Monday 11 July 2022

The Heirs of Britain - Game Eleven

The Heirs of Britain

Session 11: 483; The King’s Gifts


__________ Spring 483 – Easter at Castle Brown __________
 

Dawn! Sir Vandar rises late, with little pressing business. He sets forth to learn more of how one might impress the famous hunters of Castle Brown. Alas, he knows not the men of this land, and asks a servant for the name and location of a household knight of the castle; predictably he is first directed to Sigurant and Arnoullant. He presses further, for someone less famous. He learns of Sir Nodens, a man known for his love of feast; he may offer some juicy morsel. Vandar goes to find a party; it is a simple task. Hence, he soon finds a Knight matching the description of Sir Nodens: one arm wraps a serving-woman close, and they share cheer together. Enormous Vandar approaches, with humorous phrase praises the man's flirtatious skill. Nodens laughs heartily, and bids the lady fetch them some wine. Vandar settles in nearby, and sips as they chat. Nodens prompts him; Drink up, Sir! Vandar, a temperate man, replies that he wishes to savour the drink; such a sweet gift from a fine lady. Nodens sours a little, hoping for a more indulgent companion. Nonetheless, Vandar entertains by telling the story of Vandagild’s loss, and how he comes to quest for his rescue...

He soon learns that Sigurant and Arnoullant have been gone for three weeks, presumably hunting. This is not uncommon; once they missed a muster for their love of hunt! The beasts of the forest do not play on our timetables. The hunters come back once they've caught their prey, and not often for any other cause. Nodding, Vandar asks the man of Sigurant’s joy at feasts; perhaps he can share tale of past exploits that have cheered him? Nodens happily obliges: While Sigurant likes a show, and the attention, don't try to appeal to him directly; it won't work out. The man is mostly disinterested in lesser knights; not that he means an insult by this.

Nodens leans back, swirling his wineskin thoughtfully: “I know not, Sir, do thee something spontaneous! Once, a poor knight, name quite unrecalled, loudly got himself into a tizzy about some girl... Needless to say he let fly a lengthy tirade, in the middle of the feast no less, about the other man's lack of honour. It went on a full ten minutes, I tell thee, in the midst of the whole affair.” He laughs, “Sigurant liked that, he truly did. It must be genuine though. From the heart” he says, thudding his chest. 

Vandar floats the idea of the story of his cousin, which he feels dearly about... Nodens nods, but adds: “Thou can't be seen to be outshowing him, nor can thee force the thing; just wait for an opportunity. It must be real, see? And fit.”

Vandar replies “Thank thee, Sir Nodens! Truly. Is there anything I can help thee with, except drinking more than is my due?” He chuckles.

“How about drinking as much as your due!” Nodens hands forth another wineskin.

Vandar spends some time with the man, drinking the second skin even more slowly. He makes up for his temperance with witty jokes, and by ingratiating the serving girl unto Sir Nodens with his Aquitanian charm.

__________ Royal Refreshments __________

Elsewhere, Sir Iwan seeks some glorious quest for Sir Myles from among the knights and lords present. He finds an old knight, with men around him; he is treated with grandfatherly respect and deference. Iwan courteously introduces himself, and learns he speaks with Sir Mativan; the venerable man is respectful and polite in response.

Iwan shares his cause: “One of my closest friends, who trained me to be the knight I am today, does court a lady from a wealthy family. He hopes to propose a compelling suit to her parents, and thus must gather Glory and Honor to himself.”

Sir Iwan asks Sir Mativan if there are any tasks they might complete to that end. Mativan doesn't recognise the Lady Trenia's name, but is familiar with this type of plot. He thinks for some time, staring into the distance... He eventually tells that he has no trouble on his lands, for he has none, but he does hear things; people still enjoy his company, even in his age. He assures Sir Iwan that he will send news of any opportunities he hears to Sir Iwan's manor. Iwan tells him his manor in Pitton; Roderick's man, Mativan notes. The esteemed man offers that Roderick is a good knight, and Iwan is lucky to serve him; The young man nods, declaring that nothing can get between his loyalty to the Earl. An approving nod: Mativan has similar devotion to his King; he's served him faithfully for two years, and his brother before that. They talk for some time, and Sir Iwan learns something of the Knights in the area. 

