|
|
|
|
Edwy nods to Callum's comments. "These are indeed troubled times, and there are many abroad who have no understanding of how to behave. But we must make allowances and educate them in this climate, we will never defeat the dogheads should we do their job for them. In the morning he will repent his comments publicaly or he will face me - my family will only take so much insult. But now I think it is time to end this evening afore ought else happens." Edwy walks back to his round house indicating that the ales and food should be removed and signalling the end of the party. A few people move into the round house with Edwy, the rest start to drift away in small groups ... *****Your opportunity to do things overnight - if you want to :) ***** In the morning a simple breakfast is bought to all of you still in the village just after first light(this includes Yuri and Herloch if he has returned to the communal quarters you were allocated). And you are informed that Yuri will meet with Edwy in about 2 hours. *****Your opportunity to do things in the early morning - if you want to :) ****** You hear the general noise levels rising as it gets near to the time set for Edwy's meeting with Yuri, as everyone comes out to watch. ****** Choose where you are going to be for the meeting ***** |
|
|
OOC: Boy, did I miss out on the fun … sorry guys, a pretty hectic weekend … but BRAVO all round :0) As the remainder of the food starts to be cleared away, Madelyn finishes her ale, handing the jug to the nearest servant. She smiles at Mandrake and Edgar as she passes, and steps out into the cool night air. Taking a deep breath, she looks around for Rolf. Spotting him across the way, she moves towards him, "I’m sorry", she apologises, "I got lost in my own thoughts, what has been happening?" |
|
|
As things break up, Rolf moves back off, lost in his thoughts. Where does honor lie? It was a silly thing really, not worth spilling blood over. Yet, Edwy's authority is recognized and it is his clan, his family. And Yuri did abuse the mans hospitality by treating him with such disrespect. And what of Rolf's role in all of this? Yuri was his companion, even if not charged with the same mission as the rest of them. In good conscience, how far could he let matters go? A soft step behind him interrupts his thoughts. The calming voice of Madelyn helps smooth his troubled expression. But the question keeps it near the surface. "That's a good question. The popular opinion seems to be that Herloch made a drunken pass at Elsbeth, who didn't appreciate it at all. Then Edwy ordered Herloch get sobbered up by way of dunking in a trough. Yuri started a shouting match with Edwy about how unfair it all was. Despite my order, he wouldn't shut up until he'd insulted our host. Now, in the morning, Yuri can apologize or take up arms. I think it's a matter of humiliating Yuri, not killing him." He sighs and gives her a wry grin, "And now, well, now I'm contemplating the tangled web of honor and duty." |
|
|
Elsbeth meekly follows her brothers home, pointedly putting aside her mother's questions with enough 'yes mama' and 'no mama' comments to tell little. With her head spinning and head beginning to ache, it was not the time to argue. Instead, she goes to bed, stripping her clothes from her and enjoying her own bed for the first time in many days. Yet sleep doesn't come. Elsbeth lay under the furs, gazing up at the timbered ceiling, examining her soul. After all, had Herloch really insulted her? Or was he right, that she was the drunk one? And what was the insult of a man wishing he could settle down with a woman and have children? Was she repulsed by the thought of him as a husband or at having any husband at all? And what of Rolf and Madelyn? Alone in her bed, she could well blush and wonder if she felt jealousy at because of one or the other. Her life had been filled with woods and chants, with family and duty- there had been no time to think of what Elsbeth Marva wanted- or desired... Despite such heavy ponderings the woman rises at dawn, ready to break her fast and find her answers. She begins with prayers to the gods and goddesses alike, wondering if they in their wisdom could solve her problems. She then goes to see if she is to dine with her family or the village and the party. To be sure, she is almost afraid to face them, now that the beer is gone and the day is alight. After all, she can't help but feel she caused the problems of the night before, problems caused by crying out, by accusing Herloch. What are they thinking of her now, she wonders? |
|
|
