The Perilous Forest

King Arthur

Qralloq

Apr 7, 2023 3:08 am

The Perilous Forest

Father Dyddion

He steps back into the church, a gesture telling you you're welcome to follow. He walks side by side with Sir Wilfred and Sir Wolstan. "Ah, Veringvox, yes, a troublesome man. Deeply heathen, his soul with burn and he leads his people to their immortal ruin. If you saw him, you would have seen my apprentice with him, Brother Tafwick. We have hopes of conversion, but they're proud people, set in their ways. It may take generations to wean them from the teet of idolatry and pagan rites."

He sits on a chair near the front, beckoning you each to stand or sit as you will, and converse.

"They're good people at heart, save for the wickedness of their old ways. Ignorance of the serpent allows it entry into your garden."

To Sir Wolstan, he says, "Of course, she is here."

The young girl you saw outside curtseys. She may be 16 or 17 years of age, and is uncommonly fair with dark eyes haunted by her past.

kwll

Apr 7, 2023 8:44 am

The Perilous Forest

Once inside Sir Wilfred sheds his arms and cloak as well. When seeing the young lady approach he performs a courteous bow, without too much emphasis, and says: "It is a pleasure to meet you my lady. I hope we didn't frighten you too much."

King Arthur

Qralloq

Apr 7, 2023 2:10 pm

The Perilous Forest

Countess Cynewise

She looks to the Abbott for reassurance and then giggles a little. "I'm a goose. I thought you might be bandits, or worse, my husband's men!"

The Abbott clears his throat in a most disapproving fashion.

She squints at him and then says, "That was unkind of me. I'm Cynewise. Who be you, sir good knights?"

Sir Gregor Gildon

Seck

Apr 7, 2023 2:33 pm

The Perilous Forest

Gregor follows the knights inside and, if Sir Wolston or Sir Wilfred don't make a general introduction for the party, will introduce himself to Cynewise as Sir Gregor Gildon. Otherwise, Gregor will just listen and let Wolston engage with the Earl's wife and Father Dyddion.

Though, he does look to see if Maid Maude and Fenwick followed everyone inside. If they have not, he'll motion for them to join and quietly (as not to disturb the conversation that Wolston engaged) tell them, "I'm sure all are welcome here. This is God's house."

Last edited April 7, 2023 2:35 pm

Sir Gareth Heath

Windyridge

Apr 7, 2023 2:50 pm

The Perilous Forest

Sir Gareth instantly dislikes the Abbott and remains on guard in his mind but removes his hand from the hilt of his sword as a fake gesture of trust. He nods curtly and then wonders if they might find a chance to be alone with the boy or girl if Dyddion proves to be useless. He waits to see how he answers Sir Wolstan.

King Arthur

Qralloq

Apr 7, 2023 2:56 pm

The Perilous Forest

The other two follow you in, and Fenwick steps to the side, as if a guard inside the door, but that's just where he finds himself comfortable.

Maid Maude

She whispers a thanks to Sir Gregor, standing beside him. She whispers, her lips barely moving, "That's the Countess there. She looks better, this place must be good for her. I do hope I can give her my hello."

Sir Wolstan of Glengrave

Harrigan

Apr 7, 2023 4:58 pm

The Perilous Forest

Wolstan has a little trouble not raising his eyebrows as the young lady identifies and introduces herself. He can’t quite place why, but he expected to find a more mature woman, not a filly who doesn’t mind her tongue with strangers. So be it — perhaps the mystery can be unraveled faster as a result.

"Countess Cynewise," the man says with a deep bow, "I am Sir Wolstan, of Glengrave, brother to the late Lord there. King Arthur has charged my fellow knights and I," — the others have a chance to introduce themselves at this point — "with discovering what game it is your husband is playing. We do not mean to impose on you, but seek to understand why you are here, what the Earl has planned, and how we might rectify the situation."

To the priest, the knight adds, "Is there a place where we may speak in privacy and comfort, Abbott?"

Last edited April 8, 2023 4:24 am

King Arthur

Qralloq

Apr 7, 2023 8:04 pm

The Perilous Forest

Father Dyddion

He looks at the girl, and then at you. He's obviously hesitant, but ... you're not simple sellswords.

He leans close and says, "I'm not prone to leaving her with unknown men, regardless of your quality. It is my sworn duty to see to her safety. Would it be acceptable if I left you alone with her here, in the church, while I watch from outside," he holds up a hand, adding, "Out of earshot. For proprieties sake. I do not want to impugn your honour, sir, but I have other oaths to adhere to."

Sir Gareth Heath

Windyridge

Apr 7, 2023 9:26 pm

The Perilous Forest

Sir Gareth, loath to greet the slimy priest, simply does not. After listening to how the interview will take place he offers to make sure father Dyddion will be safe outside.

"I will step outside with you, father. You can never be too sure of what criminal elements are about." Gareth did not think for a moment that the Abbott would actually be out of earshot.

Sir Wolstan of Glengrave

Harrigan

Apr 8, 2023 4:45 am

The Perilous Forest

Wolstan nods at Father Dyddion, while also keeping the eye of the girl. A noblewoman, doubtless -- but she seems just a girl.

"I understand, Abbott. I give you my word no harm will come to Countess Cynewise during our visit. And I do hope that you appreciate that just as you do not know us... we do not know you." He's looking at the young woman as he finishes. "My lady, this is only to allow you to speak freely if you wish."

