Ale, Cards, and Treason Talk

[Sir Kendrew Campbell]

Jack: When was it that the Irishman had last paid a visit to Turas Lan? It always seemed as though he and his daughter Seanna gravitated toward the Blue Castle, so that they could both tend to matters of state -- and spend time with Aunt Bess and the family here. As it was, the Irishman had taken a few moments to himself. There'd be a bit of wondering about Tarus Lan's market place, simply to collect his thoughts. As it was, he was at one of the small taverns. Sitting quietly outside, dirinking from a tankard of whiskey. (D)

Kendrew: A man was supposed to take leave to collect his thoughts. Kendrew was no different in that habit as he strolled in the market with a stance suggesting he was not on patrol. No, the man was merely being one among his peers. Old habits died hard, for even in his leisure his eyes combed the streets for misgivings that spoke of his old place to take notice of when the city patrol changed, or when he stood always at the Mo'r Oukselo's side. Now, here oversaw the Order of elite knights, he bred the youth for where he'd gone, and understood what it meant to have a name in the later summer of his life. Turas Lan was as familiar to him now as pushing a plow in Drynoch, so the Irishman wouldn't be so astounded when the Lowlander peered over his shoulder. "Ought not the Govenor of Ireland stray away from piss? Looks weak, boy." One time, they had fought together to retake what was his. (d)

Marius Bows politely. "Honored to make your acquaintance; Sir Marius de Brabant; at your service" He was dressed in worn riding leathers, and covered in a great, heavy, winter cloak, which had the hood thrown back. It revealed a strong male visage of light hair and piercing blue eyes. He held himsellf with the aura of a fighting man, which was mirrored by his bastard sword at his hip. (d)

Jack: The Irishman didn't even bother looking up, "S'all just piss, when I cannae be takin' some of m'homeland's brew wit' me." There was a slight sniff, "...an', ya know, its Scottish. Cannae be helped." He smirked. There was cant ofThe Irishman didn't even bother looking up, "S'all just piss, when I cannae be takin' some of m'homeland's brew wit' me." There was a slight sniff, "...an', ya know, its Scottish. Cannae be helped." He smirked. There was cant ofhis head, when the other made his apperance. "Good to meet ya. I'm Cap'n Flynn, an' this is Sir Kendrew." (D)

Kendrew: A gentle greeting for a rough Irishman didn't escape the notice of the Scott, "See, this fellow has breedin, n' manners .Think they missed tha' in Ireland. Same as tha' must be imported mess in your cup." His mouth curled into a grin before he turned to offer the bow that Jack didn't, "A pleasure, Sir. de Brabant, tis not of the locality. Where do you hail, fellow? Tell us as ye sit. Tis too cold to stand in winter. If ye sit n' drink you'll be warmer. Take not his recommendation, though. He's mad." Tit for tat, this for that. Years worth of it built a good friendship! (d)

Marius: Coughs politely. "If you must I am formally addressed as Sir Marius" pausing "And to my friends, I am always just Marius" He was smiling at the two gentlemen. "In truth I've only just come to these shores and not even managed to stable my mount and pack horse. I am hoping to take service with the Duke and win back an honorable name and reputation." he was extremely nervous as he spoke, but he would not hide the truth. (d)

Jack: There was a glance to Kendrew. Huh. There was a nod of his head, "Well 'nough, Marius.... I do suppose. Welocme ta Turas Lan an' the Celtic Nations." He got up, "Iffen we're gonna set, let us dae so somewhere warm." ANd would promply lead them into the tavern, instead of sitting outside of it. (D)

Kendrew: "Fye, boats n' winter. From where did ye cross with such desires?" Kendrew followed Jack's lead because it was cold enough to freeze fingers in the air where they tarried. A talk of fortune, a talk of changing luck, shouldn't come about as new folk are frozen in a Skye winter. He brought a calming hand against the new arrival's shoulder, bringing him in to the tavern, thus into the fray. While it was a time of peace, something always stirred. Yon tavern was boisterous with serving women, the talk of men, hearty arguments and stale jokes. "His Grace has risen in stature. He is now called the Mo'r Triath, the High Lord. Little lower than King and sanctioned by the Bruce himself before his death. But mark, where he rises he carries his serviceable with him. Still not sure how Jack 'ere came along.." Jests softened still vivid memories of a war torn Ireland in the eyes of the man. "Tis good country, fair country" d)

