Elendor
Retaking the Keep
Some of the Wulf Fianni discuss how to retake Redvyrne Keep. Mainchin offers up Jadiran's services as an archer to Desmond.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Dunland - Redvyrne
Description: It's another cool autumn evening and the sun is just kissing the horizon to the west, sending a brilliant display of color across the sky that rivals the leaves that are beginning to change color for the season. The door to the Boar's Tail opens and in walks Jadiran Dunhallow with a bright smile on his face. He's carrying his pack, with bow and quiver of arrows, and has a carefree air about him as he approaches the bar.
[Carac(#32384)] As always, Sionn stands steadfastly behind the bar. The recent news of Redvyrne's capture, has left the Boar's Tail mostly deserted. Tonight a few more patrons can be spotted, since there is rumor that some of the Fianni may soon be arriving to 'deal with the Bear'.
Sionn scowls at the newest entrant into the board and points a thick finger in the boy's direction. "You're welcome here so long as you've coin to spend, lad, but if Conn shows up we'll be continuing where we left off."
"If I'm here tonight spending my coin on drink, I very well can't be off with his daughter, right?" Jade says with the same attitude of confidence he's shown previous. As he speaks he dips a hand into his pocket and pulls out a fistful of coin to display. "Fair deal?"
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn glances at the coins and then gives a brief nod. "Just so long as you know boy, if Conn does return and his Behsie does identify you as the one who soiled her honor . . ." now he gives the boy a smile of cocky confidence. "Me an my boys will personally perform the wedding ceremony."
He deposits a mug before the boy and fills. "Enjoy your drink."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"And isn't there something better you can be doing with your time than drinking and throwing dice at a tavern and seducing innocent young maidens, Jadiarn?"
Mainchin Dunhallow enters, the thick soles of his boots striking a pleasant chord against the floor. Sweeping in behind him is a magnificent cape of thick fur, held in place by a finely crafted pin in the motif of a wolf. He is escorted by three burly men, and a pretty, slender girl. She is tall, graceful with thick mahogany hair and clear chestnut skin.
"Hello there Jadiran," Behsie says with a bit of an air about her. "Why, I didn't even know you were here."
Mainchin chuckles and approaches the bar. He nods at the tavernkeep. "There are other Fianni coming. We picked this place because if anyone can keep order, you can, Sionn."
"Now.. I didn't sully anyone's honor. You are all jumping to conclusions." Jade argues, but he's still grinning. He drops the coins onto the bar, "Should be enough to get me plenty drunk tonight, aye?"
The sound of the door opening doesn't draw Jadiran's attention, but the voice of the man that walks in certainly does. The archer turns and offers a charming smile. "Father! Let me buy you a drink!" The youth offers in a cheerful tone of voice as his green eyes wander to the woman walking with him.
"Behsie. You are more lovely everytime I see you. How long has it been? Years, it feels!" He chuckles, "Your father was in here accusing me of being some -bard- or something, can you imagine that?" the mug is scooped up from the bar and Jade takes a long drink.
[Desmond(#19982)] And as Mainchin speaks of more arrivals so does the noise of footsteps sound from outside of the Boar's Tail. A large group of fifteen to twenty men move about outside, most choosing to take up place near the door where they begin to smoke from their pipes but five of them enter the bar casually led by the Fian Desmond. His mood foul, the large man of his mid-twenties steps heavily towards the bar. Looking down at the bar itself, he speaks "Whiskey. I want whiskey. A bottle and a glass." The disturbed man then nods suddenly at one of his men who then begins to dig into his pockets for payment.
Turning to glance around the room, he spots the other Fian of Wulf. "I see you travel in good company, Mainchin. Whos the lovely girl?"
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn bows formally to each of the Fianni as they enter. "My lords," he says as he places whiskey and cup before Desmond. He gives Mainchin a smile then.
"Me and the boys will keep things under control," he says. "I even called up the four older boys from fields to help keep it all under control." He motions towards the far wall where they all stand, each with the protruding ears and sloped brow of their father. "That's Patir, Murtagh, Colum, Pedron, Seamus, an Rupert," he says proudly.
"Bow to the Fians boys," he says sharply to the sons then.
