time
> going over his gear,
> > starting with his winter clothing.
> >
> > >"I'm not sure'a that song of yours. I like beer
> an' all, but no
> bacon?
> > That's th' talk ov'a madman!" He twits Owan.
> >
> > "Bacon, hehe." Rowan chuckles looking at Owan briefly.
> "So lads and
> lady, we
> > done discussing our options?"
> >
>
>
> Hue thinks a moment and says, "Yep." Nodding, "Time for
> action."
>
>


As the servants clear the table the door opens and Lorn and the Friar come in.
Pausing toi stamp the snow from his boots and hang up his cloak, the Friar comes
to the table.
"Your man," He indicates Lorn.  "Has told me of your need for snowshoes and
winter gear.  I have arranged the loan of several pairs of snowshoes and a draw
sled."  He hesitates a moment.  "Ector has been to see me...  I have spoken to
several of our young men about guiding you.  I can not say whether any are
willing... Ider has already spoken to several."

> >
> > Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back at Sir
> > Garion.
> >
> > Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back at Sir
> > Garion.  In
> > response to Athamar, Teloran says, "As you say, sir.
> > If you need me,
> > I'll be in my quarters."   With this,
> > Teloran takes his leave of Athamar
> > and repairs to his room.
> >

> It will be early afternoon when Sir Garion returns to Lord Athamar.
> With a slight bow the knight holds up a sheet of parchment.
> "I have spoken with the Priest and the elders of Tralee. There are
twenty seven farmsteads outside the walls. A total of two hundred and
twenty nine people. Most of the hunters live outside the walls in the
farmsteads. There are two, of any note, who live inside the walls. They
will be coming here, to the tavern, shortly."
>


Athamar will study spellcraft while he waits in between finishing the
spellcasting for tonight.

"Thank you." Athamar will look at the sheet. "That's a large number of
people outside the walls."

> > > >
> > > > "We already have a plan for tonight which I
> see no reason
> > > > to change. I
> > > > suggest making a list of who live outside
> the walls or
> > > > roams farther
> > > > from the village than the fields, such as
> hunters or
> > > > peddlers, and ask
> > > > them if they have seen or heard anything.
> All in pursuit of
> > > > the
> > > > nocturnal noises, of course." Athamar takes
> sip of tea,
> > > > looking about
> > > > casually to see if they are being observed.
> "Being near the
> > > > famous
> > > > battle, it might be worth asking if any
> hunters venture
> > > > down that way,
> > > > ask them if they have noted any change in
> game
> > > > movements,  behavior,
> > > > absences, carcasses or spooked animals."
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > Sir Garion nods, "Very well, my lord. I will
> speak with the village
> > leaders and the local Priest. Between them they should
> be able to
> > provide us with names. Considering the weather
> everyone of interest
> will
> > probably be home." He sets aside his empty mug and
> stands up. "I will
> > rejoin you later." The knight gathers his cloak and
> leaves with a nod
> to
> > Teloran.
> > >
> >
> >
> > Athamar sits back and drinks his tea before it gets
> cold. "Best get
> some
> > rest before night. Although we may end up interviewing
> some locals
> this
> > afternoon."
> >
>
> Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back at Sir
> Garion.
>
> Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back at Sir
> Garion.  In
> response to Athamar, Teloran says, "As you say, sir. 
> If you need me,
> I'll be in my quarters."   With this,
> Teloran takes his leave of Athamar
> and repairs to his room.
>
>

It will be early afternoon when Sir Garion returns to Lord Athamar.
With a slight bow the knight holds up a sheet of parchment.
"I have spoken with the Priest and the elders of Tralee.  There are twenty seven
farmsteads outside the walls. A total of two hundred and twenty nine people. 
Most of the hunters live outside the walls in the farmsteads.  There are two, of
any note, who live inside the walls.  They will be coming here, to the tavern,
shortly."

