Dale News - 2013-04

Date	Location	Title
01	ESGAROTH	A face to frighten children?
01	THRUSH HILL	A Full Life, Yet Unfulfilled
02	ESGAROTH	Taurdain Troubles
03	ESGAROTH	A suitable target
04	ESGAROTH	One Man and a Baby
05	ESGAROTH	Scholarly Pursuits
05	ESGAROTH	The Accidental Thief?
05	ESGAROTH	A suspicious package?
06	ESGAROTH	Love hurts
08	ESGAROTH	Drown your sorrows!
11	ESGAROTH	A wedding celebration!
14	ESGAROTH	A butterfly flaps its wings
15	ESGAROTH	By the sweat of a noble brow ...
22	ESGAROTH	At the drop of a hat
22	ESGAROTH	Window on the world
25	ESGAROTH	Early-morning exercise
28	ESGAROTH	Suspicious lurker

Post Title:	A face to frighten children?
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	01 April 2013
This hot weather has everyone exhausted, wandering round with their eyes half-shut. Why, the other evening in the Market Square I saw a near-collision between the King's Man GERIK and the Flagon barmaid YLVIDA! The pair got as far as exchanging apologies and names and then the woman ran off, I couldn't fathom why. LOUSE reckoned she knew the reason though, she marched right up and told Gerik it must be his face. What a cheek! She's certainly no oil-painting. The Greenshirt youngster then proceeded to nag the King's Man for tales of his recent patrol - she shut up, though, when she learned he'd not signed up with the military till the ripe old age of seventeen. Deflated, the girl left ... hmm, maybe there /is/ something about Gerik's face?

Post Title:	A Full Life, Yet Unfulfilled
Author:	Hrodwyn
Date posted:	01 April 2013
One recent evening at Thrush Hill Tower, Lieutenant HRODWYN of Karath came upon Lieutenant LORTHRAIN Girion swinging at a straw dummy well after the normal hours for training. The two officers soon turned to conversation, with the Girion Lord expressing both satisfiaction and yet unease. Yet, with a lovely wife, healthy son, and good career, what /could/ be bothering Lorthrain? A sense of uncertainty, it seems. An uncertainty born of witnessing the dwarves fight alongside the men of Dale in the recent orc incursion. An uncertainty stemming from the knowledge that the dwarves fought alongside the Bardings despite having suffered only limited harm from the orcs. An uncertainty of why the subjects of King Brand follow that monarch even though they rarely see him and have no great ties to him. Though recognizing its force, Hrodwyn was unable to help her fellow officer with this malaise. Talk then turned to other things -- to Hrodwyn's own concerns about the future. Should she continue in King's Men? Or rather was it time, at 28 years of age, to find a husband and settle down with a family? Difficult choices, with staying the course as the best answer...for now. In the end, the conversation shifted once more, taking a final dark turn. Hrodwyn noted she had felt some hostility from the residents of the southern part of kingdom during the recent fight against the orcs. Lorthrain agreed. So, the two made arrangements to look further into these matters...

Post Title:	Taurdain Troubles
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	02 April 2013
Did you know there was blood spilt, right here in Taurdain Suites? Yes really, we might all have been murdered in our beds! It was like this ... I was woken out of a sound sleep by shouting and a sudden crash! So of course I put my head round the door to see what was what. Other folk were doing the same - I'll tell you, that young lass Fride is a looker when she's in her nightgo- er, where was I? Right, I peered over the bannisters and I saw GAWAIN the doorward - you know, him with the big mouth - lying on the floor with his arm dripping blood and that fellow Gerro standing over him with a knife until someone wrestled it away from him. Well, we all knew those two retainers didn't get on but noone thought they'd take to trying to kill each other in /our/ Suites! Then Lady ISOBEL came out of the library (what she was doing poring over old tomes at /that/ hour I don't know!) and tried to shoo us all off like a mother hen. "Nothing to see", indeed! Of course, she sent someone for Master BREV - any excuse to be in his company, eh? Though I must admit that when I slipped downstairs later for a drink from the fountain they were in separate rooms. The sawbones was patching up Gawain in the kitchen and Lady Isobel was questioning Gerro in the sitting room. Of course, with the kitchen being so near the fountain I heard a word or two ... something about Gawain being sorry? And hoping he'd keep his job! Since when did anyone lose their job for being stabbed? Wonder just what he's done? And more to the point, what Lady Isobel will do to the pair of them for coming to blows? I've heard that Gerro is to be dismissed ...