As Mandrake heads off to seek a quiet corner for the night, Edgar settles on his shoulder. But as they pass Rolf and Madelyn, and he overhears the Warden's words, the raven cannot help but offer his own thoughts on the matter ... "Often the leader of a wolf pack will blood a lone wolf to make him realise the way of things ... it is how things are ..." As the gnome's walk leads them away, Edgar's final words are lost to the night, heard only by Mandrake, "... and sometimes the leader kills the lone wolf." Edgar remains with Mandrake through the night, nudging the gnome awake should his nightmares return, and offering a friendly ear should he wish to talk. But once morning comes, he struts and caaarks and generally ensures that his companion is up and about that they not miss any of the excitement. |
|
|
Yuri sighed as the doors were locked behind him and he slid down to the floor a corner. Where had he gone wrong? His point was simple enough, everyone was enjoying themselves, there was no need to ruin the night because of somebody's drunken actions, but somehow his point was lost. Yuri shook his head sadly, bitterly disappointed and angry at himself, had he been out in this wild so long he could no longer have a civil discussion with somebody? Had this landscape corrupted him so he could not eloquently express himself? Lord, he'd made things one hundred times worse! Regret? He most certainly regretted it, but not for trying, not for saying something, but he did regret the way he said everything, his words, his tone, his mannerism. He did most certainly not understand the local customs or the local law, tho he was now starting to get a better idea. But now, sitting alone in the barn, hindsight was proving to be such a wonderous, and useless, thing. Yuri smiled to himself as he cast his mind back five years, to the start of his journey when he left Deya to travel with the Gypsies. It had started off exactly how he had imagined it, and Yuri's smile grew in rememberance... but how it had soured so quickly. And now it had come to this. His smile fadded quickly as Yuri's thoughts came back to the present, to his dilemna, to his stupidity. How was he going to get himself out of this mess? How was he supposed to redeem himself in the eyes of the people he was suppose to travel with? The people he'd made such a pitiful mess of standing up for. Unable to contemplate such miserable and depressing thoughts any longer, Yuri forced them out of his mind, occupying himself by staring up at a window above into the night sky for hours until exhaustion took him and fitfull sleep came. |
|
|
At the mention of Elsbeth’s misfortune Madelyn’s face drops, but she doesn’t interrupt. Madelyn is unable to return his grin, as a look of worry is visible on her face. "I’m sorry Rolf, is Elsbeth OK", she asks, "Where is she? Was she hurt?" |
|
|
As Mandrake and Edgar pass by and the bird speaks up, Rolf looks a bit troubled. He really wasn't comfortable sharing such musings with the others. For that matter, he wasn't all that comfortable sharing them with Madelyn, though he was growing more so. As the gnome and bird move off, Rolf returns his full attention to Madelyn. When she asks her questions, Rolf replies with a gentle smile, "Be at east, Elsbeth is fine and is resting at her mothers and in the company of those brothers of hers." He attempts to lighten the mood somewhat, "Between her brothers, mother and the rest of the village, I think even a welcome suitor would have quite a time of it." |
|
|
Madelyn relaxes and smiles at Rolf’s comment. "We both have much on our mind, and a long day ahead of us tomorrow". She takes a deep breath of the cool night air, before gingerly taking Rolf’s arm in hers, "shall we retire for the evening, or do you wish to talk further about that tangled web of honour and duty?" At the last, a playful smile enhances her beauty. |
|
|
Rolf allows himself to be comforted by Madelyn's friendly manner. There's no resistance in him as she takes his arm and his face echoes her playful smile, "No, I believe I've managed to trap myself in the tangled web enough for this night." He escorts her to the round house the village has graciously provided. He disentangles himself from her, though he does give her a hand a gentle squeeze, a simple showing of his gratitude. Making his way to his blankets and making himself ready for bed, he settles in, hands crossed behind his head. He tries to focus his thoughts on the problems of the morrow, but images of Madelyn's face, smiling in the moonlight, keeps other thoughts at bay. At last, a deep and untroubled sleep overtakes him. [I'm assuming Elsbeth has joined us for breakfast....] In the morning, Rolf rouses himself as breakfast is brought in. He stretches and meets the day confidently. Seating himself next to Madelyn, he begins sampling the simple fare as Elsbeth walks in. He nods at her, his eyes bright in the morning light. "Greetings Elsbeth, I trust you slept well?" |
|
|
