| Surprises arent always bad. |
| Summary: | Havelock, Ludovic and Imogen share a drink at the tavern. Talk turns to Teleko and the reliants before havelock surprises Ludovic by promising to will him his sword. |
| Date: | 6th april 2018 |
| Related: | Not Really |
| NPCs: | None |
| Players: |
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| The Golden Bull Inn, Hellsmouth, Aequor |
| The Golden Bull is quite upscale. |
| 1874 6th April |
Today Ludovic has decided that the evening shall be spent away from the hub-hub of the castle where everyone knows his name. As a result he roused Imogen, and his other typical escort, out from their beds and onto their horses. An hour or two later and Hellsmouth City became your location. Ludovic works for much of the day, despite the claim that he needed time away, dealing with guildsmen and dragging an unsuspecting Imogen between one painfully boring meeting to another. He introduces her in each case before treating her just like he would any other respected knight of his court. If however she makes the mistake of looking bored he instead tells her to meet him at the Golden Bull at dusk before sending her on her way with a letter of credit signed by one of the local merchants.
Now, as the sun is starting to go down, and the outstanding business has all been put to bed Ludovic is making his way into the Golden Bull. Still framed in the doorway he looks around expectantly, giving grins and friendly greetings to several others in the tavern, as he tries to decide just who he's going to join this evening.
Within the Golden Bull, sat at one of the tables is Sir Havelock Synn, renowned healer, warrior and possibly still a heretic and falsely proclaimed murderer of Bishops. He should really check on that at some point. Before the good Doctor is a platter of good food, a jug of fine wine and a goblet or two. Quite how a mendicant Reliant could afford such good food and wine is anyones guess, but Havelock appears to have his ways. Clad in the robes of his Holy Order, that ancient blade still at his side, he at least looks a lot less the menacing plate clad knight of lore, and more the healer he almost certainly is. And given the way he consumes the food, it's been a good while since he ate well, all too long a time indeed!
Imogen was suprisingly by Ludovic's side for most of the day. Mostly because affection from the man, and the knowledge that he was probably suffering as much as she, kept her from /looking bored. But she most assuredly was bored the entire day, and when the opportunity came to drown her boredom in a knight of fun at the tavern arose, she was far too eager than any proper lady should be. She parts from Ludovic on arrival at the bar to ger herself some alchol as a reward for her bravery, and situates herself at the bar, so as not to force Ludovic to accompany her, should he find other company more interesting.
Ludovic catches Imogen's wrist as she goes to run off and treat the place like a cheap tavern. "Come and join Havelock and I." He lets go once he's passed the message and then homes in on Havelock's table. A hand is offered along with a generous grin. "Been a while Sir Havelock! Last time we spoke was when I was about to go talk with Lord d'Bartone." He helps himself to one of the chairs at the table. "How have you been finding things? Are the reliants comfortable here in the county? I've been trying to make it easy on you all. The One knows you don't need things harder."
Havelock pushes himself to his feet instantly the moment Ludovic appears before him, bowing deeply and respectfully before standing all too tall, "Thank you Your Excellency, there is certainly a good deal to do. Forgive my slightly…" The Reliant grins a touch crookedly as he gestures to the food before him, "Ostentatious display, but I have Kentairish coin to burn, and it has been far too long since I ate well. My fellow Reliants will also be dining on my coin soon enough, and I am sure that one day we shall hopefully return to the fold." That said, the Reliant grins brightly at Imogen, should indeed she be following, "Please, won't you both join me!"
Imogen sighs like the beleagurred companion she is, and turns to follow Ludovic as he goes to speak with the Reliant. With him she is much more friendly, offering him a warm and enthusiastic smile that can almost hide her weariness from the boring day. "A pleasure to see you as well," she greets happily, though she waits for ludovic to slide in first, as his lower ranking, she needs to remain on his right side at all times.
Ludovic hooks his arm around Imogen's waist and drags her down into his lap. He looks utterly unapologetic about it too, even grinning a little. "Lady Imogen Anders." He says cheerfully. "This is Sir Havelock. A Reliant." He shifts his position just a little until both Imogen and himself are comfortable and then continues talking. "Lady Imogen is about to be one of my knights." Again that unrepentant grin. "So why exactly should you be embarassed about getting good food? It looks like you could use it." He gestures for the tavern wench to come over, asks for the same thing that Havelock has and a pitcher of wine, and then he's back talking to Havelock again. "I heard that your new church was doing pretty well for itself in Four Corners. Are you planning to set up something like that here?"
