All information contained herein can be considered IC knowledge at your discretion.
| <107> Devlan | Sun Aug 03 2003 - Marriage |
| <108> Barseg | Mon Aug 04 2003 - Ain't that cute |
| <109> Ningloria | Fri Aug 08 2003 - A Train in Bow |
| <110> Barseg | Sun Aug 10 2003 - A Midwinter Festival is announced |
| <111> Linnea | Thu Aug 14 2003 - A Drink too Many |
| <112> Barseg | Fri Aug 15 2003 - An apprenticeship begins |
| <113> Khidyr | Fri Aug 15 2003 - Exchange of Words |
| <114> Barseg | Sun Aug 17 2003 - Blessing and Gift |
| <115> Linnea | Wed Aug 20 2003 - Kierkgard's Wind and Wail |
| <116> Lanya | Thu Aug 21 2003 - A return |
| <117> Lanya | Thu Aug 21 2003 - Clan Council |
| <118> Barseg | Fri Aug 22 2003 - Brute strength? |
| <119> Barseg | Fri Aug 22 2003 - A question of loyalty |
| <120> Bryan | Fri Aug 22 2003 - Suspicions in the Night |
| <121> Stilicon | Sun Aug 24 2003 - Oxen in the mist |
| <122> Barseg | Mon Aug 25 2003 - Demonstration of strength |
| <123> Cortheon | Tue Aug 26 2003 - Early Mornin's in the Tavern |
| <124> Cortheon | Tue Aug 26 2003 - Finding Phelan |
| <125> Banedil | Wed Aug 27 2003 - From the mouths of Babes? |
| <126> Lanya | Thu Aug 28 2003 - More Bear Strife? |
| <127> Stilicon | Thu Aug 28 2003 - Bear Ox |
Author: Devlan
Posted: Sun Aug 03 03:21:31 2003
Title: Marriage
Early in the afternoon and a small amount of snow was coating the grotto, DEVLAN and NINGLORIA were there along with a number of friends. A bard led the ceremony and sliced Devlan and Ninglorias hand, putting their hands together a cloth that was dyed both red and green was wrapped around them, and now they are married. We expect lots of gifts. I like chocolate.
Author: Barseg
Posted: Mon Aug 04 09:49:44 2003
Title: Ain't that cute
It was a grey morning, and trade in Kierkgard's marketplace was slow, but DEVLAN and NINGLORIA were among those shoppers undeterred by the weather as the limping figure of BARSEG emerged slowly and carefully from one of the nearby cottages. The reason for the care became apparent when Devlan waved him over, for Barseg had seemingly been left holding the baby - literally. Devlan first admired and then had opportunity to hold the infant Cavallar, and was seen gurgling down at the baby while the newly-weds filled Barseg in on all the latest gossip. After, that is, Devlan had presented Ningloria with a lovely bunch of flowers. Young love ... aaaw.
Barseg was delighted to be told of Devlan and Ningloria's marriage, hadn't heard about the finding of Phelan's corpse and made no comment on the other, perhaps lesser known, piece of information he was given: that the Herald of the Guardians/Watch Commander/Stag noble Cortheon has bought the Fuddled Forgoil. In turn, Barseg explained that he'd been recuperating from a wound sustained on the northern patrol, had only recently been able to travel to Kierkgard, and that it would be another couple of weeks before he was fit for duty, citing his limp as the cause. Though Ningloria suspects he's keen to prolong the time spent with his wife and child ...
Cute little Cavallar (who has his father's amber eyes, hard to tell from the few tufts of hair visible whether he's also inherited Gyrla's striking red locks) took charge of the proceedings at this point by waking and bringing up the contents of his tiny stomach on Devlan's sleeve. Devlan's fascination with the infant evaporated at once, and the baby was handed hastily back to his father - Barseg fared no better, but is perhaps used to such things by now, explaining airily that Cavallar had been 'a bit fretful recently'. The trio of adults exchanged a few more words, mainly about hopes of increased cooperation between the clans. Barseg in particular mentioned that Devlan's help would be useful in 'a venture up north', although he didn't elaborate further. Instead he headed off for a walk in an attempt to calm his whimpering baby son, leaving the starry-eyed couple to another day of wedded bliss ...