Qralloq

Apr 8, 2023 2:47 pm

The Perilous Forest

Father Dyddion

Father Dyddion accepts these terms and steps outside in the sunshine. He looks around taking in the day, and then about twenty paces from the door turns around and watches. His hands are ensconced in his deep sleeves.

Countess Cynewise

The countess looks at Sir Wolstan with some curiosity, and then a little fear as something occurs to her. "I won't go back, sir. If you attempt to drag me, I will fight you, sir. God will protect me." Her eyes glaze over a little, the thousand yard stare of looking into a haunted past, and she nearly silently adds, "Only God."

Outside, beside Father Dyddion, Gareth can nearly make our her initial words. Something about "I will fight you".

Sir Gareth Heath

Windyridge

Apr 8, 2023 3:11 pm

The Perilous Forest

Sir Gareth sneers inwardly at the priest when the man does not acknowledge him standing right there beside him. No doubt the man of the cloth considers this a slight which of course is nothing to Gareth. Ordinarily, he would have simply ignored the man. But he does feel that Dyddion is too close to the door and sure enough, some words can be heard coming from within.

"I'll have you move further away from the door, priest, as you are not yet out of earshot." Gareth turns to face the priest, placing his bulk between the man and the door. The knight's tone leaves no question as to what might happen should the priest decide not to move away.

King Arthur

Qralloq

Apr 8, 2023 3:28 pm

The Perilous Forest

Father Dyddion

"Oh?" he asks, as if surprised and somewhat insulted. He takes five steps back, and then three more. "Satisfied?" he says with a distasteful sneer.

From here, Gareth can no longer make out their words inside the church.

Sir Gareth Heath

Windyridge

Apr 8, 2023 4:20 pm

The Perilous Forest

"Yes. This will do, priest." He spits out the last word, disgust evident in his tone. He won't be cajoled into any further discussions with the man and stands squarely at the entrance, his eyes fixed on the door.

kwll

Apr 8, 2023 7:07 pm

The Perilous Forest

Sir Wilfred decides to stay with the countess with Sir Wolstan. "Something very bad must have happened there, for you to fight the simple idea to go back there so vehemently." he says to her, in response to her last words. "We don't mean to pry, but would it be possible for you to explain the reasons of your resolve?"

King Arthur

Qralloq

Apr 9, 2023 2:46 am

The Perilous Forest

Outside Brown Cloister

Father Dyddion

He watches the goings on, keeping a watchful eye over his ward. "What did you hope to find out here, young man? You have some pressing purpose."

.

.

.

Within Brown Cloister

Countess Cynewise

"You are too forward, sir. My reasons are my own, good knight." Does she want to speak, or does she value her dignity and station too much.

This would be a Presence-Glamourie test if you're using your masculine wiles on the fair sex, or Presence-Courtesie if you're using etiquette and diplomacy with this higher ranking person. If Sir Wolstan and Sir Gregor wish to contribute to gaining her confidence, make similar tosses and your successes will each add a coin to Sir Wilfred's pool.

Sir Gregor Gildon

Seck

Apr 9, 2023 4:40 am

The Perilous Forest

Gregor pipes in. "Countess, forgive us for being so forward. But be assured that Sir Wolston’s and Sir Wilfred's invitation for you to speak freely is only meant in concern of your well being. We have not come to bring you back as you fear, especially if you are safe here and desire to remain. Instead we seek your help to understand why the people your husband is charged to protect are not safe in his lands."

OOC:

Gregor's contribution

Last edited April 9, 2023 4:45 am

Rolls

Presense w/ Courtesy - (3d2-3)

(211) - 3 = 1

Sir Wolstan of Glengrave

Harrigan

Apr 9, 2023 5:10 am

The Perilous Forest

Wolstan's jaw tightens as one of his companions once again pushes too far, too quickly. Sir Wilfred's words are not ill-chosen, but they come in a rush, straight at the young noblewoman.

Gregor softens the approach, and Sir Wolstan tries to do the same, starting with a nod.

"Countess -- no one intends to move you from this place. Though we do seek to understand if you are safe here, given our nature, and our own vows. The Brown Cloister is far removed from Britain's settled lands, and we have traveled far to see you. Firstmost to make sure of your health and well-being. Seeing those, it is as Sir Gregor has said. We only seek to understand the circumstances that have put you here, and otherwise caused such a stir in your husband's domain."

Turning, he reveals the presence of Maid Maude. "Also, we have escorted a visitor here."

Rolls

Presence | Courtesy - (5d2-5)

(11221) - 5 = 2

Sir Gareth Heath

Windyridge

Apr 9, 2023 10:55 pm

The Perilous Forest

"Why to assure us of the countess Cynewise's safety of course." Gareth has no intention of speaking any more to the man than is absolutely necessary.

King Arthur

Qralloq

Apr 10, 2023 2:50 am

The Perilous Forest

Within Brown Cloister

Countess Cynewise

"Maude? Is that you? Oh, Maude, I've missed you." The maid you brought runs forward and they clasp arms like old friends.

Maid Maude

"They're good men, Arthur's men, m'lady. You can trust them." Maid Maude steps back, and curtseys.

Countess Cynewise

"It was that witch. She told me she'd see me bare her child and then in childbirth, I'd be dead. She cursed me barren, and I fled here so that her wroth would not harm others. She had her eye on Earl Parwick and there was nothing I could do. I fought her, I did, and when I went to take to my lord husband, he only smirked and said he was aware of everything that went on in his castle." She clutches a hand to her throat. "What could I do when my own husband schemes to replace me and my children through witchcraft?"

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