Havelock settles himself back into his seat and grins as Imogen finds herself settled upon the Viscount's lap, "One of your knights?" A brow is arched, though the goodnatured grin remains, "I see! Doctor Sir Havelock Synn, a pleasure Lady Imogen!" And again the Reliant rises, bows, and settles once more. Jabbing a piece of meat with his knife, Havelock allows the fine cut to bounce about a bit as he talks, "A supposedly poor Reliant eating like a King? But we deserve it. Damn it, we bloody deserve it." And for a moment there's a hint of real anger rumbling within his words, and then a breath is taken, and that moment passes as calm settles and the skewered meat is taken a bite from, "I think…" He chews, "That is definately a question for the High Priestess, I hope in all honesty we rejoin the fold, we were forced out by an enemy greater than we could ever have imagined, forced to flee for our lives under false accusations of heresy and witchcraft and murder, but perhaps too much has happened with the war that soon followed to ever allow that."
Imogen blushes softly and huffs as she finds herself on Ludovics lap, but she just settles herself comfortably and since Havelock seems fine with the situation, doesn't feel /too/ embarassed about it. "yes, during the day," she jokes with a grin and wink when he questions if she's one of his knights. But it's all in good fun, and she listens quietly as he speaks of the reliants and their tricky spo right now.
"And here I was trying to be a gentleman." Ludovic replies with amusement after her in the day comment. He gives a shrug at the eating like a King statement. "Theres a difference between taking good food in a good inn and hiring a full time chef in a mansion with twelve servants, a consort, and the finest of clothes." He nods. "And you do deserve it. I reckon I might put some money behind the bar for you and the other reliants. I'm sure the owner will like it and it would make travelling easier for you all right? You've been helpful to us. I'd like to make you comfortable." The part about joining the fold makes him frown a little. "Bit late to rejoin isnt it? Not sure theres any going back once you declare your own High Priest." He turns his head so he can look at Imogen. "You've heard about this New Faith right Imogen?"
Havelock grins a touch, "I rather think the Grand Master was a trifle quick off the mark… but I'm little more than a lowly knight, my opinion given I am of course a heretic and murderer is probably worth little. New Faith, yeah." Again he shrugs, taking a larger bite of the meat upon his knife before inclining his head towards Ludovic, "That would be very generous of you, know that even though the north isn't exactly a stronghold for us, we'll always do what we can and you're always welcome to send for us." To Imogen, the Reliant finds himself grinning once more, "During the day… oh." It dawns, Havelock decides to take a good swig of his wine, and lifts his cup to both nobles opposite him, "To you both, blessings upon each and all." The cup almost sloshes for a moment, though Havelock soon saves the wine and sips again, "So you're in service to the Viscount?"
Imogen looks over at ludovic and nods. "Vaguely, though given i'm one of the worst academics known to man, perhaps you could explain it in simple terms for me?" she asks with a shy chuckle and light blush across her face, which suprisingly doesn
Imogen looks over at ludovic and nods. "Vaguely, though given i'm one of the worst academics known to man, perhaps you could explain it in simple terms for me?" she asks with a shy chuckle and light blush across her face, which suprisingly doesn't worsen with Havelocks teasing, likely she's just used to it by now. "Going to be, yes, we're putting off the official knighting until we can have a proper celebration about it," she explains with a nod.
GAME: The cool breeze has left, and the game is saved.
"The reliants have done a lot to help." Ludovic says. "Healing, helping to intercede with d'Bartone, comfort. Not saying that was just the reliants, because it wasnt, but the others had other motives for helping. Your lot picked up and came here special. I want to support that and making sure you have a place to stay on a major trade route? I reckon that should be good." He grins easily. "And if nothing else i reckon you and erika will come by and share a drink with me again. Thats gotta be worth a few crowns too." He grins at the tavern wench as drink is delivered along with some cups. He shifts in his seat, making sure not to dislodge Imogen as he bends to pour the wine. "Not just that." He adds to the thing about putting it off. "Takes time to get the gear made and I've got to make sure I don't lose her five minutes afterwards. She's an Anders see." He puts a cup aside for Imogen and then leans back into the chair with his own wine. Again being careful not to do anything improper or unthoughtful in the process. "I'm asking for a consort agreement too. So there's paperwork to deal with." Looking back to Imogen he explains. " The high priestess Alyse Rialto, formerly a reliant." He gives Havelock a questioning look "Or is she still a reliant?" before looking back to Imogen. "Split off from the church and became the high priestess of a new schism. They are based in Four Corners. Didnt think they'd get very far but I hear they are doing alright." He grins at Havelock. "helps that she's got the Reliant reputation for sure."
