Tidehall, Midmorning 2nd Day – Lara, Daeron, Crefley

Lara watches as another barrel of salted fish is loaded aboard the troupe wagons. Most of the troupe’s provisions are already stowed, and then it would be the tents, which are being struck by the older boys and eldest men. The younger children are playing “drop-the-handkerchief” among the carts and are cheering as one of the troupe boys runs quickly around the circle followed by a girl half his age. Lara notices, along with the red- and brown-haired children, two unfamiliar blondes heads, bobbing and laughing. Upon closer inspection, she recognizes them as Ser Sigurd’s girls, playing with the troupe children. Their mother, round as a melon with what must be twins and due last month, waddles toward Lara when she notices her watching. “My girls love the puppets and the games. It’ll be sad to see your troupe go.” She smiles conspiratorially, “I’m Yasmin. My husband mentioned you were in our hallway last night, helping him keep Ser Bohemund on his leash.“ Her gaze returns to the children. “Which of the little ones is yours?”

At Sea, Midafternoon, 2nd Day – Seff, Roger

Ser Roger Brick stands in the bow of Howling Wind, a lean vessel with a heavy iron ram that slices smoothly through the coastal waters. The day is warm and the night’s fog is clearing out to sea as they press north, away from Tannyr’s Quay. Half of his men sit in small groups behind him, some chatting idly, others eating or napping in the morning sun. The remainder is aboard Silver Storm, bobbing behind his vessel but keeping pace. Roger has never spent much time aboard ship, and he didn’t imagine he would do so today. When he had arrived at the council meeting that morning, fully armed with armor slithering as he walked, the other men at the table had turned with a start. Most of them were half dressed in nightclothes and only Maester Aldrik and Daeron appeared to have washed before arriving. The meeting had been blessed short, as they appraised the boy on Tidehall’s predicament, and he had indicated his plans: send north 2 ships at Ser Sigurd’s discretion, and put aboard 4 squads of the garrison (40 men) to patrol upon their arrival. These squads were to be under Ser Roger’s command. A meager bunch, perhaps, but taking more might risk Tidehall. He would have to make do.

Ser Sigurd approaches Roger at the front of his vessel. “A good day, this. The fog behind us will blind anyone looking to sea, but we can see the shore well enough. Brint in the rigging says he sees a burned hull to north, still smoking. Hard to tell at the distance, probably a league or so away. Signs of a camp nearby, and cookfires; but no sight of men as of yet. Could be the distance, of course. We can put you lot ashore now, or come in for a closer look.”

Tidehall, Midnight, 2nd Day - Seff, Roger, Lara, Daeron

Seff sits at a rough table in the gatehouse with two guardsmen. This was a favorite perch of his in Tidehall. It is situated over open air in front of the portcullis. The guardsmen, Mint and Rufus, are recounting a story oft repeated and likely exaggerated about their lieutenant’s drunkenness. In the corner of this small room stands a great winch and wheel of brass and oak, connected by a heavy chain to a black-brown stone cube the size of an ox. This was one of the counterweights used to open the sluice below their feet, and fill the moat around Tidehall with the warm waters of Ironman’s Bay. Past the wheel is a row of small slit windows, meant for archers within the gatehouse and gives a clear view of the causeway and Tannyr’s Quay below. The town is settling to sleep. On the other side is a clear view of the yard, the troupe wagons, the stables and Hollen’s Tower. He spies Daeron entering the stables, and then a few minutes later, a hooded figure follows through the stable doors.

Quick Update

Alright folks,

Since Redline has some things to take care of, I'll be stepping in temporarily as GM to keep the ball rolling. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep things interesting until he gets back in the driver seat. This also means that he'll probably be bringing in a new PC, so keep your eyes peeled...

BR