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Edwy says quietly, "Thank you Rolf, and thank you Yuri, I know that was difficult for you. You may stand if you choose". Then in a louder voice he proclaims, "Yuri has properly recanted any insult, and that satisfies me and my honour, and will satisfy the honour of all of my house. I have spoken." With that he looks hard around at the members of his family surrounding the confrontation area, looking particularly hard at two or three of the younger warriors. Then raising his sword to rest on his shoulder, he turns on his heel and walks directly out from the clearing towards his round house. On the way back to the round house, Flea complains about feeling faint and ill, and when you finally get there - she vomits violently, voiding her stomach of the breakfast she ate shortly before. Her skin is redder than normal, clammy and hot to the touch. Just as you get back, a women appears with a couple of small sacks, and speaking to Rolf says, "Edwy sent these across for you …". Investigation reveals that they contains bread, fruits, cheese and some smoked meats. |
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Yuri opts not to stand, and instead rocks back onto his heels and then sits on the ground, crossing his legs as he reaches out for his staff which he then lies across his lap. Looking down and fiddling with the wooden weapon, he says nothing as he waits for the crowd to dissipate. |
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Elsbeth breathes a sigh of relief at Edwy's verdict and smiles at Madelyn. She looks back as the crowd starts to dissipate and notices Yuri still sitting on the ground. Elsbeth's smile fades as a wave of guilt rushes over her. She feels so bad, feeling as if she caused this, brought this on. Unlike Herloch, she remembers everything from the night before, much to her chagrin. Taking a deep breath, she walks over to Yuri, kneeling beside him and very gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?" she asks him hesitantly, concern in her voice. |
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Rolf, standing between Yuri and the others waiting, begins to tense up, afraid that Yuri might be carrying things a bit to far and be seen as not taking the proceeding seriously again. But as Edwy expresses thanks, Rolf lets the breath he'd been holding out slowly. As Edwy moves off and the crowd begins to break up, Rolf moves over. "I am sorry you had to endure that, Yuri." Then he moves off, giving the man a little dignity. Moving back to Madelyn's side, he reclaims his weapons and smiles at her. "That was a bit closer than I like." Louder, for the rest to hear, he says, "Let's make ready, we've got a meeting to make." He leads the way over to the roundhouse until Flea shows signs of illness. What with the press of things, he'd not paid attention, but she'd been pretty subdued of late. Leaning down, he says, "Flea, what's wrong?" He looks over at Elsbeth, "Can you see to her? I'll see about finding a healer here." About that time, a woman appears with sacks of food, explaining it as a gift from Edwy. Rolf bows, "My thanks, good woman. If I may, our companion has fallen ill, is there a healer about?" OOC: I take it we're never getting out of this village. :) |
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Yuri looks at the hand on his shoulder and then up at the person who the hand belongs to. A small greatful smile affects Yuri's lips as he says, "I'm sorry, Elsbeth. I'm just... (sigh) ... sorry. I'll be fine." |
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Elsbeth smiles gently. "Nothin' to be sorry about to me, Yuri," she tells him. "We'll talk later, if you like. But it took a man to do what ye did. And you've done right." So saying, she squeezes his shoulder and stands, going to go see how Flea is doing. |
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In realatively short order, the Druid appears and examines Flea. The examination is fairly cursor and after a couple of pointed questions, he announces his diagnosis. "You have swamp fever, my girl. To much time in in those fens. You will stay here for a few days to recover. Then you can join your friends again later!" He holds his hands up at any sign of argument. "She is ill. She will stay here until she recovers. Even if I called on the blessed Dianect for assistance, she would still be weak for a number of days and travelling while weakened, can cause other complications. This way she will be hale and hearty in a week or two and she can join you later, if she so wishes. After a small protest, Flea nods appro to the druid and signals that she will stay. With that he summons a couple of women to help gather Flea's belongings and help move her to another house, closer to the healers, although they happily let her stay to see you all off. ----- OOC Fleagrrl is taking an extended vacation and is finding less internet access than she, or I, anticipated - so her apologies :) |
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Yuri merely nods after Elsbeth speaks and watches her leave to go help with Flea, and remains sitting on the ground. |