Post Title:	A suitable target
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	03 April 2013
My, I wouldn't like to cross Lady KANYARIA Arathmor! You should have seen the way she was attacking that target dummy yesterday. Master BREV remarked on it but then was brave enough to test her skills on a live target: himself. He gave some advice along the way and it must have paid off, for eventually she managed to land a blow on his leather-clad side. At this point the sawbones knocked the weapon out of the noblewoman's hand and declared the demonstration at an end, for the sake of his forthcoming wedding. Hmm ... we all know Lady Kanyaria dislikes Lady Isobel, you don't think she was /trying/ to maim the man? They parted with Lady Kanyaria promising to give Brev his payment later. What sort of payment is that, I wonder, if it can't be doled out in public? Sounds suspicious to me ...

Post Title:	One Man and a Baby
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	04 April 2013
The other day I saw the newest little Girion out and about for the first time, safe in her mother Lady AILITH's arms! ... well, fine, mostly safe. Not in immediate danger at any rate, the father ALGER was there after all to keep his family safe and sound! Soon enough he found himself with an armful of baby as the Girion lass went off to get some cider and damn if he didn't look stiff as a statue! He stood there all quiet-like when Lady ISOBEL turned up to chat with his wife about this and that; before the little family went their own way the healer woman passed her empty cup to Isobel. Perhaps a wedding gift?

Post Title:	Scholarly Pursuits
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	05 April 2013
I saw a thing that's somewhat unusual in the Market Square the other day; there I was, minding my own business (not really because there was a sad lack of it) when I noticed a young Arathmor appoaching Lady ISOBEL and the two engaged in a civil conversation! Not a harsh word, not a glare... Caught his name, TANIS (played by LORTHRAIN) it is, and soon enough the reason for his pleasantness became clear - he wants to become a scholar! Well, I'll wager his ancestors are turning in their graves just as they turned pennies when they were alive! To think, an Arathmor dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge rather than the pursuit of money... I'll keep an eye out for the lad, he seems interesting.

Post Title:	The Accidental Thief?
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	05 April 2013
'twas a lovely summer evening and I was sitting in front of my shop, drinking a pint in peace and watching folks drift by on their evening strolls, when the peace was rudely scattered! Some lad came running, arms flapping like a chicken, and he was screaming about a thief! Well, up I jump in a fright, spilling my ale, and then it turns out that he was just talking about that young man GIDON who lives with BREV the carpenter down the street. Pah! Lord BARLIN Karath, Ole Stiff-leg, he was right nearby talking to Lady ISOBEL Taurdain so I left it to them to sort it all out. Come to think of it though, isn't it odd for those two men to be shacked up together and them not related, eh? Maybe that's why his first wife ran off...? ... Right, right, getting off-topic. So I sat myself down again and watched the show - wasn't amusing for long though because Lord Barlin, however much he bristled at first, soon was assured that Gidon actually does live there. And then, of course, the master of the house himself showed up! Though he was hailed heartily enough by all those present the party was soon breaking up when another 'igh-up appeared. Lord LORTHRAIN didn't spare much time for his cousin and her betrothed, certainly; he was more interested in Ole Stiff-leg, and Lord Barlin declined the invitation to come inside after all. The two lords went to the Great Hall, the others went into Brev's workshop and I went inside to get more ale.

Post Title:	A suspicious package?
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	05 April 2013
I saw Master BREV down at the Docks the other evening, talking to that friend of his, the hunter fellow with the withered arm (GIDON) - the one noone can ever get a word out of. Brev seemed to, though: the pair of them were murmuring and then Gidon handed over a package. Suspicious or what? I have to admit that when Brev opened it it didn't look like contrabrand - more like a piece of cloth or leather. Still, we all know the Docks is a place for dodgy deals ... ... And for dodgy characters. Young RIOLAN came along then, looking decidedly ill at ease: I couldn't decide whether he was trying to find someone or trying /not/ to, if you take my meaning. Heard him ask if Brev was planning on running away, though the carpenter didn't seem to get the joke. Some folk have no sense of humour! Why, Brev isn't even planning a last night out with the menfolk, much to Riolan's disappointment - he hoped to see his father Riordan get drunk. Hah! The Master Warden letting himself go like that in public? Sure, and cows might fly.

Post Title:	Love hurts
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	06 April 2013
Dragon's breath, but I hate pulling Watch duty in the Training Yard at the dinner hour. Boring as watching fish dry - who stirs up trouble when they could be eating their meal? Still at least there was free entertainment the other day. That BREV was practising at the archery target with his sling (and making a right pig's breakfast of it too. What? No, I suppose I couldn't have done any better) and then showing off with a throwing knife. Lady ISOBEL came into the Yard then. Whether she was impressed by it I can't tell, but she did agree to take a lesson in 'how to stab things'. Charming, eh? After a quick demonstration on the training dummy, they moved on to sparring (hmm, I didn't see Lady Isobel with a dagger when she came in?). Needless to say, the lady had the worst of it, which I don't think pleased her, for she resorted to underhand means to end the bout: first an arm about the waist and then, when that failed, the threat of a well-placed knee. How seriously that was taken I don't know, for her tutor ended the session with - well, I hope the man doesn't behave that way to all his female pupils. Just as well that pair are about to wed!