The drunken dreams are always the most bizarre. A cold wind whips through Herloch's cloak as he looks about to take in the details of his surroundings. He's in a clearing secluded by trees. Their bare branches and the snow on the ground tells him it's winter. Some he knows that it's early morning, just before dawn. Looking to his left he sees a grand castle, no less than a mile away. Looking ahead he notices an orc in front of him, tied to a tall stake with brush piled around him. It is a private execution and this orc is to be burned alive. The orc's defiant look on his face suggests he deserve this fate. Suddenly he's surrounded by others; people dressed in dark cloaks with hoods that hide their faces in shadow. Their breaths are visible in puffs in the winter air. One of them holds a single lit torch. This torchbearer turns to Herloch and with eyes still hidden he says, "Do you want to do the honors?" Herloch can only manage to stutter, "W-wha?" The torchbearer continues, "This sorcerer betrayed us - me, the kingdom, your mother." He removes his hood and shows his regal face. Somehow Herloch knows him to be the king of the nearby castle. "Take the torch and put this demon to the flame. Forget him and I will take you in as my son. I do not blame your mother for this. This orc's sorcery deceived us all and I have forgiven her of her infidelity." The King places the torch in Herloch's hand. Herloch seems unable to control his next actions as he approaches and drops the burning torch into the waiting brush. The conflagration begins and the orc is awash in flame, but seems impervious to any pain. Before the condemned sorcerer is obscured completely, he smiles sadistically to Herloch and says, "Welcome to our family, son." Finally Herloch looks down to his hands. They are greenish and large with fingers ending in wicked claws - the hands of an orc. Herloch bolts awake and sits up quickly. He remembers all the details of the dream, even with the massive hangover he has. He's had this dream before, and each time he dreams it a little more is revealed. How long will this go on, he thinks to himself. It is morning. He gets dressed in his clothes which are still damp but wearable. Folding the blanket he slept in, he starts the trek back to the village, made long due to his severe headache. OOC: He will arrive in time for the confrontation, but not breakfast. |
|
|
|
|
|
The general bustle and noise tells you it is getting close to the time for Yuri's meeting with Edwy ... |
|
|
In the increasing hustle and bustle, Callum pushes the dogs out of the way, picks himself up from his spot by the fire and stretches loudly. He looks around the hall, then sets off to the rear of the kitchens, looking for a well. When he finds one, he will retrieve a bucketful of water, drink whatever he can from it and pour the rest over hisa head. Suitably refreshed, he will find himself a spot from where to watch whatever happens between Edwy and Yuri. He doesn't know the gypsy very well but it will still be a shame to see him hanged. |
|
|
OOC: Okay, I'd been holding off to give Elsbeth a chance to rejoin the group, but I get the hint. :) After breakfast, Rolf makes his way to the barn and quickly finds himself face to face with Yuri. "There is little time, so I shall be brief. You have suffered much, endured much and I find it most impressive that in the aftermath of such hardships, you can still argue so fervently on the behalf of people you've known for such a short time. Such concern shows a generous heart and courage, it shows a person who I would welcome as a companion." He sighs. "I would not see you suffer more pain than you have already. But I am an envoy of Sir Richard, ruler of Galinia and I am honorbound by that duty. He has recognized Edwy as the local authority in this area and it is not my place to question the rulings of either of them. Between upholding my duty and my desire to see you suffer no injury, the only path I see is for you to apologize to Edwy, and I know it's a stern charge. Yet I urge you to do this, for your own well being, for the benefit of both Elsbeth and Herloch, indeed, for the good of all of us." "If it helps, look at Edwy as a sheep dog. He sees a lurking wolf threatening one of his flock and he responds quickly and harshly. When the wolf is driven off and one strikes out at the dog for doing his duty, it is of no surprise that the dog responds by growling and biting. I truly do not know what transpired between Elsbeth and Herloch and I pray that Edwy has it wrong, but I can't fault him for his intentions of protecting Elsbeth. Powerful men take a harsh view of those who disrespect them and through them, their people. He now sees the need to restore that respect, either by bending you or breaking you." Rolf stands and heads for the exit, then turns with again. "One more thing, if you decide to apologize, I will stand with you. If you opt for combat and live, we will aid your recovery and if you die upon the field, I will see your remains treated honorably." |
|
|
