One Brief Shining Moment

[Prince_Asuryan]

John had to shout to make himself heard over the roar of the weather.

'We should stop at the next shelter we can find!' he roared, 'It will only get dark soon and this rain will not be giving up any time soon.'

[cidracin]

As the rain began to beat down from above Aldrydd yelled at the top of his voice so he could be heard above the storm. "I agree we should get out of this despicable weather while there is still a town only a short ride away. Whatever gains we could make surely aren't worth chancing misfortune upon the road."

[Bob of Beleriand]

Alain shared the smile of a co-conspirator with Pryce. Sampling the fragrance fleetingly, Alain tucked it away, there may come a time when a simple memento would serve to soothe the passage of time until his return.

Alain congratulated Sir John for his marriage, and Sir Gaius for his pending marriage.
---

Alain likewise struggled, doing his best to signal his agreement with Sir John.

[Calarion Sapherior]

Sir Gaius led the way out of the storm. He seemed to know where to go, and soon the shape of several buildings loomed up amidst the driving tempest. Mud squelched and splattered under the horses' hooves as they entered the small town. Sir Aldrydd sneezed violently as Sir John hammered upon one of the doors. Before long, the knights were sitting in front of a small fire, warming themselves. Sir Aldrydd continued to sneeze every so often, as did Bruce and Lardans.

This was the village of Longstock. The knights stayed there as the rain continued to pour down. It seemed as if the rain would never stop: almost as if God had decided to flood the world again as he did in the time of Noah. During this time, Sir Alain questioned the villagers about the area and heard an interesting story: hundreds of years ago, a horse with shoes of gold was buried in the woods near Longstock, and although it had been searched for ever since, no one had ever found its remains.

After a day, the rain diminished to a heavy drizzle, and it was possible to continue.

[Bob of Beleriand]

Alain navigated the village, returning to Sir John and his fellows. His footfalls sunk deep into the mud accompanied by an entirely unpleasant sounds of squelching, Alain wore a sour mask. Before crossing the threshold of their lodging Alain took an effort to try reduce the amount of mud he tracked in with him, "I spoke to a few of the residents here, they speak of several myths and fables regarding a horse borne upon shoes of gold buried within the woods. They spoke of naught else of note, we should likely continue on our way now that we are able."

[Prince_Asuryan]

Nodding, John began to prepare for the ride. 'Aye, we should make haste. But this story of the horse may be work examining at a later date...'

He looked worriedly at Aldrydd, Bruce and Lardans. 'Make sure you wrap up well,' he said 'can't have you coming down with anything.'

[cidracin]

"Aye. Don't worry I will do my best to make sure this cold doesn't turn into something nastier." said Aldrydd. He and Bruce put on some extra garments to ward off chill.

[Calarion Sapherior]

Deciding not to investigate for the legendary horse - it was probably just a fable, anyway - the knights continued onwards. They had been turned about somewhat by the rain, and soon found themselves on the banks of the Test River. Following it downstream, they reached Du Plain Castle that night.

On the fourth day after leaving Sarum, with the rain still pattering down about them, the knights crossed the Test River and entered the county of Hampshire. It was a good day's ride to Winchester, but the road was in good condition and they were able to make good time. The snow was starting to melt now, and new leaves appearing on the trees; the only sounds they heard were the clop-clop of hooves, the song of birds, and Sir Aldrydd's intermittent sneezes.

Presently the sound of more riders can be heard, and a group of knights of Hampshire appeared: the border patrol. "Sir knights, who are you that would enter Hampshire?" their leader said, as the others presented their spears.

[Prince_Asuryan]

'Greetings friends.' called John, raising a hand in greeting to the knights of Hampshire, 'We wish to pass through your land on our way to London. We hoped to spend the night in Winchester.'

OOC: we better get some time to have a stab at that horse later...

[Calarion Sapherior]

ooc: If you remember to go back to Longstock later, and no one else has solved the quest in the meantime, sure!

"My lord, Earl Arnulf of Hampshire, desires that all travellers be brought before him in Winchester," the leader of the patrol, a Sir Thaddeus, said after proper introductions had been made. "We shall escort you to him."

The three knights of the patrol led the knights of Salisbury along the road to Winchester, as rain continued to splatter down upon them. It was not the first time that the knights had passed this way: they had taken this road the previous year on the way to the King's muster at Salisbury. The army had skirted around the edge of Winchester, however, and so now as the knights rode down the main streets of the city they bore witness to its squalor and poverty. While the seat of a Earl, like Sarum, Winchester could not boast strong walls surrounding the city, or a central castle such as Earl Roderick possessed. There was no great Cathedral, and the central market was a fraction of the size of that in Sarum.