Author: Ningloria
Posted: Fri Aug 08 23:02:54 2003
Title: A Train in Bow
Highday, Day 26 of November in the year 3029
The sun had just begun to set when NINGLORIA decided to shoot off a few practice arrows in the Field of Freca. ELRABIN was there to give a few pointers. As the bard watched her aim gradually improve, he soon learned and seemed surprised to hear of her recent marriage. The two departed; Ningloria to retrieve her arrows before darkness fell, and Elrabin back to the city.
Author: Barseg
Posted: Sun Aug 10 14:41:50 2003
Title: A Midwinter Festival is announced!
The traditional time for the Autumn festival is past, and word has it that with so many Dunlendings north on various errands, Kierkgard was quiet indeed. But now with the absentees returned from the fell deeds and journeys of the North, the announcement of a forthcoming Clan Council has led to the local traders seizing the opportunity for a full Festival...in honour of Midwinter.
Organization of the events is only beginning, but based on past experience these are likely to include contests of strength, skill and capacity for ale, days of song and storytelling, and of course plenty of eating and drinking (the more hopeful souls are wondering whether the owner of the Fuddled Forgoil will provide free ale!). No doubt there will also be times of quiet reflection, when Dunlendings gather in the Temple precinct to honour Kiern and to remember the sorrows and joys of the past year.
Author: Linnea Posted by: Linnea
Posted: Thu Aug 14 12:50:35 2003
Title: A Drink too Many
Sterday, Day 11 of December in the year 3029: A very late night at the Fuddled Forgoil
As is common of the Fuddled Forgoil on blustery, drizzly nights, the tavern was full of boisterous, drunk individuals. Even Elrabin could be counted among that crowd and intoxicated he was indeed; and though he claimed not too have had too many he later stated he had lost count of his consumption. It became obvious that had more than enough, and was urged to seek rest, in which he managed to do solely by himself, though whether he made it beyond the stairs without aid is anyone's guess.
The evening continued with Devlan and Khidyr talking at the bar, while Ningloria kept an eye on her husband from a table that gave her Linnea's company and conversation. Both Devlan and Khidyr seemed to get along candidly. Khidyr seems to have plans for training in stone working with Barseg, and certainly must as she voiced some concern about running into people that she wishes not to see. Perhaps Barseg has more influence over clan relations than he thinks, and maybe his aim at apprenticing Khidyr is entirely focused on developing a mutual bond between the clan heralds. Amidst Devlan's repeated calls for more ale, he managed to catch several people's attention by stating he had need to talk to Barseg about orcs and axes, though he seemed to leave it at that. Surely the quickly turning drunken man left several on edge with his words. Even Khidyr deemed it appropriate to disperse and head for bed shortly thereafter.
A breeze of topics were upon the wind, and many things were communicated, though some were embarrassing and humbling to Linnea, who further managed to state that she was looking for a little work and needed some money. Ningloria mentioned the taverns, but Linnea's response was a thoughtful gaze. That brought other topics to rise between the drifting messenger and Ningloria, who seemed to spurn her husband's mannerisms the entire night. Nevertheless, some would say the defining moment that brought Ningloria to her later course of actions, ones that would find her leaving towards Iolair alone and with two horses, was Devlan's drunken conduct in response to Themos' arrival. Upon the Bear Hunter's entrance, before he could even buy a drink, Devlan had challenged the man to an arm wrestle. The event ended with an 'I won!' declaration from Devlan and sore hands, for those nearby say it was no quick match and that Themos proved himself a worthy advocate. Devlan declined the award of a drink on Themos, stating he needed no more, but Ningloria still seemed quite flustered with her husband's actions regardless. Perhaps they will find harmony in the future? Some say there isn't hope.
Author: Barseg
Posted: Fri Aug 15 03:36:08 2003
Title: An apprenticeship begins
Early December
The Stag woman KHIDYR's search for the Bear mason BARSEG took her to the Infirmary, where she found him talking to KORRINA - apparently little Cavallar hadn't been well. The Wulf healer seemed only too glad of someone to distract the worried father while she examined the red-faced and whimpering Cavallar, who responded by christening her fine dress. Khidyr's and Barseg's speech was brief, but ended with him welcoming her as his apprentice in stoneworking - though the learning process may be slow, as both of them have militia duties within their respective clans. By this time Korrina had reached a diagnosis - her small patient was suffering from no more than simple colic - and offered a packet of herbs she thought would help, at which the grateful parent presented her with herbs of his own in exchange.