"Wow... wait....", Yuri asks as Rolf turns to leave. "That's a lot, well, gentler than I expected", Yuri continues, looking down at the ground. "I'm, uh... not sure if you're saying that because you truely believe it or you just think I need to hear it. And I hope that came out ok because I've been making a mess of it of late, plus little sleep last night on top of no sleep at all the night before isn't helping much. Anyway... that's made me feel even more guilty." Yuri looks up at Rolf as he finally gets to his point. "I have been thinking things over and I will apologise, I just hope it's enough. |
|
|
OOC: Actually, I was waiting to see if Elsbeth would be compelled to break fast with her family. :) The young woman was uncharacteristically silent through her breakfast with her family, eyes downcast both in thought as well as to hide her lack of sleep. She knew the law and knew Edwy. She did not fault him. In all this, she faulted herself- after all, it wasn't as if Herloch was trying to have his way with her! She simply should have pushed him away and gone back to the feast. To her mother's repeat inquiries, she only answers in short sentences that reveal little. She does promise to return to explain things before she leaves the village again. Arriving at the bustle of the gathering, she has re-braided her hair and wears a fresh dress, the silver inlay glinting in the early light. Though little can hide the circles under her eyes, or the sadness in them, they are bright with the activities around her. She sees first Callum, approaching the great warrior and curtsying deeply, her head lowered. "I thank ye, Callum, for standing fast for my honor and being concerned. Ye be doing your clan honor." |
|
|
|
|
|
Sorry folks, I got so carried away in all your good posts that I missed Elsbeth's question. I know you shouldn't have to, but to make it easier for me, will you put an OOC at the end of the post if there are things that you are waiting to act on. That way I can't miss it :) LOL my only excuse is old age .... |
|
|
Herloch continues his walk back to the town and his companions. He really isn't that far, but he purposely walks slowly so as to give him time to think things through. First, he tries to remember what happened last night. The last thing he can recall is some kind of boat on the shore and some visitors. Who were they? He couldn't remember, but the feeling that they were important came to mind. After that, his memory of the night is gone. Ah, perhaps I shouldn't have drunk that much, he reminds himself. Somehow he ended up with this blanket (which is dry) and his clothes are peculiarly wet. The feeling of the damp clothes brings back a flash of memory - being dragged. Kidnapped? Was he attacked? He checks himself and finds no wounds except for a few fresh bruises on his arms. Perhaps he fought his way out of it? Next he ponders the dream, which oddly enough he remembers vividly. It's strange how details change from what he remembers of his real history. The King persona must surely be the Laird Governor. The castle must represent the land he governed, Huboyr. The last strange detail is that at the time in which the dream takes place, Herloch wouldn't have even been born yet. OOC: For the full story, read Herloch's background. But, the rest was true. That orc being executed was his true father. Herloch looks down at his hands. They look human, but were they really the monstrous orcish hands he saw in his dream? Before he enters the town he pauses, kneels down and places his head to the ground. He begins to pray to Thor, for guidance and understanding. When done, he stands and enters town. ***** He receives the strangest of looks from the townsfolk as he tries to find his companions. As he passes a barn door he hears voices from inside. Before he has a chance to investigate, Rolf comes through of the door. Herloch is surprised at this but manages to say, "Rolf! What's going on? I think something strange happened last night, but I don't remember any details. Who were you talking with in there?" Rolf sees a disheveled Herloch, with damp clothes and bloodshot eyes. While sober, he looks to have a major hangover. |
|
|
As Yuri speaks of his intention to apologize, Rolf smiles. "What would be surved by further harsh words? As to the purpose behind my words, that you will have to decide that for yourself. But set aside your guilt, it will feed upon itself until your crushed beneath it's weight." He pauses, then speaks in a more casual tone, "Take heart Yuri, there's more to life than guilt." |
|
|
Upon leaving the barn, Rolf looks up and meets Herloch's gaze. His question brings an almost shocked chuckle from him. What to say? Where to begin? "Uh, there was a bit of trouble last night. I don't rightly know what really happened, but something happened between you and Elsbeth. She got sent to her room, the townsfolk tried to sober you up with the aid of some cold water and Yuri managed to offend Edwy when arguing in yours and Elbeth's defense. He'll have to publicly apologize to Edwy, then we'll be leaving. So, make yourself ready." Rolf decides to add one more order, "And for gods sake, keep away from the ale." OOC: Okay, one more then I'm sitting back a while as too many of us are trying to post all at the same time. I don't even know if Yuri wants to talk to Rolf some more or if Rolf has actually left the barn after my last post. :) |
