Phineas is keeping the Tavern warm and welcoming

[Phineas J. Pennefeather]

Phineas J. Pennefeather, the Watering Hole Tavern’s Halfling proprietor, makes his way up from the cellar and into the kitchen. He takes a thorough look around the main room to see if anyone is in need of his help, tidying up dishes and mugs as he goes.

Once everyone seems to be looked after, he takes his usual place at the table nearest the counter and brings out one of his books and continues to read.

[Gurok]

Gurok’s dream
Gurok wakes up with a gasp. She is clutching -what used to be- a pillow in her two hands, and appears to have savagely ripped it apart in several places. Her face is pale, and a look of shock and terror is frozen on her face.
“No!... It can’t have been me..” She thinks desperately to herself. “I would never do that to her, never in a million years! I could never do that!.. never…”
“It was just a dream.” She repeats aloud, her voice wavering precariously on the edge of breaking.
She shakes herself, and after a few minutes of singing softly to herself, she finally manages to get the horrible image out of her head. Emerging into the early morning air, she searches for some breakfast, and for her kin.
"Morning Phineas. Hey you wouldn't be able to write somthing down for me, would you? It's just something for the noticeboard, but I can't actually write very well myself. Mind helping me out?"

[Phineas J. Pennefeather]

Phineas has been busy this morning being careful not to prematurely disturb any of the locals. There are baskets of fresh bread and platters of blueberry pancakes, birch and maple tree syrups, sunflower seed oils on the table and a hot pot of fish’n’brews on the stove. Hot berry leaf teas and ground chicory and dandelion root coffee are hot and ready to drink.

As Gurok and others awaken, Phineas makes sure that everyone is looked after.

“Morning!”

Phineas spins on his heel, returns to the counter and returns with a large sheet of parchment and writing ink.

“Gurok! What would you like me to write?”

[Degren Brightforge]

Sauntering into the inn, a smile on his face, Degren gives a hearty wave of hello to both Gurok and Phineas before taking a place at one of the tables. He pours two large glasses of mead for himself and another. Then sits, and waits.

[Pierre]

Pierre walks in the same time with Degren. Giving Gurok a happy smile and a courteous nod.Walking up and asking Phineas for his finest bottle of wine, "Put it on Degren's tab if you would please." As he goes to sit and join his friend once again. "That's for the cheap shot to the gut earlier"

[Degren Brightforge]

Knowing the battle lost, Degren concedes and gives Phineas a nod. Together, the two knights drink the bottle slowly, savoring the taste. To degren's suprise, he finds he's grown to enjoy the taste of the wine.

[Gurok]

Upon seeing Pierre, gurok spins around and exaims in joy as she starts to rush over to embrace the newly re-embodied knight. She catches herself just in time to turn the frenzied attempt at a hug into a respectfull handshake, and pat on the back, scrambling to regain her ever-slipping dignity. "Pierre I'm so glad you've come back, I thought you might want to stay, maybe find out more about your old life and family. I'm so grateful for your sacrifice, she could have taken any of us. I hope to speak to you further about what happened in the land of the dead, but that is for a later time. You would not believe what has happened since we returned from the mists.". Gurok then relates the events that followed. (OOG: I'm sure you have already read the posts, I'll spare you the retelling of that) at the end of her lengthy tale, Gurok gulps down some tea, and looks up at Degrin. " I hope I got that right. I was just about to write a note for the noticeboard about it, and I'd I'd love both of your inputs on it I'd also like to talk to you privately Degrin afterwords, if that's alright. Any-how, just give me a moment, I'll be right back with the notice" And she goes back to hunch over the bar again, opposite Phineas

[Phineas J. Pennefeather]

Phineas is really happy to see the return of the missing Knight, Pierre and makes a display of looking after him.

Once satisfied with Pierre’s well-being, he turns his attention to Degren.

“I might have come up with way to help you out of your predicament, if you are willing to try something unusual” he says in a low voice. “You don’t have to agree but we could try a specific sort of psychic ritual.”

[Degren Brightforge]

Nodding , Degren smiles and motions towards Gurok, signalling the halfling to aide her as he writes his note.

at this point, master Phineas, I'm willing to try almost anything. I've almost given up on finding a way out of this curse, and I hold little hope that you can help. But, so long as it isn't too dark, I'll give your plan a try.

Would you be so kind as to let Young Gurok know I am prepared to speak with her whenever she is prepared. I'

[Phineas J. Pennefeather]

Phineas actually has his jaw drop in response to the Orcs private conversation with him.