Mid-December
Early morning on a frosty though fine day saw Khidyr stumbling across the Field of Freca to meet Barseg for a brief lesson on rock types. The Stag woman was looking a little the worse for wear, and some say she was seen wandering out in the rain the previous night too. Odd behaviour, when it's so much warmer indoors - does she have a secret to hide? Or perhaps a man has claimed her interest? Surely not Barseg, who was seen a little later discussing his baby son enthusiastically with the youth BORUMHA (who was perhaps less enthusiastic, confessing his mother had sent him). The words 'Wulf' and 'Bear' were also heard to creep into their conversation ... come to think of it, just what clan is Borumha anyway?
Author: Khidyr
Posted: Fri Aug 15 16:40:18 2003
Title: Exchange of Words
Trewsday, Day 14 of December in the year 3029 found the Stag KHIDYR making her way towards the 'Guardian' one night having just recently returned from her duties. The Stag Bard, ELRABIN was to be found sitting outside the entryway, playing upon his lyre to the passing customers. Making to move past him, and into the tavern, Khidyr instead decides to stop, and upon squatting next to him where he sits, many onlookers say that she in fact questioned his masculinity, though with a smile on her face. Several words seemed to be exchanged between the pair, and the passing customers caught a few words...some being of "proof, willing, songs, giving ones word, belief and pain." However this conversation seems to end as Khidyr rises from the ground, looking a bit flustered. Elrabin rises as well, and both journey into the tavern, deciding to grab a quick drink together.
Author: Barseg
Posted: Sun Aug 17 16:34:00 2003
Title: Blessing and Gift
As the longest night drew to an end, Dunlendings gathered in the Field of Freca to watch the sun rise on their beloved land, to hear Kiern's blessing pronounced by a representative of the Guardians as the first torch-flame was kindled beneath Freca's proud effigy, and to carry that flame back to their own hearths in a dispersal that signalled the start of the Midwinter Festival.
Among the gathered onlookers were the youth BORUMHA and his mother Miri, who seemed greatly affected by the ceremony; also KHIDYR, who as BARSEG was quick to point out seems to be having less trouble with mornings these days. As the group broke up, Miri called Barseg over, to present Barseg with a small stuffed bear. The Bear mason seemed surprised, both at the gift and whatever else their conversation turned to, but accepted the little effigy with obvious delight before he in turn reentered the city to bring both gift and Kiern's blessing to his sleeping family.
Author: Linnea
Posted: Wed Aug 20 08:55:23 2003
Title: Kierkgard's Wind and Wail
Sterday, Day 25 of December in the year 3029
A late morning with a strong gale of wind surging over Kierkgard brought the tiny wails of Cavallar into the Cobbled Square where Linnea stood in thought, gazing over the Stag ruins that still inhabit the place. As Barseg approached he carried a firmly wrapped bit of cloth, which turned out be the child, wailing with the bitter cold from time to time. Linnea soon found herself nearing the Bear Stonemason, finding him as one of few Bear she will approach on her free will. A talk ensued that flitted upon the topic of Barseg and Gyrla, their relationship, and a few things that entail Barseg to keep away from home more than he would like; but nonetheless, this discussion seemed to remain to the background for the most part as Cavallar had a knack for pulling the attention.
Linnea ended up holding the little child, who was indeed heavier than anticipated. The child ended up with not one, but two discharges of his breakfast half on a rag and the Stag's shoulder. This seemed to readily displease Linnea, though she attempted to refrain from any harsh discourse for the most part; after all, what did she expect from a child of Bear. But before she could be on her way, Barseg, who's interest had perked at the Stag girl's question in whether he was married or not, probed back with a some words most likely aimed at teasing the Stag Messenger and assumed she would have preferred him unmarried. Linnea was surely a bit embarrassed, but the Bear father pressed on with a bit of a sparkle in his eye and a slight grin as he indulged himself to say that he couldn't have fancied himself as a prospective partner. As Linnea had no further hope to stay, Barseg managed to churn her thoughts in yet another way, mentioning or requesting something about her job as a messenger within Stag, but he cut himself off before he finished.