>
> >Hue finishes his breakfast and bides his time going over his gear,
> starting with his winter clothing.
>
> >"I'm not sure'a that song of yours. I like beer an' all, but no
bacon?
> That's th' talk ov'a madman!" He twits Owan.
>
> "Bacon, hehe." Rowan chuckles looking at Owan briefly. "So lads and
lady, we
> done discussing our options?"
>


Hue thinks a moment and says, "Yep." Nodding, "Time for action."

> Lorn gets to his feet. "Ah'll poke about the stables, see if there be
any snowshoes we can use." He drains off his cider and with a nod to Hue
and Owen, heads for the door.
>

>Hue finishes his breakfast and bides his time going over his gear,
starting with his winter clothing.

>"I'm not sure'a that song of yours. I like beer an' all, but no bacon?
That's th' talk ov'a madman!" He twits Owan.

"Bacon, hehe." Rowan chuckles looking at Owan briefly. "So lads and lady, we
done discussing our options?"

--- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, Missiledine <missiledine@...>
wrote:
>
>
> > > > Lorn accepts the cider from Hue with a nod of
> > thanks and says,
> > "Horses
> > > will be no damn good till the snow melts some. Best
> > see if the locals
> > > ave some snow shoes. Not likely ta find any sign in
> > this lot,
> > specially
> > > since its been so long. So no point trekkin to the
> > places where folk
> > ave
> > > been killed. Mebbe ask the hunters if there be any
> > open water or salt
> > > licks about. Might be a good place ta start."
> > >
> > > Owan settles up his tab at the bar, then turns to
> > listen to Lorn.
> > > Rubbing his chin, Owan says, "Aye, a good plan, lad. I
> > don' wanta stay
> > > cooped up in town more'n we hafta."
> > >
> >
> >
> > Hue agrees. "I'm for that. At least there'll be trails."
> >
> >
> >
>
> Lorn gets to his feet. "Ah'll poke about the stables, see if there be
any snowshoes we can use." He drains off his cider and with a nod to Hue
and Owen, heads for the door.
>


Hue finishes his breakfast and bides his time going over his gear,
starting with his winter clothing.

"I'm not sure'a that song of yours. I like beer an' all, but no bacon?
That's th' talk ov'a madman!" He twits Owan.

> > > Lorn accepts the cider from Hue with a nod of
> thanks and says,
> "Horses
> > will be no damn good till the snow melts some. Best
> see if the locals
> > ave some snow shoes. Not likely ta find any sign in
> this lot,
> specially
> > since its been so long. So no point trekkin to the
> places where folk
> ave
> > been killed. Mebbe ask the hunters if there be any
> open water or salt
> > licks about. Might be a good place ta start."
> >
> > Owan settles up his tab at the bar, then turns to
> listen to Lorn.
> > Rubbing his chin, Owan says, "Aye, a good plan, lad. I
> don' wanta stay
> > cooped up in town more'n we hafta."
> >
>
>
> Hue agrees. "I'm for that. At least there'll be trails."
>
>
>

Lorn gets to his feet.  "Ah'll poke about the stables, see if there be any
snowshoes we can use."  He drains off his cider and with a nod to Hue and Owen,
heads for the door.

--- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, "everydaymick" <everydaymick@...>
wrote:
>
> > Derek waves off the cider and stands, "Ah'll check on the horses."
He
> leaves the tavern for the stables.
> >
> > Lorn accepts the cider from Hue with a nod of thanks and says,
"Horses
> will be no damn good till the snow melts some. Best see if the locals
> ave some snow shoes. Not likely ta find any sign in this lot,
specially
> since its been so long. So no point trekkin to the places where folk
ave
> been killed. Mebbe ask the hunters if there be any open water or salt
> licks about. Might be a good place ta start."
>
> Owan settles up his tab at the bar, then turns to listen to Lorn.
> Rubbing his chin, Owan says, "Aye, a good plan, lad. I don' wanta stay
> cooped up in town more'n we hafta."
>


Hue agrees. "I'm for that. At least there'll be trails."