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As the crowd disperses, Edgar hops down from Mandrake's shoulder and struts across to where Yuri sits on the ground, glaring at any bystanders until they depart. "It may be small consolation," he begins, haltingly, not quite meeting the druid's eye, "but if the headman had been privy to my thoughts and words last night, I'd have been lucky to still have my feathers intact this morn !" "But ..." he pauses for a moment as if the admission is painful, "... what he said just now seemed to apply more to me than you - you meant no insult, even if you gave it, but for myself, my contributions, although only meant for the ears of a melancholy gnome, were made to garner praise for myself ..." Edgar looks up now, chagrined, "So what say the pair of us keep an eye out for the other opening his beak out of turn, if we can ? It may save the pair of us some bruises in future." He casts his gaze around the clearing ... "And perhaps now would be a good time to start - best we hurry before we overstay what little remains of our welcome here !" |
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Yuri smiles a bit more, evidently feeling a bit better with everyone vocalising their support. "That sounds like a very good idea to me, I wouldn't mind never having to experience this again." |
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Rolf is troubled by the Druid's pronouncement, but he avoids arguing. Not only can he dispute the man's findings but after the recent problems, the last thing he wants to do is anger anyone in the village if it might be avoided. "Sir, I thank you." After that, Rolf readies himself for the return to the trail. The armor donned, the weapons readied, the shoulder bag tossed over his shoulder. To the other, he says, "We've dallied long enough and we have a meeting to make. Let us journey forth." Seeing the others getting ready, he moves back out to Yuri and those with him. "I don't wish to intrude, but we must soon be away. I wish to be away within the quarter hour so make yourselves ready." |
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Madelyn goes back to the roundhouse, and gathers her equipment together, donning her armour, she walks out to where they kept the horses, and sets to preparing Keldon for the journey ahead and assisting Kerim with the mules. |
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Peter takes charge of the sack of food, and takes it out to the mules for packing. He helps organise the camp gear on the mules, while Kerim is concentrating on his trade goods. "I am glad Rolf is taking us out of here, I don't think I could cope with much more of this high drama." he comments to Kerim and Madelyn. |
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Madelyn looks over to Peter, "I think it is for the best that we be on our way, although I am sure Elsbeth would have liked to spend more time with her family. We have caused trouble enough for these people, let us see now what lies on the road ahead", she responds to his comment, Before finishing fastening Keldon’s bridle. |
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"As soon as my gear is returned I'll be ready", Yuri replies, clearly not upset at the prospect of leaving. |
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Of the gathering, Elsbeth is the one who seems unhappy at leaving. She sees the eager actions by all to be gone at once and visibly buries her emotions. "I'll just be sayin' my goodbyes to Mama and my brothers," she tells nobody in particular and turns and moves quickly away from the group. Its notable that she hasn't saddled her horse or even looked to see if Laddie accompanies her. ----------------------------------------------------- Once in her home she gathers her things as quickly as possible, not taking any particular care to pack them neatly, then finds her mother. She stands before her, trying very hard to stay calm. "I'm to be going now, Mama," she tells her. "Please be taking care of yourself and remind Artur and Tyrde that I love them. And you." Her eyes mist with tears despite her efforts. "I'll miss you." |
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Callum wanders back into the hall after Flea is settled. Collecting all his gear, he then goes in search of Edwy. Upon finding him, he approaches and him, stops about 5 paces away and bows respectfully. He reaches into his pack and pulls out the silver belt taken from the Dogheads and offers it to Edwy. "Lord," he says, "will ye take this battle prize as a hearth gift, after the gift of fire and food you were giving me. I'm not for speaking for those I travel with but I'll not be leaving without showing your house the honour it deserves. |
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Preparing the Mules |
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Finishing the stowing of his wares, Kerim croons soothingly to the mules while fastening burdens onto their backs. In reply to Madelyn and Peter's comments, he grunts, "We're leaving none too soon, in my estimation. The high-handed brand of justice here reminds me of my years in Angasa. I'm not for staying any longer in a place where a harmless drunken impropriety or a failure to bow and scrape abjectly in apology earns such treatment." His anger betrays itself as he cinches a girth too tightly, causing one of the mules to stamp its foot irritably. Loosening the strap a notch, he apologizes to the animal, then grins at his companions. |