What could the Stone Mason have hoped to inquire? Perhaps his teasing and conduct with the Stag girl was aimed at something more than simple enjoyment. Is there something deeper that drives this Bear father to be involved with what would appear to be improving clan relations on many different fronts?
Author: Lanya
Posted: Thu Aug 21 08:45:32 2003
Title: A return
Winter nights are dark and cold, but this particular night in the midst of Winter Festival, the wind blew in more than its usual chill self. In the nearly-abandoned Fuddled Forgoil, the Stag Elrabin sat alone until a cloaked newcomer joined him and turned out to the bard's great surprise to be the long-missing Bear healer, Lanya. That of which they spoke was quiet and isn't really known, but the woman now sports a knife scar on her face and exudes weariness from her long travels. The conversing pair were joined by Khidyr of Stag, but shortly after introductions were made the Bear left, claiming the need to seek a bed. Why was Lanya gone for so long, with nary a word even to the people to whom she is closest? And why would anyone attack the woman, known for her gentle nature and friendliness to everyone? Stay tuned to "As Middle-Earth Turns" for these answers and much much more...
Author: Lanya
Posted: Thu Aug 21 21:21:51 2003
Title: Clan Council
As people gathered in the Hall of the Chieftains, Rhyessa advisor of Wulf was joined by Cortheon and Barseg, representatives of Stag and Bear respectively. Cortheon made a claim for Chieftainship of Stag, and Barseg represented Bear on the authority of Banedil, to some grumblings in the crowd. In fact, a great deal of grumbling, particularly from one Fogren, an elderly Bear. He made his complaints known, and while they perhaps would have been better aired at a Bear Clan Meeting, he announced to the entire gathering his desire for the resignation of Bear Chieftain Banedil. Speak of the devil, none other than Banedil himself arrived in the Hall, and a highly offended Fogren left the Hall, promising that he would not let this matter rest. The Council regrouped and continued, covering topics such as the Iolair situation and the discovery of ancient ruins in the north. A trading trip to Bree was also discussed before the meeting dissolved in favor of festivities (after all, what is a Winter Festival for if not drink and merry-making?). Many people are wary, though; if the strife within Bear is real, who knows what may happen next? Stay tuned to As Middle-Earth Turns...
Author: Barseg
Posted: Fri Aug 22 05:49:28 2003
Title: Brute strength?
It was a fine crisp morning as men pitted their strength against each other in simple contests, the prize of a heavy barrel of beer going to the one who could hold it aloft for a count of 10. BARSEG was one of the watchers, finding plenty of time to tease his friend Raoghanal when the latter dropped the barrel, though showing no inclination to join in the competition himself. Instead an injudicious step back brought him face to face with the snarling Rip, the toothy hound owned by the surly CALEB. Fortunately the beast was more interested in sniffing at LANYA than at biting, and Caleb decided to try his hand at the show of strength, even if he couldn't take the barrel with him 'where he was going'. Alas! the barrel slid from the stranger's shoulders at the count of seven, prompting and much speculation as to his clan. Bear? ('all mouth but no guts') Wulf? ('tongue's sharper than their blade') But no - before he wandered off in search of some woman he'd been travelling with, referred to only as 'Missy', Caleb revealed that he was in fact Stag.
In the end it was another Stag, the miner Lethen, who won the contest, and he and his friends were last seen getting mighty drunk in the impromptu function suite provided by the empty nearest warehouse.
Author: Barseg
Posted: Fri Aug 22 05:50:27 2003
Title: A question of loyalty
Dusk in Kierkgard, and small knots of men and women gathered in the Bear Lodging House to discuss the issues raised by the council - in particular the one of the Chieftainship. Amongst them the militia captain BARSEG, expressing his disgust at Bear's display of weakness and internal strife in front of the other clans, and the newly entered Creatrach commander TANIS, seemingly in no merry mood himself. It was at this point that Barseg chose to approach Tanis to discuss certain issues of ... loyalty, and at first foul tempers were in evidence on both sides - some say that each man offered insult to the other. By conversation's end, however, an understanding had clearly been reached, for they parted on good terms. It seems that Bear's militia leaders are in agreement - but about what? Would either man think to contest for the Chieftainship? Or does their interest lie elsewhere?
