Elendor
An Army Destroyed
Ciaran, Breveg, and Gregoir get some unexpected news.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Dunland - Creatrach
Description: It's early morning and a powdery snow is beginning to drift down from the clouds above, slowly blanketing everything in the dry, cold, substance. Ciaran of Ranich is returning from checking on his men that he brought with him, looking forward to a hot drink within the keep as he makes his way towards the heavy doors of the Bear stronghold.
As always, he carries the old wooden staff, and has a thick cloak draped over his shoulders to combat the nose-splitting cold. There's a bit of a smile on his face as the man chuckles over a joke one of his companions made.
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir stands by watching as some of the Laighorie men practice for the last round of the archery contest. Flakes of snow cling to his hair and upon the shoulders of furred cloak as he watches the arrows fly towards the targets. He shivers slightly and pulls his cloak tighter as he turns to look towards the sound of nearby laughter.
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg has, it seems, once more been an early riser. The young man emerges now from the training ground, clumsily pushing a sheathed dagger back through his belt with fingers that are reddened and cold-numbed. At the sound of Ciaran's laugh he turns his head, and a smile comes to his own lips as he greets the man: "Fian."
Finnian pauses when he notices the new Ceann, recalling something Brev mentioned to him. As he's thinking it over, there the new retainer appears. The farmer looks at him with almost a perplexed expression for a moment, then grins and nods. "Good morning, Brev.. " The Fian of Ranich notices that Gregoir is looking his way and greets him as well, his tone pleasant and cheerful. "And good morning, Ceann." He begins to walk towards Laighorie after a quick bow.
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir shakes the snow from his cloak as he turns and begins to stride in the direction of the Fian and Brev. "It's morning," he says with a smile. "Though a bit too cold to be good." He shivers once more and then lifts his hands to his mouth and blows on them. "What has you out so early on this icy morning?"
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg notes Ciaran's perplexed expression, for it is returned with a tilt of the brow. He strides toward the Fian, tugging on gloves as he goes. "Was there something, Fian?" he murmurs softly. Then he falls into step behind the man.
At Gregoir's greeting the smile of earlier flickers briefly across his features, though his answer is naught but a respectful nod and a soft, "Ceann." Perhaps Caileann or one of the others has been on to him about the impropriety of speaking his mind.
"Aye, a bit cold.. I'll agree to that. I was seeing that my men were comfortable enough with winter coming upon us." Ciaran's gaze wanders to Brev and he shakes his head with a faint smile. "It was nothing." He says in reassurance, than looks back to Gregoir. "And yourself? Watching the practice for the contest?" Ranich looks over towards the archers for a moment before his attention returns to Laighorie.
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir gives Brev a nod in greeting. "There is nothing keeping them here," he says turning back to Ciraran. "There must be work they could be caring for in preperation for the winter? You of course will need to stay for the Oath-taking, but your men are free to leave if you feel it would serve best."
[Brev(#30997)] A dry, powdery snow is sifting down from the grey morning sky, and the wind is icy. Even the Laoghaire archers, diligently practising at the butts under the Ceann's watchful eye, do not look comfortable.
Breveg winces and pulls his cloak a little tighter about him as he listens to Fiann Ranich converse with the new Ceann. At Laoghaire's words, he glances across to the man, the faintest of frowns accompanied by a barely perceptible shake of the head as he makes his own preferences in that matter known.
"I suppose I could, but I would rather we all travel back together, to be honest. If there are any troubles to encounter on the road they will likely be easier handled with a larger group." Ciaran answers even before he notices Brev's opinion.
Ranich must be one of those rare, cheerful morning people, because his tone is light-hearted and joking as he asks next, "Are you regretting making your claim, yet?" And in a more serious tone, "I heard about that business in the dungeons.."
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir winces slightly at the mention of the dungeons. "That was not pleasant at all, the woman will return with her son back to the Kavanagh hold," he says. "That she was ever put in the dungeons, and with a child at that . . ." he shakes his head in disgust.
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg's gaze flicks up. "She has been freed now?" he asks quietly, whether it is his place or no.
"They're saying that the Ceann burst into the dungeon and freed her and her children amidst a duel?" Ciaran lifts a brow, but there's a grin on his face. "I'm glad to hear that things are turning for the better now. The people should have a Ceann they can take pride in."