Marius: "I came from the continent, originally in the service of of the Duke of Austria. After dismissed, I wandered about, unable to find a position; so I came to Skye." he didn't want to say too much, but the genie was out of the bottle (d)

Jack To Kendrew's comment, he answered it truthfully, "I came o'er in a boat......." Which, regretably, had sank during the Battle of Raasay Sound. It was also part of the reason that Jack's left arm was still a bit numb. "I shall be lettin' Kendrew tell ya about these lands. I 'ave enough trouble governin' my own." (D)

Kendrew: "Direct enough. In the last few o' years, I've tried to learn more of mainland business beyond the Scottish squabble, but it gets lost in the French prattle. Last bit of crossing the continent had to do with the Crusade, many a'year agone now. But we are simple enough, so Marius I will give ye both the short history n' the effect." He would order for himself and Marius a bit of ale, the good sort that never lacked in being plentiful, while he told the tale. "Scotland had split some years ago, North n' South. South n'..the Bruce, went with England and the North, n' Skye, went with the Aberdeens n' to freedom. In the end of it, as Bruce recovered his sin n' became ill n' died, the division was healed n' England fell. Now the entire lot of it, along with Ireland, Wales, and England form what they call the Celtic States, er Celt Alliance, or some such as the Mo'r Triath writes upon his paper." In short,it became a bit larger and broader than he remembered as a boy. "W"What do they say o' the Aberdeens, on the continent by chance? We rarely here such perspective. As ye can imagine, we know them in a different light. Anyhow, if ye seek the service, and are hearty to the idea of change n' difference, I can be of some service with that." (d)

Marius: "Thank you M'lord, I would greatly appreciate any assistance you may render to me. I am new here and quite alone. Also I have expended most of my funds in reaching Skye." He looked rather embarassed, but he was almost penniless. (d)

Jack: There was a few moments pause, as the Irishman drummbed his fingers on the counter. Great. So they were gonna talk the night away? When their server came by again, the Irishman looked up and asked, "Do ya have deck o' cards? " Then he looked toward his companions, "Shall we play a bit o' cards, as we talk? If nothin' else, it shall occupy tha' hands and mind." (D)

Kendrew: "So long as we wager drinks n' a service or so if we bet. Last time I played cards with you Irish, Lady Campbell berated me the amount of the purse lost in the lot. Aye, can not argue with occupied hands though. A fair share of peace is an earned share..but I wonder, do either of ye ever find boredom creeping in.?" One would think a man with a numb left arm and another who was forty-three years lived of thirty years of some sort of service would be thankful after power was established in blood. He drank deep of the ale, wondering if things simmered under the pretty curtain of diplomacy. He wondered, if somewhere, someone was not plotting some great disaster. Turning to Marius he said, "Men who fight are often broke. Broken of coin, broken of body. Again, your future, sir..is apt to change." He offered his hand to be shaken, "Drink ale, entertain the bored Irishman and after we shall see you put to right. No man of merit is left without place to rest his head here. " (d)

Marius: "M'lord Kendrew, I know no other trade. Killing is all I have ever been taught. I know nothing of the gentler arts. My father was a marcher baron keeping the heathens at bay for the Empire. Killing one way or another is all I know unfortunately. There is more to life, but I know it not." His attitude is nervous as well as pensive. He feels himself to be an incomplete man, and can do nothing to help himself. (d)

Jack:The Irishman shot a look at Kendrew that didn't mince words. Quiet plainly? The look asked Kendrew if he'd lost his mind. "I 'ave two toddlers an' a nine year old ..... " And wasn't far from either! That was in addition to having to govern the powder keg that was Ireland. True, being Irish and letting the clans pretty much govern themselves made things a lot simpler. But still! He was governing the ungovernable! He went to shuffle the cards, once they had been brought. "An' iffen the Lady Campbell grousse so o'er ye loosin' coin, Kendrew.... may'aps ye should take yer pants back?" He grinned at Kendrew. (D)

Peregrine: Speaking of heathens, the laughter of the pirate fell through the markets a deep heavy sound that brought tears to his eyes. He had stolen a child, one three years of age now with her mother's complexion and ability to tear him downwith a single look. "So sorry.." He mused paying for the treat he had refused, the toys..whatever, he spoiled. (d

Marius Inclines his head in respect. "I am honored to make your acquaintance" Meanwhile, Marius unobtrusively checked his purse and realized again he could not afford to wager or at least not to lose. (d)