Author: Bryan
Posted: Fri Aug 22 21:33:58 2003
Title: Suspicions in the Night
And so it came to pass late one cold winter night in the Fuddled Forgoil that Khidyr met with Bryan in a corner after most had since departed. Yeah, verily, they spoke of many things said the drunk nearby...not that /he/ could remember much. It would appear the Stag smith is recovering from the mourning of his brother's death, and it would also appear a certain anger hovered over the man about the brusk dismissal of Stag chieftains, dead and gone, as evidenced by his dismissal of chieftains in general. Khidyr parted with news of her promotion to the militia, apprenticeship to Barseg, and her own sorrow over Phelan's death. Bryan in turn mentioned the suspicions cast on Barseg in the wake of another Stag chieftain's death, and offered an opinion about the Bear raiders that had been worrying Dunlendings along clan borders...despite Phelan's avowed suspicion that the raiders were too easily 'identified'.
Khidyr displayed concern over Bryan's veiled accusations, enjoining him not to stir up unneeded trouble, but was gently reassured. Well, maybe not so gently in another respect. Bryan wants the truth. Not just a truth too easily identified, yes indeed, everyone swallowing the story like fish swallowing flies. Before their mutual departure, the smith avowed to the former Hawk that Phelan doubtless lost his life while trying to warn shepherds about the danger of large eagles, caring at the last for his people the best way he knew how, not fawning around like some dolt mooning after a feathered calf. And that rumor? Maybe spread by enemies of Stag to wound their pride and more. As Bryan would say, the truth is out there.
Author: Stilicon
Posted: Sun Aug 24 14:28:41 2003
Title: Oxen in the mist
It was a very misty morning and a single shout tearing the fog hanigng low on Freca. Theodred. And there was Stilicon, obviously looking for his beasts when a rider pierced the white veils all about him.
I appeared to be none else than the Wulf bard Aylean. The first words of their meeting were about the tastes for blood and human flesh of the real Theodred son of Theoden son of Thengel depicted as an ogre worthy descendant of the fell Helm himself by Stilicon. What followed were more and more offensive words toward some dunland clan, their weakness and lack of ability in electing chieftains and leader of proven dunlending stock and of height and might. Stilicon spat on Freca he branded a forgoil and insults after insults Aylean ended with a black eye. Did her horse, a gift as she explained Stilicon, kick her ?
Stil.
Author: Barseg
Posted: Mon Aug 25 02:27:20 2003
Title: Demonstration of strength
Seems that Bear's 'absent Chieftain' might not be so absent after all. One group of Bear militia is still boasting about the fact that on a chilly winter's morning BANEDIL himself came out to the Field of Freca to watch their training. BARSEG paused from instructing his men to speak to the Chieftain - what they said noone's too sure, for by this point he'd split the group into two and had them contesting against each other using Freca's statue as the focus. However, one fellow thought he heard mention of Bree, whilst another more ominously recollects the word 'disturbances'.
Eventually the mock-battle ended when one man, Melan, broke through the opposing line to reach the statue, receiving praise from both his Chieftain and his Captain. However, the session was not yet over, for Barseg announced with a grin that it was time for the Chieftain to give a little demonstration of his own, and stepped forward himself to act as sparring partner, pointing out that he'd beaten the rest of them often enough. The barehanded sparring session that followed showed both men to be able fighters, landing a few blows and evading many more, but eventually it was Barseg who was knocked to the ground. A scene that impressed the men present at least, for they've been spreading the word that the Chieftain can still hold his own in a fight, even against their renowned leader ...
