New Notice

[Lessa]

At some point when no one was looking, the following notice appeared on the notice board: <OOG: ie., posted by cast, not Lessa>

PROCLAMATION:
To the people of HOLDFAST  

Whereas the PROCESSION has begun,
We are delighted to advise you
to PREPARE to WELCOME

THEIR RIGHT ROYAL MAJESTIES
OF CYNEVIN

As they arrive for their inaugural STATE VISIT
Within a fortnight’s time.

Their RIGHT ROYAL MAJESTIES
Greatly anticipate
1.The Inspection of the Circles
2. The Exchange of Wondrous Gifts
3. The Marvellous Feast
4. The Demonstration of Cunning Arts and Intriguing Skills
5. And the Spectacular Masquerade Dance!

Make ready, therefore, your ROYAL WELCOME!
- -   Prepare  - -
To entertain To dance To feast
To gift and be gifted To make merry
To establish ties between Cynevin and Holdfast!

Signed by the order of HRH <illegible - some strange alphabet??>   Rex

[Lady Val]

Lady Val observes the notice and practically squeals with excitement. She immediately runs out to the caravan.

[Degren Brightforge]

Degren reads and rereads the note, grimly nodding. He pulls out a piece of torn parchment and a pen, and scribbles a few, messily written words upon it. He pierces the paper on the board with a rusty nail, it reads:


"Wanted: Dance Teacher. --D.B."

[Pierre]

Pierre looks at the notice board trying to make out the scribbles, "I'm wasting my time" as he laughs off his insecurities. "What does it say, Sir Degren or Lady Val?"

[Volkihere Malacalo]

Volk walks up from behind the group and looks at Pierre
"It says that a king and Queen will be coming and they expect gifts."
He looks at lady Val and Degren.
"This could prove problematic."

[Degren Brightforge]

"Eh, I don't see it bein' a problem. Assumin' they aren't after massive gifts of gold and silver, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Besides, exchanging generally means we'll be getting gifts in return, right? I'll probably whip something up in my smithy. Maybe a ceremonial sword, or something of the like."

[Volkihere Malacalo]

"The last time a monarch came to this town she claimed it was hers and began to try to take control of the place, I do not enjoy entertaining those who haven't earned there title, who suck the life out of the people under them, and who may attempt to throw the little calm and order we established into a frenzy, in favour of proving a point, or taking more then what little they deserve from us."

[Degren Brightforge]

"Well, we need to look at it like this. This may or may not be their land, whether we like it or not. And, even if it ain't, they've got soldiers. Good as we might be, we can't take an army. Now, if we can make em piss off and have a party doin' it, why not? We just need to have a few trifles ready to give as gifts, and be prepared for a fight, in case one starts. I'll see about getting a few of the Knights to pull guard shift when it starts."

[Lessa]

A strange figure in a cloak, face deeply concealed by a hood, strides over to the first notice, walking right past the assembled Holdfasters, and hangs another next to it. The figure turns to leave.

[Volkihere Malacalo]

Volk looks at the other strange figure in a dark cloak, then he looks at the other notice.

"And who might you be?"
Volk says looking at the figure.

[Lessa]

The figure stops. Is silent. Croaks out "Harold."

[Volkihere Malacalo]

"So you are the Herald, or is your name Herald? Also who are these two monarchs I have not heard of them?"

Volk says in a more enthusiastic voice, then normal.

[Lessa]

"In seven days they come!!" croaks the figure joyfully in a very strange accent, and makes to leave again.

[Degren Brightforge]

"Well, " Degren says, eyeing the 'Harold', "that's right helpful, that it." He turns to the messenger, "I'm not so accustomed to yer monarchy as I'd like to be, there. So, could you perhaps show em' to me on the map and help me plan a route? I want to be sure everything's ready once they get here, so perhaps it'd be prudent of us for me to ride on down there, get all the details straightened out, and then get back. But if you think we don't have time, perhaps you could help me plan for their arrival? You do work for them, and seem rather happy to do so. I presume you know their customs and expectations?"

[Lessa]

The stranger is still, possibly thinking. Seeing the map, the figure looks at it for a while, finds Holdfast, and, with a gloved digit, indicates a travel path that would take about fourteen days to travel from Holdfast with an end point somewhere in the interior of Annwm. "Too late to meet," the stranger croaks in the strange accent. "Expectations here" -- and the stranger points to the two posters -- "all good. Everyone happy. Good food. Good gifts. Circles. No cold. Honour. Admire. Happy. All good." The stranger is still a moment longer, then begins to walk out of the inn.

[Lessa]

Aaaand the stranger pops out the door quick as a wink, with never a fare-thee-well. <Bye!>

[Ravira]

Ravira comes in from a gathering expedition and notices the new notice.

Upon reading it she thinks that it's a good thing she found a snow berry bush with ripe fruit this time.

[Sponsored content]