Post Title:	Drown your sorrows!
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	08 April 2013
The men of Taurdain must've decided that BREV deserved a farewell to bachelorhood, for I saw a gaggle of them escorting him into the Flagon yesterday evening. He looked none too comfortable about it either, for when Lord GERIK passed by he practically begged the Karath to join them, hoping for an ally no doubt. Of course, it was a little late for that ... next thing I knew, Sergeant LOREN, GAWAIN and the rest were tossing the contents of their mugs over the groom-to-be, drenching him from head to heels! Gerik got a bit of a wetting too, though he took it in good part. Me, I was shocked at the waste of Brue's ale - but the serving lass assures me it was only water. Well, we all waited to see what Brev would do - I've heard a few things about his surly temper - but he must have managed to see the funny side, made some remark about watering the ale and then settled down to the business of dripping and drinking (though he took his sweet time about the latter. Doesn't he know it's a tradition to drink yourself under the table pre-wedding-night?). Discussion of the .. er, formidable Lady Niamh degenerated into talk of Lord Bernar in a dress - I'm telling you, that foreigner has some mighty strange fetishes! That first shot of strong spirits was downed eventually, but when Brev balked at the second Gerik stepped in to share the burden. Next thing, the Karath lord was regaling us with tales of battling trolls - who knew there were so many of them around the Dale-lands? A regular monster-slayer he must be! The carpenter-cum-sawbones must have more staying power than we reckoned, for I heard that come closing both he and Loren left the place on their own (notably unsteady!) legs. Gawain I'm not so sure about ... I also heard that there's been no sawing and hammering coming from that workshop in the Business Parade today. Wonder why?

Post Title:	A wedding celebration!
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	11 April 2013
On a clear summer's evening in August, the doors to the Great Hall were thrown open to all comers, high-born and low, to celebrate the wedding of Lady ISOBEL Taurdain and ... er, that foreign fellow that can't decide whether he's carpenter or sawbones, Master BREV. Must be an embarrassment for the House to have her marrying one of lower rank, but they were putting a good show on anyway. Amongst the guests, as well as Taurdain relatives from as far afield as Dale and Iach Celduin, were an assortment of Karaths. Lord BARLIN, escorting his brother's wife Lady Ivanna, seemed most put out at being required to socialize - apparently he reckons 'a good, long gallop into the wilderness' to be a more fitting means to mark a wedding! Hmm ... Lieutenant HRODWYN was also reserved, confessing that 'too much frivolity' did not appeal. At least Master Riordan's son RIOLAN was enjoying himself, even if his interest seemed to be in food rather than the dance floor - why, he didn't even ask Hrodwyn up to dance! Where are his manners ... oh, right, I forgot. He's from Buhr Marling and they're all savages down there. Other Houses were represented too. Lady AILITH Girion and her husband ALGER seemed to be enjoying their brief respite from parental duties, though the former was behaving a little oddly: I swear I saw her pass a glass of wine under the buffet table! The bride and groom were acting strange too. Can you believe it, at one point I saw them talking to a potted plant? Though I did see that silent hunter fellow (GIDON) slinking away from the vicinity just after. Ailith departed after a whirlwind of hugging in which Lord GERIK was also caught up, her spouse following in more decorous fashion. Lord Gerik presented Lady Isobel with some flowers from the countryside - she seemed quite touched by the gesture! - and a letter from Lady Oriana, at whose absence both newlyweds expressed regret. Another, perhaps more surprising, guest was Lady KANYARIA Arathmor, who arrived with her two children in tow just as that Greenshirt girl LOUSE, who'd been stuffing herself at the buffet, importuned Lady Isobel with a remark that we won't repeat and then started hugging all and sundry (copying Ailith?). She even headed toward the bride's mother, Lady Niamh, but fortunately Lady Arla and her husband Loren managed to head the youngster off and took her back to the Suites with them. Anyway, where was I - oh yes, Lady Kanyaria. She greeted Brev (she's one of those who persists in calling the man by his earlier name of Brunni - what's a fellow doing with more than one name anyway?) and her offspring handed over two parcels for the happy couple. Young Elaradwyn's a regular little Lord, he insisted on presenting both gifts (his little sister was more reticent, clinging to her brother and then her mother). Wonder what was in the boxes? As evening wore on the happy couple were nowhere to be seen, but drinking and dancing continued long into the night - and eating too. The buffet was still going strong, though desserts kept disappearing under the table (Riolan lifted the tablecloth at one point to reveal a little lad (SIAN) taking advantage of the free food). All in all, a fine time was had by all!