Ranich is thoughtful for a moment, then asks in a quieter, concerned fashion. "Has there been any further outcry from Kedhern?""
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir laughs at this. "No, there was no duel," he says with a wide grin. "Though Kavanagh's man, Cameron, did scramble the brains of a few guards." He lifts his hands, rubs them together vigorously and blows on them once again.
"As for Kedhern?" he frowns and shakes his head. "That's a whole other mess," he continues. "You have this whole business with the Wulf they began, imprisoning the woman and child, trying to hand over the boy to the Wulf . . ." again he shakes his head. "They are almost unworthy of the title Fian."
Ciaran nods quietly, listening carefully. He's less fidgety in the cold than the others, but he does slowly flex his fingers. "He has a lot of men at his command. Hopefully they'll make it back before he leaves for Redvyrne." The fian says in a delicate fashion, not certain how amicable the new Ceann is to concerns or suggestions. "Could be trouble for Gabharn if he's taking Diarmad against his will through an armed force."
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir nods in response to these words. "That's all we're waiting for," he replies. "Once we've word that those men have left Redvyrne, we'll send Gabharn and Diarmad south. They have a good sized force of men with them to make sure they get through."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg listens in silence to the men's speech, shivering a little under the wind's bite. "Those in Redvyrne are under the Ceann's command?" he asks quietly into the silence following Gregoir's words.
"Ah.. that's good." Ciaran says thoughtfully, smiling. "It was something that was on my mind, I suppose.. but it must have been on yours as well." The Fian looks around the courtyard for a moment, his thoughts wandering, but Breveg's question brings his attention back and he watches Gregoir curiously for the answer.
[Olmys(#32384)] "Under normal circumstances, aye, they would," Gregoir replies to Brev. "Though as it stands, Kedhern has not given their support to my claim," he adds. "Since the men are sworn to Kedhern, they may choose to follow his commands over mine. We'll know soon enough, I reckon."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg winces slightly at that. "That would be ... unfortunate," he murmurs, and says no more, leaving it to Ranich's Fian to direct the conversation now as he will.
The Fian frowns faintly, considering the distinction. "And what if he orders the army to follow him to Redvyrne and free him from his situation?" Ciaran's brows are drawn together, his tone concerned. "I don't think Diarmad will meekly travel to his imprisonment. If the intent for the hostages is to soothe the Wulf, having a Bear army, condoned or not, march back over their lands would be a disaster."
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir is about to reply when the arrival of Raconil causes him to hault. "They tell me you are Ceann here," Raconil says looking upon the young Laoghaire. "I've news from the south for you," he continues. "The Wulf have retaken Redvyrne, it was not pretty task but they've done it. I doubt there are two men left of those that held it."
Gregoir's widen as he hears the news from Raconil and his mouth moves wordlessly. "All of them?" he finally manages to choke out and then, his lips are again silent as they move. "I must go find, I must . . ." he stammers as he begins to move quickly for the main Keep.
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg blinks, whether at the newcomer's abrupt manner or Laoghaire's reaction it is hard to say. "I expect the Ceann and the Fian would appreciate a little more detail," he remarks calmly. "Such as who sits upon the high seat in Redvyrne now, where their eyes are turned and how this news came to you." He does not append the title 'Fian', but instead inclines his head to Raconil at the end of the speech by way of formality.
Ciaran looks no less surprised by the sudden, unexpected news. His gaze shoots over to Gregoir as the younger man stumbles on his words. As Greg begins to rush for the keep, the Fian of Ranich starts to call after him, but gives up that thought and turns back to Raconil. He nods along with his retainers interests, but holds up a hand to stall Breveg and ask what he considers a more important question, "The army was -at- Redvyrne Keep when it was abolished?"
Was Gregoir not just saying that the army was on it's way back? Wasn't that what Kedhern implied at the meeting when the Ceann was chosen?
[Olmys(#32384)] Raconil seems startled by the Ceann's abrupt departure and gives a shake of his head before turning to pair. "I had left hear after speaking with Diarmad to speak with what Wulf I could find, Diarmad had said how the Bear were wishing to repair relations with Wulf. I came upon the end of the fighting and did not think I would find much welcome amongst the victors, Guardian or no. So I can not say who speaks for the Wulf at this moment."