“First of all, my Little Sister Fae, are you telling me that the Faerie, themselves, said that you should be the Law-keeper around here?” the Halfling says with astonishment in his voice. “Was that your first encounter, ever, with the Faerie?”

“Maybe that is for the best,” he continues. “Apparently Asher couldn’t stop them from killing the Elves –which automatically would start a race-war any place where there is more than one Elf! You should be the Law-Keeper! I can do a few things to help protect the townsfolk like passing on a few psychic states or health potions.”

“As for respecting the Faerie, that is a lesson that they learned cheap. Pierre lost a life but he seems to be the only one and he is sitting right here drinking beer and eating fine Halfling cuisine! It could have been way, way worst!”

“As for humans being turned into Fae? That’s not an insult. That is one of the most wonderful things that could ever happen to a human,” says the Halfling while stroking the fur on the back of his hands. “Who and what type of Fae did they become?”

[Phineas J. Pennefeather]

“And Degren. This psychic ritual thing that I am talking about require a highly trained psychic, which I am. And a few other things. And a very quiet place to carry this out.”

The Halfling looks around the Tavern to make sure everyone is looked after.

“And I really need to prepare. I ‘ll get back to you when I am ready.”

[Lessa]

Lessa has stepped out from her dark corner to avail herself of some coffee. She looks tired, but smiles when she sees Gurok, reaching out to touch the orc's shoulder in friendly greeting. When Degren and Pierre enter, her expression changes. Her emotions are complex and probably generate some not quite readable expressions, but she is also genuinely pleased and relieved to see him alive and well in the Watering Hole and her face shows that too.

She begins to extract her flask and some food from the Mists. She hesitates, remembering that Degren turned down the food before, but shrugs and soon places a little heaped platter between the two knights with her own hands, quite obviously removing a small cake herself from the plate and eating it. “It is - good that you have returned…” she says to Pierre. “It is regrettable that so few of your friends are here to embrace you.” She locates some tiny glasses, sets out enough for everyone present, and pours into them some enticing liquid from her flask, then raises her glass to toast: “Welcome back to Holdfast.” She sips, distinctly not watching to see who does and doesn't drink, but saying to Pierre. "Sadly this liqueur from the Mists is not quite as good here as it was there, but it is still extraordinary. I hope you enjoy it."

She listens closely to Phineas' speech. "Yes," she says, "the Faerie did observe, and quite rightly, that Gurok would make a good law keeper. You would agree if you'd seen her speak truth to power: I've never seen anything like it. They could have crushed Gurok to ash or worse, but instead the Faerie said she should try for Sheriff!" She shakes her head in admiring disbelief. "I am not sure what kind of help you would want, Gurok, but however I can help, I will, and I'm sure Sa will lend support as well." She thinks. "With any luck, though, it won't come to that, as I still hope that the town and the Knights will come to a workable rapprochement."

[Lady Val]

Lady Val walks in with a stack of parchment, a bottle of ink, and a quill.

"Ah Gurok, there you are! I misplaced my stationary set but I didn't forget our conversation earlier, although I still feel a conversation is better than a --" she sees Pierre "...note."

"Well I guess we no longer need a notice on the board. Welcome back Pierre!"

[Pierre]

To Gurok, “I'm sorry for taking so long to return, I guess something must've happened in the Land of the Dead for that duration. But for the life of me...” Pierre grins at his own pun. “...I can't remember a lick of it.” Disheartened by the fact it's just something else he can't remember. He finishes the last of his wine and goes to poor another glass. He sighs before he speaks again, “I can't really blame my friends for acting the way they did. They may not have the same views as I but their hearts are in the right place, and I apologize on their behalf. If it were the other way around I may have reacted the same way. We've all grown close to each other since we've all arrived here in town.” he stares at his glass as he swirls around the wine. Going back to Gurok, “As for the notice board, I have difficulty making out the scribble on it, it'd be best if you just talk to me about it.”

As Pierre listens on to what Phineas speaks, his mind goes through several emotions. At times gritting his teeth. Holding back words. “It's not worth it, what's done is done.”He thinks to himself, hiding expressions behind sipping his drink.

As Lessa enters and speaks. Pierre nods to her welcome, but feels a bit bitter when she mentions his friends. “Thanks you for your kind welcome and gesture.” he takes the drink to the toast with the liqueur she poured. “I'm afraid I don't quite have the appetite as of right now. And as for my friends, I'll see them when I see them. Though that can be for some time later. I'm hoping to make a trip back to my hometown soon, there are some personal things I need to attend to.”

As they talk about the Sheriff position. “I'm also on board with making Gurok the new Sheriff. I've already expressed my opinions to Degren. I fear that I may not be much help for your campaign Gurok due to my eventual departure, but by the sounds of it, you have plenty of help already.” he says with a genuine smile.

