Sad days have passed since Vintiver’s victory over the darkspawn horde. A sad victory in light of the loss of so much in its winning. Three days have spent their course since that dark night and many tears have fallen. The Bannorn of Restenford grieves.
The fires that tore through Vintiver have given way to ash and charred remains; homes picked over by their once residents to retrieve what little belongings remain for collection. New homes have begun in earnest. The broken villagers have come together in a heartening community spirit to help each other as one family, spurred on by the heartfelt sermons of Sister Arda, supported by words from Ser Lothryn. The priestess works on tirelessly though she has barely slept since that night with so many of her parishioners requiring her pastoral and practical care. Mothers are now without sons, wives without husbands, children have lost their families and homes; much work to be done. The shock and carnage of that night has been put behind them as best it could now that the dead have been buried and prayed for by their loved ones, but the path to healing will be taken slowly but surely. Raw wounds will heal eventually if the Maker is willing. In Andraste they trust.
The fires that tore through Vintiver have given way to ash and charred remains; homes picked over by their once residents to retrieve what little belongings remain for collection. New homes have begun in earnest. The broken villagers have come together in a heartening community spirit to help each other as one family, spurred on by the heartfelt sermons of Sister Arda, supported by words from Ser Lothryn. The priestess works on tirelessly though she has barely slept since that night with so many of her parishioners requiring her pastoral and practical care. Mothers are now without sons, wives without husbands, children have lost their families and homes; much work to be done. The shock and carnage of that night has been put behind them as best it could now that the dead have been buried and prayed for by their loved ones, but the path to healing will be taken slowly but surely. Raw wounds will heal eventually if the Maker is willing. In Andraste they trust.
West is Oakenfield, a town coming to terms with its own grief. They are deep in mourning at the shock of Ser Giles’s valiant passing. The veteran knight was much loved; well respected for his ruling as well as his prowess on the field. He had cared for and protected his family and people for many years in the names of Restenford and Ferelden.
After the battle Lady Iah and her retinue were escorted to her new home - the castle at Restenford, where they are now. There is much to-ing and fro-ing as the sun rises above the turning leaves of the Brecilian forest. Greens are turning to gold and amber now that it is mid harvest.
Somewhere in the castle a man just passing his prime has sat in drawn silence for the better part of three days and nights by the bedside of his daughter. He has barely ate or drank during his helpless vigil, for it was all he could do while womenfolk tended her fevered brow. He has protected her for nineteen years of her short life. He has fought in many a raging battle, not to mention Vintiver, in his time as a Knight Templar, but he could not save her from this - poison from a blighted thornbush.
Now as the fourth dawn greets the room’s shutters he notices her fever has broken and she stirs restlessly in her sleep. The worst has passed. Good news indeed. He rises and flings open the shutters in thanks.
Laria’s first feelings upon drifting towards waking are that she has never felt pain in her head so intense before. Her brain feels sore, her neck and even her hair seem to ache, made worse when the shock of searing light turns the world to blood red, her eyes hurt too.
“Father?” she moans, shielding her eyes from the bright light streaming in through the window. All she can see is the painful light and a shadowy figure. Ser Farradin smiles and walks over to sit and pat her hand, he sighs and looks suddenly sombre. She can read the sadness in his eyes, dark circles foretell his worry. “Daughter, I have bad news to tell.”
Elsewhere, at the Abbey arrangements are being made for the interment today. Ogden is to be laid to rest beside his uncle. Many worthies and people of Restenford are readying to attend. Back at the castle a cask has been delivered from Denerim with many breathtaking gowns and outfits for the Lady from Lyza, a small note is included of the sum that is required.
Iah sits in her sleeping chamber, it still feels as though she is in someone else’s home. Such a grand room of expensive furnishings and draperies cannot be for her surely? She almost misses the small stone room from the chantry where she grew up, misses the sounds of the sisters going about their daily work. It may have been small and spartan but she liked its uncluttered feel and it had all she needed there, this place has many different sounds. She feels lost in such overwhelming luxury with its foreign sounds and smells.
Betts, realising her Lady is awake, fusses over Iah. Too many questions on such a day as this. Iah makes her apologies and dismisses the castellan’s wife. Thoughts and worries pick at her mind as she begins pacing back and forth, thinking of her dear brave friend Ogden. Her heart pains and her throat aches at the thought of this day. Only moments pass before Ser Florin’s wife comes slamming through the doors back into the chamber. Shocking her from her reverie.
