"Even if I had a cart load of pennies it sounds like a shortage of labor is the real problem, that and the accidents. Tell me, is the abbey counting to be plagued by the accidents or would you know?"
Father Dion replies "I don't follow you son. Are they planning on having more accidents? Well they've had more than their share over the past few years, so a gambler would take odds on more. I don't rightly know and I've only been there a handful of times. It was once very beautiful. "
"Money though, well, money buys men - that's the truth. " He's now looking off into the distance. Takes his hat off and casually throws it in the cart. "The Abbott is a pragmatic man. He'll be considering shutting her doors as much as repairing. This region needs all the compassion it can muster, tis why I pushed the friendship a little with the Magi to arrange the meeting," pushing this hands back into the gloves.
He stands and looks expectantly to you "there is only a good songs worth of effort needed to finish what the boy and I started. Will you give me a hand?"
"In pressing the covenant for aid? My thoughts on the accidents are not that the abbey plans to have more accidents. Nobody plans to have accidents. There are those however who plan for others to have accidents.Aside from the infernal which obviously an enemy of the church, is there anyone who might bear the abbey ill will?"
"I can't think of any enemies, but I'm not the one to ask - as I don't often visit. I'll can send word to Brother Matthieu. He's the brother who spoke to Magus Francios and left a few days ago. Do you think you can help?"
"I'm not sure if I should hope I can or cannot. If the accidents are just accidents then that is good news, but means I will have less ability to help."
Father Dion is still standing holding one side of the planks he and the boy were moving to the shelter when Rilcheau walked up. "I'll send word. How can you be found in future?"
Rilcheaux helps move the materials. "When will you be headed there? I can at least help while I'm here, and I might get a chance to talk to Brother Matthieu myself."
The father nods his thanks, "Oh, I only visit the Abbaye de Fontfroide very occasionally. I'm usually kept occupied here and there. I'll send word to Brother Matthieu that you have an interest. Thank you son, even if nothing more comes of it."[hr][/hr]
OOC: If you're interested in doing the dinner conversation, you and Lucas are both invited to dine with Magus Francios the following day. Otherwise we can skip time around a bit.
Apologies for the delay, I'm vying for a promotion.
Certainly dinner...
Lucas and Rilcheaux are invited to dinner.
Let's say Rilcheaux arrives first.
A covenant servant escorts you to another outdoor garden set on the edge of the vines, which is away from the main courtyard of the covenant. A workman's hut is aside the garden, now lit with lanterns to throw light over the several tables and chairs and several fires have also been set around the gardens to keep any chill at bay. You can smell the flowers and earth of the vineyard all around. Small lights shine among the many rows of vines.
There are several servants waiting who welcome you, offer wine, gesture to a seat, and tell you the other guests are on their way. While cordial they're clearly not up for banter.
Soon after you hear a set of footsteps on the pathway you arrived on, and can see three figures approaching.
An armed watchmen wearing covenant colours walks in front leading two men in robes. The first is wearing an expensive looking gray robe extensively illustrated with obvious Tytalus insignia in black and orange. He appears a young wizard with sandy hair and an attractive face. He carries a small satchel.
The second robed man is impossible to see under a black robe. His face, hands, arms etc are all hidden beneath additional layers of clothing and his head is downcast so even hides his eyes. The only notable features is the mans huge size and a metallic clinking sound he makes when he walks.
The first robed man smiles at you and says "hello, my name is Ethan" as he accepts wine from a servant and stars to sit. The black robed man stays at his shoulder.
...
Ooc: Lucas can arrive as he desires. Just jump in.
Rilcheaux smiles back "Rilcheaux. At a guess, is this companion of yours something you have created? If not I suspect he would be rather warm under all of that in this weather."
"Oh he doesn't worry about the heat. What brings you to the covenant?"
"Letters, a couple of packages. I'm awaiting responses as a redcap."
A few moments later, Lucas comes in, escorted by a servant. "Good evening," he says. "You must be Ethan. Helene told me a bit about you. My name is Lucas de Mercere from Andorra. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Then he turns to Rilcheaux. "Fancy meeting you here. I guess our duties correspond this season." He looks back to Ethan. "Rilcheaux is based out of Andorra, so it's like old home week for us today."
"A redcap; indeed. Well I am expecting some correspondence shortly. Perhaps we will see each other frequently. "
...
"Hello Lucas. A pleasure to meet you too. Francois mentioned your arrival. Two Mercere from the same covenant on the same week. Not thinking of annexing this poor covenant are you?" With a smile.
Then "Francois and the other Magi may be delayed slightly, events turn here for the first time in a very long time."
"Lucas what brings you here?"
"I'm here in a dual mission," Lucas explains. "Primarily I'm trying to make contact with out near neighbors, starting with those in Provencal. I've been newly named our covenant's assistant herald and realize that I know very little about the covenants nearby Andorra. I was hoping a trip through Provencal would help remedy that."
"Of course, I'm also the assistant librarian, so I wasn't going to let the opportunity slip through my grasp to do a little book trading. We have an excellent library at Andorra. But it can always be improved. I have a list of book we have available for trade and was hoping to see what deals might be made."
Ethan frowns slightly, "It is very curious that you both happen here. Some interlude locally perhaps. There isn't much else here to speak of except the covenant.
Or (to Lucas) are you just reviewing this fellow's performance? Keeping checks on the messengers. "
...
Ooc: distant you can see more figures now using lanterns as they approach.
"We're both traveling across the tribunal this season," Lucas says with a shrug. "We were bound to run into each other somewhere. It just happened to be here."
Walking toward the table in the light of several lantern wielding grogs is a well dressed older woman with brown hair and a simple shawl thrown over a , a wolf beside her, Francois, Helene, and a young man with long dark brown, a long nose, and tunic befitting a man-at-arms.
Francios, Helene and Jeanne all nod to those around the table, and the woman speaks first, "Welcome, my name is Jeanne, Student of Artectus. This is my apprentice Davok. I apologise for our delay, too many matters", with a smile to Francios, "we can't even sit for dinner."
Francois continues ", but our recent guests from Andorra give us reason to not be too tardy. I trust Ethan and the staff have made you comfortable. "
The group take seats, the wolf sitting behind Jeanne near the woodsman's hut. As the servants provide starters and wine to the group Jeanne speaks across the table, " what can we learn of the recent news for the Order from you both?" Addressing the two Andorrans.
Rilcheaux smiles "Gossip mostly, as always. Where to start..." He will pass on news and gossip he has picked up this season in his travels.