He scratches at his chin and looks to Fian Ranich and nods. "The army was at Redvyrne," he replies. "That I can be certain of. I can not say that they all have been slain, but I do not think any escaped."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg eyes Raconil, without comment for the tale. He seems equally interested in seeing how his Fian reacts, however, for he glances swiftly across to Ciaran.
"When did Diarmad send you, Guardian?" Ciaran asks, his tone growing calmer again though his brows are still drawn. "It is fortunate that you were not caught in the fighting.. you were traveling alone?"
[Olmys(#32384)] Raconil draws his cloak a bit tighter about him. "I left Creatrach near three weeks past," he replies. "I stopped off at a few smaller holds on the way south and the storms slowed my passage as well. So, I was not as fast as I may have been."
The last two question get a small smile. "Guardians do not involve themselves in the fighting of the clans," he replies. "We work to unite not to divide."
[Brev(#30997)] One of Breveg's brows lifts a fraction at Raconil's explanation, though soon his features resume a neutral expression. "Tell me then, Guardian," he asks, perhaps forgetting his lowly status in this gathering, "how would you restore unity in this situation?"
Ciaran gives Raconil a grim smile. "I thank you for answering our questions. I best catch up with our hasty Ceann and impart this addit.. " The Fian trails off as his retainer questions the Guardian further. Rather than admonish the man, he waits to hear the answer, speaking politely to try and smooth over any insult, "Your wisdom and experience is invaluable."
[Olmys(#32384)] Raconil gives Finnian a nod in reply to the words spoken before looking upon Breveg. "I think the first step is to keep the Bear calm," he says. "My Bear brethren tend to respond violently to deaths of so many of their kin. There will be those amongst the clan who will demand vengance for the slain, neatly forgetting that it was the slain who began this fight by attacking the Wulf. The first step to restoring unity is to keep the Ceann from moving on those demands."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg's lips twitch briefly. "I am sure the new Ceann will be concerned first and foremost with consolidating his borders," he comments drily, "rather than grasping beyond them. He is not, after all-" he breaks off whatever he was about to say, and interposes swiftly, so that the pause is barely noticeable, "unwise to the lessons of the recent past. And he has wise counsellors." A sop to Ciaran? "Will you be staying to offer your support, Guardian?"
"Good counsel.." Ciaran murmurs, his gaze growing distant again as his mind works the situation over, poking at it from different angles. While Barseg's son is speaking, the Fian looks up with some determination. "Breveg, the man is only just arrived after difficult travel. Leave him to gain warmth within the keep.. As should we." There's a meaningful glance with the last.
[Olmys(#32384)] "Let us hope you are right," Raconil says to Breveg. "The people are weary of these fights between Ceanni and Fianni, perhaps your Ceann is weary of them as well."
Pulling his cloak a bit tighter still, he glances towards the main keep and it's promise of warmth when Ciaran speaks. "Oh aye," he replies. "I'll be staying as long as there is need of me and I am wanted. Now though, I think I am going to seek out some of that warmth you spoke of."
[Brev(#30997)] "Of course," Breveg murmurs. "Do not allow me to detain you, Guardian. Good day to you." He inclines his head and moves aside to let Raconil pass, then remarks lightly to Ciaran as he falls into step beside him in obedience to the implied command, "Come, Fian, surely a little cold does not bother you? I hope we shall not have to carry braziers with us on the journey back to Ranich." His gaze measures the distance between themselves and Raconil, pauses briefly on the distant archers ...
Ciaran watches Raconil depart, not immediately responding to the jibe. Eventually he turns his gaze to his retainer. When he speaks, his voice is low, the words as soft as the white cloud that briefly fills the icy air as they are spoken. "Do you think it likely that Diarmad would have a man come in at a time like this and claim his army has all been killed? It was already supposed to be on it's way back, or close to being recalled. I should have asked how long ago he saw the attack."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg lets his arched brow speak for itself. "I am glad to see that my Fian is alert to all possibilities. Diarmad's man returns bringing news of the defeat of Diarmad's army, an interesting claim ... If it does turn out to be true, I cannot say I blame the Wulf. If they seized Creatrach, would you not do likewise? All the same, the dieappearance of an entire army does seem rather too convenient." His tone is dry. "Come to that, there have been a number of convenient disappearances recently." At that, his air of unconcern falls away and he scowls.