“I am so sorry ma’am... your little friend, the woman who thinks she is a man, she is awake!”
Iah rushes past Betts, straight through to Laria’s room across the corridor, and through the open door. “Laria!” She throws herself with arms open wide against her friend, hugging her tight. Laria hugs her close and continues to sob, wet faced into her friend’s hair. No need for words.
Riding through the main bailey Ser Lothryn finds he is just in time as the main funeral cortege will be leaving shortly. He quietly appraises Restenford’s castle and it’s half built state. Much will need to be done, but such thoughts will keep for now.
A normally dignified and matronly woman is startled awake in a new room, so different from the one she found the night before in the candle-lit dark when she arrived from the town of Brigton. Wiping the sleep from her eyes she realises it is a knock at the door that has awoken her. Blinking around the room for a moment she sees it is far from grand. She is still dressed as she arrived, in her traveling clothes which are now crumpled and unsightly. She asks the person at the door if they could come back in quarter of an hour when she will be ready to make their acquaintance. They agree and she quietly opens the door but a crack as the footsteps move away. It was a tall, broad-shouldered man with the clothing of a knight and long blonde hair who woke her. She does not recognise him.
Back in the room she assesses the room, and where everything is. She has a quick look out of the window to find a very grand and expensive looking funeral cortege. Myrtle sees this as a bad omen to have found this on her first day of service but decides to keep quiet and observe what happens today. She dresses herself in simple black as a show of respect.
Ser Farradin has excused himself from the room of his fatherly duties to allow the girls privacy to grieve. The tears of women have always made him uncomfortable. Iah and Laria ready themselves for the funeral in between bouts of sobbing and hugs. Even with the arrival of Lyza’s cask of creations they cannot find pleasure on this day in such wonders. They dress with little words, Iah helping Laria who is still shaky from so long convalescing.
Out in the courtyard Fossett finds his brothers Garrett and Shelby shouldering Ogden’s coffin to the carriage. Lothryn passes the boys with a quiet grim nod on his way to prepare for the funeral.
“Is madam ready or should I return in another quarter?” Myrtle opens the door and makes her apologies to the knight and introduces herself. “I am Myrtle good sir. I was Lady Iah’s mother’s lady in waiting.” She smiles serenely and bows slightly. The knight introduces himself as Ser Florin, castellan of Restenford castle. He apologises that it normally would have been his wife who’d have fetched her but she is busy. He explains that she will be introduced to the Lady Iah later in the day, but for now it is the funeral today, and she is welcome to accompany himself and his wife to the Abbey.
Soon enough everyone is ready. Garrett and Fossett escort their Lady and Laria to the front of the cortege, leaving them there to attend at the rear with Shelby and Ser Lothryn. Behind the knights walks Ser Florin, his wife Betts, Myrtle and others. Among them are a great number of Vintiver’s people, come so show respect to one who fought and died so fearlessly for them. The cortege makes its slow and deliberate march down through Restenford where the peoples line the streets as a mark of respect.
The sun rises higher into the crisp clear sky, no clouds today, no wind. The world is silent for the passing. Two hours chime by as they follow the road back to his home. Eventually they see above the cherry and chestnut filled orchards the Abbey’s bell-tower and that the flag of the nation sits at half-mast. The Sisters are standing by the gates to greet them. The doors to the chantry have been thrown open wide to receive their fallen son. Rowan stands stoically in the doorway, while his wife Ethelia shakes with tears on his shoulder.
The cortege eventually files in following Ogden’s mother and father who follow the coffin of their son into his funeral. A heart-achingly beautiful requiem mass is sung, words from Abbess Amelia offer comfort to the congregation and blessings upon the young dwarf with the brave heart. Rowan speaks a few words for his son as does Ser Farradin, soon Iah is called to speak her eulogy.
“Ogden was a very dear friend here at the Abbey. We all knew him very well. We were childhood friends, tempers would rise and we would bicker but always friends no matter what. He died bravely. He will live on in story and legend. I will always remember him as he was - happy in being himself; brave and impetuous; even though he was much more than a blacksmith’s son. I call upon the knights in this room to fulfill his dream of becoming a knight, to fulfill his dream in this life and the next.”
The congregation look to the knights, the knights look at each other, trying to decide who will go forth.
“I, Ser Lothryn, would wish to have that honour. To knight Ogden on behalf of my people in thanks for the service he performed.” He steps forward and lays his sword on the cask. “I declare thee Ser Ogden, knight of Ferelden, protector of the people of Vintiver.”