Jadiran glances towards the door again as another Fian enters the tavern and Mainchin's youngest son quirks a brow. "So I guess this isn't about that misunderstanding with Conn.. at least I hope not." The youth murmurs softly while waiting for a response from his father or the girl, and he drinks more from the mug he's holding.
"Oh shush," Behsie puckers her berry red lips at Jadiran. "You and your sweet lies. I know all about you! And I also know you went a callin' on some other girl the night you left me waiting under the walnut tree, with promises of paternal love."
"That's eternal, dear," Mainchin coughs, but she doesn't seem to hear. He turns to Fian Desmond. "This is Behsie. Farmer Conn's girl - one of yours, I believe. Yes, I didn't quite recognize her myself. She has grown. My worthless son tried seducing her but got caught by Conn. Hopefully, this will teach him a lesson but I doubt it will." Mainchin says, with a boys-will-be-boys shrug.
"But we have more important things to talk about, Desmond."
Behsie, in the meantime, is busy smiling at Sionn. "Oh, I haven't seen your sons in a long time. My goodness, how handsome they all turned out to be."
[Desmond(#19982)] The man stuck with Fian's tab quickly pays the Sionn for the bottle before returning to stand in his Lord's shadow. Not waiting for the other Fian to respond, Desmond moves to take a seat at the largest table in the Bar. With a wave of his hand, the men who have accompanied him inside move away from him and go to purchase drinks at the Bar.
Now seated at the table he takes off the lid of the whiskey bottle and pours himself a large drink. After listening to the other Fian speak, he nods. "Hmm...ye be right. She has grown." The man now gives the young woman a very long 'examining' glance.
"Aye, we do indeed have important things to talk about." Now taking a sip from the glass, the man leans back in his chair and seems to relax slightly, most of the anger disappearing from his features.....for now.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn beams proudly and returns to his wiping and polishing, while the sons all give Behsie a smile and nod of the head.
"Get to talking and I'll keep your glasses full," Sionn says. "If any of the others show up they'll be let in."
Jadiran gives Behsie an injured look for her accusations, pressing a hand to his chest. "You wound me, Behsie. I was with no other girl. I was here at the bar, tossing dice. You can ask good Sionn here.. he was threatening to smash my hand with a mallot right along with your father who was threatening to have me hung. I very well could have had only days to live before me, so I told no lie." He flashes her a toothy grin.
The archer then looks at Mainchin with another curious glance, "Is this about the keep being taken?" Jade asks of his father, completely unphased by the 'worthless' insult that the man graced upon him.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
After tossing winks and smiles at Sionn's boys, Behsie turns to Fian Dunhallow's youngest son. "Well then, Jadiran, perhaps you can buy me a token of your true love for me with all your dice winnings. Something pretty. Then maybe, just maybe, I may forgive you for all your lies." Behsie lifts one shoulder and tilts her head to dismiss him with a pretty harrumph. She then twirls around and claps her hand. "Oh! Fian Desmond! How lovely it is to see you! Do you remember how I used to sit on your lap as a little girl? My papa tells me the story to this day!"
Mainchin clears his throat loudly, interrupting the girl's chatter. "Desmond. Are you going to sit still and let the Bear take over Redvyrne Keep?"
[Desmond(#19982)] Regarding the girl with a strange expression as he listens to her speak, he nods once in a while. "Yes, you were quite the little lady." Finishing off the remaining portion of the whiskey in his glass, the Fian begins to pour another. Just as he is about to drink once more however, Mainchin makes his statement causing the man to spray whiskey upon the table. Choking for several moments, the Fian's anger returns.
"Do you take me for some sort of Stag, Mainchin?! Of course I won't let them take over Redvyrne Keep!" Settling down now slightly, the man is clearly still on edge. "I am rousing my men. You should do the same. All the Fians should! We cannot allow this to stand. Taking the keep was an act of War. And if it is war they want then it is war they shall get!" His face is now much flushed and the hand which is not occupied with the glass is clenched tightly in a fist.
"I'm afraid I've already dedicated those winnings to support this tavern, so unless a tall pint of ale is your fancy you'll find yourself disappointed." Jadiran says with another easy smile, but his green eyes stray towards his father with a small measure of annoyance at being ignored again. It quickly passes and Jade finishes off his mug, setting the empty cup onto the bar. The men shout of war and the archer casually gestures for a refill.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"Oh I just -knew- all those promises you made to me were all empty. Fine. If you refuse to show me respect by buying me a present, then I shall just go straight to your little ladyfriend and tell her what a cat you really are!" Behsie narrows her eyes and pouts.