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Edwy bows slightly towards Callum and takes the belt. "I thank you Callum, your guesting here has been our pleasure, and does honour to your clan. You have earned the friendship of my family and you are welcome to guest with us again." OOC: Yuri's gear is where he left it:) |
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Hugging her mother tearfully, Elsbeth leaves before she loses all control. She goes to find Edwy and sees him parting company with Callum. She sees that the warrior has made a gift and breathes a sigh of relief. *At least that one knows the customs!* she thinks to herself. Approaching her cousin, she faces him, eyes downcast, sniffing to clear the last of the tears from her. "Edwy, I be thanking you on behalf of my comrades for extending the hospitality of our house," she tells him in a voice almost a whisper. "I apologize for their behavior and not knowing our ways. Finally, I apologize for my behavior, which though not truly bad, did not bring honor to you or the Clan." |
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Edwy turns to Elsbeth with a light smile, then walks across and embraces her. "Lets hope that your next home coming is a little smoother, shall we? Now off with you and make your name for the clan." |
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With some reluctance Yuri heads off back to the appropriate roundhouse to get his gear, carefully watching his feet (and looking around very little in general) as he does so. |
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All this time Herloch remains quiet, blending into the background. He avoids eye contact and generally looks withdrawn. He packs his gear and is ready to go. Deep down he ponders the meaning of his dreams while he continues to fight off his hangover. OOC: Just yesterday I was home taking care our 8 month old daughter Sophie while my wife was sick with the flu. Lo and behold, as soon as she was feeling better I came down with it. It was tag-team parenting at it's best. |
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Petter nods at Madelyn's comments, then responds to Kerim's "Yes, but I understand you tend to find harsher less developed laws in the borderlands than in the heartlands. These laws are nothing like the legal system I was bought up with in Melmonia, but then there aren't all the lawyers and legal specialists out here either. And beleive me, that is an advantage!." |
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"Now off with you and make your name for the clan," says Edwy. Elsbeth manages a smile and hugs him back. "I will, I promise," she tells him as she heads back to the group. As she approaches, the black veil of their joy at leaving hits her again and she hesitates. Biting her lip against the tears wanting to come back, she goes to saddle her horse. |
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As Madelyn hears the door open she sees Elsbeth enter, and realises straight away that the young woman is upset. She pats Keldon lightly on the neck before making her way over to Elsbeth and offering her arms in embrace. "I am sorry Elsbeth, i'm sure this isn't the trip home that you were expecting", she says soothingly stroking the young womans hair. |
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Elsbeth only hesitates for a moment before allowing Madelyn to embrace her. With the taller woman's arms around her, she gives in to her guilt over the night before and her unhappiness at leaving. She cries on the warrior's shoulder, telling her how hurtful it is that the others are so eager to leave, so angry at Edwy, likely so angry at her for yelling at Herloch for making his drunken advances to her. "I thought this a wonderful homecoming," she sobs, "but its turned out horrible..." |
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Peter, looking embarrassed, heads off to the roundhouse "Err, I just need to get my pack ...." |
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Seeing Elsbeth so upset makes Yuri sick to the stomach, and after delaying his approach to the roundhouse so he can walk with Peter, Yuri walks in silence with the man, wrapped in his own guilt. |
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As Elsbeth attempts to calm herself, she finds she enjoys the other woman's embrace. She holds tight, burying her face and her emotions in the clothing of the other, unaware of the reactions of those observing. |
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Peter nods in greeting as Yuri drops into step beside him, and then walks in companionable silence to the round house. |