The sisters begin another requiem and by its end they are all crying. Ser Florin steps up to carry on the song until Ogden is interred. His baritone voice harmonising richly with the female choir, lending it strength. Ogden’s father Rowan and Ser Lothryn seal the small tomb shut. Poetic in that it was the first and last men present in his life to do so. Abbess Amelia stands again to give her final words.
In the interim Ser Florin coughs and steers Myrtle to Lady Iah, making quiet introductions. Myrtle is pleased and curtsies low, rising with a smile and tears brimming in her eyes. She clasps her hands together and tells Iah how seeing her takes her back twenty years. She sees much of her mother in her and that she wishes she can serve her just as well as she served Lady Nimue. Iah takes her hands in hers and thanks and welcomes her, she would be glad to have someone who knew her mother so well to be as close to her when she knew her not. It will be a welcome comfort.
The congregation begins to form a line to make their condolences to the family. Iah rushes over, a girl once more in her childhood home, and hugs them both. By now Rowan’s eyes are red rimmed and wet. He smiles up at the girl he watched grow who is now a Lady. Ethelia cries all the harder for the sympathy shown.
Ser Lothryn shakes his head solemnly before joining the line. “War is not a glorious thing; this is the face of war.” He speaks with the brothers while they wait patiently. Shelby notices the lonely figure of Laria and makes his excuses to walk over.
She stands staring into air. Still standing where she stood during the service. All is a blur to her. Numb. Without a word he takes her hand and turns her into an embrace, tucking her head into his shoulder. Laria stiffens, wide-eyed for a moment then melts into sobs, holding tightly now she recognises who it is - the one man who treats her like a person and not an oddity.
Eventually the crowd is called to dinner, made by Ogden’s mother. Though she is now sitting quietly, no more tears to cry for now, the sisters of the Abbey serve the guests before taking their places. A prayer is said and all are called to enjoy the meal. It is a sombre affair though there is much talking among the guests.
Afterwards Ser Lothryn, Ser Florin and the Abbess come and bow to Iah saying they must speak with her about Vintiver. As Abbess Amelia leads them through, Ser Florin nods to Myrtle and motions for her to follow. The brothers Unuthstill join them in the Abbess’s quarters.
Ser Lothryn begins.
“I agree with the other knights, while not the best time, what occurred at Vintiver needs to be discussed. The town will need to be rebuilt. The darkspawn will need to be dealt with.”
Iah understands that what happened at Vintiver has not happened in 60 years, a long time indeed and only a few elders remember it from their childhoods. Amelia’s main concern is how the people are going to survive the coming winter as their crops were raised in the attack. At this Ser Fossett suggests sharing crops from other areas in the Bann but Ser Florin explains this would be normal practice. However, the Arl of Lastford has not made tribute this year, making this impossible.
They discuss how best to broach the subject of the missing tribute. Whereupon after some exchange it is best thought that Lady Iah makes an official visit to Lastford as an introduction as the new Lady of the Land. A full procession will be arranged.
Talk turns to the other matter of Ser Gile’s death and the issue of his daughter the Lady Nina. Fossett offers his hand if it would please the Lady and solve the issue. Iah replies that though Lady Nina should not fail to find him suitable, she is unsure on the matter and is unwilling to force any man upon the poor woman especially in this her time of grief. Ser Florin politely points out that there are four single knights within her vassalage and he is sure she would find one she likes among them. This seems very respectable and Iah advises she shall compose a letter to Lady Nina to advise her of the Sers: Lothryn, Garrett, Fossett and Shelby; of their natures and why she is making this offer.
~ o0o ~
Two days later, in the great hall in Restenford Iah is deep in talk with her vassals over the various problems at hand with her new position and lands. A messenger returns with word from Lastford.
The young boy, well dressed but clearly out of breath from his run and fast riding, falls to one knee and bows his head in respect.
“My Lady I have returned with news. Lastford’s people have been blessed with a good crop this year and their tribute has been sent forth to Ser Edmund’s hunting lodge at the edge of the Korcari Wilds. No one knows why it has not been sent to Restenford. What’s more Ser Edmond has not been seen or heard from for some time. I am sorry to be the bearer of these tidings. Forgive me.”