"That is my thought. An army to be held in reserve for Diarmad, a surplus that is hidden away for a rainy day." The Fian nods along in agreement. "The Wulf suffered at our hands, deeply. They have the right to be angry." Ciaran must be one of the softest Bears in the clan, given his symapthies. "You speak of.. Brodie's armor?"
[Brev(#30997)] "That and other things," Breveg murmurs. "Armour does not walk, men do. Add to that the rumours of disturbances in Laeg, and in the north - ach." He sighs. "Little things, yet if Bear's enemies made common cause ... I mislike the feel of a snare's noose around my neck." He sighs. "And it's not clear which way to turn to loosen it. Fian, do you have any contacts within the other clans?"
"No.. Ranich has done so well by staying aloof. There's never been a reason to extend trade beyond our own clan. My father was not a greedy man." Ciaran rubs a gloved hand over his chin. "I do not envy Gregoir the mess he's potentially looking at." He asks next, "What disturbances in Laeg and the north?"
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg lets out his breath in a soft snort. "That is not greed," he murmurs softly, "but simply survival. If the rest of Caerdh falls, think you Ranich will remain untouched?" It is a moment before he answers the other question, for he pauses to shake the gathered snow from the hood of his cloak. "They say that in Forthunn an army is gathering." He hesitates, then adds, "That much I can confirm, though I do not know its number or purpose. Kerza ... her family are Stag." He drops his gaze. "As to the north," he looks up again, frowning, "Maulduin said something about trouble up there. Maybe you should ask him? No point me trying, I doubt he'd pass the time of day with me, given my bloodline." The thought seems to amuse him.
"If I thought Ranich was safe I would have said my oath the night Gregoir was chosen and we would all be back by now." Ciaran responds, sighing another white cloud into the air. The news that Brev provides is met with lifted brows, but the Fian doesn't interupt him. Instead he turns to pace a few steps and then return. Silence hangs for a long time before he speaks again. "If you prepare for the worst, you won't be surprised by it when it arrives..." He looks towards the keep. "I should catch up to Gregoir. Can you find Caileann and share all of this with him? He has better rapport with Mailduin and is more likely to get information out of the man."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg inclines his head. "Of course, Fian. And ... I will think on matters. Maybe, in time, a solution will come to me." He offers a smile that has little real hope in it, then steps away from Ciaran and sets off across the courtyard at an angle, presumably in search of Caileann.
As always, he carries the old wooden staff, and has a thick cloak draped over his shoulders to combat the nose-splitting cold. There's a bit of a smile on his face as the man chuckles over a joke one of his companions made.
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir stands by watching as some of the Laighorie men practice for the last round of the archery contest. Flakes of snow cling to his hair and upon the shoulders of furred cloak as he watches the arrows fly towards the targets. He shivers slightly and pulls his cloak tighter as he turns to look towards the sound of nearby laughter.
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg has, it seems, once more been an early riser. The young man emerges now from the training ground, clumsily pushing a sheathed dagger back through his belt with fingers that are reddened and cold-numbed. At the sound of Ciaran's laugh he turns his head, and a smile comes to his own lips as he greets the man: "Fian."
Finnian pauses when he notices the new Ceann, recalling something Brev mentioned to him. As he's thinking it over, there the new retainer appears. The farmer looks at him with almost a perplexed expression for a moment, then grins and nods. "Good morning, Brev.. " The Fian of Ranich notices that Gregoir is looking his way and greets him as well, his tone pleasant and cheerful. "And good morning, Ceann." He begins to walk towards Laighorie after a quick bow.
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir shakes the snow from his cloak as he turns and begins to stride in the direction of the Fian and Brev. "It's morning," he says with a smile. "Though a bit too cold to be good." He shivers once more and then lifts his hands to his mouth and blows on them. "What has you out so early on this icy morning?"
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg notes Ciaran's perplexed expression, for it is returned with a tilt of the brow. He strides toward the Fian, tugging on gloves as he goes. "Was there something, Fian?" he murmurs softly. Then he falls into step behind the man.
At Gregoir's greeting the smile of earlier flickers briefly across his features, though his answer is naught but a respectful nod and a soft, "Ceann." Perhaps Caileann or one of the others has been on to him about the impropriety of speaking his mind.