Barseg continues to train his militia group, with emphasis in recent days on unarmed combat and subduing an opponent with minimum force. Tactics noone would waste on Orcs or Forgoil - some murmur he's not keen to see the colour of Bear blood if disaffection with Banedil and himself should spread. Although his men also note that while /they/ may be urged to use minimum force, he's taken to wearing his heavy hammer slung across his back. Speculators will not have long to wait, for a Bear Clan meeting will be held in just a week's time, so that any complaints or challenges against Banedil's leadership can be aired openly and resolved for good or for ill.
Author: Cortheon
Posted: Tue Aug 26 15:48:09 2003
Title: Early Mornin's in the Tavern
It was well before dawn when Aylean and Korrina encountered each other in The Guardian's Rest. A few cold statements where exchanged by the women before they where joined by Cortheon and two Trollshaws folks (Landford and Caleb). The group discussed the clans, children, Cortheon's taverns, Bree, and Wolfhounds with dawn quickly approaching. The conversation wasn't always nice and polite with it shares of barbs and shaded insults. But with Dawn arriving, It left only Cortheon and Aylean talking about her beleiving she has a message from Kiern and her run in with Stilicon. She demanded that Cortheon, a Stag, do something about him spiting on Freca's statue, hitting her, and insulting the Wulf Clan. Appearently, Cortheon's answer wasn't to her liking and she for the third times since they knew each other, said he was no part of a man. Cortheon's reply? Well it wasn't to Aylean's liking cause she was seen storming out of the tavern covered in Chaw spit.
Author: Cortheon
Posted: Tue Aug 26 16:03:50 2003
Title: Finding Phelan
This should have really been posted A long time ago. Sorry Folks
It was late Summer, early fall when the Stag's set out to find Phelan. The trip took them past a lice infested Maithan keep and funneral of I'racil. By the time the party made it why to the foothills of the Misty mountains latefal had arrived with the horrid rain storms and a Bear patrol had passed through the area to find Orcs. Though the Stags along with Banedil pressed on and somewhere in those foothills did fate intervene. Khidyr and Korrina meet up with the group. Korrina had stayed behind in Maithain. Khidyr had disobyed order and came from Kierkgard Dun to check on the group. With the small party stopped talking with Khidyr and Korrina, Korrina's puppy caught the scent of something and strayed from the trail and Banedil and the healer chased after. There among the dying leaves and scrubs was the body of Phelan. The Stag chief had came to a violent end and his body tossed aside. Though the question is who killed him and why?
Author: Banedil
Posted: Wed Aug 27 16:13:36 2003
Title: From the mouths of Babes?
Early this morning the Bear chieftain, Banedil found that his second or who he dubs his voice, Barseg waiting for him in the Bear Lodge-House. They were discuss about this braggart who has interrupted the council meeting, this Fogren. A young lad by the name of Brannal (@emited by Barseg) coming running into the House with news sent by his loyal father. Supposely the Fogren has gotten a group of lads together, calling themselves the true Bear. Hearing about this, The chief plans on confronting the man and his disloyal group. Is he plan on killing him? Is he plan on throwing him into the dungeons? We couldn't hear.
Author: Lanya
Posted: Thu Aug 28 11:05:20 2003
Title: More Bear Strife?
Morning found the Bear militia practicing in the Field of Freca under BARSEG's tutelage in sling. STILICON came out to discuss the merits of hammer versus sling, but the pair were interrupted by the arrival of an irritated LANYA, who proceeded to scold and lecture the big smith, and hardly allowing him a word edgewise, stormed off as quickly as she arrived, causing some snickers among the militiamen. Seems maybe the internal struggles of Bear are contagious, spreading to more personal conflict now?
Author: Stilicon
Posted: Thu Aug 28 18:05:52 2003
Title: Bear Ox
Theoden, Stilicon's famous ox was grievously wounded after a skirmish where the smith stunned or killed the Wulf bard Aylean and made her foreign friend Grimhauken flee. Alas not before the man managed to deal Theoden a terrible blow on skull. Devlan who tried to interrupt the fight carried the senseless Aylean to safety. It seems as Stilicon explained Cortheon and Lanya after, while helping the beast that the Bear smith was once again insulted by the bard and attacked.. Yet this time Stilicon was armed as well...
Stilicon swore he would kill all the strangers in Dunland, at least all those travelling with Aylean and finds his vengeance for his poor ox.