As Lady Val enters. “It feels good to be back” as he slightly slurs his words after finishing another glass. “And whats all this talk about the notice board?”

[Degren Brightforge]

Obviously suprised by the sudden appearence of Lessa, Degren calms quickly and gives her a polite nod when offered the drink and cakes, but ultimately refuses them I'm favor of his own stout beer and sweet wine. Confused as to the discussion about this elusive note, Degren pulls his own papers out and begins to scribble away at them.

Let us agree to disagree on the results of our friend's trips into the domain of the Fae Gods. My displeasure with the whole event is no secret. As far as placing Gurok in a position as Law maker, we should discuss it as a commitee and ensure everyone has their voices heard. Again, the decisions of a distant power should not affect the going ons of Holdfast. If the people want her in charge, then she shall be in charge.

Degren hands the letter to Phineas to read aloud, then tears into a large hunk of bread.

[Phineas J. Pennefeather]

Phineas reads out Degren's message:

"Degren says the following "Let us agree to disagree on the results of our friend's trips into the domain of the Fae Gods. My displeasure with the whole event is no secret. As far as placing Gurok in a position as Law maker, we should discuss it as a commitee and ensure everyone has their voices heard. Again, the decisions of a distant power should not affect the going ons of Holdfast. If the people want her in charge, then she shall be in charge."

Phineas stops to catch his breath.

"Okay, just to be clear, the Fae respect the Faerie as our gods, because they are and, well as you can see, if you don't respect them, they come down and prove it. It's not as intangible as other religious practices but I have never seen the moon come down to turn humans into goblins!".


"I guess we do need to have a Law-keeper of some sort. Volk seems to have run his course as "head on a stick" does protect anybody. Asher seems to have allowed Elves to be killed and has brought down the wrath of the Faerie on a number of us and then left us defenseless. So I suggest that, for now anyway, that we take the hint and appoint Gurok here as temporary Sheriff."

The Halfling continues, "I agree that to be fair, a human should also be put in the same position. So I say that Degren or Pierre here should be named as a co-Sheriff as well for the time being!

[Pierre]

Beginning to feel the effects of the wine, Pierre grits his teeth again, but this time he blurts out. "Stop, calling them elves! They may have pointed ears and use magic, but they were monsters. I'm sorry for being unjust to anyone here about it, but Asher's decision was not all on her. And I wouldn't call it 'The wrath of Faerie,' yeah I died, but I chose it, and I accepted it. Getting pointy ears or a potato isn't what I would call 'wrath.' And if you feel defenseless, remind yourself how who you have left here, some may not be as skilled with blades as others, but they all have skills that help one another here. As long as you have one blessing, it's still a blessing." Pierre goes to grab the bottle again but it's empty now. Putting it back down he knocks over his glass and spills the remains on the table. Picking up some serviettes and begins to cleaning up the droplets. "What's done is done. Learn from it and move on. I'm sorry for the outburst, and the spill Phineas. I just wanted to come in and have a drink, not talk politics. At least not right now. I haven't had time to be at ease in a long time." He grabs his shoulder again, still feeling the throbbing in it, and letting out an audible exhale. "Sorry", he says slightly shaking his head. "You can continue talking politics if you want, I think I'm done drinking for now."

[Phineas J. Pennefeather]

The Halfling stops at Pierre's outburst, reorients himself and continues.

"You are right and, in this response, so is Asher!" Phineas says calmly. "And even after all he's been through, Pierre is thinking very clearly!"

He looks at Degren for a moment.

"Yes, this needs to be a shared responsibility! I really think that Pierre and Gurok should both be made Law-keepers! What do you think Degren?"

[Lady Val]

"I agree that Gurok should be a lawmaker in this town but I would only nominate Pierre if he wanted to take on the role. Although, in truth I think he would be very good at it. He has proven time and again that he is just and honourable."

[Gurok]

We can't all make up our minds before we've heard from the others. I have no objection to having a co-sheriff, but I think we should formally decide on a council system and its members and all that AFTER all the others have had a chance to have their say. Most don't even know that Pierre was killed, none the less that he has come back. I say we hold off discussion untill the others get back. (OOG: let's wait untill may game where everyone can be here!)

[Ira the Elf]

"That makes sense actually. We should give everyone a say in what happens in Holdfast and we really do need to reform the council with input from the community. Last time we had nominations and votes, I believe we should do so again. I think Degren, you said something to a similar effect back in August, but suggested that instead of seven members the council be reduced to three or five to improve efficacy."