Kendrew "N God bless your wife n' children, Jack. M'own is three months agone with another...n' Kiley is three. We adopted m'brothers children as well." Just as ale and cards were about to be the order, in would come a pirate so heathenon days he may have made Lucifer appear saved. On others, he was merely a curious boy-child. In either aspect, they were somewhat related. "Jack, kick over that extra chair. I should like to occupy the hands of that one before he gets himself into trouble!" A pitcher of ale and one of whiskey was ordered. Marius would receive a fitting view of Skye life in one night if all aligned! (d)

Jack: The Irishman nodded, sitting the cards on the table for someone to cut the deck or leave 'em that way. As Kendrew asked, the Irishman leaned back and literally kicked out an extra chair toward Peregrine. "We 'ave nae yet dealt, yermore'n welcome to come an' join us. We 'ave a pitcher o' ale an' another o' whiskey!" Offer a loli to the curious boy-child, perhaps? There was a smile, as he looked at Kendrew, "I dae be wonderin' iffen we can be keepin' him outta trouble.... ye ne'er were any good at keepin' me outta trouble, iffen I want ta be inta it in tha first place." (D)

Marius: Marius was beginning to relax with these people of Skye. He almost feels at home here already. Now, if only he could manage to get into the Duke's service. He needed a place to stay and even somewhere to keep his mount, pack horse, and equipment. Still, he did genuinely enjoy these folks; so he smiled and poured himself some ale. Some little voice in the back of his head warned him to keep his wits about him in this card game. He wasn't the best at cards, better at dicing. He was already here at Skye; so he was just going with it. And above all he liked everyone he had met so far. (d)

Peregrine: He stood in the door a moment, feeling the cold air chase him in--even with his daughter. For a moment he walked the rope balancing the right and wrong. They were playing cards..drinking..all the objects of a true black heart's desire. Yet today he promised the very earth they walked on he would be good. Did good at it count? In the past three years he had been off and on the Isle, for months at a time at sea searching for open ports, new countries to trade, and paths less traveled for the Celtic Nation, but never had he been so happy to be home. Jack pushed the chair out? The deal was sealed, and the winter was closed away to the warm fires of the tavern. "You get me in trouble Kendrew..Jack..by forcing me to this chair, at knife's point you know..shame, my only way to freedom is something strong." He would wave his hand at the barmaid who used to be his bedmaid. To the new face Marius he would nod, that self relying smirk of his own, he was going to like this one he thought..was quiet, polite, easily corrupted. (d

Kendrew: He didn't know of the exploits of Peregrine the Good; memory served him that where the man roamed, some ill concieved idea gone awry was sure to follow. If he but told Kendrew or Jack of his adventures, either of them might wonder if the house brew was stronger than last recalled of Market liquids! Obviously they were the sudden sons of iniquity. Kendrew rolled his eyes as he shrugged, "Why in the hell Peregrine would I waste a good bit o' steel on your ass? There are better things to make targets out of." He poured up the strong whiskey to pass with an odd smile where once a scowl often sat. The years had been good to the lot of them. "Deal the cards Irish. What are you, older than the Pope?" He couldn't help but listen to four folk speaking behind them about what they had seen in Scotland and on the continent. About names such as David I, Joan of the Tower, and a marriage that still had not been. (d)

Jack: "...... Which Pope?" Truth be told, Jack was likely the oldest man in the Isle at this point. He had to be at least forty-eight or older! He dealt out he cards, arching an eyebrow toward Peregrine, "Yer a bad liar, ya know that?"He grinned, "S'way I like playin' cards with ya." There was a laugh, as he dealt out the cards. When dealing in Peregrine, he paused, "We're playin' fer who pays fer the rounds...." (D)

Marius: Marius could only chuckle at Flynn's last comment. He had been in the Duke's service for almost nine years before the debacle, and his being blamed for it. He knew his way around a card table. Besides these were obviously people who had played together before. It was a friendly game. He looked at Peregrine but deliberately did not stare. He had a feeling that this lad was no trading captain or at least trading only when necessary. He had the swagger of a freebooter. Marius had never met one before, but had spoken with those who had. There was something about him; something dangerous under the smile. Best be careful, he told himself. (d)

Peregrine: "Ha." Peregrine pulled his child up from the floor, "Deal me in fella's, and if that's the case Jack..I'll take another one of those, since your paying." A dark look passed over the lot, "Wanna go see your weird uncle? Daddy, has drinks to buy." And a skin to keep, Rosalind would have him, and so too would Jean-Claude. He made his way out and across the street to only return empty handed. (d