Sir Elvorix, meanwhile, wanders the yard and talks with the other men. Soon this leads him to a slowly growing party; Prince Madoc and Sir Jarren have predictably created quite the event. Little of substance is discussed, and drinks are drunk solely for the pleasure of it. Madoc drunkenly wraps an arm around Elvorix's shoulder, asking how Castle Brown has treated him: Elvorix is frustrated with appointments! Madoc laughs: He directly refuses to have appointments. He doesn't bother.

The prince downs his drink, “I mean... my father… it's hard for even me to speak with him sometimes! Lunacy!”

Elvorix shares his lament, “Yea! I could run in, shouting about the end of the world, and they'd still make me wait three days!” 

Sir Madoc declares that regardless, we will keep drinking. To the end of our days! They raise their glasses. Elvorix, though typically temperate, is easily swayed by the easy charm and Princely power of Sir Madoc; he drinks happily.

Sir Nodens, lightly frustrated with Vandar's repeated resistance to his drinking offers, hears the party and promptly attends. In the first moments among his true people, Nodens thrives, quickly abandoning Vandar for the other drinkers. Happy with this development, Vandar spies Elvorix laughing uproariously with the Prince, and settles in near the edge of the party, hoping to catch some more knowledge of this court and the party. His stature and looks draw some visitors, but it accounts for little.

When Iwan enters, he is espied by the Prince; Madoc thrusts a finger at the knight: “Iwan! You! Join us!”

Iwan does, drinking comfortably, dancing impressively, and enjoying his time. Doing so Iwan makes eye contact from across the room; his heart skips a beat: Lady Eleri! Beside her, a man he does not immediately recognise. Iwan cannot resist his powerful feelings for the woman. Later in the evening, when the man, and many other Knights lay slumped on couches and against walls, Iwan approaches, introducing himself to the Knight beside her.

The latter looks up, laughing pleasantly on hearing his name: “Sir Statirius,” he declares a little haughtily, “I'm uh, the Baron of Thornbush; you may have heard of me”.

Iwan has, and liked not the hearing. He swallows the urge to stab the man in the throat.

When prompted, dashing Iwan tells Statirius of his manor in Pitton. Practically neighbours! The Baron says he should have him visit some time, once the roads are better; he glances aside at Madoc, perhaps a hint of accusation in the look. They continue to converse until it tires and Statirius speaks elswhere; Iwan holds his composure throughout; it is an effort.

His moment present, Iwan feigns a mock introduction to Lady Eleri, who playfully matches it. They converse easily and pleasantly; outwardly it appears natural and untoward. Inwardly, they burn with passion, hearts aflutter with the mischievous meeting…

__________ The Duke of Diapers! __________

Dawn! Once more, her rosy fingers and warm glow bring a magical light to picturesque Castle Brown; birds tweet happily beside the gently murmuring river. The Feast is due this evening, and Elvorix has important meetings today. Indeed, most folk seem busier today, with less time for leisure. A knighting ceremony takes place: Several young men enjoy this honor, and our three young knights attend; the procedure and repetition drill the courtesy for them. At the end a child enters the hall, dressed in fantastic clothes but barely able to walk. Beside him, a stately knight in fine attire; behind them a lavishly dressed lady. They take the threshold.

King Uther rises and brings them forth. At the foot of his seat, he calls the child by name: Lucius. The three stop onto the dais.

The King of Logres announces: “Under the guardianship of Baroness Pompobia,” the lady to which he gestures, “and Sir Marvais De Revel,” the knight, “young Lucius will assume responsibility as the Duke of Saxon Shore after the untimely death of his father.”

A murmur ripples through the room.

Uther, before us and the crowd, Knights the toddler, now Duke of Saxon Shore. There is a brief silence, until the first clap raises a wave of tense applause.

“We have fallen on sad times” Iwan whispers.