Mainchin listens to Desmond's outcry with a satisfied nod. Yet, he can't help himself from turning his head to regard the girl with furrowed brows. He pauses, then says, "I believe you meant to call my son a cad, not a cat, my dear."
He turns his attention once again on Desmond. "Winter is coming, and most of the men are busy preparing for the snow. My seers say it will be one of our worst winters yet, and people are afraid. I cannot commit all of my able bodied men, but I can offer you the services of one of my finest archers." He turns his head towards Jadiarn.
[Desmond(#19982)] As the Fian Mainchin looks over to his son and the girl, Desmond can't help but become irritated. When the Fian has finished, Desmond takes another drink of his whiskey. "Yes. Winter is coming friend. But things must be put into motion. The Wulfs must gather as a pack to take down the Bear. We must get as much preperation done as we can before the snow arrives so that come Spring we can loose the Pack upon the Bears. I intend to nominate myself before all the Fians for the position of Ceann. This Wulf must have a strong leader to guide them in these times. And I intend to prove my strength through retaking Redvyrne. Do I have your support?"
When the other Fian speaks of offering the services of Jadiarn to Desmond he nods. "He will be most helpful. I'm sure."
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn refills a few empty glasses, seemingly preoccupied and unnattentive to the talking around him. "I doubt you'll see to many of the Fianni come," he says suddenly. "The Wulf have had a long stretch of peace, and will need someone to awaken them before they'll fight."
Jadiran turns back to regard the girl, his head tilting to one side in confusion for a moment. When his father makes the correction, enlightenment washes over the youth's face and he silently mouths an 'aaah' before shrugging and dismissing her.
He watches Mainchin with mild interest, one arm draped on the bar behind him as he drums his fingers, waiting for the refill of his drink. That is, until his father offers him up to the service of another. "Wait- ..what? Don't I get a say in this?" He asks with some alarm as the other Fian accepts the offer.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The Fian Mainchin Dunhallow waits patiently for Desmond to finish speaking. Once or twice, he looks at his shoulder to remove a speck of dust from his exquisite fur cape, and once or twice, he looks around at the people gathered, making eye contacts and giving them a firm nod of affirmation.
"It is a cold night. A round of drinks to warm the bellies of those who gathered tonight, Sionn. It is on me." From beneath his cape, he withdraws a fine purse from which he extracts a generous handful of coins that he places respectfully on the bar.
He re-adjusts the clasp on his cloak before finally addressing Desmond.
"Well, Fian Desmond. Let us see what you have done so far, hmm? All you have done so far is to enter this tavern in a foul mood, stick someone else with the tab for your drink, stared at long length at a young girl, then announced you wanted to be a Ceann."
Mainchin continues, "While I bought a drink for the men, and offered my son.." here, he raises his voice to talk over Jadiran's protests, "MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, to fight for the cause. What have you done? I say, I would be a fool if I were to promise you that I will support you. You need to prove yourself first. Not after. Am I not mistaken?" He asks those gathered at the tavern.
"Besides, we already have a Ceann. We must first decide what to do about that before making any decisions on a new one."
[Desmond(#19982)] When the bartender speaks to him, Desmond nods before responding "Yes. It will indeed need someone to rouse it."
As the other Fian continues to talk about what Desmond has done, the man's mood does not improve. Looking now flatly at the other man of equal status, he speaks "Well Mainchin. You speak correctly. We do have a Ceann already. And do you see that Ceann calling men to arm themselves and retake Redvyrne. I don't think so. Sionn is right, Wulf has been at peace for a long time. Too long."
Rising from his seat, the Fian continues, "Too long have I watched Wulf weaken under poor leadership. Too long have I had to comfort and feed those in my hold who have been victimized by the nightly raides conducted by the Bear. No good Ceann sees his people suffer and does nothing. Taking back Redvyrne is just the first step on my plan to returning Wulf to its former glory. I plan to reclaim all that which Bear owes us and more. And not just the lives of the cattle they have stolen but with the blood of their people."