> Derek waves off the cider and stands, "Ah'll check on the horses." He
leaves the tavern for the stables.
>
> Lorn accepts the cider from Hue with a nod of thanks and says, "Horses
will be no damn good till the snow melts some.  Best see if the locals
ave some snow shoes.  Not likely ta find any sign in this lot, specially
since its been so long. So no point trekkin to the places where folk ave
been killed.   Mebbe ask the hunters if there be any open water or salt
licks about.  Might be a good place ta start."

Owan settles up his tab at the bar, then turns to listen to Lorn.
Rubbing his chin, Owan says, "Aye, a good plan, lad.  I don' wanta stay
cooped up in town more'n we hafta."

>>Hue looks around, no nobles here, therefore no gentlefolk. Rowan must be
jesting. He turns slightly, to address the question. "Don't carry a
weapon 'less I can use it, Master Rowan." he rests his hand lightly on
the hilt of his sword. "Broadsword an' crossbow, spear an' knife. Prefer
a light mace t' an axe, good for breakin' heads. Thinkin' of takin' up
arms, then? Good idea t' be able t' fight when it drops in th' pot."

>Derek waves off the cider and stands, "Ah'll check on the horses." He
>leaves the tavern for the stables.

>Lorn accepts the cider from Hue with a nod of thanks and says, "Horses will
>be no damn good till the snow melts some. Best see if the locals ave some
>snow shoes. Not likely ta find any sign in this lot, specially since its
>been so long. So no point trekkin to the places where folk ave been killed.
>Mebbe ask the hunters if there be any open water or salt licks about. Might
>be a good place ta start."

Rowan nods at Hue. "I use a spear as you can see." The mage shows his boar
spear, a weapon good for the hunt, as well impaling a foe. "For the rest I'm
considered moderately capable in unarmed combat." Compared to Hue, Rowan
felt inadequate in his weapon abilities.

Seeing Derek refuse a cider makes him wonder, if he doesn't like the drink
or just letting Lorn have it. "We need to best equipped as possible, the
weather is bleeding annoying... We'll see what we can get in this village we
missing or is better then what we got."

Rowan gives a wink at Melody who seemed silent throughout most of the
conversation. She seemed reserved, perhaps even shy in the company of couple
of though lads. "You have enough warm clothes Melody? There is a danger of
clothing getting wet or sweaty and you can get cool down fast." The mage
smiled faintly.

> > Ector frowns slightly as Hue
> speaks. He does not touch the cider.
> "There are several of our young men who hunt the forest
> often. Deer,
> even boar and bear. They are NOT cowards." He shoots a
> glance at Rowan.
> "I will speak with them and see if they are willing." He
> gets up and
> with a nod departs.
> >
>
> >Hue nods back. After Ector leaves he picks up the
> cider. "Can't let this
> go to waste." Hue is not surprised that he didn't touch it,
> doing so
> would have meant drinking with at the same table as someone
> who pissed
> him off. He returns to his table to finish breakfast.
> "Two's my limit
> for breakfast. One'a you guys want this cider?" He asks the
> troopers.
>
> "Hmpf..." Rowan glances as he watched the second old guy
> leaving. He
> couldn't care less about the hurt pride of these folk, they
> practically
> begged them to come here... Atleast that was the way he saw
> it. "Perhaps a
> brave youth would suit best, they usually got spunk in 'm
> and dare challenge
> danger." Rowan chuckled at the sight of a while ago. Angry
> oldies, an upset
> Owan and an indifferent Hue... or atleast that what he
> noticed.
>
> "So gents, what weapons have you trained and excelled in
> combat? Swords,
> Axes, Maces?" The mage spoke trying to lighten the subject,
> followed by a
> combination of gulps as the cider was mastered.
>
>

Derek waves off the cider and stands, "Ah'll check on the horses." He leaves the
tavern for the stables.

