The Heirs of Britain - Game Nine Point Five

   The Heirs of Britain

Session 9.5: 482; Meat Tiles and Tender Hearts

__________ Winter 482 – Christmas, Sarum __________ 

A Christmas feast at Sarum; the normal comings and goings of notables. Sir Elvorix is absent; his relationship with the Earl still strained, and stretched to breaking-point with Roderick’s guard Sir Edar. Vandagild too is disposed; dead or lost searching for Uvan.

The comely Sir Iwan waits quietly at the side of the hall, fresh from his adventure in the forest with the Woodland Demons and the Pair of Princes. A knight arrives, dressed finely; Iwan knows not from where he hails, but many nearby make note of his arrival: Sir Statirius, he is named. Moreover, the Pictish Huntsman Sir Golistan is present; to those present he describes passionately what happened to his son, Uvan. He places the blame squarely on Sir Iwan, pointing sharply at the young knight from across the room; his face is reddened. Iwan, in his modesty, doesn't defend these claims; he accepts the fault for the missing squire and says nothing.

A young courtier approaches the modest man before the feast; Seriol, his name: Is it true? Golistan's son was lost under your care? Iwan admits it, telling that Sir Vandagild too was lost trying to find him. Iwan yet says that he will venture in the Spring to find them, and rescue them from those fell woods. The man is shocked; Fae in Imber? Iwan explains the situation, citing Meliodus, Madoc and Elvorix as support.

Seriol asks what set them on this quest to Imber; a task from God? No, simply Sir Cadel, who entreated them to help. The man is fascinated, bringing others to hear the tale. Come, come hear this tale of Iwan the Demon Hunter! Iwan tells the tale; he is an excellent storyteller, peer to Vandagild, though he is more subdued in flexing those skills. He gives the glory of the efforts to Madoc, Meliodus, Vandagild and Elvorix; he is honest for his part. He explains the fighting withdrawal with the wounded men, hounded by the Demonic Hag and her Black Dogs. His quiet seriousness, and his suspicion Fae magic add weight to the story: He delivers it with integrity, spoken proper weight and timing. All present are deeply rapt, calls of desperation wanting to know what comes next!

“Worry thee not, fellows” Iwan explains, “for I do gather about me such good and skilled men for an expedition to retrieve Vandagild and Uvan; and yea, to hunt and slay the Demonic Hag, for once and ever.”

The energy is tense but excited; some are worried about the creature that stalks Salisbury's woods. Before this crowd, Iwan swears an Oath: He will rescue Vandagild and Uvan. He tells that he seeks Sir Sigurant the Brown, the famous adventurer and hunter, to help. This creates murmurs of excitement; many whisper, controversially, that they hear no talk of Sir Golistan seeking such aid. The crowd take Iwan's side, by and large: His weighty Oratory turning many opinions. Alas, the humble knight laments that Golistan may be besmirched, but hopes only to see all returned well. The crowd disperses, and Iwan notices nothing further amiss...

__________ The Feast begins! __________

Notable guests include: Prince Madoc; The Earl Roderick; Sir Myles; Sir Golistan the Hunter; Sir Edar (Roderick’s Guard, and the losing duellist at Bedegraine); and the apparently notable Sir Statirius.

The air is tense; there are fewer riches to go around, for little was gained in Summerland. Earl Roderick, in particular, seems to carry extra weight this year; Iwan guesses that the presence of the Demon in his lands causes concern. Golden haired Iwan, for his part, presents well; though he always does. He is seated Near the Salt for this feast.

A gangly servant tinkles a bell for attention; A nasal voice pierces the rumble. The first course is announced and served: Pastries (plum, quince, and apple).

Earl Roderick stands and calls attention. He raises his goblet, toasting the efforts of Salisbury's knights against Summerland, whose men are scheming, miscreant foes, lacking courage to meet us in battle. He calls attention to those on garrison between these two lands, and asks all present to drink for those who defend us there so we can enjoy our feast here. Sir Iwan, already an object of attention, is the first to shout his cheer; he times it well, and his now-familiar voice brings joy to the hall! The gathered folk enjoy the sweet pastries and heady beverages, full of mirth.