[Carac(#32384)] Roused by the speech of his Fian, Sionn has siezed his mallet and in his excitement brings it down on the bar with a mighty *CRASH* "We'll kick their arses back to Caerdh!" he bellows.
Jadiran scowls as Mainchin buries his complaints, growing quiet. He turns to grab up his mug and drinks down a good portion of the refill before the sour expression fades. It's replaced with interest again as Desmond goes on with his inspiring words.
Sionn slams the mallet down on the bar and the youth jumps, giving him a dirty look for the startling sound before turning back. "Fian Desmond, if I am to work for you, let me go and spread the word on your behalf!" Jade says with sudden enthusiasm.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Fian Mainchin Dunhallow raises his chin slightly. "YOUR people may have been suffering, Fian Desmond. Speak for yourself. MY people are safe, fat, content and happy." He seizes his tankard of ale from the bar just as Sionn pounds on it, saving his drink from toppling over like the rest of the tankards.
"You must prove your leadership by retaking Redvyrne -without- being declared a Ceann," Mainchin speaks sternly. "Only if you are successful will I support you at the Gathering. There will be no talk of a new Ceann until there is a proper replacement. And you must also commit /all/ your manpower before asking the others."
[<#15443>] Mainchin takes a sip from the tankard of ale with one hand, and with his other hand, he gently restrains his son. "The Dunhallows do not do anything for nothing, my son. Always exact something in return."
[Desmond(#19982)] As the Fian Mainchin speaks, Desmond is disgusted with him. "Some kind of Clansmen are you, Mainchin Dunhallow! Whatever happend to looking out for a fellow brother? No, sir. You seem just as content as the Ceann to what your Clansmen suffer. I am truly disappointed in you."
"But yes. I will retake Redvyrne with most of the strength of my hold. But not all of it as my lands and people must still be protected from the Bear." Chuckling despite his mood, the Fian then adds, "Plus I doubt it will even take all of my men."
Looking over at the other Fian's son, he nods once more. "Yes. You may spread the word that Fian Desmond calls for a council of the Wulf. It shall take place /after/ I have retaken the Keep."
Jadiran's enthusiasm ebbs when his father speaks to him, his green eyes watching Desmond but distracted. The young son nods in silent understanding at the quiet words from Mainchin, then finishes off the second mug of ale. "Shall I tell them that you have already won the keep back when I arrive at their holds?" He asks with a grin as he returns his thoughts to the motivated Fian.
"Where will the council be held?"
[Desmond(#19982)] Sitting back down once more so that he can have easier access to his whiskey, the Fian grins when Jadiran asks about where it shall be held. "Well Redvyrne Keep itself of course. What better a place could there be?" Grinning now, the Fian returns to his drink, the warmth lightening his mood.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn frowns slightly at Jadiran, but holds his tongue for the moment. "You should go yourself to rouse the Fianni, my lord," he says to Desmond. "Let them see that you are taking the lead." His mallet is returned to its place under the bar and he begins refilling the spilled drinks.
Jadiran twists to regard Sionn, "He will be busy retaking the keep." The young man states with a grin. "I only hope that the blood doesn't soak into the ground too quickly, so that the tale I tell is worthy when the Fianni arrive at my request." Jade sets down his empty drink and rubs his hands together vigorously. "Though, I suppose that Sionn makes a point. Perhaps if I am given some respectable position, it will add weight to my summons on your behalf, Fian?"
[Desmond(#19982)] As the young man Jadiran speaks, Desmond can't help but laugh although he does nod at Sionn regarding his statement. "I know what you are saying, Sionn but taking the Keep will have to be enough. I lack the time to travel to all of the holds of the Wulf." Taking another sip of his whiskey, the Fian sets down his glass before continueing. "Very well, Sergeant Jadiran. You will bring my message to the Fians with a respectable position."
Nodding to the young man, he sits back in his chair once more.
[Carac(#32384)] "My lord," Sionn speaks from behind the bar. "Would it not be wiser to entrust the gathering of the Fianni to someone who will not anger them by molesting their daughters?" He jerks his head towards Jadiran.
"The boy will most like anger more Fianni than he wins to your cause."