Kendrew: Let neither Eirian hear of it either, or he Artistan would make a personal ride from the Valley to smack him across his head with her rosary. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as the poor child had no choice in whom her sire was,though he wondered what sort of blood lived inside those veins? "Should I pray for ye, Peregrine, now or later?" Prayers uttered over alcohol and cards couldn't be any less holy if the intention were good, no? He lifted his cup for the lot of them to toast. "To old friends n' to new. May your future be made here, Marius. N' may Peregrine not die." Nothing seemed to kill Peregrine, and believe that he and several others had tried on several occasions! His ear, though, still was keen. Too keen almost for his own good. As long as there was no talk, nothing need be done. Yet the four behind them made the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. (d)

Jack: The Irishman pouted, "M'first chance for a free drink, an' 'e runs off....." Great! That was lovely, they were basically stuck there until Peregrine got back to finish the game. As the waited, he refilled his pitcher (for the second time) and was left with nothing to do. Except for fishing around for his clay pipe and pouch of tobacco. Like his friend Kendrew, he had been listening to the four at the table behind them talk. Eventually, after gettinghis pipe lit, Jack half-turned -- and dope smacked one of the closest conspirators at the next table. "Mind yer treasonous talk," he growled, "Ye speak sae openly when tha Lord-Admiral an' the Lord Guardian sit behin' ya!" He cursed at them in Gaelic, before saying, "Now ya be shuttin' up...." Turning back around, he grumbled, "An' on my one night out...." (D)

Marius: Marius had to smirk after seeing Captain Jack Flynn take care of those treason talkers. He also noticed that the men simply lowered their voices and moved their table a bit further away. Marius made signs with his eyes alone to Jack, Peregrine, and Kendrew. While doing that, he was having another mug of the good ale before them. (d)

Kendrew: The men shut their maws without going a'gape. A cant of head, a mutter of just ideas passing on the day is all before they moved but ideas have ways of becoming bent desires of furious folk in the wrong hands. Sign taken in, he lowered is own, telling his tablemates he remained at the ready should a night off prove not to be in the agenda. Still, they had only to wait for Peregrine to return for their game of cards. He huffed, taking in ale as if it were water to a fish. "Seems I shall be in the city longer than thought." He offered. Hopefully, Liliana wouldn't mind spending the time with the Mo'r Oukselo on a prolonged visit. "Peregrine 'ad better hurry up. Jesu.." He sighed, not to take the name of the savior in vein, but to hope it would bring some peace into tumult. Like Jack, he began to look about for his pipe and the tobacco to put to it. It was amazing what only the occasional indulgence in it, good springs of mint, and chewing sticks could do as years went by. His teeth didn't go butter yellow. As he began to pack it, he muttered, "Hope tonight's just as excitin' as a game of cards. May speak o' boredom, but can entertain meself." (d)

Marius: "I don't mind some peace and quiet Kendrew. I've more years of killing then I would care to admit. I would like a break in it." (d)

Jack: "I dae wonder," the Irishman mused. "Iffen we should send for the City Watch...." He glanced o'er at the four men who'd been talking. They were, after all, speaking treason. And rather freely. Also wouldn't hurt to have them on hand, incase they decided a bar fight was in order. The Irishman laughed, "Sae eager to loose a game o' cards, are ye Kendrew?" (D)

Peregrine: The door was pressed open once again, and the cold air would carry with it the smell of the sea. "Yeah but killing on what side." Peregrine asked kicking back his chair to take it once again. With a wave to the men in question he would smile, as he pulled himself forward. "I'd watch my pockets if I were you. That man will take even your crown jewels." He would pick up his hand, "But I'm telling you what the one with the bad eye..his wife. Makes a killer roast." Leave to the pirate to know every scum that cross through the door. (d