|
|
"Surviving", Yuri grimly agrees with Rolf as he leaves. |
|
|
OOC: I'm making several assumptions on where everyone is with this post... Elsbeth quickly departs from Callum, having had her say and almost afraid to hear his response. She really had appreciated his concern for her, which was unusual. It made her realize again the differences between her people (including his) and the others. She hurries away and looks for the others. The sound of Rolf's voice draws her to the barn. She halts abruptly as she sees Rolf leave the barn, Yuri and Herloch behind him. The druid swallows hard and steps in Rolf's path, not yet quite ready to face Herloch. "Good morning," she manages. "How are the others?" |
|
|
|
|
|
Yuri is still in the barn Elsbeth, Herloch and Rolf just outside the barn Callum is on the green waiting for the entertainment Everyone else ios just finishing breakfast in the round house |
|
|
Herloch sees Elsbeth and wonders what happened last night. Rolf mentioned something happening between them. The priest of Thor presses his hands to his aching temples trying to remember. For a brief moment he recalls yelling. He tries to pursue this memory, to make it reveal itself. But, the only thing he could recall was yelling - not the words, just the tone. It was Elsbeth's voice. "Wait, Yuri stood up for me because I did something?" He looks Elsbeth and Rolf for an answer and finally says, "Look, if I did something wrong, then I am going to face the consequences. I'm not going to let anyone take the fall for me. Not Yuri, not anyone." Looking straight at Elsbeth he says, "So, what did I do?" |
|
|
Madelyn finishes breaking her fast, and excusing herself, makes her way outside. She stands taking in the fresh sea air for a moment, before hearing Herloch’s voice. She makes her way over to the barn that Yuri had been shut in for the night, to find Rolf, Herloch and Elsbeth standing outside in conversation. She runs up to Elsbeth, almost knocking Herloch out the way. "Elsbeth, I am so sorry!", she exclaims, "Are you OK? What did he do to you?" She takes the small woman into her arms and gives her a huge hug, before letting her go, "I’m sorry, I should have been there for you" she says quietly. |
|
|
Elsbeth blushes a deep red at Herloch's question. "You're not remembering it then?" she asks hesitantly. She hadn't realized how drunk he had been. She looks at Rolf, then back at the priest and bites her lip. "You'd had a wee bit much to drink," she finally states, "as had I. You... you put your arms about me and were talking most serious, as best you could." She blushes again. "And I'm not used to havin' a man's arm about me so I tried to get free but you were too busy talking and then you... you said something about... how nice it would be if you could... could have a woman like me to wife and have little ones by..." Her voice breaks off as she blushes again. "And I fear I was a mite upset and fell down and yelled and... th' elders and my brother came to aid me." Elsbeth glances at the ground. "You were quite drunk and how were you to be knowin' that I didn't want a hand on me an' that our laws look down upon it? And so they send me off for bein' a mite too much in the ale m'self and you were taken off to be dunked in the water trough and brought to your senses." |
|
|
Just as she finishes her embarassing story to Herloch, Elsbeth is swept up in Madelyn's warm embrace. She blushes even deeper red, holding the other woman close for the moment, then looking up at her. "He... he didn't hurt me... it was all a mistake... a terrible mistake..." She struggles to catch her breath. "Really, I'm okay and I'm just hoping it ends." She stares in the warrior woman's eyes, swallowing hard, feeling her heart pound. "You'll be there next time, I be hoping," she whispers. |
|
|
In response to Herloch's concern about Yuri taking the fall, Rolf sighs, seeing yet more potential for trouble. "As far as what you did or didn't do wrong, that's been settled. Yuri's offense was to speak out against Edwy's handling of the whole affair, challenging the man's authority. So, Yuri's taking the fall for his behavior, not for yours." Rolf's tone turns more serious, "Besides, we have little time and I've spent far too much of it trying to keep this from becoming bloody. When Yuri speaks, you'll stand with the others and you'll not challenge Edwy's authority in word or deed. If you seek atonemet, swear off the ale." |
|
|