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Madelyn holds the young women gently as the tears overcome her, "I'm so sorry it had to be this way Elsbeth. The others are only happy to be leaving because they feel that they have overstayed their welcome and caused your family much trouble. I assure you it is for no other reason. Please, I am sure they blame you for nothing, and that in days to come it will all be forgotten. As for your brother, he is not upset with you", she pushes Elsbeth slowly away from her, and with her thumbs gently wipes away the tears rolling down the young womans face. "Come now, let us take to the road once more, and see what adventure will grab us this time", she hesitates before adding a little quieter, "Elsbeth, I will always be here for you" |
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Elsbeth manages a wane smile, sniffing back the tears. At Madelyn's words, she nods in agreement, then tilts her head up and gently kisses the taller woman on the lips. "Thank you, Madelyn," she whispers. "I'll always be there for you too." |
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At the touch of Elsbeth's kiss, Madelyn feels a warm tingling, and her legs weaken slightly. Not wanting her friend to see her moment of weakness, she turns back towards the horses, "Come, I will help you get Lorna ready for the road", and with this she moves off towards the young womans horse. |
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Not having any packing of his own to worry about, Edgar hops up on Yuri's shoulder, as he falls in besides Peter, glad that everyone's reticience means that idle chatter is not required, though he turns his head back to regard Madelyn and Elsbeth as the two women embrace and comfort each other, and listens quietly and seriously to their exchange until Yuri's legs carry him out of earshot. |
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Rolf stands about, striving for patience. The mornings march had already been just about lost and they had miles to go and little time to get there. Heading back to the roundhouse where they've been staying, Rolf enters. Standing at the doorway, he says, "The day is marching on and so should we. If you are all ready..." He leaves the comment hanging. |
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As Rolf speaks, Elsbeth's eyes flash with anger. "Maybe you'd be liking to make this grand trip yourself, Mr. Warder!" she says in a low voice so he cannot hear. She knows well she cannot abandon the trip, both because of herself and her family. Still, Rolf's insistance that they leave is more hurtful than anything the others have said or done so far. Biting her lip and not meeting Madelyn's eyes, she takes her mare's bridle. "We'd best be going," she manages, leading the horse away. Her emotions are now to much on edge to dare say or do more. Leaving the roundhouse, Elsbeth mounts her steed. "Whenever you be ready, Mr. Warder!" she calls out. |
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"Whenever you be ready, Mr. Warder!" he hears Elsbeth's call. Something about her manner seems off. He sighs. What with the press of events, the efforts to keep blades sheathed, the twin needs between keeping his companions safe and keeping to Sir Richard's mission. Somewhere in that jumble, he'd let her down. So, despite all of his efforts, he'd still failed. The weight was beginning to grow wearisome. At least here, she had family and friends to support her. And what did he have, save the distant support of Sir Richard? His thoughts again flicker about the image of Madelyn in the moonlight from the night before. But that thought leads to others, especially a distraught Madelyn being comforted by Elsbeth after that doghead attacked them near the Gila. Moving over to Elsbeth, he nods. "My apologies, Elsbeth. Your homecoming hasn't been a happy one. I know no better way to thank your people for their hospitality than to leave and stop abusing it." Damn, but life was easier in the forests. Not having to worry about the safety of the others, only being responsible for his own safety, his own needs. He'd thought of Sir Richard's as a trust of the highest order, but he was beginning to wonder if he was worthy of it. |
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At Rolf's answers, Elsbeth bites her lip again until it bleeds. Just as she had with Herloch, and Yuri, and her own cousin and finally Madelyn- now she is finding reasons to upset Rolf as well. She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. "You've not abused my family's hospitality," she tells him softly. "We've had a few brushes by those knowing not our ways, our laws, our customs. But you've your duty as I have mine and I've no right to keep you from it." She hesitates, then looks in his eyes from the back of her horse. "And I'm hardly m'self today. Maybe we'd best be away and I'll become m'self again soon?" She takes another deep breath. "I'm thinkin' I've caused enough here and you've a meeting to keep. Let's go- and I'm so sorry." |
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Madelyn making sure that Kerim needs no more assistance with the mules, leads Keldon out into the open and once everyone is gathered ready to leave, she mounts, and waits for the off. |
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