Jadiran nods in agreement with Desmond, apparantly satisfied with the rank. "I shall leave a-.." He cuts off at the bartender's words and turns slowly to look at the man again. "That, is completely outrageous. If their daughters are hanging on me, what am I to do about that? Honestly?" He holds his hands out in a helpless fashion, then gives Desmond another smile. "Don't worry, I'll fend them off and pass the word along. I won't let you down, Fian."
[Carac(#32384)] As always, Sionn stands steadfastly behind the bar. The recent news of Redvyrne's capture, has left the Boar's Tail mostly deserted. Tonight a few more patrons can be spotted, since there is rumor that some of the Fianni may soon be arriving to 'deal with the Bear'.
Sionn scowls at the newest entrant into the board and points a thick finger in the boy's direction. "You're welcome here so long as you've coin to spend, lad, but if Conn shows up we'll be continuing where we left off."
"If I'm here tonight spending my coin on drink, I very well can't be off with his daughter, right?" Jade says with the same attitude of confidence he's shown previous. As he speaks he dips a hand into his pocket and pulls out a fistful of coin to display. "Fair deal?"
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn glances at the coins and then gives a brief nod. "Just so long as you know boy, if Conn does return and his Behsie does identify you as the one who soiled her honor . . ." now he gives the boy a smile of cocky confidence. "Me an my boys will personally perform the wedding ceremony."
He deposits a mug before the boy and fills. "Enjoy your drink."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"And isn't there something better you can be doing with your time than drinking and throwing dice at a tavern and seducing innocent young maidens, Jadiarn?"
Mainchin Dunhallow enters, the thick soles of his boots striking a pleasant chord against the floor. Sweeping in behind him is a magnificent cape of thick fur, held in place by a finely crafted pin in the motif of a wolf. He is escorted by three burly men, and a pretty, slender girl. She is tall, graceful with thick mahogany hair and clear chestnut skin.
"Hello there Jadiran," Behsie says with a bit of an air about her. "Why, I didn't even know you were here."
Mainchin chuckles and approaches the bar. He nods at the tavernkeep. "There are other Fianni coming. We picked this place because if anyone can keep order, you can, Sionn."
"Now.. I didn't sully anyone's honor. You are all jumping to conclusions." Jade argues, but he's still grinning. He drops the coins onto the bar, "Should be enough to get me plenty drunk tonight, aye?"
The sound of the door opening doesn't draw Jadiran's attention, but the voice of the man that walks in certainly does. The archer turns and offers a charming smile. "Father! Let me buy you a drink!" The youth offers in a cheerful tone of voice as his green eyes wander to the woman walking with him.
"Behsie. You are more lovely everytime I see you. How long has it been? Years, it feels!" He chuckles, "Your father was in here accusing me of being some -bard- or something, can you imagine that?" the mug is scooped up from the bar and Jade takes a long drink.
[Desmond(#19982)] And as Mainchin speaks of more arrivals so does the noise of footsteps sound from outside of the Boar's Tail. A large group of fifteen to twenty men move about outside, most choosing to take up place near the door where they begin to smoke from their pipes but five of them enter the bar casually led by the Fian Desmond. His mood foul, the large man of his mid-twenties steps heavily towards the bar. Looking down at the bar itself, he speaks "Whiskey. I want whiskey. A bottle and a glass." The disturbed man then nods suddenly at one of his men who then begins to dig into his pockets for payment.
Turning to glance around the room, he spots the other Fian of Wulf. "I see you travel in good company, Mainchin. Whos the lovely girl?"
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn bows formally to each of the Fianni as they enter. "My lords," he says as he places whiskey and cup before Desmond. He gives Mainchin a smile then.
"Me and the boys will keep things under control," he says. "I even called up the four older boys from fields to help keep it all under control." He motions towards the far wall where they all stand, each with the protruding ears and sloped brow of their father. "That's Patir, Murtagh, Colum, Pedron, Seamus, an Rupert," he says proudly.
"Bow to the Fians boys," he says sharply to the sons then.
Jadiran glances towards the door again as another Fian enters the tavern and Mainchin's youngest son quirks a brow. "So I guess this isn't about that misunderstanding with Conn.. at least I hope not." The youth murmurs softly while waiting for a response from his father or the girl, and he drinks more from the mug he's holding.
"Oh shush," Behsie puckers her berry red lips at Jadiran. "You and your sweet lies. I know all about you! And I also know you went a callin' on some other girl the night you left me waiting under the walnut tree, with promises of paternal love."