Sir Elvorix agrees; “That is very strange. I can hardly wait for him to ride to my aid.”

Vandar nods, but is quiet: It is not his place to question the King.



__________ The King’s Grace __________

That afternoon, Elvorix waits in a lengthy queue to see the King. Earl Roderick, Duke Ulfius, Baron Duach, Duke Lucius with his guardians, and Sir Blains are will see the King before him, among many others. Eventually, Sir Elvorix is called forth, gift in hand, to enter the hall. The King is meagrely attended: Two Knights are beside him: One is a giant, larger even than Vandar, the other far less intimidating. The Roman's courtesy is fine; he bows formally, greets appropriately, and steps forth.

Sir Elvorix brings forth the scabbard, and kneels: “O great king! I have a great gift; Little in comparison to the riches thou already possess, but for a knight of such modest means as myself, the journey and expense to gather this blade his been great.”

The King raises a curious eyebrow: “A sword? Hmh…”

He gestures; the smaller knights steps forth to take it.

Elvorix explains: “It is of Roman origin, like myself; when Your Grace sees it, I hope it will remind of me. I hope it a good improvement to thy royal collection!”

The King takes it in one hand, stands, and flourishes the blade. An appreciative grin crosses the King's face, and he nods.

He holds it long, inspecting the edge: “It is indeed quite old, but a fine blade no doubt” nodding approvingly once more.

He asks for Elvorix's name, and it is given. The King has heard it before; where do I know you from? Perhaps Sir Iwan, Elvorix offers? No, the King knows him not. The King continues to admire the blade, and the black opal at its hilt.

The King sits: “So, Sir Elvorix; what do you need from me?”

Elvorix explains his proposed union with Lady Diane. He knows this is unusual, for one’s Lord is the usually path for such a request, but the Roman’s first meeting with Diane was unusual, and he is quite smitten.

The king nods in recognition: “So you're the Knight she was telling me about.”

A pause; he narrows his eyes in careful inspection.

“One of Roderick's men, right? From Logres? Why you? Why should I award her to you? For I have grown quite fond of her...”

Elvorix tells he is young, but has accomplished much. He sees himself becoming a great knight; one of the greatest of his land. His tale has been told throughout the realm; the tales of Sir Iwan, Sir Vandagild and Sir Elvorix catch the ear of many! We captured a banner in battle of Salisbury, our first muster!

The King admires the sword as he listens; at the end he looks back and forth between his two knights, and shrugs.

“Alright, Sir Elvorix. I will grant you her hand. And I will have the writ delivered to your Lord today.”

The tall Roman thanks the King; he is a very happy man. The King sheaths the blade, and Elvorix is dismissed.

This act, bypassing his own lord to secure a marriage, is bold. Doubly so for his current disfavour with Roderick. Alas, Elvorix's loyalty to Roderick wanes in the public eye... 

__________ Moving Up in the World __________

Elvorix, a pep in his step, seeks the Lady Diane; she sits with a small group.

A knight raises his hand as the Roman approaches: “Listen man; have you need of something?”

He clearly guards.

“Not I, Sir, but Lady Diane has need of my news: We are to be married!”

The knight raises an eyebrow, laughs openly, and turns: “Hey Diane, there's a guy here to marry you.”

Diane puts down her drink, spits some wine, and comes running to Elvorix.

“You're not lying!? Has it happened!?”

Sir Elvorix tells that the gift impressed, Diane asks, and he explains the sword that he had no business affording.

“I'm impressed”, she tells, “I uh… kind of thought thou would fuck this up.”

“I don't fuck things up!” Elvorix insists.

“I see that!”

“Sir Elvorix is a man who gets things done!” Elvorix persists.

She bites her lip a little.

“Ohhh kaaay.... We must plan our wedding of course! Have you told your lord; have you told Roderick?”

He shakes his head; “You are the first to know, unless the King has been talking!”

She laughs softly, “Oh I doubt it,” she says, “that guy... ehh” she trails off with exasperation.

They chat more, lamenting the necessity of more conversation with Sir Argan, who she pities. Elvorix is grateful for his help finding the sword at least.

