Mists Over the Musarde, Interlude 1

[Adam]

"Furyondy, eh?" He proncounces the name quite deliberately, and gives Alain a quizzical glance. "Can't say I know it. Near Dementlieu, perhaps?"

"Well," he continues, moving towards the jar of liquor. "Now that formalities are out of the way, shall we amuse ourselves until the rest of our hosts have arrived?" He cracks open the jar. "Benn, you're going to have to tell me how you managed a dance with that lovely creature at the ball."

Turning to Norzak, he says, "I think I saw you in our part of the city the other day. Anja's kin...speak highly of you," he concedes.

"It turns out Le Gran Dame has the same passion for antiquities as I do, and shares our benefactor's appreciation for men who are skilled in acquiring them. Fairly understandable, I suppose, given how little anyone knows about the history of this city." He pauses to take a sip of his glass of wine. "Speaking of research, Dorgio, I've continued looking into the, shall we say, ongoing Renault problem. It's been a singularly frustrating experience. Perhaps it was simply the fact that I grew up in Nufrechtenburg, a city that places some value on the preservation and dispensation of knowledge for public use, but the state of the library system in this city is appalling. Even a friend of mine had no records of this creature beyond the basics I described previously. However, I have found evidence to indicate that the Church of Ezra maintains an archive of information regarding means of combatting the creatures of the night. However, my efforts thus far to enter and examine these records have been rebuffed. I was wondering if perhaps you might be able to put in a good word for me with them. As a fellow man of the cloth, perhaps your influence might carry us a bit further than mine." He takes another sip. "I'm afraid I've acquired a bit of an unflattering track record when it comes to, ahem, maintaining the secrecy of certain documents."

[ewancummins]

Evangeline becomes excited at the mention of the Ball.

''Ah, yes, Bennedict! You looked simply dashing as you danced with Lady Renier, and she was so graceful- just like a queen! ''

Turning from Benn to Alain, she says-

''Monsieur Smith, it is too bad you weren't able to attend. I shall have to ask Father to secure you an invitation to the next grand event. I'm certain you will enjoy the society of our city. ''

[Lord Skybolt]

Alain turns to Evie " Yes I'M sure that would be an enlightening evening for me as well "

[steveflam]

Norzak approaches Alain and the others "So Al is it? Where in the name of King Azalin Rex is Fureeondee? That place yer from." Norzak of course has taken the liberty of getting another ale, as by now the Sancerre servants are quite aware of his fondness for the stuff and Denys seems to keep the house well stocked just for the surly dwarf. He takes a large swig of the ale and puts his mug down, wiping his mout and beard on the sleeve of his armor. Norzak is attired as he always is, in his adventuring gear. If anyone asked him he's always answer "What else is there ta wear, ye jackaninny! I like me armour 'n' it ain't comin' off!"

For the ball, Norzak did do two things he never does. One was get his armour cleaned and two was have a bath. HE really didn't like the feeling of cleanliness and was anxious to get back to the way his body usually felt with caked on sweat and grime.

[ewancummins]

Alain turns to Evie " Yes I'M sure that would an enlightening evening for me as well "

''Of course. We simply must introduce you to all the right people.''

When Norzak asks about Alain's mysterious homeland, Evie chimes in with-
''Oh yes, please do tell us more! I've read about many strange countries in Father's books, but never this land of Furyondy. ''

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

In response to Norzak, Dorgio grins and says, “Absolutely, on both counts!” He takes the jar and pours a small amount for himself. It’s a potent liqueur, about 80 proof, and tastes lightly of apricots.

When Benn mentions the church of Ezra, Dorgio shrugs noncommittally. “Is worth a try, but respective orders, they’re not always on the best of terms. The Ezrans see themselves as the church of the state and keepers of order. At times, they see us as either a nuisance or worse, a threat to their power. But is something I’ll be looking into. I also am checking within my own order. The Halans, perhaps they will prove useful too.

“There are also the students here, sometimes we talk. I could ask them and see if there are any tomes in the university’s private collection.”

That having been said, Dorgio takes a seat and waits for Alain to explain about Furyondy.

[steveflam]

In response to Norzak, Dorgio grins and says, “Absolutely, on both counts!” He takes the jar and pours a small amount for himself. It’s a potent liqueur, about 80 proof, and tastes lightly of apricots.

"Well I hope ye kin get some more" Norzak says as he grabs the jar and takes a healthy swig of the concoction. He tastes it and decides he ...... likes it! He takes another quick swig before putting the jar down. "An I wanna know where ta get some while yer at it!" He contimues with his ale afrerwards.

When Benn mentions the church of Ezra, Dorgio shrugs noncommittally. “Is worth a try, but respective orders, they’re not always on the best of terms. The Ezrans see themselves as the church of the state and keepers of order. At times, they see us as either a nuisance or worse, a threat to their power. But is something I’ll be looking into. I also am checking within my own order. The Halans, perhaps they will prove useful too.

“There are also the students here, sometimes we talk. I could ask them and see if there are any tomes in the university’s private collection.”

Norzak leans in and whispers "Does we really need permission to scan tha library now?" Wiggling his eyebrows, he adds "What can it hurt to peerooze tha library without the Ezra Temple's knowledge. Noone'll be tha wiser. If we need this here info, it's tha best shot we got ta get ta read these books I reckon. Plus, we ain't stealin' nothin."

[Lord Skybolt]

Alain starts in a historical teaching tone : "Well The Kingdom of Furyondy is Ruled by Belvorder the V . Chendl is the Capital . Never been their my self. With a population of about 15,000 souls. With the main resources of foodstuffs,cloth,and gold. It lies several thousand miles to the east of here ,as far as I can tell. Any Questions ? Sorry if you were hoping for stories from me, I'm no Bard.

[ewancummins]

Evie smiles and asks Alain,

''Ah yes, but what is it like? ''

Perhaps trying to be helpful, she goes on to say,


''I'd describe my own country like so:

Richemulot is a green and pleasant country, with three noble cities strung along the mighty Musarde river like jewels on a a necklace of silver. The gentlemen of quality are cunning and bold, and the ladies are beautiful. There are, perhaps, too many rats below the towns, and if there is any flaw in the country, it would be that. ''

Evangeline's little speech has a quality of recitation about it. Maybe it's something from a book, or maybe something she has written and rehearsed herself?

[steveflam]

"Lil missy, did yer learn that in school or you read it somewhere? Sounds like ye recited it from something." Norzak isn't being rude, he's just pointing out the obvious to everyone though they already know it.

[ewancummins]

Evie laughs and turns a little bit red in the face. She admits,

''Actually, I wrote it when I was a little girl. I used to make up stories to entertain myself when Father was away on business. ''

[Lord Skybolt]

Well it is known for its knightly contigents who fight the evil of the Horned Society to the north . It also has a large forest in its NW portion of the island . That it draws its light fighting forces from there. It has several rivers flowing through it . "But I'm sorry my dear I have no talent for describing mine or any country in such flowery prose such as you have delivered to us this night . "

[ewancummins]

''Oh, Horned Society? That sounds ominous!''

[Lord Skybolt]

Well it is country ruled by demon worshing humans and humanoids .

[Brock Marsh Runoff]

Dorgio can't help but grin at Norzak's suggestion. "Perhaps I ask nicely first, but failing that, I am thinking you could talk me into it."

The cleric listens to Alain's story with a raised brow. Right my friend, and I am from the moon, he thinks to himself. Still, when Alain mentions a "Horned Society," Dorgio perks up. "The demons, what are they called?"