"Aye, a bit cold.. I'll agree to that. I was seeing that my men were comfortable enough with winter coming upon us." Ciaran's gaze wanders to Brev and he shakes his head with a faint smile. "It was nothing." He says in reassurance, than looks back to Gregoir. "And yourself? Watching the practice for the contest?" Ranich looks over towards the archers for a moment before his attention returns to Laighorie.
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir gives Brev a nod in greeting. "There is nothing keeping them here," he says turning back to Ciraran. "There must be work they could be caring for in preperation for the winter? You of course will need to stay for the Oath-taking, but your men are free to leave if you feel it would serve best."
[Brev(#30997)] A dry, powdery snow is sifting down from the grey morning sky, and the wind is icy. Even the Laoghaire archers, diligently practising at the butts under the Ceann's watchful eye, do not look comfortable.
Breveg winces and pulls his cloak a little tighter about him as he listens to Fiann Ranich converse with the new Ceann. At Laoghaire's words, he glances across to the man, the faintest of frowns accompanied by a barely perceptible shake of the head as he makes his own preferences in that matter known.
"I suppose I could, but I would rather we all travel back together, to be honest. If there are any troubles to encounter on the road they will likely be easier handled with a larger group." Ciaran answers even before he notices Brev's opinion.
Ranich must be one of those rare, cheerful morning people, because his tone is light-hearted and joking as he asks next, "Are you regretting making your claim, yet?" And in a more serious tone, "I heard about that business in the dungeons.."
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir winces slightly at the mention of the dungeons. "That was not pleasant at all, the woman will return with her son back to the Kavanagh hold," he says. "That she was ever put in the dungeons, and with a child at that . . ." he shakes his head in disgust.
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg's gaze flicks up. "She has been freed now?" he asks quietly, whether it is his place or no.
"They're saying that the Ceann burst into the dungeon and freed her and her children amidst a duel?" Ciaran lifts a brow, but there's a grin on his face. "I'm glad to hear that things are turning for the better now. The people should have a Ceann they can take pride in."
Ranich is thoughtful for a moment, then asks in a quieter, concerned fashion. "Has there been any further outcry from Kedhern?""
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir laughs at this. "No, there was no duel," he says with a wide grin. "Though Kavanagh's man, Cameron, did scramble the brains of a few guards." He lifts his hands, rubs them together vigorously and blows on them once again.
"As for Kedhern?" he frowns and shakes his head. "That's a whole other mess," he continues. "You have this whole business with the Wulf they began, imprisoning the woman and child, trying to hand over the boy to the Wulf . . ." again he shakes his head. "They are almost unworthy of the title Fian."
Ciaran nods quietly, listening carefully. He's less fidgety in the cold than the others, but he does slowly flex his fingers. "He has a lot of men at his command. Hopefully they'll make it back before he leaves for Redvyrne." The fian says in a delicate fashion, not certain how amicable the new Ceann is to concerns or suggestions. "Could be trouble for Gabharn if he's taking Diarmad against his will through an armed force."
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir nods in response to these words. "That's all we're waiting for," he replies. "Once we've word that those men have left Redvyrne, we'll send Gabharn and Diarmad south. They have a good sized force of men with them to make sure they get through."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg listens in silence to the men's speech, shivering a little under the wind's bite. "Those in Redvyrne are under the Ceann's command?" he asks quietly into the silence following Gregoir's words.
"Ah.. that's good." Ciaran says thoughtfully, smiling. "It was something that was on my mind, I suppose.. but it must have been on yours as well." The Fian looks around the courtyard for a moment, his thoughts wandering, but Breveg's question brings his attention back and he watches Gregoir curiously for the answer.
[Olmys(#32384)] "Under normal circumstances, aye, they would," Gregoir replies to Brev. "Though as it stands, Kedhern has not given their support to my claim," he adds. "Since the men are sworn to Kedhern, they may choose to follow his commands over mine. We'll know soon enough, I reckon."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg winces slightly at that. "That would be ... unfortunate," he murmurs, and says no more, leaving it to Ranich's Fian to direct the conversation now as he will.
The Fian frowns faintly, considering the distinction. "And what if he orders the army to follow him to Redvyrne and free him from his situation?" Ciaran's brows are drawn together, his tone concerned. "I don't think Diarmad will meekly travel to his imprisonment. If the intent for the hostages is to soothe the Wulf, having a Bear army, condoned or not, march back over their lands would be a disaster."