"That's eternal, dear," Mainchin coughs, but she doesn't seem to hear. He turns to Fian Desmond. "This is Behsie. Farmer Conn's girl - one of yours, I believe. Yes, I didn't quite recognize her myself. She has grown. My worthless son tried seducing her but got caught by Conn. Hopefully, this will teach him a lesson but I doubt it will." Mainchin says, with a boys-will-be-boys shrug.
"But we have more important things to talk about, Desmond."
Behsie, in the meantime, is busy smiling at Sionn. "Oh, I haven't seen your sons in a long time. My goodness, how handsome they all turned out to be."
[Desmond(#19982)] The man stuck with Fian's tab quickly pays the Sionn for the bottle before returning to stand in his Lord's shadow. Not waiting for the other Fian to respond, Desmond moves to take a seat at the largest table in the Bar. With a wave of his hand, the men who have accompanied him inside move away from him and go to purchase drinks at the Bar.
Now seated at the table he takes off the lid of the whiskey bottle and pours himself a large drink. After listening to the other Fian speak, he nods. "Hmm...ye be right. She has grown." The man now gives the young woman a very long 'examining' glance.
"Aye, we do indeed have important things to talk about." Now taking a sip from the glass, the man leans back in his chair and seems to relax slightly, most of the anger disappearing from his features.....for now.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn beams proudly and returns to his wiping and polishing, while the sons all give Behsie a smile and nod of the head.
"Get to talking and I'll keep your glasses full," Sionn says. "If any of the others show up they'll be let in."
Jadiran gives Behsie an injured look for her accusations, pressing a hand to his chest. "You wound me, Behsie. I was with no other girl. I was here at the bar, tossing dice. You can ask good Sionn here.. he was threatening to smash my hand with a mallot right along with your father who was threatening to have me hung. I very well could have had only days to live before me, so I told no lie." He flashes her a toothy grin.
The archer then looks at Mainchin with another curious glance, "Is this about the keep being taken?" Jade asks of his father, completely unphased by the 'worthless' insult that the man graced upon him.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
After tossing winks and smiles at Sionn's boys, Behsie turns to Fian Dunhallow's youngest son. "Well then, Jadiran, perhaps you can buy me a token of your true love for me with all your dice winnings. Something pretty. Then maybe, just maybe, I may forgive you for all your lies." Behsie lifts one shoulder and tilts her head to dismiss him with a pretty harrumph. She then twirls around and claps her hand. "Oh! Fian Desmond! How lovely it is to see you! Do you remember how I used to sit on your lap as a little girl? My papa tells me the story to this day!"
Mainchin clears his throat loudly, interrupting the girl's chatter. "Desmond. Are you going to sit still and let the Bear take over Redvyrne Keep?"
[Desmond(#19982)] Regarding the girl with a strange expression as he listens to her speak, he nods once in a while. "Yes, you were quite the little lady." Finishing off the remaining portion of the whiskey in his glass, the Fian begins to pour another. Just as he is about to drink once more however, Mainchin makes his statement causing the man to spray whiskey upon the table. Choking for several moments, the Fian's anger returns.
"Do you take me for some sort of Stag, Mainchin?! Of course I won't let them take over Redvyrne Keep!" Settling down now slightly, the man is clearly still on edge. "I am rousing my men. You should do the same. All the Fians should! We cannot allow this to stand. Taking the keep was an act of War. And if it is war they want then it is war they shall get!" His face is now much flushed and the hand which is not occupied with the glass is clenched tightly in a fist.
"I'm afraid I've already dedicated those winnings to support this tavern, so unless a tall pint of ale is your fancy you'll find yourself disappointed." Jadiran says with another easy smile, but his green eyes stray towards his father with a small measure of annoyance at being ignored again. It quickly passes and Jade finishes off his mug, setting the empty cup onto the bar. The men shout of war and the archer casually gestures for a refill.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"Oh I just -knew- all those promises you made to me were all empty. Fine. If you refuse to show me respect by buying me a present, then I shall just go straight to your little ladyfriend and tell her what a cat you really are!" Behsie narrows her eyes and pouts.