Iah thanks the boy Matthew by name, and advises she holds no ill will to the bringer of news for he is not the creator of the news itself. Little more than simple parchment, and no one could be angry at that. The boy rises and bows again and Myrtle excuses herself from the hall to take him away for food and refreshments.
“Why would he send food to an unstaffed hunting lodge in the forsaken wilds unless it is a trap?” Iah muses looking to her knights for counsel. “Is it all but food?”
Ser Lothryn explains to his lady that farmers give grain and animals in tribute and merchants give coin or goods. After Restenford, Lastford is the richest of the settlements in her Bann so the tribute would have been a sizable amount of food and money, now missing. Truly unfortunate in light of Vintiver’s recent events and situation.
Talk turns to the procession for Lastford. Lothryn advises that though his people are in need of him, he feels he would be best accompanying Lady Iah as the matter of missing food will eventually become more pressing as time moves on, than rebuilding homes. He will leave Vintiver in the care of its Alderman Cobden in his absence. Laria too speaks out and offers to accompany her lady, feeling she cannot protect her if not by her side.
The day passes with more talk and by evening Myrtle is helping a tired Iah ready for bed. She speaks about the Lady Nina and about the knights who may be joined in marriage with her. Iah professes she wishes to be better acquainted with Nina and know of her likes and dislikes. She feels Fossett may be the best match for her at the moment with his level-headed nature, bravery and intelligent mind. Myrtle offers to be the one who travels to Nina on her behalf and maybe offer some comfort and care in this difficult time. She has had many a year of caring for mistresses through all of life’s events. Iah is glad and feels this may be an excellent suggestion. She will not have her travel alone on the autumn roads and says she will have Garrett accompany her on the way.
Before sleep they also speak of the tribute and Myrtle asks permission to offer her own thoughts and feelings on the matter. She advises of her fears and of possible strategies. Iah listens as intently as she can though her eyes are sleep worn. Finally Myrtle says that she wishes to know those who are close to her, to be her lady’s eyes and ears. This sounds a wise offer and Iah agrees, making herself comfortable in the large bed and swathes of blankets. Enjoying the warm shadow left by the bed pan Myrtle had placed in her bed earlier. She feels glad to have her as her attendant and confident.
Slipping into fatigued sleep she dreams of her mother that night, black lotus necklace, raven black hair braided ornately and flowing down her back. The milky hand and tinkling laughter of a woman playing chess with a shadowy opponent. She does not see her face but knows in her heart this is Nimue. She wonders if the hidden opponent may be her father?
The next morning is grey and drizzly, a more typical autumn day as October moves in. It has only been eighteen days past since the knowledge of her birth and nobility was revealed to Iah when Garrett arrived at the chantry with news of her mother’s passing.
It feels more like a lifetime ago now.
She and Laria are standing in the great hall as mounts are readied for their journey to Lastford. Ser Fossett, Ser Shelby and Ser Lothryn are resplendent in their tabards and well buffed armour. Her banners are held high. It is a pity that the weather outside for their travel has decided not to be so kind to them. As they would be a fine sight if not for wearing their cloaks and heavy mantles to keep out the worst of it.
Iah stands dressed in Laria’s green and cream frock coat dress, marveling at the freedom the breaches give her. She muses at maybe having Lyza make her something in this style for she was sure such a shocking garment would cause a trend as well as talk. Laria, however, is uncomfortably dressed in one of Iah’s low cut gowns. She self consciously moves from foot to foot and folds and unfolds her arms, unsure what to do or how to stand appropriately. The others look on in quiet bemusement, though Ser Shelby has quite the look of wonderment.
It was decided that they should swap clothes for Laria to act as her decoy, thinking back to the attack of the Black Brigand. Though Laria has dark brown hair and is not quite as tall as Iah, it matters little when mounted up and cloaked in mantles. Despite the gown she consoles herself in the knowledge of the dagger she has hidden in her boot. No dainty ladies slippers for her.
Myrtle is absent from the hall as is Garrett, her escort. They left earlier on the road to Oakenfield to visit Lady Nina.
Once well wrapped and securely mounted the party depart from the castle, just as heavy showers greets them in the town. On the road to Lastford Ser Lothryn speaks with Lady Iah about his thoughts. He feels Malegaunt may be trying to buy the strength of the barbarians of the Korcari Wilds through giving them tribute. If this is so it is his fear that Ser Edmund may have sided with her brother. Iah thanks him for his thoughts and asks that they listen and make no judgments until they have seen for themselves.
[next] session nine
[background] life of lady nimue
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