[Olmys(#32384)] Gregoir is about to reply when the arrival of Raconil causes him to hault. "They tell me you are Ceann here," Raconil says looking upon the young Laoghaire. "I've news from the south for you," he continues. "The Wulf have retaken Redvyrne, it was not pretty task but they've done it. I doubt there are two men left of those that held it."
Gregoir's widen as he hears the news from Raconil and his mouth moves wordlessly. "All of them?" he finally manages to choke out and then, his lips are again silent as they move. "I must go find, I must . . ." he stammers as he begins to move quickly for the main Keep.
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg blinks, whether at the newcomer's abrupt manner or Laoghaire's reaction it is hard to say. "I expect the Ceann and the Fian would appreciate a little more detail," he remarks calmly. "Such as who sits upon the high seat in Redvyrne now, where their eyes are turned and how this news came to you." He does not append the title 'Fian', but instead inclines his head to Raconil at the end of the speech by way of formality.
Ciaran looks no less surprised by the sudden, unexpected news. His gaze shoots over to Gregoir as the younger man stumbles on his words. As Greg begins to rush for the keep, the Fian of Ranich starts to call after him, but gives up that thought and turns back to Raconil. He nods along with his retainers interests, but holds up a hand to stall Breveg and ask what he considers a more important question, "The army was -at- Redvyrne Keep when it was abolished?"
Was Gregoir not just saying that the army was on it's way back? Wasn't that what Kedhern implied at the meeting when the Ceann was chosen?
[Olmys(#32384)] Raconil seems startled by the Ceann's abrupt departure and gives a shake of his head before turning to pair. "I had left hear after speaking with Diarmad to speak with what Wulf I could find, Diarmad had said how the Bear were wishing to repair relations with Wulf. I came upon the end of the fighting and did not think I would find much welcome amongst the victors, Guardian or no. So I can not say who speaks for the Wulf at this moment."
He scratches at his chin and looks to Fian Ranich and nods. "The army was at Redvyrne," he replies. "That I can be certain of. I can not say that they all have been slain, but I do not think any escaped."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg eyes Raconil, without comment for the tale. He seems equally interested in seeing how his Fian reacts, however, for he glances swiftly across to Ciaran.
"When did Diarmad send you, Guardian?" Ciaran asks, his tone growing calmer again though his brows are still drawn. "It is fortunate that you were not caught in the fighting.. you were traveling alone?"
[Olmys(#32384)] Raconil draws his cloak a bit tighter about him. "I left Creatrach near three weeks past," he replies. "I stopped off at a few smaller holds on the way south and the storms slowed my passage as well. So, I was not as fast as I may have been."
The last two question get a small smile. "Guardians do not involve themselves in the fighting of the clans," he replies. "We work to unite not to divide."
[Brev(#30997)] One of Breveg's brows lifts a fraction at Raconil's explanation, though soon his features resume a neutral expression. "Tell me then, Guardian," he asks, perhaps forgetting his lowly status in this gathering, "how would you restore unity in this situation?"
Ciaran gives Raconil a grim smile. "I thank you for answering our questions. I best catch up with our hasty Ceann and impart this addit.. " The Fian trails off as his retainer questions the Guardian further. Rather than admonish the man, he waits to hear the answer, speaking politely to try and smooth over any insult, "Your wisdom and experience is invaluable."
[Olmys(#32384)] Raconil gives Finnian a nod in reply to the words spoken before looking upon Breveg. "I think the first step is to keep the Bear calm," he says. "My Bear brethren tend to respond violently to deaths of so many of their kin. There will be those amongst the clan who will demand vengance for the slain, neatly forgetting that it was the slain who began this fight by attacking the Wulf. The first step to restoring unity is to keep the Ceann from moving on those demands."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg's lips twitch briefly. "I am sure the new Ceann will be concerned first and foremost with consolidating his borders," he comments drily, "rather than grasping beyond them. He is not, after all-" he breaks off whatever he was about to say, and interposes swiftly, so that the pause is barely noticeable, "unwise to the lessons of the recent past. And he has wise counsellors." A sop to Ciaran? "Will you be staying to offer your support, Guardian?"
"Good counsel.." Ciaran murmurs, his gaze growing distant again as his mind works the situation over, poking at it from different angles. While Barseg's son is speaking, the Fian looks up with some determination. "Breveg, the man is only just arrived after difficult travel. Leave him to gain warmth within the keep.. As should we." There's a meaningful glance with the last.