Kendrew: "Does she like her husband's head or whole body at supper, Pere? The way they talk, they seem tae favor it the other way. All four of 'em. I share Marius' view. Could do with a little less of what we all be good. Deal the cards, Jack." Even as he said that he had second thoughts as his gut began to stab at him. No sooner than instinct talked, so did the men. One would say in a low voice "Can't put a finger on where the Plantagenet brats are, say they gots a soft spot for a couple of 'em." Another went on, "Dun care as long as one marries a Scott, then we'll 'ave a King a proper, and hold England as it ought be held." The third, a silent partner for some time ventured, "Man won't take a crown, then I saw we arrange to take it from him. Asides. Not everyone likes the Mo'r Triath n' his girl-thingy footin." The fourth didn't have to say anything, only concur as they drank. Kendrew put down his cup. "On a second though ,we could probably stand tae stretch our limbs, play cards later. Naturally can confiscate whatever they have on them we'll have something to wager with later. I dun like treason-talk with my card, ale, and pipe." Said pipe was already being extinguished as he looked at the company about him. Who felt in the mood for a brawl on behalf of civic interests?(d)

Marius: Marius spoke very quietly. "If we need to take these fellows, let's do it. Treason has a way of spreading when talk of it is free and easy." (d)

Jack: The Irishman had been in the midst of dealing the cards, when Kendrew said his piece. Jack was torn, his mouth open and ready to say something. He sighed, inclined his head, and murmured as he stood up. "I'm tae ol' fer this...."As he stood up, he turned and dope smacked the same conspiratior from before. "Idjit, ye 'ad yer chance!" (D)

Liliana: "Well, well, cards hmm?" Nothing like surprising ones husband. Liliana had been told that Kendrew had come into the tavern and so here she be. The children were left in Dona's care though a guard had escorted Lili. One couldn'tallow the wife of Kendrew, five months pregnant, to just wander alone. Especially into taverns and the like. The man stood off to her left, holding a basket(she'd done a bit of shopping just like any woman), while Lili quietly removed heavy cloak with gloved hands. (d)

Peregrine:A silent warning passed over eyes of the ocean color, his narrowing inside the one with the mouth. A silent chat of the right time went between them, and the other would only laugh. Pere then would simply kick back and enjoy the show. "Cards, drinks, and fancy women. You would think us somewhere in Paris with the way your dressed Lili..looking younger everyday, and radiating like the sun." Not rehearsed at all, "I'm sorry If I kept you waiting last night." WIth his hands going behind his neck he would take lean on his chair, watching Jack take the first. "Might have to sit this one out Kendrew. Keep your wife company." Cad. Of course he teased, where faces were being broken in Pere wasn't far behind, was in his blood no? (d

Marius: "A sword and dagger had already appeared in the hands of Marius. "The dagger was at the throat of one enemy and his sword was stationed under the chin of another. "Anyone wish to die first? I am an equal opportunity killer" The smile on his face, if it could be called that, was particularly sickening. "Put your hands flat on the table and do it now; all of you" By the tone of his voice and the expression on his face; he was not joking and quite prepared to kill both of them without a qualm. (d)

Kendrew: Well, shyte. Once an Irish, Scott, Austrian, and whate'er the hell Peregrine was (cad, rake, rogue, pirate, pain in his arse..simpleton, necessary evil.) strode into a tavern for a game of cards to be interrupted by talk of treason and ended by threats of face beating. The Irish slapped a man aside the head while Peregrine leaned back to finesse Sir Kendrew's pregnant wife. The Austrian was the quicker man among them which left Kendrew at six and sevens. "Liliana, tha' is Sir Marius deBrabant. He's in the service o' the Mo'r Triath. Ye'll pardon us..." He'd stepped infront of her, she could feel the temper seething off his skin as he did. "Alright, ye've heard the man, hands to the table to be placed under arrest for treason n' ruin' my game of cards." The Austrian got hold of two out of four..or so he'd thought. The one with the sword to his chin upset their table, sending cards and ale flying about. The one near his dagger pulled backward to join his other two free fellows in drawing arms, making them a total of 4 again. "Get m'wife out n' summon me baliff's men or the watch, what ever the hell is closer!"

Jack: Would ya look at that? Jack had a full house..... of course there would be a discussion later on how Peregrine had managed to have five aces in his hand. It was likely that both had cheated. (And claims of such would no doubt be greeted with "Pirate.") As it was, the Irishman swore as antagonist upended the card table. "Ya spilt m'wiskey!" This was going to be trouble. The Irishman snatched a tankard of ale from a near by table -- or out of a patron's hands! - and chucked it at the head of one of the treasnous scum. (D)