"Still a Reliant I should think, she was after all our former Grand Master and no new Grand Master has been named since, or if they have the news hasn't reached me." To Imogen, Havelock smiles and again bows his head lightly, "Consort to the Viscount, well I am certain that he is a most fortunate fellow, blessed to, for you are after all an Anders." The name means little to Havelock, his knowledge of houses limited to the major houses that he has mostly fought alongside or most recently against, "I wish you both a long and blessed partnership, and such a base so to speak would indeed be a great help, for the north is often in need of succor and aid, and with your present conflicts, I doubt we'll be going anywhere soon. You can count on the Reliants, and I speak as a former Commander of their forces, Crescent River I think… fought alongside Lord Altair d'Armaz and His Grace, the Duke… Duke… Gendel? Ramius! Lady Myrana's husband! I can barely keep track of titles and names, injuries and stockpiles of supplies yes, but social heirarchy, not so much." He grins, "Whatever aid we can offer, consider it done. I can always send word to the… Grr… High Priestess." The title evidently not coming easy.
Imogen snorts when Havelock implies that Ludovic is in any way blessed or that her house is anything special, but she gives Ludovic a grin and wink, gently nudging him in a playful way. "Hear that Dovi, you're blessed, remember that next time we get in an argument," she says, as if the pair has /had/ any arguments in the past! But once done she settles back down and listens quietly with a patience she is rapidly learning to master for her lovers sake.
"The vir sidus said they've been rescuing our folks back behind the border." Ludovic tells Havelock. "They've retaking Paras and are using it as a base. So I reckon the situation with those survivors we can pluck out from their hands arent going to get any worse than they already have been. Especially not with winter ending and the cattle once more getting fat." Theres a chuckle as Havelock completely fails to remember who duke ramius actually is and then a laugh at Imogen's nudge. "Well thank you for /that/ Havelock." He grins. "Nothings even signed and she's already looking to rule my life." He pats Imogen's leg before gesturing with his cup and asking "Who's telling the first story? Surely you've been off saving dukes and defeating plague spirits Havelock!"
"Plague spirits? I have never once encountered one. Plagues. Yes. But spirits?" Havelock smirks a touch crookedly as if to dismiss the idea out of hand, "Though I hear there's tales of Goblins and lord knows what else in parts of this land of ours, what with sorcery witnessed by many and so openly at that, times are indeed a changing." The Reliant grins as he sups from his cup and leans back within his chair, "I can't speak of anything as daring as spirits, though I have fought a sorcerer of some small skill alongside the good Duke and a good many more, while rescuing the Royal Famiily no less… almost lost that rogue Octavian, never seen a man bleed so much and look so damned pale." A shake of the head finishes that tale, "It ended well, my shield was shattered by shards of ice, but Ramius saved us. Drove his weapon through the man's heart. I'm not really good at telling tales, but suffice to say, we won and apparently lived. A d'Kemp was it? Or am I mingling tales? God I haven't slept properly in years! It's a wonder I can remember your names!"
Imogen laughs good naturedly and winks at Ludovic before picking up her cup and sipping happily, seemingly content to play the coy consort on the lap of her lover right now. "Please, if you think that's the worst you'll have to deal with from me, your excellency, you're dreaming," she teases before her eyes shift back to Havelock and listening to his story curiously with a chuckle.
"An ice sorcerer?" Ludovic asks with genuine interest. "Now thats one I havent heard much about. Your shield you say?" He frowns darkly. "That wretch Teleko hit me with something that I reckon was ice. Stoved the chest of my breastplate right in. Still don't quite know how I managed to handle that." He lifts his cup. "To the skill of the armorer who kept me alive!" He drains the cup before passing it to Imogen for a refill. "Might want to wait until stuffs signed before scaring me off woman." He gives her an amused grin before continuing on the stories. "So Teleko. He kills my horse with a single strike of that damnable sword and then smashes me right off my feet with a wave of some nasty ice magic. Then he's up on the ledge, fighting against three.. four.. of our finest warriors but Myrana's down in the crater - the one that formed when he did that massive wave thing that knocked half our armies out of the action. So I go and try to help Myrana, because I learned I can't even hurt what Teleko was with this." he touches the head of his hammer. "And then she's.." He suddenly realises he can't actually tell the rest of that story, the way he's talking changing as he instead decides to rapidly close it up. "distracting him and he's throwing stuff at her and i'm trying to get in the way because she's at least bothering the creature, you know? All the warriors fighting him have gone down and its looking like we're about to be next. And then that Galenthian commander.. whats his name.. Chandus? He comes in with the infantry and Teleko flees for the hills. Was awful."