Diane says The Constable is a bad man to annoy: “Oone time I spilled wine on him, just a little, and he still despises me!”

Elvorix tells of the door ajar, and that he probably hates him now; she laughs openly: “Yea. Yea indeed. He likes ye little, Sir Elvorix.”

The Roman is invited into the group; more wine is served, hastened along by Elvorix’s joyful celebration. Among the celebrants: Sir Mativan, who Iwan met earlier; Lady Wynflaith, his youngest daughter (unwed) also parties; Sir Minados of the King's Guard; and... Rolf? The latter is obviously not a knight, nor is he well dressed. His hands are gnarled and unclean.

Elvorix inquires about the last; Rolf is King Uther's huntsman. Rolf won't be at the feast tonight, for he needs to fetch game for the next dinner. This, therefore, is his easter feast, and he's glad to share it in this celebration; The huntsman raises a toast to the betrothed! Elvorix, temperate, does not indulge too heavily, but the party continues. 

Sirs Iwan and Vandar find the party; Elvorix welcomes them happily! Iwan sees sir Mativan, who raises a glass to him at once!

Mativcan starts to, with regret, stammer some attempt to ask Iwan to leave, but Diane shoves him: “Shut up, he is a friend of Elvorix!”

Elvorix amends; “Not just a friend, but a brother! We fought side by side against the Saxons!”

And Iwan: “And this man was at my side in the dark forest, and will be when we return.

Elvorix: “To the defeat of the Dark Forest!”

Vandar raises a drink, as do many others...

__________ A Magical Meal __________

 The Feast!

Appropriately, we sit below the Salt. Alas, Prince Madoc sits at a more glorious table; he laments our absence for he enjoys our company, but formalities insist.

This feast is large: Castle Brown is grandiose, somehow more alive and festive than the King's Hall in London. The three young knights present well, and are dressed finely.

Cod Tails are served.

Uther gives a grand speech, welcoming the folk from across Logres and congratulating the Toddler-Duke and others. Before long, everyone digs into the waiting cod.

Alas, we do not see anyone matching the descriptions of Sir Sigurant or Sir Arnoullant. Sir Vandar frowns in consternation.

We eat for some time.

Our lesser table affords us one advantage: Sitting near the hall entrance, we easily spy this: The doors burst open and two enormous men enter. One is wondrously attractive: Long blonde hair, jaw sculpted like a roman statue. The other, slightly smaller, wreathed in curly black hair, like that of the Castellan Sir Galahaut. The latter is hunched beneath the weight of a massive beast: It looks like a deer, but horns larger than any other seen; These vast trophies almost dragging on the ground as he carries it in.

Vandar and Iwan look at one another in recognition of the beast; A Yale? A wonderous fae elk! Incredible! The horns are mobile, sharp, can strike at a man independently. A silence fills the hall; the hunters trudge directly to King Uther.

The black-haired titan drops the heavy beast before the King: “A gift to you, my king!”

The two knights kneel and bow in deference to the King. Uther is obviously pleased. Truly wonderous!

The King directs to Galahaut: “Have your servants dress the beast: We shall feast on it tonight together!”

We presume these are Sir Sigurant or Sir Arnoullant.

Quite the entrance.

__________ Feasting Intensifies __________

Sir Vandar, below the salt and among the lesser knights, finds not yet the opportunity to catch the hunters. While searching for them, he spies a respectable and comely lady catching his eye nearby; she is beautiful. He approaches at once, holding her gaze with his silver eyes as he introduces himself. They chat easily, and without a care flirt joyfully and comfortably. She is Lady Elaine, he learns, another Aquitanian. Vandar, honest to a fault, asks clearly if she is single.

“I am not married, Sir Vandar; quite thankfully for thee! Your honest art may have had thee troubles otherwise”, she laughs.

They enjoy their cod tails together...

Sir Elvorix, lacking money to gamble per his preference, takes every opportunity to make the journey upward, Near the Salt, to spend time with his fiancé. She sits beside Sir Minados. The betrothed flirt openly, sparks ignited to flames: Elvorix proposes they soon take a short break from the feast; he has a room, courtesy of Prince Madoc. The twinkle in her eye lights up the room. Filled with youthful joy, they fathom excuses for a short absence...