Lorn accepts the cider from Hue with a nod of thanks and says, "Horses will be
no damn good till the snow melts some.  Best see if the locals ave some snow
shoes.  Not likely ta find any sign in this lot, specially since its been so
long. So no point trekkin to the places where folk ave been killed.   Mebbe ask
the hunters if there be any open water or salt licks about.  Might be a good
place ta start."

--- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, "Nyayr" <j.wevers@...> wrote:
>
> > Ector frowns slightly as Hue speaks. He does not touch the cider.
> "There are several of our young men who hunt the forest often. Deer,
> even boar and bear. They are NOT cowards." He shoots a glance at
Rowan.
> "I will speak with them and see if they are willing." He gets up and
> with a nod departs.
> >
>
> >Hue nods back. After Ector leaves he picks up the cider. "Can't let
this
> go to waste." Hue is not surprised that he didn't touch it, doing so
> would have meant drinking with at the same table as someone who pissed
> him off. He returns to his table to finish breakfast. "Two's my limit
> for breakfast. One'a you guys want this cider?" He asks the troopers.
>
> "Hmpf..." Rowan glances as he watched the second old guy leaving. He
> couldn't care less about the hurt pride of these folk, they
practically
> begged them to come here... Atleast that was the way he saw it.
"Perhaps a
> brave youth would suit best, they usually got spunk in 'm and dare
challenge
> danger." Rowan chuckled at the sight of a while ago. Angry oldies, an
upset
> Owan and an indifferent Hue... or atleast that what he noticed.
>
> "So gents, what weapons have you trained and excelled in combat?
Swords,
> Axes, Maces?" The mage spoke trying to lighten the subject, followed
by a
> combination of gulps as the cider was mastered.



Hue looks around, no nobles here, therefore no gentlefolk. Rowan must be
jesting. He turns slightly, to address the question. "Don't carry a
weapon 'less I can use it, Master Rowan." he rests his hand lightly on
the hilt of his sword. "Broadsword an' crossbow, spear an' knife. Prefer
a light mace t' an axe, good for breakin' heads. Thinkin' of takin' up
arms, then? Good idea t' be able t' fight when it drops in th' pot."

> Ector frowns slightly as Hue speaks. He does not touch the cider.
"There are several of our young men who hunt the forest often. Deer,
even boar and bear. They are NOT cowards." He shoots a glance at Rowan.
"I will speak with them and see if they are willing." He gets up and
with a nod departs.
>

>Hue nods back. After Ector leaves he picks up the cider. "Can't let this
go to waste." Hue is not surprised that he didn't touch it, doing so
would have meant drinking with at the same table as someone who pissed
him off. He returns to his table to finish breakfast. "Two's my limit
for breakfast. One'a you guys want this cider?" He asks the troopers.

"Hmpf..." Rowan glances as he watched the second old guy leaving. He
couldn't care less about the hurt pride of these folk, they practically
begged them to come here... Atleast that was the way he saw it. "Perhaps a
brave youth would suit best, they usually got spunk in 'm and dare challenge
danger." Rowan chuckled at the sight of a while ago. Angry oldies, an upset
Owan and an indifferent Hue... or atleast that what he noticed.

"So gents, what weapons have you trained and excelled in combat? Swords,
Axes, Maces?" The mage spoke trying to lighten the subject, followed by a
combination of gulps as the cider was mastered.