Post Title:	A butterfly flaps its wings
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	14 April 2013
... And somewhere a girl falls down. That Greenshirt LOUSE (played by BREV) was lugging pails of water around the other day, and hot work it looked to be, when some lass chasing a butterfly fell down (or sat down, what do I know?) right in front of her. Y'know the waif can be a bit.. rude sometimes, she certainly doesn't mince words anyway, so I figured we might be in for a show but nah, Louse just asked if the girl was alright. Lady ISOBEL drifted over at that point but she seemed a bit moony, kept looking east and going all dreamy-eyed, like. She only stayed long enough to find out that the lass's name is YLVIDA, that she's new in town and that she works at the Fiery Flagon as a bar maid; then Miss Ylvida (and she's a looker so I'll see you in the tavern later so you'll see what I mean, yeah?) was left to the tender mercies of Louse's company.

Post Title:	By the sweat of a noble brow ...
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	15 April 2013
Sometimes those end-of-summer days can be real scorchers. Take yesterday - by the time it was gone noon anyone in their right mind was thinking about quenching their thirst. Of course, it's debatable whether nobles and their hangers-on are in their right minds. Master BREV was down on hands and knees inspecting the bridge - I heard him say to Lord GERIK there's maintenance due. Wonder how the Carpenter's Guild plans to do that? Hold up all the traffic, or simply carry out the work at night when there's noone to obstruct? I've heard the Merchants Guild favours the latter approach, and they do say that money talks ... Lord Gerik had been busy too, shepherding some new recruits and showing them the town's muster points. And Lady ISOBEL certainly looked to have been hard at work - though when Lord Gerik pressed her it turned out she'd simply been out riding. It's all right for some! Those noble ladies don't know what toil is. She was even talking about going for a swim - and the day only half-done! Perhaps in attempt to divert attention from her own idleness, Lady Isobel turned the conversation toward how the Lake-hemmed town might fare in an emergency. It's a grim subject and one I didn't care to think on, so I went on my way at that point. Lord Gerik followed soon after, while Lady Isobel went off in search of a place to bathe. Come to think of it, I didn't notice Master Brev heading back to town just then ...

Post Title:	At the drop of a hat
Author:	Isobel
Date posted:	22 April 2013
I saw that lass LOUSE (playd by BREV) idling by the wharf the other day, shouting at some lads who were making trouble and generally puffing herself up - a good thing Sergeant LOREN (played by ISOBEL) came by to keep an eye on things! Seems they had a right nice talk too, the man pointed out his father's old fish shop and started talking about when he was a young one. Didn't know they were so chummy. The Greenshirt scarpered when someone's hat blew by; she's almost like that dog Lady Arla owns, always chasing after things that move!

Post Title:	Window on the world
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	22 April 2013
I noticed the carpenter BREV pacing up and down Bowman Street the other day at dusk; looked like he'd dropped something. RIOLAN Karath happened to be standing at his window and offered to lend the man a hand. Next thing the young man had climbed over the sill, cool as a cucumber - you'd think he'd forgotten what doors are for! I'm telling you, if I were his father I'd be worried over him displaying /that/ particular skill ... reckon he's been visiting a lassie in the dead of night? Or stealing folk's valuables? Brev found /his/ valuable after a little while, though it didn't sound like much to be making a fuss over. An animal tooth? Foreigners are strange folk.

Post Title:	Suspicious lurker
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	25 April 2013
There are some odd characters out on the streets sometimes. The other evening when Lady ISOBEL was out for a stroll this scruffy looking fellow with only a single boot (played by CER) shuffled past mumbling something about 'fishies'. I wondered if I'd have to step in and stop him bothering her, but no, that young Greenshirt LOUSE put in an appearance and that did the trick. The old tramp left, now muttering about benches (hope he didn't end up on the one outside Futon Place, I can imagine Lady Ailith's response!). Louse wasn't satisfied, however: she insisted there was someone lurking in the shadows. Me, I wasn't about to go and find out! Eventually, when a verbal challenge went unmet, the girl escorted Lady Isobel elsewhere and things went quiet again. As to the fact that the silent hunter GIDON was seen emerging from that same street, well I leave you to decide whether there might have been a connection.

Post Title:	Early-morning exercise
Author:	Brev
Date posted:	28 April 2013
Do you think Lady ISOBEL Taurdain has tired of married life already? The other morning I caught her sneaking into the Training Yard at the crack of dawn to practise with a dagger! Looked suspicious to me ... though I must admit her husband BREV didn't act disturbed when he caught her at it, merely subjected her to a little sparring to test her skills. The man's clearly besotted: he treated her far more gently than his other pupils (mind you, who wouldn't be tempted to cause a little damage when teaching an Arathmor?) and by the time I went out into the Yard to check the straw in the dummies the sparring seemed to have given way to ... tickling? Only reason I can think of for a fellow laughing and squirming like that. Now, there's something they don't teach 'em in the Watch ...