Sir Iwan, mistrustful of the fae creatures, asks probing questions to discover the location from which this Yale was discovered. People are confused by his anxious questioning; which forest, he demands, and how far is it? They only know it was Sir Sigurant; though many share his idea that the fae are mischievous and not to be trusted; many will not eat of its meat. Alas, he learns little of value.

People are mostly enamoured of the two hunters; a small crowd forms around them, and they work their way through the social morass.

The Host and castellan of castle Brown, Sir Galahaut wanders the hall.

He double-takes near our table, spying the lofty, broad-shouldered Sir Vandar. “Sir Knight, art thou not the man who made fool of himself trying to... what was it? Speak with me?”

Vandar smiles, little embarrassed, and lowers his eyes: “The same, my Lord.”

Vandar explains his designs: The missing sir Vandagild and his quest to recover him with Sir Sigurant's help.

Galahaut raises a hand, interrupting: “And why would he meet with you? You're big, sure, but do you know how to use that sword? Would he trust you to fight a demon beside him?”

Sir Vandar convincingly tells the man of his swordsmanship; demonstrating some skill and flourishes by request. Galahaut nods; he tells that, skilled as he is, Vandar might yet impress his son by himself. He claps Vandar on the shoulder and moves on.

Sir Elvorix returns to the feast with Diane; they share shining eyes and intimate winks. As he passes the more glorious tables, Sir Sulian, one of Diane's companion's asks of him: Sir Knight, my sister Lady Heled knows no-one in these lands and needs a conversational companion. Elvorix assents, though not overly pleased with the development. Sulian gives up his seat for Elvorix to sit beside the lady; but Diane has no seat of her own and must return to her place. Elvorix bids hisfiancée adieu, forlorn. He soon learns his new companion is from Bedegraine, and her brother a knight there. Sir Elvorix nods, not pressing that farther, and they chat. He tells her stories, though not well. They pass the time in pleasant company.

Meanwhile, Sir Iwan is approached by a servant: There's been a seating rearrangement and there is now a place for him near the Salt! Sir Iwan raises an eyebrow and accepts. He moves to the table, and soon finds the true depth of his fortunes: He is placed across the table from Lady Eleri and Sir Statirius! Eleri's eyes shine warmly at him; Statirius greets him in friendly manner. The Baron tells Iwan that someone was ill, couldn't handle their liquor, and a seat became free.

“I saw thee all the way down there, with no friends of fame or note, and figured; why not!?”

Iwan thanks him and talks politley, though he does not like the man at all. Sir Statirius, noting that Roderick has brought a great offering for the King this year,  asks pointed questions about this; perhaps he has fallen from favour and wishes to regain it? 

Iwan knows not; for he is not kept in that counsel.

“But surely, Lord of Pitton manor, a man of your status would be included in such talk? Ah, but I pry too much…” he tells. Iwan struggles to not bare his teeth at the insufferable man.

__________ A Cat among the Cymrics __________

Iwan, perceptive, and near the top of the table, spies that Sir Sigurant has been gone some time. Taking note, he sees he has still not yet returned...

Sir Vandar, enjoying his time with Lady Elaine, raises his glass. A toast! To her beauty and grace, and the gratitude we must all have for such pleasant company! She blushes at the sentiment, and, sitting beside him, slides closer. Vandar, honest again, tells her that he is not a man of great means; he has no lands of his own, nor to inherit. He finds her fantastic and swoons in her gaze, and may be falling for her; but he may not be the match that she wants. As he says this, he is struck once more: Silky brown hair, warm clear skin, gorgeous. She is stunning. His silver eyes lock once more with hers of green. She seems conflicted, but receptive nonetheless.

She hushes him; “Worry not of these trifles for now.”

The touch of her finger on his lips makes him shudder in pleasure. His heart swells.