> >
> > He returns to the table with four tankards of cider,
> > putting one in
> > front of the Rowan, he smiles at Melody as he gives one to
> > her, and one
> > to the remaining oldster.
> >
> > "Well, Ector, is it? I'd sure appreciate a guide. Like
> > t'see where folk
> > gone missing, Get a feel fer th' land hereabouts. If you've
> > a name, I'll
> > go chat wit' 'im."
> >
>
> Ector frowns slightly as Hue speaks. He does not touch the cider.
"There are several of our young men who hunt the forest often. Deer,
even boar and bear. They are NOT cowards." He shoots a glance at Rowan.
"I will speak with them and see if they are willing." He gets up and
with a nod departs.
>


Hue nods back. After Ector leaves he picks up the cider. "Can't let this
go to waste." Hue is not surprised that he didn't touch it, doing so
would have meant drinking with at the same table as someone who pissed
him off. He returns to his table to finish breakfast. "Two's my limit
for breakfast. One'a you guys want this cider?" He asks the troopers.

> > > Rowan shrugs it off, looking at Hue. "I would
> enjoy some cider Hue,
> > Perhaps
> > > Melody would too? I also wouldn't mind something
> heartey with that."
> > Setting
> > > himself he awaited his cider, filling diner time
> with small talk. It
> > felt
> > > unlikely they would find a willing guide in this
> village, though you
> > could
> > > never know.
> > >
> >
> > Owan looks at Rowan blankly. Then, he turns to the
> remaining villager
> > and opens his mouth as if to speak, but closes his
> mouth again, stands
> > up, and walks over to the bar, where he whispers
> something to Hue.
> >
> > "I'm not bein paid t' think," he says in an undertone.
> "But we can't
> > afford ta bloody piss off th' good folk here. Fire an'
> brimstone!" He
> > drains his tankard and sets it down.
> >
>
> Hue orders the ciders, puting some coins on the wood. "When
> in doubt,
> hit it wit' sumthin' big an' heavy." He quotes his mentor
> Wendol, who
> isn't here to offer advice. Not particularly useful advice
> at the moment
> but it will do. Wendol had told Hue that his Lord's sending
> him here was
> a test, and the knife he was loaned his trust. Best act or
> his Lord'll
> ask him why he didn't later.
>
> He returns to the table with four tankards of cider,
> putting one in
> front of the Rowan, he smiles at Melody as he gives one to
> her, and one
> to the remaining oldster.
>
> "Well, Ector, is it? I'd sure appreciate a guide. Like
> t'see where folk
> gone missing, Get a feel fer th' land hereabouts. If you've
> a name, I'll
> go chat wit' 'im."
>

Ector frowns slightly as Hue speaks.  He does not touch the cider. "There are
several of our young men who hunt the forest often.  Deer, even boar and bear. 
They are NOT cowards."  He shoots a glance at Rowan.  "I will speak with them
and see if they are willing."  He gets up and with a nod departs.

--- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, "everydaymick" <everydaymick@...>
wrote:
>
>
> --- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, "Nyayr" j.wevers@ wrote:
> >
> > >> The two men exchange looks and when Ector starts to speak, Ider
> raises
> > a finger to still him. Ider looks at the mage, his face very cold
and
> > still, his eyes narrowing in anger.
> > >> "Ye may be a wizard an all, an ken all sorts of things we ereabot
> > canna guess at. But yer damn short of sense when it comes ta other
> > matters. Tis not a question of courage that es keepin folk ome
today.
> It
> > be the snow drifts, some igher then this room. It be the wind an
cold
> an
> > the fact that orses break legs in snow like this an men collapse
from
> > exhaustion. So afore ye go rollin yer eyes at us simple folk an
> > questionin our courage, perhaps ye best know of what ye speak." Ider
> > stands up abruptly and stalks to the door.
> > >
> >
> > >Hue watches him go without expression. He gets up, saying "Anyone
> else
> > want more cider?" He goes to the bar for more cider and asks for
some
> > more bacon. Bacon and cider. yummy.
> >
> > Rowan shrugs it off, looking at Hue. "I would enjoy some cider Hue,
> Perhaps
> > Melody would too? I also wouldn't mind something heartey with that."
> Setting
> > himself he awaited his cider, filling diner time with small talk. It
> felt
> > unlikely they would find a willing guide in this village, though you
> could
> > never know.
> >
>
> Owan looks at Rowan blankly. Then, he turns to the remaining villager
> and opens his mouth as if to speak, but closes his mouth again, stands
> up, and walks over to the bar, where he whispers something to Hue.
>
> "I'm not bein paid t' think," he says in an undertone. "But we can't
> afford ta bloody piss off th' good folk here. Fire an' brimstone!" He
> drains his tankard and sets it down.
>