"Elsbeth, I will always be here for you", she says, gently sweeping a lock of hair away from the maidens face, before leaning forward and lightly kissing her on the cheek. "I am sorry I let you down", she says quietly before adding in a normal tone, "now we just have to get this hot head here to calm down, so we can leave your village without causing your family anymore problems". |
|
|
Inside the barn Yuri remains sitting in the same spot he has all night, trying to make out if the conversation outside is about him and waiting for somebody to come and collect him. |
|
|
The Merchant Waits and Watches |
|
|
Having finished breakfast, Kerim exits the roundhouse and casually moves to join the growing number of people who are no doubt congregating to watch Edwy and Yuri. Nervously, Kerim rests a hand on the pommel of his scimitar, the other hand checking his katar. I sure hope this goes well. If it doesn't, I've a feeling a dry blanket will be of little help. Damn! I hope none of this mess spoils trade negotiations. Ah, well, the myriad worries of a merchant's life... |
|
|
Edgar, having ate his fill and then some the night before, is in no mood for food, and chivvys Mandrake as the gnome breaks his fast, eager to see the events of the morning unfold. In the end, he is forced to help himself to the gnome's meal, in an effort to hurry him along, though as he comments, "I'd best not have to fly far today with my rounded belly weighing me down ! Now will you get a move on ..." When eventually the gnome does finish, the raven continues to exhort him to make haste, "That way ! Over there, where the others are !" |
|
|
Elsbeth's explanation of his advances, talk of marriage and kids makes Herloch laugh. He clutches his head with one hand as his laughter makes his head hurt even more. "Oh, good one Elsbeth! No, really -chuckle- seriously -laugh-, what happened?" In response to Rolf he says, "Don't worry about me. I won't get in anyone's way. By Thor, these people are a touchy, sensitive folk." He pauses for a moment and says, "A-ha! So that's where you get it from, eh Elsbeth?" |
|
|
Elsbeth, smiles a moment longer at Madelyn, then looks over at Herloch incredulously. "Laugh, you oaf," she remarks. "I won't be embarrassing you before th' others by telling all what you did say, but you did say I was, um, 'very nice' when you put your arms about me. And then you pulled out your symbol and showed it to me and were sayin' how you wished your service to your god allowed you to be settlin' down with a... how did were you saying it? You said settlin' down with nice woman like me in a small village and havin' little ones. That was it." She faces him, putting her hands on her hips. "Now, not that I don't appreciate the compliment, but I not sure I'm ready to be doin' that with you just yet!" |
|
|
Herloch thinks about replying to Elsbeth's second explanation with another jibe, but decides not to. If she really wanted to hurt him, she would have thought of a different lie that that. She must be telling the truth. Did I really tell her all these things about settling down with her and having kids? he thinks to himself. He nods in understanding. "My thanks go out to you for keeping discrete, Elsbeth." He keeps quiet from that point on, unless spoken to. He tags along with Rolf, trying to piece together last night without aid of a memory. |
|
|
Leading the way, Rolf makes his way to the place set aside for Yuri's punishment. Finding a good spot, Rolf stands sternly, waiting for the unpleasantness to come. |
|
|
|
|
|
Finally everyone is gathered at the green, even Flea who has been complaining of a stomach ache. And then Yuri is lead out towards the grassed area at the front of the village. He is handed his staff and nudged out towards the centre of the green. At the same time Edwy, dressed in normal clothes but carrying a sword as big as Callum's enters from the other side of the green and strides confidently forward, before standing stationary,legs apart hands resting on the cross peice of the sword. As Yuri approaches him (with help if required) Edwy speaks. " Last night you insulted me and my family - recant that now or meet me in battle." His voice is loud and clear enough that everyone can hear him. His tone brooks no further argument or delay. |
|
|
As Yuri is collected from the barn he feels relieved, yet disappointed, that Elsbeth did not come to speak to him. As he is led towards the waiting Edwy and given his staff, Yuri barely notices, deep in thought, wondering whether he managed to insult Elsbeth as well, not that it would surprise him considering the mess he made. Edwy speaking snaps Yuri out of his reverie, and without any further ado, Yuri promptly replies "I was not aware I was, nor did I intend to insult you or any of your family, and for that I do apologise." Once that is said, Yuri stands, waiting, as if expecting it won't quite be that easy. |
|
|
|
|
|
