Theaton and Whitefang will find a place to sleep away from the others and no stay up to chat. HE keeps to himself as he will not want to cause any issues with the farmers or others. In the morning he will thank the guards for the night and continue on.
Mykael gives Zork a nod of understanding when he sees the fighter twiddle his thumbs and he's not thrilled with the arrival of the mercenaries; even less so when Maegar and Willas are ushered into a private meeting with the Sword Lords. Mykael begins to wonder what the role of the mercenaries will be in the newly established Barony, and exactly who they will answer to? He doubts that it would be to Mykael or his companions, and he can almost feel the strings being attached as he tries to wait patiently and not reveal the anxiety that the presence of the mercenaries is causing him.
He does his best to search his memory to give him any amount of insight into the Varnling Host Mercenary Company or its leader, Maegar Varn. (Making a K/Local check if possible).
"Mercenary company and a noble… " I muse quietly. Recognition and an old memory spring to my mind as I see Maegar Varn. "From what I gathered before I met you at Benny's Stop, Mykael, there was a low-ranking Swordlord named Maegar Varn that was sent out just like we were. He and his mercenary company were sent to secure the Nomen Heights, Dunsward, and the Tors of Levenies while also being a show of force to the centaurs. I wonder how their mission is going."
With that, I walk toward those left out of the Swordlord's meeting to introduce myself. "Well met! I am Archival Oragor. This is Mykael Brewmor and Zork. How goes your mission to secure your assigned portion of the Stolen Lands?"
Zork, not one for ceremony, looks around the castle. Maybe he might find something interesting but if he does not he will return to the party and ask what their firm plan is considering the new offerings.
Fireday 5th Erastus
A thick layer of hoarfrost covers the grass in the fort as Theaton wakes from the discomfort of the cold, and the thick cloud cover indicates it will not get better during the day. Around you, the peasants are shivering and coughing, one mother holding her child very close, wrapped in blankets. The worst affected are taken in to the barracks by the fireplace.
Unless precautions are taken I need a Fortitude save for every hour for 24 hours, and for White Fang and your horse. If you protect yourself and the animals with blankets, you will slow your reaction time, and I will still require 6 checks for the coldest time during the next night. There are other options, of course.
Mykael relaxes noticeably when Archival explains his knowledge of Maegar Varn and their role and is much more open to the idea of making their acquaintance by the time Varn returns from his meeting with the Sword Lords. Mykael greets Varn and his party warmly and returns their congratulations on gaining their titles and land though he continues to defer to Archival when it comes to any kind of formal etiquette.
During the ceremony Mykael has to consciously struggle to avoid nervously tugging at his armor, a task that is almost unbearable when the embellished story of the assault against the Stag Lord is presented, but somehow he manages to maintain his composure.
Seeing his father Mykael tries not to look directly at him; his jaw clenches at the memory of his last interaction. Don't get your hopes up father he thinks this is not a step along the road to being a Sword Lord despite how much you would like it to be. If Mykael sees his mother, however, he will look directly at her and give her a look of acknowledgement. For his uncle as well, Mykael gives a small nod of recognition. As the ceremony progresses Mykael becomes more comfortable and allows himself to feel a sense of pride as they process around the castle grounds to the cheers of the crowd.
In the morning Theaton will purchase thick blankets for him, his horse and Whitefang to keep the cold at bay. After which he will buy some blankets for the poorer people so they do not get cold. After wards he will continue his journey.
"Cyclops you say?! Fascinating!" I exclaim in reply to Caspar. "With the threats listed, I hope you and the others that went to the region did not suffer too many losses. My condolences if any occurred. The Greenbelt, while dangerous, was not quite that fearsome. I would say besides the Stag Lord, the worst thing we faced were some werewolves. It is a pleasure to make each of your acquaintances," I add, nodding at Caspar, Howitt, and Cephal.
Before Maegar walks off I reply with a smile and a nod, "Congratulations to you as well! I too look forward to our friendship. Let us speak of an alliance and commerce plans once we have settled into our roles!"
During the recounting and embellishment of what occurred during the siege I smile slightly, finding it comical but understanding it is for the people's morale. I elbow Mykael gently in the ribs and grin when his family makes their presence known with their vigorous cheers. Seeing Mykael become tense, I make a mental note to inquire what has occurred at a later time.
When Caelum relays the agitated individuals, I send him a telepathic message, "Attempt to get closer and listen in on what they are saying." With a mental nod he moves quietly closer, attempting not to draw attention to himself.