OOG: This was said by Val not Ira

[Degren Brightforge]

By the time everyone is done chatting, Degren finally finishes drafting his note. His hand is sore and tight, and he hands it to phineas again.

Why are we so quick to condemn Asher's actions? I've gone over the events of that night time and time again-- and she did only what she needed to do to defend the people of this town. The elves were given every opportunity to leave, and chose to suffer the consequences of refusing those options. She, as I, don't believe in the elven code, and don't believe ourselves to be beholden under it. Perhaps it is not humans who should fear dealing with elves, but elves who should be wary of dealing with humans. We are a free people, who will do as we must to defend ourselves, without fear of any code. I respect your belief, Phineas. If you choose to believe that these beings are your gods, then you are free to do so. I only ask you respect my choice to believe that they are not gods. There is a fine line between religious belief, and religious persecution.

I only want to ensure that we are not using Asher as a scapegoat. She has made mistakes, just as any of us have. I have made similar ones before, with far more dire consequences.

Setting up a working government should, indeed be our first priority before we try and replace our current law enforcement. I did say three would be the best way to do it. Far too much many people to think about with seven-- often many of our folk are out and about during crisis times, or have run off to find shelter from the beasts. With three members, we can make decisions much more quickly.

Degren ignores the drunkenness of Pierre, and quickly produces a flask from his side bag. He quietly pours the strong spirit into the Pierre's glass and slips the cup into his hand.

[Pierre]

Pierre takes a whiff of his newly poured glass and immediately backs away, almost in disgust. "Not just yet, I'll try to keep my mind sharp for a bit longer." He thinks to himself. "You know, this is like the third or forth time we'll be trying to hold together a council. If I were to have it my way, I would appoint two sheriffs, equal rank, equal duties. But if a situation arises into different occasions, have jurisdictions for each. For example, Gurok could handle Fae side of things and someone else could handle human situations where Fae can't handle. It sounds like it's dividing the town into two, but they'd be working together for the same cause. If differences arise, consult with a council. I myself prefer a number size of three as well. Smaller number means meetings are less difficult to put together. Each member has an advisor they're allowed to bring in on meetings, not necessary of coarse, but allowed to bring one none the less. And they have an organized list of who may stand in for the council person in their absence. But..." Pierre's words start to trail and begins to slowly spin the glass in place on the table. "I get a gut feeling most citizens don't like the idea of a more organized government structure. Or else we would've had something already in play by now. Not everyone likes change, Holdfast is becoming a place of refuge. Some maybe escaping places due to unstable governments and fear this place becoming one like it. But all that's just a hunch and an idea. I've got my doubts of this working again, but I also hope I'm wrong." Pierre stops spinning his glass and looks around the room. "And I'll be whatever this town needs me to be. This place has become my new home, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect it. But appointing anyone to a position of power will put more responsibility on that person. They'll have to take the good with all the bad and suffer whatever consequences each may bring. I'll be leaving for home in a days time, so I trust you all to do what you can." Pierre finally swallows what was put in his glass. He makes a disgruntled face as it goes down. "Strong, but horrible brother." He gets up from the table he puts his hand firmly on Degren's shoulder, "Thanks for the drinks." He walks over to the window to look out to the field. Now deep in his thoughts once again.

[Lady Val]

Lady Val watches Pierre as he stands and walks over to the window.

"I think the citizens like the idea of government but very few want to step up and lead. I think that was obvious from the early days of the council and the fallout after its dissolution post the interference of the Empire." she pauses to accept a drink from Lessa.

"However, Gurok is correct, we need order in town and Degren is likewise correct in that we need more organization to prevent unnecessary deaths like Malva or Marcus. I propose that for the next month Gurok can take on the role of temporary Sheriff and myself and Degren work together to prevent racial tensions from escalating between the Fae and the humans. When Pierre returns he can take on his post as temporary co-Sheriff with Gurok until the remainder of the town returns. When that time comes we ask the town what they think about reestablishing the council and having two Sheriffs. I do not agree with the idea of segregating the town's laws based on race, the two sheriffs should work together to resolve issues and the townsfolk need to understand that living together means accepting each other's differences and celebrating them, not becoming divided."

[Pierre]

Pierre backs away from the window and walks towards the busy Phineas. "Phineas, I can't thank you enough for your hospitality here, you do a marvelous job here." He gives him a gentle pat on the side of his arm. " I must go prep for my departure now, but I'd like to talk to you in private later before I go. There's a favor I'm hoping you could help me out with." Pierre gracefully nods with a gentle smile to whatever reaction Phineas chooses. He steps out the door and makes his way back to his tent at the campsite.

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