Edwy stand's silent, looking hard at Yuri, clearly waiting for more, a hard look on his face. It is obvious that Yuri must do more than apologise for his own ignorance to escape the taste of Edwy's sword. |
|
|
Elsbeth watches the confrontation, her hand to her mouth, eyes wide. She had avoided both Yuri and Edwy, knowing what a mess she had made last night- and what a fool she had been as well. She keeps reminding herself that this was not about her at all- it was about the family. Still, she prays to the gods of love and peace, hoping that Yuri gives Edwy what he wants, praying that Edwy finds a way to forgive this outsider who meant no harm. |
|
|
Yuri waits for Edwy to say something, but it eventually becomes clear that he requires more. Yuri pauses, trying his best to figure out what is required of him, and being very careful about how he phrases it. All in all making a rather long pause before Yuri speaks up again, and it doesn't really start off the best. "I cannot apologise for my intent, and hope that you don't require me to recant my initial good intentions. My initial words were spoken out of concern for those involved and were without malice. However I do apologise for speaking out of place and not heeding to your authority, I meant no harm. I also regret and apologise for my poorly chosen words." Yuri pauses and finally shrugs, unable to think of any more to say. "What more I can say I do not know. I do not know your customs or what is expected of me. I don't know if I've apologised too much or not enough." |
|
|
|
|
|
Edwy responds "Intent? What intent was that? To calm matters? I think not! You said at the start that you were making it worse - but you continued. So just what was your intent? You then chose to patronise me and my whole family - deliberately choosing words and actions that you found amusing - at our expense. And still you didn't know what your friend had done to warrant his punishment, which in reality was no more that an abrupt sobering up. You were given chances to withdraw - but no. You chose again to try and mock me. Not to help your friends, for your words were not directed to help them feel better, but to use your voice and words against your host and his family. You chose to ignore the words that both Rolf and I spoke - and continued with your insulting behaiour. And then you insisted that your words and actions were considered. It is those considered insults that you are required to apologise for - and so far all I have seen is you trying to play with words again. That isn't sufficient. Your behaiour is not acceptable in my village - and my children must understand that. If you cannot apologise with feeling and intent - you will be punished." You can see he is running out of patience. |
|
|
Yuri pauses again before replying to Edwy, but this time he is not trying to think of what to say, but recovering from Edwy's reply and calming himself. "It seems our differences are also keeping you from understanding me, not just me not understanding your ways. "I still believe everything done was too much, but I do not believe you wish to see me punished for that. We both believed that Herloch deserved to be punished, I just feel that it should have been administered by Elsbeth, whereas you felt it should have been done by members of your family. I also felt Elsbeth should not have been punished by being sent to her room whereas you did, I did not know that you word was the law. But these things are not the reason you and I are standing here. "From my memory I did not claim right from the start I was making matters worse, I did later, but what kind of friend could I call myself if I gave up defending somebody if just because somebody said 'no'. I did not know that here a simple 'no' from you was all that required to end a disagreement or argument, and I was never told. Regretfully hindsight has had to supply me with that information. "My words and tone were never meant to be insulting, mocking, patronising, but they obviously were spoken or taken as such, and for that I am sorry. I would have withdrawn if I knew I had to, but again ignorance got the better of me there and I am sorry for not knowing better, or being able to figure it out for myself. "Unfortunately if you require me to say 'I pushed my luck out of contempt for you, your family and your rule', I cannot, for I pushed my luck out of ignorance, if 'luck' be the correct word, and for that I also apologise. "My words were considered, but not phrased carefully. It seems five years running from dogheads in the mountains has jaded my grasp on diplomacy, if not obliterated it entirely, as should be evident. "I apologise for my considered words, but I cannot apologise for my considered insults, because all though I did manage to, and have apologised for, insulting you and your family, I did not intend it. Again I must reiterate that I never meant harm, but I am sorry for having caused it." |
