RP Session 2: "To the Mattresses"

With new allies in their cause and a missive to draft to the Seneschal, Tovrunn and Lancaelad set about describing the events of the past few days from their orders to travel south and meet with a foreigner on behalf of an undisclosed ally, to the ambush at Abbadiel, their flight through the Erebennien and the night-time escape from Bardenhold. Corson added details he'd gleaned from the Brecht mercenary's orders, and the Royal Herald at least had every semblance of surprise that their errand had been anything beyond menial. She could offer no word of why a feared assassin and the might of a mid-sized mercenary company might be arrayed against them, nor what Salien's import might be to anyone with the means to muster such opposition.

For his part the Suirien simply listened, seemingly placated by Lan's oath though he scoffed more than once during their speculation.

With their predicament thoroughly revisited, conversation turned to the morrow. Clearly the path through Ghoere or Diemed would be more complex than they'd assumed if some hidden pursuer meant to dog them. Both Baron Tael and Duke Diem had the means to be behind their pursuit, and neither were friend to Roesone, which made the casual sojourn they had been meant to pretend risky.

Ideas were thrown about: Circuitous routes designed to evade and confuse pursuers, or direct ones that pressed their current advantage with speed; an armed escort under the black hart banner, or peasant's clothes with Salien buried deep in a hayrick; riding to Aerenwe to entreat the High-Mage Aelies for aid, or Braeme to ask the wizard Hermedhie the same.

Rikke and the Bjorndings had retired and the candles had been replaced before a plan began to emerge.