The Earl's court was seated for dinner already when the knights were announced. Their repast was simpler than in Salisbury: there was more chicken present on the tables, a much poorer meat. Earl Arnulf stood when the knights were announced: he was a short but tightly muscled man. "Welcome to my hall, honoured guests!" the Earl boomed. "Come, sit and eat with me. Ho, bring meat and wine!" he shouted. A space was cleared at the high table, and food was brought out swiftly: succulent venison pie and fine Falernian wine from distant Italy, a far better repast then the others in the hall were eating. Sir Aldrydd and Sir Alain, who had the greatest knowledge of courtly behaviour, knew that the Earl had honoured them inexplicably and excessively with the invitation to sit at the foremost table and by providing such food for them.

[Prince_Asuryan]

John didn't know exactly how to respond to the lavish set up that the Earl had put forward for them, so he made do as best he could.

'My thanks, Earl Arnulf, for this lavish feast you have arrayed. Your generosity is great, and we thank you for your hospitality.'

John glanced at Alain and Aldyrdd, hoping they could make the proper response to such a surprise.

OOC: rolled 18 for courtesy.

[Anarion]

Tinian was going to say something but thought better of it. This time it was John's turn to lead and if he looked to Aldrydd or Alain for help that was fine. He bent his head to the repast and tucked in with gusto to the Earl's largesse. After the rain it was good to be dry.

[Bob of Beleriand]

Alain graciously accepted the honored position at the head table, normally such a position was one he could only admire with envy from across the hall. Alain noted that despite the Earl was perhaps not as rich or powerful as Earl Roderick, he was most very eager to prove himself as a most capable host, befitting one of his status, even if to only to passing vassal knights of Salisbury.

OOC: Rolled 11 - Critical! For courtesy.

[Calarion Sapherior]

As the knights ate, they talked to the others sitting at the High Table. Earl Arnulf's son Sir Lethodus was extremely handsome and looked every inch the paragon knight. Sir Dyfed, red-faced from drink and built like a mountain, was the Marshal of Hampshire. The rat-faced Sir Tudri was the Earl's chief adviser.

"Prince Madoc has sent out a call for arms," said Sir Lethodus. "He's summoning the most skilled knights across Logres to meet him in Windsor in a month's time. I'll be leading a group of knights to join him. Word has it that he intends to attack the Saxons in Colchester. It will bring great glory, and much plunder - but I'm sorry that you'll miss it. I'm looking forward to personally presenting King Aethelswith's head to King Uther."

"If they defeated Duke Lucius' army so easily, I am sure that such bold paladins will be easily sweep them into the sea," Sir Tudri said snidely. "After all, you'll only be outnumbered twenty to one."

Sir Lethodus looked furious, but Sir Dyfed cut him off. "The Saxons ought to be in smaller bands now that they've taken control of Colchester. Prince Madoc will simply destroy such bands as he can encounter and then withdraw to safety, I'm sure."

"Terrible days that we live in," the Earl said. "Word from the mainland has it that the barbarous Franks under King Claudas have captured Soissons, the last Roman outpost in Western Europe. I'm half beginning to believe the priests who tell us that these are the Last Days."

After dinner, a harpist came forward to perform for the guests. He was a good musician, but the most striking part about his song was its contents. The song described the Battle of Mearcred Creek, which the knights had fought in the previous year, but bore little resemblance to reality: instead it described how the glorious heroics of Sir Lethodus were responsible for routing the Saxons completely when all hope was lost.

[Krusader]

Gaius hid his expression of amusement. Sir Lethodus was full of himself, but Gaius wished to cause no scandal at the Earl's hall and he was a guest. Gaius thought inwardly that Lethodus could have songs sung in his praise for all he cared. Although Gaius wouldn't mind seeing Lethodus get maimed at Colchester to learn some humility, which the knight seemed to lack.

[cidracin]

Aside from the news about Soissons the talk at the table seemed rather dry to Aldrydd. He spent the meal quietly eating and only talked when spoken to. He was not feeling great and wanted to go to sleep as soon as possible.

[Prince_Asuryan]

John listened quietly, and was careful not to say anything of the apparent 'heroics' of Sir Lethodus. After all, it would not do to upset their guests.

[Calarion Sapherior]

The next morning, the rain had ended. The ground was still wet underfoot, but the sun shone faintly in the sky. "Today is a day for falconry!" the Earl declared. "I have birds prepared for all of our guests. Let us see what sport we can find!"

Other members of the court emerged as well, including the ladies, who had been absent during the feast of the previous evening. The most richly dressed of these was a dark-eyed beauty whose black hair hung long and loose, in distinction to the elaborate styles of the other women of the court. "Sir knights, you would do me great honour if you accompanied me this day," she said.

[cidracin]

"It would be a pleasure to to accompany you Lady Katelyn on this fine morning. Though I'm not sure if my companions and I can stay?" Aldrydd looked towards Gauis and John. Aldrydd had instantly recognized the raven haired lady as the Earl's daughter. Though he was quite horrible at falconry he decided it would be better to try and fail then not attempt it at all. On the bright side after a good ights rest in Winchester his cold had improved greatly and had almost gone away.

[Anarion]

Tinian smiled warmly. "It would be our pleasure indeed," he said wistfully, looking at her.

Tinian's falconry wasn't the greatest but he was inspired by her beauty on this morning. He only hoped John and Gaius would say they could pause.