|
|
Off to the side, Rolf's face becomes more and more tense as things don't seem to be going well. Having not yet donned his armor, Rolf hands his sheathed sword, bow stave and quiver over to Madelyn. He whispers to her, "Keep an eye on things here." Stepping forward, several steps in front of the waiting crowd. He meets Edwy's glance quickly, then nods his head, waiting to be recognized by Edwy. Should that moment come, he says, "Master Edwy, might I have a word with Yuri?" |
|
|
|
|
|
Edwy notices the unarmed Rolf approaching, and nods tersly to him. At Rolf's request to speak with Yuri - Edwy steps back slightly and nods once again, although he still stands ready with his hands on his sword. |
|
|
"Yuri," Rolf speaks quietly, "This is not a time for explanations. If you would leave unbloodied, you're going to have to show true contrition. I would suggest kneeling at a start. Do not try to justify your actions, simply acknowledge that they were wrong and apologize. Anything else will be judged as you trying to weasel out of the guilt they see in you. Speak respectfully and humly, apologize for the disrespect you've shown them and their ways, for the mocking of master Edwy. You are going to have to bow and scrap if you would avoid injury." He stares into Yuri's eyes, trying to impart with a gaze in addition to his words how tenuous Yuri's health is. |
|
|
Madelyn takes the sheathed sword, bow stave and quiver from Rolf as he hands it to her, and offers a calming smile. As he steps onto the field, Madelyn turns to Elsbeth. "I know why Earl Richard gave him the position, he cares deeply about all of us, and always seems to know the right thing to say". She turns back to the field to see how the proceedings will unfold. |
|
|
Elsbeth looks up at Madelyn, then at Rolf, then back again. "Aye, he does," she admits with a nod. "He's always been kind to me, even as I've so often been a wee bit of a problem to him." The young woman looks back at the confrontation before her. "All the carin' in the world will be doing no good if Yuri isn't doin' the right thing. Can't he be seeing that I wasn't punished?" She shakes her head. "We're all so different, all of us. I sometimes wonder by the Gods if we were meant to be together at all." |
|
|
Yuri sighs, clearly frustrated. "Kneel?", Yuri closes his eyes and breathes deeply as he clenches and relaxes his fists several times, trying not to let the frustration get the better of him. "Kneel I can, but I didn't know it was necessary. I thought I was admitting I was wrong and apologising, just with the reasons why I acted so as well." Yuri closes his eye briefly again before he continues, "I will try to do what is required of me Rolf." After Rolf has left, Yuri faces Edwy once more, and for a forth time tries to do what he thinks is required. Letting go of his staff it flops to the ground to one side as Yuri plants both knees in the dirt. He looks down at the ground initially, but then decides that it would probably be better if he spoke to Edwy's face and not to the dirt. Licking his dry lips to wet them, Yuri then speaks. "Master Edwy, I humbly apologise for the disrespect I showed towards you and your family. I also apologise for mocking yourself. I also apologise for not recognising and heeding to your authority. I apologise for insulting you and your family. I apologise for not understanding your villages ways. I apologise for my words and tone. I apologise for everything that has caused you and myself to be here this morning." Yuri remains kneeling in the dirt, waiting once more. |
|
|
Kerim Tenses |
|
|
Watching the obstinate pride that Edwy exhibits, Kerim conceals a shudder of revulsion. How like his father this strutting cock, 'how like father was, never content until my pride had been completely shattered, my self-respect lost in humiliation, and for a crime not so great -- much like the situation my friend Yuri finds himself in now...' I'll not stand idly by and watch a man who has only recently lost his family, and whose mind is no doubt still clouded by grief, be abased any further, after he has tried to set the situation right while maintaining his own dignity. Kerim looks sharply at Edwy. If that muscle-bound clout insists on blood to satisfy his own overweening pride, I shall endeavor to see that some of it is his own! Kerim continues thinking silently to himself, hoping that his face has not betrayed any of these angry thoughts he has been entertaining. But his hand rests on the pommel of his katar, and his cloak is casually arranged so that he has immediate access to his scimitar hilt. |
|
|
Callum sees the signs of anger buidling in Kerim and moves over to stand behind him. He places a hand gently on the merchant's shoulder and leans down to whisper to him. "Interfere with this and Edwy will see your neck stretched, should you live that long." |
|
|
------------------------- |
|