Marius: As the traitor upended the table, Marius jumped backwards, his sword and dagger still extended in a fighting stance. This was close combat, Marius's specialty whether in the field or in a tavern. "Thanks you" he mouthed in a whisper "For making this night a bit exciting" Marius began to face down his two chosen antagonists. Neither one of them was a well trained fighter; he could tell that. Neither of the two had decided yet whether on fight or flight. Marius came at them fast and vicious; his dagger slammed point first into one man's shoulder. The other one, finally decided to fight; his mistake. Even before he could unsheath his blade, Marius's bastard sword sliced a tendon in his leg; sending him also straight to the floor. (d)

Liliana: Well, come in for a bit of time with the husband and walk in on a brawl. Clearly Liliana had stumbled into something far more exciting than a game of cards. A friendly not toward Sir Marius,"A pleasure, Sir de Brabant." Glance switched to Jack with a,"Good day Jack." and then to Peregrine. Here came soft laughter,"Sweet talking me are you? Trying to steal me away from my husband?" And speaking of husband! Soon came his large form blocking her and theguard took her by arm as chaos erupted. "Kendrew wha-" Huffing as he ordered her removal, she allowed the man to bring her toward the door though wasn't exactly all pleased about it. Worriedly she looked back over her shoulder. (d)

Kendrew: This fellow was quick! Two at once was not bad for a man to impress the local betters, while Jack sought to do things the old fashioned way leaving him at least one. What seemed to be four would likely gravitate to be more or less depending on who got excited enough to join one cause or another, take up their own, or pour out the back door or vye for the front. In lieu of the front door, his man was making a run for it in the direction of his wife and her guard. He would get only half of the way before the large Dumfrieshire man came growling into place. Swords were drawn! The battle was on, Kendrew dodging one blow, then the next, only to use his sword to knick the man in the face. Once he began to stumble backward, he closed his free hand up into a fist, knocking him in the jaw. "Don't even try me! " He bellowed. Ah yes. Cards was a nice thought, but while there were four to deal with, it seemed a few of the croonies slunk in from the woodwork. "Get me the damn watch!" He wasn't caring of who's contingent as long as they were Griffin fellows! Calvary, army, navy, knighthood folk, baliffs..all mattered little in a bar brawl! (d)

Maahes: He was a well known man throughout the Isle, the law's enforcer, as high as it got next to the royals, but Maahes was a humble man when out of uniform. A tall frame, the Arabic Beast found little that fit, and on days as this in the summer months it mattered very little. Winter had come and taken the sun, but never once did it take away the bronze undertones of his Egyptian heritage, or the brute strength below. The call for the militia had gone unanswered until the Lord General pushed through the door--unarmed by way of sword, Maahes had little need. His face was stone solid, angered by the sights, but once he caught sight of Kendrew his arms would cross over his chest as he came to stand beside Lili.."Did he start it?" Meaning Kendrew, though seeing the Pirate he felt he knew the answer. A smirk as he watched the men like a lion in it's cage surveying the new face, and his form. (d

Jack: If the old fashioned way works, why quiet using it? The Irishman next grabbed a chair, using it as a club. It took three blows over a conspirator's back, before the chair - and likely the man's spine - gave way. The man crumbled to the ground. Branding a chair leg, Jack turned to face the others. "Come on, then! Come on!" Great. He was going to be hurting in the morning, he could already tell. (D)

Marius: "I do believe we have got all of them." Finally, the watch did arrive, not even knowing what was happening. Marius directed them over to the four prisoners. "Four traitors for you to hold. At least my two are still alive and ready to be questioned." Angered at their slowness. "What are you waiting for; a damned invitation? Don't you recognie your own High Admiral? Put them in irons and be quick about it." It was obvious that Marius was used to command. "Perhaps Jack, a word from you might help here." He was almost smiling. (d)

Liliana: Did he? Well, it was likely. Though if Kendrew started it surely there was good reason. "Heard the word treason used in relation to those fellows." Dark head, braid swaying, nodded toward one fellow who was fighting her husband. By now Liliana should have been fully out the door, but she was stubborn. She wanted to be sure that Kendrew wasn't hurt. Everytime his opponent came at him she visibly flinched. "Ordered me to leave too. Going to give him a goodtalkin' to when I get him alone Maahes." Pregnant or not, woman or not, she wasn't going to be bossed about. She could at least holler out warnings and stay in a corner. (d)