"That Teleko has a lot to answer for, we'll find him. We'll end him." Havelock intones with some measure of thought, brow furrowed and all serious for a good few moments, "Your hammer did nothing? Well I'll tell you what." And for a moment Havelock looks all too serious once more as he glances between Imogen and Ludovic, "When I fall and the odds are good of it happening, I have no family left. I vowed I would give my life to the Church in its entirety, though I find my faith lacking in their abilities at times, had we been stronger, we could have avoided the schism. Had I done things differently. Had I gone quietly we might still be together, though I would surely have been killed in my cell, had I been fortunate to make it that far…" A grin soon replaces that maudlin thought, "No, to honour all you have promised us, in the event of my death, my blade is yours. Sidhe steel. Still can't quite believe I came to win it… in the event I perish, or become unable to function as a knight, I shall see the blade delivered to your hand, for all you've done for our Order. It has to go to someone after all." And Havelock smiles all too brightly at lifting such a ponderous burden all too easily, "Should serve you and your family well for generations. Admittedly it'll likely be stolen, but we'll get something written and well, wars have started for less, though what of you Lady Imogen, you prefer the blade or the hammer? Or something else entirely?"
Imogen grins playfully at Ludovic. "Oh yeah yeah, you talk a big game. You might leave my bed but you'll be crawling back to me for my horses soon enough, i'm not scared," she murmurs with nothing but good natured mirth in her eyes, though it sobers up amidst the serious discussions, some of which speak of horse death, a topic the lady is, admittedly, particularly sensitive to. "Bows and polearms are my strength, though I can use swords of course, i'm much better from a distance and atop a horse," she explains to havelock with a nod.
Ludovic shakes his head when Havelock asks about the hammer to answer the question. After that though. Well to start with he tries to stop Havelock from saying that he should be repayed but that just sort of falls away with a slight choke of shock when it gets to the part about sidhe steel. After that? The man seems to have been stunned into silence.
Havelock grins at Ludovic, "It will be lost to the Church, likely sold, or worse should I leave my possession to them, better it gets used by a worthy noble." His cup is lifted in a toast to the Viscount, "Don't worry, I'll write something up before I leave this table, I have a few implements packed away at my feet." Though with Ludovic's silence, Havelock turns to Imogen, "The polearm! A weapon I am slowly coming to terms with, though I often favoured the hammer before winning the blade I just spoke of. It offers a great deal of protection providing you keep the opponent at the other end, something I have yet to master. We should spar sometime! As for archery, my skill lies simply with the crossbow… ever since I took a bolt to the gut, I rather like to be able to at least pretend I can return the compliment."
Imogen glances over at Ludovic and seems to find amusement in how stunned silent he is, sure she also knows how rare sidhe is, but it still brings her amusement to watch. "I'd be happy to spar whenever you like, assuming we don't have imperials or barbarians razing the land down at the time," she offers good naturedly. "Though I warn you, my off horseback sparring isn't nearly as good,"
Ludovic blinks his way out of the momentary stupor and stares across at Havelock. "Don't you have a squire?" He shakes his head. "I men i'd love it. A sword like that for my family. It's more than I could imagine getting for them. It just seems. I mean I've just not done all that much for you. Its not like I hid you from the inquisition or saved your life or anything really meaningful. I'm not sure I should accept." He goes quite for a minute again and then adds. "But i'd be real honored. Real honored." His grin comes back, three times as wide, and he lifts his hand and voice in a way intended to get everyones attention. "Drinks are on me tonight!" he grins widely at Havelock. Lifting his cup he announces a toast almost as loudly as he declared the free drinks "To victory and long lives!"
Havelock waves a hand and takes a long sup from his tankard once more, "No one hid me, in fact I almost died on several occasions… but you've offered us a great deal here, it might not seem much to you, but if it ensures generations of cooperation between my Order and the North, then it is a price worth paying. And a squire? I fear that I no longer take squires… there's reasons, survival and the like for one." The Reliant grins and nods to Imogen, "I look forward to it and should any barbarians arrive, we can deal with them also. Show them our fighting spirit!"