Mainchin listens to Desmond's outcry with a satisfied nod. Yet, he can't help himself from turning his head to regard the girl with furrowed brows. He pauses, then says, "I believe you meant to call my son a cad, not a cat, my dear."
He turns his attention once again on Desmond. "Winter is coming, and most of the men are busy preparing for the snow. My seers say it will be one of our worst winters yet, and people are afraid. I cannot commit all of my able bodied men, but I can offer you the services of one of my finest archers." He turns his head towards Jadiarn.
[Desmond(#19982)] As the Fian Mainchin looks over to his son and the girl, Desmond can't help but become irritated. When the Fian has finished, Desmond takes another drink of his whiskey. "Yes. Winter is coming friend. But things must be put into motion. The Wulfs must gather as a pack to take down the Bear. We must get as much preperation done as we can before the snow arrives so that come Spring we can loose the Pack upon the Bears. I intend to nominate myself before all the Fians for the position of Ceann. This Wulf must have a strong leader to guide them in these times. And I intend to prove my strength through retaking Redvyrne. Do I have your support?"
When the other Fian speaks of offering the services of Jadiarn to Desmond he nods. "He will be most helpful. I'm sure."
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn refills a few empty glasses, seemingly preoccupied and unnattentive to the talking around him. "I doubt you'll see to many of the Fianni come," he says suddenly. "The Wulf have had a long stretch of peace, and will need someone to awaken them before they'll fight."
Jadiran turns back to regard the girl, his head tilting to one side in confusion for a moment. When his father makes the correction, enlightenment washes over the youth's face and he silently mouths an 'aaah' before shrugging and dismissing her.
He watches Mainchin with mild interest, one arm draped on the bar behind him as he drums his fingers, waiting for the refill of his drink. That is, until his father offers him up to the service of another. "Wait- ..what? Don't I get a say in this?" He asks with some alarm as the other Fian accepts the offer.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The Fian Mainchin Dunhallow waits patiently for Desmond to finish speaking. Once or twice, he looks at his shoulder to remove a speck of dust from his exquisite fur cape, and once or twice, he looks around at the people gathered, making eye contacts and giving them a firm nod of affirmation.
"It is a cold night. A round of drinks to warm the bellies of those who gathered tonight, Sionn. It is on me." From beneath his cape, he withdraws a fine purse from which he extracts a generous handful of coins that he places respectfully on the bar.
He re-adjusts the clasp on his cloak before finally addressing Desmond.
"Well, Fian Desmond. Let us see what you have done so far, hmm? All you have done so far is to enter this tavern in a foul mood, stick someone else with the tab for your drink, stared at long length at a young girl, then announced you wanted to be a Ceann."
Mainchin continues, "While I bought a drink for the men, and offered my son.." here, he raises his voice to talk over Jadiran's protests, "MY OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, to fight for the cause. What have you done? I say, I would be a fool if I were to promise you that I will support you. You need to prove yourself first. Not after. Am I not mistaken?" He asks those gathered at the tavern.
"Besides, we already have a Ceann. We must first decide what to do about that before making any decisions on a new one."
[Desmond(#19982)] When the bartender speaks to him, Desmond nods before responding "Yes. It will indeed need someone to rouse it."
As the other Fian continues to talk about what Desmond has done, the man's mood does not improve. Looking now flatly at the other man of equal status, he speaks "Well Mainchin. You speak correctly. We do have a Ceann already. And do you see that Ceann calling men to arm themselves and retake Redvyrne. I don't think so. Sionn is right, Wulf has been at peace for a long time. Too long."
Rising from his seat, the Fian continues, "Too long have I watched Wulf weaken under poor leadership. Too long have I had to comfort and feed those in my hold who have been victimized by the nightly raides conducted by the Bear. No good Ceann sees his people suffer and does nothing. Taking back Redvyrne is just the first step on my plan to returning Wulf to its former glory. I plan to reclaim all that which Bear owes us and more. And not just the lives of the cattle they have stolen but with the blood of their people."
[Carac(#32384)] Roused by the speech of his Fian, Sionn has siezed his mallet and in his excitement brings it down on the bar with a mighty *CRASH* "We'll kick their arses back to Caerdh!" he bellows.
Jadiran scowls as Mainchin buries his complaints, growing quiet. He turns to grab up his mug and drinks down a good portion of the refill before the sour expression fades. It's replaced with interest again as Desmond goes on with his inspiring words.