Kendrew: Jesus, why must the man be so tested? "Marius.." he gritted his teeth and hoped the tone would temper the fellow's enthusiasm, though at least he had the zeal in the right moments, "Tha' be the Lord General, Maahes Asad-Aziem, sits same as the Lord Admiral...." By now the four were sore and their breakers sorely tested. "Maahes, Marius, came tae seek service in the Mo'r Triath's ranks.." A bar fight couldn't go unnoticed forever, and of course after the fact the balif' would come with a few of his men to put the lot in Irons. "Ye'll have a plenty of time to converse with me, wife. At the Griffin's castle." He looked at Maahes, "Peregrine actually didn't do anything..amazing enough. But now we need to go to the Lady." He canted his head for Marius to join the parade. It was going to be a fascinating evening. "Tha' wasn't just idle treason talk." (d)

Maahes In that very moment the royal guard came with a full house to apprehend the men, disarming them into their custody. "Treason?" Maahes hated the word, that sounded so foreign on his lips, a small growl escaping him in the very moment He came face to face with one who was weathered from the battle..Jack no doubt and tipped the man's chin back. For Maahes to get on the level of the man it would take a great bow, the Arabic brute stood a good foot taller then many, "You talk treason in my streets?" The man would wet himself, and Maahes would meet the eyes of Kendrew. However, he would match face with one of the guards having him send forward to prepare a fire, Lili was pregnant after all . "Move your cards to the castle." Amber embers burned into the man Marius, judgment passing as he looked the man over. "Your loyalty to this land a show?" Maahes was always brash at first, "You come to impress..you have impressed. You want in on the ranks, you come to barracks at dawn." He would not need to ask where, the shouts of warriors welcomed the dawn each morning with the Griffin Army. "Unless you a water dog." With that he would place a large hand onJack's shoulder, "Then you go with the crocodile." Maahes knew nothing of the ocean, the Nile's threats limited to two dangers--crocs and hippos. He figured Jack would slug him if he called him the last. (d

Jack: The Irishman could not help but laugh, as the giant Egyptian put a hand on his shoulder. There was a glance at Marius, "Mmm. Tha big man would be right...... save fer one thin'." He grinned braodly, "I'm retired." He still served Griffin Castle as the Lord-Governor of Ireland (and all that entailed). "I can show ya the way to the navy yards, but yer on yer own from there." (D)

Marius: Upon being informed of the Lord General's presence, Marius correctly sheathed his dagger and brought his sword point upwards in salute before shealthing it to. "I am Sir Marius de Brabant, formerly of the Empire and the service of the Duke of Austria. I will be honored to join the men Skye's Army and to serve Skye and the Celtic Alliance." he also gave a small bow to the general. Then he faced Lady Liliana. "My apologies for not greeting you earlier M'lady. I was somewhat otherwise engaged at the moment" his eyes pointing to the two wounded traitors. (d)

Liliana: "Aye, that you were Sir de Brabant. There isn't any need to apologize. I understand that you were engaged." Of course those mocha eyes locked on Kendrew without the same understanding as she looked to her guard,"Will you help me put my cloak back on? A bit tricky considering my condition." She wanted to swat Kendrew over the head. Couldn't even properly greet her before getting into a brawl and then ordering her escorted out! (d)

Kendrew: It was a thought such as that which made the Guardian love his wife even more; still when it came to a choice between duty and manners, he had to choose the first and see her hauled from danger. Hauled was often the operative word. Perhaps it was the first seasons of marriage that did it, but they could no more bear to see the other hurt than one could go without breath. "No, give me the cloak. Ah'll tie it for m'wife." Yet he had his way to make up in due course, swiftly sealing the impliment about her pretty shoulders and applying a kiss to her cheek. "Come, the least I can do is escort ye to the castle. Now tha' we are all aquainted we can go and tell the Lady a story." He wagered she might have one to tell them as well. (d)

Maahes: He would have to practice this one's name as he did many in the nation, "Then at dawn. Mar-i-us." Peregrine trailed in behind the lot of them, needing to pick up his daughter from Jean-Claude who by now would have her decked in all the lace of his entire shop. Would back fire on him one day. On the way Maahes was stopped many times, checking in on rounds, guards posted at various places, and reports. He enjoyed the busy life, but wondered of his own family. (d

Marius: "Lord General, should I not accompany all of you back to the castle?" (d)

Liliana: All it took was the action of her husband fastening the cloak to make anger fizzle out. Immediately worry filled her mocha eyes as they searched him for any sign of injury. "Are you alright?" Whispered words, meant for his ears alone.

(Next Scene Will Be in Griffin Castle)