Second course is delivered: Meat Tiles; morsels of beef, swine and fowl, spiced delicately and roasted until tender and juicy. They are served on small miniatures of houses, each tile covering a mock-up house; when eaten, each house reveals the sweetmeats and other treats within. A side of blood pudding adds to the course.

Eating little as usual, Iwan finds time to wander. His meandering brings him to the hall's hounds nearby, which bark at him savagely. He carries a small morsel of the blood pudding, and gently offers it to the baying creatures. Immediately they calm. Noting this, Iwan spends some time with the animals through the evening, whistling a particular pitch before feeding them more meats... As the eve progresses, they respond more and faster to his whistles...

__________ A Breath of Fresh Air __________

Third course: Herb fritters. A moorish base of cheesy corn and barley, topped with a crumbed crust of the finest herbs, including woolyhood and crowsbeak; delicate flavours brought at modest expense from distant continents. 

Iwan, spent from the attention and concerned for his indulgence this evening, skips the course, taking a refreshing break in the frosty British air. Enjoying the moonlit yard, and the nuzzling of hounds, Iwan leans heavily on fence. His blonde locks gently tousled by the winds, his cheeks softly flushed with cold and drink. Soon: A sigh from beside him; a lady stands at his side; one he missed approach. Iwan nods politely, offering companionable silence as he continues to enjoy the silvery clouds. The lady is comely, warm brown hair framing a face full of deep brown eyes; Iwan catches these briefly, spying brightness and warmth. The man notes her fine and fashionable new clothes. She sighs heavily, once more: Unsubtle. Iwan asks gently if anything is amiss; as he turns, he sees quite clearly that she acts a part, wanting evidently for his attention. Her feigned surprise is obvious, she coyly tells him nothing is the matter, and she means not to disturb Sir Knight...

Iwan offers small words to break the ice: “You are no disturbance, my Lady. I pray thee took pleasure from the chef’s work; I must confess, the Meat Tiles brought me no small… intrigue.”

She laughs sweetly, also uncertain of the Mysteries of the Meat Tile. They smile easily together. As they talk, the lady laments that she is under such pressure in her life; one can never relax or socialise comfortably.

With a sympathetic look, she offers: “It was getting awfully stuffy in there, I'm sure you will agree...”

She introduces herself as Lady Eleri, daughter of the Banneret Sir Hywell. Asking of his name, she quickly answers herself: “Forgive me Sir, are ye not that man of the hour, the Demon Hunter, who went with the Prince and the others? Sir Iwan, is it?”

Sir Iwan acknowledges, and affirms her suspicion, sorrowfully telling that he failed many good knights. The lady disagrees: She hears he is a hero, and is fighting to save them all. Iwan's guilt is strong, however, and he feels shame for the loss of the boy and Sir Vandagild. She commends these traits; they speak of a good Christian man, and a strong man with a bright future. Iwan thanks her sincerely.

She places her hand gently upon his muscular arm; “Sir, I confess truly: modesty looks quite good on a fine knight such as thee.”

Iwan blushes softly; he is hesitant, but the woman is kind and beautiful. Their conversation is easy and they share common views. Though Iwan speaks well, he flirts nervously, his heart aflutter from the Lady's attention; but this worries her not. Many clouds pass they moon as they talk.

Soon, alas: She sighs heavily. She must not be doing this, for she is a married woman. Recently, in fact, to Sir Statirius. A man she admits she is not fond of; he is not the man she wishes for, though her father, Sir Hywell, wishes the best for them both. She yearns for the company of someone better. She does not look at Iwan now, but he feels her intent clearly.

Iwan too, also recently married, echoes: He too was wanting for something else. He has no great love for his wife, and cares not for her overly spiritual nature.

The two sigh: Their eyes lock; a seriousness briefly smothers their easy manner.

Iwan feels a powerful Amor swelling in his chest.

Lady Eleri leans close, her lips touch his cheek, and she departs inside.

__________

 Image: Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs by Frederic William Burton, 1864

King Arthur Pendragon 5.2