OOC: rolled a critical 10 for flirt if there's no modifier and a 2 for falconry just in case it is usable.

[Prince_Asuryan]

John looked at Gaius. 'I have no issue with staying, I think it would only help relations with our duke. However, with Gaius looking for his cousin, if he wishes to leave we shall. I however, am happy to stay for the morning and set out as soon as is reasonable. I have a family history of falconry.'

OOC:

Rolled 9 for falconry. If anyone is wondering, there was a slight change to give me falconry instead of first aid.

[Krusader]

Gaius nodded to the others and said "Staying a day would not hurt, but we also have to do the Earl of Salisbury's biddings in London, so we should leave tomorrow."

Gaius would have wished to leave Winchester that day, but staying an extra day to please the Earl of Hampshire would probably be in their best interests. He also could not hide a smile seeing how Aldrydd and Tinian were giving the ravenhaired beauty so much attention. He thought of Lady Gwiona and realized he missed her. He hoped he would not embarass himself as his skills at falconry were a far cry from that of his martial skills.

[Prince_Asuryan]

'Very well, we shall stay. If we finish early enough we shall leave when we are done. However, the latest we shall leave is tomorrow morning.'

[Calarion Sapherior]

Goshawks were found for the knights, and so a small group rode off into the Harewood in search of game: the five from Salisbury, Earl Arnulf, Sir Lethagus, Sir Tudri and Lady Katelynn, as well as several escorts. "I have a suggestion," said Lady Katelynn. "This sport is pleasant, but let us add a challenge to it, father. Let us divide into three teams, with members from both Hampshire and Salisbury in each, and we shall see which team can catch the most food for our table this night."

The Earl soon agreed, and so groups were decided. Lady Katelynn immediately chose Sir Aldrydd and Sir Tinian to ride with her; Earl Arnulf called for the rat-faced Sir Tudri and Sir Alain; while the handsome Sir Lethodus was left with Sir Gaius and Sir John.

[cidracin]

Aldrydd shot the Lady Katelynn a large smile when she chose him to ride with her. "It will a pleasure to spend the afternoon with a lady as lovely as yourself. Though I believe you'll have to show me the finer points of falconry as I have spent most of my life traning in the martial and healing arts and rather than falconry." Aldrydd rode out with the beautiful Lady Katelynn and Tinian. The falconing did not turn out so well for Aldrydd as his hawk failed to return with anything.

OOC: 2 for flirt and 10 for falconry. Damn Tinian and his way with the ladies

[Calarion Sapherior]

Sir Aldrydd's attempts at both flirting and falconry were both inadequate, it seemed. Sir Tinian's banter kept Lady Katelynn amused throughout the day, and often she laughed at his gallant witticisms. She responded to Sir Aldrydd's conversation warmly, but clearly her true affections were reserved for the jocular Sir Tinian. When they returned to Winchester, both Sir Tinian and Lady Katelynn had managed to catch several birds and rabbits; Sir Aldrydd had only a single pigeon to his name.

Meanwhile, Sir John and Sir Gaius rode with Sir Lethodus. The handsome knight had, thus far, avoided speaking as much as necessary. However, his mood seemed to worsen throughout the day. Finally, as Sir Gaius's goshawk again missed a rabbit, Sir Lethodus exploded. "You throw your hawk with all the grace of a man vomiting, and with about as much effect. Are you even a knight, or does Salisbury grant that honour even to riff-raff like yourself?"

[Krusader]

Gaius just shrugged
"No Lethodus. Knights in Salisbury are knighted for their skills at bearing weapons. We are trained to fight Saxons, and our time as squires goes towards that. Save your insults for the Saxons when you face them in Colchester" he replied. He wouldn't have minded to knock some sense into Lethodus, but he was a guest in Hampshire, so he kept his tongue.

[Calarion Sapherior]

Meanwhile, Sir Alain was riding with the Earl. The Earl made polite conversation with him, asking about his previous battles and his opinion of the political state of Logres. "The Saxons are reeling after Mearcred Creek, but they will soon strike again, and may well strike westward into Hampshire," he said. "I hope that King Uther convinces the Supreme Collegium before that happens, for Hampshire's sake."

[Calarion Sapherior]

"Which is why you are going shopping for mercenaries in London," Sir Lethodus sneered, "to do your fighting for you. What skill at arms do you have? What great deeds have you ever accomplished?"

[Krusader]

"My deeds are known in Salisbury and that is all that matters to me" Gaius said and ignored Lethodus. But he was going to have a talk with the other knights, because he wished to impress upon the Earl of Hampshire that despite his intentions the stay had not been as gracious as the Earl thought it was.
Gaius hoped he would see Lethodus in the future, hopefully freeing him from Saxon captivity. The corners of Gaius' mouth almost went up thinking about how amusing it would be to spend some money for bards to compose a song of how Gaius of Burcombe rescued the future Earl of Hampshire from Saxon captivity. He banished such thoughts afterwards, as it would not be proper to do so. But he would not mourn Lethodus' loss.