[Olmys(#32384)] "Let us hope you are right," Raconil says to Breveg. "The people are weary of these fights between Ceanni and Fianni, perhaps your Ceann is weary of them as well."
Pulling his cloak a bit tighter still, he glances towards the main keep and it's promise of warmth when Ciaran speaks. "Oh aye," he replies. "I'll be staying as long as there is need of me and I am wanted. Now though, I think I am going to seek out some of that warmth you spoke of."
[Brev(#30997)] "Of course," Breveg murmurs. "Do not allow me to detain you, Guardian. Good day to you." He inclines his head and moves aside to let Raconil pass, then remarks lightly to Ciaran as he falls into step beside him in obedience to the implied command, "Come, Fian, surely a little cold does not bother you? I hope we shall not have to carry braziers with us on the journey back to Ranich." His gaze measures the distance between themselves and Raconil, pauses briefly on the distant archers ...
Ciaran watches Raconil depart, not immediately responding to the jibe. Eventually he turns his gaze to his retainer. When he speaks, his voice is low, the words as soft as the white cloud that briefly fills the icy air as they are spoken. "Do you think it likely that Diarmad would have a man come in at a time like this and claim his army has all been killed? It was already supposed to be on it's way back, or close to being recalled. I should have asked how long ago he saw the attack."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg lets his arched brow speak for itself. "I am glad to see that my Fian is alert to all possibilities. Diarmad's man returns bringing news of the defeat of Diarmad's army, an interesting claim ... If it does turn out to be true, I cannot say I blame the Wulf. If they seized Creatrach, would you not do likewise? All the same, the dieappearance of an entire army does seem rather too convenient." His tone is dry. "Come to that, there have been a number of convenient disappearances recently." At that, his air of unconcern falls away and he scowls.
"That is my thought. An army to be held in reserve for Diarmad, a surplus that is hidden away for a rainy day." The Fian nods along in agreement. "The Wulf suffered at our hands, deeply. They have the right to be angry." Ciaran must be one of the softest Bears in the clan, given his symapthies. "You speak of.. Brodie's armor?"
[Brev(#30997)] "That and other things," Breveg murmurs. "Armour does not walk, men do. Add to that the rumours of disturbances in Laeg, and in the north - ach." He sighs. "Little things, yet if Bear's enemies made common cause ... I mislike the feel of a snare's noose around my neck." He sighs. "And it's not clear which way to turn to loosen it. Fian, do you have any contacts within the other clans?"
"No.. Ranich has done so well by staying aloof. There's never been a reason to extend trade beyond our own clan. My father was not a greedy man." Ciaran rubs a gloved hand over his chin. "I do not envy Gregoir the mess he's potentially looking at." He asks next, "What disturbances in Laeg and the north?"
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg lets out his breath in a soft snort. "That is not greed," he murmurs softly, "but simply survival. If the rest of Caerdh falls, think you Ranich will remain untouched?" It is a moment before he answers the other question, for he pauses to shake the gathered snow from the hood of his cloak. "They say that in Forthunn an army is gathering." He hesitates, then adds, "That much I can confirm, though I do not know its number or purpose. Kerza ... her family are Stag." He drops his gaze. "As to the north," he looks up again, frowning, "Maulduin said something about trouble up there. Maybe you should ask him? No point me trying, I doubt he'd pass the time of day with me, given my bloodline." The thought seems to amuse him.
"If I thought Ranich was safe I would have said my oath the night Gregoir was chosen and we would all be back by now." Ciaran responds, sighing another white cloud into the air. The news that Brev provides is met with lifted brows, but the Fian doesn't interupt him. Instead he turns to pace a few steps and then return. Silence hangs for a long time before he speaks again. "If you prepare for the worst, you won't be surprised by it when it arrives..." He looks towards the keep. "I should catch up to Gregoir. Can you find Caileann and share all of this with him? He has better rapport with Mailduin and is more likely to get information out of the man."
[Brev(#30997)] Breveg inclines his head. "Of course, Fian. And ... I will think on matters. Maybe, in time, a solution will come to me." He offers a smile that has little real hope in it, then steps away from Ciaran and sets off across the courtyard at an angle, presumably in search of Caileann.
Players: Ciaran, Brev, Gregoir
Located in: Dunlending
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- An Army Destroyed