Sionn slams the mallet down on the bar and the youth jumps, giving him a dirty look for the startling sound before turning back. "Fian Desmond, if I am to work for you, let me go and spread the word on your behalf!" Jade says with sudden enthusiasm.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Fian Mainchin Dunhallow raises his chin slightly. "YOUR people may have been suffering, Fian Desmond. Speak for yourself. MY people are safe, fat, content and happy." He seizes his tankard of ale from the bar just as Sionn pounds on it, saving his drink from toppling over like the rest of the tankards.
"You must prove your leadership by retaking Redvyrne -without- being declared a Ceann," Mainchin speaks sternly. "Only if you are successful will I support you at the Gathering. There will be no talk of a new Ceann until there is a proper replacement. And you must also commit /all/ your manpower before asking the others."
[<#15443>] Mainchin takes a sip from the tankard of ale with one hand, and with his other hand, he gently restrains his son. "The Dunhallows do not do anything for nothing, my son. Always exact something in return."
[Desmond(#19982)] As the Fian Mainchin speaks, Desmond is disgusted with him. "Some kind of Clansmen are you, Mainchin Dunhallow! Whatever happend to looking out for a fellow brother? No, sir. You seem just as content as the Ceann to what your Clansmen suffer. I am truly disappointed in you."
"But yes. I will retake Redvyrne with most of the strength of my hold. But not all of it as my lands and people must still be protected from the Bear." Chuckling despite his mood, the Fian then adds, "Plus I doubt it will even take all of my men."
Looking over at the other Fian's son, he nods once more. "Yes. You may spread the word that Fian Desmond calls for a council of the Wulf. It shall take place /after/ I have retaken the Keep."
Jadiran's enthusiasm ebbs when his father speaks to him, his green eyes watching Desmond but distracted. The young son nods in silent understanding at the quiet words from Mainchin, then finishes off the second mug of ale. "Shall I tell them that you have already won the keep back when I arrive at their holds?" He asks with a grin as he returns his thoughts to the motivated Fian.
"Where will the council be held?"
[Desmond(#19982)] Sitting back down once more so that he can have easier access to his whiskey, the Fian grins when Jadiran asks about where it shall be held. "Well Redvyrne Keep itself of course. What better a place could there be?" Grinning now, the Fian returns to his drink, the warmth lightening his mood.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn frowns slightly at Jadiran, but holds his tongue for the moment. "You should go yourself to rouse the Fianni, my lord," he says to Desmond. "Let them see that you are taking the lead." His mallet is returned to its place under the bar and he begins refilling the spilled drinks.
Jadiran twists to regard Sionn, "He will be busy retaking the keep." The young man states with a grin. "I only hope that the blood doesn't soak into the ground too quickly, so that the tale I tell is worthy when the Fianni arrive at my request." Jade sets down his empty drink and rubs his hands together vigorously. "Though, I suppose that Sionn makes a point. Perhaps if I am given some respectable position, it will add weight to my summons on your behalf, Fian?"
[Desmond(#19982)] As the young man Jadiran speaks, Desmond can't help but laugh although he does nod at Sionn regarding his statement. "I know what you are saying, Sionn but taking the Keep will have to be enough. I lack the time to travel to all of the holds of the Wulf." Taking another sip of his whiskey, the Fian sets down his glass before continueing. "Very well, Sergeant Jadiran. You will bring my message to the Fians with a respectable position."
Nodding to the young man, he sits back in his chair once more.
[Carac(#32384)] "My lord," Sionn speaks from behind the bar. "Would it not be wiser to entrust the gathering of the Fianni to someone who will not anger them by molesting their daughters?" He jerks his head towards Jadiran.
"The boy will most like anger more Fianni than he wins to your cause."
Jadiran nods in agreement with Desmond, apparantly satisfied with the rank. "I shall leave a-.." He cuts off at the bartender's words and turns slowly to look at the man again. "That, is completely outrageous. If their daughters are hanging on me, what am I to do about that? Honestly?" He holds his hands out in a helpless fashion, then gives Desmond another smile. "Don't worry, I'll fend them off and pass the word along. I won't let you down, Fian."
Players: Jadiran, Mainchin, Desmond, Sionn
Located in: Dunlending
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