Sir Elvorix keeps spending time with Lady Heled; it is an inglorious responsibility, but he keeps his word to Sir Sulian and persists. Elvorix, ever scheming, learns a little of their financial status. Lady Heled skirts the answer, but she hints that they have recently started doing quite well for themselves...

The Castellan Sir Galahaut, returned to the High Table, calls for song! Many folks offer their voices to the hall, many tunes of joy and loss and glory. For his part, Vandar sings well, his deep Aquitanian rumble adding beautiful depth to the chorus. But it holds no candle to Sir Iwan who, sitting beside his beloved, once more excites royalty with his singing voice: His effort is perfect, impressing all and drawing great cheer! 

Kerfuffle!

Eyes turn to the source of disturbance, great doors near the head of the hall. Costumed men march into the hall, clad in fabric ‘chainmail’, miming their passage on a horse.

They halt, and a servant calls to the hall in a reverberant voice: “In the Honour of our host Sir Galahaut, and King Uther, we bring this tale of Valor from Sig Sigurant!”

The play begins. A leading ‘Knight’ steps forth from the actors, his voice a dramatic exaggeration of noble parlance: “Lo! A fine day to ride, is it not, men? With the wind at our back, and these fine steeds, we shall make London by nightfall...”

The play continues for some time. The story describes a journey to London, in which our heroes encounter a Saxon raiding party. The Lead character, it is revealed, is Sir Sigurant, who slays a dozen saxons himself! The Saxon commander retreats! The actor playing Sir Sigurant proceeds on foot, his men embroiled with the remaining foe. ‘Sir Sigurant’ follows the Saxon Thegn into the woods; the nefarious foe clambers atop a pile of bones in his encampment! ‘Sigurant’ is not dissuaded, and strides forth to battle: He slays many a saxon, until only the chief and Sigurant remain…

From another side door: A low, rumbling growl! A feline sound, full of malice and threat. The noise brings hair to end throughout the hall...

Soon, a huge, cat-like creature enters the hall; it is collared, with a chain trailing behind it. On great paws bearing terrible claws, it slinks low to the ground; dorsal hairs erect. There is no fabric in this beast; its threatening musk wafts through the hall.

From atop the fake bones, the ‘Theng’ claims gloriously, his accent a mockery: “None survive my pet! Flee, before it claims you too!”

“Your beasts do not scare me!”

The animal is real, though the play is not. Several spearmen prompt the animal forward into the hall toward ‘Sigurant’, and a man clings worriedly to the chain to restrain it. A servant hands fake Sigurant a real sword.

With a flourish the actor calls: “I will slay the beast!”

A tense moment: As the beast is pushed forward, it lunges with murderous intent, attempting to leap upon the actor; the chains restrain it! The crowd gasps!

“Fear not, for I am.... Uaaaaaahhh!”

The beast leaps once more, and is upon him! The actor's face at once rendered a red, flapping mess, as a slashing claw rips through it! The swords clatters to the floor; the chain is unheld! The men who were holding it flee; the spearmen attempt to corral but cannot! The lithe, muscular beast slashes a squire as it moves to a corner; it crouches there, lips pulled back to reveal deadly fangs; it hisses and snarls with terrible intent.

Sir Vandar’s eyes flick to Elaine, and then to the beast. He moves without thinking; bursting to his feet; cutlery fly. 

He roars: “Fear not, Elaine! I will protect thee!” His chair clatters across the room, he is the first and fastest to move: He rushes for the blade, his long fingers wrapping the hilt tightly. He is unarmoured, but crouches into a comfortable stance before the animal. Among the screams, most of the guests push backward to the opposite end of the hall…

Sir Iwan, eyes darting, sees King Uther: In his great throne, the King sits easily, flanked by his guards. A smile slips onto his face.

Iwan takes a carving knife and runs up to secure the flank of Sir Vandar…




__________



Image 1: Barneportræt af en prins, Jakob van Doordt, 17th Century. Nivaagaard museum.

Image 2: Alas, I can’t track down the original source since this image has turned into a meme. Apologies to whichever unnamed medieval monk had such talent and whimsy to produce such a wonderful thing.






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