Hue orders the ciders, puting some coins on the wood. "When in doubt,
hit it wit' sumthin' big an' heavy." He quotes his mentor Wendol, who
isn't here to offer advice. Not particularly useful advice at the moment
but it will do. Wendol had told Hue that his Lord's sending him here was
a test, and the knife he was loaned his trust. Best act or his Lord'll
ask him why he didn't later.

He returns to the table with four tankards of cider, putting one in
front of the Rowan, he smiles at Melody as he gives one to her, and one
to the remaining oldster.

"Well, Ector, is it? I'd sure appreciate a guide. Like t'see where folk
gone missing, Get a feel fer th' land hereabouts. If you've a name, I'll
go chat wit' 'im."

--- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, "Nyayr" <j.wevers@...> wrote:
>
> >> The two men exchange looks and when Ector starts to speak, Ider
raises
> a finger to still him. Ider looks at the mage, his face very cold and
> still, his eyes narrowing in anger.
> >> "Ye may be a wizard an all, an ken all sorts of things we ereabot
> canna guess at. But yer damn short of sense when it comes ta other
> matters. Tis not a question of courage that es keepin folk ome today.
It
> be the snow drifts, some igher then this room. It be the wind an cold
an
> the fact that orses break legs in snow like this an men collapse from
> exhaustion. So afore ye go rollin yer eyes at us simple folk an
> questionin our courage, perhaps ye best know of what ye speak." Ider
> stands up abruptly and stalks to the door.
> >
>
> >Hue watches him go without expression. He gets up, saying "Anyone
else
> want more cider?" He goes to the bar for more cider and asks for some
> more bacon. Bacon and cider. yummy.
>
> Rowan shrugs it off, looking at Hue. "I would enjoy some cider Hue,
Perhaps
> Melody would too? I also wouldn't mind something heartey with that."
Setting
> himself he awaited his cider, filling diner time with small talk. It
felt
> unlikely they would find a willing guide in this village, though you
could
> never know.
>

Owan looks at Rowan blankly.  Then, he turns to the remaining villager
and opens his mouth as if to speak, but closes his mouth again, stands
up, and walks over to the bar, where he whispers something to Hue.

"I'm not bein paid t' think," he says in an undertone.  "But we can't
afford ta bloody piss off th' good folk here.  Fire an' brimstone!"   He
drains his tankard and sets it down.

>> The two men exchange looks and when Ector starts to speak, Ider raises
a finger to still him. Ider looks at the mage, his face very cold and
still, his eyes narrowing in anger.
>> "Ye may be a wizard an all, an ken all sorts of things we ereabot
canna guess at. But yer damn short of sense when it comes ta other
matters. Tis not a question of courage that es keepin folk ome today. It
be the snow drifts, some igher then this room. It be the wind an cold an
the fact that orses break legs in snow like this an men collapse from
exhaustion. So afore ye go rollin yer eyes at us simple folk an
questionin our courage, perhaps ye best know of what ye speak." Ider
stands up abruptly and stalks to the door.
>

>Hue watches him go without expression. He gets up, saying "Anyone else
want more cider?" He goes to the bar for more cider and asks for some
more bacon. Bacon and cider. yummy.

Rowan shrugs it off, looking at Hue. "I would enjoy some cider Hue, Perhaps
Melody would too? I also wouldn't mind something heartey with that." Setting
himself he awaited his cider, filling diner time with small talk. It felt
unlikely they would find a willing guide in this village, though you could
never know.

--- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, Missiledine <missiledine@...>
wrote:
>
>
> > >> "I wanna guide." Hue nods.
> > "You wanna guide?" He asks Owan. "How 'bout
> > > you guys?" he asks, turning to the troopers at his
> > table.
> > >
> > > Owan grins. "Sure, I'll take one," he says. "No need
> > t' be blunderin
> > about, gettin our own selves eaten."
> >
> > "Aye..." Rowan silences for a brief moment, then speaks at
> > a quiet tone.
> > "Perhaps most people here don't like venturing out, in this
> > bloody...
> > weather... We'll need someone with courage, if non
> > available we need a
> > simple map at the very least." The mage rolls his eyes and
> > sighs.
> >
>
> The two men exchange looks and when Ector starts to speak, Ider raises
a finger to still him. Ider looks at the mage, his face very cold and
still, his eyes narrowing in anger.
> "Ye may be a wizard an all, an ken all sorts of things we ereabot
canna guess at. But yer damn short of sense when it comes ta other
matters. Tis not a question of courage that es keepin folk ome today. It
be the snow drifts, some igher then this room. It be the wind an cold an
the fact that orses break legs in snow like this an men collapse from
exhaustion. So afore ye go rollin yer eyes at us simple folk an
questionin our courage, perhaps ye best know of what ye speak." Ider
stands up abruptly and stalks to the door.
>


Hue watches him go without expression. He gets up, saying "Anyone else
want more cider?" He goes to the bar for more cider and asks for some
more bacon. Bacon and cider. yummy.

> >> "I wanna guide." Hue nods.
> "You wanna guide?" He asks Owan. "How 'bout
> > you guys?" he asks, turning to the troopers at his
> table.
> >
> > Owan grins. "Sure, I'll take one," he says. "No need
> t' be blunderin
> about, gettin our own selves eaten."
>
> "Aye..." Rowan silences for a brief moment, then speaks at
> a quiet tone.
> "Perhaps most people here don't like venturing out, in this
> bloody...
> weather... We'll need someone with courage, if non
> available we need a
> simple map at the very least." The mage rolls his eyes and
> sighs.
>

The two men exchange looks and when Ector starts to speak, Ider raises a finger
to still him.  Ider looks at the mage, his face very cold and still, his eyes
narrowing in anger.
"Ye may be a wizard an all, an ken all sorts of things we ereabot canna guess
at.  But yer damn short of sense when it comes ta other matters.  Tis not a
question of courage that es keepin folk ome today.  It be the snow drifts, some
igher then this room.  It be the wind an cold an the fact that orses break legs
in snow like this an men collapse from exhaustion. So afore ye go rollin yer
eyes at us simple folk an questionin our courage, perhaps ye best know of what
ye speak." Ider stands up abruptly and stalks to the door.

>> "I wanna guide." Hue nods. "You wanna guide?" He asks Owan. "How 'bout
> you guys?" he asks, turning to the troopers at his table.
>
> Owan grins. "Sure, I'll take one," he says. "No need t' be blunderin
about, gettin our own selves eaten."

"Aye..." Rowan silences for a brief moment, then speaks at a quiet tone.
"Perhaps most people here don't like venturing out, in this bloody...
weather... We'll need someone with courage, if non available we need a
simple map at the very least." The mage rolls his eyes and sighs.

--- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, "dukejr01" <dukejr@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In Velitriumpbem@yahoogroups.com, Missiledine missiledine@
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > > > Sir Garion smiles in response. "As you say, my lord.
> > > How do you wish
> > > to proceed?"
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "We already have a plan for tonight which I see no reason
> > > to change. I
> > > suggest making a list of who live outside the walls or
> > > roams farther
> > > from the village than the fields, such as hunters or
> > > peddlers, and ask
> > > them if they have seen or heard anything. All in pursuit of
> > > the
> > > nocturnal noises, of course." Athamar takes sip of tea,
> > > looking about
> > > casually to see if they are being observed. "Being near the
> > > famous
> > > battle, it might be worth asking if any hunters venture
> > > down that way,
> > > ask them if they have noted any change in game
> > > movements,  behavior,
> > > absences, carcasses or spooked animals."
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Sir Garion nods, "Very well, my lord. I will speak with the village
> leaders and the local Priest. Between them they should be able to
> provide us with names. Considering the weather everyone of interest
will
> probably be home." He sets aside his empty mug and stands up. "I will
> rejoin you later." The knight gathers his cloak and leaves with a nod
to
> Teloran.
> >
>
>
> Athamar sits back and drinks his tea before it gets cold. "Best get
some
> rest before night. Although we may end up interviewing some locals
this
> afternoon."
>

Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back at Sir Garion.

Teloran stands as his superior does and nods back at Sir Garion.  In
response to Athamar, Teloran says, "As you say, sir.  If you need me,
I'll be in my quarters."   With this, Teloran takes his leave of Athamar
and repairs to his room.

> "I wanna guide." Hue nods. "You wanna guide?" He asks Owan. "How 'bout
> you guys?" he asks, turning to the troopers at his table.
>

Owan grins.  "Sure, I'll take one," he says.  "No need t' be blunderin
about, gettin our own selves eaten."

> >
> > >Hue looks round, stuffing some bacon in his mouth.
> > "Good idea. Local
> > fella, who's got some fire in 'is belly, 't show us where
> > th' missin'
> > folks lived. Best place t' start, eh?" He nods at the old
> > fellers.
> >
> > "We need an idea if these attacks have a centre that's
> > all." Rowan continues
> > eating his food, with same consistentie of chewing.
> >
> >
>
> "So you don't want a guide?" The old man asks.
>
> "Of course they want a guide." The other man responds. "Didn't you
hear im?" He gestures towards Hue.
>
> "But HE said," The first man jerks a thumb at Rowan. "That all they
need is an idea. Nuthin about a guide."
>
> "Yer an old fool, Ector!"
>
> "An yer a daft one, Ider!"
>
> The two old men glowered sullenly at each other.
>


"I wanna guide." Hue nods. "You wanna guide?" He asks Owan. "How 'bout
you guys?" he asks, turning to the troopers at his table.

> >> The old men glance at each other, clearly not
> certain as to what the
> mage is asking. "We all live around ere." The one says,
> "We've all hunted
> deer or game
> in the area. What is it you want? A guide?"
> >
>
> >Hue looks round, stuffing some bacon in his mouth.
> "Good idea. Local
> fella, who's got some fire in 'is belly, 't show us where
> th' missin'
> folks lived. Best place t' start, eh?" He nods at the old
> fellers.
>
> "We need an idea if these attacks have a centre that's
> all." Rowan continues
> eating his food, with same consistentie of chewing.
>
>

"So you don't want a guide?" The old man asks.

"Of course they want a guide." The other man responds.  "Didn't you hear im?" 
He gestures towards Hue.

"But HE said," The first man jerks a thumb at Rowan. "That all they need is an
idea.  Nuthin about a guide."

"Yer an old fool, Ector!"

"An yer a daft one, Ider!"

The two old men glowered sullenly at each other.

>> OOC: No, there are no maps of the local area. A sketch could be made
but distances will not be to scale and locations only approximate.
>
> IC:
>
>> The old men glance at each other, clearly not certain as to what the
mage is asking. "We all live around ere." The one says, "We've all hunted
deer or game
in the area. What is it you want? A guide?"
>

>Hue looks round, stuffing some bacon in his mouth. "Good idea. Local
fella, who's got some fire in 'is belly, 't show us where th' missin'
folks lived. Best place t' start, eh?" He nods at the old fellers.

"We need an idea if these attacks have a centre that's all." Rowan continues
eating his food, with same consistentie of chewing.